The Outlook Charter

In this issue, meet your new Executive Director, Kristen Jordan, and get to know VIPs Aggie and Allen Stryker. In preparation for your move in 2024, embark or continue on your rightsizing journey. See the latest construction progress on The Outlook and save the date for all the great events coming up this fall!

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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Introducing Kristen Jordan

The Outlook at Windhaven Executive Director

“I am incredibly proud to be joining The Outlook team as Executive Director. I look forward to helping lead the community while building strong and meaningful relationships with our residents, their families, and my teammates,” says Kristen. 

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Meet Your Future Neighbors

Allen Stryker was born and raised in San Antonio. While attending Texas A&M University, U.S. Navy recruiters came through and Allen was inspired to join. He went into the Navy after college and became a pilot; he served during the Vietnam War. After the war was over, it was difficult to find work as a pilot because the market was flooded. With no immediate prospects of flying, Allen found work as a telephone company engineer in San Antonio.

The couple got married at the beginning of Allen’s naval career and moved several places for training before settling into his base in Quonset, Rhode Island. Allen was a carrier pilot, flying around the Arctic Circle in search of Russian submarines. “Navy wives were led to believe that all of their husbands were the best pilots in the world,” says Aggie. Because of this, she never worried about Allen when he was flying. It was not until many years later, when Allen showed her from the deck of a cruise ship how challenging it is to land on an aircraft carrier, that she realized how dangerous his work was (and was glad she did not know it at the time!).

After the Navy, they had stints in San Antonio, Saint Louis, and then finally landed in the Dallas area about 43 years ago. Allen continued his work for the telephone company, where he taught engineering accounting. After he retired from this work, he took up flying again. Up until about four years ago, he worked flying single- and twin-engine freight planes.

Throughout these years, Aggie was teaching. She taught whenever she could, and when there were more teachers than there were jobs, she became a Certified Childbirth Instructor and opened her own practice. Aggie continued her professional training, earning both master’s and doctorate degrees in education from Texas A&M-Commerce. Eventually, she worked at this institution as a trainer to new teachers. For a time, she was in charge of all of the elementary student teachers from the Texas A&M system who were in Plano and Wiley ISDs. As Allen puts it, “She’s a teacher’s teacher.” Aggie retired three years ago and though she says she will not go back (despite the efforts of many!), she does hint at there being some school-based volunteer work in her future.

Allen and Aggie have three children: a daughter in Florida, a daughter who lives in the Dallas area, and a son who lives in Louisiana. They are very proud grandparents, aka “Poppy” and “Moppy” (nicknames given by the first grandchild), of seven gorgeous grandkids. Five of these are still school age. Two are in college, and one of these is in Rome, where Aggie and Allen were lucky enough to pay her a recent visit. Aggie laughs that like all the other future residents of The Outlook, they “have the best grandchildren in the world.”

Allen and Aggie began thinking about senior living communities about ten years ago. Aggie had been through the difficulties and heartache of handling her own parents’ deaths and came to Allen one day and told him, “We’re moving to senior living when we’re 80.” Aggie wanted their lives to be simpler as they got older so that their children would have it easier than she did—she sees this move as a big “I love you” to them. As she puts it, “It’s the most logical next step because we are loving parents.”

As they began their search, they looked at many places, but The Outlook stood out in the best way. “Everything just fell into place … everything we thought we needed will be there,” says Allen. They already feel a camaraderie with their fellow VIPs and appreciate the way the staff at The Outlook has worked hard to create community before they have even moved in. One fun example of how the staff has gone above and beyond? After learning of Aggie’s marked preference for Diet Dr. Pepper, the beverage has been available at every event she’s attended. “How can you beat that?” asks Aggie.

Allen is looking forward to getting to lie back and enjoy himself and not having to worry about house upkeep, which will free up time for his hobbies. Aggie plans on continuing to keep busy with walks, lunch with friends, and exercise classes. She also lovingly notes that, “home is wherever Allen is.”

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Decluttering Your Way to a Fresh Start
Clearing the Path: Decluttering Your Current Living Space

by Brenda Thompson
CEO / Managing Broker / Owner of HomeSmart Stars

1. Start with a Vision: Envision your new life at The Outlook at Windhaven. Imagine the elegant, clutter-free spaces you’ll enjoy. This vision will be your guide as you declutter.
2. Take It One Room at a Time: Tackling an entire house can be overwhelming. Start with one room. This focused approach allows you to see progress quickly and keeps you motivated.
3. The Five-Box Method: As you go through your belongings, use five boxes: “Keep,” “Sell,” “Donate,” “Discard,” and “Gift.” This system streamlines decision-making and keeps you organized.  As mentioned last month, the “Gift” box is to gift to friends or relatives.  Donation options may include Salvation Army, Frisco Resale, 1-800-Got-Junk, or GiveBackBox.com.
4. Sentimental Items: When it comes to sentimental items, take a moment to consider if they align with your vision for your new chapter. Select a few cherished pieces that truly resonate with you.
5. Declutter By Saving Digitally: As you declutter, consider what items may be saved or stored digitally, thereby reducing physical clutter. Save documents, old tax receipts and tax returns, and photos and videos to digital storage solutions such as DropBox, Google Drive, or Microsoft OneDrive. CVS even has options for digitizing photos. And check out MixTiles.com to create framed prints of your favorite pics.
   • Documents to keep handy
     • If you have a current home to sell:  Set aside current home survey and/or floor plan, if you have them. You may also set aside appliance or owners’ manuals for systems that will transfer with the home. Buyers greatly appreciate these items, and you can simply leave in a box for them. 
     • Social Security Card, Insurance Cards, Car ID cards, Driver’s License, Bank/Utility Bills for mail forwarding
6. Find a shred event to take old paper documents to, once saved digitally. Most cities have a city location for recycling of items such as old electronics or paper shredding.  Call or see your city website for details.  Typically, you only need a city utility bill to show residency. (Also, keep in mind that we will be hosting a shredding event for Outlook VIPs in the future.)
7. Consider hiring a professional organizer or estate sale organization. They can make the entire process quicker and more relaxed for you!

Strategies for a Stress-Free Process

Decluttering can be emotionally challenging, but with the right strategies, it can also be a deeply rewarding experience:

1. Set Realistic Goals: Break the decluttering process into manageable tasks. For example, commit to decluttering one room per week.
2. Create a Sorting System: Designate specific areas for “Keep,” “Sell,” “Donate,” “Discard,” and “Gift.” This prevents items from being shuffled around and keeps the process organized.
3. Celebrate Your Progress: Acknowledge your achievements along the way. Treat yourself to something special after completing a room, like ice cream, coffee or tea. Celebrate the lighter, more organized space you’ve created.
4. Seek Support: If you find it challenging to part with certain items, consider asking a friend or family member for their perspective. They can provide valuable insight and emotional support.
5. Donate Responsibly: Ensure that items you donate are in good condition. Local charities and organizations would greatly appreciate your contributions.

Remember, this process is about curating a living space that reflects the vibrant, luxurious lifestyle you’re moving toward. Embrace the opportunity to let go of what no longer serves you.

As you embark on this transformative journey, remember that you have a dedicated guide in me, Brenda Thompson. Whether you need advice on decluttering or have questions about the real estate process, I’m here for you. 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 make this journey a seamless and enjoyable experience.

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A Note from Rachel

I hope you can join us at the upcoming Moving Expo, featuring a variety of vendors, including realtors, closet organizers, estate sales representatives, movers, and more. This event will take place on November 16th at 10:30 am at the Stonebriar Country Club in Frisco. I’ll also have Moving Guides available for pick-up!

Whether you are just starting the downsizing process or you need some guidance on next steps, join us online on November 7^th for another rightsizing webinar. This time, Jeanice Kitts of Get Organized will share tips, tricks and inspiration for rightsizing your life and the value of eliminating clutter. 

I’m excited about our community opening next year and I am honored to be a part of this experience with all of you. Your well-being and comfort during the moving process are of utmost importance to me, and I’m dedicated to making this transition as seamless as possible for you.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the journey to your new home, and I’m looking forward to all that lies ahead!

-Rachel

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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 October 2023:

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

• Finish framing Independent Living (IL) and Assisted Living/Memory Care (AL/MC) buildings
• Set windows in Commons, IL and AL/MC buildings
• Waterproof Commons, IL and AL/MC buildings
• Run mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering (including heating, ventilation and air conditioning) through Commons, IL and AL/MC buildings
• Continue exterior finish work for Cottages
• Begin interior finish work for Cottages

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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

2^nd Annual Pet and Human Costume Pawty

Although the cold weather moved us from Windhaven Meadows Park to the Information Center, a good time was had by all!

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Welcome Select New Outlook VIPs

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