March 2017 Park Angel of the Month: Jack McAuliffe
Jack McAuliffe’s retirement lasted a short 36 hours before he was recruited by a neighbor and Conservancy Lead Angel volunteer to earn his wings and become a Park Angel. A few days later, Jack began volunteering at his neighborhood community garden, planting produce and tending the harvests at weekly Gathering in the Garden events.
Fast forward two years and Jack remains a regular among the many dedicated and passionate Park Angels at Magnolia Community Garden. You can catch Jack tending the community plots at Magnolia every Tuesday and Friday during Gathering in the Garden hours. No matter the day, the Conservancy can count on Jack to to stop by the garden and water the community beds, always saying it’s “my pleasure” to lend a helping hand.
Jack, a retired electrician who lives in the Avondale area, says he enjoys being outside and learning the ins and outs of gardening. He has continued to stay active during his retirement by volunteering throughout the Charleston community. Since volunteering in the Conservancy’s community gardens, Jack has become quite the cook and baker! He and his fiance, Patty, have been inspired to try new recipes with fresh produce from the garden. Plus, Jack appreciates being able to contribute to growing the fruits and vegetables that are then harvested for donation to local food pantries. Just this year, he planted and grew “the most perfectly spaced, perfectly round beautiful red radishes,” said Leslie, our Community Garden Coordinator.
A passionate Park Angel, Jack continues to spread the word about the Conservancy and his local community garden. “He greets everyone who walks into the park and welcomes them to join us by volunteering,” Leslie says. And so we’d like to thank you, Jack, for all the great things you bring to the table at Gathering in the Garden!
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*Are you interested in volunteering at one of our community gardens? Learn more about Gathering in the Gathering here. *