Five Questions with Jackie Muzikar Graham
Local mom Jackie Muzikar Graham is currently featured in the “I Act With Respect” spotlight on the website for local organization Act With Respect Always, founded by Saratoga Springs-based teacher and coach Rich Johns.
A born-and-raised Saratogian, Muzikar Graham is a mother of four and grandmother of two. She currently works in the food and beverage department at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs. Her hobbies include photography and hiking.
1 How did you meet Coach Rich Johns? “I met Coach Johns when he became Saratoga High School’s JV basketball coach in 1977. I was one of the scorekeepers for the team. As a child I was taught to respect my elders, peers, and others in general. But playing softball since I was 12, there was always a special place for coaches and teammates. There was a bond, a caring, a love and respect.
Coach Johns has received that from me.”
2 How did you hear about Act With Respect Always? “I heard about Act With Respect Always from a neighbor. I asked her what the sign was all about in her yard. I was starting to see them all over town. I was told it was Rich Johns new mission. So I talked with Coach and realized I needed some signs on my yard.”
3 How has the Act With Respect Always mission affected
you personally?
“Recently looking at my Act With Respect Always sign I realized I wasn’t doing enough. Not giving my 99%. So what better way to teach my children and reach my own goal than by showing them how giving, helping, respecting neighbors, schoolmates, and strangers would make others feel good and yourself as well, how to pay it forward.”
4 How do you pay it forward? “I have recently helped two senior citizens.
“After seeing a woman struggling to get some packages into her car I asked if she needed help. She said no, but I insisted. She wanted to help me, but I told her I was fine. As I took the cart away she grabbed my arm, looked up at me, blessed me and thanked me. She told me she was “glad there are still good people in the world.” Her husband was ill and couldn’t get out anymore so she had to do it herself. The feeling she gave me put a tear in my eye. I still am
not sure who was more grateful, me or her.
“I also have a dear neighbor who is now 92 and all alone in his home. I have known him since I was three years old and he thinks of me like a daughter. I realize the little things that I can do for him mean so much to him. I provide him someone to see and talk to and make his day meaningful. It makes my day just as meaningful. I continue to realize that giving someone five minutes or an hour, it makes a lasting impression on both people. I want to keep bringing my 99% kindness.”
5 How would you describe the Act With Respect Always mission to others?
“I believe the Act With Respect Always mission is to make the community a better place. To make us look deep inside ourselves so we can change not only us but others as well by showing respect to every human being. How love and kindness can spread if we all give our 99%.”