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Ensuring students’ safe passage

When veteran crossing guard Kay Brick shows up to her intersection in the Village of Hortonville, she does so with a smile.

She has become a well-known crossing guard at Main and Nash Streets, one of the busiest intersections in the county. Approximately 22,000 vehicles pass through the intersection daily.

Brick is known for her pleasant smile and friendly wave.

“I know a lot of people by face and not by name,” she said Friday as she prepared for the afterschool traffic.

“Most people are pretty respectful,” she said as she waited for the light to change so she could place out orange cones in the crosswalk.

“Hortonville is a very friendly community, the kids are friendly the parents are friendly—I really don’t have any complaints at all,” she said.

Her positive outlook on the community and her job shows.

When she is there, a steady string of regular travelers pass through the intersection with a wave and smile for Brick.

Some would say she started a friendly trend at that intersection.

“People come up to you in the restaurant or a store and recognize you from their travels,” she said.  “It’s like we know each other, without knowing each other.”

She appreciates the smiles and waves from people. “Sometimes a smile is all you need to brighten up your day,” says Brick.

She has been doing it long enough that some of the kids who used to cross there on foot are now driving their own cars.

“Some of them have gone off to college, some are married and starting their careers,” she said. “Once in a while one will stop and chat and let me know how they’re doing. “It’s always nice to see them.”

“If you love kids, it’s the perfect job,” she said. “You get to know them and care about each one,” she said.

“A lot of times you can tell if they’re having a good day, or a bad day, just by seeing them,” she said. “I try to encourage them and cheer them up,” explained Brick. “Sometimes it works both ways, you can make their day, or they can make your day.”

Crossing guards typically arrive at their intersections at 7:15 a.m. and stay until 8 a.m. then return from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. They also cover from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. on early release days. They may also be called in during the event of an early release due to a snowstorm.

“The hours can be difficult for some people, but all in all, it’s a fun job and it pays well,” said Brick.

When Kay and her husband John open Brick’s Hortonville Hardware this spring, she intends to keep her job as crossing guard.

“I think I would miss it too much,” she said.

The Village of Hortonville is seeking applications for part-time School Crossing Guard positions.

Applicants must be available between the following times: 7:15 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., and/or 3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. daily, M-F during the 2014/2015 school year. Pay is $30 per day. Crossing guard may also be needed due to early release days.

Applications can be picked up at the Village Administration Office, 531 N Nash St or the Police Department, 531 N Nash St, Hortonville, WI 54944. All applications must be received no later than Dec.8, 2014.

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