Local leaders discuss program to assist seniors with snow removal

Elderly residents in Salem City may soon find relief from winter snow with a proposed community initiative aimed at connecting them with volunteers for snow shoveling. During the City Council Committee on Public Health, Safety and Environment meeting on May 5, 2025, council members discussed the challenges faced by elderly and disabled residents who struggle to clear their driveways and sidewalks.

One council member raised concerns about how violations or warnings for snow removal are handled for these vulnerable groups. They emphasized the need for a resource list to help residents find assistance. “People that are disabled, people that are elderly... they don’t know where to go to get somebody to hire,” they noted.

In response, another member suggested reviving a program that previously engaged high school students in community service. “If the high school has seniors that need hours to fill, this could be a good program for them,” they said, recalling how students had volunteered to shovel snow in the past. The idea is to create a partnership between the high school and the community, allowing students to earn service hours while helping those in need.

The discussion also touched on a former ROTC program that facilitated similar volunteer efforts, although it appears to have been discontinued. Council members expressed optimism about reaching out to local leaders to explore the possibility of reinstating such initiatives.

This proposed collaboration could not only ease the burden on elderly residents during winter months but also foster a sense of community and responsibility among students. As the council continues to explore this initiative, residents can look forward to potential solutions that enhance public safety and support for vulnerable populations in Salem City.