Portlanders take up the shovel for elderly neighbors

Story from Portland Forecaster by Sophie Burchell; Photo by Derek Davis, PPH files

Photo is Meara Retzer, 50, of Portland, shovels snow on the sidewalk on Woodford Street in January 2023.

'I think in Portland we have a strong sense of taking care of neighbors and friends,' said Todd Ricker, a volunteer snow shoveler.

After snowfall, picking up the shovel to dig out cars and clear off sidewalks can be an annoyance of winter for Portland residents. However, for elderly homeowners in Portland, snow creates larger challenges in maintaining their home and their safety.

Older and disabled homeowners may be unable to shovel their walkways for which they are responsible. This leads to an increased risk for slips and falls, as well as potentially penalization from the city’s sidewalk ordinance, which requires property owners to clear abutting sidewalks or face fines.

Senior Portland homeowner Ruby Simkoff is unable to shovel the path and steps to her Victorian home in Woodfords Corner, particularly following surgeries on her shoulder and hip. READ FULL STORY HERE