In this issue, meet VIP Joan Gore. The very embodiment of the word “active,” get to know this fascinating lady (and future neighbor) and find out why she chose The Outlook. Personalization Coordinator Lane Phanthavong answers some of your most frequently asked questions. Plus, get the latest updates on construction and get caught up to speed on some recent VIP events (Couldn’t make them? There are more coming, so mark those calendars). Want to win an Outlook at Windhaven T-shirt? Find out how later in this newsletter!
Perhaps you know someone who’d like to learn about The Outlook at Windhaven. If so, contact Rachel at (972) 996-3887 or RMcGowan@nullForefrontLiving.org and you will both benefit! Our VIP referral rewards program has been revamped. See details.
Meet Your Future Neighbor
Joan Gore
Joan Gore is the very embodiment of the word “active.” Currently, she is fresh off an exhilarating cruise of “calm seas and beautiful weather” where she traveled to the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal, and on to Costa Rica and Mexico. Joan also has taken river cruises in Europe and recently went on a trip with TCU called “Flavors of Northern Italy” where she stayed at a vineyard farmhouse and took cooking classes. She is up for an adventure and always enjoys trying “something different.”
Joan grew up in Fort Worth and attended Texas Christian University. She remains an active fan and alumna and served on some of their boards. “I love my university,” says Joan; she often shows her TCU pride by wearing purple! She enjoys the trips organized by TCU where even if you sign up as a solo traveler, you always find friends along the way.
Joan majored in education and has been in this field for the entirety of her career. “Once you’re an educator, you’re always an educator. It’s in your system,” she says. Her classroom days were spent exclusively teaching middle school. While working at the Hockaday School for Girls in Dallas, she got thrown into the world of technology when told she would have an Apple IIE in her classroom and she would need to learn how to use it. Like many teachers at that time, Joan fretted over this. However, she found her way through—teaching herself to use this new machine and changing the direction of her career as well. She became an educational technology specialist, and went from teaching kids BASIC at her dining room table to founding her own company in Highland Park called Computer Education Consultants. “Everybody was thirsty for that knowledge,” explains Joan.
She spent the last 15 years of her “9-5” career in the technology department of Lewisville ISD, retiring about 15 years ago. Nonetheless, Joan still does technology consulting with a partner/friend. “It keeps me current,” muses Joan, “and we’re good at it!” One of the reasons she believes they’ve done so well is the empathy she has for the teachers who have no choice but to use technology. Reflecting on her work, Joan says, “I was fortunate to have that path and see the growth…it was always very interesting and challenging.”
After a long marriage, Joan lost her husband to COVID in 2020. They had three sons, two of whom live in Plano and the other in Tulsa. She has ten grandchildren (ages 13-29) and is expecting her first great-grandchild in August. “They are such a support system,” she says. All but one of her immediate family members live either in the Dallas-Fort Worth area or Tulsa. When Joan began looking into The Outlook at Windhaven, she had all three sons come check things out with her.
Joan found The Outlook when she was not even looking to move. She already lived in a one-story home and had great neighbors. The Outlook slowly started showing up on her radar; she saw some Outlook literature and drove by the building site frequently on one of her shortcuts through town, but it still was not “clicking” as a place for her. However, after taking a deeper dive into the materials, she saw that it was a smaller community, and this really appealed to her. She went to several events and saw how nice the place would be and also discovered she knew many people who would be moving in. In addition, she found that “The staff are exceptional, very open and great at responding to questions and concerns.”
Joan was also beginning to see the downside of traditional home ownership. “Managing the house is not an easy job, and I did not realize how much my husband did,” she laughs. She likes the idea of going on a trip and being able to “lock and leave” versus all the preparations you have to do when you have a house. Joan also had a positive experience with her own mother living in a senior community. Her mother loved it, and Joan recalls the relief of having her cared for yet near the things with which she was familiar and loved. She wants her children to have the same with her, but with Joan in the driver’s seat. “This is something I want to be in charge of doing,” she says.
Though some of her future neighbors would love to move in right now, Joan is actually glad that The Outlook is not ready yet and finds it fun to watch it being built. It gives her time to think and downsize without being rushed. She has been slowly going through her things and notes that, “It’s kind of refreshing to clean out stuff—cleansing.” At Christmastime last year, all of her family members received a cookbook (“wrapped up so they couldn’t give it back!” she laughs), and she is bemusedly wondering if her family members are quietly choosing things they might like to have when she makes the move. Joan is looking forward to picking out colors and finishes for her new place in the coming weeks!
Once settled in at The Outlook, Joan laughs that she is most looking forward to the wine bar! But really, what she is excited for is the convenience and social aspect of the community. Joan is a very social person and finds being around others to be good for one’s mental health. She has loved going to The Outlook’s social events thus far and found the people to be interesting and outgoing. “Sometimes you know when something is right, and this is right for me.”
A Financial Decision
Joan’s sons thoroughly researched the CCRC model and specifically The Outlook at Windhaven before deciding it was the right place for their mom. Joan’s son Kevin Gore, CPA, a partner with the accounting firm FORVIS, started with the following questions:
- Why The Outlook?
- Did you understand the financial structure of a nonprofit CCRC before researching The Outlook?
- Do you think financial planners have a misunderstanding about the financial structure?
- What’s the difference between a Nonprofit vs. for profit CCRC?
Personalization Update
An Update from Lane Phanthavong,
Personalization Coordinator
I’ve enjoyed working with you on personalizing your new home! Along the way, I’ve gotten a few questions from VIPs that you may have as well. Below are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. As always, should you have other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at design@nullforefrontliving.org.
Q: When do we have to pay for upgrades?
A: Upgrades are paid for when you finalize and sign off on selections.
Q: Can upgrades be paid for with a credit card?
A: Upgrades can only be paid with a check.
Q: If I don’t want something installed, do I get a credit?
A: Certain items must be installed to pass inspection, so in general, there is no credit given if you choose to not have something installed. If you choose to upgrade, credits for the standard item not selected are worked into the cost of upgrades.
Q: Are there any ceiling fans included?
A: In the apartment homes, a ceiling fan is included on the patio/terrace. Bedrooms and living room are prewired for fans.
Q: Are there any grab bars included?
A: Yes, there is a standard grab bar located at each bathroom shower. It is installed at the entrance of the shower to assist with getting in and out safely.
Q: Do I need to schedule a preview time for finishes?
A: No, a preview is not required, but is an option if you would prefer it. You will have 2 hours of one-on-one time with me to answer all your questions and make your selections.
Construction Corner
In the next six weeks, construction progress will include the following:
- Framing on Commons/Independent Living Building and Cottages
- Run electrical and plumbing lines in basement and Level 1 of Main Building
- Pour Level 2 slab for Assisted Living/Memory Care area of Main Building
- Rough-in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems at Cottages
- Prep for exterior Cottage work
Save Your Tires
As tempting as it is to see the construction progress for yourself, please don’t drive on-site.
VIP Appreciation Social at Capital Grille
Monday, April 10
VIPs enjoyed an array of sweet and savory bites and beverages at The Capital Grille, located in Plano’s popular Shops at Legacy. A crowd of approximately 100 filled the venue and everyone enjoyed mingling with their future neighbors, friends and Forefront Living leadership.
Interior Design Insight and Overview
April 4 and April 5
In early April, we hosted Bridget Bohacz, interior designer for The Outlook, and Mallori Smyers, architect with Greystone, at our design presentation. VIPs got a brief construction update, learned more about the residence finish options, and got a sneak peek of some of The Outlook’s amenity spaces.
Thank You!
We are grateful to Pam Tischler, Lynn Harris, John Thompson and Emily Martin, & Jan and Gary Basham for serving as VIP panelists at our Happy Hour for potential new neighbors on May 4th.
Refer a Friend and Get Rewarded
With construction well underway and more than 80% of residences reserved, there is no better time to recommend The Outlook at Windhaven to a friend or family member. And what could be better than getting to choose your neighbors? For a limited time, your potential new neighbor can take advantage of special pre-opening pricing and benefits while some amazing apartment homes are still available.
So, if you know someone you think would be ideal for The Outlook, let us know. And you both win!
IF YOUR FRIEND RESERVES A RESIDENCE, YOU WILL RECEIVE A $500 H-E-B GIFT CARD RIGHT NOW.*
AFTER YOU AND YOUR FRIEND MOVE IN, YOU WILL RECEIVE A CREDIT OF $3,500 & THEY WILL RECEIVE $2,500.*
Contact us at (972) 996-3887 or TheOutlook@nullForefrontLiving.org
*Offer valid for new referrals only. Effective through 6/30/23.
Thank you to Sarah Shlakman for referring her neighbors, John and Bonnie Strauss
Save-The-Date
Mark your calendar!
Inside the Outlook:
a lifestyle series exclusively for VIPs
Wellness
Friday, June 23 at 9:30 am
At The Carpenter Park Recreation Center
6701 Coit Rd., Plano TX, 75024
Get ready to boost your well-being! Join us at The Carpenter Recreation Center for a wellness presentation with Shannon Radford, Director of Wellness from Presbyterian Village North. We’ll end with a light exercise demonstration, so be sure to wear your comfy shoes!
Seating is limited so RSVP today to Rachel at (972) 996-3887 or RMcGowan@nullForeFrontLiving.org
Win an Outlook T-shirt and show your Outlook Pride
The Outlook at Windhaven T-shirts are in, and you can WIN one! Simply like our social posts on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn for the entire month of June. One like = one entry into the drawing for two lucky winners to be selected on June 30.
Click on the links below to follow us and be entered for a chance to win one of our new Outlook T-shirts!
