BOTKINS — There are many ways to give back to the community.
Bill Miller, of Botkins, does it by standing out in front of Botkins Local School for 40 minutes to an hour each day helping kids accross East State Street.
“I want to give back to the community in any way I can and this is one way of helping the kids and I enjoy it,” he said.
Miller has lived in Botkins for the past 40 years. He retired from Copeland Corporation (Emerson Climate Technologies) in July 2015. He is also a Vietnam War veteran.
Last spring there was talk at the school board meeting of a need for a crossing guard out in front of the school, but nothing ever came of it. Botkins Superintendent Jeff McPheron said they haven’t considered hiring anyone permanently since he’s been with the school this last half of the year.
“One of the challenges with the new school was getting kids safely across State Street,” he said.
What sparked action was just before Thanksgiving this year a Botkins community member posted on Facebook about how dangerous they thought State Street was for young kids to cross.
“I just thought since I’m retired I would volunteer to help do this because I like kids and I want to make it safe for them,” Miller said.
So Miller asked Botkins Police Chief Tom Glass about volunteering out there, and Glass in turn asked McPheron at the school.
“I said absolutely yes. If people are willing to volunteer to keep the kids safe, then we will graciously take the help,” McPheron said.
Glass gave Miller a bright yellow vest and a hand held stop sign and Miller went to work each morning and afternoon.
“After I was up here for a while I could see why they were saying how bad the crossing was for kids because some drivers and kids don’t pay attention to their surroundings,” Miller said. “I’m surprised at the people who have thanked me since I’ve started. Most of the ones who have thanked me are parents with kids who don’t even walk to school or home from school.”
Anywhere from eight to 10 kids cross the street in front of the school each day. Miller said it depends on the day and time of day, more kids walk home because more parents will bring them in the morning, and it warms up a little bit.
“I stay here until almost all the cars are gone (out of the parking lot). I know if they are gone the kids are,” Miller said. “One time I had left and I saw three kids walking down the sidewalk, so I did a u-turn and came back to make sure they got across safely.”
He is not just a crossing guard, but a cheerleader for the kids at sporting events and other activities.
“I follow the sports as much as I can … Any activity going on in the school I try to follow it,” Miller said. “I don’t have kids in school anymore, so I just follow the kids as they come up through the grades and I like to support them.”
He has two daughters, one in California and one in Florida, and four grandchildren.
“I can’t be with my grand kids everyday, so in a way they’re my surrogate grand kids,” Miller said.
The Botkins community is close.
“We are very blessed at Botkins to have a community that is always willing to help out,” McPheron said. “And Bill is no different. He is always visible at sporting events and supports the kids. He is a true example of how the community helps the school.”
Miller waves to some of the same people everyday as he’s out on the street corner and the kids honk at him as they pull out of the parking lot.
“See you in the morning. Have a good night,” he said to some children crossing the street while speaking to the Sidney Daily News.
Miller said, “It makes me feel good, but at the same time I don’t do this for recognition. If I put a smile on a kids face that makes my day.”
