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Ralph Plagens holding framed newspaper clippings
of articles regarding his service and heroic actions
in Italy during World War II
Crestview Spirit
Volume 1, Issue 4
July 2011
July 2011
Resident Spotlight…..Getting to Know You
Ralph Plagens was born in Kurten, Texas in
1920. He was the eldest son in a family of
seven boys and three girls. His sister, Alma
was the oldest of all the siblings and they
shared in many of the responsibilities that
were considered necessary for children in the
early 1900’s. Ralph and Alma always
looked out for each other and she has been
dearly missed by him as well as her Crest-
view family since her passing a little over
two years ago at the age of 92. Growing up
on a farm was a good life but it wasn’t easy.
There was corn to raise, cotton to pick and
there were chickens and cows to care for.
In 1942, Ralph enlisted in the 85th Infantry
Division of the United States Army. At the
young age of 22, he served on the front lines
in Italy and valiantly fought the enemy
alongside the members of his 60 mm mortar
squad. He found himself in the midst of un-
ceasing battle. There were no more peaceful
nights of sleep under the star lit sky back
home on the farm in Kurten.
When walking through the new building I am filled with excitement. The time
is getting closer when we will be able to move into our new facilities. As I
look at the new halls and rooms and all the modern amenities that are included
I get even more excited for our residents. All of us, in our lifetimes, can re-
member getting a new car or building a new home and the excitement of fi-
nally enjoying all the benefits included and feeling so proud that we want to
show this new car or house to family and friends. I am sure that these same
feelings will occur for our staff and residents when we all move into the new
Crestview.
As I walked through the Assisted Living wing today the carpet is being laid
and it is all starting to look like a home. My thoughts went to the many residents who have lived
at this present Crestview building, which is almost 47 years old. When I started at Crestview 16
years ago a new building was only a dream and now I am looking at a beautiful, modern build-
ing which is almost complete and ready to occupy. It has been a pleasure to speak to residents,
in recent months, helping them select their new rooms and showing them the plans. I see the
smiles on their faces and the happiness in their words as they look forward to their new home.
Their excitement is contagious. I am exceedingly grateful to all who have given and are giving
so much of their time, finances and efforts to make this new home a reality.
F r o m t h e d e s k o f t h e e x e c u t i v e d i r e c t o r
P a g e 2 C r e s t v i e w S p i r i t
Matthew Currie
Executive Director
A w o r d f r o m t h e a s s o c i a t e e x e c u t i v e d i r e c t o r
MRC Crestview Court
979-776-4778
Crestview Place, Crestview Terrace
and Crestview Unity
979-776-9294
Mike Adams
Associate Executive
Director
The Forest Living Room
The Forest Kitchen
I am pleased to report that construction of
the new facility is progressing according
to schedule and is currently over 80%
complete. I would like to take this op-
portunity to share interior pictures of this
progress. The exact date of the transition
from the old building to the new is still a
moving target. We plan to keep everyone
updated as we progress through this ex-
citing endeavor.
The Court Private Room
…..Continued from page 1
There were only long, sleepless nights as the fighting continued
knowing no boundaries of time. K and C rations were delivered
that consisted of chocolate candy and powdered eggs. Occasionally
a delivery would arrive containing letters from home.
Once the soldiers were told they’d be given the treat of a large steak
dinner and after eating rations for so long, this steak was greatly
anticipated! As the meat was being served, Ralph could see those ahead of him
in line having huge steaks plated. Just as he eyed the large portions carried by
two passing soldiers, someone broke the news to him that this was actually an
elephant steak. Ralph turned and walked away famished and disappointed!
One day the squad had taken a hill and had organized to go back to take another
when enemy fire took the lives of two of the men in Ralph’s
squad. Another day, the squad set up in a place that the enemy
was not aware of. When the enemy threw a counter attack, Ralph
and the squad stopped them with 60 mm motors and machine
guns. For his bravery, Ralph was awarded a Silver Star. During
his stay of 17 months on the front lines, he earned a Purple Heart
(three Oak Leaf Clusters) and Silver Star. He was a good soldier
and served his country well. Ralph said that he was never really
afraid because
the good Lord
was with him
a n d h a s
continued to be with him throughout his life.
Ralph returned to The States and began a 36 year
career as a Tugboat Captain. He married and
raised 2 daughters, 1 son and 3 step-daughters
along the coast of Texas, mostly in the Corpus
Christy area. His children had children and there
are so many grandchildren we could not name
them all in the limited space of this article! He
made a good living in the Tug Boat Industry
pushing oil barges. With a love for boats comes a
love for water and fishing. Ralph has always
enjoyed fishing and once caught a 70 lb. fish! He
can show you the picture upon request. He is an
Aggie fan and an all around sports fan.
Ralph Plagens is held in high regard at MRC
Crestview Retirement Community as a Veteran,
friend and respected member of our family.
C r e s t v i e w S p i r i t P a g e 3
R e s i d e n t s p o t l i g h t ( c o n t i n u e d )
P a g e 4
R e v e r e n d G a r y A d a m s
‘Not long ago, a group of youngsters was questioned on what they liked about Amer-
ica . Here are samples of the answers:
Jackie, age 9… "We've got more stuff and things in America than anywhere in the
world. We have pizza as well and it don't grow any other place on earth except maybe
Italy."
Elliott, age 9… "Everybody wants to live in America because we own the moon. The
President bought the moon from God for a million dollars and I saw him send space-
men up on T.V."
Sean, age 9… "America is great because they have the most plumbers in the world.
That's because we've got more tubs. I want to be a plumber like my uncle cause he's real
rich."
And Lew, age 6, brings us back down to earth. Asked what he liked about America, the youngster replied,
"What's America . . . ?”
Maybe the question for all of us during this time of celebrating our Independence Day is… ‘What is Amer-
ica to us?’…The answers may be varied, complicated or simplistic. They may include words about our ad-
vantages, our patriotism, our faith, etc. This article is not meant to answer the question. My intention is for
us all to think and thank! Think about
what living in America means to us
and Thank God for our freedom as we
thank all those who have helped make
that freedom more secure.
Our Declaration of Independence de-
clares that “We hold these truths to be
self-evident, that all men are created
equal, that they are endowed by their
Creator with certain unalienable
rights, that among these are life, lib-
erty and the pursuit of happiness.” As
you think about what America means
to you this year I hope your answer
includes the act of thanking God for
all He has given to us.
C r e s t v i e w S p i r i t
Gary Adams
Pastoral Care Director
Mission
Methodist Retirement Communities
is committed to quality living
for senior adults in a Christian
environment.
Galatians 5:13 For you were called to
freedom, brethren; only do not turn your
freedom into an opportunity for the flesh,
but through love serve one another
2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is
the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the
Lord is, there is freedom.
H o m e H e a l t h
A Treasure Sale correctly describes the latest fund rais-
ing event by the Crestview Volunteers. Members brought
beautiful items from their homes to donate to the sale.
Cut glass, crystal, china, jewelry, household items, and
furniture filled the gym of First United Methodist Church
in Bryan. The Crestview Volunteers are self funded and
depend on member dues, donations, memorials and fund
raising events such as
the Treasure sale,
Style Show as well as
our Crestview Gift
Shop to continue ser-
vices for the residents.
C r e s t v i e w S p i r i t P a g e 5
T h e N u r s e ’ s c o r n e r
T h e C r e s t v i e w V o l u n t e e r s
Gift Shop Hours:
Monday - Friday
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
All profits benefit our
residents.
It’s summertime in Texas once again. As we all know how hot it gets here, prevention of dehydra-
tion and other heat related problems are a top priority for people and pets.
HEAT RELATED PROBLEMS
Factors contributing to heat related problems include humidity, air velocity, physical condition,
over age of 40, acclimation to heat, strenuous work, fatigue, alcohol or caffeine consumption and medical condi-
tions such as heart disease.
Steps for preventing heat related problems include wearing light weight, loose fitting clothing when possible,
drinking large amounts of water regularly, avoiding direct sunlight and taking rest breaks as needed. Confusion,
tiredness, irritability and lack of coordination can be symptoms of heat problems — get to a cool place and drink
fluids. Know symptoms and treatment for heat related problems and when to seek medical treatment.
HEAT STROKE - Life Threatening / Requires Immediate Treatment
Sign & Symptoms
1. Skin is hot & dry - result of sweat glands failing - may sweat on skin when progressing from heat exhaustion
to heat stroke
2. Altered mental status, may be confused, lethargic or agitated
3. May progress to seizures and coma or unconsciousness.
First Aid
1. Seek medical treatment immediately.
2. Cool person by any available means.
a. Move to cool area
b. Cool person by any available means
c. Wrap person in wet towels or sheets - keep cloths wet with cool
water and
continue cooling until person’s temperature drops to 102 degrees
3. Keep head and shoulders slightly elevated
Toni Patterson
Asst. Director of
Nursing
Pictured are Irene Keating, Fund Raising Chairman
and Flossie Gibson, long time member.
Cheryl Clark
Director of Nursing
P a g e 6
D i n i n g S E R V I C E S
With Gratitude
Over the last eleven years that I have served as the Food Service Director here at Crestview.
I have had the opportunity to work with different groups – from Habitat for Humanity to the
Peanut Butter and Jelly Group to the wonderful Nutrition 304 students at Texas A&M Uni-
versity! Each semester I have the opportunity to be a preceptor for the Nutrition 304 lab, a
course taught by Mrs. Karen Beathard, MS, RD, LD. I remember this lab as I also had taken
the class back in 1995. Our lab rotations were all done at Texas A&M University and al-
though I enjoyed the class—there was not much variation in the lab – not challenging! So
when Mrs. Beathard asked me if Crestview would be interested 10 years ago – I jumped for
the opportunity. I wanted the students to have actual hands on with meal preparations, know-
ing the residents we serve and how we have to adapt likes and dislikes, and knowing the es-
sentials of food safety and sanitation while having fun. How could I make the lab fun? Well – making cookies and
breads always have a way of making people smile – especially with the final product! Over the
years I have received very favorable reports from the students that found Crestview’s lab rotation
as being rewarding and challenging with the opportunity to work in an environment that would
give them insight to their future jobs as dieticians, doctors or food service managers. To Mrs.
Beathard and the Nutrition 304 students – I thank you all for a wonderful learning experience and
I look forward to each semester!
James Logan
Food Service Director
C r e s t v i e w t e r r a c e
C r e s t v i e w p l a c e
C R E S T V I E W u n i t y
C r e s t v i e w S p i r i t
Pictured: April Powell, Service
Coordinator Crestview Unity and
Shelly Cain, Service Coordinator
Crestview Terrace and Place
Service Coordinators
Service Coordinators are a valuable resource and an important member
of the management team. The role of the Service Coordinator is to assist
seniors, individuals with special needs, and low-income families resid-
ing in affordable housing by identifying, locating and acquiring the ser-
vices necessary for them to remain independent and age in place. Ser-
vice Coordinators provide assistance and access to community-based
support and resources; assist residents in applying for state and federal
programs; and facilitates wellness and educational programs.
In May, Shelly and April partnered with Brazos Valley Community Ac-
tion Agency (BVCAA) to offer residents the opportunity to apply for the
utility assistance program they offer to low income seniors age 60 and
over or disabled individuals over the age of 18. They had an over-
whelming response; 127 residents applied.
P a g e 7 V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 1
C r e s t v i e w S p i r i t P a g e 7
May Birthday Party
Crestview Welcomes Special Guest
Ray Sanders,Turkey Baster Player
who has performed on America’s Got Talent, Jay Leno,
David Letterman, Texas Country Reporter and Jerry
Lewis MDA Telethon. We enjoyed Ray’s
entertaining performance!
A c t i v i t i e s
P a g e 6
Please Join us in Welcoming New Residents
Special Dates
July 4 - Independence
Day
July 7 - Teddy Bear Social
July 14 - Birthday Party
July 15 - Kaffee Klatsch
July 21 - Popcorn & Soda
July 28 - Peter Rabbit Party
July Birthdays
7th...Willy Kearney
19...Artis Streetman
20th...Ella Jordan Alice Mendez
Activities Director
Happy Birthday to you!
Regina Sechelski
Joined us May 20th
July Birthday Party Thursday, July 14th
Go Green!
To receive the newsletter
electronically send request
George Gibson
Joined us May 17th Ikie Cooper
Joined us June 1st
Happy 4th of July
Activities…Providing social interaction to enhance our residents’ lives.
July
Birthstone—Ruby
Flower—Lily
Lemon Woods
Joined us June 3rd
Making Banana Pudding
P a g e 9 V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 1
F u n t i m e s
C r e s t v i e w S p i r i t P a g e 9
June Birthday Party
P a g e 1 0
Staff Anniversaries
Linda Bates, Receptionist - 07-01-2000
Nick Carter, Cook - 07-15-2010
Eli Casteneda, Office Assistant - 07-22-2009
Bettie Ford, Dietary Assistant - 07-20-1977
Minnie Gibbs, Restorative Nursing Assistant - 07-07-2010
James Logan, Director of Dining Services - 07-24-2000
Angelica Ortiz, Dietary Assistant - 07-17-2008
Angela Robinson Moore, Resident Services Director - 07-14-2010
Josh Telg, Groundskeeper - 07-19-2005
J.T. Thompson, Dietary Assistant - 07-01-2008
Tami Turner, Certified Nursing Assistant - 07-23-2008
S t a f f
HEARING LOSS
Many people have hearing problems and it only gets worse as we get older. Hearing
loss affects over half of adults over age 70. It is the third most common chronic
condition in the elderly after high blood pressure and arthritis.
Presbycusis is hearing loss that is related to a person’s age and thought to be the
most common type of hearing loss. Presbycusis often runs in families with some
people developing hearing loss earlier and at a greater level than others. People who
are exposed to noisy environments usually suffer hearing loss before people who live
in quiet ones. Most people with presbycusis lose hearing in the high-frequencies,
which impairs understanding of speech more than the hearing of it. Sometimes
hearing loss can be mistaken for confusion.
Hearing loss can have an impact on an individual's emotional, physical and social well-being. People with
hearing loss are more likely to report symptoms of depression, dissatisfaction with life, reduced functional
health and withdrawal from social activities. Unfortunately, most elderly don't get tested or treated for it
even though they are urged to do so by family. People who are 65 and older are strongly encouraged to get
routine screenings for hearing loss. There is now a range of hearing aid options to help people find the
style and model that will best meet their budget and situation. Studies show that the use of hearing aids
can reverse some of their loss of quality of life.
S o c i a l S e r v i c e s
Laura Baker
Director of Social
Services
Staff Birthdays
July 3...Jerlene Mack
July 7...Bobby Collins
July 8...Mandy Lowry
July 10...James Humphreys
July 11...Cindy Dunham
July 13...Malinda Oliver
July 16...Bettie Ford
July 18...Jennifer Whittine
July 19...J.T. Thompson
July 25...Meca Cunningham
July 26...Mike Adams
July 27...Linda Bates
July 28...Cheryl Clark
July 29...Jeremy Purslow
Happy Birthday To
You!
P a g e 1 1 V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 1
C r e s t v i e w S p i r i t P a g e 1 1
Blessed Behind This Desk By Donna Williams
As an Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director and Capital Campaign for the
Memory Support Center, my office is stationed in a residential wing of Crestview Retire-
ment Community. Because of the lack of space in the front office, I was blessed with an of-
fice in the same hall as the residents’ rooms which gives me a bird’s eye view of the daily
happenings. I spend many hours each day working at my computer while at the same time
I am allowed to share in the wonderful moments of the beautiful people who fill these halls. I am enter-
tained by their angelic voices as they sing along to old time gospel songs and those same voices count-
ing together as they exercise to keep their bodies fit. I hear the sweet sound of prayers said aloud that
carry throughout these halls, blessings said over meals and the pledge of allegiance to the U.S. flag each
morning. I smell the aroma of home cooked meals and hear forks clinking as these meals are enjoyed
as a family would with conversation and fellowship. My favorite thing is the
sound of footsteps, the soft sounds of a wheelchair or a whistle that stops at my
open door. To look up to someone standing in that doorway, smiling at me with
something they want to share is the best part of my day. I hear stories of raising
children, days of marriage, memories of friendships, current events and worldly
concerns. I receive advice from the wise and the kindest of words from these fel-
low Christians. Mostly I hear the simple statements regarding the day’s weather,
what was served for lunch or who was on Oprah today. I value each day that I am
a part of this family, in this office, behind this desk. I am blessed behind this desk.
Left to Right: Norma Trevino, Ashley Lackey, Jordan Duecker, Adrienne Contreras, Jillian
Hunt, Stacy Spacek, Mark Pelzel, Karma Collins
We appreciate our friends at the
Hilton College Station &
Conference Center for their
generous donation of incredible
items for the Crestview Residents.
Thank you for your support!
SUGGESTIONS?
Do you have a suggestion for an
article, a poem to share,
a question we could answer?
If so, contact Donna Williams
at 979-776-4778 or
WE’RE ON THE WEB! WWW.MRCAFF.ORG
TOPS Printing Ad Here
MRC Crestview Retirement Community
2505 Villa Maria Road
Bryan, Texas 77802
