After record snowfall, Board forms Eagle Nest Wellness Team as residents step up for each other

In the best Eagle Nest tradition, residents pitched in to help each other as this week's storm dropped more than 11.1 inches of snow on the city -- the largest snowfall in more than 10 years.

Unfortunately, many residents were trapped inside due to the bitter cold, snow-covered driveways and horrid road conditions after the storm.

That’s why the Board is looking to put together a list of volunteers to assist seniors or others with challenges who may be shut in by this week's weather. We’re looking for representatives for each street to reach out with a friendly knock on the door or a phone call to ensure all is well with their neighbors. Or maybe even pick up an extra item or two at the store when you’re out.

New! Eagle Nest Wellness Team

It’s called the Eagle Nest Wellness Team. Want in? Contact Board President Scott Thien at scottthien@comcast.net or 317-902-3103 and we’ll get you plugged in, either as someone who wants to be on our check-in list or as someone to do the checking. Not just during snow storms, but year-round.

The timing couldn’t be more right this week. The 8.6 inches on Jan. 25 set a daily snowfall record for the date, surpassing the 4.9 inches on Jan. 25 during the lead up to the legendary Blizzard of 1978. This week's 11.1 inches was the largest snowfall since 2014.

Neighbors pitch in to dig out

Across the neighborhood, residents pitched in with shovels and snowblowers to help each other as temperatures plunged. Warbler Way's Ben Clemens (shown above) carved a path down the sidewalk on his street and adjoining Bittern Lane with a snowblower he picked up used a few years ago.

"I've wanted to get this thing out," said a bundled-up Ben (right), who joined the Eagle Nest Property Owners Association Board last June. "My wife went to work out, and I was just sitting around. It feels good to be doing something."

A travel advisory remained in effect Monday, and authorities reported dozens of slide-offs as the bitter temps ruled out any hope of an early melt. Noblesville Police Chief Brad Arnold said storms have a way of bringing neighbors together. If you can, he said, check in on those around you.

Why the Wellness Team is important

"While you're home, be a good neighbor," Arnold told Channel 13. “Especially for the elderly neighbors that you have. A lot of times they don't like to ask for help. Just check on them.”

We second that idea. The snow may have stopped, but the brutal temps and still-dangerous roads are turning this into a weeklong event and a special concern for the seniors of Eagle Nest.

That’s where our new Wellness Team comes in -- a way to help the homebound, shut-in elderly or otherwise challenged residents who may need help or just a friendly voice once in a while. The team’s work is confidential, and your information will not be traded or sold. Join our effort today!

In the meantime, be safe, stay warm, and remind neighbors to keep their cars off the street so we can keep our plows rolling.