Tireless Dedication Trait of 2014's Top Snellville Senior Center Vol

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For Lynn James, tragedy grew into triumph.

In 1988, James’ husband Derek passed away after a battle with cancer. But instead of retreating, James came out of her shell. It was then the 30-year Snellville resident said she started attending church and giving her time to numerous organizations in the Snellville area.

“When he passed away I recognized I needed to start taking charge of my life and live life to the fullest,” James said. “I recognized then how good (volunteering) was for me, helping me deal with being a widow and all.”

For her unselfish dedication to others, James was given the 2014 Snellville Senior Center – Parks and Recreation Volunteer of the Year Award Jan. 21.

James is a regular fixture at the Senior Center, but she is involved in a variety of organizations. She is an active member at Snellville United Methodist, where she is a part of the Susanna Wesley Circle, the Friendship Sunday School Class and the United Methodist Woman’s group. She also volunteers as a Sanctuary Saint by keeping the worship area tidy. James is involved with the Potters Touch Ministry at the church which makes turbans and sleep caps for cancer patients. James is also is an active member of H2U, a volunteer organization at Eastside Medical Center, where she enjoys putting together hospital brochures. You might also find her at the check-in station or refreshment table working for the Red Cross Blood Bank at the hospital. An avid bowler, she is also part of the H2U Trailblazers and is involved with is the Samaritans Purse, the Gwinnett Senior Golden Games, AARP tax services and being a poll volunteer for Gwinnett County. She has also become a “Mother’s Helper” in the community and donates her time on a regular basis doing household chores and babysitting for a busy family with three children.

“I’m living a better life than I would have if I didn’t volunteer.” said James, who lives by the motto “variety is the spice of life.” “I enjoy being out there and being with people and accomplishing things. I get so much more out of it the more I put into it.”

In her spare time, James is a Red Hatter, plays cards with three different Canasta groups, participates in a Book Club with her neighbors in Stockton Walk, likes to travel and enjoys playing Bunco and Quirkle.

“The volunteers at the Senior Center are such a valuable asset to not just the center but to the community,” said Parks and Recreation Department Director Lisa Platt. “Our Parks and Recreation Department staff would be unable to accomplish all their daily tasks or continue to create and add new programs and events to the Senior Center without the help of volunteers.

“Lynn James specifically continues to donate her time and effort at the center, often being called upon at the last minute. She graciously responds to most all of our requests. She has been put to work in almost every aspect of the center and has done a superb job at each task. The hours Mrs. James has given to the Snellville Senior Center cannot be truly acknowledged with just an award, but it is the best way we know how to let the community know what a valuable individual we have among us in Mrs. Lynn James.”

Kathi Gargiulo, senior program supervisor, said James is invaluable at the center.

“Even with a full calendar, she tries her best to meet our needs by helping us whenever she can,” Gargiulo said. “We are so very fortunate to have such a dedicated volunteer such as Lynn. She is always willing to help our citizens in whatever way she can. Lynn always go above and beyond to help us fulfill our needs here at the center. Whether we need someone to answer phones or we need help with decorating, Lynn is always willing to help. And she does it with a smile.”

— From City of Snellville

(Photo: From left, Snellville Parks and Recreation Department Director Lisa Platt, volunteer of the year Lynn James, Mayor Kelly Kautz and Kathi Gargiulo, senior program supervisor with the 2014 Snellville Senior Center – Parks and Recreation Volunteer of the Year Award.)