BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Photos by Bob Ealum and Sarah Stephens
PRATTVILLE – Sunday wrapped up the annual Prattville Spinners Pumpkin Patch Arts and Crafts Festival, and it is the largest one ever in the organization’s history. The organization was created in 1951 and the history of the festival goes back over 40 years.
“We appreciate everyone that supports the show as we are so blessed to be able to contribute back into the community. We are always looking for new members,” Linda DeVenecia said. “This was our biggest show to date. We had 134 vendors and 158 booths. There was such a variety of crafts and home distributor vendors.”
The two-day event drew thousands to Spinners Park in Prattville. In the closing hours of the event Sunday, club members and Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie Jr. presented the Spirit of Spinners award to a deserving volunteer and this year that is Jane H. McCarthy, of Prattville!
“Jane McCarthy has distinguished herself as an invaluable proponent of volunteerism and public service,” Mayor Gillespie said on Sunday as he and Devenecia presented a silver engraved platter to McCarthy.
McCarthy seemed shocked when she realized she was being honored. She credited the entire Spinners organization, saying they are amazing people, and she is honored to play a part.
McCarthy was praised as being passionate about giving of herself to others without the expectation of recognition or reward. She has volunteered her knowledge, experience and skills not only to the betterment of her local communities, but the State of Alabama. This has also been extended to employees and worldwide visitors of Maxwell Air Force Base or the Gunter Annex. Through her noteworthy efforts, McCarthy has consistently demonstrated she is the embodiment of the Spirit of Spinners.
McCarthy is a Prattville resident married to retired Colonel George F. McCarthy. Their children are Christopher and Jonathon McCarthy.
She was employed by the USAF/Maxwell Air Force Base and retired in 2016. She worked as a horticulturist, landscape designer and greenhouse manager for Maxwell and Gunter until her retirement. She earned her degree in horticulture from Auburn University in August of 2000.
She has volunteered for multiple organizations including Capital City Master Gardener Association, Autauga County Master Gardener Association, Old Alabama Town Herb Society, Governor Mansion Garden Group and the Prattville Cancer Clinic. She previously was part of Friends of Governor’s Mansion Board and Montgomery Botanical Garden Board.
She took a hiatus from volunteer activities in May 2019 due to a breast cancer diagnosis.
Her volunteer history is impressive. According to information from Spinners:
“As a member of the Capital City Master Gardeners’ Association and Autauga County Master Gardeners’ Association, Jane’s efforts were invaluable as she developed the schedule, budget and activity plans for both community and private gardens. Turning her plans into action, working with other volunteers, Jane regularly conducted garden tours, maintained Prattville Garden workdays, established budgets and fulfilled annual horticulture tasks.
“Additionally, as a volunteer working in community outreach, Jane created plans for private gardens and horticulture arrangements public community events to include schools, churches, libraries and post offices. She also provided her “green thumb” skills for local seasonal holiday outdoor decorations. Jane’s contributions directly led us to the beautification of our neighborhoods and the community.”
Spinners said that not only is McCarthy an outstanding volunteer, but she is also an exemplary person who has a true passion for helping others and bringing the community together.
Congratulations to Mrs. McCarthy and the Prattville Spinners on a very success festival.
All funds raised from this year will be dispersed to area organizations and agencies through community donations.
