Bedford-Katonah Patch: How long have you been doing this job?

BJ: This is my sixth year as a crossing guard, out here twice a day. I retired from the United States Post Office after 31 years of service.

Bedford-Katonah Patch: Are you a local?

BJ: Yes. I was born in Bedford Hills and have lived in Katonah for the past twenty-five years. I went to elementary and high school at St. Mary's.

Bedford-Katonah Patch: Is there more traffic these days?

BJ:  Well, traffic has gotten heavier. Also, there are many older drivers who were used to several areas that did not have stop signs before, who will sometimes zoom through—they need to pay attention to all the new signs.

And I wish the stop signs were placed further behind the crosswalk because some cars wind up stopping right in the middle of the walking area.

Bedford-Katonah Patch: Are there more bikers and walkers these days?

BJ: Depending on the season, there are a lot more people walking to school and riding bikes too. I would urge the bikers to get off their bikes and walk across. It is much safer.

Bedford-Katonah Patch: How about advice for the drivers?

BJ: For the safety of the children, please do not try and go around the people crossing the street. Don't be anxious—it is better to just wait for them to cross. And no flooring it. I have my vest on to alert drivers that there is a stop sign and a crosswalk. Some will laugh at me but I will walk right out there and block drivers from coming into the crosswalk.

Bedford-Katonah Patch: Have you gotten to know the kids?

BJ: Oh yeah, they are great. In fact, I have one student who walks all the way from her house to where I am standing, right next to the school entrance. Then I will pretend to play a violin. And she will turn right around and run back home to get her instrument that she forgot to bring to school!

Bedford-Katonah Patch: So you love this town?

BJ: It is just a great place to raise a family.