Finley Aide Celebrates 84th Birthday
With Congress talking about lifting the retirement age, don't expect Ermine Brockschmidt to be fazed one bit. She's still on the job as a J. Taylor Finley Middle School teacher's aide, even after celebrating her 84th birthday late last month.
Now in her 43rd year at Finley, Mrs. Brockschmidt is a cherished member of the school's family. Principal John Amato hopes she stays on the staff for many more years. That suits the senior citizen just fine because she has no plans to leave her position any time soon.
Mrs. Brockschmidt began working at Finley in September 1968. Mr. Amato is the fourth principal to serve during that time. She is stationed at the front reception desk, greeting visitors and signing them into the building, assisting students with locker problems, processing youngsters arriving late, helping with mailings to parents and generally pitching in to help whenever assistance is needed.
A widow since 1976, Mrs. Brockschmidt's family suggested she retire a few years ago, but she quickly nixed the idea. She still loves her job and enjoys working at Finley.
Work is second nature to this sturdy woman. She was employed in A&S department store at the Walt Whitman Mall for 18 years until the store closed. She'd still be there if it had stayed open.
"Mrs. Brockschmidt is truly an amazing person," Mr. Amato said. "We had one of the harshest winters in memory and she did not miss a day. She handles problems all day long and she loves the students and parents. She never says 'no' if I need her for a task. Huntington is fortunate to have her. I did joke once that she told me she is only going to work another 20 years and then she will retire."
A typical winter day sees Mrs. Brockschmidt reading a book during her morning break. Once temperatures warm up, she will use her break time for a short walk in the area, probably along Polly Drive. A similar walk resulted in a broken wrist in October 2008 when she stumbled on a sidewalk along 25A that was lifted out of position by tree roots. She fell hard, was helped up by a passing cab driver and taken back to Finley supporting her injured limb with her other arm.
Mr. Amato recalls the aide walking into the office and apologizing for the ensuing commotion, without regard to the pain she was obviously in. After surgery in a local doctor's office, she returned to her post in the Finley "blue zone," as the school lobby is called.
At Finley, Mrs. Brockschmidt continues to be a living institution and an inspiration to teachers and support staff of all ages. When Clinton Atkins, one of the school's original faculty members, retired in June 2008, she became the longest serving employee to still work in the building.
"I have plenty to keep me busy at home but why should I retire when I love this job so much?" Mrs. Brockschmidt asked.