By Leslie Gonzalez
Lynbrook officials recently announced their Citizens and Business award recipients for the year 2000. Husband and wife Frank and Antoinette Vallone of Lynbrook and All Metro Health Care were honored at the 5th Annual Community Awards Night, Nov. 18 at Lynbrook's Elks Lodge.
Sponsored by the Lynbrook Independent Party, the Citizen and Business of the Year awards have become a tradition for the Village, and are presented annually by the Mayor and the Independent Party President at a special ceremony that unites both residents and the business community. Last year's award recipients were Alan Beach as Citizen of the Year, and Lyn Gift Shop as Business of the Year. Each year, the festivities offer a night of mutual appreciation and celebration of Village prosperity.
In a formal message, Mayor Eugene Scarpato described this year's Citizen Award winners.
"Frank and Ann Vallone are examples of love, loyalty and dedication that cannot be measured with words. It is by their example that our children become good citizens." Originally from Brooklyn, the couple married in 1930 and moved to Lynbrook in 1954, where they raised three sons: Joseph, Frank Jr. and Tony. Mr. Vallone, a printer by trade, remains an active health club member at age 95. His wife, a successful homemaker, still loves to cook at age 90. Both are involved in Lynbrook's Senior Center at Greis Park and are members of the Italian Club. They have eight grandchildren, and recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
"Successful businesses now occupy most of our stores along Atlantic Avenue and a large part of the thanks must go to All Metro Health Care and its president, Glenn Edwards." Mayor Scarpato added. The company was founded in 1955 by Irving and Norma Edwards. The business was later resumed by the couple's son, Glenn.
Mr. Edwards and his staff supervise a home health agency, an emergency response company, a corporate benefits company and a domestic and companion agency occupying 15 offices in four states.
"Glenn Edwards had enough faith in Lynbrook that he was willing to risk a huge investment in our downtown."
From the company's Lynbrook headquarters, Mr. Edwards recently acquired another home health agency and medical recruiting company with 24 offices in four states.
In jointly announcing this year's award winners, Mayor Scarpato and newly elected Independent Party President Lou Miccio said in a prepared statement, "It is our hope that by recognizing such people and businesses, others will be encouraged to become involved, knowing that their actions are appreciated by their Village and community."
