By Karelyn Barone
Lynbrook and East Rockaway saw many of their brave young men and women go off to serve their country, and in return, a big-hearted E.R. businessman remembered them at Christmas by shipping 1,000 holiday trees overseas. Sadly, Lynbrook soldier Jeffrey Weiner was killed in Iraq, and the village lovingly dedicated its Memorial Day parade in his honor.
Anniversaries were celebrated: silver for the Lynbrook Junior Fire Department, and platinum for Lynbrook's Marion Street Elementary School. We lit candles in memory of our fallen heroes on Sept. 11, Lynbrook proposed a proper memorial garden, and we shone our brightest when we came together to benefit those in need -- a neighbor suffering with cancer, a child burdened with disease, a nation torn by hurricanes and a world awash with the devastation of a tsunami. Our village children sent cards, washed cars, sewed quilts, rolled pennies, raised money and, more important, raised spirits with their giving -- not just their own, but the spirits of those who benefited from their unselfish efforts.
Residents welcomed new businesses with ribbon-cutting ceremonies but scoffed loudly at those in favor of big development. County Executive Tom Suozzi toured the villages and announced his economic development plan, while homeowners perused their bills and balked at high taxes and astronomical gas prices.
It wasn't the best of times, but it was far from the worst of times. And the future is on our side. Do your part to make it a bright one. Let's meet here next year to laud your accomplishments, applaud your advances and reflect on what will hopefully be positive changes for the good in our communities.
