Hidden Gems in Our Community

Kris Howard Jensen was a featured speaker at the Hidden Gems in Our Community event earlier this spring. The resident of Friendship Village talked about her tenure on the board of directors for Harper College from its early beginnings. "Kris spoke on how her desire to serve people in the community was taught to her by her parents and how she served on 14 boards of directors. Busy woman!" said Jeannette Magdaleno, lifelong learning and volunteer coordinator at Friendship Village.

Hidden Gems in Our Community is a program, sponsored by Illinois State Representative Michelle Mussman, as a women's issues advisory committee meeting. "It was developed based on the idea that there are many women living within the area, who have inspiring and unexpected stories to share," said Magdaleno.

Now in its third year, the program was initially held at the Kenneth Young Center in Elk Grove, but moved to Friendship Village, as there are often residents there who are featured speakers. Formerly, Friendship Village residents Shirley Odegaard and Winnie Christensen have spoken, as has marketing staff member Rosemary Newman. "I often suggest residents and staff to Representative Mussman's office as they are inspiring women," said Magdaleno.

Friendship Village is a leading Chicago continuing care retirement community offering a complete continuum of care including independent living garden homes and apartment homes, as well as assisted living, memory support, skilled care, and short- and long-term rehabilitation services. For more than 35 years, Friendship Village has been providing Chicago area seniors with exceptional retirement living options. For additional information visit www.FriendshipVillage.org