Residents at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) gathered for a White Linen Summer Social, a evening filled with great music and food and neighborly company. Stylishly dressed in crisp white attire, OAW residents enjoyed a gourmet dinner buffet and the smooth sounds of a live jazz band. The music had people on their feet and the dance floor stayed busy.
“White Linen Night is a cherished tradition celebrated in several cities, most famously New Orleans and Houston. Think of it as a sophisticated block party with delicious food, refreshing drinks and the best company,” shared Katie Snezhkova, OAW’s Director of Resident Services.
The evening struck just the right note with residents and teammates, reminding everyone just how special community life at OAW can be.
Bea Lorenzen, a beloved resident of The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW), turned 107 years-young on August 22! To celebrate this incredible milestone, Bea enjoyed an early birthday party surrounded by her friends and neighbors from Independent Living and Assisted Living, OAW teammates and a few special family members.
The afternoon was filled with lots of joy as Bea was presented with a festive birthday crown and sash, which she proudly wore. The celebration featured cheerful decorations, a champagne toast, a delicious birthday cake, light snacks and live music including a few of Bea’s favorite songs. To make the occasion even more memorable, she was also surprised with a giant stack of heartfelt birthday cards.
Yashica Washington, OAW’s Director of Assisted Living, shared this about the elegant birthday girl, “Bea is living history, walking wisdom and 107 years strong!”
It was a special honor to celebrate this remarkable woman whose life continues to inspire everyone around her.
To cap off the celebration, Bea received a special birthday shout out on Fox 4 News’ Good Day.
Months passed before Joyce began referring to her apartment at The Outlook at Windhaven as “home.” “I would say, ‘I’m going to my apartment,’” Joyce recalled. Then one day, she was out with a friend and remarked, “Well, I’m going home.”
The moment gave her pause. “I thought to myself, my gosh, I just said ‘home.’ And I realized, yes, this is my home. I might as well start calling it that.”
And so she does. It’s been a journey to find her place, though, and she’s the first to admit downsizing for seniors isn’t always easy. But she’s the first to tell you, she’d do it all again.
Deciding to Downsize
Like many residents of The Outlook, Joyce and her husband were longtime area residents, and they wanted to stay nearby when they retired. Living in the same house for 30 years builds lots of memories, but over time the list of repairs begins building, too.
“We were tired of just dealing with the day-to-day things in the house. Things were breaking, and we just got tired of dealing with it all,” Joyce recalled. Not only that, but she worried about service people being trustworthy (after all, seniors are common targets of scams).
Learning about The Outlook sealed the deal, and the couple began planning their move from a house to an apartment back in 2021, although ultimately Joyce’s husband passed, and she made the move alone when the community opened in fall of 2024.
Outlook resident, Joyce
Mike and Kathy, also founding residents at The Outlook, had similar motivations for choosing The Outlook — remaining close to everything and everyone they already knew — but they actually came across the community after first visiting a sister community, Presbyterian Village North in Dallas.
They found their large family home exceeded needs. They were only using about half of the livable space; entire rooms went unused for months, if not years, at a time.
With potential home repair expenses, but also considerable equity growth, in mind, the couple began exploring local communities that make downsizing for seniors a smart decision. Presbyterian Village checked a lot of boxes, but when they learned a similar community would be available closer to their familiar neighborhood soon, they jumped at the chance.
The ability to invest a portion of their real estate equity that will one day return to their estate was a big selling factor. So was the knowledge that they could access assisted living or memory support if the need arises.
“When you get into our cohort, you have to realize one of these days, one of us may need to move into those,” Mike explained.
Outlook resident, Lynn
Having access to those resources was exactly what prompted Lynn and her husband to secure a place at The Outlook. They looked to find the perfect place for several years before discovering the new community.
Like their neighbors, the location was a familiar fit, but Lynn’s husband’s failing health was the deciding factor. They expected he would need assisted living soon, and she was enticed by the independent living amenities.
Unfortunately, her husband’s health took a downturn sooner than expected, and after he passed, Lynn ended up moving to senior living by herself. She welcomed the lifestyle she’d seen her own father enjoy in a Life Plan Community.
Preparing for the Move
Joyce recalls reading articles about downsizing for seniors with tips for planning a move with tasks at regular intervals: one year out, six months, three months and so on.
“I kept putting it off and putting it off and putting it off, and then I’d try a little bit here and a little bit there, but not really seriously until it was time to put the house on the market,” she said.
Once she selected a real estate agent, an associate came out and took pictures of the entire house that she sent back with yellow circles everywhere. “Those were the things that we needed to move or get rid of,” Joyce said.
That’s when the move really gained momentum. Joyce had already taken multiple loads to donation boxes and had trucks carry away things she no longer needed, but still, a great deal ended up in the garage.
“My husband and I were what I called sentimental keepers,” Joyce said. “I shed so many tears over different things; there were so many sentiments tied to those things. That was probably the hardest part of the whole move: just getting rid of all my things.”
Ultimately, Joyce decided to just hang onto the items she really cared about; it was just too painful to get rid of some of those things. Fortunately, her 1,300-square-foot apartment held more of the contents of her 4,000-square-foot home than she expected. Some of those things she decided to part with after all, and her personal on-site storage space holds the rest.
“Some of those things I may never use again, but they are dear to my heart,” she said.
Mike and Kathy are also grateful for the on-site storage, although their approach in deciding what to keep when downsizing their possessions was less sentimental and more pragmatic.
“My philosophy was that I want to own the things that I want and love, but I don’t want those things to own me,” Kathy said. The couple’s two daughters live nearby and took the china set, Christmas dishes and other pieces that hold precious value.
Most of the rest went into an estate sale. The sale was successful enough that the couple ended up buying more to furnish and decorate their new apartment than originally intended, but it all worked out in the end.
Outlook residents, Kathy and Mike
Lynn’s approach echoes hints of Joyce and Mike and Kathy’s experiences, but at the same time reinforces just how personal the process of downsizing can be. She invited an inspector to tour her home a year before she planned to move so she could gradually chip away at any concerns future buyers were likely to raise.
Like Kathy, she “began downloading” valuables and family heirlooms to her son and his wife. Then she methodically went room to room and culled down to what she’d realistically need. The kitchen was the easiest; she knew going to a place that provides meals meant she wouldn’t have much use for pots and pans.
The Upsides of Downsizing
Despite her wholehearted enthusiasm for the move, Lynn recalls that the very first day, she asked herself, “What have I done?” Moving day was an overwhelming one. “But then, after that, it was smooth sailing.”
Similarly, with the worry of home ownership behind them, Mike and Kathy are settling comfortably into life at The Outlook. “We’re free to do just about anything we want to do and not have to worry. It’s just a simpler lifestyle,” Kathy said.
Not having to pay for services like housekeeping and saving on groceries has also been a welcome change of pace. “We get one bill a month,” Mike said. “I did a cost avoidance analysis before we made the final decision. I listed all of my monthly expenses and what I would be paying after we moved.” The match wasn’t exact, but “close enough,” Mike said, adding that, “We also knew that we were going to be buying some freedom.”
That’s a kind of freedom that extends beyond being able to enjoy a leisurely day and skip the housework. It also affects their family. “We are settled and we’re happy and we have assistance if we need it,” Kathy said. “I don’t have to worry about my children or my grandchildren being responsible for taking care of us as we age.”
Lynn has similar sentiments about her own family’s peace of mind, but she also has been pleasantly surprised by the way her new friends and neighbors have become family. “It’s just a comfort level you have at this age,” she said. “Everybody’s in the same boat. Most of us like to talk about our grandkids, and we meet all the family as they come and have meals with us.”
Mike agrees. “As you grow into your senior years, your friends become fewer and it’s harder to make friends. We’ve made some great friends here.”
The Gadwall
Interested in learning about Independent Living options at The Outlook? Watch our video tour of The Gadwall to get an inside look.
July has been a fun and lively month for residents in Assisted Living (AL) at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW). From special celebrations to creative activities and time spent together, there’s been no shortage of meaningful moments. Here’s a quick look at some of the highlights.
DrumFit Fridays Each Friday, OAW AL residents are invited to join DrumFit Fridays, an energizing, low-impact workout that combines upbeat music with easy-to-follow drumming routines. Whether seated or standing, participants feel the rhythm as they tap, drum and move in ways that boost coordination, memory and overall well-being. It’s a fun and social way to stay active and start the weekend on a positive note.
Totally 80s Sip and Swirl Celebration To celebrate reaching 80% occupancy, The Outlook at Windhaven hosted a “totally cool” 80s-themed Sip and Swirl Happy Hour! With tasty bites and drinks, it was a “rad” throwback afternoon.
Crockpot Creations Each week, residents explore creative recipes made right in the crockpot! They join in to prepare, mix and taste-test flavorful drinks and dishes while sharing memories and kitchen tips. This activity is a great way to socialize, enjoy comforting aromas and discover new slow-cooker favorites.
Tea Time Each month, the ladies of Assisted Living enjoy a charming afternoon of hot tea and refreshments for the Ladies Tea. It’s an elegant tradition with pretty table settings and a chance to sip and savor with pinkies up.
Creative Expressions Each week, AL residents enjoy a variety of projects in the Creative Expressions craft class. From painting to seasonal crafts, getting creative is always a great way to spend the afternoon.
At The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW), July was packed with fun-filled events and outings for Independent Living (IL) residents. From exciting trips around town to engaging events right on campus, there was no shortage of opportunities to connect and enjoy the summer season. Here’s a look at some of the memorable moments that made this month extra special.
Visit to Envision Dallas OAW residents toured Envision Dallas, a nonprofit serving individuals who are blind or visually impaired. They learned about the organization’s mission to improve quality of life through education, employment, outreach and advocacy.
Totally 80s Sip and Swirl Celebration To celebrate reaching 80% occupancy, The Outlook at Windhaven hosted a totally cool 80s-themed Sip and Swirl Happy Hour! Residents showed up in neon outfits, teased hair and leg warmers for the rad celebration.
Crafting Community From pom-pom fish to oil and Q-tip painting, creativity is always flowing at OAW! Residents enjoy hands-on weekly crafting projects and the opportunity to try something new.
Petal to the Metal OAW residents got creative with beautiful blooms during a hands-on workshop with Fiore X 7 Flower Bar. Guided by a professional floral designer, each participant learned the basics of flower arranging and created a beautiful arrangement to take home.
Stars, Stripes and Smiles The OAW community was bursting with red, white and blue patriotic pride as residents gathered for an afternoon of delicious food, great neighbors and fun at the Independence Day Bash!
Each month, residents at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) have an opportunity to participate in an open dialogue with leadership at the Resident Town Hall Meeting. These meetings typically include an update from OAW leadership and provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions and discuss a wide variety of topics in a more formal community-wide setting.
It was a full house for July’s Resident Town Hall where residents gathered in The Hall to hear the latest community updates. OAW Executive Director, Kristen Jordan, kicked things off with a look at what’s happening across the community. From there, teammates shared department updates, including:
Marketing discussed current waitlists and reminded attendees of the resident referral program incentives.
Community life highlighted upcoming events and announced a save the date for White Linen Night on August 21, which will feature a live jazz band.
Spiritual life, culinary and building services were also represented and culinary reminded residents to sign up for behind-the-scenes kitchen tours.
Additionally, two OAW teammates were honored as July’s Moment Maker award (Forefront Living’s official method of teammate recognition for outstanding service) recipients: Courtney Lammons in Community Life and Sylvia McCleary in Wellness.
OAW Resident Council President, Dick Agin, closed the meeting by sharing more information about the Resident Council and introducing members of the various resident committees before turning it back to Kristen who opened the floor for questions.
Kristen shared, “It’s always encouraging to see such impressive turnout at our Town Hall meetings. It reflects just how much our residents value staying informed and being active participants in shaping our community’s future.”
Forefront Living (FL) leadership will present at the next OAW Resident Town Hall on Thursday, August 21, at 1:30 p.m. FL’s quarterly updates offer residents a broader view of the organization and its direction.
The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) proudly launched the Outlook of Hope support group, created for caregivers, families and residents in the DFW area navigating the challenges of dementia. The group held its first meeting on Thursday, July 10, in the Assisted Living/Memory Support building of the OAW community.
Facilitated by Wendy Thomas, OAW’s Assisted Living Advisor, and Yashica Washington, Director of Assisted Living, and the inaugural meeting served as an introduction to anyone seeking a welcoming and compassionate space for sharing experiences.
Wendy shared, “The group’s name, Outlook of Hope, refers to a mindset grounded in the possibility of positive outcomes even in challenging circumstances.”
What to expect from Outlook of Hope:
Empathy – A listening ear without judgment. Being heard can be healing.
Honesty – Real stories, real struggles, real support. Every journey is valid.
Flexibility – Come as you are, share at your own pace.
Community – You are not alone.
Confidentiality – All conversations are held with respect and privacy.
Outlook of Hope is an open invitation to anyone in the Plano/DFW area, of any age, seeking support and encouragement while facing the challenges of caring for loved ones with dementia. The next support meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 14, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at OAW. To attend, please contact Wendy Thomas at (469) 990-4929. Click here to view the August support group invitation.
This summer, Brooke Gray is serving as the Sales and Marketing Intern at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW). She will begin her senior year this fall at the University of Arkansas, where she is majoring in marketing with a minor in supply chain management. On campus, Brooke is involved in Kappa Delta sorority, SALES Club, WISE (Women Impacting Supply Chain Excellence), and Community Against Cancer. At OAW, Brooke supports the Sales and Marketing team with daily operations, assists with closing and move-in processes and supports the business office. We caught up with this busy intern for a fun Q&A to learn more about her. Read about Brooke below.
What are you passionate about regarding your role? I’m passionate about building genuine connections with people and using creativity to solve problems. I love working in environments where I can make a positive impact through marketing, communication and teamwork.
What has surprised you about working at a senior living community? Something that surprised me was how quickly I built relationships with residents and teammates. I didn’t expect to feel connected so quickly, but it’s been one of the most rewarding parts of this internship experience.
What is something that makes you feel proud? I was a competitive and school cheerleader for twelve years and I coached cheerleading for two years. I’m proud of staying committed to cheer even after tearing my shoulder during my final season. The same week I became injured, my group of third grade cheer students, who had no idea I was hurt, surprised me with cards saying I was their favorite coach and shared how much they looked up to me. That small moment reminded me how much it matters to show up for others.
On the weekend: You can find me spending time with my family and friends, going out to dinner, on lake trips, relaxing with my dogs or spending too much time on TikTok.
What are some of your favorite foods and restaurants? Hammontree’s is one of my favorite restaurants in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It has the best grilled cheese sandwich, and my boyfriend and I love going there for lunch. My other favorite foods are any kind of pasta, Tex Mex, chicken and waffles and chicken salad.
Tell us about your hobbies: I love going to concerts! I have three more shows lined up to attend this year and can’t wait. I also enjoy spending time in the kitchen, especially around the holidays, baking homemade pies and treating friends to my favorite cookie brownie sundaes. When the weather’s warm, I enjoy heading to the lake for surfing and wakeboarding. But my absolute favorite activity is my family’s annual winter snow ski trip.
Share about your family: I have three older siblings, a twin sister, two nieces and a nephew. My twin sister is in nursing school at Abilene Christian University, but we are all spread across different states (Arkansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Texas). We have two dogs, Lady (an 18-year-old Dachshund) and Brody (a 13-year-old Havanese), who both love to cuddle on the couch or beg in the kitchen for food they’re not supposed to eat.
How would your friends describe you in three words? When I asked my friends, they described me as understanding, selfless and outgoing. I try my best to see things from others’ points of view and to be there for the people I love when things get hard.
What do you hope to be doing five years from now – personally or professionally? Professionally, I see myself working in Texas, in the hospitality or rental industry, and using my marketing background to create memorable customer experiences. Personally, I hope to be close to my family and friends, with opportunities to travel often and hope to continue learning and growing in new ways.
The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) is pleased to announce the newly elected members of the Resident Council, a group of residents who will serve as the voice of OAW’s Independent Living (IL) community.
The purpose of the Resident Council is to:
Represent the interests of OAW’s IL residents
Foster community spirit and enhance residents’ quality of life
Serve as a liaison between residents and OAW management
Provide input to staff for social, cultural, wellness and educational activities
Address concerns related to the well-being, safety and rights of residents
Administer the annual Teammate Appreciation Fund
These residents stepped forward to serve and advocate on behalf of their neighbors, and we are grateful for their leadership and commitment:
