The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Crossing guard in national contest
Just call him Guardian of the Galaxy.
Well, at least in the sphere he patrols and protects at 1455 E. 260th St., where Bluestone Elementary School is located.
Now, as a participant in a national contest, “America’s Favorite Crossing Guard,” Frank Macuga may soon be known beyond Northeast Ohio for his dedicated duty to keeping kids, and adults, safe. And he’s not hard to miss. Macuga, a John Carroll University graduate and retired high school math instructor who taught in the Cleveland area for more than 40 years, can been spotted near Bluestone every school day in his neon jacket or vest, waving, pirouetting and yelling salutations to passing cars.
And then there are the puppets — Mickey Mouse, a cigar-smoking dog, a frog and Sir CC, the Cavs’ human mascot, to name a few. More than mere hand warmers in the colder months, Macuga has created memories with his accessories, becoming more and more recognized by schoolchildren and their families as each year begins.
Many of those families and caring individuals, Macuga said, have already catapulted him to the top of the online public voting page on Safe Kids Worldwide’s website.
Macuga, who will be 81 on March 1, is one of 55 candidates, and the only one from Ohio, in Safe Kids Worldwide’s “America’s Favorite Crossing Guard” competition, also sponsored by FedEx.
Safe Kids was founded in 1988 by Dr. Marty Eichelberger of the Children’s National Health System with support from founding sponsor, Johnson & Johnson. The Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization serves to help families and communities keep kids safe from injuries, and works with an extensive network of more than 400 coalitions in the United States and with partners in more than 30 countries to reduce traffic injuries, drownings, falls, burns, poisonings and more.
“As far as the national contest, I came home and was told we’d received calls about being the No. 1 crossing guard for 2017,” Macuga said. “My daughter, Anne, answered and told them, ‘Knowing my father, yes, put his name down. He’ll want to be involved.’ I knew nothing about it. People keep telling me how I’m doing and voting for me in Boston, Pittsburgh, Florida and Washington. I know I’m currently in first, but whoever has the most votes isn’t necessarily chosen.” He’s right. After voting concludes on Jan. 31 at 11:59 p.m., a panel of judges will evaluate the top five finalists on quality of nomination statement, safety record, length of service, community involvement and proactive initiatives taken in the position. A winner will be chosen around Feb. 19 and will receive clothing and accessories suitable for use by a crossing guard valued up to $500. The affiliated school also will receive a $500 grant. In addition, Safe Kids will travel to the winning school and hold a celebratory pep rally.
After Macuga left teaching in 2004, he knew he wanted to remain involved and active — he would often times walk to school, as he does to Bluestone now — and submitted an application at the police station to become a crossing guard. He received a phone call soon after. That was 14 years ago. “I’ve been at different schools, but I’ve been over at Bluestone Elementary for six years,” the Euclid resident said. “I started when it opened. Typically, I start at 7:40 a.m. and stay for about an hour. When I found out there were students coming to the school to get breakfast, I started getting there earlier. In the afternoons, it depends, but usually I’m out there between 2:45 p.m. to 3:35 p.m.”
During his time at Bluestone, Macuga admits his puppets, which started with only Mickey and the smoking dog, have evolved into a collection amassing 40plus, becoming conversation pieces in the process.
“Over the years, people have given me lots of puppets, telling me I needed a variety,” he said. “I kept on truckin’, and the kids get a kick out of it. They ask their parents to drive out of the way so they can see the puppets and wave at me. It makes some people happy and that’s good.”
Macuga even received a lesson he’ll never forget one day, quickly realizing one particular puppet’s presence had delivered a genuine message to a student.
“One kid told me that the dog shouldn’t be smoking,” Macuga said. “I told him he was absolutely right. That impressed me a lot. That was great. What an example that student brought to light. See, they learn and I learn. That’s the way it should be.
“The puppets have become such a fixture that when people see me walking on the weekends, they ask where the puppets are. I tell them it’s Saturday or Sunday and that they’re resting. It’s funny as all get out.”
As far as Northeast Ohio’s weather goes, Macuga isn’t fazed, instead layering up and choosing not to complain. Despite snow days, he realizes safety and education can’t always take a back seat to weather.
“My mind is on the students, the people and the cars,” he said. “The cold doesn’t bother me in the least. You know it is coming. I was born and raised in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. We didn’t complain about the weather. Besides, every day that goes by, you get closer to summer. That’s a friend’s attitude, and I agree.”
While Macuga’s is compensated, he said he’d do it for free, adding he was unaware the position was paid when he applied.
“Listen, I enjoyed teaching, it was fun. I still get feedback from former students, and that’s how it is being a crossing guard, too. It sounds funny, but you do build bonds and relationships with people. That’s why I’m so grateful to everyone out there voting for me. They see the value of what we do. I’ve even had couples thank me that have no kids in the school. That’s so gracious.”
In addition to Anne, who taught for 10 years in North Carolina, Macuga and his wife of 49 years, Judy, a former teacher, also have a son, Andrew, who teaches at Wickliffe Middle School.
Regarding the competition, win, lose or draw, Macuga believes investing in people enriches communities and individuals alike, and he wishes every contestant good luck.
“It’s all about people, every day,” he said. “I can’t tell you how many people through the years drop off Christmas gifts, cards, or letters, or bring coffee and hot chocolate. They ask how I’ll drink it with puppets on my hands and I tell them I’ll figure it out.
“Though I left teaching, being a teacher has never left me. This gives me the chance to be around people still and keep families safe. I learn every day. I love what I do.”
So does Euclid Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer Gail, who describes Macuga as a true community asset.
“He truly cares about our community and makes a positive impact on everyone who experiences his smile and kindness,” she said. “He is certainly my ‘Favorite Crossing Guard’ and is deserving of the award.”
To vote for Frank, visit www.safekids.org/crossingguard?entry_id=169284367. Voting is limited to one vote per day, per device. The deadline to submit is Jan. 31 by 11:59 p.m.