is known by many names Bike lady, lunch lady and Avon lady are some of the names that Spencerport resident Ethel Blanchard is known by. At the age of 75, she is busy working and volunteering every day. For 21 years, she has worked every school day at St. John the Evangelist School as a lunch lady. Linda Boone, principal of St. John's School, describes Ethel as kind, gentle and dedicated to the students. "She loves children and helping them in any way she can. On April Fool's Day, Ethel will let the children trick her over and over. The young children get such a kick out of tricking a grownup and Ethel loves to go along with their silliness," said Boone. Besides working at St. John's School, Ethel sells Avon cosmetics and products in her neighborhood and also sings with the St. John Folk Group at every Saturday evening Mass. Joanne Bourne, a member of St. John's Parish, has known Blanchard for over 20 years and describes her as, "a person who would put everyone else ahead of herself. She has a quiet presence and yet plays an important role in many peoples' lives," said Bourne. Most people know Ethel for the work that she does. But she is also recognized as the lady who rides her bike through the village of Spencerport. Blanchard rides her bike back and forth to St. John's School and also around the village making her Avon deliveries. "I ride my bike everyday when I can," said Ethel. She celebrated 75th birthday on January 6. Over 50 people attended a special celebration at the St. John's Parish center in Spencerport. At this celebration, members of the St. John's Folk Group presented Ethel with an adult tricycle equipped with a large basket for her Avon deliveries and trips to school and the village. When asked about the birthday celebration and gift, Ethel was overcome with emotion, "I can't express how I feel, I have such wonderful friends," she said. January 14, 2007 |
