Emogene “Emma” Snyder, a local volunteer at the Heritage Harmony House, was in tears when she received the fourth quarter Lieutenant Governor’s Senior Service Award last Monday.
Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder instituted the award to promote and highlight senior citizens who go above and beyond the call of duty in their local communities. Each quarter, winners are chosen out of 10 regions throughout the state. Snyder was chosen as this region’s fourth quarter winner.
Some of the community events Snyder regularly volunteers her time with are:
• minimum of four hours time at HHH
• answering phones, running errands, organizing activities and trips utilizing the Lawrence County Council van
• volunteer with the Aurora Nursing Center as chaplain
• organizing/hosting the TCE, a tax assistance program for senior citizens
• promoting daily announcements and programs, as well as delivering meals to homebound citizens in Aurora
• member of the Lawrence County Council on Aging (LCCOA) where she plans, organizes and directs trips using the organization’s van
• fill-in secretary for the LCCOA
Cathy Lacy, director of HHH, presented Snyder with the award during the daily lunch. Lacy noted that there are many volunteers who help with functions at the center. She commended Snyder for being so active and those attending gave a round of applause.
In the speech, Snyder said that it was an honor to receive the recognition.
“I try to help someone every day using the talents the Lord has blessed me with. When I die, I want the Lord to say I have used all the talents he has given me,” said Snyder.
“Theodore Roosevelt said do what you can with what you have where you are,” she continued, “and I want to thank my mother and family for the training as I was growing up to help others.”
Snyder also thanked the staff, board members, volunteers and friends at the centers in which she volunteers.
