Leona Joseph coordinated services for seniors in Virden over the past 25 years. In December 2022, she retired and passed her mantle to a new S.A.I.L. coordinator (Seniors Access to Independent Living Resource Coordinator), Krista Pederson.
Joseph enjoyed her work with seniors, finding ways to help them access the services they needed to maintain their independence within the community.
Now, ending her nine-to-five career not only means a slower pace with more time for herself, but it allows her an opportunity to become a volunteer with SAIL. Among other ways SAIL helps people, there's a list of volunteers to drive seniors where they need to go. Joseph is on that list.
“We've lost a lot of volunteers, you know, people are three years older now. So, we are a little on the short side, as far as transportation volunteers go. I've been trying to help them there where I can, and, you know, and to try to entice people to come back and drive as well. Because if you have a big list of people, you don't have to ask anybody too often.”
She explains that after two-and-a-half years of Covid, there’s been a need for people to catch up on postponed health appointments, to get health needs looked after, and that often requires help in getting to appointments.
Joseph has a couple of hobby interests. When spring comes, the backyard will beckon her.
She’s also looking forward to having more time for something else that she is well known for - music. She has provided entertainment for community events and at seniors’ residences over the years, accompanying herself on the mandolin, or singing with a band.
She says she’ll focus on bringing her music to seniors and on learning some new things. “I have a guitar, and I play it a little bit. I want to get better at it. That's kind of one of the things I'm doing in my spare time, too.”
Old time dancing is also on her list. “I did take some dance lessons last fall, which was quite enjoyable.”
After 25 years of service as SAIL Resource Coordinator, the board of directors held an appreciation tea for Leona Joseph at the Virden Legion on Dec. 15, where members of the community celebrated with her.
