By Jurry Taalib-Deen
Journal Staff Writer
Billie Johnson, CEO of the Area Office on Aging, told The Toledo Journal that she thought she was attending a ceremony to honor Bill Harris, chairman of the Area Office on Aging’s Board of Directors, on Monday, March 27, in the chambers of Lucas County Commissioners in One Government Center in downtown Toledo. But as she signed in, as all visitors are required to do when entering the building, an employee of One Government Center inadvertently let the “Cat out the bag,” by congratulating her for the prestigious honor. With the surprise, somewhat “foiled,” those who gathered in the chambers officially began congratulating her for her many years of service.
The Lucas County Wall of Friends Ceremony, is the honoring of local leaders who have been a friend to the County Commissioners, by serving the residence of Lucas County. Then, a plaque of the individual is hung in the chambers for all to see. Mrs. Johnson will be one of only 19, which include Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur and the late, Mayor Jack Ford, who’ve earned the privilege.
Commenting at the event were Lucas County Commissioners, Lisa Sobecki, Pete Gerken, and Tina Skeldon-Wozniak. Others offering comments were Bill Harris, Doni Miller, President and CEO of the Neighborhood Health Association, Ronald Taylor, President and CEO of the Detroit Area Office on Aging whose comments were given via video, and Rhonda Sewell, Mrs. Johnson’s daughter.
“You have been a role model for every woman in the area, especially Black women,” a teary eyed Ms. Miller said. “This surprise is not equivalent to what you’ve given to the community; you are truly loved. One of the things I do before making a move, I ask myself, ‘What would Billie do.’”
“My mom loves the elderly,” Ms. Sewell said. “She’s a warrior who doesn’t pass judgment on anyone. She’s the epitome of diplomacy.” But like Ms. Miller, Ms. Swell began to get teary eyed speaking about her mother. So to add some levity to the moment she added, “But my mom can play a mean game of spades,” to which, everyone in the chambers started laughing.
One by one, people shared their experience with Mrs. Johnson, and added why she was deserving of such an honor. Justin Moor, who is serving as the interim CEO of the Area Office on Aging, due to the fact Mrs. Johnson is stepping down after 40 plus years of service, has worked closely with Mrs. Johnson, as vice president of Planning and Program Development, over the years and perhaps knows her work ethic better than most people.
He said, “It’s been an honor learning and getting wisdom from Mrs. Johnson over the years. I look forward to continuing what she started and to continue to grow the Area Office on Aging, by helping older citizens.”
“I’m overwhelmed and speechless and I’m not usually speechless,” Mrs. Johnson told everyone. So she simply thanked the media for helping her get information about the Area Office on Aging, and sponsored events, out to the public, all of the people and organizations that have helped over the years, and said, “Don’t ever forget the seniors in our community, and those who about to become seniors; they’re still contributors to our society.”
Although Mrs. Johnson will step down, this year, as the President/CEO of the Area Office on Aging, her works with the older adults community, won’t end. She plans on continuing championing rights for older citizens by establishing a PACE Program in Toledo. PACE is an acronym for, Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly. The program provides comprehensive medical and social services to certain frail, community dwelling elderly individuals, most of whom are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
