Sarah MacElroy and Terie Beth Dillard, the author and illustrator of a newly-released children’s book, gave residents at The Preston of the Park Cities a behind-the-scenes peek into the book publishing world during their November 12 talk at the senior living community.

Their collaboration, Leaping Lumberjacks, is the story of a young boy who ventures into the woods and finds an enchanting world where animals, lumberjacks, and dance collide. In their presentation, MacElroy and Dillard revealed the creative process of bringing to life the words and visions of a fanciful, imaginary world. Through slides showing early concept sketches, photographs of poses for reference, and displays of the finished art pieces, residents learned about the step-by-step development and stories behind the book.

“Our residents have read children’s books to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for decades,” said Ke’o Velasquez, Executive Director, The Preston of the Park Cities. “But to see and hear how a story actually makes the journey from an idea onto the pages of a book was both educational and entertaining.”

The talk was part of the community’s Watermark University fall series, which features integrated programmatic offerings in the seven dimensions of wellness (spiritual, emotional, vocational, physical, social, environmental, and intellectual).

The program 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.

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 is located at 5917 Sherry Lane, Dallas 75225.

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 9th-leading senior housing operator by the American Seniors Housing Association. Visit watermarkcommunities.com for more information.