On December 20, 2009 our area received about two feet of snow. By all accounts this snowfall was one of the largest in the last twenty years and simply overwhelmed most snow removal contractors. Our contractor, J & D Landscaping, had problems clearing our three streets with its pick-up scrapers and a Bobcat, but ultimately did succeed. At one point our Board President called in another company with larger trucks. It took approximately twenty-four hours for this company to free up trucks from other contracts and get here. This company helped widen the path through our streets and spread a mixture of salt and gravel. Ultimately, we have learned that our community faired no better or worse than most of those surrounding us and even in Harrisonburg.
While the MSCOA Board does its best to provide adequate snow and ice removal, when we are dealing with major natural events like this, we simply cannot guarantee complete clearance or safe traction. Please don't call our volunteer Board members demanding immediate action in the midst of such an event. Please know that we are constantly trying to find better ways and means to handle such major events. Better yet, if you have a great solution please volunteer to work with the Board in the future.
We suggest that you help us by watching the forecast and planning ahead. Use a four wheel drive vehicle, chains or snow tires or, if you know you must get leave early before the roads can be scraped or treated we suggest you park at the bottom of the hill or at Quarles Service Station or call a cab and walk out. Please do not encourage commercial companies to make service calls during such events. Several trucks and vans have ended up in our ditches when they could have waited a day to provide their service. When the weather takes over we suggest thay you prop up your feet by the fire and enjoy the day.
