Neighbors helping neighbors in the Gardnerville Ranchos.
Photo by Pam Caughron
The New Year’s stormageddon that left 1-2 feet of snow on the Carson Valley floor did not freeze Douglas County residents from coming together in a time of need.
The storm, which was forecast to be just rain, turned into snow overnight, literally, and caused havoc across the county from thick icy roads, giant berms in the middle of highways, snow covered sidewalks and driveways to fallen tree branches and no electricity.
The 16 inches collected in Minden was the most snow recorded over the first five days of January in over 110 years.
But despite, the unexpected and frustration the storm may have caused, many residents chose to look on the brighter side and make the best out of the situation.
“The spirit of “do unto others” is alive and well and strong in our Valley. It makes me humble and so very proud to live with people like this.” Said Genoa resident Felicia Fett.
Neighbors helped neighbors across the County.
“I was blessed with kind neighbors that cleared our driveway,” said Judie Fisher Crowley. “We lost 3 mature trees and probably 20 limbs about 15 to 25 feet long and many blocked our driveway. Friends and family cut them so we could get out. Both my husband and I are disabled. We have lived here for 40 years so we are blessed. The good news is less leaves to rake next year and plenty of firewood.”
In the Gardnerville Ranchos, neighbors were shoveling snow for each other and giving lessons on making snowmen.
“We were catching up and chatting while shoveling our driveways and tossing snowballs,” said Felicia Sotomayor. “Lessons on building the perfect snowman and making snow angels was the priority of the day. It’s so wonderful to live in such a friendly neighborhood.”
Topaz Ranch Estates resident Rick Allen said he has only been in the area for a year and half and what he has experienced from the community so far has been great.
“After the storm so many people were out helping those in need of clearing snow,” he said. “I asked a gentleman in a Bobcat what he charged, and he came back with ‘what do you think it’s worth,’ I said I don’t know what I have in my wallet, and he said to pay him later. I found $46 and was happy to give it to him. It was a nice way to start the new year and we learned a lot from this storm, and we are ready for the next round.”
With another round of weather early this week, one resident urged neighbors to come together.
“I appreciate our neighbors so much, we have come together many times to help each other, not just this time,” said Pine View Estates resident Sharon Thompson. “A storm of this size surprised everyone, but don’t just complain. Help your neighbors out when you can and accept the help from your neighbors when you can’t. That’s the wonderful part about living in Nevada and living in a neighborhood where people care.”
