The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) officially marked its place in the Plano community with a Grand Launch celebration on April 16. OAW residents and teammates, civic leaders and project partners gathered to recognize the vision and effort that helped bring the senior living community to life.
The Texas-themed event began with a welcome from Executive Director Kristen Jordan, followed by remarks and a Certificate of Commendation from City of Plano Councilmember Shelby Williams. Rutledge Haggard, owner of Haggard Property Group, shared the rich history of the land the community now sits on and its connection to his family. The special program concluded with a festive bang as Forefront Living CEO Tim Mallad and teammates released confetti cannons adding sparkle and even more excitement to the celebratory event.
Guests enjoyed brunch-style fare and explored the campus through a “Trail of Texas,” guiding participants through a tour of the beautiful community while collecting stamps and Texas-themed favors along the way. Trail highlights included the Fitness Center and Courtyard, a model home, the Assisted Living Commons, Blue Lacy Bistro and a final stop to visit with Forefront Living Foundation team in the Lobby. Live country music, a banjo player and the Sassafras dancers were featured entertainment at several trail stops.
Built on a foundation of luxury and a full continuum of care, it’s not too late to become part of this growing community! OAW offers seniors the opportunity to thrive in a beautiful environment with access to the best Plano has to offer – call the OAW Sales and Marketing team at (972) 996-3887 to learn how you can giddy up and join the fun.
The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) hosted its inaugural First Responders Appreciation Breakfast, welcoming special guests from the Plano Police Department and Fire Stations 7, 8 and 13. The morning was filled with gratitude and plenty of good food as nearly 20 of the city’s first responders and a group of 20 OAW residents enjoyed a breakfast buffet of bacon, eggs, sausage, waffles and a made-to-order omelet station.
OAW teammate Courtney Lammons shared, “We were thrilled to kick off OAW’s very first appreciation breakfast for our first responders. It was our way of saying thank you and getting to know to the incredible men and women of the Plano Police and Fire-Rescue.”
These types of appreciation events are sure to become a favorite community tradition – currently scheduled to take place each quarter. Thank you, Plano Police and Fire-Rescue!
After Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) teammates Courtney Lammons, Community Life Coordinator, and Katie Snezhkova, Director of Resident Services, danced nonstop at the community’s Valentine’s Day Gala, several residents asked if the dynamic duo would teach them some moves too. What started as a small dance demonstration is now a weekly dance class that takes place every Monday. About 20 residents attend the class regularly and the popular class often has a waitlist.
During the weekly “Dance Party with Katie and Courtney,” residents learn a variety of line dances including Cotton Eye Joe, Boot Scootin’ Boogie, the Two Step and Elvira.
“We love Mondays! We dust off our boots and stomp, shuffle and grapevine. It’s fun to see everyone come together and have a great time,” shared Katie.
This weekly class is a toe-tapping good time for everyone involved and proof that you’re never too old to learn a few new dance moves. There is so much buzz surrounding this class that a community showcase is in the works to show off the fancy footwork residents have learned!
Courtney Lammons serves as Independent Living Community Life Coordinator at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW), joining the OAW community in September of 2024. In her role, she creates, organizes and facilitates engaging events and activities to bring residents together and make their OAW experience fun and fulfilling. We caught up with Courtney for a Q and A to get to know her better. Read more about her below.
What are you passionate about regarding your professional role? Professionally, I am passionate about bringing our residents joy and making their days a little brighter. It means so much to me to support others, especially during their later years of life, and help create special moments for them daily.
Favorite memory/moment to date during your time at OAW: One of the most meaningful moments I experienced was during our Friday crafting group when resident Emily Martin shared, “Do you know how much I look forward to this every week?” Her statement truly made my entire year! I put so much thought and effort into planning weekly crafts because it’s something I love, and hearing that it brings joy to others means the world to me. Another favorite memory is when Katie Snezhkova and I danced our hearts out on Valentine’s Day. The residents had so much fun dancing with us that they asked to teach a dance class. Now, every Monday at 4 p.m., you’ll find me in the Yoga Studio dancing with residents. I may not be the best dancer, but we laugh, move our bodies and have a blast together!
What do you think sets OAW apart from other senior living communities? Along with our amazing location, I’d say it’s the people who set OAW apart. Our residents are at the heart of everything we do, but where would we be without our warm and welcoming front desk concierges or the hardworking teammates behind the scenes? Our dishwashers, line cooks and servers – who remember exactly how you like your drink or your salad – bring such a personal touch to daily life. It’s that sense of care that makes OAW feel like home.
What is something that makes you feel proud? I am most proud of how far I’ve come in my career. In 2019, I started working at another senior living community as a server in the main dining room. One day, an activities manager noticed how I interacted with the residents and saw potential in me. She offered me a chance to work in programming and from there I was able to grow and pursue my passion, which landed me at OAW! Share about your family: I am the middle daughter of three sisters. My older sister, Gabrielle (28), is a veterinarian in New York City, and my younger sister, Scarlet (15), volunteers at a local Plano reptarium, a pet store specializing in reptiles. Scarlet is also the proud owner of a bearded dragon named Agave! My parents, Elizabeth and Hugh, live in Plano. My mom is a recruiter for DaVita, and my dad works in housing development, overseeing new home builds in Dallas. My partner Jonah and I have been together for three years and he’s my best friend. We met at my previous job and awkwardly waved at each other for six months before I finally asked for his number. One date later and the rest is history! Jonah and I have two seven-year-old cats named Fefe and Potato.
Tell us about your hobbies: My hobbies include caring for my beloved cats, Fefe and Potato. I adopted both of them during a tough period in my life and they’ve been my loyal companions ever since. Maybe they genuinely care about me, or maybe they just know who feeds them – either way, they’ve been by my side every step of the way.
On the weekend, you can find me: On the weekend, you can find me doing a little bit of everything! One of my favorite activities is spending Sunday mornings with Jonah shopping at the Dallas Farmers Market.
What are some of your favorite foods and restaurants? I’m a big fan of Chipotle bowls and I love making homemade yellow curry from scratch! My favorite item to order is the Honeymoon Roll from Sushi Yokohama in Dallas.
How would your friends describe you? My friends would describe me as empathetic and a great listener. They would say that I always want everyone around me to have a good time and that my upbeat energy helps lift the mood wherever I go!
To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) residents got into the Irish spirit with festive Shamrock Shakes – made even better with a boozy twist!
The McLane School of Irish Dance wowed The Outlook at Windhaven residents with their incredible talent and a touch of Irish luck!
The first group of residents from Presbyterian Village North (PVN) had their chance to explore the new Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) community, and they were impressed by everything OAW has to offer. The tour covered dining spaces, wellness areas and living options, initiating plenty of questions about pricing, amenities and events. Jennifer Campbell, OAW Director of Sales and Marketing, led an informative tour and made sure every question was answered.
Resident Happy Hour was a highlight of the outing and PVN residents enjoyed the guest saxophone player and the welcoming OAW crew who greeted them. Lucky Luckadoo, WWII Veteran and PVN resident, was even recognized by a few fans who had seen him on TV featured in various interviews and documentaries. They were eager to meet him and thank him for his service.
As the event wound down, some of the PVN visitors were having such a great time they wanted to stay for dinner, but all left with a smile on their face and eager to visit their sister-community again!
Julie Lebid has worked as an Executive Assistant at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) since May of 2024. In this role, she supports the administrative team, managing schedules and meetings as well as assisting with special projects and event planning. We caught up with Julie for a fun Q and A to get to know her better. Read more about her below.
What are you passionate about regarding your professional role? I am passionate about helping people! Whether it’s supporting my teammates or assisting residents, I find great fulfillment in making a positive impact. Helping others brings me a sense of purpose.
Favorite memory/moment to date during your time at OAW: My favorite moments are meeting new residents, sometimes with their furry friends. I enjoy learning their stories and seeing the special bonds they share with their pets, which adds to the warmth of our community.
What do you think sets OAW apart from other senior living communities? The daily dedication of OAW teammates and residents to make the community a wonderful place to work and live makes us stand out. That dedication creates a strong sense of family.
What is something that makes you feel proud? I am most proud of how I’ve mastered working in a fast-paced environment while staying organized and focused. Solving problems on the spot has become one of my strengths, and it’s rewarding to see the immediate results of my actions. The positive feedback I receive from residents and teammates reassures me that I’m on the right track and inspires me to keep improving. Share about your family: My fiancé, Austin, and I have been together for five years, and we have three beautiful kids, Dazy, Teddy and Clyde. Well, we call them kids, but other people might just call them dogs! We’re convinced they think they are humans!
Tell us about your hobbies: I love to travel, explore new places and experience different cultures. I also enjoy playing the piano – it helps me to relax and unwind. I like to read, and occasionally, I try my hand at painting.
On the weekend, you can find me: On the weekend, I usually spend time with my family.
What are some of your favorite foods and restaurants? I love Ukrainian cuisine. It’s my comfort food and brings back warm memories of my family and childhood.
How would your friends describe you? My friends would describe me as supportive and trustworthy. I’m always there to listen when they need to talk, and they know they can count on me for help or advice, no matter the situation. I value loyalty and always try to be a dependable friend.
The Therapy Room at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) officially opened on March 10, and provides outpatient Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy for residents. The OAW Therapy program will also offer services to patients in surrounding areas in the near future. The therapy program specializes in supporting seniors, but therapists will be able to treat patients of any age with a doctor’s order.
Estee Cahani, Presbyterian Village North Director of Rehabilitation, is leading the therapy charge at the Plano community and holds weekly hours inside the Wellness Office. OAW Residents are encouraged to contact Estee regarding their needs.
Estee shared, “The therapy program’s goal is simple. We want our residents to live the life they choose, where pain and physical disability do not stop them from doing the things they love and enjoy. We are here to advocate for people and provide the education necessary to make informed health decisions. We simply want to help them make each moment matter!”
The OAW Therapy program offers a range of services to address various therapy needs:
Physical therapy helps improve function, strength, musculoskeletal health and mobility, as well as address joint and muscle pain, neuro-muscular affliction, vestibular dysfunction, balance and post-operative care for swelling, range of motion and strength.
Occupational therapy (OT) improves a patient’s activities of daily life, such as bathing, dressing and grooming, using the bathroom, eating, home management and meal preparation. Additionally, OT addresses pain management and can facilitate improvements in joint mobility and strength.
Speech therapy helps restore and maintain all aspects of communication, including listening, reading, writing and language interpretation. This therapy can also assist with chewing and swallowing abilities.
The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) observed Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, with a special service centered on reflection, prayer and the imposition of ashes. Lent lasts 40 days, representing Jesus’ fasting and testing in the wilderness, and is meant to serve as a time of repentance in the Christian faith in preparation for Easter. The ashes are a formal reminder of mortality and the need for repentance upon entering a season of spiritual renewal.
Shane Barnes, OAW’s Director of Spiritual Life, delivered a message that explored the history of Ash Wednesday, the significance of ashes in scripture and shared a responsive reading from Psalm 51. He encouraged attendees to fully open themselves to God during this Lenten season. He challenged residents to go forth as God’s beloved while recognizing the same in others, embrace each day with purpose and carry out God’s work with kindness and justice. Shane is eager to continue learning about the spiritual needs of OAW residents and develop ministries and programs that support and encourage them in their faith journeys.
Marco Banuelas, Fire Rescue Specialist at Plano Fire Rescue, stopped by The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) to share essential fire prevention information and emergency tips. OAW residents are now better prepared to protect themselves and their homes. Thank you, Plano Fire Rescue, for empowering our residents!
The ladies of The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) enjoyed a sophisticated Galentine’s Tea at the iconic Adolphus Hotel, located in Downtown Dallas. Set in the hotel’s historic French Room, afternoon tea service included a selection of fine teas, delicious finger sandwiches, scones and indulgent sweet treats for all to enjoy. Dressed to impress, the group sipped and savored while enjoying the elegant affair. The occasion was a perfect way to celebrate the special women of OAW in a beautiful setting!
On the evening of February 14, The Outlook at Windhaven residents kicked off the community’s first Valentine’s Day Gala with a fun night featuring chocolates, dancing and live music by entertainer Andy Corridori. It was a blast with residents and teammates showing off their best moves to a variety of classic tunes and crowd favorites like the “YMCA” and “Cha Cha Slide.” The gala brought lots of laughs as neighbors celebrated a memorable Valentine night.
This month’s Flower Club at The Outlook at Windhaven was in full bloom! Independent Living and Assisted Living residents brought their favorite vases and had a wonderful time arranging gorgeous flowers, generously donated by Trader Joe’s.
Kim Ritucci joined The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) as the Sales and Marketing Assistant in November. In this role, she keeps things running smoothly in the office by supporting the Sales and Marketing team, managing records and handling day-to-day tasks. We caught up with Kim for a fun Q and A to get to know her better. Read more about her below.
What are you passionate about regarding your professional role? I am passionate about keeping the OAW Sales and Marketing office running smoothly and efficiently.
Favorite memory/moment to date during your time at OAW: It’s always a highlight to hear residents talk about the positive impact moving to the OAW community has made in their life.
What do you think sets OAW apart from other senior living communities? I think the strong spirit of the community and the genuine care that teammates have for the residents set us apart. Here, it feels more like a family than just a workplace.
What is something that makes you feel proud? As a single mom, I am proud of returning to college to earn my degree.
Share about your family: I have two beautiful children, Isabella (11) and Mason (9). They are my greatest joy and the driving force behind everything I do.
Tell us about your hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy yoga and singing in my church choir.
On the weekend, you can find me: On the weekend, I love spending time with my kids and friends.
What are some of your favorite foods and restaurants? I have a serious sweet tooth and like grabbing a treat whenever I go! But, when it comes to meals, salmon is my go-to and I order it almost everywhere I dine. How would your friends describe you? My friends would say I’m loyal and sometimes a little goofy!
