Fair Haven Honors Volunteer of the Year

She’s the woman you’ve been greeted by at many a Fair Haven Centennial or Knollwood Teen Canteen event. She’s helped at the scene of many emergencies as an EMT with the Fair Haven First Aid Squad. She’s been called tireless, talented and generous. She’s Amanda Lynn, and she’s Fair Haven’s Volunteer of the Year.

The award, an annual tradition initiated in 2010 by former Mayor Michael Halfacre, is designed to “recognize members of the community for their commitment to service.”

And, for what was deemed her exemplary service to the community, Lynn was recognized with a proclamation and plenty of accolades from residents and officials alike.

“Amada Lynn has been very instrumental in all of our centennial events, not only by sitting on committees, but being there, coordinating events, providing graphic arts services, setting up and anything else for which she was needed,” Mayor Ben Lucarelli said after the proclamation was presented at Monday night’s Borough Council meeting. “She donated countless hours of her time not only to the Tour de Fair Haven, Regatta, Centennial Garden Party, Oktoberfest and the Centennial Gala, but also to making many first aid calls, planning and coordinating Teen Canteen events and reaching outside of the Fair Haven community to help after Sandy with emergencies and displaced people at Monmouth Park and in Sea Bright.

“She’s a single mom with a tremendous amount of energy and community spirit.”

And sustaining that spirit and ensuring its triumph through everything from emergencies to celebrations is exactly why Lynn was chosen for the honor, Lucarelli added.

“Amanda Lynn exemplifies what a volunteer is through her tireless efforts in giving time and energy to various efforts in our community,” the proclamation from the mayor and council says. “… it (council) extends its deep appreciation and gratitude to Amanda Lynn for her many years of selfless public service.”

An honored and humble Amanda Lynn accepted the award with thanks as the audience rose to their feet and applauded her.