Winter continues to pummel Western Pennsylvania, and Butler County hasn't escaped the onslaught.

But it would be much easier to accept if every healthy individual would embrace the idea of doing something extra, not only to benefit oneself, but also for the community's greater good.

Neighborhood streets don't have to be in the condition that many currently are, with scattered cuts in the deep snow to accommodate a vehicle or two. Healthy neighbors should join together to ease the bad conditions on sidewalks and along curbs either with shovel power or snowblowers.

Teens could get some valuable exercise if, instead of sitting in front of a computer screen or television set on snow days, they would spend some of that time off from school shoveling snow or, perhaps, performing a good deed on behalf of an elderly person or couple not physically capable of dealing with the current conditions.

Some people are trying to do their part, but it's clear that too many people have chosen to ignore what's happening outside and are waiting for either state or municipal workers or, eventually, Mother Nature, to do the needed work for them.

In the city of Butler, barring a significant upturn in temperatures, the many narrow streets will be doomed to weeks of miserable conditions, but that wouldn't be if residents would band together to tackle the job.

To the owners of vehicles that have been encased in snow and ice since last Friday, with no effort having been made to free them, the question is, "Why?"

In many cases, those vehicles inhibit road crews' work as well as neighbors who might be doing their part to try to make life and travel easier amid the snow and ice.

Again, doing something extra is the best policy, even if people don't actually have a need to venture onto the roadways. The cumulative effect of many people doing a little bit extra can be significant.

Then there's the issue of courtesy on streets and highways. Tailgating is bad anytime, but it becomes more dangerous when winter driving conditions are in play.

Similarly, road conditions this week are not conducive to distracted driving due to text messaging or talking on cell phones, putting on makeup, combing one's hair, eating, or other non-driving activities.

The chances of losing control of a vehicle multiply greatly in snowy or icy conditions.

Thus, in addition to a willingness to do something extra on behalf of oneself and others during this challenging time, the emphasis also must be on safety and common sense.

There's no firm prediction on when winter will loosen its grip on this part of the state — and it has nothing to do with Punxsutawney Phil. But sooner or later, the weather will moderate and life will become more normal again.

In the meantime, helping oneself, one's neighbors and one's community should predominate. Good deeds will help foster friendships and neighborly attitudes all year long.

For many, winter is the most frustrating and depressing season of the year, but doing something extra can help lessen the dreariness and difficulties that accompany it.