In this issue, meet your future neighbors, cottage residents Lois and Glen Doan. They, along with the rest of you, will enjoy reading the exciting news from our Executive Director in “Kristen’s Korner.” Get updates on the real estate market from realtor Bruce Walpole as well as the latest tips for your upcoming move. The Outlook is already bustling with social events—get a taste of what’s to come. While construction at The Outlook is coming along nicely, be sure to read our special safety message in the “Construction Corner.” Enjoy pickleball? Find out how you can participate—either as a player or a cheerleader! Plus, get up to speed on recent VIP events as well as mark your calendars for the exciting ones to come!
Meet Your Future Neighbors
Lois and Glen Doan
Lois and Glen Doan moved into a cottage at The Outlook at Windhaven about two months ago and are not looking back! They have enjoyed getting to know new friends and as avid travelers, are taking full advantage of their newfound ability to “lock the door and leave.”
Lois was born in California and moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana at age five. She and her sister had an idyllic childhood with lots of extended family living nearby. Lois moved to Dallas shortly after high school and attended Dallas Fashion Merchandising College. The school prepared its students for all sorts of work in the retail world. Lois took what she learned and ran a small ladies’ boutique in NorthPark Mall for many years.
Eventually, Lois realized retail working hours were not ideal and she changed careers. In 1972, she went to work for Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). It was a great fit, and she enjoyed a long and rewarding career there. She notes that the growth opportunities for women were especially great. She was made Vice President of Marketing in 1990 and retired from this position in 2008.
Glen is a tried-and-true Texan and has been here all his life. He was born in Mineral Wells (about 90 miles west of Dallas) and went to junior college in Weatherford. He ultimately graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 1966. After college and during the Vietnam War, Glen was in the Army Reserves. He later settled in Dallas and joined the relatively new information technology (IT) industry, starting as a computer programmer in 1966. Glen moved around a bit within the business and landed at Blue Cross Blue Shield in 1970. He worked in IT there for many years and by the time he left the first time, he was in charge of the entire IT department. However, the IT work at BCBS dried up for a while, and Glen departed to work at Sun Oil in 1982. He returned to BCBS in the late eighties, where he eventually became the VP of Claims and Customer Service in 1995 until he retired in 2007.
Glen and Lois met at Blue Cross Blue Shield. Theirs was a corporate romance begun in 1982 at a collegial happy hour. They met as Glen was about to leave the company and so did not really mix their social and work lives for long. They married in 1985. When Glen returned to BCBS, he and Lois did not work in the same professional circles and thus did not have much interaction. Their respective jobs kept them both very busy. After they both became VPs, they would attend the same meetings and their colleagues would often not even know that they were married!
It would be an understatement to say that Lois and Glen relish travel. They have been all over the world and simply LOVE to be on the go. As Lois says, “We liked to travel before we retired, but once we retired travel became our new job.” All aspects of the trip appeal to Lois and Glen: the research and planning, the packing, the transport itself, and just being elsewhere. They enjoy both national and international treks, both land tours and cruises. For many years, they spent about one third of the year away from home. Their latest goal is to devote more time stateside to “see America.” To that end, they have just recently returned from a Lewis and Clark riverboat cruise of the Pacific Northwest.
Lois and Glen definitely embrace the adage “Travel is the only thing that you buy that makes you richer.” This wanderlust is one of the things that made life at The Outlook so appealing. They love that they can simply vacate to parts unknown and rest assured that their property will be well cared for. Having lived in Plano already, Lois and Glen also appreciate The Outlook’s location. “We just moved to a different house in a different neighborhood, but our life really has not changed at all,” says Lois. “Everything is a lot easier,” adds Glen.
Because they do not have children, both Lois and Glen wanted to be settled in the case that something happens to either of them. As Lois puts it, “We wanted to make a decision now that would carry us through our life.” In addition, they wanted to ensure they had some control as to where they landed, “We wanted to call our shots as far as how we lived our life,” notes Glen.
The Doans were among the first to sign on to The Outlook, and while it’s not normally like them to buy something sight unseen, they were familiar with and admired The Outlook’s sister community, Presbyterian Village North. This and the subsequent meet-and-greets and overall stellar communications with The Outlook’s staff have only increased their comfort and confidence in their decision. “They do what they say they’ll do…They just have proven to be a very trustworthy organization,” says Lois.
When home, Lois faithfully visits the gym and enjoys keeping up with friends and family. Glen is a voracious reader, eating up everything from whodunits to history to deep travel research. Both are very outgoing and interested in forming new relationships with Outlook neighbors and in taking part in Outlook activities in the coming months!
From the Executive Director
Kristen’s Korner
We’ve been busy at The Outlook getting things ready for you and have lots of news to share.
First of all, we’re continuing to hire new team members—many of whom you met recently at our Meet the Directors program on July 26 (see pictures from this event below). We expect the common areas to open in September, including the lobby, guest services, administrative offices and dining. In late September/October, the wellness wing opens and includes the fitness center, pool, and yoga/dance studio. Also, around this time, we’re excited to begin welcoming our South apartment residents and our North apartment residents in late November/early December.
I also wanted to remind you to register for Cubigo if you haven’t already. Cubigo is an online platform connecting residents and VIPs to community events and information. During the past few weeks, we held two well-attended training sessions for VIPs. For those who have not yet registered for Cubigo, please email TheOutlookAtYourService@nullForefrontLiving.org or call (972) 795-0441 and we will re-send the registration link.
Finally, I wanted to remind you that we are now taking reservations in our Assisted Living and Memory Support neighborhoods which will open this fall. As a VIP, you have priority access, so please reach out to Wendy Thomas, Assisted Living Advisor, (wthomas@nullforefrontliving.org) as soon as possible, if you are interested.
In the spirit of the Olympic games…
We thought you might enjoy this video “Making a Splash.” Soon you could be setting your own records in The Outlook pool when it opens this fall!
Real Estate Market Update:
Collin County, Texas, July 2024
By Bruce Walpole, REALTOR®
Walpole Realty Group
Keller Williams Realty
The real estate market in Collin County continues to experience dynamic changes, reflecting broader trends seen across the United States. As of mid-2024, the market presents both opportunities and challenges for buyers and sellers alike. Click here to read the full article.
“Have you talked to your realtor about selling your home? Don’t be afraid to get the conversation started. We’re here to help.”
Jennifer Campbell
Director of Sales and Marketing
Move-In Planning with Dear Rachel
Dear Rachel,
Why is it important that I schedule my move-in day and time with you? Also, do you have an updated list of preferred movers and organizers?
Sincerely,
Excited Mover
Dear Excited Mover,
As your move-in coordinator, my job is to make your move, and all moves, hassle-free. It’s vital that we work together to secure a time for you to move for a few reasons.
- I will be managing the use of the freight elevator for everyone’s move, including all contractors. I will handle all the headaches of scheduling for you.
- This gives me an opportunity to talk to your movers. I can coordinate with them to ensure the elevator is available and obtain a copy of their certificate of insurance. I must have this for any person(s) entering the community, whether they are contractors, movers, etc.
I have a great list of providers that I have been updating regularly as we build more relationships. It lists everything including senior move managers, regular movers, organizers, and designers for those of you who want to do custom work.
You will love all these wonderful people. Here is your new revised list!
Sincerely,
Rachel
Social Events for Cottage Residents
(Click photos to enlarge)
“You will wait on your soufflé, but your soufflé will not wait on you.”
Have you visited Rise? A salon de soufflé where impeccable flavor and French sensibilities meet comfortable hospitality. If you haven’t, it’s a must. Rise is a one-of-a-kind dining experience. The OAW Lunch Bunch enjoyed the low-key ambience and the delicious menu this gem had to offer.
Our calendar continues to grow and expand as we add more variety in programming and events. This month we added programs like Trivia Matters, Rummikub, Blackjack and Dominoes! Our residents are enjoying all that The Outlook has to offer!
Happy National Hawaii Day! This day recognizes Hawaii as the 50th state to be granted statehood in the United States. The residents at The Outlook enjoyed a delicious Hawaiian-themed lunch prepared by Executive Chef Trevor! Discovering hidden gems at the farmers market is our kind of summer treasure hunt. The Outlook residents enjoyed exploring the Dallas Farmers Market this month! Fresh fruits, vibrant colors, and happy faces. Summer farmers markets are pure bliss!
Questions?
Do you have questions about the Resident Handbook, or a topic covered in it? If so, our Resident Services email will be the hub of Q&A. Please submit your question to TheOutlookatYourService@nullForefrontLiving.org and someone will get back to you with the 411.
Construction Corner
See the great construction progress we are making. Take a look at our most recent timelapse video as of July 2024:
In the next six weeks, The Outlook at Windhaven construction progress will include:
- Nearing completion of the Assisted Living/Memory Support (AL/MS) Dining Room (Fairview)
- Continuing floor installation and fireplace work
- Nearing completion of Mail Room, Bistro (Blue Lacy), and Wine Bar (Outriders)
- Nearing completion of stage area of The Hall of Commons building
- Continuing finishes in Fitness and Pool areas
- Nearing completion of AL/MS residences, 2nd and 3rd floors
- Continuing finishes for AL/MS common areas, 2nd and 3rd floors
- Countertop and backsplash installation, ceiling and lighting finishes
- Nearing completion of landscaping and hardscaping of Community Courtyard, located between Commons and AL/MS buildings
- Continuing landscaping and hardscaping around Commons building and Independent Living Pool Courtyard
DO NOT ENTER!
Although the construction fence has been moved back, it’s still an active construction area and does not mean the building is open yet. For your safety and the protection of your vehicle, please stay away from the area while we get things ready for you.
Kosher Dill Pickleball Tournament
Sunday, September 15
10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Pickleball fan? Come play or cheer on The Outlook team.* Click here to register.
*The Outlook at Windhaven is a court sponsor.
Welcome to Inside The Outlook, an educational and lifestyle series created especially for you—our VIPs. Below is a list of upcoming events as well as some photos of recent events—either way, we don’t want you to miss a single thing going on at The Outlook!
Save-The-Date
for these upcoming Inside The Outlook exclusive events
Questions about any of these events? Give us a call at (972) 996-3887.
South Apartment Roundtable Meetings
Monday, August 26 and Wednesday, August 28
RSVP to Info@nullTheOutlookAtWindhaven.org or (972) 996-3887.
Southside Move-Ins Begin
Monday, September 23
North Apartment Move-Ins
Coming Soon!
Previous Inside The Outlook Event
Meet The Outlook Department Heads
July 26
Meet the Chef Luncheons
July 16th & 23rd
On the Forefront
Want to know more about Forefront Living and how we actively serve seniors across all our nonprofits? Click here to view the July 2024 On the Forefront newsletter.
Welcome Select New Outlook VIPs
Joan and Michael Bardee
Marilyn and Bob Colombe
Donna Rhyne
Perhaps you know someone who’d be ideal for The Outlook at Windhaven?
If so, let us know at (972) 996-3887 or Info@nullTheOutlookAtWindhaven.org and get rewarded! Click here to see updates to the referral program.
