Saluting our Local Crossing Guards by J. Bruce Parker As school finishes and summer beckons, let’s meet some of Wortley Village’s crossing guards. They command our local school crosswalks, protecting our kids and are an integral part of our community.
proud to share special moments such as how the local Grade 8 boys from Mountsfield Public School showed up for a photo with him on their graduation. As with Barb, Gabby has seen the local children grow into young adults. Mary Walker (below) has lived in Old South since 1978 and has worked as a crossing guard since 2019. Mary is active at the Hamilton Road Seniors Centre as well as being a member of the South Ontario Ukulele Players (SOUP). She loves the ‘kids and the dogs’.
Barbara Nowobranec (above), commandeers the corner of Wortley and Emery each day for the 3:30 dismissal of Wortley Road Public School. Barb was previously employed at London Health Sciences Center as a pharmacy technician. She even- tually moved into more clerical work within the pharmacy and was eventually sidelined by a serious illness. After her recovery and feeling “so very bored,” she became a crossing guard. This is Barb’s 9th year. She tells me, “The kids who were in kindergarten when I started are now in Grade 8.” She adds, “It’s a job where you get close to the community. You get to know the moms and dads and the dog walkers.” Everyone knows “Gabby” (below) who lives up to his nickname. Gabriel Levei works the busy intersection of Wortley and Baseline, mornings, noon, and after school. He has an engaging broad smile shining though his beard and is eager to chat with the kids and their parents. He also carries dog biscuits for the local canines.
Old South’s busiest corner has to be Ridout and Baseline. There is a constant flow of traffic during the morning rush hour and late afternoon. Al Reeves (below), at 81, works this intersection three times a day. He tells me “Most drivers are very good but still there is too much speed and carelessness.” Al cites the recent time a car came a bit too close to his toes on a right-hand turn. He is a retired sheet metal worker who took a position here three years ago, shortly after the passing of his wife. Like Barb, Gabby, and Mary, he happily engages in encouraging conversation with kids and parents as they go off to school, telling me “how could you not like doing this?” Our local crossing guards are out there in the rain and snow and on occasion, have to deal with impatient and distracted drivers. The Wortley Villager salutes their community service and dedication. Do give them a kind wave and smile.
Gabby worked forty years as a postman in Port Colbourne, moving to London upon retirement to be close to his son. The decision to get back into the workforce was prompted by his admission of “watching too many reruns on television.” He is
Page 8 Wortley Villager • June 2025
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