by Frank Schroth

photo by Frank Schroth

Despite what some may think, the blizzard of ’78 really was not worse than this. Only once in the last century did we receive more snow than we have with these two recent storms and it wasn’t then. In ’78 the National Guard was called out and the T stopped running . . . for a week, but as DPW Director Joe Lynch pointed out at last Thursday’s meeting of the Board of Selectmen, we now have better technology, better forecasting, better equipment, and better communications. Which is why despite the second heaviest 7 day snowfall on record we were all able to get around within 24 – 48 hours and that’s pretty amazing. So thank you DPW, MPD, and MFD.

This amount of snow causes stress and strain but in times of trouble neighbors help each other. And so they did. One of my neighbors blew out the front of my driveway with his snowblower. Another took care of my sidewalk. There was plenty left but those guys were a Godsend. This was done all over town. Chief Wells cited a local resident with a plow worked tirelessly plowing out the Tucker vicinity for no pay in an attempt to accelerate the progress of getting the school open. Residents dropped off care packages at the police station, neighbors looked in on the elderly and shared firewood. And there is more snow coming. But as the Chief said, “We’ll get through this.”

We’ll get through it because we have hard working committed town officials and employees. Some we know and some we may not. Chief Wells called out Bill Ritchie of Consolidated Facilities (“He’s been non-stop.”) and Cindy Page of Beth Israel Deaconess Milton (“a true partner.”) When comparing the current challenge to ’78 Chief Grant said “The roads were closed for a week.This was a pretty good job.” Typical Grant understatement.

When the snow starts which it will soon here are some tips to keep in mind:

• If you are on Facebook you should “Friend” the Milton Police, the Milton Fire Dept, the DPW, and Town Hall. They all broadcast notices and updates. We will continue to repost these items as they become available for folks without FB.

This operator was stopped by a Milton officer this morning as snow was flying off the rooftop while he drove. The picture attached clearly depicts the issue. Thanks for your attention.

• After you have shoveled yourself out and think it wise to take to the roads, don’t forget to remove the snow from teh top of your vehicle. If you don’t you could risk receiving a ticket. As the police noted last week, “One very serious concern for MPD involves people operating cars WITHOUT removing all of the snow. Leaving piles of snow on car rooftops endangers other motorists and pedestrians. Please exercise due caution with the ice and snow conditions facing us.”
• Mr. Lynch, Director of the DPW, is very unhappy with residents that shovel, spill, or otherwise place snow in the street. Meeting before the Selectmen he said, “It is discourteous, unsafe, and illegal [and we are] not going to tolerate it anymore.” If this means you then you better knock it off.
• For those of you with oil heat you may want to ensure oil truck drivers can access your tank.

This snow situation is going to cost the town quite a bit. Somewhere between $300K and $500K. The town budgets $150K. That number is intentionally conservative given certain regs around budgeting.

There is always a lot of whining and complainng that comes with these events. It’s almost a form of sport and it’s fun. But sometimes it gets a bit much. Folks weren’t happy about the DPW plowing their driveways recently during a road widening effort done primarily to ensure safety equipment could get through town easily. We are all burdened by this weather but we are also all safe and able to get around. Let’s keep some perspective.

To put a humorous coda on that here is Louis CK on an amazing world. If he is not your cup of tea you can go to library (you probably ought to go now) and get a good book, light a fire, and listen to the Four Seasons. Whatever you do, “Stay chill.”