2021 Centenarian & Best of our Abilities Contest WINNERS

Centenarian Winner 
Juanita Briggs
Grand Prairie of Macomb
DOB: March 4, 1916

Juanita was born March 4th, 1916 in Colchester Illinois. She is Grand Prairie’s oldest resident at 105. She is the biggest St. Louis Cardinals fan in the world. When she was 11 her family moved to Tennessee Illinois, where she went to grade school, then to Colchester High School. She graduated in 1933 and is the only surviving member of her graduating class. Juanita stayed in her home until she was 88 then moved to Lafayette Square, a retirement home in Macomb Illinois. She stayed there for 10 happy years until she decided she needed just a little more help and assistance. In 2013 she moved to Grand Prairie and can take care of herself, but likes that staff is available if she needs it. Juanita is very full of energy, always on the go and even leads Fun Time Trivia with Juanita. When Juanita turned 100, she was invited to throw the first pitch at the Cardinals game. She is also active in the spelling bee, bingo, brain teasers, crafts, and exercise, just to name a few. She even has the occasional joke to tell (most of them appropriate). Juanita uses a cane mostly to get around, sometimes a walker when she needs it. She says she has no intentions of slowing down. She enjoys people, making new friends and loves calling Grand Prairie her home.

Best of Our Abilities Winner
Arthur O'Dell
Deer Path of Huntley

Arthur has taken on several leadership roles within our community and is always willing to help when needed.  He began by organizing and running weekly sessions of Dungeons & Dragons which brought together residents with common interests.  He was elected by our residents to be part of the community resident council.  He has proven to be someone other residents respect and go to with questions and for guidance which makes him an excellent role model.

Best of Our Abilities Winner
Jim Ogar
Heritage Woods of McHenry 

Jim is  our newly appointed Resident Council President, and he takes this job very seriously. Jim listens to the other residents and helps them with their issues or directs them to the proper staff members. He also is on our welcome home committee. With every new resident, Jim makes sure that they have been greeted and welcomed to our community and answers any questions they may have. He takes the time to introduce new residents to other residents and checks up on them as the weeks go by. Jim is not only a fantastic resident representative, but he also looks into meaningful and educational activities for the residents. He is a retired police officer as well as a retired firefighter. Jim has many friends in these two realms and sets up educational talks so the residents can get important information regarding fire safety, senior scams and fall prevention. He truly is a caring and good-hearted person and wants the best life for all of our residents.