April Issue of The Trail Mix

In This Issue: March at Trinity Woods: Learning, Connection, and New Beginnings

Celebrating Community, Purpose, and Connection: April at Trinity Woods

At Trinity Woods, every month brings new opportunities to connect, grow, and celebrate life—but April holds a particularly special place. In this issue of The Trail MIX, we’re reminded that purpose doesn’t retire. Instead, it evolves—shaped by community, compassion, and a continued desire to make a difference.

April is National Volunteer Month, and at Trinity Woods, volunteerism isn’t just something residents do—it’s part of who they are. Many residents arrive with a lifetime of service already behind them, but what makes this community unique is how that spirit continues to thrive. Whether welcoming new neighbors, supporting events, or contributing to organizations across Tulsa, residents remain deeply engaged.

Volunteerism here is more than helping others—it’s a vital part of wellness. It fosters connection, strengthens emotional and spiritual health, and brings a renewed sense of purpose. As highlighted in this month’s feature, giving back doesn’t slow down in retirement—it takes on new meaning.

Finding Meaning in Faith and Reflection

April also invites deeper reflection with the observance of Good Friday. In this issue, readers are encouraged to consider why such a solemn day is called “good.” The answer lies in hope—what seemed like a moment of loss became a powerful expression of love, grace, and renewal. It’s a message that resonates far beyond the season: even in life’s challenges, there is opportunity for growth, healing, and transformation.

Wellness Spotlight

Wellness continues to be a cornerstone of life at Trinity Woods, and this issue highlights both awareness and action. A thoughtful article on Parkinson’s disease sheds light on one of the fastest-growing neurological conditions, emphasizing the importance of early detection, education, and proactive care.

At the same time, wellness is celebrated in more joyful ways—like pickleball. More than just a game, it’s a gateway to better physical health, sharper thinking, and meaningful social connection. As one resident shares, staying active is simple: find something you enjoy, and the rest follows.

April Featured Events

April is filled with opportunities to gather, learn, and be entertained. From a lively musical performance of Freaky Friday to a meaningful movie night featuring A Better Life, there’s something for everyone. Book lovers can dive into a Route 66 mystery review, while music enthusiasts can look forward to Singin’ in the Rain performed by Broadway Senior. These shared experiences are more than events—they’re moments that strengthen community bonds.

Welcoming New Neighbors

A community is only as strong as the people who make it up, and this month we’re delighted to welcome several new residents. Each brings a unique story—rich with experiences, careers, travels, and a shared desire for connection. Their journeys remind us that Trinity Woods isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to belong.

70 Years of Stories—and Counting

As Trinity Woods celebrates its 70th anniversary, there’s a renewed focus on honoring the past while looking toward the future. Residents, families, and friends are invited to share their memories—stories that capture the heart of this community. Because it’s these shared experiences that define Trinity Woods—not just as a place, but as a legacy of connection, care, and belonging. We are asking for your Trinity Woods stories.


A Community That Continues to Thrive

The April issue of The Trail MIX is a powerful reminder that life at Trinity Woods is vibrant, purposeful, and deeply connected. Whether through service, wellness, faith, or fellowship, residents continue to inspire one another every day. Here, retirement isn’t an ending—it’s a new chapter filled with opportunity, impact, and joy.

Download the April issue of The Trail Mix.

Sowing Spiritual Seeds in a New Season

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

March arrives like a soft invitation: longer days, thawing ground, and the quiet promise that what was dormant can begin to grow. Spiritually, this month is a natural hinge between winter’s inward work and spring’s outward fruitfulness. Sowing spiritual seeds now means intentionally planting acts of faith,
words of encouragement, and habits of devotion so that when the season turns, God’s harvest can appear.

Seasons shape our souls. Just as a farmer reads the weather and the soil, we sense when God is calling us to move from waiting to planting. Scripture reminds us: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:7–9 (NIV). This promise anchors our efforts. Sowing is not a frantic scramble but a faithful, patient investment in what God will bring to life.

Sowing reshapes us. As we plant, our faith grows from theory into practice. Benefits include renewed hope, deeper trust in God’s timing, strengthened community, and the joy of seeing small beginnings become meaningful change. Even when results are unseen, the act of sowing aligns our hearts with
God’s kingdom purposes and trains us in perseverance.

“TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON, AND TIME TO EVERY PURPOSE UNDER HEAVEN.”
Book of Ecclesiastes

Imagine a gardener in March, hands in cool soil. She doesn’t wait for every frost to pass; she prepares beds, tests the earth, and plants hardy seeds that will root while the world still seems quiet. Some seeds will sprout quickly; others will sleep until the warmth comes. The gardener’s faith is not in immediate green shoots but in the pattern of seasons and the steady work of tending. So, it is with us, our faithful, sometimes unseen sowing prepares a harvest that God will bring in His time.

This March, choose one seed to plant and tend it faithfully. You are partnering with God when you pray, give, serve, and speak life into others. Expect slow beginnings and trust the promise of God’s harvest.

March STARS Employee of the Month

John Rodriguez – Healthcare Team

Start Date: February 2025
Born and Raised: Sapulpa, Oklahoma
Education: Pursuing Business Degree at Rogers State University
Wanted to be as a Kid: Nurse
Favorite Sport: Football
Hobbies: Fishing and Boating
First Job: Burgers N More in Sapulpa
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Favorite Book: The Testament by John Grisham
Motivated By: My Family and I Want to be the Best Possible Version of Myself.
Free Time: Fishing and Spending Time with Family
Family: Married with Three Children
What his supervisor says: “John lives out the Trinity Woods mission and our culture of courtesy through
his exceptional dedication and unwavering willingness to help wherever it’s needed. He handles resident
assessments for the Health Center, yet he consistently goes above and beyond—offering assistance across the community. Before leaving each day, he makes a point to check in from office to office, quietly ensuring that everyone has the support they need. Through his selfless service and steadfast commitment, John has made our work easier, our days smoother, and our community stronger, truly serving in the spirit of Christ.” ~ Emilie Creswell, VP of Health Services

Brunch and Learn!

By Bonnie Polak, VP of Philanthropy and Community Engagement

Navigating changes in tax law and retirement planning can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Join us on March 17th at 10:30 a.m. for a special Brunch & Learn Workshop designed to provide clarity, confidence, and practical next steps.

This free, educational session will be led by Mark Loeber, our Trinity Woods trusted expert with extensive experience in tax law changes, charitable giving strategies, and retirement planning. Mark is known for translating complex legislation into practical, easy-to-understand guidance that helps individuals make informed decisions about their financial future.

During the workshop, you’ll receive a clear and expert breakdown of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including what’s changed and how the new law may impact your taxes, Social Security and Medicare benefits, charitable giving, and long-term retirement plans.

You’ll learn more about:
New Tax Law Updates and how they affect retirement and giving
Social Security and Medicare (IRMAA) and how hidden costs can influence your benefits
Planning Ahead, with strategies for charitable giving, retirement savings, and estate
planning
Major Retirement Impacts, what to anticipate, and how to protect your plan
Actionable Steps you can implement now

This Brunch & Learn is a free educational workshop, made possible through a partnership between our organization and the Tulsa Community Foundation. Enjoy a relaxed brunch while gaining valuable insights to help you plan with confidence.

Space is limited. To reserve your spot, call 918.346.6671 or email bpolak@trinitywoodstulsa.com.
We hope you’ll join us for a morning of learning, conversation, and great food.

Why People Move to Trinity Woods

By Lupina Fry, Wellness Nurse

At Trinity Woods, we hear many reasons why people choose to call our community home. Some are excited about never climbing a ladder to clean gutters or raking another year’s worth of leaves. Others are ready to trade cooking for one or two in a large, quiet home for shared meals and lively conversation.
For many, Midtown has always been home, and they’ve long admired the sense of neighborliness they experience when visiting campus. Some have family ties that stretch back through our 70-year history.

Whatever the reason, most people are ultimately looking for peace of mind — safety, maintenance-free living, meaningful connections, opportunities for wellness, and a plan for the future. Trinity Woods provides these through a thoughtful focus on the dimensions of wellness: spiritual, emotional, physical,
intellectual, vocational, environmental, and social. When one dimension is neglected, it can affect overall quality of life. When they work together, they create balance, resilience, and purpose.

From a wellness perspective, staying engaged is more than just staying busy. Regular movement supports balance and strength, reducing fall risk. Social connection protects emotional health and lowers the risk of depression. Intellectual stimulation keeps the mind sharp. Purposeful activity contributes to longer, healthier lives. These aren’t just activities on a calendar — they are building blocks of well-being.

With a full calendar of opportunities, every resident has the chance to participate at their own pace. Sometimes that first step is as simple as attending one class, inviting a neighbor to coffee, or trying something new. Small steps, taken consistently, can make a meaningful difference.

It’s easy to put things off, but engaging early — while you feel strong and independent — gives you more time to build friendships, routines, and healthy habits that support your future. Wellness isn’t only about exercise or a health class. It’s about connection, purpose, laughter, growth, and knowing support is there when you need it.

Choosing to get involved isn’t about pressure — it’s about possibility. And at Trinity Woods, the opportunity to live well is always within reach.

March STARS Employees of the Month

Julie Clemons – Wellness Team

Start Date: October 2018
Born: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Raised: Los Angeles, CA
Education: Rogers State University
Wanted to be as a Kid: Broadcast Journalist
Favorite Sport: Basketball – Go Lakers!
Described by Friends: Lights Up A Room
First Job: File Clerk at a Law Office
Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving
Favorite Quote: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never
forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
First Car: Ford Pinto
Favorite Movie: O Brother Where Art Thou
Favorite Book: Moby Dick by Herman Melville
Family: Mom of Two Children
What her supervisor says: “Julie truly embodies the Energizer Bunny: “still going.” She is non-stop energy. Julie is an indispensable member of the Wellness Team and a tremendous asset to the entire Trinity Woods community. Julie consistently balances multiple responsibilities with grace and efficiency, delivering excellent results across the board. We are fortunate to have her on our team.” – Weldon Tisdale, VP of Wellness

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