Crossing Guard News : Naples Daily News

Crossing Guard

The intersection of Terry Street and Old 41 can be a scary place at 9 o’clock on a weekday morning. Traffic backs up, drivers wait for the chance to scoot off to work. Meanwhile, many students at Bonita Middle School are making their way to school at that intersection by bike or by foot. It takes a bold person to step out into that intersection, even when there is a protected crosswalk light. But that’s what Len Bellin’s job is five days a week. He’s the school’s crossing guard assigned to the busy intersection. Wearing matching bright orange vest and gloves — not much protection from a moving car — Bellin unflinchingly steps into the intersection with a whistle in mouth to direct traffic and delivery student pedestrians safely to school. Bellin, who has a tickling dry wit when he’s still standing on the corner, is all business when he’s out on the street. “Mainly, I would say it’s important because it protects the kids,” says Bellin of his job.

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080827BB-guard02: Students Gustabo Muniz, Fabiola Muniz and Anthony Crespo crossing Old 41 with the watchful eye of Len Bellin. Aaron Hale/staff
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Len Bellin, 81, has been the unsung hero at the corner of East Terry Street and Old 41 in Bonita Springs where he has served as the crossing guard for three years, helping children get to and from school safely. Michel Fortier/Staff
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