Bringing Joy to Seniors Makes Her Smile

Talking with Linda is like taking in a breath of fresh air. Her genuineness, humility and smile all make you feel comfortable, at ease and refreshed. As the Senior Assistant and Special Events Coordinator at the Westmont Park District, Linda has spent the past fifteen years doing a job that in her own words, she can’t believe she gets paid to do.

Linda’s excitement and love for older adults is quite obvious when you talk to her. In her position, she assists older adults in being engaged through the myriad of activities and events offered by the park district. Whether it’s a book club, a tai chi class or a trip, Linda just adores the people who are more than just participants in park district programs; they are people she enjoys talking to and spending time with and she wouldn’t have it any other way. When she described how she came to be a part of the Westmont Park District family, she became very contemplative and a bit overcome by emotion.

“In the past I worked as a travel agent and had also been involved in “Christmas around the World” parties which afforded me the opportunity to actually travel around the world. When I had kids, that changed my life and I stayed closer to home to be with them. As they got older, I decided that I wanted to get a part time job. So, I looked in the local paper to see what was available and came across an ad for a job at the park district working with seniors. I wasn’t sure about working with seniors at the time and it took me a few days before I decided to call. A few days after meeting with the director Pat Johnson, I received a call from her, offering me the job. Even then I couldn’t believe that I would get paid to perform the responsibilities that she outlined to me. I am forever grateful to her because I’ve loved every minute of it.”

It is obvious that these are more than words. Linda had tears in her eyes as she talked about what she finds most rewarding about her job: “It is an honor to work here. It’s an easy job to love. To see them develop bonds between all different kinds of people, caring so much about each other. It makes me happy to see this and I know they’re not alone. For some people who are new and don’t know anyone, seeing them take a step to come out and form friendships is very rewarding.”

When asked about the best piece of advice she’s ever received, she thought for a moment: “Live life to the fullest. It’s their (the seniors) mantra. It’s easy to say that but you have to do it.” Her openness and compassion led her to share this piece of advice with others: “Keep conversations going. Over the years I’ve seen conversations declining. You see younger people on cell phones more than ever. Talking face to face is good and the older generation has wisdom to pass on.”

Linda, the community of Westmont and all those seniors that are a part of the park district family are fortunate to have someone like you there. The Township enjoys the partnership we have with you. Thank you for all that you do.