Malverne Everyday Hero: Brian Lewis Jr. Helps Rebuild Crossroads Farm

Do you know someone making a difference in our community? Patch wants to tell that person’s story in a new series we’re calling “Everyday Heroes.” We are looking to share inspirational and uplifting stories of people who work to change others’ lives for the better.

Today’s nominee was sent in by Kristy Florio.

Name of Everyday Hero: Brian Lewis Jr.

Relationship to the nominee: Neighbor and brother

Details of good work

Brian is an active member of the Malverne community. He belongs to the Malverne Civic Association and the Malverne Merchant’s Association. For 15 years, Brian has been a member of the Malverne Police Reserve, where he once served as captain and is currently a Deputy Inspector. Brian is also on the Board for Nassau Land Trust as Secretary. Brian has always loved the outdoors, growing up as a Boy Scout, camping and spending many weekends visiting Upstate NY at his grandparent’s house across from a milk cow farm. Helping Crossroads Farm in Malverne has become a passion of Brian’s and his mission is to help create new farm memories with his family and the community. Brian and his family have been the force behind many things at Crossroads farm including purchase and restoration of a hay wagon, rebuilding and donating a farm truck, securing donation of and providing labor for an HVAC system installation, refurbishing a Ford Powermaster tractor and an antique wooden dump wagon. Brian was instrumental in helping move new animals to the farm from their previous home in Islip and recently installed new security cameras throughout the barn. Brian prides himself on being the farm “go to” person and serves on the Farm Advisory Committee.

Why do you feel this person is an Everyday Hero?

Brian has been instrumental in the rebuilding of a landmark for Malverne and all of Nassau County, Crossroads Farm. The farm was saved by the Nassau Land Trust, and Brian has made it his goal to make sure the farm not only survives, but thrives. He has rounded up volunteers and made this a wonderful place for the residents to enjoy. We have a resource for organic produce and grocery items. There is now a petting zoo for our children. Schools and children’s groups (such as boy scouts, girl scouts, etc) learn about organic, biodynamic, and biointensive farming.

Photos: Brian with a family at Crossroads Farm; Brian in his Police Reserve uniform with his parents (father also in police reserve); Brian from one of the Crossroads events with Assemblyman Brian Curran and Trustee Jack O’Brien next to the hay wagon Brian purchased and restored that is now used at all events for fundraising hay rides. Provided by: Kristy Florio

Do you know someone who is an “Everyday Hero?” Nominate them by following the instructions below.

Please answer the following questions:

1. Name of Everyday Hero
2. Your relationship to the nominee
3. Details of good work done or being done
4. Why do you feel this person is an Everyday Hero?

Email your answers, along with a photo, to heather.doyle@patch.com and your Everyday Hero could be featured!

Sign up for your local daily Patch newsletter and breaking news alerts here

More on Patch:

• And...They’re Gone. Billy Joel Sells Out Coliseum in Less Than 5 Minutes
• Campaign Raising Funds After Sudden Loss of Massapequa Dad
• Nassau Police: Signs Graffitied, Windows Broken
• 252 Batteries Stolen from School Buses in Oceanside
• Man Loses 3 Fingers in Elmont Explosion
• 20 New Job Openings in Nassau This Week
• Road Closures Announced for LI Marathon
• Police: Bags Stolen from Cars Parked at Gyms in Nassau
• Two Arrested in Brawl Over Mall Parking Spot
• Cops: Woman Found Dead in East Meadow Home Was Murdered
• Police: Man Posed as Teen, Performed Sexual Acts Online While Children Watched
• Cops: Man Exposed Himself in East Meadow
• Cats Do ‘Cat Stuff’ For Adoption in Long Island Man’s Rap Video