By: Garrett Lee, Trinity Woods CEO

Wow, what a great year 2024 was for Trinity Woods! Did it fly by for anyone else, or just for me? My first year at Trinity Woods proved more incredible than I could have imagined. Aside from getting to know all the amazing people, I have already learned so much about this special place. I look forward to my first FULL year in 2025!

If I had to choose one word to describe 2024 at Trinity Woods, it would be – change. Together, we
experienced, and in some ways endured, a lot of change as a community. The Executive Leadership
Team saw changes with the addition of Emilie Creswell, VP of Health Services, and Weldon Tisdale
serving as the Interim Director of Wellness, and I joined the team succeeding CEO, Steve Dickie. We have also seen new faces to our Board of Directors and bid farewell to others who have given of their time, talent, and treasure for many years. I can honestly say, I know this organization is better for each person’s service.

Some of our precious neighbors throughout the community have transitioned to other levels of living and some have received their ultimate promotion to Heaven.

We endured road closures, house rebuilds, street repairs, and a host of other disruptive, but necessary capital improvements – all in the name of progress!

As we look ahead to a prosperous 2025 and more change, fear not; for change is good. It signifies progress, growth and advancement. Winston Churchill said, “to improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often”.

As I look ahead into 2025, I encourage the Trinity Woods team and community to embrace whatever changes may lie ahead. The backbone of our strategic plan is growth, which is achieved by change. We will experience growth in our workforce, in our finances, in the quality of our services, in our philanthropic portfolio, and our physical plant.

May it be a year of growth, positive change, and good health for you and for your loved ones. God Bless.

Aaron Stuart has joined the Trinity Woods family. You might remember him most recently has one of the Trinity Woods Administrators in Training participants. In his new role Aaron will oversee the team and resident experience in the Marshall-Gaddy and Barnes Houses.

“I am excited to build relationships with our residents, family and employees while resolving challenges and utilizing core strengths of the organization,” said Aaron. “I look forward to partnering with the families
as we care for their loved ones in the Houses.”

Prior to working with Trinity Woods, Aaron was in health care on the hospital side and has several years of experience in the private business sector. He is thrilled to be at Trinity Woods, “one of the reasons I accepted this position is the outstanding company culture and commitment to excellence in long-term care, which made me eager to join the team.”

In his spare time, Aaron collects vinyl albums, enjoys hiking and spending time with his wife Vicki and taking their dog Maggie for walks.

Trinity Woods residents are in for a culinary treat as the community welcomes its new Executive Chef, Thomas Farrell. With a rich background in culinary arts and a passion for creating nutritious, flavorful meals, Chef Farrell is excited to leave his mark on the dining experience at Trinity Woods.

“I’m really looking forward to getting to know the residents and my new coworkers and developing lasting relationships around serving and enjoying great food,” said Chef Farrell.

Chef Farrell joins Trinity Woods with 40 years of experience in the culinary fi eld, having worked in restaurants, hospitality venues, and owning his own bread company. He has experience managing a kitchen staff and is a team player with a customer service focus. Chef Farrell is a classically trained chef at the French Culinary Institute, Manhattan, NY, with expertise in French, Italian, American, and Greek cuisines, artisan bread and pastry.

“I worked my way up in restaurant kitchens, beginning at age 17,” said Chef Farrell. “I loved the work and atmosphere from the beginning. It was fast paced, intense, and spirited. I worked with great people and interesting personalities, and the food was delightful.”

Trinity Woods places great emphasis on the importance of the dining experience as a central part of residents’ daily lives. Beyond providing sustenance, dining is designed to foster social connections, enhance well-being, and off er a sense of comfort.

Chef Farrell shares this vision, saying, “Food is more than nourishment—meals bring people together.”

There will be a meet-and-greet opportunity in the coming weeks, please be sure to check the Monthly Wellness Calendar for more information.

By Alison McMillan, Wellness Manager

Ringing in the New Year is always a time of hope and optimism. A new year, a chance for change, new adventures, new experiences, new friends, and new memories. But sometimes it can be intimidating.
We find ourselves settled in the comfort of the “same-old, same-old” and no matter how good it might be, we might find it difficult to break out of our routine to try and do something new. That first step can always be the hardest, but it is the most important.

Here are some tips to make it easier to get out, be more engaged, and get the most out of your new year:

Research: Gathering information about an activity or new hobby is a great first step, helping us feel informed and empowered.

Talk about Your Plan: Discussing your plans with friends or family can help by creating a system of accountability. After all, they will want to hear all about it!

Include Friends or Family: Having another person join you may help you feel more motivated and confident. It’s great for both of you!

Be Okay with Discomfort: Stepping out of our comfort zone may be uncomfortable for a variety of reasons, but confidence will build with each step you take.

Practice Positive Thinking: It can be easy to fall into negative thoughts, so it’s important to be intentional with positive thinking and self-reassurance.

Take the chance in 2025 to take that first step into an activity at Trinity Woods like Mah Jongg, Wii Bowling, the Men’s Sharing Group, Wet Brush Club, Chair Volleyball, and more! Reach out to anyone on
the Wellness Team to learn more about all the opportunities right

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

As we step into January, the beginning of a new year, we are often filled with a sense of renewal and
the promise of fresh starts. It’s a time to reflect on the past year, set new goals, and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. This theme of new beginnings is beautifully captured in the Bible, offering
us inspiration and guidance.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old
has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

The start of a new year is a perfect time to embrace the concept of becoming a new creation in Christ. This scripture reminds us that through our faith in Christ, we leave behind our past mistakes and
shortcomings and we step into a new identity, one that is shaped by grace, forgiveness, and hope.

In our personal lives, this can translate into setting new goals, adopting a positive mindset, and seeking ways to improve our skills and relationships. Just as we are renewed through our faith, we can
also be renewed in our commitment to excellence and integrity in our daily lives.

Practical Steps for a Fresh Start:
1. Reflect and Learn: Take time to reflect on the past year. What were your successes? What challenges did you face? Use these reflections to learn and grow.

2. Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve in the coming year. Setting clear, achievable goals can provide direction and motivation.

3. Embrace Change: Be open to new opportunities and changes. Sometimes, a fresh start requires stepping out of your comfort zone.

4. Cultivate Positivity: Surround yourself with positive influences and maintain a hopeful outlook. Your attitude can significantly impact your success and well-being.

5. Seek Support: Lean on your faith and your community for support. Whether it’s through prayer, mentorship, counseling or teamwork, having a support system can make a big difference. As we journey through January and the rest of the year, let’s remember that each day is a new opportunity to grow and improve. By embracing the fresh start that the new year offers, and grounding ourselves in the wisdom of God’s Word, we can navigate the challenges and triumphs ahead with confidence and grace.

May this new year bring you renewed hope, strength, and joy. Happy New Year!