By Brian McLaughlin
Robert Cribbin was named Man of the Year while Sheila Dillon was named Woman of the Year.
I was very surprised to received this award, said Dillon. I know many more women in Lynbrook that deserve this award just as much as I do.
'Woman of the Year'
Dillon moved to Lynbrook nine years ago with her husband, Jim, who has lived in the village his whole life. The couple now have two children. Lynbrook is a great community to raise children in, said Dillon.
In fact, it was one of her children, her son Jimmy, who inspired Dillon to take on the course of action that contributed in a large way to earning her newfound title.
After Sept. 11, my son asked me about ways his school could help the emergency workers, she said.
Dillon spearheaded a relief effort throughout all the Lynbrook schools in the wake of the tragedy. After just a short period of fundraising, she and her committee had raised enough donations to fill seven relief supply trucks.
Dillon also serves on Lynbrook's Winter Celebration Committee, which is in charge of organizing the village holiday celebrations, such as the Christmas tree lighting on Atlantic Avenue.
Man of the Year'
Robert Cribbin has lived in Lynbrook for all 38 years of his life, and has participated in the community in a variety of ways.
Cribbin is part of a family legacy in the Lynbrook Fire Department. The ex-chief and long-time member is also the son of the recently deceased John Cribbin, who served the department for 55 years.
Cribbin also serves Lynbrook as the emergency manager. In the case of a natural disaster or village-wide crisis, he would be the chief advisor to the mayor and the village board.
Cribbin has experience with such responsibility, having formerly served on the emergency management committee fire service. After he aided the village during the tornado of 98, Cribbin was moved up to lead the committee.
Cribbin lives in Lynbrook with his wife, Patty, and their two daughters, Robyn and Melissa. After receiving his award, Cribbin gave thanks to the mayor and the rest of the board for recognizing me like this.
Plaques were presented to Dillon and Cribbin by Lynbrook Mayor Eugene Scarpato during the meeting. Scarpato thanked both of them for their invaluable efforts in making Lynbrook the great community it is.
Pictured are Aiden and Jim Dillon, Jim Dillon Jr., Dillon's father John Flanagan, honoree Sheila Dillon, board member Tom Miccio, Mayor Eugene Scarpato, board member Kevin Kelly, honoree Robert Cribbin, board member Morey Foreman, Robyn Cribbin, board member Bill Hendricks, and Melissa and Patty Cribbin.
