This photo captured after a particularly bad storm in March by Paul Montgomery shows the vast amount of snow that plow operators helped moved this winter.
A plow pushing through heavy snow, slowing working to make a path along Route 20, an image that could have been captured countless times this winter.
Snowplow operators — they clocked countless hours, often risking their lives in some of the worst conditions of any winter on record to ensure roads in New London and surrounding communities were clear.
Now, as a thank-you, their community is hosting a dinner in their honour.
“We all came together with the idea of getting out there and getting all our operators in from our eight communities,” said Phyllis Carr, who is on the board of the New London Community Complex, the venue for Wednesday evening’s dinner.
The complex’s area encompasses eight communities — Stanley Bridge, New London, Granville, Graham’s Road, Long River, Springbrook, French River and Clinton.
About 20 snowplow operators and their families from those areas, including Barry Toombs, the driver of the plow in that now famous picture, will be guests at the dinner, their meals sponsored by areas businesses, groups and individuals.
“Rurally, this winter we had a lot of bad days. We knew there were extra people called in at certain times. There was a great communication amongst the operators to do their best to get us out of the snow banks,” added Carr. “The community has come together to put this all together.”
She recalled during one particularly bad storm this winter plow operators were out, clearing path for fire trucks responding to a call.
“Really, they do a lot on behalf of the community.”
Carr added it is going to be an evening of community fellowship, with a buffet-style turkey and ham with “a little bit of fun and nonsense” and door prizes.
The public is also invited to attend the Meet, Greet and Eat Snowplow Drivers Buffett, which goes Wednesday, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children. To reserve a seat, call (902) 886-2599.
