Writing

Crossing guard keeps kids safe whatever the weather
'Mary is the bomb, she's been here forever'

By: Kelly Steuck - Published in the Quad-City times on Thursday, November 6, 2003

Mary Schoeve signals the all-clear for a youngster while on crossing-guard duty at 7th Street and 16th Avenue in Moline. Photo by: Kelly Steuck/Quad-City Times

Nothing can stop Mary Schoeve from doing her job - not snow, rain, sleet, ice or sickness.

"I don't mind the weather at all," said Schoeve, a longtime crossing guard for Lincoln-Irving School in Moline.

During a PTA meeting a friend suggested that Schoeve devote some time to being a crossing guard. Despite being busy with six children of her own, Mary signed up and has been a guard since 1973. She's never missed a day due to illness.

"You have to be here," Schoeve said. "It breaks up your day, but I look forward to it."

Schoeve's current duties place her at the intersection of 7th Street and 16th Avenue in Moline. She knows all of the children by name and bring a bucket of candy for them each Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon.

The children rush for Schoeve's bucket of candy. And they also go to her for advice and just to talk. They are well behaved and stay out of trouble as well.

"I know their names," Schoeve said sheepishly, "and they know that."

The only "fighting" Schoeve seems to witness are the boys competing over the girls they probably won't admit they like.

"Mary is the bomb!" third-grader Hailley Woodison said. "She's been here forever."

Hailley isn't very far off, either. Schoeve is now on her second generation of crossers. Younger children recognize Schoeve from hearing about her from their parents. Junior high students even come back to visit her. One former student, Alan, is now 41 years old and still brings Schoeve a gift certificate each year for Christmas.

Schoeve is surprised at how many strangers recognize her. Recently, a car stopped and the passenger gave Schoeve a homemade card of appreciation. Officers in squad cars also often give Schoeve a wave or the thumbs up sign as they drive by.

Joining Schoeve in her crossing duties are sixth-grade Saftey Patrol members from Lincoln/Irving. These students can be recognized by the orange belts they wear and the walkie-talkies they carry.

"I tell them when they can cross," Safety Patrol member Jimmy Deskin said. Then Schoeve safely directs the children across the street.

Another safety patroller is Cody McAdam.

"If I can't get to someboday," Schoeve said, "he always helps them out."

Helping children cross isn't the only thing that keeps Schoeve busy.

She is part of the Blue Cross Medical Missions on Tuesdays at St. Ambrose Universtiy. As part of this group, she makes quilts and lap blankets for hospital patients.

On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Schoeve keeps busy as a volleyball referee for the junior high and high schools. Due much in part to the encouragement by her husband, Richard, Schoeve has been a referee since 1973.

She worked three jobs for 25 years - for Moline Park Board, High School Association and Holst-Kakert - claiming "it keeps me young."

"I just enjoy life I guess," Schoeve said.