At The Forefront

In the second segment of Forefront Living’s At the Forefront podcast, author Christy Cashman opens up about her visit to the T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center ahead of the Each Moment Matters (EMM) luncheon, sharing her experience and how it shaped her perspective on hospice care and grief. She also discusses the meaningful moments that led her to speaking off the cuff at EMM, rather than sticking to a planned script. Christy ties the themes of The Truth About Horses into the mission of Forefront Living, discussing how the novel’s focus on healing, grief and hope aligns with the essential work of hospice and bereavement programs.

About Christy Cashman
Christy Cashman is an author with a diverse background in film, encompassing producing, acting and screenplay writing—a journey that inspired her debut novel. Alongside her literary pursuits, she actively engages in various organizations, serving on the boards of the Associates of the Boston Public Library and the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, and supports numerous charitable endeavors, including Raising A Reader. Her debut novel, The Truth About Horses, released in August 2023, has garnered heartfelt acclaim from readers, literary circles and the equestrian community alike.

In this episode of Forefront Living’s At the Forefront podcast, host and Forefront Living CEO Tim Mallad, sits down with Christy Cashman, author of The Truth About Horses, who shares the story behind being the keynote speaker at this year’s Each Moment Matters Luncheon, benefiting Faith Presbyterian Hospice and the Faith Caring Fund. Christy discusses the powerful themes of family, grief and healing explored in her novel, reflecting on the profound message she hopes readers will take away from the journey of the novel’s protagonist, Reese. Tune in to this enlightening episode to learn more about the powerful themes behind her book and how it has impacted readers.

About Christy Cashman
Christy Cashman is an author with a diverse background in film, encompassing producing, acting and screenplay writing—a journey that inspired her debut novel. Alongside her literary pursuits, she actively engages in various organizations, serving on the boards of the Associates of the Boston Public Library and the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, and supports numerous charitable endeavors, including Raising A Reader. Her debut novel, The Truth About Horses, released in August 2023, has garnered heartfelt acclaim from readers, literary circles and the equestrian community alike.

In this episode of Forefront Living’s At the Forefront podcast, host and Forefront Living CEO Tim Mallad, sits down with Vicki Keltner, Presbyterian Village North resident and current contestant in the Ms. Texas Senior America pageant, to share her pageant journey. The Ms. Texas Senior America pageant, taking place on Nov. 2, in Richardson, Texas, aims to redefine perceptions of senior women by championing healthy aging, wellness and mental well-being. During the discussion, Vicki reflects on her background and inspiration for joining the pageant, while sharing her hope to inspire others to embrace aging confidently through her participation. She provides insight into how senior women especially play a pivotal role in society, advocating for the value of experience and mentorship that senior women offer in shaping future generations. Tune in to this inspiring episode as we celebrate the strength and wisdom of senior women and discover how they are redefining aging on their journeys.

In this episode of Forefront Living’s At the Forefront podcast, host and Forefront Living CEO Tim Mallad, sits down with Vicki Keltner, Presbyterian Village North resident and current contestant in the Ms. Texas Senior America pageant, for a continuation of her story and what led her to choose PVN as her home. She shares her decision-making process, from her priorities to the clarifying moment PVN stood out as her ideal choice. Vicki describes her daily life at PVN, from enjoying a variety of activities to the strong social connections she’s built with other residents. She also opens up about how her new home has enabled her to explore personal growth, try new hobbies and enjoy a new vibrancy to her social life. Tune in to part two to hear heartfelt advice for others considering a senior living community and hear about the sense of fulfillment and connection PVN has brought into Vicki’s life.

In this episode of Forefront Living’s At the Forefront podcast, host and Forefront Living CEO Tim Mallad, sits down with Dustin Allen, Executive Director of Presbyterian Village North (PVN) and Nancy Greer, PVN resident, for a continuation of the discussion on students working in the senior living industry. During the talk, Dustin describes the introduction and implementation of student servers working in dining and the motivation behind the creation of the program. They discuss the many benefits and a few scheduling challenges of having students serving within the community. The conversation also touches on recruitment efforts through local schools, which not only opens doors to rewarding opportunities for these students but also can lead to potential careers in the senior living industry. Nancy shares that having students in dining offers fresh experiences for residents by fostering socialization and meaningful connections with the younger generation.  

Tune in to part two of this 15-minute segment to discover the valuable opportunities available for students in senior living communities and how these roles can benefit both the students themselves and the residents they interact with.

In the latest episode of Forefront Living's At the Forefront podcast, host and Forefront Living CEO Tim Mallad, sits down with two soon-to-be college freshmen—Meredith Mallad and Mackenzie Odom as well as soon-to-be high school senior, Carys O’Brien—alongside Nancy Greer, a resident at Presbyterian Village North.

The discussion dives into the unique experiences and invaluable skills these students have gained working as dining room servers at a retirement community. They share their inspirations for taking on this role, the profound impact their work has on the residents, and the rewarding moments that have left lasting impressions on their lives. Nancy offers her perspective on how the youthful energy of the student servers enhances the dining room atmosphere and reflects on the mutual benefits of this intergenerational interaction.

As the conversation unfolds, the students recount memorable interactions with residents, the challenges they've faced and how these experiences have shaped their views on aging. They discuss the ways in which their job has prepared them for future endeavors and offer advice for others considering similar roles. Nancy shares the wisdom she has imparted to the young servers and the fresh perspectives she has gained from them.

This 15-minute segment (part one) highlights the significant opportunities available for students in senior living communities and the positive impact these roles can have on both the students and the residents they serve.

In this very special episode, host Tim Mallad interviews renowned actress Jane Seymour. Together, they delve into the importance of embracing aging gracefully in a society obsessed with youth. Jane opens up about her journey of taking on more mature roles as she ages and her passion for advocating for women at a similar stage in life. She encourages others to discover their purpose—whether through learning something new, traveling or simply being themselves and living in the moment. Jane emphasizes the importance of staying active and engaged, reminding the audience that older women are vibrant, fun and possess a wealth of wisdom to share. Additionally, Jane and Tim discuss the Open Hearts Foundation, which aims to build a community dedicated to helping others. Tune in to this insightful episode to learn that it is never too late to find true purpose and fulfillment in life.

About Jane Seymour
A multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winner, recipient of the Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in 2000, Jane Seymour has proven her talents in virtually all media, the Broadway stage, motion pictures and television. Her love of art and color has led to her great success as a painter in watercolors and oils and as a designer. For almost 50 years, Jane has taken on many roles as an actress, including the James Bond film Live and Let Die (1973), Somewhere In Time (1980), East of Eden (1981), Onassis: The Richest Man in the World (1988), War and Remembrance (1988), Wedding Crashers (2005), the American television series Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (1993–1998) and Netflix’s Sandy Wexler (2017). However, the role that most defines Jane is her lifelong work in philanthropy. Actively involved in numerous charitable causes, Jane, along with filmmaker James Keach, founded the Open Hearts Foundation in 2010. The foundation has fulfilled her dream of building a legacy dedicated to serving others, and empowering people to turn adversity into opportunity based on the open-hearted philosophy of her mother Mieke Frankenberg, a World War II internment camp survivor. As a tribute to her mother, Jane serves as a volunteer Board member, benefactor and inspiration to further the mission of the Open Hearts Foundation.

In this very special episode, host Tim Mallad interviews renowned actress Jane Seymour, star of the film Ruby’s Choice. The movie tells the touching story about a family’s journey with dementia, offering both hope and inspiration for living life fully. Tim and Jane explore the film’s creation, discuss the challenges of filming during the pandemic and delve into how the movie educates viewers about the realities of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, they explore the benefits of choosing a senior living community that specializes in memory care for those facing these challenges, highlighting how these specialized environments and professional support can greatly enhance the quality of life for individuals with dementia and their loved ones. Tune in to this insightful episode to gain valuable knowledge about supporting those living with memory care issues. Learn more about Ruby's Choice here: https://dementiafoundation.org.au/rubys-choice/

About Jane Seymour
A multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winner, recipient of the Officer of the British Empire in 2000, Jane Seymour has proven her talents in virtually all media, the Broadway stage, motion pictures and television. Her love of art and color has led to her great success as a painter in watercolors and oils and as a designer. For almost 50 years, Jane has taken on many roles as an actress, including the James Bond film Live and Let Die (1973), Somewhere In Time (1980), East of Eden (1981), Onassis: The Richest Man in the World (1988), War and Remembrance (1988), Wedding Crashers (2005), the American television series Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (1993–1998) and Netflix’s Sandy Wexler (2017). However, the role that most defines Jane is her lifelong work in philanthropy. Actively involved in numerous charitable causes, Jane, along with filmmaker James Keach, founded the Open Hearts Foundation in 2010. The foundation has fulfilled her dream of building a legacy dedicated to serving others, and empowering people to turn adversity into opportunity based on the open-hearted philosophy of her mother Mieke Frankenberg, a World War II internment camp survivor. As a tribute to her mother, Jane serves as a volunteer Board member, benefactor and inspiration to further the mission of the Open Hearts Foundation.

In this enlightening episode, host Tim Mallad sits down with Ke’o Velasquez, Corporate Director of Operations and Hospitality at Forefront Living, and Alison Patt, President and Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Cuisine. They delve into the recent partnership between the two organizations and the array of services offered by Thomas Cuisine. The discussion covers day-to-day dining, evolving residential preferences ranging from formal dining to pop-up experiences and offering a diverse selection of foods including ethnic cuisines. The guests also discuss the topics of aging and wellness and the pivotal role food plays in these aspects. Additionally, they share insights on accommodating diverse preferences within a senior living community while maintaining freshness and interest. Tune in to this very special episode to gain valuable insights into the dynamic world of hospitality and senior living.

About Ke’o Velasquez
In his role as Forefront Living’s (FL) Corporate Director of Operations and Hospitality, Ke’o focuses on teammate engagement and retention, resident satisfaction and continuously improving the quality of services provided to residents and patients. Prior to joining FL, he served as Executive Director of The Preston of Park Cities, a luxury senior living community in Dallas, Texas. Before transitioning to senior living, Ke’o worked as Executive Sous Chef for The Four Seasons Resort and Club in Irving, Texas. In this position, he oversaw all aspects of the extensive culinary program. Ke’o is passionate about multi-ethnic cuisine, nutritional therapy, restaurant design and management with the highest expectations of hospitality standards and was also featured on Food Network’s Best Young Chefs of America program. When not serving seniors, he enjoys traveling to his native Hawaii, camping with his son, working on projects around the house and cooking in a hula skirt.   

About Alison Patt
Alison, President and Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Cuisine, joined the organization in October of 2020, and brought with her more than a decade of contract foodservice and hospitality experience, having served most recently as Group President of Continental Services, Detroit’s top independent contract dining management company. Alison has a proven background centered on developing high performing teams, driving meaningful growth, fostering enduring client relationships and demonstrating a strong commitment to servant leadership.

“I am honored and excited to lead Thomas Cuisine. This organization is positioned for growth as it delivers custom food service solutions at the intersection of food, service and wellness. I look forward to leading Thomas Cuisines’ incredible teams in continuing to design customized solutions and healthy menus for our clients in healthcare, senior dining and business and industry sectors. I embrace Thomas Cuisine’s commitment to improve the lives of others – one nutritious meal at a time.” – Alison Patt

In this informative episode, host Tim Mallad engages in an enlightening conversation with Bella Vida (BV) VIPs, Phil and Karen Hunke, to reveal what attracted them to BV, an upcoming Forefront Living (FL) senior living community in San Antonio. The couple shares insights from their exploration of senior living options, guided by positive recommendations from friends. They discuss essential features they sought in their future home, emphasizing the significance of personalization options and the vibrant South Texas culture featured at BV. Additionally, the Hunkes complimented the transparency of financial matters and FL leadership’s receptiveness to feedback. Looking ahead, they eagerly anticipate a fulfilling quality of life as they age, especially through the lively atmosphere and socialization offered within the BV community. Don’t miss this very special episode, as Phil and Karen Hunke share their journey into premiere senior living, highlighting the importance of proactive planning for a meaningful life at every stage.  

About Phil and Karen Hunke
San Antonio residents Phil and Karen Hunke are avid world travelers who also love the outdoors. Phil is a retired pediatric dentist and he and Karen share a passion for philanthropy, particularly in supporting oral health care for special needs children. The Hunkes provided funding for the Phil and Karen Hunke Special Care Clinic, a dental clinic at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry, ensuring that individuals of all ages with disabilities are able to receive high-quality oral health care in a welcoming environment designed specifically for them, their families and their caregivers.