By John Tredrea, Special Writer
Sandra Witts, a school crossing guard in Lambertville for 24 years who will retire Dec. 31, was honored at Monday night’s City Council meeting, when a proclamation in her honor was issued.
Ms. Witts was hired as a crossing guard in October 1990. She first worked at the intersection of York and Main streets and then was moved, the proclamation notes, to "the busiest" location with which city crossing guards must deal, at the Lambertville Public School.
The proclamation says that Ms. Witts has "efficiently, professionally and safely ensured the safety of thousands of Lambertville Public School students, parents and teachers over the past 24 years."
The document also praised her for her courtesy and friendliness on the job, saying "the community has come to appreciate Sandra’s kind and gentle approach," shown by the way she "greets the parents, students and teachers as they cross onto the school grounds with a ‘Good morning and how are you’ and ‘have a great day’ as they crossed to go home." The proclamation congratulates her on a job well done and wishes her a happy retirement."
ALSO HONORED with a proclamation at Monday night’s Council meeting was Roxey Ballet, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in Lambertville. A nonprofit, Roxey Ballet began in 1995 as the Hunterdon Youth Ballet when professional dancers Mark and Melissa Roxey "brought world-class professional dance training and performance opportunities to Hunterdon County," the proclamation states.
It continues: " Mark and Melissa both had distinguished careers with American dance companies including The Joffrey Ballet, American Repertory Ballet, and Dayton Ballet, among numerous others."
The trustees of the Hunterdon County Youth Ballet changed its name to Roxey Ballet "to reflect its clear direction and development into an outstanding touring professional dance company with a superb roster of internationally recognized artists from all over the world. Today audiences enjoy more than 70 repertory works and a wide range of full-length ballets," the proclamation adds.
Roxey Ballet performed at the inauguration of President Obama and has performed extensively all over the country, including New York City and Boston.
The proclamation names Nov. 29 as Roxey Ballet Day in Lambertville.

