Saying goodbye to a friendly face

If you’ve ever driven past Elbridge Elementary around 9:30 a.m. on a weekday, you’ve probably flashed a smile and a wave to Jeanine Nolte. She’s been directing traffic in front of the school for the last 14 years, but after this week is through, she’s hanging up her vest.

“I bring smiles,” said Jeanine. “They say I put smiles on a face, if they’re having a bad day, they say I make them happy and make them smile.”

Her dance moves are usually the reason for those smiles. You’ll often catch Jeanine grooving her way through the job. Keeping the community safe, while helping commuters crack a smile as they start their day. Jeanine says that’s her favorite part about being a crossing guard – noticing when she makes someone happy.

“You get the good, you get the bad, but there’s more good than bad. I enjoy it, and I enjoy seeing people’s faces,” added Jeanine.

There’s one question Jeanine receives most often on the job, so for those who’ve been wondering…

“I listen to George Jones, I listen to the old, old country music, if anyone wants to know," she said. "That’s what I’m dancing to!”

Jeanine has also been with the fire department for 13 years. She recently became a grandmother and will be retiring so she can stay home to babysit.