A common urge during winters in the Midwest is to hunker down and stay warm. After all, who would want to purposely leave the comfy confines of their house to brave the sub-zero temperatures, right? Of course, it isn’t reasonable to stay indoors for the duration of winter, but it sure is tempting. Unfortunately, life needs to go on during the harsh winter months. Work needs to continue, school is still in session, and basic needs like shoveled walkways need to be met. However, not everyone in a community can or will help keep common areas and walkways clear. Fortunately, programs like Shovel Dilworth are there to pick up the slack.
The 2nd annual Shovel Dilworth program recently got underway. According to Austin Hauf, Minnesota Green Corps member with Clay County Public Health’s PartnerSHIP 4 Health program, the Dilworth program was developed when a group of concerned residents and county officials realized a need for greater attention to snow removal. “Dilworth doesn’t have a city ordinance like Moorhead does to keep sidewalks shoveled,” Hauf explained. “It’s patchy all over and since there isn’t that requirement, it doesn’t happen to the same degree around the city.”
It is Hauf’s responsibility to coordinate with groups in Dilworth to keep the campaign running. The program also helps him disseminate the PartnerSHIP 4 Health’s message regarding the connection between health and the environment. “If you live in a walkable city, you will be healthier because it is easier to exercise,” Hauf said. “Especially when the winters keep people inside; we want to encourage active living. Shoveling is good exercise and keeps the city walkable.”
PartnerSHIP 4 Health is a collaboration of community and public health partners in Becker, Clay, Otter Tail and Wilkin counties working to prevent chronic disease through sustainable changes that increase physical activity, healthy eating, and reduce tobacco use and exposure. PartnerSHIP 4 Health works with schools, worksites, communities, health care facilities, childcare centers, and human service organizations. It is designed to help Minnesotans live longer, better, healthier lives by preventing the risk factors that lead to chronic disease. PartnerSHIP 4 Health is currently funded by Statewide Health Improvement Program, Community Transformation Grant, BCBS Foundation, and Clearway Minnesota.
One of the groups that have been active in Shovel Dilworth since the beginning is Boy Scout Troop 652. Under the direction of Scout Master Brian Norberg, the boys have concentrated on keeping walking routes to school open and safe so children are not forced to walk in the streets. “It is a big task,” he said. “We try to cover as much as we can.” Last year Norberg had a small troop of five kids trying to keep up with the shoveling demands. Next month, he will be picking up some cub scouts to assist. “We hope to finish this winter with a flurry.”
For Norberg, the program is as much about volunteerism as it is moving snow. “Volunteering is an honorable thing to do,” he explained. “It is important to help your fellow man.” Norberg shared the story of an elderly woman who wasn’t able to clear the snow in her driveway. The woman’s son called a local pastor, who gave the woman’s name to the Norberg and his scouts. After the boys quickly finished shoveling, the woman tearfully expressed her gratitude and shared that her sons were Eagle Scouts in the past. “It makes my heart feel good to help someone else,” he explained. “It was extra work but it was extra special too.”
The best thing about the Shovel Dilworth program is that anyone can help. Beyond the feeling of accomplishment that accompanies service work, residents who participate in the program have a chance to win one of several $25 gift cards. Anyone who takes a picture of themselves shoveling and posts the pic on Facebook using #shoveldilworth will be eligible for a prize. Volunteers are asked to focus their efforts on community walkways, sidewalks, MATBUS stops, fire hydrants, etc. The ultimate goal of the program is to turn Dilworth into a year-round walkable community so people can stay active and get around town safely.
Organizations within Dilworth have also embraced the program. The Dilworth Lions Club and the Dilworth Park Board donated money again this year to help with promotional material and prizes. The Lions Club also donated money to purchase more shovels.
For more information on the Shovel Dilworth program, contact Austin Hauf at 218-299-7839 or austin.hauf@co.clay.mn.us.
