First residents set up housekeeping at Las Ventanas

Riding all-terrain vehicles was how Arvin and Glenna Evans spent their time shortly before they moved into Las Ventanas, a new life care community in Summerlin.

"Our house was packed up, so we took off in the RV for a couple of weeks before the big move, and the beginning of a new adventure," Glenna Evans said.

Last month, the couple and about 70 others moved into the 17-acre community on West Charleston Boulevard at Town Center Drive.

"It's incredible. We're so happy here," Evans said. "My husband has put up shelves, and is turning our den into my sewing room. Plus, we had a professional closet organizer transform one of the master bedroom walk-in closets into a fully equipped office area."

Initially, Evans was apprehensive about moving to Las Ventanas, as she had lived in a single-family home for years. She was unsure of what to expect in the condominium-style environment.

"It was actually my husband who was sold on the idea of a life care community at first. But I was won over almost immediately following our move-in. Our neighbors are wonderful, and who wouldn't like someone coming in once a week to clean, and wash and change your linens?"

Evans also praised the management staff.

"We've been extremely impressed by everyone on the Las Ventanas staff, especially Bill Kesler," Evans said, referring to the food and beverage director and executive chef. "The food is amazing. It's a gourmet delight every night."

Brian Weaver, executive director, said many residents reserved their units three years ago.

"We've all been eagerly anticipating the community's opening. It's been a busy, but very exciting time for us and our residents," he said, pointing out that monthly "town meetings" will provide residents an opportunity to express their views to staff members and for staff to communicate with residents.

"For example, we announced at the first meeting that we've been talking to local pharmacies about providing our residents with home delivery," Weaver said.

The meeting also addressed organizing resident-led activities such as card clubs and cooking classes.

Other activities are planned by lifestyle director Wendy Stevenson, who said, "The month of August is going to be active."

The calendar includes shows, plays, a monorail trip with stops for shopping and gambling, and visits to places of interest such as Pahrump Valley Winery.

Instructors are planned for tai chi, yoga, water aerobics and strength training. The fitness center provides weight training equipment, changing rooms and a lap pool.

Attached to the wellness center by an air-conditioned walkway is the common area with a lobby, dining room, wood-paneled library with a marble fireplace, game rooms and several sitting areas. Additional features include a cyber café with computers, a hair salon, barbershop and business center. Other walkways connect the common area to the apartment buildings.

Construction will start soon on a third independent living apartment building, as well as a performing arts center and assisted living and skilled nursing complexes.

Las Ventanas is located at 10401 W. Charleston Blvd.

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