ELBRIDGE — Anyone who has ever driven past Elbridge Elementary around 9:30 a.m. on a weekday, has 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 recently she decided it was time to hang up her vest and her stop sign.

“I bring smiles,” Nolte said. “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.

Anyone driving by will often catch Nolte grooving her way through the job.

For many years Nolte has been keeping the community safe, while helping commuters crack a smile as they start their day.

Nolte said 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,” she said.

There’s one question Nolte receives most often on the job, so for those who have been wondering, she shared the musician that has helped keep Nolte’s toes tapping.

“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!”

Nolte 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 baby sit.

Submitted photo

Jeanine Nolte recently decided to retire as a cross guard at Jordan-Elbridge Elementary where her dance moves and friendly demeanor have become a trademark.