Tightening their aprons, both Marjorie McDonald and Billie Johnson prepared for their afternoon regulars at Oak Park Plaza. Four years ago, the women started serving hot lunches to fellow residents during the week and they haven't stopped yet.  Not only are they providing tasty meals, but they too get to share in conversation with the other residents.

Spaghetti, Beef Stew and of course Baked Chicken are top sellers for the ladies.  "Today we're serving chicken so I know we'll have a crowd," Ms. Billie said.  Ms. Billie is quite popular around Oak Park Plaza. Many of the residents look to her to lead special activities such as putting up and decorating their seasonal tree, and coordinating events-many volunteer driven- such as BINGO nights and crafting sessions.  Cooking, is among Billie's favorite routine.  "I'm up early anyway. I usually come down around 7 in the morning, so I just meet Marjorie and we have our coffee". 

Ms. Marjorie is soft-spoken and believes that works well with her and Billie in the kitchen.  "Sometimes we're so quiet back here, cooking - if it wasn't for the smell of the food you may not know we're back here."  Both women agree that the elderly often need familiarity and routine.

"I'm happy to be here," Marjorie said with clapsed hands.  "You can come down, watch TV, talk or go upstairs and be by yourself."  She notes, "even though family offered for me to live with them, I've said to them 'what are you going to do when you get tired of me', " she smiled.  Well, she and Ms. Billie aren't tired of each other yet. 

The two women, like many at Oak Park are retired from long-time professions and have a piece of security living at the residence.  They are able to stay active and take up different activities such as cooking, crafting, gardening and exercising - all which keep them young.

Tightening their aprons, both Marjorie McDonald and Billie Johnson prepared for their afternoon regulars at Oak Park Plaza. Four years ago, the women started serving hot lunches to fellow residents during the week and they haven't stopped yet.  Not only are they providing tasty meals, but they too get to share in conversation with the other residents.

Spaghetti, Beef Stew and of course Baked Chicken are top sellers for the ladies.  "Today we're serving chicken so I know we'll have a crowd," Ms. Billie said.  Ms. Billie is quite popular around Oak Park Plaza. Many of the residents look to her to lead special activities such as putting up and decorating their seasonal tree, and coordinating events-many volunteer driven- such as BINGO nights and crafting sessions.  Cooking, is among Billie's favorite routine.  "I'm up early anyway. I usually come down around 7 in the morning, so I just meet Marjorie and we have our coffee". 

Ms. Marjorie is soft-spoken and believes that works well with her and Billie in the kitchen.  "Sometimes we're so quiet back here, cooking - if it wasn't for the smell of the food you may not know we're back here."  Both women agree that the elderly often need familiarity and routine.

"I'm happy to be here," Marjorie said with clapsed hands.  "You can come down, watch TV, talk or go upstairs and be by yourself."  She notes, "even though family offered for me to live with them, I've said to them 'what are you going to do when you get tired of me', " she smiled.  Well, she and Ms. Billie aren't tired of each other yet. 

The two women, like many at Oak Park are retired from long-time professions and have a piece of security living at the residence.  They are able to stay active and take up different activities such as cooking, crafting, gardening and exercising - all which keep them young.