b'Safe CrossingGetting to know our local crossing guardsBY DANIELLE ALFONZO WALSMANM aplewoodandSouthOrangehavenearly60crossingface that our children rely on each day, no matter the weather conditions.to guards to help ensure the safety of our children as theyIn the first of a continuing series, Matters Magazine introduces you walk to and from school. The guards are also responsiblesome of the gems who help us all stop, look both ways and proceed safely to for monitoring traffic patterns, reporting hazardous con- our destinations. Information about becoming a crossing guard is available ditions and are often the friendly greeting and smilingat the websites of the Maplewood and South Orange police departments. Meet GracePost: Valley Street and Baker Street, MaplewoodHometown: IrvingtonGrace has been crossing children at the southwest corner of Memorial Park since 2005. She previously worked for 20 years at a frozen food factory and recalled how cold it was at that job. She says she thought the all-weather environment of a crossing guard would suit her well. Plus, she appreciates all the sunshine and fresh air. Grace is responsible for a large and busy intersection. She said the most challenging part of her job is focusing on both corners at once. She has mastered crossing people at Baker while looking over her shoulder to ensure kids dont cross Valley against the light. If she sees a child about to make an unsafe choice, she gives a loud Stop! She always has a smile and warm greeting for children and adults. In her spare time, Grace plays bingo at the Union Boys & Girls Club. When asked whether she has won, she answered, Of course! Maplewood is the real winner because Grace is 79 years young and plans to keep crossing children for as long as she can. Meet RosaPost: Prospect Street and Harvard Avenue, MaplewoodHometown: NewarkRosa works near Tuscan Elementary School and has been keeping students and their families safe at that intersection for 12 years. Rosa said the people are the best part of the job and the cars are the big-gest challenge. Rosa said people wondered whether she would return to her post after being struck by a vehicle while working this past June. She said she knew she would.Before being a crossing guard, Rosa was a manager for the U.S. Postal Service in Newark and acting postmaster of another office. She said she loved that career. When it was time for a change, she heard of the crossing guard opportunity from a former colleague. In her spare time, Rosa takes care of her mother and husband and enjoys shopping.Rosas care for all the people she encounters each day is more than apparent. At the end of our inter-view, she literally took me by the hand and said, Cmon, baby, let me get you safely across.26/ matters magazine / holiday 2025'