InsPIEring Ministry at Chance’s Pie and Coffee Shop On Monday, August 8, a group of Presbyterian Village North (PVN) residents and teammates made a special visit to Chance’s Pie and Coffee Shop, managed and run by participants of Highland Park United Methodist Church’s (HPUMC) Belong Disability Ministry. The Belong Disability Ministry, serving anyone in the DFW area who is or has a family member affected by a disability, offers a variety of programming to ministry participants and their family members free of cost. Guests were treated to hot coffee or tea and delicious baked goods from attentive and enthusiastic members of the pie shop team. After everyone was served, the Chance’s crew, led by Manager Yvette Cárdenas, hosted a fun and entertaining game of Jeopardy for the PVN visitors. Residents and teammates were equally charmed by the wonderfully kind staff and the delectable homemade treats at Chance’s. “It was such a privilege to experience the love, laughter, delicious pies, coffee and tea served by the young men and women who run Chances. Their smiles lit up the room! I left with a full belly and a very happy heart,” said Shannon Radford, PVN Director of Wellness and field trip participant. For those seeking a slice of sweetness, head to Chance’s, located on the first floor of the Tolleson Family Activity Center, to enjoy one of their delicious oven-baked personal or family pies. Chance’s is open Monday – Thursday and on Sunday from 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. By purchasing a slice of pie or a cup of coffee, you will help make a difference in the lives of the community members and volunteers from HPUMC’s Belong Disability Ministry. Like and follow them on Facebook for stories and photos that will make your heart smile. Keep Reading
The Outlook at Windhaven Hosts Successful Luncheon On Thursday, August 4, The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) team held a delicious and informational luncheon, hosting twenty-two prospective residents, at Seasons 52 in The Shops at Legacy. The luncheon program featured a discussion panel with five VIPs (future OAW residents), including Mr. Paul Schrier, Mrs. Jane Bowers, Mr. Henry Samford, Mrs. Peggy Samford and Mrs. Lynn Harris. These VIPs shared why they selected OAW as their future home and discussed some of the features and activities they look forward to experiencing at the community. The panel concluded with an engaging question and answer session. To schedule an appointment to learn more about The Outlook at Windhaven, click here or call (972) 996-3887. Keep Reading
Forefront Living Foundation receives Healthy Kids, Healthy Families grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Award will fund Child and Family Bereavement Program at Faith Presbyterian Hospice Forefront Living Foundation is pleased to announce it was awarded a Healthy Kids, Healthy Families® (HKHF) grant by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX). The HKHF funding will support BCBSTX’s commitment to community-based organizations supporting children and families that focus on health and wellness and target impacts of socio-economic and social determinants of health, as well as economic opportunity. Grant funding from BCBSTX will support the Child and Family Bereavement Program of Faith Presbyterian Hospice (FPH), providing children in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with a dedicated support system for mitigating the negative effects of parental and familial loss. This specialized program offers a variety of assistance, specifically helping high-risk children navigate one of the most challenging life experiences – the loss of a parent and/or a sibling. Services offered are free of charge and are available to the DFW community. The FPH vision is to raise awareness for child bereavement, while diminishing the long-term effects of unprocessed childhood grief. All bereaved children, no matter their circumstances, should have access to the support and resources necessary to positively adapt to a significant loss in their lives. Launched in 2011, HKHF started as a three-year project designed to improve the health and wellness of at least one million children through community investments. The program was extended as BCBSTX’s ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of the children and families across Texas. “We are happy to award these grants that will support and nurture meaningful and transformational projects across Texas,” said Sheena Payne, BCBSTX’s director of Community Investments. “Strategically, it is also important that we continue to aid community-based organizations that are directly supporting children and families with health and wellness equity as well as building foundations for economic opportunity.” The HKHF program – which centers on nutrition, physical activity, disease prevention and management and supporting safe environments – has awarded more than $20 million in funding since inception, and this year will impact the lives of more than 5 million children and adults in Texas. Keep Reading
PVN Outdoor Enhancements Coming soon to the Presbyterian Village North (PVN) campus, residents will be able to enjoy an enhanced pond, serene walking path, putting green and dog park for all of PVN’s furry friends! The newly improved pond will be stocked for fishing too! Residents can enjoy all of these wonderful outdoor amenities just by stepping out of their front doors. Keep Reading
Red, White and Woof On July 4, Presbyterian Village North (PVN) hosted its 15th annual Patriotic Dog Parade to celebrate Independence Day. More than 100 residents, 30 canine companions, teammates and family members participated in the parade walk or just enjoyed watching the festivities. Those that didn’t walk in the parade lined the route and waved American flags. The parade began at the entrance of Martin’s Landing and ended at Gruchalla Pavilion. The Café was decked out with red, white and blue decorations, making it the perfect patriotic backdrop for photos. PVN teammates served yummy refreshments including breakfast tacos and fruit, while root beer floats and mimosas helped everyone beat the July heat. “The residents look forward to this parade each year! Everyone dresses in their best patriotic attire and enjoys the opportunity to interact with residents, teammates and furry friends along the route,” shared Letty Valdez, PVN Life Enrichment Manager. Keep Reading
The Gift of Beautiful Music Due to the generosity of the family of Rev. Billy M. Adams, former patient at the T. Boone Pickens Hospice and Palliative Care Center (TBPHC), the beautiful grand piano, located in the Spiritual Care Center at the TBPHC, will now be tuned semi-annually for the next four years. The Adams family decided to honor their patriarch with this thoughtful tribute because of Rev. Adams’ love for music. While visiting their father in hospice, Cyd Allen and her sister had the opportunity to play the piano and noticed it could benefit from the helpful services of a certified piano technician. The family’s gift also serves as an expression of appreciation to Faith Presbyterian Hospice for the loving kindness showed to their dad during his final days.“My siblings and I thank you the caring staff at Faith Presbyterian Hospice for all they are doing to provide quality, compassionate end-of-life care with utmost dignity.” – Cyd Adams Allen, daughter of Rev. Billy M. Adams Keep Reading
Teammate Spotlight – Regina Taylor When did you begin employment at Forefront Living and what is your job title? I joined the team at Faith Presbyterian Hospice (FPH) in July of 2018 and I work as a registered nurse for the In-Patient Unit. What do you like best about working at FPH?I appreciate my FPH teammates – each person on our team delivers the best care possible, sometimes under very stressful circumstances. What matters most to me during a patient’s end-of-life journey is that they, along with their loved ones, are treated with dignity and compassion. I believe that the first and last breath are the most important in an individual’s life. Please share a Moment That Mattered that stands out to you.There are many special moments that have been imprinted on my life. I am passionate about serving as an advocate for my patients and their families, while helping them navigate their hospice experience. Family members are so thankful for the quality of care we provide to their loved one, and the many kind words they share will stay with me for the rest of my life. Please share a little about yourself personally.I am married to Bruce, my husband and best friend of 44 years. Our immediate family includes our daughter Bridgette and her husband Keith, as well as our son Neal and his wife Laura. We also have five grandchildren. I love floating in the pool with my daughter and enjoy our “girl time” together. Going to church is important to me and sharing a meal with friends after service is an ideal way to spend a Sunday. On my days off, I like to order breakfast with my husband and savor a good cup of coffee. I love to bake and like to share my baked goods with my friends, family and work family. Keep Reading
At The Forefront Podcast Featuring Geert Houben, CEO of Cubigo IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode, host Tim Mallad welcomes Geert Houben, Founder and CEO of Cubigo, an integrated senior living software platform seamlessly connecting staff, residents, and family members while digitizing common functions within senior living communities (dining, maintenance, transportation, communication, and activities). In this thirty-minute podcast, Tim and Geert discuss the benefits and misconceptions of combining seniors with modern technology usage. Join us for this very special episode and learn how technology is positively impacting seniors through greater connectivity and communication across the globe. ABOUT GEERT HOUBEN: A native of Belgium, Geert Houben has served as Founder and CEO of Cubigo since 2016. Cubigo was inspired by the challenges faced by Geert’s grandmother as she aged and led him into believing that technology could help with those challenges. Geert said, “We had to bring together two totally opposed worlds, that of technology and the world of senior citizens. But imagine the user potential!” Cubigo is utilized globally in 600 senior living communities across the United States and Europe. Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcasts Keep Reading
At The Forefront Podcast Featuring Janice Bentley and Shannon Radford IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode, host Tim Mallad welcomes Janice Bentley, Presbyterian Village North (PVN) Resident and Shannon Radford, PVN Director of Wellness, to discuss health, wellness and longevity. In this thirty-minute podcast, the trio dives into the importance of being active, how to get started, how to stay motivated and inspiring stories that prove it is never too late to begin a wellness journey. ABOUT JANICE BENTLEY: When we think of vibrant, active seniors, PVN resident, Janice Bentley, is the perfect poster child! Logging countless miles each week in fitness classes, on the stationary bike and treadmill, Janice is constantly on the move. Fitness and health are top priorities for she and her husband, Chester, and accessibility to a robust wellness program was a key factor in selecting PVN as their preferred retirement community 14 years ago. Since moving to PVN both Janice and Chester have been very active in the many programs offered for socialization, education and entertainment. Chester recently joined together with a trio of other wood crafting residents to create over 200 wooden toys for underprivileged children this Christmas. Janice leads a ladies’ sewing group appropriately titled the “Sew N Sews”. This crew of women meet each week to craft a variety of items to aide those in PVN’s memory care center, teddy bears for PediPlace, a nonprofit pediatric healthcare practice for children who receive Medicaid or are uninsured, and memory bears made of clothing items of Faith Hospice patients for their loved ones. In addition to their volunteer efforts, Janice and Chester live thriving and active lives both in and out of the PVN community, often spending time with their friends and two children. ABOUT SHANNON RADFORD: With more than 17 years in the health and fitness industry, Shannon Radford is passionate about helping residents maintain quality independence as long as possible. Shannon began her career in cardiac rehabilitation before transferring over to the world of senior living. Throughout her career at PVN, Shannon has grown the Fitness and Wellness program from three group exercises classes per week in independent living, to over 75 classes per week across the entire campus. Shannon also brought the “Get Fit” program to life by offering individualized cognitive and exercise maintenance plans to residents, as well as personal training services. As the Director of Wellness, Shannon oversees the Jim and Bess Blanchette Lifestyle Fitness Center, the Lifestyle Spa and Clinic, and the fitness and wellness programs throughout Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing. Shannon’s passion for providing high quality services to all residents is evident in each of these areas. She was recognized at the 2016 Each Moment Matters Luncheon for her hard work and dedication to serving others. Under Shannon’s leadership, PVN received the 2019 ICAA Nustep Pinnacle Award for Top 5 Wellness Program in North America and the 2020 Leading Age Texas Innovative Care and Services Award. Shannon received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University with a focus in Applied Exercise Physiology. She also holds various group exercise certifications, including water fitness. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and a Certified Assistant Living Manager. Although she is involved in areas all over campus, you can still find her teaching a few fitness classes per week – building relationships and connection with the residents. Outside of PVN, Shannon enjoys an active lifestyle with her husband and two children. Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcasts Keep Reading
