8 Fun ways to "be a neighbor" on a snow day!

Written by Anna Hoesly, Community Organizer/Pastor/Leader-Storyline Community

Our co-created masterpiece: Emily, majestic "Unicorn-of-the-snow".

There is something powerful about being connected to those in our community. A snow day is a prime opportunity to kindle the simple sweetness of knowing our neighbors. Confession... I could only actually think of 7 ways to do so. But thankfully some members of our facebook page came through heroically with some brilliant additions! Offer up your own idea in the comments below!

1) Play outside... and say hello!
This is the best time to meet other playful spirits in your neighborhood. Make an intention to introduce yourself to the neighbor throwing snowballs across the street!

2) Invite a neighbor in for soup or hot cocoa.

3) Make Snow Ice cream to share!

4) Build a collective masterpiece.
Build a giant snow man and ask a neighbor to contribute to the work of art. Maybe they have a great hat or a carrot that looks exactly like Olaf's nose!

5) Check in on an elderly neighbor.
This is the exact time when elderly or otherwise vulnerable neighbors need a community around them! Check in on them to make sure they are doing okay and have what they need!

6) Shovel or salt a neighbor's steps!

7) Check in on a local warming shelter.
These cold cold days can be an incredibly dangerous time for our houseless neighbors, and an incredibly busy time for warming shelters. You might check in to see if they are running low on any practical needs like blankets, or helping hands. Or just drop of some coffee or treats to say a thanks to the hard-working volunteers! The two nearest are Clackamas Service Center and Annie Ross House.

And now for some audience additions... Can you think of another? Add them in  the comments below!

8) Play pictionary using snow sculptures as your medium!

9) Share your sleds with neighbors at the park.

10)  Invite neighbors to join you around the fire pit!
​Because snow + fire = magic. Everyone knows that.

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