To children, snow days are gift from above. Where exactly? Clouds. When fat, frosty flakes fall at warp speed covering everything uncovered, what was supposed to be a day of education quickly turns into a day of recreation.
However, many in the “real” world have an altogether different experience. “Snow days are actually broke days for me,” said Allison Brown, music teacher and teaching assistant, “because I work two part-time jobs and get paid by the hour.” Similarly, many working parents are forced to take personal days because their children are home, babysitters can’t get to them, and day care centers are closed. And even those who find childcare are faced with extremely dangerous road conditions and extended commuting times.
Unfortunately, residents also pay a considerable price due to the cost of snow removal. In the Village of Ossining, taxes increased 10% this year. According to the budget, $361,440 was budgeted for snow removal this year, up almost 12% from last year.
With that said, there are some working adults sharing in the kids’ merriment over snow days. Village workers, snow plow operators, and yard shovelers wake up extra early to greet the day and earn some pay. Michael James, freelance plower and yard maintenance worker, welcomes snow days with open arms. “When the snow stops, it’s easy money. If you work for the Village, it’s easy money too because you’ll be working even beyond when it stops, and you’re getting paid time and a half.”
