September Issue of The Trail Mix

In This Issue: The Good Samaritan Fund!

The Good Samaritan Fund at Trinity Woods provides vital support for residents who, through no fault of their own, outlive their financial resources. Covering those in Independent Living through the Health Center, the fund ensures no one is asked to leave due to unexpected life changes such as medical costs, loss of a spouse, or economic shifts. In 2024, donations helped 24 residents each month—totaling about $33,000—allowing them to remain in the community with dignity, stability, and peace of mind. Every contribution, whether large or small, not only supports residents but also blesses their families, reinforcing the Trinity Woods promise of lifelong care. Supporters are encouraged to give in honor or memory of loved ones, with commemorative bricks available for gifts of $300 or more. By giving, donors uphold a compassionate commitment that one day may benefit themselves or someone they love.

STARS Employee of the Month announced – Asia!

September Wellness

September is Healthy Aging Month! In this issue Wellness Nurse Lupina Fry highlights feeling good, living well and laughing often. This month’s featured events will included the Health and Wellness Fair, jazz pianist Scott McQuade, conversations with author Carolyn Hart, and Supper and a Show with the Jason Young Trio!

Also in this month’s issue we announce the promotion of Weldon Tisdale to Vice President of Wellness and Chaplain.

Download the September issue of The Trail Mix.

Weldon Tisdale Named Vice President and Chaplain!

In the Summer of 2024, Chaplain Weldon Tisdale was named the Interim Director of Wellness. This was a strategic organizational move implemented to provide necessary Leadership within our Wellness areas, while working to evaluate the future direction and strategy of the Wellness realm of our organization. Since that time, Weldon has engaged in all areas of Wellness with grace and been able to make positive changes and improvements that have impacted the resident and employee experience. Weldon has provided servant leadership to the Wellness Team and been a valuable contributor on the Executive Leadership Team, all while continuing to facilitate engaging spiritual services. We thank Weldon for stepping up and serving with passion during this time.

With that said, we are excited to announce that Weldon has accepted the offer to become the Vice President of Wellness and Chaplain. We look forward to supporting the good work he has started over the last year. With this title change, Weldon will continue providing spiritual services as the Chaplain.
Spirituality is a foundational element of wellness, and we are grateful to have Weldon leading in this area.

The Future of Senior Living Is Here at Trinity Woods

Trends, Facts, and How We’re Leading the Way

By Bonnie Polak, VP of Philanthropy and Community Engagement

Senior living has come a long way—and Trinity Woods is proud to be at the forefront of a new era that emphasizes wellness, choice, and meaningful community. Across the country, trends are shifting in exciting ways, and our campus is already ahead of the curve.

Did you know that more than 80% of senior living communities now include structured wellness programs? At Trinity Woods, wellness isn’t a trend, it’s a foundation. Our residents enjoy a wide range of options: daily fitness classes, spiritual and emotional support, lifelong learning through our Summer School series, and more.

“Our focus is on thriving, not just living,” says Garrett Lee, Trinity Woods CEO. “We meet residents where they are and help them grow in all dimensions of wellness.”

Technology continues to enhance the way seniors connect, monitor health, and stay safe. A recent AARP study showed 77% of adults over 65 now use smartphones. At Trinity Woods, we’re supporting that shift with on-campus tech support. We partner with Candoo for tech support and training specifically to help older adults feel more comfortable with phones, computers, tablets, and more.

More seniors are choosing lifestyle communities that offer independence today and peace of mind for tomorrow. According to Argentum, interest in independent living has grown by 25% in recent years—and Trinity Woods is a prime example of why. With multiple levels of care available, residents know they can stay in a place they love, even if their needs change.

Forget the outdated model of senior living. Trinity Woods offers modern amenities, open floor plans, abundant natural light, outdoor walking trails, and beautifully landscaped courtyards—all designed to inspire connection and comfort.

“Senior living is changing—and Trinity Woods is leading the way,” says Lee. “From wellness to technology to design, we’re proud to be part of a national movement that places purpose, dignity, and joy at the heart of aging well.”

How to Stay Active in the HEAT

By Alison Guerrero, Wellness Manager

The Dog Days of Summer are upon us! We always want to take caution with high temperatures to avoid heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, and other negative impacts on our health, but we still want to keep our bodies moving and maintain healthy physical activity levels. So that poses the question: How do we safely stay active while it’s hot outside?

One way is to move your activities and exercises indoors. Exercising at home can be simple and easy with free follow along classes available to stream on your computer, phone, or smartTV. If you’re looking for more, you could explore going to a fitness center for group exercise classes or self-directed
exercise with machines and equipment you may not have at home. Some facilities even offer indoor pools, which are a great way to work cardio and strength, train balance and flexibility, and more, in a low impact way. All of which we offer right here on the Trinity Wood campus, it’s a great benefit to our residents.

Another option is to shift your activity schedule based on the time of day. It’s recommended not to exercise in temperatures 90 degrees or higher. Avoiding the peak heat times of the day by opting to do your activities prior to 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m. will help you to be better able to do physical activity outside while reducing your risk of heat injuries. Be sure to keep cool water and other cooling options nearby, such as hand fans, cool rags, and shade as a precaution.

Lastly, you could opt to get your steps in by walking indoors. You could find a fitness facility with an indoor track or perhaps walk around the mall a few times. Other options include walking around large stores like Walmart, Target, Lowes, etc, as well as taking some laps up and down the aisles at your local library or visiting a museum or the aquarium.

Just remember to keep active! Pick one or several of these options to stay cook, and keep moving!

August STARS Employee of the Month

Jerry Lepore, Maintenance

» Start Date: November 2024
» Born: Trenton, New Jersey
» Raised: Las Vegas, Nevada
» Favorite Sport: Football
» One Meal Forever: Seafood
» Described by Friends: Loyal
» Hobbies: Legos, Watching Sports, Fishing
» First Job: Working Construction
» Favorite Holiday: Christmas
» First Car: 1973 Volkswagen Bug
» Family Recipe: Spaghetti Sauce
» Favorite Movie: The Sharknado
» Collects: New York Giants Memorabilia
» Free Time: Spending Time with my Wife
» What his supervisor says: “Jerry has a fantastic outlook for Trinity Woods. He knows his skills and
abilities and uses them to bring out the best of all of our buildings, inside and out. His personality and
character matches very well with Trinity Woods’ core values and he has a heart for the members and the
employees. I enjoy working with him on a daily basis very much.” – Ty Westlake, Facilities Manager

Great is Thy Faithfulness: Living with Hearts of Gratitude

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

As August unfolds in golden light and gentle warmth (except in Oklahoma there’s nothing gentle about the warmth), we’re reminded of God’s unwavering love that carries us through each season. In the words of Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV): “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his
compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” These verses promise that no matter what yesterday held, God’s mercies greet us fresh with each dawn.

Every sunrise is a living testimony to God’s faithfulness. Even when challenges weigh heavy, we can rest in the assurance that His compassion is renewed and His mercies are fresh. This month I encourage you to:
Begin each day by reading Lamentations 3 aloud.

Pause for a “mercy moment”—a deep breath of gratitude for today’s gift.

Write one way you saw God’s kindness yesterday and carry that hope into the morning.

Trust grows when we practice waiting on the Lord and watching Him move on our behalf. Remind yourself daily of the blessings you have received and then take a moment of gratitude to express
your appreciation to the Father for His never-ending faithfulness. As gratitude becomes our daily theme, our trust in our loving God increases exponentially.

At Trinity Woods, there are many opportunities to share personal stories of God’s faithfulness. With our shared stories, we strengthen each other. Whenever we gather or see our neighbors anywhere, those stories become living proof that He never fails. We are all benefactors of God’s faithfulness and fresh mercies and our lives are living proof of this very fact.

As summer’s heat gives way to cooler breezes, we can carry August’s lessons into every tomorrow. God’s faithfulness anchors us, guiding each step with unwavering care.

Therefore, with hearts full of gratitude, let us celebrate that in every season and circumstance, “Great is Thy Faithfulness.”

GRATITUDE SCRIPTURES (NIV)
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” — Psalm 100:4

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” — Psalm 107:1

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” — Colossians 3:17

PRAYER OF GRATITUDE
Take a moment each day to pray this simple prayer of gratitude. Modify it and make it your own personal prayer of gratitude.

Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts overflowing with thanks. For the gift of life, for each breath we take, and for the blessings seen and unseen that fill our days – we are grateful.

Thank You for the strength You grant us in times of weakness, for Your guidance when our paths seem unclear, and for the peace that surpasses understanding.

We thank You for the love of family and friends, for the joy of community, and for the opportunities to serve others in Your name. Help us to recognize Your hand in every moment and to live each day with a spirit of thankfulness.

Lord may our gratitude not only dwell in words but be evident in our actions – serving with kindness, loving without condition, and walking humbly before you.

In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.

Welcome Our New Sales Representative!

We are thrilled to welcome Amy Greene as the newest member of our Trinity Woods sales team! As our new Sales Representative, Amy brings a wealth of experience in helping individuals and families navigate the journey to finding their perfect home with compassion, clarity, and care.

With a background in new home sales, Amy is passionate about connecting with people and understanding their unique needs. She is committed to making the process of exploring our community as smooth and welcoming as possible.

“I’m looking forward to learning many new things,” said Amy. “This is an opportunity to get an entirely new perspective on life, wisdom, history, health, and most of all connections with others.”

In this role, Amy will be the first friendly face many prospective residents and their families meet. From personalized tours to answering questions about our lifestyle options, Amy is here to provide guidance every step of the way.

Please join us in giving Amy a warm Trinity Woods welcome. We’re excited to have her on board and look forward to the positive energy and expertise she will bring to our community!

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