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!
Forefront Living Foundation (FLF) plays an important role in advancing the mission and supporting the goals of each of the members of the Forefront Living (FL) family by raising, investing and distributing funds. FL’s senior living communities include Presbyterian Village North (PVN) in Dallas, The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) in Plano and Bella Vida, coming soon to San Antonio.
Rose Donahue, FLF’s Philanthropy Officer of Corporate and Annual Giving, is excited to dedicate time each week engaging with the OAW community. “I’m thrilled to join the OAW community to connect with residents and supporters while contributing to this exciting journey for Forefront Living.”
Philanthropy plays a fundamental role in enriching the programs and services offered across all FL entities, and Rose looks forward to sharing ways to support the FL mission to make each moment matter for those we serve. Through her work, she is eager to build relationships with more OAW residents and teammates as well as Plano businesses to help the community continue to thrive for years to come.
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.
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.
We are pleased to announce the addition of Shane Barnes to The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) team as Director of Spiritual Life. In this role, Shane will provide spiritual care and guidance, along with emotional support to the residents, families and teammates at OAW.
Shane joins us with an extensive resume of pastoral care experience, including hospice care and a level one trauma center. Most recently, he worked at Grace Community Church as the Pastor of Care Ministry, serving there for the past 14 years.
Shane holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dallas Bible College, a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Southern Methodist University Perkins School of Theology.
“I have spent most of my life in pastoral care, providing spiritual support through the local church and serving as a chaplain for level one trauma centers as well as hospice. I am very excited about joining the team at OAW to cultivate opportunities for spiritual growth, develop personal relationships with our residents and make connections though our unique spiritual journeys,” shared Shane.
In his free time, you might find Shane enjoying a bowl of popcorn while watching the movie, The Notebook, playing golf or taking relaxing walks with his fiancé, Ashley, and their dog, Roux. He also loves strumming on his guitar to his favorite songs by The Eagles.
Please join us in welcoming Shane to The Outlook at Windhaven and Forefront Living family!
The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) welcomed its first residents to the Assisted Living (AL) homes of the community! Dian Koper, OAW’s inaugural AL resident, moved from her own house in Aurora, Colorado, to OAW. Dian has a passion for staying active, loves engaging in community activities and enjoys spending time with her new neighbors. Also joining the OAW family are Sharon and Steve Brenner, a devoted couple married for 59 years and looking forward to celebrating their 60th anniversary this spring. Steve, a proud veteran, enjoys strolling the grounds with Sharon, taking time to explore every corner of the beautiful spaces. We are delighted to welcome these wonderful residents to OAW and look forward to providing them with a caring, supportive and vibrant living experience where they can truly feel at home.
Exciting News! The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) is featured in Community Impact!
At OAW, we pride ourselves on offering a welcoming community that caters to every stage of senior living. From independent living to more advanced care, we’re here to ensure our residents feel supported, connected and truly at home.
Check out the feature to see how OAW is redefining senior living and creating an environment where each moment matters! Click here to read on Community Impact.
At The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW), a senior living community in Plano, togetherness is key. Designed to inspire vibrant living and meaningful connections, the community features three distinct options to meet residents’ needs: independent living in upscale apartment residences and charming cottages alongside assisted living and specialized memory support, both offered in comfortable apartments. These thoughtfully crafted choices provide residents with the precise care and support they require while enabling them to lead fulfilling lives. Additionally, this structure fosters a sense of individuality while ensuring everyone remains part of a warm and inclusive community.
The transition to senior living is a major life change, and it’s natural for many to feel hesitant. However, at OAW, these changes often become opportunities for new experiences, friendships and personal growth. No matter which level of care residents choose, they are welcomed into a warm and supportive environment designed to ease their transition and help them thrive.
“Our community life programs are the fun of The Outlook at Windhaven,” executive director Kristen Jordan said. “There are various activities and outings residents can participate in. There are different clubs that we’re starting up and different games residents like to play. They teach each other new games as well and get each other involved. It really creates a welcoming spirit here.”
A recent resident wedding—celebrated just months after the community’s opening—symbolizes the spirit of renewal that thrives at OAW. For those who have experienced the loss of a spouse, the community provides a safe space to heal, form new bonds and rediscover joy.
“It’s been great seeing the residents happy, seeing them thriving, seeing them building new friends in their circles. It really is very rewarding,” Jordan said.
The sense of togetherness extends far beyond daily activities. Early on, residents would gather in small groups during cocktail hours in the cottages. That quickly changed as they began pushing tables together, forming one large circle where everyone could share stories and laughter.
“Originally, people sat in their own little twosome or threesome, but it quickly evolved,” Jordan said. “The residents began pushing all the tables together in a big circle. There was not one person sitting by themselves. They were laughing, and we could really hear the happiness.”
This tradition continues to flourish in the main building, where ice cream socials and community events warmly welcome new residents and bring everyone closer.
The Outlook at Windhaven’s commitment to connection extends to families and loved ones. Staff members take pride in being a source of stability during uncertain times.
“Being there when things happen that make residents unsteady or scared, being that support for them and for their families, that’s been the most rewarding part for me,” Jordan said.
As the community grows, so does its reputation as a welcoming, compassionate place to call home. Prospective residents are encouraged to visit, meet the residents and see firsthand what makes The Outlook at Windhaven so special.
At The Outlook at Windhaven, it’s not just about finding a place to live—it’s about creating a life full of purpose, connection and belonging.
Earlier this month, The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) residents enjoyed an exclusive tour of the Mary Kay Richard R. Rogers (R3) manufacturing facility located in Lewisville. The outing offered a behind-the-scenes look at the research, development and manufacturing processes behind Mary Kay’s renowned cosmetics. The R3 facility operates with more than 650 employees working around the clock, six days a week. Mary Kay has a global presence, spanning nearly 4,500 employees, two cutting-edge facilities, 18 distribution centers and 28 market satellite offices worldwide.
OAW’s halls are decked out with holiday cheer, featuring a beautifully adorned Christmas tree as the centerpiece of the main lobby. Stately nutcrackers stand tall to welcome residents and visitors, while seasonal poinsettias add a festive touch throughout the space.
OAW residents gathered in Outriders for a Boozy Shakes Social to enjoy delicious chocolate-covered cherry milkshakes with a holiday twist – they were spiked with Jim Beam Red Stag, a bourbon cherry liquor. The frosty treats brought a scoop of holiday cheer to these ice cream-loving residents.
Check out these festive photos from OAW’s Jingle and Mingle Happy Hour!
