Residents at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) gathered for an informative safety session with Officer Christopher Bianez from the Plano Police Department. About 83 residents attended the event where Officer Bianez shared practical tips on staying alert and remaining safe in everyday situations.
Key reminders included being aware of your surroundings, especially in parking lots, keeping valuables out of sight when leaving your car and using caution when opening doors for unfamiliar visitors. He encouraged residents to trust their instincts and reminded them to report any suspicious behavior to the Plano Police Department.
The session provided residents with valuable tools to help them stay safe in their community.
Ever wondered how your neighbors have decorated their homes? Curious residents had the chance to find out during a special Fall Progressive Sip and Stroll Tour at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW). Seven OAW residents opened their apartment homes to give guests an up-close look into the ways they personalized their spaces.
Residents strolled from apartment to apartment, enjoying sips and dips along the way, while checking out the personal details and creative touches that made each home feel welcoming and unique. It provided a wonderful opportunity to visit with neighbors and spend an afternoon discovering the individual charm of each space.
A big thank you goes out to our hospitable resident hosts: Kay, Pat, Cathy, Diane, Marty and Stacie! Thank you for reminding us that being neighborly never goes out of style. Everyone enjoyed the tour so much that another Progressive Sip and Stroll is planned for the spring.
At The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW), September brought a season of connection and celebration for Independent Living (IL) residents. From outings around town to gatherings on campus, residents enjoyed meaningful ways to spend time together while welcoming the first signs of fall. Here’s a look back at some of the special moments that made the month unforgettable.
Poolside Palooza
Residents dove into summer fun at the Poolside Palooza, enjoying pool games and a yummy lunch on the patio!
The Aging Brain
Residents attended an educational session on the aging brain, presented by the University at Texas Dallas’ Aging Well Lab. The presentation explored how the brain changes with age, ways to support brain health and the latest findings in aging research.
Pint Parlor
Residents were treated to Mint Chip Milkshakes at Pint Parlor.
Crafts Corner
Residents got creative crafting pipe cleaner pumpkins during the weekly Crafts Corner activity!
September has been a lovely 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.
Labor Day Luncheon
Assisted Living and Memory Support residents celebrated Labor Day with a festive luncheon, featuring a live musical performance by Phil Rogers.
Crockpot Creations
For Crockpot Creations, residents mixed, stirred and let the slow cooker work its magic to make a delicious Pineapple Upside-Down Cake.
Baker’s Table
On National Cherry Jubilee Day, September 24, residents baked up a sweet treat for the Baker’s Table! They mixed, and created delicious cherry muffins together, baking up joy one bite at a time.
Residents enjoyed a tropical Piña Colada Social with a cool and delicious taste of island vibes.
Cozy Creations
Residents crafted sew blankets to comfort and warm some furry friends at the Plano Animal Shelter.
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.
Summer ended on a high note at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) with a Sunset Luau, which brought together residents for an evening of tropical food and entertainment. Dressed in their favorite Hawaiian prints and festive attire, residents gathered to enjoy island-inspired hors d’oeuvres, frozen piña coladas and traditional Polynesian dancers. OAW neighbors celebrated the end of summer in true aloha spirit. The fun night wrapped up with an exciting Hawaiian fire performance that lit up the courtyard.
The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) residents continue to enjoy the community’s weekly “Line Up and Dance” line dancing class, taught by OAW teammates and dancing queens, Katie and Courtney. The class’s popularity led to a growing resident interest in learning new dance styles. By request, OAW residents are now trying something new during a six-week Ballroom Dance class led by professional dance instructor, Lisa Solomon.
Open to everyone, no matter the skill level, the dance class combines fun and fitness while teaching something new. Residents are learning classic ballroom dances like the waltz, tango and foxtrot, while building balance and coordination. The class also helps boost confidence and provides a fun way to spend time together. About 20 residents attend the weekly class where no dance partner is needed, instead participants just bring their readiness to move!
This class is another example of how OAW residents are enjoying community life and learning new skills at every stage.
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.
