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!
Angela Short joined The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) as the Business Office Manager in June. In her role, she handles billing, closings and manages resident services, striving to make things run smoothly behind the scenes. We sat down with Angela to learn more about her through a fun question and answer session. Read about her below.
What are you passionate about regarding your professional role? I am passionate about getting to know each of our residents and learning as much as I can about AL, ILMS.
Favorite memory/moment to date during your time at OAW: One highlight for me was when a resident asked for a moment before we started her closing. She shared with me that she couldn’t believe the day had finally arrived, she had waited exactly 3.5 years for that moment. Another special milestone was celebrating our recent 100th closing.
What do you think sets OAW apart from other senior living communities? This is my first community to work with, but it feels like a family here.
What is something that makes you feel proud? Personally, going back to school to finish my master’s degree in human relations and business during COVID was a huge accomplishment for me. Professionally, I’m proud of recognizing that I wanted to change careers and taking that leap of faith to an industry I knew very little about. Share about your family: I adore my family! I’m blessed with amazing parents who have always been there providing advice, love and support. I have two fabulous sisters who I love spending time with, whether it’s going on adventures or sharing laughs. I also have two wonderful brothers-in-law who are so much fun to be around. I am a proud aunt to four smart, beautiful/handsome, loving kiddos/young adults. Rounding out my family is my fur baby, Bailey, who keeps me on my toes and ensures there’s never a dull moment.
Tell us about your hobbies: I love watching college sports – football, softball and baseball. I enjoy reading when time allows. I enjoy tapping into my creative side and I also love singing.
On the weekend, you can find me: Right now, you can usually find me working. Otherwise, I enjoy spending time with friends and family and volunteering.
What are some of your favorite foods and restaurants? I love Mexican or Italian food. My favorite dishes to order are manicotti, shrimp tacos or cheese enchiladas with extra spicy hot sauce.
How would your friends describe you? My friends would say I am a kind, creative, fun-loving friend who will always be there when they need me.
A celebration is in order at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW), Forefront Living’s newest senior living community in Plano! This week, OAW achieved its 100th closing as John Thompson and Emily Martin finalized the paperwork to become official residents of our neighborhood. This milestone is a great indicator of our progress and we look forward to continuing to welcome more residents to our growing community. Congratulations to the John and Emily – we’re so happy you’re part of the OAW family!
Paddles were ready as two Forefront Living (FL) communities, The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) and Presbyterian Village North (PVN), faced off for ultimate bragging rights at the first Pickleball Paddle Battle between the two entities on Nov. 22! Residents and teammates rallied at the PVN Pickleball Court, bringing lots of energy to cheer on teams as they went head-to-head to claim the trophy.
Representing PVN were teammates Dustin Allen, Heather Porch, Daisy Fuentes, Erik Stephens and the dynamic resident duo of Dave and Debbie Driscoll. The OAW team consisted of teammates Kristen Jordan, Charlotte Slaver, Katie Snezhkova and resident Jane Bowers to serve up some stiff competition.
Adding to the dill-lightful excitement was FL Corporate Director of Operations and special guest referee, Ke’o Velasquez, who kept things fair and entertaining in a kosher pickle costume!
After an intense showdown, the PVN team claimed the coveted Pickleball trophy and the title of reigning champs.
It was a fun morning with both teams showcasing their Pickleball skills and why they’re such a big dill in their communities!
Recently, The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) welcomed prospective residents to a successful Cocktails In The Courtyard event! With 78 prospects and more than 30 current residents in attendance, guests had the opportunity to tour the beautiful community, enjoy signature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and hear firsthand from residents about life at OAW. The live music and neighborly conversations made it a wonderful way to showcase all that OAW has to offer.
OAW residents are crushing it during “Get Fit” wellness classes with OAW Wellness Coordinator, Justin High. These fit folks are proving that staying active keeps you young at heart!
OAW residents puckered up for some pampering and an afternoon of glam-tastic fun with Lisa Stengel of Mary Kay. Lisa shared skincare and beauty tips as well as makeup dos and don’ts. Everyone left the workshop powdered up and feeling polished!
OAW kicked off a Resident Ambassador Program with an engaging training session led by Jennifer Campbell, OAW’s Director of Sales and Marketing. The program was designed to empower residents with the skills to warmly welcome newcomers, share helpful insights and serve as knowledgeable resources within the community. Residents embraced the opportunity to make a positive impact across OAW!
Michelle Edmond is the Human Resources Manager for The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW), a role she began in April. In her position, Michelle hires teammates to serve our residents, handles payroll and other compensation, ensures company policies are followed and supports teammate training, development and performance management. We sat down with Michelle to learn more about her through a fun question and answer session. Read about her below.
What are you passionate about regarding your professional role? I am passionate about helping my organization reach its goals by contributing through its most important asset – it’s people.
Favorite memory/moment to date during your time at OAW: Every Wednesday during the OAW Sip and Swirl Happy Hour, I have the opportunity to watch residents socialize and enjoy themselves, and I love parties!
What do you think sets OAW apart from other senior living communities? People in any organization make the difference. Our community has a host of seasoned teammates and caring, compassionate and polished leaders.
What is something that makes you feel proud? I am most proud of serving the community as a teacher in an adult education and literacy program and helping those in the program prepare for their Certificate of High School Equivalency test (formerly known as GED). Share about your family: My siblings taught me many important life lessons. As a member of a large family, I learned how to share, embrace teamwork, become better at math, geography, appreciate the arts and play sports. At eight years old, my brothers convinced me to cook pancakes, and from them on I made them every Saturday on our huge griddle. I can make amazing pancakes from scratch!
Tell us about your hobbies: My hobbies include being an avid reader (I’m a member of several book clubs), participating in 5k walks/races, yoga, baking and learning to be a better cook.
On the weekend, you can find me: On the weekend, I enjoy walking or running, reading, working on a DIY project, watching documentaries and visiting with my friends and family.
What are some of your favorite foods and restaurants? I love a variety of foods from different regions! Muchacho, Hillstone and Al Biernat’s are my favorite places to dine. My favorite dishes to order include portobello fajitas, lobster Fra diavolo and crab cakes.
How would your friends describe you? My friends would describe me as present, compassionate, supportive and a good listener. I give helpful advice and commentary when appropriate and when requested. I am extremely loyal, non-judgmental and would never utter “I told you so.”
In honor of Veterans Day, each of Forefront Living’s (FL) senior living communities celebrated the brave men and women who have selflessly served our country. Bella Vida, in San Antonio, held a special Veterans Appreciation Luncheon at Magnolia Pancake Haus to honor the community’s resident veterans. The lunch featured guest speaker Don Gleeson, a retired Colonel in the U.S. Air Force with 27 years of service as a civil engineer in various posts around the world.
The Outlook at Windhaven honored resident veterans with a morning Veterans Coffee Social, treating them to coffee, patriotic mugs and delicious breakfast treats.
Presbyterian Village North hosted a special program in McGowan Auditorium, where resident veterans played key roles in leading the Pledge of Allegiance, delivering the invocation, sharing words of remembrance and guiding the crowd in singing “God Bless America.” The program also featured a moving bagpipe performance by Jim Royer, a Dallas Fire Department Captain.
Each FL entity was pleased to be able to honor their veterans, celebrating their service with abundant gratitude. The campuses of FL and the T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center proudly displayed American flags across their lawns.
The Outlook at Windhaven’s Halloween Sip and Swirl Happy Hour for residents and VIPs was a spook-tacular success, with more than 60 guests joining in on the afternoon fun! Guests enjoyed devilishly delicious snacks and beverages and a costume contest with fang-tastic prizes. Jim Buncher was the first place winner and Jane Bower and Paul Schrier took home second. Check out the photos for a look at the ghoulishly good time!
