The Outlook Charter

Just think—when you move to The Outlook in 2024, you’ll be able to say “so long” to winter home maintenance for good! But until then, we’ve got some great tips for winterizing your home.  

Perhaps you know someone who’d be ideal for The Outlook at Windhaven?
If so, let us know at (972) 996-3887 or info@nullTheOutlookAtWindhaven.org and get rewarded now—and in the future! Click here to learn more.

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Lynn enjoyed science and math and received concurrent degrees in German and Math at Texas Tech. She was not entirely sure what she wanted to do next and got a “stopgap” job with Tech in a residence hall as a dorm mother. This was sort of an experiment for Texas Tech because she was only 21 and most of the dorm mothers were elderly women. While watching over 404 freshman women, Lynn also worked on her master’s in counseling and guidance and finished her graduate degree in 1972. During this time, she also met her husband, Ron Harris, who was the accountant for the residence halls. They were married in 1973 in Lubbock.

Lynn and Ron moved to Dallas soon after their wedding. Ron had found work in insurance there, and Lynn got a job with Federated Department Stores, where they placed her in the training department. This ended up being a nice match with both her graduate degree and the skills she had developed as a dorm mother. Her work there evolved into a position in human resources, and she remained in that field for the entirety of her career, working everywhere from retail to banking to communications. It was an interesting time to be in human resources as women were entering the workforce in droves and the notion of sexual harassment became more recognized. Companies had to make adjustments to their corporate cultures, and Lynn was busy with many cases in this sphere. Lynn’s last workplace was American Messaging Services, which was formerly Verizon Paging. She enjoyed this experience in communications for 20 years and actually retired twice—once as employee and then again just recently as a contractor.

Ron moved from insurance to leadership in local government. He ran for County Judge and won, holding the office in Collin County for four terms, which remains the record. He enjoyed his work, and the political spotlight brought him and Lynn into many interesting circumstances, including meeting Bob Hope and rubbing elbows with the George W. Bush family. Lynn found Laura Bush to be particularly gracious and kind; she even gave Ron a tour of the Rose Garden. He also got to have a photo taken of him calling his mother from The Oval Office! Sadly, Ron passed away a year ago.

Over the years, Lynn and Ron moved from Dallas to Garland to Plano to McKinney. Their son Chris was born in Garland in 1977. Like his parents, he attended Texas Tech and now lives in Pflugerville and works as VP of Sales for an organic medicine company. “I couldn’t ask for a better son…he takes great care of me.” says Lynn. She also adores her daughter-in-law, Beth, who is just “the best of the best.” Lynn has two beloved grandkids as well, Cooper (16) and Parker (13).  As many grandparents would say, “They are the Best of the Best also!”

One of the things Lynn is most looking forward to about The Outlook is getting back to the gym. She notes that having the gym in the same building means, “I cannot have excuses for not going!” She is also enamored with all of the activities they will have. “I don’t think I’m ever going to be bored,” she laughs. Lynn has other friends who will be fellow residents and looks forward to spending time with them. And who can forget the bliss of no home maintenance? She is glad that “Mr. Fixit” will be just a call away.

In her free time, Lynn enjoys canasta (she currently plays with three groups!), shopping, reading, and floral arranging. She hopes to be able to expand on her enjoyment of the last two via groups at The Outlook. Before Ron’s health waned, they enjoyed traveling together, and Lynn would still like to take a trip or two, particularly to Portugal and Spain. As she puts it, “My life is all about having a good time, enjoying friends and family, and just plain being with people.”

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From the ED

As The Outlook continues to evolve, I have been participating in our various construction meetings and walking the grounds to observe how everything is coming together. The community will be so gorgeous once completed! I have also been working behind the scenes on our very large to-do list. This includes ordering our custom Sprinter van that will arrive in February and will transport our residents to various community life events, shopping excursions, personal appointments, and errands.  We are also finalizing our Fitness Center and Wellness Room needs along with identifying and ordering all the various items that our Culinary team will utilize in their day-to-day to serve residents.

I want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday and I look forward to an even more exciting 2024 with the opening of The Outlook at Windhaven!

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Getting Acquainted: Your Future Oasis
As we progress on this exciting journey toward your move to The Outlook at Windhaven, it’s time to delve into the heart of your upcoming vibrant community. This month is all about exploring and getting acquainted with the surroundings that will soon become your new haven.

Understanding Your Move Timeline
Begin by assessing your move timeline. Knowing when you plan to make the transition will help you set realistic goals and milestones. Are there specific events or commitments you need to consider? This clarity will be instrumental in planning your move effectively.

Determining What to Take With You
Take a moment to envision your new lifestyle at The Outlook at Windhaven. What are the essentials that will seamlessly fit into this fresh chapter? This is another great time to assess your belongings and curate a selection that aligns with the elegance and simplicity of your new community. Consider the amenities and services provided by The Outlook and how they may influence your packing decisions.  What items can you choose not to move with you because they already exist at your new home, or will not be necessary for your lifestyle there?

Explore Your Surroundings
Many of you are familiar with the Plano area, but if you are moving here from outside the area, you might consider these tips on exploring the area around your new community. Now let’s venture beyond the borders of The Outlook at Windhaven. Familiarize yourself with the local landscape.  Seek out nearby grocery stores (HEB, Kroger, Tom Thumb), boutiques, coffee shops, dry cleaners, and other essentials. Visit nearby Willow Bend Mall, Legacy/Legacy West, and the restaurants nearby.  This not only provides practical convenience but also introduces you to the vibrant community that extends beyond the doors of your new home.

Identify hospitals, medical facilities, and doctor’s offices in the area. Knowing where to access healthcare services will offer peace of mind in your new environment. If you will be changing doctors to an office closer to your new home, now is the time to schedule a first visit. Establish yourself as a patient now, as their schedule may be booked out for a few months for new patients. Schedule now, while there’s ample time to get medical records transferred and build rapport with your new clinics.

Connect with Local Services
Are there specific services you rely on in your daily life? Whether it’s a favorite hair salon, a trusted dry cleaner, or a yoga studio, now is the time to scout for local businesses that align with your preferences.

Getting Involved in the Community
Consider researching churches, religious organizations, local events, clubs, or groups that align with your interests. This is an excellent opportunity to start building connections within the wider community.

Your Call to Action: Let’s Navigate Together
As you embark on this exploration of your new community, remember that you’re not alone. I’m Brenda Thompson, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re seeking advice on the move process, need insights on local amenities, or have questions about the real estate market, I’m your dedicated guide.

Reach out today to schedule a personalized consultation. Let’s discuss your specific goals, address any concerns, and create a customized plan that aligns perfectly with your vision for this exciting transition. Together, we’ll ensure that your move to The Outlook at Windhaven is a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Here’s to a month filled with exploration, discovery, and anticipation of the enriching lifestyle that awaits you!

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Move-In Planning

Rachel, 
I want you to know how much both Paula and I enjoyed your visit to our home to discuss with us all the different aspects associated with our planned move into the cottages at The Outlook. While it is still months away, you made us both realize how the little things we should consider are no less important than the big things. You have made our planning much easier and more organized. Again “Thanks”.
– Jerry Cavitt

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Apartment Opening Timeline*

*Subject to change and based on current construction timelines

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Construction Corner

See the great construction progress we are making. Take a look at our most recent time-lapse video as of November 2023:

In the next six weeks, The Outlook at Windhaven construction progress will include:

• Installation of insulation and sheetrock in Commons, Independent Living (IL) and Assisted Living/Memory Care (AL/MC) buildings
• Continue exterior façade work for Commons, AL/MC and IL buildings
• Continue interior finish work for Cottages (flooring, trim, mirrors, tiling)
• Continue flatwork for Cottages (sidewalks and driveways)
• Begin Cottages landscaping

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Tips for Winter Weather Preparedness

As winter rolls around, it’s important to prepare our homes accordingly. Here are our tips for a cozy, safe and winter-ready home.

Before freezing temperatures arrive:

• Insulate external pipes, outlets and the attic.
• Disconnect and drain garden hoses. Cover outdoor faucets.
• Add caulk and weather stripping to windows and doors.
• Have heating systems cleaned and inspected.
• Turn your irrigation controller off to keep sprinklers from running.
• See if trees need pruning.
• Have the chimney assessed and cleaned.
• Prepare emergency supplies for your family. Learn more about disaster preparedness from the City of Plano’s Emergency Management department.  

During freezing temperatures:

• Keep garage doors closed if the car isn’t running.
• Let faucets drip. Open cabinets with pipes to let heat in.
• Close the fireplace damper if not in use.
• Turn your thermostat down a few degrees to conserve energy.
• Know how to shut the water off if a pipe bursts. Watch a how-to video.

Empower your family with the tools and knowledge to prevent danger and property damage. Download the Live Green in Plano Winter Weather Checklist.

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Welcome to Inside The Outlook, an educational and lifestyle series created especially for you—our VIPs. Below is a list of upcoming events as well as a recording of a recent event—either way, we don’t want you to miss a single thing going on at The Outlook!

Questions about any of these events? Give us a call at (972) 996-3887.

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Previous Inside The Outlook Events

3rd Annual Celebration of Gratitude

November 1

In a discussion guided by Rabbi Howard Wolk and Rev. Jarod A. Cooper, we kicked off the Thanksgiving season remembering all the things for which we are grateful.

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Moving Expo

November 17

More than 100 of you participated in our Moving Expo, held at Stonebriar Country Club on November 17th. If you weren’t able to attend, reach out to Rachel for a list and contact information for vendors who participated.

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Real Estate Update

November 28

Here are some great takeaways from the event:

• Start interviewing realtors now. The more lead time, the better.
• Find a realtor you “fit” with.
• Lease-backs are an option that can be worked into the contract.
• You are in charge. You can set showing times and your move schedule. Your realtor works for you.
• You can choose to move and then do an estate sale if that works better for you.
• PODS are a good option if you need to make a temporary move.
• Next year should be a good selling year! Election years are historically good selling years, and interest rates are already coming down.
• Time on market in this market is currently 60-90 days (listing to closing), which is still a seller’s market.

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Welcome Select New Outlook VIPs

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Look for our next Outlook Charter in January!

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