GOOD NEIGHBORS: RON AND JOANN SZABO
‘Part Of The Same Team’ Ron and JoAnn Szabo are members of a senior volunteering community lending their time and talents to Silver Springs State Park. After more than 2,000 hours, they’re loving every minute of it. BY JOANN GUIDRY • PHOTO BY STEVE FLOETHE
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y 10am on a hot and muggy morning, Ron and JoAnn Szabo, both 72, have already logged three hours of volunteering at Silver Springs State Park. Despite being grubby with sweat-soaked T-shirts clinging to them, they are seemingly happy. Grinning, Ron nods towards JoAnn and says, “She likes getting her hands dirty, digging in the gardens.” To which JoAnn quickly responds, “He likes driving the tractor that pulls the garden debris wagon.” Such is the playful banter and knowing glances between a couple that has
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been married 50 years and volunteering together for five years. In the latter category, the Szabos have posted 2,000 hours and counting. In addition to belonging to the Garden Gang, the duo is also part of the River Patrol, using their own kayak to make sure everyone is safe and courteous while enjoying the Silver River. “I also assist with the Humane Society of Marion County’s Pack Walk in the park, drive the park’s trams, assist in the Silver River Museum, and if needed, help clean the campsites,” says Ron, who is wiry and fit. “We both also volunteer when there are special events in the park.”
OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
JoAnn, whose jeans likely have permanent knee-pad garden-dirt stains, adds, “Our regular volunteer day is Friday. But we live only about a mile and a half from the park, so we’re usually the first ones who get called if extra help is needed. And we’re happy to do it.” The Szabos are among the 200 volunteers at Silver Springs State Park overseen by Park Services Specialist Craig Littauer. “The Szabos, like all of our Silver Springs volunteers, are dedicated and invaluable. Anything a ranger can do, a volunteer can do with proper training,”
