60 Over 60 Luncheon Honors Senior Volunteers

If you have a bad day at Plymouth Place retirement community, you’re liable to find a fresh-baked batch of cookies at your door.

Mary Louise Hendrickson, 92, who bakes the treats for her fellow residents, was one of the senior citizen volunteers honored Tuesday at Aging Care Connections’ 60 Over 60 luncheon at the La Grange Country Club.

The luncheon kicked off Aging Care Connections’ first Celebrating Seniors Week, which includes 47 events throughout the La Grange and Western Springs area.

The agency received so many great nominations that they ended up recognizing 80 volunteers rather than 60, Annual Fund Coordinator Linda Hussey said.

“They’re an amazing example of how volunteering is really a lifelong activity,” she said.

Hendrickson, also known as the “Cookie Lady” around Plymouth Place, said she likes to deliver the cookies secretly. She was shocked to be recognized for her service.

“I don’t think I do anything different than anyone else,” she said. “I don’t do anything remarkable.”

Still, she said, she thinks volunteering is crucial to living a fulfilled life. Through the years she has served with Helping Hand and the Community Chest, and has taken an active role in her church.

“I don’t know how people can live if they don’t do something for someone else,” she said.

Volunteering comes naturally to Jeanette Martin, 75, as well. She serves on the board of the Western Springs Community Center Association, which offers free programming for members, including exercise classes, bridge games and foreign language lessons.

“It makes you feel good,” she said. “You don’t think; you just do it.”

Ruth Martin, 81, of Indian Head Park, has volunteered as a docent at the Brookfield Zoo for 30 years. She spends four hours there one day a week teaching people about exhibits and helping guide visitors around the park at one of 14 different locations.

“I love animals and I enjoy people,” she said. “It’s a wonderful combination of both. It’s stimulating and challenging, and it’s never boring.”

Jeffrey Tobolski, 16th District Cook County commissioner and McCook mayor, joined Lyons Township Supervisor and Bill Mundy and Proviso Township Supervisor Michael Corrigan in honoring the volunteers.

“The great thing to see is how our community embraces seniors,” Tobolski said. “When you provide the right environment and embrace seniors … the first thing you see is how much they contribute to the community.”

Celebrating Seniors Week runs from May 16-23. For the full schedule of events, visit www.agingcareconnections.org.