Don’t cross this Bradford senior, because safety is his middle name.
Council presented Leo Marano with the town’s Senior of the Year award during their regular meeting of council earlier this week.
“June is seniors month in Ontario which is time to honour and celebrate the contributions and hard work Ontario's seniors have done to make the province a great place,” Mayor James Leduc said while presenting the award.
At age 74, Marano was recognized for his work over the last five years as a crossing guard for the students of Chris Hadfield Public School.
“Leo is one of Bradford West Gwillimbury’s amazing crossing guards who supervises the cross walks at Miller Park and West Park. Students and parents of Chris Hadfield Public School say he’s always cheerful and friendly, but most notably, Leo places the importance on keeping the kids safe, which we thank him for. No matter the weather, Leo will be there to ensure the kids’ safety,” Leduc said.
Marano said the award came as a bit of a surprise, because he knew he had been selected for something, but wasn’t sure for what exactly.
“It felt amazing. It touched my heart,” Marano said of receiving the award.
He said the first thing he did when he arrived home afterwards was to call his children to tell them about it.
“I couldn’t believe it you know? At this age to be winning an award, that’s great,” Marano said.
While he started working as a crossing guard just to give himself something to do, he’s since come to appreciate the importance of the role.
“I like to help somebody that needs help and that’s a way to help the kids be safe, because the driving there, especially the corner I’m at, it’s very very dangerous,” he said.
On top of that, he enjoys the benefits of getting out in the community and keeping active.
“I like being among other people. My wife passed away eight years ago. I try to keep busy. My mind works better, my body works better, altogether I’m better off,” Marano said.
While the total number of students using the crossing has decreased since the opening of Marshview Public School this spring, Marano estimates he still sees 55-60 students each day, depending on the weather.
“I’m right in the front of the school, so I get lots of kids,” he said.
The award was also signed by Lieutenant Governor, Elizabeth Dowdeswell, and Raymond Sung Joon Cho, provincial minister for seniors and accessibility and MPP for Scarborough North.
