Judy Boggus is what some might call the quintessential volunteer. She is more than just a talker - she is a planner and a do-er, which makes her current role as recording secretary for the LaGrange Symphony Guild perfect.

Boggus is a big fan of music, particularly symphony music. She calls it “therapeutic” and says “music can stir the emotions and set one’s mood.”

Boggus said music and being a part of the guild has “enriched my life.” She says her love and appreciation for the art and the musician run “very deep.”

She joined the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra board in 2001.

“For this community to have such an organization makes a statement about us. We are truly blessed to have a symphony here, and with the conductor and the musicians,” Boggus said.

Saying that and seeing the benefits of music first-hand has allowed Boggus to assist in planning and coordinating events that will benefit the orchestra, such as the special pops concert at 8 p.m. Feb. 20 at Highland Country Club.

With the theme of “Carnivale,” she said the concert and dinner before the event promises to be “full of surprises. This concert has been going on for many years, long before we were involved.”

“Each year has a theme. Two years ago, Isabelle Knight was the coordinator and she did a wonderful job. It was a concert centered around memories of the war, and we had a lot of women, local women, who brought in pictures and other memorabilia that we could display and it was just awesome. The music was full of songs of the war,” Boggus said.

“When I heard the theme this year was ‘Carnivale,’ I couldn’t help but smile. I could just visualize bright colors and upbeat music that you would be able to tap your toes too, and of course, fun songs.”

She said the concert will be dedicated in memory of Harry Kruger. Kruger, a former professional flutist who was the founding conductor of the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, died in October.

“This is such an honor to remember a man such as Kruger,” she said.

— The fundraiser dinner and concert Feb. 20 begins with a cash bar at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 and the concert at 8:30. Tickets are $80. A raffle will be drawn prior to the concert.

Guild members are selling tickets for $10 each for an opportunity to stay for one week at an ocean front condo at The Plantation at Amelia Island, Fla.

For information, call Judy Boggus at (706) 845-7837 or the orchestra ticket office at (706) 882-0062.

— “Neighbors” is a feature of LaGrange Daily News which spotlights people who are in the news, have unusual hobbies or are otherwise interesting.

To suggest a person who could be profiled, contact Becky Holland at bholland@ lagrangenews or (706) 884-7311, Ext. 229.

Becky Holland may be reached at bhollandlagrangenews.com and (706) 884-7311, Ext. 229.