Adeline Sutich and Maeve Ritchotte in their igloo – reprinted with permission
While millions of Americans hunkered down in their homes after ice storms encrusted the mid-Atlantic, two young teens got busy building community spirit—by building an igloo.
They constructed their igloo in front of a house that was destroyed by a house fire a few months ago.
Adeline Sutich and her friend Maeve Ritchotte carved dozens of ice bricks with a flat shovel, and used a sled to move them to the symbolic spot on Helena Drive.
“We built an igloo to create unity in the community and bring people together,” Adeline told GNN by phone.
“It brought joy to all the neighbors when the snow was frustrating and very difficult to cope with.”
“I feel like this igloo is a good representation of hope—and how things can be rebuilt.”
Reprinted with permission of Adeline Sutich and Maeve Ritchotte
Her whole family got involved when the sun began to set Thursday in the Sligo Woods neighborhood in Silver Spring, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C.
Reprinted with permission of Adeline Sutich and Maeve Ritchotte
Her dad, Stefan, outfitted the group with headlamps to work in the dark—and her mom shot videos and photos—until the roof was finally laid.
They built chairs and a table out of ice, so people could hang-out inside the snow cave.
Reprinted with permission of Adeline Sutich and Maeve Ritchotte
“We even made a guest book for people to write in and their messages were so heartwarming,” said Adeline.
“I did this as a kid, too,” one guest name Melinda wrote.
“My three kids love it!” Jen wrote.
Adeline said it was “so nice” to see people smiling at the girls when they passed by.
“Many neighbors have come up and talked with us about the igloo and how much they’ve enjoyed it.”
Reprinted with permission of Adeline Sutich
“We’ve had more visitors sign the book today!” she added on Friday.
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One of the neighbors enjoyed watching the construction from her window as the girls spent hours building the cozy community hub, but she finally ventured out on Friday under blue skies to leave a message.
“It brought back so many childhood memories”.
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