North Suffolk crossing guard has fan club

Teachers Pat and Kollette Hillard regularly travel Bennetts Pasture Road on their daily commute to Nansemond-Suffolk Academy. While they miss the afternoon traffic pattern in front of John Yeates Middle School, they are quite familiar with the morning routine. Crossing guard Helen Banks has made a lasting impression on morning and afternoon commuters and school administrators during her four-year stint. “She is very diligent in monitoring the traffic, is fair in the directing of the traffic, and greets everyone with a friendly wave and big smile,” Kollette wrote in an email suggesting I check out Helen. “She is the highlight of our morning drive!” While I missed the morning performance at the school parking lot entrance, I did catch the alternate afternoon act with all 20 buses exiting in quick rotation. Helen was quite surprised to see me with camera clicking, but John Yeates Principal Dan O’Leary wasn’t surprised in the least. He is proud to have Helen as the first person folks see at school each day.

The charming three-acre property at 5664 Shoulders Hill Road, formerly known as Heirloom Botanica, is now October Moon II. Owned and operated by Paul Kube and Jeanne Buttons Jackson, they are combining her antiques, collectibles and estate skills with his outdoor sheds, gardening frills and special events skills. The grand-opening celebration is Friday and Saturday and will feature a plethora of gifts and decorating ideas perfect for pre-Christmas selection. Early in 2012, one of the outbuildings will become a specialized children’s shop for furnishings, clothing and toys. Stop by for the current offerings and a preview of things to come. Contact Paul at 735-5692 or Jeanne at 295-0071.

Nansemond Parkway Elementary School’s PTA has arranged for six weeks of “Mad Science” after-school programs from Nov. 7 through Dec. 12. Mad Science presentations spark imaginative learning with after-school, preschool, summer and vacation programs and special events. When I dropped in Nov. 21, Melissa Graul, aka Meteorite Melissa, had her 20 first- and second-graders working in the music room with pingpong balls, hair dryers, candles and Airzookas on the Under Pressure/Funky Forces unit. Meanwhile, Melissa Merriweather, aka Mercury Mel, had her third- to fifth-grade group in the art room exploring the science of magic. Curious cubes and polymers were getting a workout with the precocious students.  I was impressed that both instructors had well-established ground rules and already knew 75-80 percent of their students’ names. Building rapport while creatively conveying new concepts is a surefire recipe for igniting a love of science and exploration.

Northern Shores Elementary School held favorite character day during American Education Week Nov. 14-19. Students who participate in the Teachers’ Helping Hands Club could dress up as a favorite character from a book and then read to a kindergarten or first-grade class.

I attended the Jingle Fever vendor event at the Harbour View Hilton Garden Inn a few weeks ago. I encountered Eclipse crafter/artist Nansi Strickland who keeps coming up with new and different items to keep her customers amused and intrigued. Her bread and butter is self-described whimsical, functional tile art; our dogs’ leash holder does indeed fulfill that niche with a bit of panache. Cotton fields around her home have led her to a Victor/Victoria-inspired series about love-starved sheep. Her specialized Virginia ornaments feature peanuts, cotton, cardinals and dogwoods. I’m hoping she might have a few I can use as gifts. If you’d like a refresher on Nansi, visit www.nansisdesigns.com or she can be reached at nansisdesigns@gmail.com.

Do you have a story to share about yourself, a family member or neighbor? Please let me know at k.billue@charter.net so I can spread your news to Your Corner!

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