Lynne Barnes is the force behind what she hopes will be a new area tradition: a community Christmas Dinner where this Saturday almost 200 volunteers will help serve a free dinner to more than 300 guests at the First Christian Church in Champaign. Barnes is the Vice President of Hospital Operations at Carle Foundation Hospital. She tirelessly volunteers and/or serves on the board for many community organizations including the United Way and Developmental Service Center, and is a former Urbana city council member. She is also mom to daughter Jennifer, and a very active grandmother to her preschooler granddaughter and toddler grandson.
See why we think Lynne Barnes is a Chambana Mom to Know.
Q: How did you get the idea to do the dinner at First Christian Church on Christmas Day, and why did you decide to pursue this project?
Last Christmas we read in the News-Gazette about a church in Ridge Farm which hosted a Christmas Day dinner for those who might otherwise be eating alone, and it was a huge success. That brought to mind the successful C-U tradition of the Thanksgiving dinner at Urbana High School, and considering that a dinner on Christmas day would also likely meet a need. Though it is a joyful time for many who have family and resources, Christmas can be a difficult time for those who may not have family near or who may not be able to afford a special dinner. It made sense to give this a try, knowing that there are many giving people in C-U who might enjoy being a part of this. And there are….even without much asking, we have 175 volunteers ready to serve on Christmas Day!
Q: Do you have any special Christmas memories you can share from your childhood?
Several, as fortunately my parents felt that establishing traditions was an important part of parenting. One of my favorites is that my dad used to run around the outside of the house after we were all in bed, jingling bells – of course we all stayed awake just waiting for the event and realizing it was our dad because we saw his rather robust profile outside our windows. We never told him we knew. J
Q: What’s the difference between being the parent at Christmas and being the Grandparent?
Interestingly enough, I am possibly even more focused on my grandchildren’s perspective on “getting and giving” than I was as a parent. It is an odd mix of wanting to spoil them and wanting to contribute heartily to the development of their character. We certainly do our share of doting….…(their stockings at our house are enormous – which actually, now that I think about it, is kind of embarrassing, given what I just said, and probably not helping their parents to establish the appropriate balance at Christmas!).
Q: You are one of the most influential women in Champaign-Urbana, active on many charity boards and in local government in addition to having a very prominent career. What work/life balance advice/secret can you let us in on?
I am a planner. If I want to do something, need to do something or should do something, I plan it, which usually means I put in my Blackberry, making time for it. I plan my family time, leisure time, exercise time and volunteer time just as rigorously as I plan my work. As I think about this…I think the other thing that works for me is “activity blending”. I would describe this as meeting two needs in one activity. For example, getting errands done on Saturday with my daughter and her children; this one is a “three for one”…family time, errands and setting a tradition! Or, doing my email while on my elliptical! And another helpful factor – I have a wonderful housekeeper!
Q: Through your work at Carle and your various volunteer engagements you see many of the disadvantaged in our community and are able to help them. How can we, regardless of income, make a difference to help people — especially children — in Champaign County?
Making a difference in any area requires a relentless passion. Relentless, because be we can’t be “one hit wonders” and passion because I believe that passion fuels energy and energy drives results. One person can generate an idea, but it is through community and teamwork that an idea is nurtured and comes to fruition. So whether it is addressing the needs of children, seniors, or the homeless, good things happen because people are working together. Just look at United Way, the Junior League, Salt and Light and the local C-U One-to-One mentoring program, just to name a very few…. These organizations are getting it done because they collectively demonstrate a relentless passion for their missions. I love working in healthcare because every day I have an opportunity to make a difference through working with so many others. I have never accomplished anything of significance either at work or in my personal or volunteer life without help.
Q: What is your Christmas wish this year?
My list is long, but if you want to know one that is top of mind right now, it would be that the Community Christmas Dinner would make a positive impact on many individuals’ lives and that both guests and volunteers go to bed on Christmas night with a little more joy in their hearts.
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