Lynn Kirby, a dedicated volunteer and active community member in Marathon, has been named Keys Weekly's Neighbor of the Week. Kirby, who moved to the Florida Keys full-time with her husband in May 2018 after purchasing a home in 2012, cited the Keys' warm climate as a primary draw, stating that "no snow and no freezing temperatures sold me on the Keys." The couple had been visiting Marathon with their family since 1993.

Kirby is a familiar face at St. Columba’s Nearly New Furniture Store, where she volunteers her time. She expressed her enjoyment of working with the store's team, decorating the space, and interacting with visitors from across the Keys. Her community involvement extends to singing in the church choir and participating in the Celtic Festival Team. She also contributes to church events such as Bingo and Marathon Monopoly.

Beyond her volunteer roles, Kirby is an active participant in local social activities. She enjoys playing Trivia at Dockside on Wednesday evenings and participating in Bunco games at the Marathon Theater. Her favorite pastime is embarking on RV adventures with her husband.

Kirby emphasized that the Keys offer a wealth of activities beyond common perceptions. "I have heard people say there is nothing to do except fish and drink, but there is so much to do here," she stated. She highlighted the fantastic weather, a vibrant community theater, numerous clubs and events, and excellent dining options as reasons for her appreciation of the area.

Reflecting on her life in Marathon, Kirby shared a unique customer interaction at the furniture store where a patron drove from Orlando to purchase an accordion for her father in Colombia, who leads music at his church. When asked about surprising apps on her phone, Kirby described her phone apps as "pretty boring," but mentioned using Wordscape to improve her spelling and language skills, especially during travel.

Volunteering has been a consistent part of Kirby's life since childhood, beginning with roles in her church choir and as an Acolyte. She previously managed a Thanksgiving dinner for eight years in Baltimore City. "I can’t imagine a time when I wouldn’t be volunteering," she said.

Her personal essentials include chocolate and a dedicated baking station in her kitchen. She keeps peppermint patties in the freezer and bakes weekly, with chocolate ice cream being a favorite. During the Christmas season, she bakes over 15 types of cookies, producing six dozen of each to give away.

For a hypothetical lunch, Kirby would choose a traditional crab feast with friends, complete with steamed crabs, corn on the cob, and cold drinks. On difficult days, she finds comfort in chocolate and watching HGTV. If she could shop for free, she would prefer an event like the Brimfield Flea Market in Massachusetts or the World's Longest Yard Sale, enjoying the "thrill of the hunt."

Kirby also shared a personal philosophy on prayer, suggesting a TED Talk topic on "Praying for your enemy." She recounted a bank robbery experience in 2003 where she chose not to let the event define her with fear, instead praying for the perpetrator and others involved, which she found to be a liberating experience. She believes this message is important for others to hear.

When considering the most critical needs in the Florida Keys, Kirby identified two key areas: improved access to medical care and doctors, and a greater availability of drug treatment and recovery services. She noted that residents often need to travel to Miami for specialized medical attention and addiction services.

Kirby also revealed a personal tradition: celebrating her own birthday with a party she hosts annually since turning 60, preparing the food and cake herself. She believes in celebrating each year of life, stating, "Life is short, so we should celebrate every year we are given." For more local news and updates, visit Keys Weekly.

The Florida Keys, a chain of tropical islands, are known for their unique lifestyle and community spirit. For general information about the region, resources are available through organizations like Florida Realtors, which provides insights into the state's real estate market.