The other day we received an invitation from a friend whose college daughter uses a wheelchair to join them in a “day of service” in Evanston to clear the snow from curb cuts.  Inadvertently -- we would like to assume -- the drivers of snow plows often obscure (or sometimes cover completely) the curb cuts at corners (and other places) that enable people using wheelchairs to move about their neighborhoods.  Admittedly in our urban environment, there is often little space – other than cars – to put the white stuff!  BUT curb cuts are off limits for snow!  

After receiving her request, I emailed it to a long list of folks who, I knew, would like to be reminded.  I was amazed and delighted with their responses!

Well do I remember the Winter of 1959 in New York City (when I still had a car there!) -- not only was the snow piled at every corner up to the second story windows, our cars on the side streets were buried for TWO WEEKS!  At least no one got a ticket.

Today wherever you live you can make a difference for people with mobility limitations by clearing the snow from your local curb cuts.  It might seem to be a small request, but your help can make an enormous difference for folks who cannot do it for themselves.  So, please grab your shovel and take a teenager or neighbor along with you for a fifteen minute good deed.  Be a pal, a good neighbor, a nice friend – clear a curb cut today!   Thank you.

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jo holzer
Having grown up in the South before desegregation, I was exposed to acts of discrimination for as long as I can remember. Even as a child, I could easily understand the depth of emotions of both parties -- it was unmistakable. I was taught the traditional Southern subtleties as a matter of course -- the reasons for "keeping him in his place" and what his place was, for example. More