Q&A

What do you plan to do after retiring? I’m going to take a couple of months off to catch up on sleep and then work on a new project to create a Pace Program for seniors in our area. An allinclusive program to get a variety of services. I will always be an advocate for older adults to live in dignity.

Any special challenges for you after five decades in this role? I have met so many wonderful people and friends in doing this job in the past 49 and a half years, but as I get older, I am losing a lot of those friends as they age and pass on – that is hard.

She may be the most interesting and influential Toledoan you've never heard of. Billie Johnson is her name and in her lifetime, she has carved a legacy of caring and love and that will last for generations.

After decades of tireless passion and commitment to others, Johnson, at 78, is getting the recognition that comes when your life's work has changed the lives of so many others.

Beginning her career

Hers is an improbable story, and one that Johnson herself didn't realize she was forging when in 1974 she wrote the first grant to fund the framework for the Area Office on Aging. It was an early program, under United Way, to help empower the elderly and develop programs to help aging seniors live independently.

At the time, Billie was in her late 20s. Little did she know this new and noble cause she became involved with would become her mission in life for the next five decades.

Starting with a meager budget and a staff of four, the agency only served Lucas County. But Billie Johnson saw the potential to help even more people over a wider area. Within a few years, the agency expanded and the program became its own independent non-profit. In later years it would grow to cover the needs of the aging population in 10 counties of Northwest Ohio.

Both then and now, one of the primary objectives was to help older people stay in their own homes and remain independent as long as possible. And while that remains as a primary focus, the Area Office on Aging also offers a long list of other services to the seniors of the area including meeting transportation needs, benefits counseling, nutrition assistance, family caregiver support and housing assistance. Under the continuity of Johnson's leadership, the agency now has 195 employees and a 46-acre campus, along with three low income senior housing complexes located in Defiance, Napoleon and North Baltimore that were “built from the ground up,” as Johnson says.

Dedicated to the cause

Her nearly five decades of dedication to the lives of the aging in Northwest Ohio is built on her commitment to “help people to age well and live healthy.” Now, nearly 50 years since she began this endeavor, Johnson is ready to retire from the agency this summer, but not ready to retire her work ethic.

Northwest Ohio has been blessed to have Johnson as an agent of influence and change for the aging population. Her reputation as a powerful leader in this endeavor has earned her continuing accolades, including a place in the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame, a leadership role in the the World Conference on Women held in on China in the 1990s and, most recently, special recognition by the Lucas County Commissioners who held a special celebration party to honor her years of dedication to the community

Are attitudes changing about people who are aging? I think people who are older have lots of wisdom and experience and we need to respect that and utilize those talents. As people age, they need things to do to keep them busy. Many aging people are just lonely. We need to find ways to make use of their resources; we need people to retire from retirement.

Did You Know?

10,000 people turn 65 every day in the U.S. Older adults will represent 20% of the population by 2050.

Credit: AARP International

How does the future look for senior care? We have made some progress but we may not be ready yet to meet the future needs for the aging population. The number of aging people is growing quickly.

Sheduling summer vacation plans can be trying. Summer can be such a busy time, even though it is meant for relaxation. Instead of spending exorbitant amounts of money, take a day trip to some of the area’s hidden gems – they are closer than you might think.

Sauder Village

Make the past part of your future this summer with a visit to Sauder Village, Ohio’s largest living history destination, a stroll through time from 1803 – 1920s. The Sauder Village experience moves guests from the modern, fast-paced world into a place that celebrates unforgettable sights, sounds and memories from the past. A visit to Sauder Village would not be complete without some delicious, home-style food and a trip to the Doughbox Bakery, offering a wide variety of baked goods! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Sauder Village, 800-590-9755, www.saudervillage.org.

Visit Fulton County

When you think of Fulton County, words like playful, tasteful, eventful, peaceful and cheerful come to mind. Fulton County offers an area “ful” of fun, and you can find what to do through Visit Fulton County. There are many great lodging and camping options right off the Ohio Turnpike, exits 39, 34 and 24. Plentiful entertainment, food and beverage options and festivals allow you to enjoy Fulton County to its ful-lest.

Check out visitfultoncounty.com or call 419-337-9669.

Visit Perrysburg

Discover a completely new and effective approach to natural, aluminum-free deodorants, chemical-free lip balms, facial toner, shampoo, and other all natural products. Made in small batches with love and the amazing Buchu leaf!

(419) 830-3055

Also, providing a wide selection of premium loose leaf teas, essential oils, diffusers, yoga mats and other accessories, premium CBD and Delta-8/9, air plants, and much more.

Looking for the perfect getaway in Perrysburg? Visit Perrysburg has a great selection of events for you to choose from. Between Market Days with vendors and musicians, sculpture walks through fantastic works of art and various dining, shopping and entertainment locations, Perrysburg is rich in excitement. Visit Perrysburg is here to help

Norma Stark Memory Garden

Peace, prayer, meditation and healing do not have to be done alone. With The Norma Stark Memory Garden and Labyrinth, everyone can seek sanctuary in beautiful surroundings. Designed by John Ridder, this 9-circuit adaptation of the French Chartres Labyrinth and accompanying garden were created in memory of Norma’s parents, as a space where anyone could find solace from dawn to dusk. Come alone or schedule a group visit. Admission is free.

normastarklabyrinth.com.

BuchuVida

BuchuVida is a family business dedicated to creating wellness products from the buchu leaf. The Grand Rapids, Ohio-based company provides a wide variety of teas, essential oils, diffusers, yoga mats, yoga accessories, premium CBD and more. There are also activities at BuchuVida like monthly tea parties and weekly YogaFaith Yoga classes. Jo, founder of BuchuVida, and her husband, Phil, president of BuchuVida, work together to educate customers on the natural, holistic uses of buchu.

24124 Front St. Visit buchuvida.com or call 419-830-3055.

The Carter Historic Farm

Visit the Carter Historic Farm, a living history cultural center and working farm representing life in the 1930s and 1940s. Farm buildings and one-room schoolhouse are open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1 – 4 pm. Step into the past to celebrate traditional life skills and learn something new.

Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green, OH 43402 www.wcparks.org, 419-353-1897