Our latest issue kicks off with some very exciting news: The Outlook has reached 70% in presales—and climbing! Meet future resident Elizabeth Thomas and find out why The Outlook appealed to her in many ways. Get to know some of the Forefront Living board members in the latest of our series, “Meet the Board.” Looking for that perfect drink to sip on the back deck this summer? We’ve got just the one! What do Outlook Drive, Blue Oak Circle, and Red Mulberry Circle all have in common? Find out in this newsletter. Plus, mark your calendar for some great upcoming events, including a visit from senior living expert John Spooner.
Perhaps you know someone who’d be ideal for The Outlook at Windhaven? If so, contact Alyssa at (972) 996-3887 or ALanda@nullforefrontliving.org and you will both benefit! Our VIP referral rewards program has been extended. See details.
The Outlook Achieves
70% Presales!!
The Outlook at Windhaven recently reached a major milestone by achieving 70% in presales! While that translates to 128 sales, sales continue to climb due to strong demand for this exciting new senior living community. Below, some Forefront Living team members celebrate with balloons and pose with the equipment being used in the preliminary site work, now underway!
VIP Exclusive Event
Frisco RoughRiders
Some of our Outlook VIP members recently enjoyed an afternoon ballgame at the InTouch Homerun Terrace watching the Frisco RoughRiders take on the Midland RockHounds. Spectators enjoyed ballpark fare, covered seating, and lots of camaraderie!
Meet Your
Future Neighbor
Elizabeth Thomas
Elizabeth Thomas currently lives in Carrollton, where she enjoys volunteer work with her church, babysitting for her grandchildren, and reading anything she can get her hands on! She was born on the Gulf Coast of Texas in a small town south of Houston. She lived there for 18 years and it was “like Mayberry.” “Everyone knew each other, helped each other, and took care of each other,” she says. After this idyllic childhood, Elizabeth went to Austin College in Sherman, Texas. She was a political science and history major and completed the school’s 5-year teacher program, emerging with a master’s degree upon graduation. In addition, she emerged having met her husband, Ray, during freshman year!
Elizabeth went on to teach Texas history and American history at the middle school level for four years in Plano. After she had kids of her own, Elizabeth traded teaching middle school for teaching preschool and did so for eight years. The preschool hours allowed her to be home for her kids when they got home from school. Elizabeth loved teaching preschool; ages 3 and 4 are her favorite—those years when the world is wondrous and a pat on the head and a few gentle words can stop the tears. The lesson plans she used as a preschool teacher have come in handy with her grandchildren, whom she’s had the pleasure to care for in their preschool years.
Elizabeth and Ray got married halfway through her husband’s time in medical school. She put him through the final two years of school, and upon completion of his internship, they moved to Rochester, Minnesota, for his residency in dermatology at the Mayo Clinic. They then returned to Texas and lived in both Sherman and Plano. Along the way, the couple welcomed three children. Their older daughter also went to Austin College and is now an architect in Washington, D.C. (Elizabeth loves to visit and tour around the Capitol because it appeals to the history teacher in her!). Their son is married with four children and lives near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She enjoys traveling and tries to see them as much as possible. Their younger daughter lives nearby in Carrollton, is married, and has two daughters.
In the fall of 2015, Ray retired. Among other things, Elizabeth and Ray enjoyed spending a portion of his retirement babysitting their new granddaughter for two days a week. Sadly, in 2017, Ray was diagnosed with kidney cancer; he passed away in 2019. “I kind of had to reinvent myself,” says Elizabeth. Part of this included volunteering at church, which was much larger than the churches she belonged to previously. “They have so many opportunities for service,” says Elizabeth. One of her favorite volunteer positions is working at the food pantry. “I think sometimes that when you’re sad and feeling sorry for yourself and you help someone, you realize that gosh, you really don’t have problems,” she says. She notes that the people she helps inspire her with their smiles and good humor despite their own difficult circumstances. When Elizabeth departs after her shift, her heart feels good, she feels a sense of accomplishment, and she is exhausted! “It has really saved my life and been a blessing to me,” she says. She is also a part of the prayer shawl ministry at her church, which involves crocheting with a group once a month to make shawls that are given to people who are sick or somehow in need. She finds the activity to be a way to “renew the peace in her soul.”
Recently, Elizabeth was reflecting on her reasons for wanting to move to The Outlook at Windhaven. “Number one is I want someone to change out the batteries in my smoke detector!” she laughs. “I just want to pick up the phone and have somebody else drag the 8-foot ladder in!” All kidding aside, Elizabeth notes that after 42 years of marriage, having roommates in college, and sharing a room with her sister before that, living alone is strange. So, while help with maintenance issues, safety, and security are very important, the fun and socialization that will be available through The Outlook are also paramount. Elizabeth looks forward to going with fellow residents to events, having communal meals, and enjoying the entertainment options that will be provided by The Outlook.
Because she likes to plan ahead, Elizabeth did her research and wanted to learn more about the various retirement options and their financial models. She and Ray visited a few locations, and it helped them figure out what they were looking for, “kind of like visiting colleges,” says Elizabeth. “I like the location of The Outlook. It’s across the street from a park that I’ve visited many times with my grandchildren,” she adds. She also likes that The Outlook’s location is so close to her family and friends, as well as to shopping and restaurants she already knows and likes. The CCRC model is also very appealing. Having had experience with loved ones needing various types of care and having to move them from place to place, it brings her peace of mind knowing that if she were to need assisted living, it would be right there. Elizabeth also feels that going to live at The Outlook before she might need extra care allows her time to get to know people and make connections while she is feeling good and able to experience all the place has to offer.
Having some doubts about a big decision like this is perfectly normal, and Elizabeth recalls having had a moment of panic after she first signed on. She then received some materials from the staff at The Outlook that comforted her. She also had questions that were answered immediately and felt good about the check she had written. “You really want to be in a place where they do what they say they will do, but the people at The Outlook are going beyond my expectations.” The timeline of the construction is good for Elizabeth. It gives her plenty of time to downsize and another year to babysit her granddaughter. She is really looking forward to the move!
Elizabeth has given a lot of thought to being part of the first group of people to live at The Outlook at Windhaven. “We have a unique opportunity to set the foundation for the culture and the atmosphere,” she says. “Maybe since we’re all new, we can set up a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. If that gets established, newer residents can build on that.”
One of our
FAVORITE RECIPES
Courtesy of the Forefront Living Culinary Team
Summer White Sangria
Whether you are entertaining or just want a special drink on your own back deck, this is the perfect beverage to sip during the hot summer months.
- 1 bottle of crisp white wine – Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc suggested
- 1 small bag of frozen fruit – tropical blend suggested
- ¼ cup fruit schnapps – pick your favorite!
- Splash of club soda, prosecco, or ginger ale
Enjoy right away or refrigerate to let the flavors mingle, and add your bubbly right before serving.
Forefront Living
MEET THE BOARD
Meet some of the volunteer board members of Forefront Living below in the latest of our series, “Meet the Board.” Stay tuned to meet more of them in our next issue. The Outlook at Windhaven is owned and will be operated by Forefront Living, located in Dallas, Texas. The Forefront Living Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the organization focused on raising, investing and distributing funds that further the mission and support the goals of each of the members of the Forefront Living family, which in addition to The Outlook also includes Presbyterian Village North, Faith Presbyterian Hospice and The T. Boone Pickens Hospice and Palliative Care Center. The organization, governed by a local Board of Trustees, strives to empower individuals to live their lives to the fullest and does this by providing a standard for excellence, premier training, quality services and care. All entities of Forefront Living are committed to making each moment matter for those we serve.
Retired in 2020, Bill was a founding partner of Vaquero Midstream, an independent, large-scale rich gas gathering and processing business. Prior to founding Vaquero, he was CFO of Crosstex Energy.
Laura spent the bulk of her career at Southwest Airlines as Senior Vice President Finance, CFO, and Corporate Officer. She currently serves on numerous boards in industries such as energy, aviation, electronics and higher education.
Neil is founder and CEO of Foote Communications, a Dallas-based integrated public relations marketing & communications-consulting firm.
Phil devoted his entire career to health care administration and spent almost two decades as president of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Plano.
Refer a Friend by July 31
and get rewarded
BECAUSE great friends
MAKE great neighbors
Offer extended through July 31! There is no better time to recommend The Outlook to a friend! And what could be better than getting to choose your neighbors? For a limited time, your referral can lock in the same special pre-construction pricing you did.
So, if you know someone you think would be ideal for The Outlook, let us know. And you both win!
When your friend reserves a residence, you will receive a $500 Visa® gift card right now as a thank-you.
Then, when you and your friend move in, you will receive $3,500 credit toward your monthly service fee, and their credit will be $2,500!
Refer your friends today! Contact Alyssa at (972) 996-3887 or ALanda@nullforefrontliving.org.
Offer valid for new referrals only through 07/31/22.
and now,
DRUMROLL PLEASE…
We are excited to announce the names of the new roads at The Outlook at Windhaven: Outlook Drive, Blue Oak Circle and Red Mulberry Circle
Strength and
STABILITY
Strength. Stability. Security. Three of the most important things to look for when choosing
a retirement community. Not only the community itself, but also its roots. At The Outlook
at Windhaven, those roots run deep. Owned by Forefront Living, an organization with a
60-year history of excellence in senior living, residents of The Outlook can enjoy strength,
stability, and security only a financially stable organization can provide. The Outlook is
proud to be the newest member of the Forefront Living family. Click here to learn more.
AT THE FOREFRONT Podcast
Senior Living Panel Discussion
In this informative episode, host Tim Mallad welcomes an advisory panel of senior living experts to discuss multiple facets of the continuing care retirement community (CCRC) industry. Tim and the panel guests provide a comprehensive overview of the history and current state of senior living, offer tips when researching a CCRC provider, discuss entry fees and financing and offer personal insight into selecting the best senior living community based on an individual’s needs and preferences. Join us for this special two-part series designed to help you and your loved ones navigate the path to living well through senior living.
ABOUT THE PANEL
Steven Ailey is the CFO for Forefront Living and has 20 years of experience in financial and operations management. His professional background includes working with non-profit healthcare organizations and financial firms.
George Linial is the CEO and President of LeadingAge Texas and has more than 20 years of experience in working with senior issues. LeadingAge provides leadership, advocacy and education for not-for-profit retirement housing and nursing home communities.
Pam Altizer is a retired business professional with a finance background. Pam and her husband Goose are both active residents at Presbyterian Village North. Pam’s mother Betty also resides at Presbyterian Village North.
Part One
Part Two
Click here for more At The Forefront Podcasts.
Save
The Date
Learn about Senior Living Options
Thursday, July 21, 11:00 am
As an Outlook VIP Member, you know your senior living options well. But what about someone you know who would be ideal for The Outlook at Windhaven?
Bring a friend and join us for lunch as we welcome national senior living industry expert John Spooner, CEO of Greystone Communities. With over 35 years of experience, John will help separate the facts from fiction regarding retirement communities and show your friend how to make well-informed decisions about their senior living options—just as you have.
The Secrets of Downsizing
Tuesday, September 13, 10 am
How will you fit that five-bedroom house into your new two-bedroom apartment? Join us for a continental breakfast at Gleneagles Country Club as we learn the secrets of downsizing from local expert Cheryl Morgan of MOVE Method.
Also, be on the lookout for invitations to these special events—dates and times to be determined:
- Groundbreaking ceremony later this summer
- Invitation to Personalization Seminars early this fall
