New Community Garden Opens in Columbia, SC to Honor Local Advocate Joseph S. Azar

COLUMBIA, SC: A New Community Garden Blooms in Honor of a Local Advocate

Exciting news for the residents of **Columbia, SC**! The Joseph S. Azar Community Garden has just opened at T.S. Martin Neighborhood Park, and it’s not just another patch of green. This special garden is a thriving symbol of community spirit, collaboration, and a lasting tribute to a beloved local advocate. Talk about a meaningful addition to our neighborhood!

Bringing the Community Together

As City of Columbia Councilman Ed McDowell joyfully stated, “This garden represents not only the concerted efforts of seniors and children, but it also represents who we are as a community, and as a city. As we continue to grow and bloom and blossom in ways that are necessary for fruitful living.” Isn’t that a lovely sentiment?

The garden is set to cultivate fresh vegetables, not just for the locals but also to serve as a teaching space for students at nearby schools like **W.A. Perry Middle School** and **C.A. Johnson High School**. Their catchy slogan, “You can only harvest what you plant,” perfectly encapsulates the essence of this initiative, encouraging the younger generation to get their hands dirty and learn about sustainable living and agriculture.

A Tribute to an Extraordinary Individual

This project is named after **Joseph S. Azar**, a man known for his dedication to community service and education. Azar was a true champion for children, known for starting a reading program and significantly impacting many through his commitment to service. His daughter, **Tommye Martin McMillan**, shares just how much her father’s legacy means to the community he loved. “Oh, they would just be overjoyed because they were both people-persons,” she reminisces. “Mr. Azar, he started a reading program, my daddy always committed his life to serving kids, he was over the nysp program at USC, he developed a grant for that to help children, so they would be overjoyed.”

Living a Life of Service

Joseph Azar believed deeply in the power of volunteerism, and his actions spoke volumes. He ran for both city council and mayor during his lifetime, embodying a spirit of dedication until cancer took him in 2019. His cousin, **William Akel**, reflects, “I think one of the things about Joseph, you know they always say you don’t get involved in too many things, unfortunately, he did, so he had a hard time saying no.” What a beautiful testament to a life lived fully and freely, giving back to the community in every way possible!

The Perfect Spot to Grow

The Joseph S. Azar Community Garden is located at **2700 Edison Street** in Columbia. With its accessible location, it’s poised to become a hub for learning, community engagement, and of course, great food. One can already imagine neighbors coming together to participate in community events, share gardening tips, and gather around fresh produce grown right in their backyard. It’s an inspiring initiative aiming to foster connections while nourishing the local community.

Get Involved!

Whether you’re a gardening newbie or someone with a green thumb, there’s a place for everyone at the Joseph S. Azar Community Garden. It’s a fantastic opportunity for families, seniors, and students to bond over the beauty of nature and the joy of growing food together. As we watch this garden bloom, let’s remember Joseph S. Azar’s incredible legacy and strive to uphold his values of service, kindness, and community spirit.

So, Columbia residents, grab your gardening gloves and get ready to dig into this new adventure. Here’s to blooming together!