Lots of people are recognized for their faces, but a Center Moriches crossing guard has a wave that made her a local celebrity. Melissa Greve, of Mastic, will retire this year after 14 years of being a crossing guard.
Greve has become a part of the Center Moriches community after seven years of helping families cross. Her iconic wave could be seen at Brookfield Avenue and Montauk Highway as Clayton Huey students made their way in and out every day. She is also a crossing guard for St. John the Evangelist Church in Center Moriches on Sundays.
Keith and Cassy Caputo of Helping Makes U Happy are planning a party to celebrate Greve’s retirement in August, as well as her and her husband Richard’s 50th wedding anniversary. The event will be on Aug. 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Moriches Recreation Center on Frowein Road. The Caputos are asking those interested to RSVP so they can adequately prepare. Outflowing of support from the community came in shortly after with well wishes and stories of Greve making days better for families in the community. Residents reported her making them smile, treating their kids well, and being a special part of the community.
“She has been making people happy with her waves for a lot of years,” Cassy Caputo said.
Greve started as a crossing guard in Shoreham, where she would get the occasional wave, but said it skyrocketed once she arrived in Center Moriches. She has felt like a part of the community and has made a lot of connections with residents.
“I love the people, I just love them to pieces,” she said.
On top of her crossing guard duties, Greve has been a volunteer for Meals on Wheels through Moriches Nutrition for about 20 years. Her colleagues say she is a kind, reliable, and fun person who has helped a lot of people. She brings gifts and treats to the office staff and her clients every holiday. Greve helps out one day a week between her crossing guard shifts.
“She’s just a wonderful person,” said Donna Howard, of Moriches Nutrition.
Greve is also known for bringing treats to kids when they walk to school. Those who have met and gotten to know her say she will be missed. Greve plans on relocating to Virginia to get away from the harsh winters.
“Melissa Greve was the friendliest crossing guard you’d ever meet,” said councilman Dan Panico. “She could always be found, no matter the weather, at the corner of Brookfield Avenue and Montauk Highway, helping students and their families cross the roadway to Clayton Huey Elementary School, while waving to all passing motorists with a friendly smile. We were happy and pleased to honor her for 14 years of service as a crossing guard, as well as her many years of service with Meals on Wheels. She will be sorely missed by the Center Moriches community.”
The party to honor Greve will be on Aug. 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Moriches Bay Recreation Center on Frowein Road next to Center Moriches High School. If you plan to attend, RSVP to Helping Makes U Happy, (631)878-1978. The Caputos are hoping to gather photos of people with Greve to display at the event, which can also be sent to them. They are also welcoming gift (not really big stuff that would be cumbersome during a move, but gift cards, etc.) or dessert donations.
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