Posted at: 04/07/2008 4:16 PM | WHEC.com
Updated at: 04/15/2009 6:15 PM
By: Pat McGonigle
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2008 ESL Jefferson Award Winner: James Grapenstetter
A lot happens every day at the Seneca Park Zoo.
And in ways big and small, a lot of it would never get done if it weren't for James Grapenstetter.
James Grapenstetter has been a dedicated volunteer at the zoo for ten years. He doesn't get a dime for his efforts. In fact, he donates anything he can to the zoo. That's why the volunteer of the year at the zoo is now given the "James Grapenstetter Award".
James said, "I just come over anytime they need, I just try to help out. And sometimes I’ll just come over and wander around to see what needs doing."
Grapenstetter does a little bit of everything and he clearly knows just about everyone, just ride alongside him.
Grapenstetter says his paycheck here comes from in the form of families enjoying the zoo. For children, this is a magical place. And for James Grapenstetter, keeping it running is the highest calling of all.
The Jefferson Awards were started by Jackie Kennedy Onassis. A local committee will select one of our ESL Jefferson award winners to go to the national convention in Washington, DC.
