LHS could not possibly function without the efforts of custodians like Christopher “Chris” Brower. After a 31-year career at LHS, Brower is now taking his retirement. “Mr. Brower’s spirit of community is outstanding. Not only is he an important part of what makes LHS run, but he is also deeply involved in his own community as a volunteer firefighter. I wish Mr. Brower all the best in his retirement,” Principal Matthew Sarosy expressed. A friendly face seen throughout the building and known by many teachers, Brower will be missed.
Brower resides in Hewlett, where he also went to high school. After various jobs post-high school, including those in sanitation, Brower found out about a job opportunity in Lynbrook. He recalled, “My friend’s mother used to work across the street, and she told me there were openings.” With that, he came in and filled out an application.
Alongside the other custodians, Brower is responsible for the maintenance of the LHS building. His everyday tasks include collecting packages and mail, exterior cleanup, minor repairs, cleaning spills, delivering teachers’ orders, and various other tasks. Brower explained that the custodians assemble and install new furniture; for instance, he helped with the setup of the music room in the new wing when it was first built. Custodians also arrange the chairs according to given diagrams for various assemblies such as award ceremonies and graduation.
Head custodian Bill Ludwig commented on Brower’s work ethic: “He does his work. He does anything I ask of him. He’ll take care of it. He’s good like that.” Custodian Al Marte humorously noted, “[He is] grouchy sometimes, but he does it.” In all seriousness, it is evident that Brower’s coworkers will miss him dearly. “[We wish him] lots of luck. We hope he enjoys his retirement. We know he’s moving to Tennessee, and [we] hope he gets to relax and enjoy it,” custodian Sal Grillo expressed.
Brower shared that the number-one thing he will miss about this job is the people. “[I will miss] seeing the same people every day and the conversations,” Brower emphasized. If anyone can attest to the conversationalist Brower is, that would be health teacher Jen Kramer. “I am going to miss Chris’ sense of humor, and he was one of my go-to conversation partners about spicy wings and great food. I wish him relaxing days off and a wealth of riches and health in his retirement,” Kramer shared.
Outside of his job, Brower lives humbly. He was a Hewlett fireman for 33 years and continues to be an inactive life member. He also served as lieutenant captain for a year during the duration of his active years. In terms of hobbies, Brower loves his motorcycle and is in a motorcycle club. He looks forward to cruising around more now that he will have more time on his hands.
Heading into retirement, Brower shared that he is “just looking forward to being home and relaxing a little bit.” Later on, he and his wife plan to move out to Tennessee to be closer to her family, and he hopes to continue his firefighter volunteer work there too.
Brower got on well with many teachers who had some parting words for him. “Chris was one of the first people I met when I first started working here at LHS. He was super friendly and helpful that first year to get me started and settled in, whether it was telling me how to get to a specific classroom or just to stop and talk for a bit about our shared hobbies and interests. I hope that he sets his sights on a peaceful and fun retirement, and I wish him all the best,” technology teacher Errol Dusman shared.
Art teacher Tom Sena has known Brower for over 20 years. Before the new wing was built, the art rooms were in the banana wing; Brower oversaw that area and would always check in with Sena to see if anything was needed or simply just to chat. “He has always been quick to help with anything I needed, and we became fast friends over our shared interests, including our love of tattoo culture. I will miss him stopping by my classroom to ask if everything is in order, or just to peek in and say hello or to ask how my family is doing. I already have a standing offer to come visit him and his wife down in Tennessee when he moves at the end of the summer, and I just might take him up on it,” Sena expressed.
