Ralph Matuska

From the nominator:

“Ralph has volunteered at the Poverello Center since January 2005, lending his expertise to our organization as handy-man/repair man and problem solver. This is no easy task at the Poverello Center, where something or another breaks down on a daily basis! Ralph has fixed doors and gates, toilets, showers and sinks, lighting fixtures and exit signs, walls, floors and even computers! Even more challenging, is the reality that things frequently break again just after they have been fixed! Ralph’s talent, ingenuity and smiling persona have made him a well-known, much-loved and appreciated presence.

Accompanying Ralph to the hidden nooks and crannies of this old building has brought me to areas of the Pov I had never seen before, and I have worked here almost 5 years! He also uses his charms on the various vendors he goes to, receiving advice and cost saving suggestions for the projects the Poverello Center presents to him.

Ralph truly enjoys fixing things, and often talks about helping someone in his large group of friends whenever the need arises. As you know, he volunteers with the Meals on Wheels program and also makes special visits to the homes of elderly individuals to fix broken furniture or appliances and always with a smile and twinkle in his eye.

At 79, Ralph is very energetic and active, and when he is not volunteering, you can find him out on a golf course, windsurfing or downhill skiing, most likely connecting with people and offering his assistance. Ralph is an inspiration to us and we are very grateful to him for the hard work he does all over Missoula!”