 It doesn't get much better than giving back with those you love. This is something volunteers Linda McGuire, Jo Seiter, and Bill Seiter know all too well. With these three, volunteering is truly a family affair with Linda encouraging her sister Jo to join her in service, and Jo encouraging her husband Bill to get involved as well. Together this trio has contributed over 1,500 hours of service. |
Families volunteering together strengthen community ties, foster empathy, and create lasting while giving back and making a difference. One important aspect of volunteering is the heartfelt commitment behind it and the lasting impact it can have, both inside and out. These three volunteers had supported Adopt-A-Park for many years, but it was Linda who officially signed up to regularly volunteer after her early retirement in 2008. She shared that her love of gardening and enjoyment of the outdoors, along with encouragement from a neighbor, first drew her to Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteering is a wonderful social outlet for her, allowing her to engage with the community in meaningful ways. "I really enjoy the opportunity to work in the  gardens and love the beautiful flowers and colors that bloom each season. By coming regularly, it has been a great learning experience, and I've gotten to know everyone involved. It truly feels like a family," Linda expressed. She dedicates her Tuesdays to Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, but also encouraged her sister Jo, who shares her passion for gardening, to volunteer alongside her. Jo was still working at the time, but thanks to evening and weekend opportunities, she was also able to join Linda in service. Jo, who has always loved spending time outdoors, found that volunteering at Wegerzyn Gardens was the perfect fit for her and her sister. When asked how Bill got involved, he mentioned that he likes to give back and was "dragged along" to the workdays. He and Jo have also participated in activities that align more with his interests, such as invasive species removal, tree planting, and even supporting the Garden to Go Kit distributions to diversity their vounteer experiences. Both Bill and Jo echoed Linda's sentiment of enjoying their time outside, giving back, and building connections with the staff and other volunteers over time. Jo regularly checks for new volunteer opportunities even though they consider Wegerzyn their home park, seeking activities that might interest each of them. With a little encouragement from Jo, Linda is also volunteering at Carriage Hill MetroPark lending her skills to the textile workdays. Whether they are volunteering or simply enjoying the parks together - Linda, Jo, and Bill promote the benefits that MetroParks offers and cherish the opportunities the parks have provided them. This month we celebrate this trio of family volunteers and thank them for sharing their hands and hearts with MetroParks and their community.
Thank you for all you do, Linda, Jo, and Bill! Join Linda, Jo, and Bill at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark! The new gardening season kicks off in March. Keep an eye out for gardening opportunities on Get Connected here. Or give the Textile Workdays a try at Carriage Hill MetroPark. Meet more AMAZING MetroParks volunteers in our Volunteer Spotlights on Get Connected. |
Volunteer Services Volunteer Services is available if you have questions or need assistance in signing up. Contact us at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275.
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Feb 1, 2026
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by Volunteer Services
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