Public Encouraged to Nominate a Crossing Guard to be Honored

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), through its Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program, is encouraging the public to nominate a crossing guard for recognition for the 2024 Crossing Guard Appreciation Campaign. 

The campaign begins with a Crossing Guard of the Year nomination period, followed by Crossing Guard Appreciation Day on March 20, 2024, and culminates with announcing the Crossing Guard of the Year award winner(s). The winner(s) will also be recognized at the Annual Safe Routes to School Awards Ceremony in June. The overall goal is to draw attention to and honor the hard work of Crossing Guards across Massachusetts and to recognize those Crossing Guards who go above and beyond.     

"Crossing Guards in our state go above and beyond every day in ensuring the safety of our children and also in helping to instill good habits for all roadway users," said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. "We are pleased that during March we have the chance to recognize crossing guards for the positive impact they have on community members and to offer this program as a way for members of the public to spotlight individuals who put themselves out there in helping students travel safely between home and schools."

At the 2023 Annual Awards Ceremony, Cheryl Anziano (Chicopee), Linda Carella (Arlington), and Claire MacPherson (Brookline) received the Crossing Guard Champion Award. Dr. James Cummings, Superintendent of Grafton Public Schools received the Honorable Mention Award for Crossing Guard of the Year. The winner of the Crossing Guard of the Year Award was Debbie Lang (Boston).   

The nomination period opened on March 1, 2024, and all submissions are due by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, when schools and students are encouraged to show in their own way how much they appreciate their Crossing Guards.  

The nomination form, a printable Thank You Card, and promotional flyers are all available on the SRTS website in the Engagement section. Schools must be SRTS partners in order for their Crossing Guards to be eligible. Previous Crossing Guard winners are not eligible to win this year. The number of nominations for a Crossing Guard does not affect their chances of winning. Communities are encouraged to work together to draft thoughtful nominations.  

The Massachusetts SRTS Program, sponsored by MassDOT and with funds from the Federal Highway Administration, promotes safer routes for students to actively get to and from school by fostering partnerships between community-led organizations, local law enforcement, education leaders, and public health departments.  The program currently serves more than 1,150 schools in over 280 communities across the Commonwealth.  Through these partnerships, the Massachusetts SRTS Program highlights the importance of pedestrian and bicycle safety.  SRTS also provides information, materials, and resources to support schools and communities with their local SRTS initiatives.   

Cyclists Pedal Into Berkshire Bike Month

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
06:42AM / Saturday, May 04, 2024

Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan addresses bikers at the event. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Clad in helmets and bright colors, more than 20 people gathered in Park Square to kick on Berkshire Bike Month on Wednesday.

The month of May will be stacked with bicycle-centered events throughout the county — beginning with an eight-mile loop from the city's center that ends at Hot Plate Brewing Co.

"We have we have a lot of things going on in Pittsfield for bicycles and for safety," Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales said.

"We're not anywhere near where we should be. We have a lot of work to do."

Bike month is meant to promote the safe use of streets for anyone and everyone no matter how they are traveling, he said The commissioner is especially excited about Bike to Work Day on May 17, as he can register to be recognized for his typical commute.

He presented a proclamation to President of the Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan. It states that the city is committed to the health of its citizens and environment, safe cycling with road bike lanes and the extension of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, and that the Police Department encourages safe cycling by distributing lights and helmets and accompanies the city's Ride Your Bike to School event.

BBPC is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Cohan said the quarter century has been full of commitment to bike paths and bike safety throughout Berkshire County "on roads, on trails, on tracks, and on paths."

"In expanding our mission in this way we have been able to encompass all kinds of cycles and all kinds of riders," she said.

She noted that participants range from babies to 90-year-old people. Bike month includes events for all ages.