Entering the New Year Together

As we step into this new year together at Trinity Woods, our hearts carry both grief and gratitude. Over the past 90 days we have said goodbye to neighbors, family members, and two beloved staff members. Loss changes the shape of our days and the contours of our community, and there is no one right way to bear it. Yet even in sorrow, we hold to the gentle promise that we are not alone in our mourning or our hope.

Comfort comes to us tenderly in Scripture: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). When tears come, when routines feel hollow, this assurance
reminds us that our pain is seen and that God draws near. Jesus’ words, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4), do not minimize our loss; they hold it up to the light and promise a healing presence that walks with us through the dark.

We also lift up hope, hope that does not erase the past but reorients us toward what is possible. The Lord says, “See, I am doing a new thing” (Isaiah 43:19). New beginnings rise slowly: a shared memory that brings a smile, a conversation that eases the ache, the steady kindness of staff and neighbors who show up. These small acts are the stitches of grace that help repair what grief has torn.

For those wrestling with emptiness and the question of what comes next, Revelation offers a vision of ultimate consolation: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning
or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4). We hold that future promise while tending to present needs; listening, remembering, praying, and caring for one another practically and tenderly.

May this new year bring seasons of rest for the weary, courage for the uncertain, and deep, quiet peace for every heart that aches. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an
end; they are new every morning
” (Lamentations 3:22–23).

I end with this prayer: Gracious God, hold us in our sorrow, surround us with your comfort, and lead us into a year of renewed hope and gentle healing. Amen.

February Issue of The Trail Mix

In This Issue: The Legacy of Many!

The February issue of The Trail Mix highlights the heart of Trinity Woods—community, wellness, legacy, and connection. The lead feature focuses on legacy giving and the Tin Man Society, explaining how planned gifts help sustain Trinity Woods’ mission for future generations while honoring donors’ values and foresight.

In recognition of Black History Month, Chaplain Weldon Tisdale reflects on influential African American innovators and leaders, encouraging curiosity, gratitude, and a deeper appreciation for the shared histories that shape everyday life.

The Wellness section ties Heart Health Month to the Seven Dimensions of Wellness, showing how physical, emotional, social, intellectual, vocational, environmental, and spiritual well-being work together to reduce stress and support heart health.

Residents are invited to a full calendar of February events, including Theatre Tulsa’s Love Letters, the Valentine’s Celebration of Friendship and Love, OU to YOU on cutting-edge radar technology, Sunday with the Symphony, and a Tulsa Youth Symphony chamber recital. An Ash Wednesday service will be held February 18.

The newsletter also celebrates February birthdays and anniversaries, honors those remembered, recognizes Haley Bolton as STARS Employee of the Month, and acknowledges employee service milestones. The issue closes with a save-the-date for a March educational workshop on new tax law updates and retirement planning.

New Neighbors to Trinity Woods – we welcome Ken and Judy, Margaret, Grady and Sandra, and Barry and Dayna.

Download the February issue of The Trail Mix.

Reflections on the New Year from the CEO

By: Garrett Lee, Trinity Woods CEO

As we welcome 2026, I want to reflect on an exceptional year of progress, performance, and purposeful growth. Our achievements in 2025—expanding our occupancy, strengthening our financial position, and elevating the value we deliver, among others—are all grounded in one undeniable advantage: our people. This year reaffirmed a simple truth that when you bring together mission-minded and dedicated individuals who care deeply about the organization and one another, remarkable things happen.

We saw residents and employees across the organization embrace change with clarity, courage, and creativity. Whether it was adopting new technology, or modifying and enhancing the way we deliver services, each improvement made us stronger. Change can be challenging, but you proved that it can also be a catalyst for achievement when approached with openness and unity. Because of that, we start this year more agile, more aligned, and better positioned for long-term success.

As we look ahead, 2026 holds tremendous promise. We enter our 70th year with momentum—
talented teams, higher occupancy, strong finances, and ambitious strategic goals that reflect who we are. We will continue building systems that support excellence, strengthen our culture, and shape an environment where people can live their best life and build meaningful relationships. There is much to look forward to, and I am excited for what we will achieve together!

In this new year season, I want to acknowledge the deeper source of momentum that carries us forward: the spirit of hope and ambition that lives within this organization. Hope gives us the confidence to move forward even when the path is not always fully visible. Ambition gives us the drive to reach for our potential, not just settle for what is comfortable. When these two forces are paired together, they guide us to strive for excellence with humility, purpose, and gratitude, fueling progress that is both meaningful and lasting. Thank you for your dedication, passion, and perseverance throughout the year.

Here’s to a new year of growth, opportunity, and shared blessings.

Meet the INBODY MACHINE

The last time you went to the doctor, they probably weighed you and measured your BMI (body mass index, measurement of height vs weight) as a way to monitor your health and wellness, but what if I told you there is more to your body than that?

Your body is made up of lean tissues, fatty tissues, water, and more. This is called Body Composition, and it is a much more valuable measurement of our body than a standard weight measurement or BMI.

After the age of 30, we lose muscle mass at a more rapid rate and after the age of 50, our bones weaken,
increasing risk of breaks. Both can be combated through resistance training by strengthening the muscle, which in turn strengthens the bones by triggering bone building cells to activate. Fat serves as a protective cushion and insulation layer for our internal organs. Fatty tissues can be both beneficial but harmful to the body, so it’s important to find a healthy balance in how much fat we have. Too little fat has negative impact on the immune system and hormones, but too much fat strains the body, specifically the cardiovascular system. Knowing the importance of water, muscle, and fat tissue levels, how can we track and improve them? That’s where the InBody, and Senior Fitness Testing (SFT), come in.

The InBody is a body composition scanner that uses mild harmless electrical impulse to measure the
amount of water, muscle, and fat in your body. The SFT can show where we are in fitness through seven
standardized tests and can help give us ideas on how to improve both fitness and body composition.

Trinity Woods will hold our annual SFT in January and offers InBody Scans and consultations in the Spann Wellness Center throughout the year. We invite you to stop by, learn more and take a healthy step in your wellness journey.

Martin Luther King Day Day of Service

On January 19, 2026, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday will mark as a National Day of Service. This day was established to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, and to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

Trinity Woods is collecting donations for the Coffee Bunker’s “Pantry for Patriots”. The Coffee Bunkers Pantry for Patriots program distributes food to those in need two days a week, every Tuesday and Thursday. On average, the pantry supports over 100 individuals per month.

Show support for our veterans in need of assistance by donating canned good food items and packaged non-perishables: beans, pasta, cereal, pasta sauce, hamburger helper…

Donations will be collected from January 6th – 19th contact Weldon Tisdale for more information at
918.346.6607.

Note: Early donations can be left in the Chapel at Trinity Woods.

January STARS Employee of the Month

Lori Johnson – Wellness Team

Start Date: April 2011
Born and Raised: Dixon, Nebraska
Education: Northeast Technical Community College and Grace
College of the Bibles
Wanted to be as a Kid: Nurse
One Meal Forever: Steak and Loaded Potato
Described by Friends: Giving, Kind, and Caring
Hobbies: Reading, Singing and Sewing
Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving
Favorite Quote: Stay Strong, Choose Joy, I’ll See You Tomorrow
Family Recipe: Baked Steak and Buttermilk Bars Spritz Cookies
Favorite Book: Nancy Drew Series
Collects: Teacups and Tea Pots
Free Time: Family Time and Singing on Worship Team Fun Fact: Has Sang in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
What her supervisor says: “Lori is a dedicated, tireless coordinator and caregiver who serves in the spirit of Christ. Two words people use to describe are diligent and caring. Lori frequently goes above and beyond to create engaging, informative, and exciting activities for residents. She is always available, responsive, and genuinely helpful.” – Weldon Tisdale, VP of Wellness and Chaplain

Trinity Woods Celebrates 70 Years of Community, Care, and Connection

Trinity Woods is proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone—70 years of serving Tulsa area seniors with compassion, dignity, and purpose. Since opening its doors in 1956, Trinity Woods has been a place where community thrives, relationships are nurtured, and residents are supported in living full and meaningful lives.

Over the past seven decades, Trinity Woods has grown and evolved, yet its mission has remained constant: to serve in the spirit of Christ. Generations of residents, employees, families, and supporters have shaped Trinity Woods into the vibrant community it is today.

As Trinity Woods marks this 70th anniversary, we celebrate not only our history, but also the people who make it possible—past and present, with gratitude for the journey so far and excitement for what lies ahead. Be watching our social media pages and newsletter for exciting events to celebrate this milestone.

Member Council 2026

We are excited to announce the Trinity Woods 2026 Member Council.

Top row: Don Stout, Elisabeth Harrington, Kay Graham, Jim Bush, Jan Hawks, Mike Reynolds
Bottom row: Leslie Lusk, Toni Dickson, Bob Mansfield, Carolyn Fuchs, Latricia Lingenfelter
Not Pictured: Allen Bates

Their role is to promote, organize and/or conduct events and activities of interest to the Members. The Council serves in an advisory role for the organization and may also represent the Member body in forums when necessary. This group is excited to serve their Trinity Woods neighbors.

January STARS Employee of the Month

Ashley Brown – Dining Team

Start Date: June 2012
Born: Muskogee, Oklahoma
Raised: Warner, Oklahoma
Education: Warner High School
Wanted to be as a Kid: Police Officer
Favorite Sport: Football and Basketball
One Meal Forever: Fried Catfish
Described by Friends: Happy, Helpful and Loving Hobbies: Shopping!
First Job: Childcare Worker
Favorite Holiday: Christmas and Easter
Favorite Bible Verse: ‘Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalms 91:1
Family Recipe: Mom’s Peach Cobbler
Favorite Movie: Home Alone
Favorite Book: Bible
Free Time: Going to Church
Family: One Daughter
What her supervisor says: “Ashley is a joy to work with, always a smile on her face. She is so caring and compassionate in what she does for our residents.” – Stacy Pine, Dining Supervisor

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