FRANCIS RACINE francis.racine@eap.on.ca
If you happen to drive down Sydney Street, at the corner of Third Street, from Monday to Friday, chances are you’ve seen Rose Durley. Surrounded by the magni!cent and imposing houses that make up the historical neighbourhood, the friendly crossing guard has been at her post for 38 years. She’s seen children from all wakes of life, from young tots galloping to their !rst day of school to confused seniors wondering what the future might bring them. “I’ve been a crossing guard for three generations...” Rose Durley “I’ve been a crossing guard for three generations,” she explained in an early morning interview, as countless cars drove past her. “I used to walk young girls that then became mothers later on. I then oversaw their children and I now see their grandchildren!” One can say that Durley knows a thing or two about the city’s kids. “You have to get to know them,” she said. “You can tell when they have a bad day or things aren’t going well at home.” "e corner where she works is nearly always buzzing with the yells of excited kids, making their way through Cornwall. “I got kids walking to CCVS (Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational School) and Bishop MacDonell,” she indicated, pointing towards Amelia Street. “But there are also some kids in the neighbourhood who take the bus here. Some of them go to Marie-Tanguay.” As she discusses her role as crossing guard, an older-model Impala stops on the crowded Sydney Street, its passenger window slowly going down. Inside is a woman with dark sunglasses. A man is behind the steering wheel. “Hi there,” the woman says to Durley. "e latter, always smiling and willing to help anyone, approaches the window. "e two babble about directions, the crossing guard pointing to Pitt Street. "e woman with sunglasses thanks Durley before pulling up her window. "e car then makes its way towards Cornwall’s other main artery. “People say this place is my second home,” claimed the crossing guard, laughing loudly. “I love doing it. I get along well with the kids and I love talking to all the people.” "e woman is quite a social person, striking conversations with whoever walks close to her. And by the looks of it, it seems everyone enjoys her company; froma young couple walking towards Second Street to a young father riding his bicycle, his young daughter tucked warmly and safely in a small bicycle cart he pulls behind his bike. "ey
Rose Durley helps children living nearby to cross the busy Sydney Street/ $ird Street intersection. — photo Francis Racine
all stop to chat with Durley. “She’s the best crossing guard I know,” said the father, looking at Durley. “"ere are not many of them that are willing to talk to people.” But the job consists a lot more than simply holding up a stop sign at vehicles while school children and pedestrians cross the road. “It sometimes is hard work,” declared Durley. “Especially when it gets cold! But I always make sure to be prepared.” "e crossing guard has learned to dress properly. "is includes having hot pods in her boots as well as wearing mittens, long johns and wind pants. Spending somuch time in such a vital and busy part of town has also led the woman to become known throughout the area as the one who knows all . Citizens walking to work in the early hours of the morning always stop by to chat with Durley, knowing full well that she is quite #uent in recent Sydney Street happenings. “So do you know who moved in the house?” asked a woman walking on "ird Street. “I have no clue,” responded the crossing guard."e answer seems to surprise the pedestrian. “What do you mean you don’t know,” she chuckled. “You usually know everything around here!” Durley pointed to a nearby residence where workers were busy tackling an extensive roo!ng job. “I know they’re getting their roof redone,” she exclaimed. To that, the pedestrian laughed, before wishing Durley a great day and continuing her walk. "e crossing guard kept staring at the woman until she was out of sight; as if to make sure she made her way down the road securely. Children aren’t the only ones that are watched over by the experience and caring crossing guard.
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The Journal Cornwall
7
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
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