Operation "Pay it Forward Plowing Brigade" started in Edgewater after Gina Hartley watched the snow pile up on the city's streets on Dec. 20. Remembering the movie Pay it Forward, a movie that reminds viewers what one person's generosity can do to change the attitude of others, Hartley was inspired to help others.

Fresh out of shoulder surgery, Hartley wondered how she and other residents, who weren't able to clear the snow from their driveways and sidewalks, were going to make it out of their homes safely.

"I had shoulder surgery in early December, so I was unable to shovel myself, but I live on an awesome street and my block is filled with senior citizens and I didn't want to see them outside trying to shovel the snow themselves," said Hartley. "The first storm was a lot of fun, because so many of us were stuck at home. It brought everyone out onto the streets."

Mike Duran, who regularly shovels and snow-blows the homes of seniors around his neighborhood, was recruited by Hartley. Along with Duran, Bernardo Romero, a former Edgewater resident who makes the trek back to the city to help out in his old neighborhood, helped clear the driveways and streets to clear a path to freedom after the first storm hit. Soon they were joined by other neighborhood residentsand found themselves clearing the snow on many of Edgewater's side streets that the city's one plow could not clear.

"Every citizen who needed to walk anywhere benefited the most. The senior citizens were our first priority," said Hartley. "I believe everyone who helped shovel benefited. We met neighbors we didn't know and got to know each other a bit better."

When the second storm hit on Dec. 28, residents of Edgewater were prepared, especially the snowplowing brigade. Romero and Duran got an early start clearing the snowfall, working from morning until dark with the help of volunteers taking shifts. Hartley knew clearing the snow was back-breaking work and felt the volunteers needed a special treat. She called Mayor Ronalda Goodner who opened the recreation center and donated sandwich fixings, chips and soda. Other residents followed suit and donated chicken soup and sloppy joe's. Starbucks even donated coffee. A few other residents provided entertainment playing the piano and banjo to give the shovelers that extra boost of energy.

When the third round of snow hit Edgewater on Jan. 4, Romero and Duran were shoveling by 7 a.m. with the same snow-clearing system in place from the previous two storms. Since they cleared a large portion of the streets and sidewalks during the first two storms, it was easier forRomero and Duranto maintain them, said Hartley.

"These two guys are wonderful examples of men who give of their hearts," said Hartley.

The storms dumped enough snow to dampen the spirits of the city's residents, who could have been trapped in their homes for days if it weren't for the volunteers who helped dig the out city, but theyunited to help each other out.

"I think most people learned that a few people with generous hearts can make a huge difference in a neighborhood," said Hartley. "