This morning I descended into the Forbidden Zone south of Clinton Street, for the first time since Mayor Brown declared it off-limits as winter storm Knife cut our fair city in two.
I was headed for the Old 1st Ward, for the Shovel Brigade Mob organized by the good neighbors of the City of Good Neighbors in conjunction with the Old 1st Ward Community Association.
And I was far from alone. I found a crowd of good neighbors stretching, at times, down the central corridor and out to the parking lot. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits, and in earnest about helping their snowed-in neighbors in South Buffalo, including many elderly and disabled residents who have reached out for help.
And there’s still time to help! Laura Kelly, Director of the Old 1st Ward Community Association, told me that volunteers will be welcomed up to mid-day. They have coffee, donuts, and a long list of your Buffalo neighbors who need help. And it’s perfect shoveling weather: reasonable winds, not too cold, and no sun glare.
Please bring a shovel and a smile!