2022 Renaissance Awards: Howard Grafenstein
Dec. 6, 2022
By Emily Geris
Christmas Tree Decorating Became So Much More
Howard Grafenstein first became involved with Knute Nelson when he was helping his wife, Judy, decorate Christmas trees at the Care Center. Later that day, someone asked Howard if he was interested in other volunteer jobs. At the time, there was a great need for helping transport residents.
“I had never given it a thought,” Howard says. “Volunteering was never on my bucket list, but I said I could give it a try. So that’s how I got started – by taking people to the exercise class. I was surprised because there were usually about 20 to 30 people who went to exercise class. One of the first times I went home after volunteering, I looked in my phone and saw I had walked over 4,000 steps!”
“I’m Willing To Share It”
Soon Howard also began driving the Knute Nelson bus – taking residents on scenic drives, to medical appointments, or to attend to their errands around town.
Howard has many favorite memories with the residents of Knute Nelson. One summer day, Howard drove a group of residents to Lake Carlos State Park on a picture-perfect day where they had a wonderful time enjoying nature.
Another fond memory of Howard’s is driving a resident to his appointments and errands. “I know that he didn’t have a family member to help him, so he needs a volunteer to take him there,” Howard says. “We spend two or three hours doing that every month, and I get as much enjoyment out of it as he does.”
“I really didn’t consider the thought of being so generous of my time,” Howard says. “It’s just something that I like to do. It was fun. I enjoyed it. I think the residents appreciate it. When volunteering what really struck me was after I volunteered for a few weeks, and then there was one day when I had to be gone, when I came back the residents said, ‘Oh, we missed you. Where have you been?’ That prompted me to continue being generous with my time. It’s time that I have, and so I’m willing to share it.”
Volunteer Appreciation
Howard is part of a large, dedicated, and generous group of Knute Nelson volunteers. He speaks very highly of his volunteer peers, and the many hours and talents they share with Knute Nelson residents.
“I see how the nurses and all the staff are so kind in the way they treat people,” Howard says. “When I’m volunteering here the janitors would say, ‘Thank you for volunteering, Howard.’ The cooks would say, ‘Thank you for volunteering.’ All the workers would say that. They were so appreciative of the time that I’d given as a volunteer. I think that’s quite unique that those people appreciate the volunteers, what they do, and what they contribute to the organization.”
Howard was very surprised when he first learned he was receiving a Knute Nelson Renaissance Award.
“I see volunteers do so many wonderful things here,” Howard says. “Once you try volunteering, you’re hooked on it, because you’re serving a purpose and people appreciate it. I feel that’s the reward that I receive from volunteering.”
ABOUT THE AWARD:
In 2013, we established the Knute Nelson Renaissance Award to recognize an individual, or individuals, whose leadership and support has been instrumental to the organization. Recipients exemplify the mission and beliefs of Knute Nelson. They have endeavored through word and deed, in both their professional and personal lives, to be agents of social change, support aging services, and demonstrate philanthropy with their love for humankind and community. The Renaissance period was a time of rebirth – political, economic, religious, artistic, and intellectual. Like that era, this award represents the diversity of interests and the goal of social change within the context and values of the Knute Nelson organization.
Learn more about giving gifts of time, talent, and treasure by visiting the Knute Nelson Foundation page or by calling (320)335-5532.