Trinity Woods is pleased to announce the promotion of Crystal Creekmore as the newest member of its executive leadership team. In her new role as Vice President of Human Resources, Crystal will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources management, including talent acquisition, employee development, performance management, payroll and employee relations.
“When Bill Peterson notified us he wished to retire, we knew that Crystal would be the right person to succeed him,” said Steve Dickie, CEO. “Crystal has served the Trinity Woods team for five years and shown her ability to create a positive and inclusive environment. Crystal is well-positioned to lead Trinity Woods in creating a workplace that attracts, retains, and develops top talent.”
in Human Resources. Her passion for fostering a culture of collaboration and employee engagement makes her a natural fit for Trinity Woods mission and values.
“I am honored to serve the Trinity Woods team and contribute to the continued success of the organization,” said Crystal Creekmore. “I am excited to step into this role and I am grateful to Bill and the others on the Leadership Team for this opportunity. I know I can help create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to the company’s growth.”
Month: December 2023
Announcing the New VP of Human Resources
December STARS of the Month
Jennifer Mullenix – Housekeeping
Start Date: January 2023
Born and Raised: Tulsa, OK
Education: Central High School and Platt College
Wanted to be as a Kid: Oceanographer
Favorite Sport: Golf
One Meal Forever: Watermelon
First Job: Bakery Assistant
Family Recipe: Mother’s Homemade Noodles
Favorite Movie: Tombstone
Favorite Book: Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Collects: Rocks
Fun Fact: She is able to do bird calls, mainly duck calls.
Family: Married with one daughter
What her supervisor says: “Jennifer does a fantastic job cleaning in the Health Center. She is very detail oriented and wants to do the job right the first time. I get a lot of compliments on her work. I am very glad to have her on our team!” – Cathy Green, Housekeeping Manager
Stress, Depression, and Tips for Coping
By Lupina Fry, Wellness Nurse
This time of year is full of family, fun, and holiday activities, filling many with excitement. For others it can also come with stress and anxiety. According to the American Psychiatric Association 2023 survey on stress, most Americans downplay their stress. According to the survey 67% say their problems are not “bad enough” to be stressed about, feeling others likely have it worse. Additionally, when asked, 62% reported they don’t talk about their stress because they don’t want to burden others.
Stress itself is not the problem. The problems come with how a person manages their stress and the resulting effects on the entire body. It’s crucial to understand the mental and physical impact of stress and what can be done to reduce harmful effects. According to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) there is a correlation between prolonged stress and depression. Experiencing “holiday blues” is common. You may feel temporarily tense, frustrated, lonely, or even sad during the winter months. If those symptoms last longer than two weeks or affect your ability to function normally, it could be signs of
clinical depression, requiring medical intervention.
No matter the cause of your low mood or negative feelings, it’s important to have a toolkit of healthy coping strategies. Moving your body through exercise is one of the best ways to combat depression. Spending time in nature is also a great option. Sharing your feelings with trusted loved ones- family or friendscan also help.
People want to help; sometimes all you need to do is ask for it. Consider volunteering. Find a volunteer opportunity you feel passionate about and give it as much time as you feel comfortable. If someone exacerbates your stress or anxiety, limit time spent with them, even if it’s a family member. Singing, writing, painting, listening to music, prayer, and meditation can help lift your mood. Develop a list of your preferences for moodboosting activities. Attach this list to the fridge and refer to it as needed. Set limits with yourself and with others.
Using these tools if your negative emotions begin to take over can make a difference. And remember that if you need help, you should seek it out. Contact your doctor and let them know how you feel. Combating stress, anxiety, and depression is vital to your mental and physical health. It’s important to get the help you need.
December STARS of the Month
Lea Ann Sims – Sales Representative
Start Date: March 2023
Born: McKeesport, PA
Raised: Beggs, OK
Education: Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
Wanted to be as a Kid: Doctor’s Wife or Farmer
Favorite Sport: Olympics
Hobbies: Reading and Flower Gardening
First Job: Picking pecans in an orchard
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Family Recipe: Mom’s Potato Salad
Favorite Movie: Hope Floats
Favorite Book: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Collects: Rocks or sand from places she travels
Fun Fact: Would like to move to Costa Rica one day
Family: Married for 23 years with one daughter
What her supervisor says: “Lea Ann is a valued member of the Trinity Woods sales teams. She has a passion for helping people find their way to our senior living community. She continually goes above and beyond to help people feel at home here at Trinity Woods.” – Bonnie Polak, VP of Philanthropy and Community Engagement.
A Right Christmas
By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
Christmas means many things to many people according to their backgrounds, ages, and interests. For born-again believers, it means that God loved them, regarded their lost condition, and did something about it by giving the best gift ever. Our Savior was laid in a manger for His cradle (Luke 2:7). He came to experience everything man must experience, “yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15), and then die on our behalf on the cross (Hebrews 9:28). One day He will return and be crowned King of kings with every knee bowing and every tongue confessing that He is Lord (Philippians 2:9–11).
Therefore it is important for a Christian to have a right Christmas! Here are some ingredients to include in our celebration: A right Christmas includes making room for Jesus. The innkeeper reminds us of those who have no room for Him. We should be sure our hearts are not so full of other things that there is no
room for Him this Christmas. A right Christmas includes worship and the grace of giving. We should take time for special worship today, and give, as God gave His Son. We should also follow the example of the wise men who “fell down, and worshiped Him, and . . . presented unto Him gifts” (Matthew 2:11). A right Christmas includes telling others. The shepherds “made known abroad” what they had seen and heard (Luke 2:17). What an opportune time we have at Christmas to tell others its real meaning!
Were the angels mistaken when they talked about peace on earth and good will to men (Luke 2:14) since we have so much hurt today? No, the angels were not mistaken: the peace God offers is for those who will trust His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as Savior and Lord.
I’m Dreaming of a Right Christmas
Christmas in the Woods
By Irene Brown, Life Enrichment Coordinator
As the Christmas lights and music start to arrive, our thoughts turn to the many happy gatherings that December brings. At Trinity Woods, the happiest gathering of all is Christmas in the Woods. This year, this annual campus-wide celebration will take place on Thursday, December 7th from 6 to 8 p.m.
Over the years this has become an honored tradition among residents, families, and employees. In addition to great food at several venues, there will be horse drawn carriages, live music, and the beautiful living nativity. Christmas in the Woods wouldn’t be complete without a candy shop and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. We are also bringing back by popular demand the huge Christmas train display. New this year will be a light tour of Owens Park!
“This event is the core of who we are as a community and brings people together in a special way,” said Steve Dickie, CEO. “Trinity Woods community members, families, friends, and employees are all encouraged to attend this event. That is sure to put us in the holiday spirit!”
Christmas in the Woods is more than just a tradition; it’s a testament to the enduring power of family, nature, and the magic of the holiday season. In a world that often rushes through festivities, this cherished tradition encourages us to slow down, connect with one another, and rediscover the simple pleasures that make Christmas truly special. So, this holiday season, consider stepping away from the noise and immersing yourself in the enchantment of Christmas in the Woods.
We ho, ho, hope you can make it! To purchase an admission wristband, visit the Crestwood Concierge or Holliman Center Receptionist –$13 members, $16 guests, and $8 children ages 3-12. Children under 3 are free. For more information call 918.346.6614.
December Issue of The Trail Mix
In This Issue:
Christmas in the Woods
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas on the campus of Trinity Woods. Lights, holiday activities and Christmas in the Woods! We are excited to host this annual holiday favorite. On Thursday, December 7th from 6 to 8 p.m. Trinity Woods will showcase a night of good old-fashioned holiday fun.
“This event is the core of who we are as a community and brings people together in a special way,” said Steve Dickie, CEO. “Trinity Woods community members, families, friends, and employees are all encouraged to attend this event. It is sure to put everyone in the holiday spirit!”
New Vice President of Human Resources announced, Crystal Creekmore.
December STAR Employees of the Month announced – Jennifer and LeaAnn!
November Wellness Events
Wellness Nurse, Lupina Fry, share some tips for coping with holiday stresses. No matter the cause of your mood or feelings, it’s important to have a toolkit of healthy coping strategies.
We also celebrate the holiday season with lots of Christmas events that will showcase Tulsa talent – Sistema Tulsa, Regent Preparatory Choir, United Methodist Bell Choir and a special Christmas piano concert featuring Don Irwin.
New Neighbors
Meet Mouzon and Gayle, Dick and Gerry and Chelley!