Bella Vida Voice – April 2026

Construction Update
What was once a quiet stretch of trees is now transforming into Bella Vida. In just over a year, the landscape has shifted into the foundation of a growing community. With each milestone, we are able to get a glimpse of what life here will look like in just a matter of months.
A Note from our Executive Director, Brooks Powell
April brings another exciting milestone for Bella Vida. This month, we will host our first of many Roundtable sessions, beginning with VIPs from the Villas. I look forward to hosting this series of Roundtable events along with Forefront Living’s COO, Scott Polzin.
These small-group sessions are designed to walk you through the Residency Agreement and Resident Handbook, providing clear, practical insight into daily life, policies, and resident expectations so you can move in confidently and with peace of mind.
These documents cover important details on various departments, including building services, the business office, community life, culinary, health services, housekeeping, and security, among others. They also provide valuable information that applies to community operations and the resident experience.
These Roundtables are an excellent opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback, and connect with leadership as we outline plans and details that matter to you. During the first Roundtable meeting, we’ll also present the exclusive benefits package of incentives and services available to Villa VIPs who choose to join Bella Vida at the earliest phase, prior to the Commons opening.
These first April sessions are only the start. We will continue to host additional Roundtable events throughout each successive phase of construction to keep you informed and engaged. These sessions will typically take place 2 or 3 months before your residence becomes available. We will keep everyone updated on the timing and details for upcoming Roundtable meetings as we continue to move toward opening.
Rachel’s Corner
There’s a lot of anticipation, excitement, and yes, even a little apprehension as you look ahead to this next chapter at Bella Vida. That’s exactly why we’re here. My goal is to provide you with the tools, guidance, and support to help you feel confident and organized every step of the way.
What a special opportunity this is. You will be among the very first to call Bella Vida home, creating a new community together from the very beginning. There’s something truly
meaningful about that. You’ll be the first to enjoy your beautiful new space, along with the convenience, safety, peace of mind, and a sense of connection that Bella Vida is designed to offer.
A Personalized Experience
As personalization wraps up, my focus is shifting to two key areas. First, I will be walking all 204 homes to carefully review MEP and finish selections for accuracy. Second, and honestly, my favorite part, I am working closely with each of you to help make your move as smooth and low-stress as possible.
I’ve recently begun visiting many of you in your homes, and it has quickly become one of the most rewarding parts of my role. These visits are completely optional, but if you’re open to it, I think you’ll find them both helpful and enjoyable.\
Sometimes, we spend time space planning together. Using your gridded floor plan, we map out furniture, talk through what will fit comfortably, and find ways to incorporate the pieces that matter most to you. I recently met with a VIP who wasn’t sure what to bring, and together we created a plan that let them keep their most meaningful items while maintaining a functional, beautiful layout. Afterward, they were able to confidently move forward with scheduling movers to visit and provide quotes. Many of the movers in the resource guides have already been in communication with us, are familiar with our timelines, and work closely with me, which can make the process feel a bit more seamless.”
Other times, the visit looks completely different. I’ve sat with VIPs who already had everything planned but simply needed reassurance and clarity on what comes next. We talked through timelines, what to expect, and how the move-in process will unfold. Sometimes, that peace of mind is the most valuable part.
Support Tailored to You
Every home visit is different because every person’s needs are different. Whether it’s planning, problem-solving, or simply sitting together and talking through the process, I’m here for it all.
If you’d like to schedule a visit, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether you’re moving into a villa or an apartment, I would truly love to spend that time with you.
From Your Neighbors
“Thank you for your kindness and understanding. You are one of those special people who truly give yourself to others. The individual attention you provide makes me feel known and cared for. We think you are the best there is.”
“Thank you for the time you took to talk with me and answer my questions. I truly appreciated your visit and the care you showed. Decision-making can feel overwhelming, but you made it feel manageable.”
Right-Sizing Your Life: Highlights from Our Recent Webinar

Downsizing is often seen as a challenge. However, our recent right-sizing webinar showed it can also mark the start of something exciting: a more intentional, simplified, and fulfilling life.
Rethink Downsizing as a Thoughtful Transition
The webinar opened with practical, reassuring
guidance from Peggy Brown of Generations Senior Moving and Transition Services, who encouraged attendees to rethink downsizing not as a loss but as a thoughtful transition. Rather than tackling everything at once, she emphasized starting early and working in manageable steps. One of the most effective ways to begin, she noted, is by visualizing your future space. Mapping out a floor plan helps clarify what will fit, what truly matters, and how your new home will function day to day.
Shifting your mindset from what you have to how you want to live is key to a successful move. Downsizing isn’t just about reducing belongings—it’s about aligning your space with your lifestyle. Will you cook as often? Entertain differently? Spend more time in community spaces? These questions help determine what you can bring with you and what you can leave behind.
Sorting through years of belongings can be emotional. Memories often make it harder. Peggy reminded attendees to give themselves grace and time. She suggested starting with less sentimental items and building momentum. The goal isn’t perfection – it’s progress. Most importantly, stay in control of the process.
The Power of Custom Storage Design
Once you’ve identified what truly belongs in your next chapter, the conversation shifts to fitting it all together. Joanne Wilmouth of Inspired Closets introduced the power of custom storage design. With decades of experience in the San Antonio area, her team specializes in transforming everyday spaces into highly functional, organized environments.
From walk-in closets and pantries to home offices and guest rooms, Joanne highlighted how tailored solutions maximize every inch. Features like built-in drawers, integrated shelves, and Murphy beds let rooms have more than one purpose. This is especially valuable when transitioning to a new space. A well-designed space doesn’t just store belongings; it enhances routines and brings a sense of calm and order.
Preparing Your Home for the Future
For those wondering how to make the most of what’s already there, Allison Sedlac of ShelfGenie offered another perspective. Specifically, she focuses on improving accessibility within existing spaces. Instead of starting from scratch, her approach upgrades cabinets and storage areas with custom glide-out shelving. As a result, the home works with you, not against you, eliminating the need to bend, reach, or dig through cluttered shelves.
This functionality is especially important for long-term use. Easy access, clear visibility, and smart organization aren’t just conveniences; they foster independence and enhance daily
living. Whether it’s a pantry, bathroom cabinet, or the space beneath a sink, there are ways to create order and efficiency that feel intuitive.
Throughout the webinar, one message remained clear: less truly can be more. Right-sizing isn’t about giving things up. It’s about making room for what matters most. By letting go of excess and being intentional about what you keep, you create space, not just physically, but mentally, for the life you want to live.
Speaker Contact Information:
Peggy Brown | 210-978-1106 Peggy@GenerationsTeam.com
Joann Wilmeth | 210-334-1569 Jwilmeth@InspiredClosetsSA.com
Allison Sedlak | 210-268-7360 ASedlak@ShelfGenie.com
You can head to the recorded webinar if you missed it or want to watch again!
Highlights From Our Recent VIP Events
Bagels with Brooks 3/20
We were delighted to host two Bagels with Brooks sessions this month, welcoming 33 attendees in the morning and 23 in the afternoon. Brooks shared updates on hiring efforts, move-in timelines, construction progress, and upcoming events. Guests enjoyed bagels and donuts in the morning and a charcuterie spread in the afternoon. Thank you to everyone who joined us!
Crafters for a Cause
A small group of VIPs gathers for March’s Crafters for a Cause. They had a fun morning of creativity and connection while giving back to the community. Together, they crafted charming bunnies made from lollipops, which will be donated to Bulverde/Spring Branch Meals on Wheels. Their hope is that it spreads a little extra joy to them this Easter season.
Save the Date for These Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars for these exciting events exclusively for our Bella Vida VIPs. Stay tuned for invitations with more details on each event coming soon to your inbox or mailbox!
Fiesta Social
April 16, 2026, 2-4 p.m., Bella Vida Info Center
4 Dominion Dr, Building 3, San Antonio, TX
Kick off Fiesta with us! Drop by to grab your exclusive 3rd Annual Bella Vida Fiesta medal, wear your brightest colors, and enjoy a delicious taco while celebrating the unique spirit of San Antonio. Last year was a blast. Hope to see you there!
Bagels with Brooks
April 24, 2026, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. or 1:00-2:00 p.m., Bella Vida Info Center
4 Dominion Dr, Building 3, San Antonio, TX
Join Bella Vida VIPs for an engaging morning with Brooks, featuring updates on the community and a relaxed setting to ask questions, hear the latest developments, and connect over bagels. Space is limited for the event. Please email Nathan to let us know which session you would like to attend.
Villa VIPs Roundtable with Scott & Brooks
April 29, 2026, 11:00 – 12:30 a.m. or 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Bella Vida Info Center
4 Dominion Dr, Building 3, San Antonio, TX
You’re invited to a roundtable discussion exclusively for Villa VIPs with Forefront Living COO, Scott Polzin, and Bella Vida’s Brooks Powell.
This conversation will focus specifically on the Villa homes, including what to expect in the months ahead and the advantages of moving forward early. (Our apartment homes will have their own event in late 2026 and early 2027.)
We will review the timeline, Residency Agreement, Resident Handbook and the benefits of an early move-in program prior to the commons opening and answer your questions.
Refreshments will be served; seating is limited. RSVP for your preferred time by emailing or calling Nathan. nmcardle@forefrontliving.org / 210-660-5558
Threads of Love
April 30, 2026, 10-11 a.m., Bella Vida Info Center
4 Dominion Dr, Building 3, San Antonio, TX
Join us for a special presentation from Dee Giberson about the mission of Threads of Love San Antonio, a faith-based nonprofit where volunteers sew, knit, and quilt clothing and care items for premature babies served by local hospitals and care centers. Learn how these handmade gifts, shared with love and prayer, bring comfort and hope to families during a difficult time.
The Psychology of Change: A Discussion About Why Community, Change, and Socialization are Good for Well-being – A Webinar with Dr. Nathan Hudson
May 5, 2026, 10:00 a.m., Webinar
Join us for an exclusive VIP webinar featuring Dr. Nathan Hudson, Associate Professor at Southern Methodist University (SMU) and a leading expert on change, happiness, and emotional well-being.
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Hudson will explore the science behind why embracing change, building community, and staying socially connected are essential to long-term well-being. You’ll gain valuable insights into how small shifts can lead to greater emotional stability and be the key to a happier, more fulfilling life.
Nathan will send a link to all RSVP’d VIPs via email on May 4th.
Behind the Design: A Live Podcast with Tim Mallad + Social to Follow
May 14, 2026, 1:30 p.m., La Cantera Resort
16641 La Cantera Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78256
Join us for a live podcast recording featuring Forefront Living’s CEO, Tim Mallad, and Bella Vida’s interior designer, Bridget Bohacz, as they explore the inspiration behind the community’s design. As part of the conversation, Tim and Bridget will unveil a special painting by Cheri Ingle, offering a first look at a piece that reflects the spirit and vision of Bella Vida.
Please plan to arrive by 1:40 p.m. for the podcast taping. Doors close promptly at 2:00 p.m., and there will be no entry or exit once filming begins. Attendees will be asked to silence their phones, and no flash photography will be allowed during the podcast
Following the recording, enjoy a relaxed reception and happy hour at La Cantera Resort, which begins at 2:30 p.m. Residents are welcome to attend the happy hour without attending the podcast recording.