Teammates from the Forefront Living Foundation (FLF) joined The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) residents for the community’s September 10 happy hour to share details about two upcoming fundraising events benefiting FLF: North Texas Giving Day (NTGD) on September 18, and the Each Moment Matters (EMM) Luncheon at the Hilton Anatole on October 16.
A gift to FLF on NTGD makes the extraordinary possible by providing essential funds for specialized programs, integrated therapies and compassionate care that empowers individuals to thrive. Click here to make a NTGD gift to FLF through September 18.
OAW residents were enthusiastic to learn more about these vital fundraising efforts directly from the FLF team. One couple even purchased a table for EMM and look forward to inviting friends to join them for the occasion. EMM, FLF’s signature fundraising event benefiting Faith Presbyterian Hospice, helps fund compassionate end-of-life care and grief support services for families. Discounted luncheon tickets are available to all residents of Forefront Living communities and sponsorship opportunities are still open. For details on resident pricing, please contact Sarah Jones, FLF Philanthropy Officer, at (214) 355-9584.
For more than 40 years, FLF has supported the mission and vision of the Forefront Living family of organizations, which today includes Faith Presbyterian Hospice, the T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center, and three senior living communities: Presbyterian Village North in Dallas, The Outlook at Windhaven in Plano and Bella Vida, currently under construction in San Antonio. Through community support, FLF helps individuals live with dignity and compassion at every stage of life.
On September 11, The Outlook at Windhaven hosted a special luncheon to recognize and thank Plano’s first responders. The event took place on Patriot Day, a National Day of Remembrance for those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Plano firefighters, police officers and other local emergency personnel were invited to join residents and teammates for a meal prepared by OAW’s culinary team as a small gesture of appreciation for the daily work they do. This luncheon is part of OAW’s ongoing quarterly effort to acknowledge the important role first responders play in keeping the community safe.
At The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW), August was packed with fun-filled events and activities for Independent Living (IL) residents. From socials to engaging events and activities right on campus, there was no shortage of opportunities to connect and wind down the summer season. Here’s a look back at some of the memorable moments that made this month extra special.
Plano Fire-Rescue Chief Chris Biggerstaff joined OAW’s Friday Men’s Group for a visit. Residents had the chance to ask questions, learn about new initiatives and strengthen the connection between the OAW community and the Plano Fire Department.
Residents got creative with fresh blooms during a hands-on workshop with Fiore x 7 Flower Bar! Guided by a pro, everyone crafted their own beautiful arrangement to take home.
OAW’s Mahjong Mavericks group meets twice a week and welcomes players who know the basics but are still honing their tile skills. Residents enjoy lively games, friendly competition and lots of fun.
Residents got crafty with fabric wreaths and adorable watermelon button art. It was fun way to spend the afternoon and show off their creative handiwork.
Residents enjoyed raising a glass at the 5th Floor Happy Hour! Weekly happy hours are a wonderful way for residents to unwind and catch up with friends.
August has been a fun and lively month for residents in Assisted Living (AL) and Memory Support (MS) 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.
Love on a Leash® is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing an avenue for volunteer teams to engage in meaningful and productive pet therapy. These pet therapy dogs bring comfort, happiness and healing during their monthly visits to the OAW AL and MS residents.
Eldergrow, a therapeutic horticulture and nature experience designed especially for senior living, is a weekly favorite activity. MS residents dig in to planting flowers, herbs and veggies in our indoor garden and enjoy seeing what pops up each season.
In celebration of National Dog Day on August 26, The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) rolled out the red carpet for its furry, four-legged residents. To mark the occasion, the community collected donations for the City of Plano Animal Shelter, gathering food, pet toys, blankets, towels, cleaning supplies and treats for shelter pets still waiting to find their forever homes.
The tail-wagging festivities kicked off with a morning pet parade and walk around the community that ended in The Courtyard where OAW’s Director of Spiritual Life, Shane Barnes, blessed all the beloved pets. Later in the day, the stage was set for a talent and fashion show and ice cream social. Residents and their pups strutted their stuff or performed tricks to delight the audience.
A panel of judges awarded top honors to: Best Wag: Gus Best Dressed: Cookie Crowd Favorite: Peaches
While residents enjoyed refreshing ice cream, the pups were treated to frozen dog-friendly delights as well as homemade treats prepared with love by OAW residents from Assisted Living and Memory Support.
It was a paws-itive day reminding everyone how much joy furry companions bring to our lives and community!
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!
