Lynbrook honors its Man and Woman of the Year

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Dozens of residents packed out Village Hall on June 19 as the Lynbrook Village board of trustees honored its Man and Woman of the Year — both of whom were met with raucous applause from those in the audience.

The board collected and combed through letters from residents endorsing members of the community who go above and beyond for Lynbrook, and Larry Swing and Maria Fasano were selected to earn the honors. Cina Muhammed wrote the letter nominating Fasano, while Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce President Carol Burak endorsed Swing.

“Mrs. Fasano’s selflessness, commitment and dedication compliment precisely the stellar community of past recipients and make her highly deserving of the honor,” Muhammed wrote in the letter.

Muhammed also referenced a shining example of Fasano’s dedication to her community. On May 30, despite being tired and sore, Fasano loaded her car with cold water, Gatorade and snacks and waited outside of Lynbrook North Middle School in the pouring rain to make sure the student-athletes were well nourished before their games. Muhammad said that Fasano also volunteers at the middle school and at West End Elementary School, and that she participated in many projects “to improve the school and ensure that the children of the community grow up and learn in a happy, loving and safe environment.”

A Lynbrook resident for 22 years, Fasano was very emotional when addressing the audience and accepting the honor.

“I am honored and touched to receive this award,” Fasano said through tears. “ …I’m just a mom, a wife, a sister, a daughter an aunt and a friend. I do the things I do because I love my kids and I want to see all the Lynbrook kids happy and smiling and making wonderful memories.”

Burak said she nominated Swing because he is actively engaged in community service, including being involved in many Knights of Columbus events. She referenced a time last year when the Our Lady of Peace parish was hosting its 75th anniversary event and Swing graciously served food to more than 250 people.

“Larry stepped up to the plate and organized and prepared a barbecue with no knowledge of just how many people would attend,” Burak said. “… It was a tremendous success all due to the caring and loving manner in which Larry conducted himself.”

During his acceptance speech, Swing expressed his gratitude for the award.

“I’m gonna take this opportunity to thank the committee for voting for me for Man of the Year,” he said. “[To thank] my family who always supports me … and also my Woman of the Year, my wife.”