Spirit of Aging: Walter Griffin, Professional Whistler, Cyclist, Cherry Expert & Visual Historian

Posted on February 13, 2019 by Jodi Boyne

Walter Griffin, a resident at Ebenezer Park Apartments in Minneapolis, was honored at last week’s Institute & Expo with the Spirit of Aging Award. 

The Spirit of Aging Award honors an older adult who exemplifies the concept of positive and active aging. Walter was selected from a pool of nominations submitted by a field of 750 senior care organizations throughout the state. 

“Walter Griffin is an incredible individual with a unique story to tell. He defies the traditional stereotypes of aging through his love of life, activism, ongoing quest for experiences and his willingness to share his incredible talents with others,” said Gayle Kvenvold, President and CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota. “Walter is an inspiration, encouraging people to get active and never stop learning – regardless of how old you are – to experience the very best that life has to offer.” 

 

Walter, 70, is an avid writer, photographer and can often be heard whistling throughout the halls of Ebenezer Park Apartments in Minneapolis. He is also known to share tales from his recent travels, expound wisdom based on his lifelong love of cherries or be the first to encourage others to go for a bike ride. But there is more to the story when it comes to Walter Griffin and his many enjoyments in life.

Walter was born in Chicago, ran track competitively and went to college on a football scholarship. He is community-minded and, since moving to Minnesota in 1986, his life has been filled with experiences that have made a difference not only in his life but the lives of others:

• Visual Historian: Walter is a professional photographer and founder of the Photographic collective, a group of photographers who teach, make presentations, and share their ideas and experiences. He has had over 150 exhibitions of his photography in the US and Europe. He photographed John Lewis and Josea Williams who lead the Civil Rights re-enactment in 1990. Other subjects include Walter Mondale, John McCain, Bob Marley, Miles Davis and Count Basie. Griffin is one of the photographers for the largest National Night Out in the Phillips neighborhood, and had a featured exhibit on hats that accompanied a play at the Guthrie Theater called Crowns.
• Avid Writer: Walter is a member of the Life Long Learning writing club at Ebenezer Park Apartments and has published two stories, including one about his experience with racism while growing up African American in Chicago.
• Bringing Cycling to the African American Community: Walter is a founding member of the Major Taylor of MN and Major Taylor of Chicago Clubs, which are focused on promoting safe and fun cycling in the African American communities. He is also involved with the National Brotherhood of Cyclists and the Twin Cities Bike Club. Griffin designs rides that highlight the culture that exists in the Twin Cities and is actively involved in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Tour de Cure, Open Streets, St. Paul Classic, Dark 2 Dawn oversight ride, Rondo and Juneteenth rides. Walter also continues to lead the Architectural Jazz in Chicago Ride over the Labor Day weekend.
• Enthusiastic Cherry Expert: Walter’s love and knowledge of cherries is second to none. He has written stories about them, cultivated relationships with local grocery story contacts to find out when cherries arrive in their stores, and is known to bike miles to get them.
• Workshop Participant Now Dancer: Walter is a volunteer with the Kairos Alive Dance Group, who recruited him to join their group after they conducted a workshop at Ebenezer Park Apartments.
• Professional Whistler: While Walter’s whistling can be heard throughout the halls of Ebenezer Park Apartments, few may know that he is a professional whistler who started performing 12 years ago with jazz groups in the Twin Cities, Chicago, Texas and California. On one of his many travels, Walter became a pied piper with hundreds of children following him as he whistled. 
• Active Volunteer: Walter is more than a resident of Ebenezer Park Apartments, he is an active volunteer who has coordinated talent shows, walking groups, bike rides and photography exhibits.

“Walter is an advocate for health living who embodies active and vibrant aging,” said Jennifer Rutschke, Assisted Executive Director, Ebenezer Park Apartments. “He is more than a resident here, but a valued member of our community who engages and interacts with others to make sure they are taking care of themselves. He is a true inspiration to all on how to age with fullness for life.”

To learn more, watch Walter Griffin – 2018 Spirit of Aging award.