There is no doubt the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, were the deadliest and most audacious terror attacks in American history. Although a lot has changed since that horrific day, one thing will always remain the same – the importance of remembering those we lost, including the first responders who sacrificed their lives to save others. There are many ways people around the country honor these brave men and women, and Prosper Fire Department is doing something truly unique to pay homage to those whose lives were lost. They own the only mobile 9/11 memorial trailer in the DFW area. The trailer has been around since 2012 and contains a 7,000-pound piece of the World Trade Center collected on 9/11, photos of fallen firefighters, an American flag, and two televisions that play deeply moving video honoring the victims. Recently, Prosper Fire Department brought this memorial to Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco for residents and members of area senior centers to tour. In addition, Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco is raising funds to support the mobile memorial and help Prosper Fire Department bring it to many more places in the future.

Every year on Father’s Day, families get together to celebrate the important role fathers play in children’s lives. For William Ebert, a resident of Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco, his four daughters are his everything. Ebert, 66, is a retired minister who devoted his life to two families: his church and his actual family. He says balancing time between his profession and time spent home was hard, and although he did his best to be there for his daughters, he regrets not spending even more time with them. Ebert says his favorite part about being a father of four daughters is the weddings because he enjoys the popular father-daughter dance. Today, he wants to share an important message with younger fathers.

“Don’t forget to tell your children and grandchildren how pleased you are with them and how much you love them,” said Ebert. “People tend to take the time they have for granted, and before we know it, our children are grown. That’s why I always tell younger people not to get so hung up with work. There are so many other important parts of our life we need to pay attention to, especially our children.”

Ebert, originally from Houston, has four children and 12 grandchildren. He is proud of the strong relationship he has with all of his daughters. If there is one thing he learned from his father, Ebert says it would be inner strength. He has enjoyed watching his children – and his grandchildren – succeed and prosper, and he believes there is nothing more important than being there for his daughters during their ups and downs, even if it’s in the background.

“Every time our family gets together it’s always such a wonderful time,” said Ebert. “I remember when the girls were little, they always wanted to wrestle with me. We have so many beautiful memories. I am proud of the people they’ve become, and I am happy we still remain very close.”

“One of my favorite things about William is watching him walk around the community to make sure his fellow residents are doing well,” said Sharla Woolley, activity director at Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco. “He leads our bible studies and church services at the community, and we are truly thankful for everything he does. It is heartwarming to watch William when his daughters come to visit. Although they all have families of their own, they still try and spend time with their father as often as possible.”

Mustang Creek Estates – whose mission is to provide seniors with high-quality residential-style assisted living and memory care at an affordable price – has additional locations in Allen, Burleson, Sachse and Keller.

Having a hobby can have endless benefits, especially for seniors. Hobbies can help improve mood, socialization, memory and more, and Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco is excited to organize activities that recognize residents’ unique hobbies and interests. This initiative not only gives the seniors a sense of purpose, it also reminds them it is never too late to dust off an old skill or even learn a new one. In addition, it is another way to bring seniors together and increase socialization. One of the activities the residents will have a chance to participate in is an upcoming woodworking activity. This hobby is especially important to James Herink, an 84-year-old Army veteran who was diagnosed with dementia two years ago. Some of Herink’s wooden creations include a cross and altar for a local church, rocking horses for children, birdhouses, coasters and wall clocks. Dementia may have taken a lot of his memories, including those of his wife, but it hasn’t taken away his enthusiasm for crafts, especially woodwork.

“When my siblings and I were growing up, my dad was known as the ‘handyman’ in our community, and people from the area would turn to him for help and repairs with all kinds of wooden art, furniture, and more.” said Diane van Holsbeke, Herink’s daughter. “It is comforting to know that he still has memories of a hobby that has brought him so much joy over the years. He has always been such a wonderful and friendly person, and we are thrilled he will have the opportunity to socialize with other residents who share this interest.”

Herink inherited his artistic talent from his father, who enjoyed crafts as well. After spending his childhood learning from his father, he later served in the Army during the Korean War, taking his hobby with him. Afterward, he worked for an air conditioning and heating company in Iowa before moving to Texas when he was transferred in 1977. Herink has three children and nine grandchildren and was married for 52 years. Of his three children, one of his daughters inherited his artistic talent and penchant for woodcrafts.  

“After I saw my dad could no longer do what he loved, I began to make wooden crafts for him to enjoy,” said Carolann Johnson, Herink’s daughter. “Since he was diagnosed with dementia a couple years ago, it hasn’t been easy on us. He is having trouble remembering our family members and it is heartbreaking to watch this illness take over our dad.”

Several recent studies emphasize that creative activities have a positive impact on the lives of older adults. One of the activities proven to help keep seniors’ minds busy, prevent depression and spark feelings of joy is participation in the arts.

“It is heartwarming to see James’ eyes light up when he starts working on a project,” said Beth Babcock, executive director at Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco. “Our team works hard to come up with activities that are not only fun but are also engaging and beneficial to our residents. We are excited to continue to look for ways to highlight their hobbies and interests.”

Mustang Creek Estates – whose mission is to provide seniors with high-quality residential-style assisted living and memory care at an affordable price – has additional locations in Allen, Burleson and Keller. Recently, Mustang Creek Estates opened its newest senior living community in Sachse.

Veterans Day is a time to honor the brave men and women who risked their lives serving our country. Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco recognizes Veterans Day every year with different activities for all of the residents, including veterans and those whose loved ones served. This year, the seniors handwrote letters to be mailed to soldiers overseas along with patriotic pictures colored by the seniors. The handwritten letters contain personal messages of gratitude and encouragement. Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco realizes the importance of Veterans Day and hopes these cards put smiles on the faces of the men and women who currently serve in the United States Armed Forces. This initiative is especially meaningful to Douglas Wilson, a resident of Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco, who served in the Navy for more than 10 years. In honor of Veterans Day, Wilson, 77, reflects on the reasons he joined, his service experience and the importance of paying tribute to all veterans.

“Joining the Navy in the 1960s was one of the best decisions I made in my life,” said Wilson. “During the first few weeks in service, I questioned whether I made the right decision because it was extremely challenging, both physically and mentally. But when I look back, I am grateful I continued to work hard and improve myself, because the Navy literally turned my life around in the best way possible.”

Before Wilson joined the Navy, he was on the wrong path in his life and he believes he would’ve ended up in trouble with the law. That’s when he decided to join the military. During his service, Wilson was a computer programmer, although he had never worked on a computer prior to joining the Navy. Thanks to his training and the experience he gained during his service, he eventually began a successful career as a networking system engineer. Wilson was stationed in San Diego and eventually in Japan, where he got married to his wife. He and his wife had three children and they also raised one of their three grandchildren. Wilson is proud of his time in the Navy, and he encourages young people to join the armed forces with an objective in mind.

“If you join the military, go there with something you want to accomplish for yourself and for the country,” said Wilson. “The first few weeks or even months are very challenging, you have to get up early in the morning, exercise for long hours, etc. That’s the time you might feel discouraged, but if you go there with a goal, it will help you to get over the hardest times. It is important to celebrate Veterans Day because it can help young people get a feel for serving and helping others. I look forward to writing letters for the soldiers overseas because everyone needs to read a message of encouragement, especially our soldiers who are deployed and away from their families.”

“Every year our team brainstorms different ways to honor the veterans and those who serve, and this year we wrote messages of gratitude and encouragement to the brave men and women overseas,” said Beth Babcock, executive director at Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco. “We enjoyed the stories Douglas and other veteran residents shared with us, and we are thankful for their service.”

Mustang Creek Estates – whose mission is to provide seniors with high-quality residential-style assisted living and memory care at an affordable price – has additional locations in Allen, Burleson and Keller. Recently, Mustang Creek Estates opened its newest senior living community in Sachse.

From classical music to rap and hip-hop, piano has no limits. Whether someone plays in their spare time or teaches piano for living, many people agree it is one of the most popular musical instruments. September is National Piano Month, and Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco residents and team members were excited for a special event featuring a 16-year-old pianist performing with lifelong pianist Bennie Potter, 92, resident of Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco. During a time when electronic devices compete for children’s attention, playing an instrument is becoming a lost art, but not for Zackary Wetzel. A student at Kingdom Country Academy in Anna, Texas, Wetzel started playing piano at age 8. Today, he is happy he had the opportunity to perform with Potter, who started playing at the age of 3. The mini concert was held at the senior living community and it included musical performances, singing, dancing and a delicious piano shaped-cake made by the residents. Music has a tremendous impact on seniors and those living with Alzheimer’s. Recent studies show music can boost production of “happy hormones” such as dopamine, serotonin and more, resulting in elevated moods.

“When I was about to move to Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco, I was worried my playing days would end. I was so happy to find the piano here so that I can continue doing what I love the most,” said Potter. “Playing the piano has always been part of my life. I spent over 40 years teaching, and I am grateful I still have the opportunity to perform for others here at the community and during church services as well. I enjoyed playing piano with Zackary during the event.”

Wetzel enjoys playing piano because of the feeling of accomplishment gained from learning something complicated. His favorite composer is Scott Joplin because of his upbeat, fast music. Potter, on the other hand, spent most of the time playing during church services. Her husband served in the military and she visited many countries, including Germany, Italy and Japan. Wherever she went, she found a place to play the piano. Potter has three children, one grandchild and one great-grandchild and both her mother and grandmother were pianists.

”We loved having Zackary visit our community, it was so nice to hear him play together with Bennie,” said Beth Babcock, executive director at Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco. “Both music and intergenerational activities have so many benefits for seniors and children. We are thankful we can provide Bennie with the opportunity to share her music with us, and we are so proud of her for continuing to play for our residents.”

Mustang Creek Estates – whose mission is to provide seniors with high-quality residential-style assisted living and memory care at an affordable price – has additional locations in Allen, Burleson and Keller. Recently, Mustang Creek Estates opened its newest senior living community in Sachse.