World traveler to settle in at Las Ventanas

Marge Skinner loves adventure. She has traveled to Hong Kong, Paris, London, Rome and Moscow, in addition to island destinations such as Hawaii, which she visits twice yearly. Most recently, Skinner completed a 2,500-mile driving excursion through California and celebrated what she calls "the 46th anniversary of my 39th birthday."

Her next adventure will originate from her new home at Las Ventanas, a life care community under construction in Summerlin.

"I like to pick up and go," Skinner said. "That's just one of the reasons I'm looking forward to moving to Las Ventanas: the freedom to lock my door and leave at a moment's notice without any worries."

Resident amenities and services include paid utilities (except telephone), weekly housekeeping and linen service. Central to the community's 26,000-square-foot common area is an elegant main dining room, where meals are served three times a day. Meal plans are available.

"I love the idea of a professional chef preparing my meals but, since I like to cook, I'm also looking forward to having my own kitchen where I can whip up a feast for a dinner party or club meetings in my own home," Skinner said.

There will also be a cyber café, library, exercise room and wellness center, enclosed pool, hair salon and barbershop, business center and performing arts center. The landscaped complex will also feature a three-quarter-mile garden-style walking path.

Being physically and mentally active is the foundation of Las Ventanas, according to Suzanne Caldarello, marketing director.

"We're fortunate to be one of a few select life care communities to offer Masterpiece Living ... an innovative program based on years of research conducted in a successful aging study through the MacArthur Foundation. Masterpiece Living is setting the stage for a retirement lifestyle that frees individuals to achieve new heights of wellness, activity and personal growth," Caldarello said.

There will be 198 independent-living apartments, which are available in seven floor plans. Residents can customize their choice through the selection of tile, color scheme and flooring.

Also available are six, 1,500-square-foot villas, each with a 9-foot ceiling, two bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, a den, living room, dining room, and kitchen with a pantry and nook. The exterior features a covered front porch, rear patio overlooking a courtyard, and a garage.

Caldarello said 90 percent of a resident's entrance fee may be refunded to the resident or their estate at any time, serving as a form of estate preservation.

When and if necessary, residents will have the security of knowing that quality health care is immediately available. Connected to the common and independent living areas by glass-enclosed, climate-controlled walkways, will be two separate health-care complexes housing 60 private assisted living suites and 60 private skilled nursing care rooms. Professional, licensed health care providers will staff each center.

"I've never given much thought to the health care aspect of Las Ventanas, but there comes a time when everyone needs to plan for what might happen. Las Ventanas will be there for me," said Skinner, who moved to Las Vegas three years ago to be near her son and her grandchildren.

"My husband, to whom I was married for 61 wonderful years, always said, `be sure to do the all the things you want to do.' That's the way I live my life, and Las Ventanas will let me continue to follow that path."

The information center is located in Hughes Plaza at 10000 W. Charleston Blvd. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment.

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