Greenburgh board opens meeting with tributes to musician Wayne Lewis and former councilwoman Eddie Mae Barnes

The Greenburgh Town Board opened its June 11 session with a moment of silence and tributes to two community figures: Wayne Lewis, a local-born member of the group Atlantic Star, and former councilwoman Eddie Mae Barnes.

Chair opened the memorials, saying of Wayne Lewis: "He was such a nice human being, very modest," and noted the town’s 2017 honorary roadway designation recognizing the band. Board members recalled Lewis’s local ties and touring schedule and encouraged residents to remember his contributions to the community’s cultural life.

Multiple members and guests then paid tribute to Eddie Mae Barnes, who served on the town board from 1992 to 2007 and spent decades in nursing. A long-form biographical statement read during the meeting recounted Barnes’s leadership in establishing the town’s Police Community Advisory Commission and her work as director of nursing at Rye Hospital Center. One board member said Barnes "was a voice of the people" who combined professionalism with a commitment to public service. The board also noted that flags at town hall were being flown at half-staff.

The meeting included a recorded congressional statement honoring Barnes that was played for attendees. Board members said details about any memorial service would be shared with the public when available.

The tributes concluded before the board moved on to the night’s business agenda.