June Issue of The Trail Mix

In This Issue: Local Governance Matters!

Strong leadership is essential to Trinity Woods’ mission, with the local Board of Directors providing strategic oversight, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to exceptional service. Board members bring valuable experience from their involvement in churches, philanthropy, and civic and professional circles throughout Tulsa. Their active participation in committee work demonstrates a high level of engagement and dedication to the organization’s goals. As new members and partnerships are welcomed, Trinity Woods remains steadfast in its mission, vision, and values, reflected in the daily embodiment of its tagline, Belong. Believe. Become.

June STARS Employees of the Month announced – Rosetta and Melissa!

June Wellness

June is all about celebrating men! This month we are hosting Phil Laken, CEO of the Tulsa Community Foundation, for our annual Men’s Gathering. We also have a book review of Think Like A Monk by Jay Shetty. To cap off the month we are excited to announce Jay Snider, the Cowboy Poet and State of Oklahoma Poet Laureate will be our featured guest at Supper and a Show.

Also in this month’s issue we highlight the Trinity Woods Member Services Team.

Download the June issue of The Trail Mix.

Year One!

By Garrett Lee, New Trinity Woods CEO

May 6th marks the completion of my first year as the CEO of Trinity Woods. At the start of each new
year, I’m usually compelled by a ‘word’ or ‘phrase of the year’. This year, my word is ELEVATE. Often, the
word is inspired by events of the previous year.

Elevate has many meanings for me. The word elevate means to rise or to lift up. For example, I can
elevate my praise and adoration to God. What elevating means for Trinity Woods hits several areas.
While this list is not exhaustive and certainly other areas are noteworthy, these are areas that I believe
‘move the needle’ for Trinity Woods as we elevate in each of them:

Leadership – Pastor Craig Groeschel says, “when the leader gets better, everyone gets better.” We want
to elevate our leadership. We launched several initiatives to strengthen our leadership skills including the
restructuring of our employee training and meeting quarterly as a full management team.

Culture – The culture of our community is critical. Why? It is the component of community life that
most impacts the resident and employee experience and creates home. This is why we have prioritized
renewed energy around fostering a Culture of Courtesy in our organization. We must continue valuing
our diverse backgrounds and perspectives. What makes us different from each other makes us vibrant
and unique – that is culture. We must continue elevating our service standards, in order to deliver the
highest level of hospitality-minded customer service possible.

Growth – Organizations are like plants. If you aren’t growing, you’re dying. While growth does not always
necessarily involve ‘bricks and mortar,’ (which is the image most of us have in our minds), it can describe
the need to elevate in certain areas. For Trinity Woods, growth is one of the four main pillars of our
strategic plan. We want to grow in operational areas like service, financials, and membership. We also
know there are opportunities that do involve bricks and mortar for new buildings, and refurbishment.

So, as I reflect and think about the future, I elevate the type of leader I want and need to be; striving to
posture myself and our organization from a faith-filled place of servanthood. I look forward to serving in
such a way that continues to elevate Trinity Woods.

Blessings,
Garrett Lee, Trinity Woods CEO

Spring Fling!

By Alison McMilan, Wellness Manager

Every year as the weather warms, flowers bloom, and trees fill out with leaves, the Trinity Woods Wellness Team and the Wellness Advisory Council host an outdoor celebration for our community members to welcome warmer weather and foster connections.

With live music in the background, it’s easy to enjoy a delicious grilled hamburger or hot dog with tasty sides and toppings, and cool refreshing drinks while chatting and laughing with your friends under shade of the porte-cochere of the Community Life Center.

The fun continues with several entertaining lawn games to play like giant Connect 4, foam axe tossing, and more! Challenge your neighbor, try a new game, and enjoy soaking up the sun before the annual shuffleboard and cornhole tournaments start. Will the previous year’s winners defend their titles, or will a new team claim victory? There is only one way to find out! Join us for the Spring Fling held on
Thursday May 22nd!

New Dog Park to Open at Trinity Woods!

Trinity Woods is going to the dogs—in the best way possible! The community is thrilled to announce the
creation of a brand-new dog park, a vibrant space designed for residents and their furry companions to
enjoy together.

The fenced-in area features grassy patches, shaded benches, and plenty of room for dogs to run, play,
and socialize. It was created in response to resident feedback and a fundraising campaign.

“Our residents love their pets—they’re family,” said Garrett Lee, Trinity Woods CEO. “We wanted to create a safe, welcoming space where both residents and dogs can get fresh air, exercise, and connect with others.”

The dog park is scheduled to open in June. It will be open daily from sunrise to sunset and have a waste
station and water fountain. Watch for information about a ribbon-cutting ceremony. All are welcome to
attend.

With wagging tails and happy hearts, Trinity Woods continues its efforts to support an active, fulfilling
lifestyle for every resident—four-legged ones included.

May STARS Employee of the Month

Stacy Vance, Spa Coordinator Wellness Team

Start Date: October 2019
Born: Mountain Home AFB, Idaho
Raised: Tulsa, OK
Education: Licensed Cosmetologist
Wanted to be as a Kid: Professional Roller Skater
Favorite Sport: Soccer
One Meal Forever: Tacos
Described by Friends: Funny and Caring
First Job: The Gap
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Favorite Bible Verse: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, we who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
Family Recipe: Grandmother’s Red Velvet Cake
Favorite Movie: Pretty In Pink
Favorite Book: Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Collects: Shoes!
Free Time: Spending Time with Friends and Family
Fun Fact: Loves Scary Movies!
What her supervisor says: “Stacy is a valued member of the Wellness Team. Her role is pivotal to the well-being of our members. I refer to her as the “smooth operator” because she keeps the Tranquility Wellness Spa running smoothly and goes above and beyond to ensure that all who enter are well cared for.” – Weldon Tisdale, Interim Wellness Director

Chosen for Greatness

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

As we welcome the month of May, we are reminded of the abundant blessings and opportunities that God has placed before us. This month, we reflect on the profound truth that each of us is chosen for greatness. This theme is not just a motivational phrase but a divine calling that resonates deeply within our faith.

The Bible is filled with affirmations of our unique calling and purpose. One of the most powerful reminders comes from the Apostle Peter: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9) This verse highlights that we are not only chosen but also set apart for
a divine purpose. We are called to shine God’s light in the world, reflecting His glory through our actions and words.

Throughout the Bible, we see numerous examples of individuals who were chosen for greatness. Consider David, a shepherd boy who became a king, or Esther, an orphan who became a queen and saved her people. Their stories remind us that God often chooses the unlikely and the humble to
accomplish His grand purposes.

To live out your call of greatness:
Embrace Your Identity: Recognize that you are God’s special possession. Your worth and identity are rooted in Him, not in the world’s standards (your title, education, possessions, etc.)

Seek God’s Guidance: Seek God’s direction for your life. Trust that He has a unique plan for you.

Serve Others: Greatness in God’s kingdom is often found in serving others. Look for ways to bless and uplift those around you.

Stay Faithful: Persevere in your faith, even when the path is challenging. Remember that God equips those He calls.

We are collectively chosen to make a difference. Let us support and encourage one another in our individual and collective callings. Together, we can achieve great things for God’s kingdom. Embrace the truth that we are chosen for greatness. Let this knowledge inspire us to live boldly and faithfully, knowing that God has a purpose for each of us. May we shine His light brightly, bringing hope and love to all as we continually serve in the spirit of Christ.

Why Considering Senior Living Now Could Bring Comfort and Confidence Even in Uncertain Times

By Bonnie Polak, VP of Philanthropy and Community Engagement

If you’ve been thinking about what your next chapter might look like—and wondering if now is the right time to explore a Life Plan Community—you’re certainly not alone. With today’s shifting economy and ever-changing news cycles, feeling cautious is completely understandable.

For many older adults, choosing to move to a Life Plan Community can actually bring a sense of steadiness and peace of mind—emotionally, socially, and financially. During times of financial uncertainty, making a major move can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s worth knowing how Life Plan Communities can offer more predictability and support. Things like the fixed monthly service fees make budgeting more
straightforward, helping to avoid surprise expenses. Also, many communities offer partially refundable entrance fees (often 50–85%), which help protect a portion of your investment.

Instead of managing unexpected home maintenance, and medical costs, or watching the markets with worry, you can have a more stable plan in place—one that includes housing, care, and lifestyle all in one.

But beyond finances, this is really about your life—your peace of mind, your community, and your day-to-day joy. Life Plan Communities are full of people who choose to live with purpose and connection. From chef-prepared meals to wellness programs, hobby groups to meaningful friendships, these communities are about much more than a place to live— they’re about how you want to live. Instead of worrying about
the news or what the market’s doing, you can focus on the good stuff—friendship, freedom, and fun.

You might be wondering, “Should I wait until the market gets better? ”Here’s a gentle reminder: the market may rise and fall, but your peace of mind shouldn’t have to. Choosing a Life Plan Community now gives you – control over your future, a clear financial plan (even during uncertain times) and a lifestyle filled with opportunity, not worry.

If this path feels worth exploring, call us today! The more you understand, the more empowered you’ll feel—whenever the time is right for you.

May STARS Employee of the Month

Breon Reed – Dining Team

Start Date: July 2024
Born: Muskogee, OK
Wanted to be as a Kid: R&B Singer
Favorite Sport: Football
One Meal Forever: Catfish
Described by Friends: Laid Back
Hobbies: Fishing and Shopping
First Job: Long John Silvers
Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving
Favorite Bible Verse: “The Lord is my shepherd.” Psalm 23
Family Recipe: Dressing
Favorite Car: Cadillac
Free Time: Relaxing
Fun Fact: Sings just like Chris Brown

What his supervisor says:
“Breon is truly a delight to work with. He is always upbeat and positive, a real asset to the team.”
– Liz Misak, Dietary Manager

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