Joan Reid

Author

Joan Reid was born in NYC and raised in Northern New Jersey. She graduated from Upsala College and did post-graduate work at Fairleigh Dickinson Univ. She wore numerous hats in education; publishing; and public relations; she was a college financial aid counselor; library page and writer. She also volunteered teaching English to non-English speakers. About teaching English, Joan said, “I tortured a mother of 4 from Ecuador, she gave me so much more.” For fun, Joan hosted an internet radio show, for 2 years, called Cool on the Groove. And Joan plays MahJong twice a month. In July of this year, 2021, Joan Reid published a book titled Joyful Passage: A Woman’s Path to Retirement. While reading the book, I couldn’t stop thinking of Gil and what she has been going through after her recent retirement. Most reminiscent of Gil is the chapter titled “Worry.” GIl seems to have been born a worrier, but I assumed that after her retirement her worrying would subside. It has not, she just worries about different things now. Joan’s book is spot-on in its treatment of worrying and other aspects of post-retirement.
Steve Reid, was born and raised in Scotland. He immigrated to New Jersey around the age of 15. He studied at the Art Students League of NY and the NY Botanical Garden. He was a drummer in a rock group; jazz percussionist; floral designer; and visual artist. He sat on international florist panels, and did floral designs at 60 Minutes and floral arrangements for Pat Nixon when the Nixons resided in Saddle River, NJ. Since moving to Vero Beach writing opportunities have increased for Joan; and Steve has had two solo art exhibits, and more recently has been invited to participate in a group exhibit at the Vero Beach Museum of Art.
In May of 2019, the Reids, both 67 at the time, moved from the New York City suburb of Pearl River, NY to Vero Beach. The couple are not looking for employment, but would welcome income from her writing and his art. In this regard, moving to Vero Beach has been positive. They both enjoy reading, movies, taking long walks, bicycling, watching the wildlife in this area, and the beach. The couple help their neighbors when they can with meals or errands. They take advantage of free events at the library and museum.
Joan and Steve are the subject of two articles on NextAvenue.Org. The 2019 article is titled Retiring on a Shoestring and the 2021 article is Retiring on a Shoestring: How It’s going 2 years later.