A big thanks to Berwyn crossing guards

By Akane Tsuruta

At the intersection of Clarence Avenue and 34th Street in Berwyn, ambulances speed to the nearby hospital, cars park illegally, children and their parents walk to school, and bicyclists and drivers jockey for position. In the midst of this commotion, one crossing guard ensures that everyone who enters her intersection is safe and maybe even a little happier than they were before.

Her name is Beth Vrtis, and she has worked as a crossing guard in Berwyn for 10 years, currently working for St. Leonard School. She is known for her cheerful personality, rapport with the kids and dedication to keeping the intersection safe.

This year, in honor of Crossing Guard Appreciation Day on May 5, Beth was nominated as the favorite crossing guard of St. Leonard parent and Berwyn resident Martha Rivera.

“The first day of school we see her here, and it’s a relief and a good start to school,” Rivera said.

Beth’s hard work has garnered attention (and awards) from the schools whose students she protects.

“I’m proud of her,” said Tammy Christman, Beth’s supervisor. “It’s a really hard job – she’s out here with the rain and snow and,” Christman jokes, “sassy kids.”

Sassiness aside, Beth says the kids are the best part of her job. “I could come here in a rotten mood… and the laughing and giggling just bring a smile to my face.”

The children, their parents and the neighbors appreciate this smile and happy attitude. Former students return to say hello to Beth; neighbors meet her just to chat; and drivers wave and shout “Good morning!” out their windows.

A crossing guard’s work isn’t always this rosy, however. Beth recalled incidents of drivers yelling at her, bicyclists failing to stop, and people ignoring her directions.

The biggest danger, Beth said, is people not paying attention. “If people would stop texting [when they’re driving], I would appreciate it.”

For Rivera, Beth is more than the friendly face that helps her kids walk to school. She is a part of building a community where residents can be active and safe. “It takes people like her and people in the community to make it a community.”

Not just for kids

Crossing guards keep bicyclists safe, too. Another Berwyn crossing guard, Janice Piscopo, was nominated by bicyclist and Active Trans member Jim O’Connell.

O’Connell praised Janice’s ready wave and smile and friendly greetings and reminds us that crossing guards are bicyclists’ allies on the roads. “You always want to be careful – it’s an extra sense of security. Crossing guards are for all of us.”

Akane Tsuruta is Active Trans’ communications manager.