Author: Wendy Van Bemmel

Anyone visiting the State Fair of Texas between September 26 and October 19 will be greeted by the familiar voice of Big Tex calling out “Howdy folks!” At The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) there’s someone who knows that greeting better than most…resident John Lyon once brought Big Tex to life!

John’s story began in 1986 when he entered a Big Tex look-alike contest at the fair. “No one really looks like Big Tex,” he likes to say, “but I had the voice.” When he stepped up at the contest and delivered a hearty “Howdy folks,” the crowd erupted and he won the contest.

Afterward, it took him more than an hour to leave the fair grounds because people kept stopping him and asking him to take photos. Not long after he was offered a job as the walking Big Tex. For 12 years John walked the fairgrounds greeting visitors, posing for pictures and chatting with people from all over the country.

He even helped design Big Tex’s larger-than-life cowboy boots for the version of Big Tex that sadly burned in 2012 – he also had a pair made for himself. “The human-size version of those boots cost about $3,000 back then,” he recalls. “And the belt was about $4,000. My own boots were 18 inches tall.”

John’s favorite fair treats at the fair are the classics…corn dogs, fudge and candy apples. “You can’t beat a Fletcher’s corn dog,” he said.

Over the years, John also took on other infamous roles. He says he spent time as the Marlboro Man in the early 90s and later appeared as the Kool Aid Man in the 2000s. “I guess I just like characters,” he jokes.

Now retired, John enjoys sharing stories from his Big Tex days with friends and neighbors at OAW. As this year’s State Fair fills the air with music and the smell of fried favorites, he remains proud of the role he once played in bringing its most famous cowboy figure to life.

When fairgoers hear Big Tex’s booming voice this season, we hope they remember there’s a member of the Forefront Living family who once gave that greeting a personal touch – John Lyon, The Outlook at Windhaven’s own Big Tex.

Photos by: Sarah Macias

by Wendy Van Bemmel

At The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW), the Tuesday of Valentine’s Week was all about wagging tails, warm hearts and giving back! For the third year in a row, Forefront Living (FL) teamed up with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) to spread love through their Valentine’s event—complete with crafts, cuddles and community spirit.

Everyone gathered in the OAW Assisted Living Creative Studio on February 11 for the “Puppy Love”-themed event, where resident’s adorable pups stole the show at the professional Valentine’s photo station. Whether posing with a furry friend or their own pet, residents captured sweet moments to treasure forever.

Meanwhile, the Crafting for a Cause station was buzzing with activity as volunteers, teammates and residents made 50 handmade dog toys for the Plano Animal Shelter—a heartfelt way to share the love with pets in need. 145 beautiful Valentine’s cards were also handcrafted by this creative group. Those cards were delivered on Wednesday to Memory Support residents living at Presbyterian Village North (OAW’s sister community). These vibrant cards brought bringing extra joy to the Forefront Living family.

Of course, no Valentine’s celebration is complete without sweet treats, and both humans and pups enjoyed plenty of them at the pint parlor! A charcuterie spread and assortment of ice cream was available for the humans, and the dogs enjoyed canine-approved pup cups.

“Our partnership with CLA makes this day so special,” said Heather Logan, Forefront Living Controller. “Their kindness and dedication to our residents—and even shelter animals—truly embody the spirit of love and generosity.”

From puppy kisses to creative crafts, this year’s Valentine’s Day Puppy Love was a heartwarming reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest impact. A huge thank you to CLA for helping make this tradition so unforgettable! And heartfelt appreciation to the OAW Community Life team including Courtney Lammons, Hannah McKnight, Katie Snezhkova and Sylvia McCleary as well as the rest of the OAW team for their help in the event’s success.

OAW TEAMMATES AND RESIDENT PHOTOS

CLA AND FL VOLUNTEERS

EVENT PHOTOS

PVN MEMORY CARE RESIDENTS RECEIVING CARDS

Photos by Sarah Macias

MODEL PUPS

by Wendy Van Bemmel

The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) is excited to announce a unique partnership with renowned chef, Tre Wilcox, as their Culinary Advisor. In collaboration with Thomas Cuisine, this exclusive pairing brings Chef Tre’s innovative culinary expertise to the brand-new senior living community, located in Plano, enriching the bistro dining experience with his passion for creating personalized, resident-focused menus.

Chef Tre, known for his impressive career, has an extensive background in fine dining and television, including appearances on Bravo’s Top Chef and Iron Chef America, where he triumphed alongside his mentor, Kent Rathbun. His professional journey, which began in a fast-food restaurant, led him to earn prestigious accolades such as a 5-star review at Abacus, an acclaimed fusion restaurant in Dallas, by age 29, multiple James Beard Foundation nominations and recognition as Best Chef  by the Dallas Morning News.

In his consultant role as Culinary Advisor at OAW, Chef Tre’s expertise is instrumental in transforming the dining experience for OAW residents. Working closely with the Thomas Cuisine team, Chef Tre is focused on crafting diverse, high-quality meals that cater to the unique tastes and dietary preferences of the community. His guidance ensures that each meal is infused with creativity, offering residents a dining experience that goes beyond traditional senior living meals.

Chef Tre’s involvement represents a fresh and exciting direction for OAW’s culinary offerings, enhancing the flavor and overall dining experience. His collaboration with the team underscores OAW’s commitment to providing exceptional, personalized services that enrich the lives of its residents.

by Wendy Van Bemmel