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Managing Editor CHICOPEE A woman who became every student's friend in the Aldenville area was recently honored for her 42 years of service as a crossing guard. Alice Houle, who retired from the position in December 2007, was not only given certificates of appreciation from the city and the School Department, but also had a tree planted in her honor at the Aldenville Commons last week. Her grandson, Matthew Houle, a Chicopee native now living in Boston, had sought the recognition. Alderman Jean Croteau helped arrange the ceremony. Matthew said that his grandmother was dedicated to the city and her job and never had any complaints. "She crossed me, my sister, my uncle, my father and my brother," Matthew said. Alice had helped students going to Chicopee Comp and St. Jean-St. George School, among other schools, get across busy Grattan Street. Superintendent of Schools Richard Rege said she has helped hundreds of thousands of students and said that people didn't understand the dedication the job requires. "I think she was a little surprised, a little nervous [about the attention]," Matthew added. Nervous or not, Alice seemed to take both the compliments and the jokes in stride. Alderman Bob Zygarowski called her "the best traffic cop in Chicopee," while Alderman James Tillotson said with a smile that she had helped him cross the street. Mayor Michael Bissonnette asked Alice, "What are you doing this fall when Holyoke Catholic opens?" Alice said that she started at age 37. "It was a part-time job. My husband didn't want me to work," she recalled. She said that she didn't mind getting up early and standing in the cold and that she "sort of" misses the job. "In the winter, I wouldn't mind doing it again," she said. | ||||||
