Volunteer Spotlight, James and Teresa Moriarty
James (Moe) and Teresa Moriarty
After several years of RV travels during summer vacations, Moe and Teresa Moriarty decided to try camp hosting.
Originally from "bootheel country" in southeastern Missouri, Moe and Teresa see travel as an adventure - they have visited nearly all 50 states! They began volunteering at Highlands Hammock in November 2013 and have returned here annually, apart from one season out west. They have also volunteered at Silver Springs State Park, St. Andrews State Park, Fort Clinch State Park and Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. They will soon exceed 6,000 volunteer hours in Florida State Parks.
Moe and Teresa have compared Highlands Hammock to “Mayberry," and say, “Everyone knows one another, everybody is happy, and returning to Highlands Hammock is like coming home.” They enjoy the camaraderie within the campground and have made many new friends. They are an energetic and hardworking couple who work well independently or as team players with others. Moe brings a lifetime of construction skills to the park, and Teresa, who is a master at working the ranger station gate, demonstrates superb communication skills honed from years of working in human resources as a regional supervisor for McDonald’s.
Always willing to step up to the plate, Moe and Teresa are extremely generous, going above and beyond by covering for their fellow volunteers, working special events and occasionally closing the park. This past November, when Highlands Hammock experienced a critical shortage of camp hosts and field rangers, the Moriarty's altered their schedule, changed course, and headed for the park. Arriving in mid-November, they worked through the end of the month until other volunteers arrived in early December.
Highlands Hammock is most fortunate to have them as volunteers and greatly appreciates their willingness to serve.