The new school year is underway for area youngsters, but senior residents at The Preston of the Park Cities are also in back-to-school mode from the comfort and safety of their own home. Beginning this month, these older learners start a new semester of lectures and demonstrations at “Watermark University” — a signature life enrichment program with a curriculum designed uniquely for them by their senior living community.
Filmmaker Miles Hargrove, who appeared last week at The Preston of the Park Cities, was the first guest lecturer of the fall season. Hargrove shared the harrowing story of when he moved as a teenager with his family to Colombia where his father, Tom Hargrove, was kidnapped and held for ransom by leftist rebels. For 11 months and as a way to cope with the incredible stress of the situation, the young filmmaker tirelessly documented his family’s story as they negotiated for Tom’s release. Twenty-five years later, MIRACLE FISHING, Hargrove’s directorial documentary debut based on the amazing story of his father’s safe return from the hands of the rebels, premiered at the Tribeca International Film Festival 2020.
“This was a fascinating talk for the residents as a launch for their Watermark University season,” said Ke’o Velasquez, executive director, The Preston of the Park Cities. “The residents are from the same generation as Miles’ father, Tom Hargrove, and it was intriguing for them to meet his son and hear about the incredible journeys of both the kidnapping and the film.
“Many of the residents and associates had seen PROOF OF LIFE, the fictionalized version of Miles’ father’s kidnapping starring Russell Crowe and Meg Ryan that was released in 2000. So, having a chance to hear about the real-life events that inspired a major feature film was a special opportunity.”
Watermark University is a signature of Watermark Retirement Communities® at the 58 communities in 21 states it manages, including The Preston of the Park Cities, which is owned by Dallas-based Silverstone Senior Living. Watermark University features integrated programmatic offerings in the seven dimensions of wellness (spiritual, emotional, vocational, physical, social, environmental, and intellectual).
“Programs that focus on enhancing the mind, body and spirit are not unusual in senior living communities,” continued Velasquez. “What makes the approach we’ve branded as Watermark University special is how we strive to involve everyone in the community, including experts and personalities such as Miles Hargroves, but also residents, associates, family members, and volunteers. Drawing from all of these resources, we have a robust and diverse fall season of programs lined up for the residents and families.”
The Preston of the Park Cities, parkcities.watermarkcommunities.com, is a full-service luxury rental retirement community offering Assisted Living, The Bridge and Memory Care. The community, located at 5917 Sherry Lane, Dallas, is owned by Dallas-based Silverstone Senior Living and managed by Watermark Retirement Communities®.
ABOUT THE PRESTON OF THE PARK CITIES
The Preston of the Park Cities is a full-service luxury rental retirement community with 134 residences offering Assisted Living, The Bridge and Memory Care. Located at 5917 Sherry Lane, Dallas 75225, in the prestigious Park Cities / Preston Hollow area, the community features an amenity-rich lifestyle with dynamic programs, fine dining, and concierge services. The Preston of the Park Cities is owned by Dallas-based Silverstone Senior Living and operated by Watermark Retirement Communities®. Visit parkcities.watermarkcommunities.com for more information.
ABOUT SILVERSTONE SENIOR LIVING
Silverstone Senior Living develops high-quality senior housing communities which provide independent living, assisted living and memory care services in Texas, Florida and the Mid-Atlantic states. The principals of Silverstone have extensive experience and an excellent track record in the real estate industry. This experience includes designing, developing, managing, operating and owning premier properties throughout the nation and across all the major asset platforms for both public and private companies. Silverstone is committed to developing and operating “best in class” communities that are as comfortable as home, luxurious as a country club, and provide the highest level of care. Visit silverstoneseniorliving.com for more information.
ABOUT WATERMARK RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES®
Watermark creates extraordinary communities where people thrive. We believe aging is about renewal rather than retirement. Watermark communities are known for highly trained and caring associates, a lifestyle built on choice, fine amenities, integrative wellness and innovative programs including the award-winning Watermark University featuring a wide variety of engaging classes for residents and area seniors. Watermark has been named in the top 25 Best Workplaces for Aging Services in a national program conducted by the Great Place to Work Institute and published on Fortune.com. A privately held company with a reputation for over 30 years for service, innovation, integrity and financial stability, Watermark manages more than 65 retirement communities coast to coast. Based in Tucson, AZ, Watermark is ranked as the nation’s 11th-leading senior housing operator by the American Seniors Housing Association. Visit watermarkcommunities.com for more information.