Leslie is a Salina native, and after graduating high school, spent the next 20 years away from Salina, and pursed a career and journalism and public relations.
She returned to Salina in 2003 and worked at Kansas Wesleyan University, and in 2011 became the executive director at the Saline County Commission on Aging.
The Commission on Aging oversees the Salina Senior Center at 245 N. 9th, and Salina Meals on Wheels.
Leslie tells the Salina Post that on average there are about 200 people who attend lunch and a wide variety of activities at the Senior Center which is open Monday through Friday from 8a.m. till 4p.m. The public is invited to stop in for lunch which is $4.75. Serving is from 11:15a.m. to 1:15p.m. which is either the hot meal or salad bar, and during the winter season there is also soup.
She likes working with the variety of people who come to the Senior Center each day. Leslie said “There is a misconception that the Senior Center is the poor peoples Country Club, and that is not true.” “We get people from all walks of life, all income levels, and they are all having fun.”
Eikleberry also said there is another misconception about the Senior Center that “People are just sitting around with their heads down not doing anything.” “These folks are active , having a great time, enjoying the activities exercise classes,painting class,and the pool room.” Leslie adds she is looking forward to retiring and come and enjoy all the activities with them.
There is a staff of six at the Commission on Aging and more than 150 volunteers who help with Meals On Wheels, the program that provides a hot meal for those in their homes who can’t cook for themselves, as well as a handful of volunteers who help out at the Salina Senior Center. “What we do at the Commission on Aging is really a group effort. It’s not just me. It’s also my great staff and a wonderful group of volunteers who help make all we do possible,” Eikleberry said.
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