On March 18, 2012, the Philadelphia Winn Chapter NSDAR of Lawrenceville presented Mrs. Lois Allen the 2012 Community Service Award. The award recognizes Mrs. Allen's stewardship of the Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation system, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Starting with a handful of properties in 1987, the county can now boast of some forty-seven, thanks to Mrs. Allen's diligence.

Mrs. Allen, a retired middle school teacher, began her county volunteerism with youth athletic associations, park planning committees, and the Gwinnett County Recreation Authority. From 2003 to 2010, she served as chair. She has also conducted research for businesses, municipalities, and other groups interested in her expertise. She has presided over forty-seven groundbreakings and various renovation ceremonies. She has written articles and given speeches, not only on the park system, but also on Gwinnett's historical and green space preservation efforts.

Philadelphia Winn Daughter Janice Rinaldo, who works for Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation, presented the award to Mrs. Allen.

To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.dar.org.