Senior communities rely on relatives, volunteers to help dig out after winter storm
In Toms River, road crews continued clearing streets, but many homeowners still needed help shoveling driveways and walkways as cleanup efforts continued.
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Ocean County got walloped by Sunday’s major winter storm. Parts of the county saw 10 inches of snow, followed by lots of ice. It’s also the home to the most senior citizens in the entire state.
In the Pleasant Plains section of Toms River, many seniors still need help digging out.
Joann Covino anxiously watched her boyfriend clear away the sidewalk at their Gardens of Pleasant Plains home.
“I won’t let him shovel. I won’t let him shovel because I’m scared. I don’t want to lose him. It’s crazy,” said Covino. “I get scared. I tell him, 'Don’t do it,' but if he doesn’t do it, who’s going to do it?”
Residents say it’s not the streets causing problems, it’s the ice-covered sidewalks, driveways and paths.
Moving snow and ice this heavy can be deadly.
“Everything is ice. All over. It's dangerous,” said Eileen Baltarzuk.
Paul Olivier and his son Colton Olivier jumped into action to help Paul’s parents dig out their snow-covered driveway with a nearly 2-inch layer of ice on top.
“A lot of the time they really can’t do it themselves, so it’s good if younger people, grandkids, can step up and help,” said Colton Olivier.
“We’re trying to teach the kids be less selfish and help you know? That's what it’s about. Helping the community,” said Paul Olivier.
Plenty of assistance in digging out is still needed in Ocean County senior communities.
“We need more help here. And a lot of us can’t do it ourselves,” added Baltarzuk.
Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick is telling residents that if their street was missed by the snowplows, text the name of the street to 848-349-7935.
