Time for a quick, New York City snow storm story. Back when I was a kid, in Manhattan, there was one winter storm that allowed us to be out of school. My mother let us out of the house to play. Around 4 or so in the afternoon, I saw my uncle John walking up 83rd street carrying what was the largest snowball my friends and I ever saw. He told me that he made this snowball by rolling it across snow laden cars as he walked from his job on 73 and East End Ave to 83rd between 2nd and 3rd. He said it took him about two hours of continually stopping and packing fresh snow into making this snowball. I can only imagine what other people thought as they watched him carry out this task. I guess all I want to say about this silly story is that, sometimes, the manner of giving is worth more than the gift and on that snowy day, too many years ago to mention, I had a great, giant snowball; friends who wanted one as well and an uncle who took the time to make it and a mother who wouldn’t let me keep it in the refrigerator. Thanks, John.
Snowball Memories
Published by Ed Kowalski
Ed Kowalski is a Pleasant Valley resident, media voice, and policy-focused professional whose work sits at the intersection of law, public policy, and community life. Ed has spent his career working in senior leadership roles across human resources, compliance, and operations, helping organizations navigate complex legal and regulatory environments. His work has focused on accountability, risk management, workforce issues, and translating policy and law into practical outcomes that affect people’s jobs, livelihoods, and communities. Ed is also a familiar voice in the Hudson Valley media landscape. He most recently served as the morning host of Hudson Valley This Morning on WKIP and is currently a frequent contributor to Hudson Valley Focus with Tom Sipos on Pamal Broadcasting. In addition, Ed is the creator of The Valley Viewpoint, a commentary and narrative platform focused on law, justice, government accountability, and the real-world impact of public policy. Across broadcast and written media, Ed’s work emphasizes transparency, access to justice, institutional integrity, and public trust. Ed is a graduate of Xavier High School, Fordham University, and Georgetown University, holding a Certificate in Business Leadership from Georgetown. His Jesuit education shaped his belief that ideas carry obligations—and that leadership requires both discipline and moral clarity. He lives in Pleasant Valley. View more posts
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