Month: April 2026

April Issue of The Trail Mix

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

In This Issue: How Trinity Woods Builds Community Through Compassion, Connection, and Care

A Community Rooted in Care at Trinity Woods

At Trinity Woods, community isn’t just a word—it’s a promise. The May 2026 edition of The Trail Mix highlights how residents, staff, and supporters come together to create a place where compassion, connection, and purpose thrive every day. From financial support programs to social events and inspiring resident stories, Trinity Woods continues to redefine what it means to live well in a senior living community.

The Good Samaritan Fund: Supporting Residents When It Matters Most

One of the most impactful ways Trinity Woods cares for its residents is through the Good Samaritan Fund. This program ensures that residents can remain in their homes even if unexpected financial challenges arise. Each year, the fund supports approximately 24 residents, providing nearly $366,000 in assistance—helping preserve independence, dignity, and peace of mind. More than financial aid, the fund represents a deeper commitment: neighbors helping neighbors and a community that stands by one another through every stage of life.

Finding Purpose and Renewal in Every Season

Spring is a time of renewal, and at Trinity Woods, that message resonates deeply. A thoughtful reflection in this month’s newsletter reminds residents that life continues to grow with purpose—no matter the season. This sense of ongoing meaning and faith reinforces the supportive environment that defines Trinity Woods, where emotional and spiritual well-being are just as important as physical health.

Events That Bring the Trinity Woods Community Together

Life at Trinity Woods is active, engaging, and full of opportunities to connect. This May, residents can enjoy a variety of events designed to build friendships and create lasting memories:

  • Spring Fling Celebration: A festive outdoor gathering with food, music, and games
  • Memorial Day Service: A time to honor and remember loved ones
  • Educational Programs: Including a documentary screening and discussions on citizenship
  • Supper & A Show: An evening of dining and live entertainment

These events reflect a vibrant lifestyle where residents are encouraged to stay active, social, and engaged.

Why Trying Something New Matters in Senior Living

One of the key themes this month is simple but powerful: try something new. Whether it’s joining a fitness class, attending a social gathering, or picking up a new hobby, small steps can lead to meaningful friendships and renewed joy. Residents consistently share that stepping outside their comfort zone often leads to some of their most rewarding experiences. At Trinity Woods, there’s always something new to explore—and always someone to share it with.

Meet the Neighbors Who Make Trinity Woods Special

Behind every great community are the people who bring it to life. This issue introduces new residents like Esther and Sandy, whose stories reflect resilience, creativity, and a passion for connection. Their experiences highlight what many already know: Trinity Woods isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to belong.

Download the May issue of The Trail Mix.

Celebrating a Life of Purpose: National Volunteer Month at Trinity Woods

Posted on by Heidi Garrett

By Bonnie Polak, VP of Philanthropy and Community Engagement

April is National Volunteer Month—a time to recognize the power of service and the countless ways individuals give their time, talents, and hearts to others. At Trinity Woods, volunteerism is not just an activity—it’s a way of life that continues to fl ourish in retirement.

For many residents, volunteering didn’t begin at Trinity Woods. It’s been a lifelong commitment woven into careers, families, faith communities, and neighborhoods. What makes Trinity Woods unique is how that spirit of service doesn’t slow down—it evolves. Residents bring decades of experience, compassion, and purpose into new opportunities to make a difference right where they live.

Walk through the community on any given day and you’ll see volunteerism in action: residents welcoming new neighbors, assisting with events, supporting wellness initiatives, or offering a listening ear to a friend. Others extend their impact beyond campus—serving local nonprofits, participating in outreach programs, or contributing to charitable eff orts across Tulsa.

This culture of engagement refl ects a deeper philosophy—that purpose doesn’t retire. “Volunteerism is a powerful expression of living well across all dimensions of wellness,” said Weldon Tisdale, Vice President of Wellness and Chaplain at Trinity Woods. “When residents give their time and talents, they’re not only supporting others—they’re nurturing their own emotional, social, spiritual, and even physical well-being. It’s a meaningful way to stay connected, energized, and fulfilled.”

Volunteering aligns naturally with the Seven Dimensions of Wellness embraced at Trinity Woods. It strengthens social wellness through relationships, enhances emotional wellness by fostering joy and purpose, supports spiritual wellness through service to others, and even contributes to physical and intellectual wellness through active engagement and lifelong learning. At Trinity Woods, residents prove every day that retirement is not an endpoint— it’s a new chapter of impact. Their willingness to serve continues to shape a vibrant, caring community where everyone benefits.

Happy National Volunteer Month, we celebrate not just what our residents do—but who they are: individuals who have spent a lifetime giving back and who continue to inspire others through their generosity, kindness, and commitment to making a difference. Their legacy of service lives on—right here at Trinity Woods.

Did You Know? Parkinson’s Awareness

Posted on by Heidi Garrett

By Lupina Fry, Trinity Woods Wellness Nurse

Parkinson’s disease is a global health crisis and currently one of the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorders. Its cases are expected to double by 2040. This incurable, progressive condition destroys brain cells that control mood, movement, and cognitive function, affecting millions worldwide.

While Parkinson’s is commonly known for tremors, think of actor Michael J. Fox or boxer Muhammad Ali, Parkinson’s is a “whole body” disease affecting life in numerous ways. The tremors and muscle rigidity are well-known symptoms, but this shaking and stiff ness often slow movement and increase the risk of falls.

Other non-motor symptoms include depression, sleep disorders, anxiety, and loss of smell—can be just as disabling as movement issues. These symptoms may appear years before tremors or stiff ness is noted. Over time, as the disease progresses, it aff ects walking, talking, and swallowing.

As the disease advances, changes in brain function may lead to personality changes and dementia. Many will eventually require continuous care. Despite these challenges, many people live for years with proper management. Early diagnosis is key. Identifying Parkinson’s in its pre-motor phase (signaled
by loss of smell or sleep disorders) is the only way to apply possible disease-modifying treatments
before brain damage can occur.

There is currently no cure or treatment disease. By the time symptoms appear, brain cells may be lost, complicating treatment. The exact cause remains uncertain. Researchers believe genetics, environmental exposure to chemicals or pesticides, or repeated head injuries may be involved.

While not curative, medications can significantly manage symptoms. Regular, intense exercise helps slow the decline in quality of life. Next-generation therapies, such as focused ultrasounds, infusion pumps, and advanced surgical procedures, are available. If you are concerned, consult your doctor now to protect your brain health.

Parkinson’s Awareness color is gray. It is often chosen to represent the “grey matter” in the brain that is affected by the disease.

Share Your Trinity Woods Story!

Posted on by Heidi Garrett

For 70 years, Trinity Woods—formerly Oklahoma Methodist Manor—has been home to generations of
residents and their families. Together, we’ve created a legacy filled with meaningful moments, cherished
relationships, and lasting memories.

As we celebrate this milestone, we invite you to help us preserve the stories that make our community so special.

Do you have a connection to Trinity Woods? Did a parent, grandparent, friend, or loved one live here? Maybe you remember visits, celebrations, or simple everyday moments that meant the most. We would love to hear your story.

Your memories—and even photos or keepsakes—help us honor our past and celebrate the people who shaped our community. Send memories and stories to memories@trinitywoodstulsa.com.

Every memory matters. Help us keep the Trinity Woods story alive.

More Than a Game: The Pickleball Connection

Posted on by Heidi Garrett

By Alison Guerrero

As spring arrives, many Trinity Woods residents head outdoors to enjoy the sunshine—whether
walking, gardening, or playing pickleball. For Don Neuhaus, pickleball quickly became a favorite after he was introduced to it shortly after moving in over a decade ago. What started as curiosity turned into a passion.

Don says the key to staying active is simple: do something you enjoy. Unlike a typical workout that can feel long, pickleball makes time fly. Research supports this—fun, engaging activities help people stay consistent and improve overall wellbeing.

Beyond enjoyment, pickleball offers real health benefits. It supports heart health, improves endurance, and even boosts brain function through quick thinking, coordination, and strategy. As Don puts it, both your body and brain get a workout every time you play.

Equally important is the social side. Players build friendships, share laughs between games, and create a strong sense of community—helping prevent isolation and encouraging connection.

Don’s advice? Don’t be intimidated—just give it a try. The rules are simple, and the community is welcoming. You might just find your new favorite way to stay active. Check out the Wellness Calendar for
times and locations for the next Pickleball match.

Why is Good Friday Good?

Posted on by Heidi Garrett

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

Each year as Holy Week approaches, many people ask an important question: Why is Good Friday called “good”? After all, it marks the day Jesus was crucified, a day filled with betrayal, suffering, and death. At first glance, there seems to be nothing good about it. Yet for Christians around the world,
Good Friday stands as one of the most meaningful and hopeful days in our faith. What appeared to be humanity’s darkest moment became the very place where God’s love was most clearly revealed.

Centuries before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah described a mysterious figure known as the Suffering Servant. Isaiah wrote that this servant would bear our griefs, carry our sorrows, and suffer on behalf of others. In one of the most powerful passages in Scripture we read, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Christians understand this passage as pointing forward to Jesus. On Good Friday, Jesus fulfilled that role as he willingly endured the cross, taking upon himself the weight of human sin and brokenness.

What makes Good Friday “good” is not the suffering itself, but what God accomplished through it. In the crucifixion we see the depth of God’s grace and love. Jesus endured the cross so that forgiveness, reconciliation, and new life could be offered to the world. When Jesus declared, “It is finished,” the work of redemption was complete. What seemed like defeat became the victory through which God opened the way for humanity to be restored.

Good Friday also invites a response from each of us. When we reflect on the cross, we are reminded of how deeply we are loved and how freely we have been forgiven. Gratitude becomes the natural response. The grace we receive calls us to extend grace to others—to forgive as we have been forgiven,
to show compassion to those who are hurting, and to live with humility and kindness.|

In many ways, Good Friday reminds us that God often works through what appears to be loss or suffering. The cross seemed like the end of the story, yet it became the turning point that leads to Easter morning. Because of that, we can face life’s challenges with hope, trusting that God can bring life even out of the darkest circumstances.

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