Lynbrook's 2011 Woman of the Year: Carol Burak

Carol Burak.

She needs no introduction, nor does she want one. In fact, Burak is most comfortable behind the scenes of the countless fundraisers, meetings, and community events she has organized in Lynbrook over the past 43 years.

But on Monday, before a packed meeting room at Village Hall and with many more watching on Lynbrook TV, she received the well-deserved honor of being named Lynbrook's 2011 Woman of the Year.

"As the saying goes, 'if you want something done, give it to a busy woman.' I mean, give it to Carol Burak," said her daughter, Melissa, in a letter nominating her for Woman of the Year. "You would be hard-pressed to find someone who has done so much for her community, parish, and family from the first moment she lived in this town."

Just some of her community involvement includes being an active part of Our Lady of Peace Church's Mothers Group, Parish Council, Antioch Group, Religious Education Program and Eucharistic Ministry. She serves as secretary for the church and also for the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce.

In addition, Burak was one of the main organizers of the village's Centennial events, which have been running since last year. She puts together the annual New Residents' Orientation, and has been on the selection committee to choose Lynbrook's Man and Woman of the Year for over a decade.

"What is so remarkable about it all is the fact that she does it all in a humble way, never seeking attention or the spotlight," Melissa said in her letter. "It is all simply a labor of love for her."

But Burak briefly stepped into the spotlight on Monday night, not surprisingly to thank everyone else who assists her in everything she does for the community.

"I'd just like to thank everyone, especially the Centennial Committee, for their hard work and dedication," Burak said. Referencing the theme song from "Cheers," Lynbrook's 2011 Woman of the Year said that the village is a true example of a place where everybody knows your name.