Author: Bonnie Polak

December Issue of The Trail Mix

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

In This Issue: Christmas In The Woods Holiday Celebration!

Christmas in the Woods is more than just an event it is a celebration of community and togetherness. It’s a chance to gather with loved ones, make new friends, and share in the joy of the season. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, Christmas in the Woods is sure to create lasting memories. Mark your calendar for Thursday, December 12.

Also, in this issue we discuss all that the month pf December brings – reflection, anticipation and keeping healthy habits! There’s a special section with Christmas memories and even a family recipe passed down through generations!

December STARS Employees of the Month announced – Jacob and Tyrone!

December Wellness Events

This month Trinity Woods’ residents and their families can not only experience Christmas in the Woods but we are excited to host a Christmas Piano Concert with Don Irwin. Chaplain Tisdale as organized two special services for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, that you will not want to miss. There’s always so much to do in the Trinity Woods neighborhood!

New Neighbors
Meet Charlene, Gene and Barbara, and Carolyn!

Download the December issue of The Trail Mix.

November Issue of The Trail Mix

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

In This Issue: Author Missy Buchanan to Visit Trinity Woods

Trinity Woods is excited to announce Missy Buchanan, beloved author and advocate for older adults, will visit campus on December 3, 2024. She will discuss her latest book, Feeling Your Way Through Grief. Known for her candid reflections on aging and spirituality, Buchanan’s newest release takes a compassionate look at the grieving process, offering readers a thoughtful guide through one of life’s most difficult journeys.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear Buchanan’s insights firsthand and engage in a
meaningful discussion about their own experiences with grief, whether they are currently
mourning or supporting someone who is. Missy Buchanan’s words resonate deeply with
those who appreciate her gentle, honest approach to diffi cult subjects. Her talk promises to
be a powerful and healing event for anyone seeking solace in their grief, as well as for those
looking to support friends or family who are grieving. Space is limited. To register call Katlyn, Oklahoma United Methodist Conference, at 405-530-2019.

Also in this issue we highlight the joy of being thankful and giving back. There’s a special article about Leonard Stuff and his Honor Flight experience. The Annual Trinity Woods Veteran’s Day Celebration is announced!

November STAR Employees of the Month announced – Dwayne and Rhoda!

November Wellness Events

This month is Trinity Woods members can experience an Autumn Immersions trip to the Keystone Ancient Forest, a Book Review of Oklahoma, How We Got the Best State Song, and a Thanksgiving new member welcome event! There’s always so much to do in the Trinity Woods neighborhood!

New Neighbors
Meet Nancy, Ed and Leslie, and Alan and Cathy!

Download the November issue of The Trail Mix

Trinity Woods Host Trunk or Treat!

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

Wednesday, October 30 from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. in the Community Life Center

This year we are excited to host a Trunk-or-Treat for Trinity Woods’ family and friends. Invite your grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or special children in your life to dress up and show off their costumes. Employees are encouraged to bring their children for this special event! Members can sign up to decorate their car trunk, golf cart or a table (inside the CLC) to pass out candy. Join us for this Trinity Woods family fun night!

October Issue of The Trail Mix

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

In This Issue: The Trinity Woods Culture!

Garrett Lee, Trinity Woods CEO, shares more about what the real difference is in the community of Trinity Woods – the culture. The way the residents, employees and families are treated are what truly make Trinity Woods a unique place to live and work.

The courtesy that is woven into the Trinity Woods resident and employee culture is important and is what makes us special or as we like to say “neighborly”. For our community
to thrive and continue to be home to everyone who lives here, courtesy must be organic to
our communication with each other and to our way of life. Garrett is committed to prioritizing a
culture of courtesy, always, as a core personal practice and as a core belief of Trinity Woods. Learn more in this month’s issue of the Trail Mix.

In this issue Chaplain Tisdale highlights the Power of Letting Go and its ability to provide healing and strength. Wellness Nurse, Lupina Fry, provides helpful tips for preparing for Seasonal Changes in a Dementia Friendly Community.

October STAR Employees of the Month announced – Amber and Kristi!

October Wellness Events

This month is Trinity Woods’ annual Fall Festival on October 17th with an outdoor concert and special supper. We will also welcome the young talents from Metro Christian Academy to preform their One-Act Play, The Chronicles of Jane. And we will end the month with a playground adventure at Whiteside Park Playground. So much fun in the neighborhood!

New Neighbors
Meet Barry!

Download the October issue of The Trail Mix

September Issue of The Trail Mix

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

In This Issue: Meet The New VP of Health Services!

We are pleased to welcome Emilie Creswell to Trinity Woods as the new Vice President of Health Services. Emilie comes to Trinity Woods with a wealth of experience in aging services. She has been a licensed long-term care Administrator for over 26 years!

 “I am excited to develop meaningful relationships with and serve alongside the remarkable team at Trinity Woods as we continuously improve both personalized quality of care and teh employee experience,” said Emilie.

Emilie is a highly knowledgeable senior living professional. Her balance of operational insight and relational style is a perfect fit for advancing and sustaining our health services. Emilie began her new role at Trinity Woods on August 28th. She is looking forward to getting to know the residents and their families and the Trinity Woods team.

In this issue we also highlight the Seven Dimensions of Wellness that are core to the Trinity Woods philosophy on aging and living well.

We also focus on Healthy Aging Month and focus on the positive aspects of growing older with a special article from Wellness Manager, Alison McMillan.

September STAR Employee of the Month announced – Adrienne!

September Wellness Events

This month is Trinity Woods’ annual Family Day celebration on September 7th. Fun for all around campus with model trains, petting zoo, photo booth and games galore! We also are featuring a Book Talk with author Julia Bryan Thomas and her book The Radcliffe Ladies’ Reading Club. And we can’t forget the concerts and shows – piano concert with Don Irwin and western show with Shelby Eicher, Jake Erwin, Steve Bagsby and Jacob Tovar! So much fun in the neighborhood!

New Neighbors
Meet Bob, Betsy and Joe and Jeanette!

Download the September issue of The Trail Mix

August Issue of The Trail Mix

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

In This Issue: Being a Good Samaritan!

When the mission of Trinity Woods is successfully carried out, there is no better demonstration of living out the mission of serving others in the spirit of Christ than what is modeled through the Good Samaritan Fund. The need for benevolent care hasn’t changed, nor has the opportunity to be a part of something so significant and full of kindness.

Each year we come together as a community to solicit funds for this very worthwhile cause. We ask you to prayerfully consider what your involvement in the Good Samaritan Fund could be this year, and I invite you to experience the blessing of generosity, as outlined to us through the life and ministry of Jesus.

We are also excited to announce the launch of the Trinity Woods Neighborhood App! This new technology addition is sure to be a great resource for classes, dining and staying in contact with neighbors.

There is a special feature honoring Trinity Woods’ longest reigning resident – Philelle! Don’t this month’s spiritual wellness article by Rev. Weldon Tisdale call Ordinary Times.

August STAR Employees of the Month announced – Cynthia!

August Wellness Events

This month’s featured events include more Summer School classes. We also are featuring a Book Talk by Connie Cronley. We are hosting several musical concerts with dance styles from India to recording artists Kelly Ford and Cathy Venable. To round out the dog days of summer we are having a Hot Rods and Hot Dogs car show! There’s never a dull moment in the neighborhood!

New Neighbors
Meet Tom and Donna, and Brad and Faith!

Download the August issue of The Trail Mix

Trinity Woods Named one of Senior Care’s Best Places to Work!

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

Trinity Woods was named as one of Senior Care’s Best Places to Work for 2024 under a new program from WeCare Connect – the industry leader in senior care surveys. We are excited to announce we have met the rigorous benchmarks that signal excellence in care.

“We are so excited to receive this distinction. We pride ourselves on not just serving Tulsa seniors but also the people who choose to work in this industry. We love our employees and couldn’t be prouder to be named Senior Care’s Best!” says Garrett Lee, Trinity Woods CEO.

Located in the heart of Tulsa, Oklahoma the Trinity Woods campus (formerly Oklahoma Methodist Manor) is 40 acres of scenic beauty, full of life, and great neighbors. This is a place where people come to live! We call it “neighborly” and that is probably an easier definition but being neighborly comes from being kind. We are kind to each other. We are kind to strangers. We serve in the spirit of Christ.

For more than 65 years, we have created a unique place where our kindness and faith are only matched by our love of this community. It is a place where the mind, body, and soul are nourished through fellowship. Through laughter. Through contentment. Through one another.

Why Senior Care’s Best?

For a long time, it has been difficult to measure and rank the qualitative benefits such as satisfaction and engagement that are critical to senior care. WeCare Connect uses the largest third-party survey data set in senior care from which to assess, certify and rank organizations as Senior Care’s Best. Look for certified organizations to find the most trusted and exceptional senior care providers around.

About WeCare Connect

WeCare Connect is the industry leader in senior care surveys. We enable senior care organizations to act on what their employees, patients and residents care about most, ultimately helping them increase retention, satisfaction and organizational stability. Senior Care’s Best from WeCare Connect acknowledges top-performing organizations for results that come to light through our robust survey methodology.

June Issue of The Trail Mix

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

In This Issue: Embracing the Journey!

At Trinity Woods we encourage people to live their best life and embrace retirement the way they always dreamed! In this issue we explore the wisdom that comes with aging and being open to the next chapter of life. Perhaps the most profound lesson gleaned from aging is the importance of living with intention and purpose. The wisdom of age implores us to seize each moment, to savor the simple pleasures, and to pursue our passions with unwavering zeal. Whether it’s pursuing a long-held dream, giving back to the community, or simply finding joy in the everyday moments, living life to the fullest means embracing each day as a gift and making the most of the time we have. As you will see in this issue, a few members have shared their insights on what makes life satisfying and sweet at any age.

What you will see as you read their advice is a poignant reminder that age is not merely a number but a testament to the richness of lived experiences. It’s a celebration of resilience, love, growth, and purpose—a testament to the enduring human spirit. So, let us heed the wisdom of age, for within its embrace lies the key to living a life of meaning, fulfillment, and abundance. We invite to the Trinity Woods way to belong, believe and become!

Your won’t want to miss special feature articles: about Father’s Day from Rev. Weldon Tisdale; Better Balance with Yoga from Wellness Manager Alison McMillan; and learn more about the Administrators in Training we are hosting at Trinity Woods.

June STAR Employee of the Month announced – Leslie!

June Wellness Events

This month’s featured events include a Young Talent Discovery Concert presented in partnership with Celebrity Attractions and the Tulsa PAC Trust, The Discovery Awards highlight and award excellence in high school musical theatre. A book review from Jeffrey Schmidt is Associate Professor of Marketing & Supply Chain and Associate Director, Marketing and Supply Chain Management at the University of Oklahoma. Don’t forget about the annual Men’s Event with guest speaker National Football League referee Clay Martin. And more concerts, classes and outings!

New Neighbors
Meet Jerry and Julie, and Phala!

Download the June issue of The Trail Mix

May Issue of The Trail Mix

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

In This Issue:

Garrett Lee, New Trinity Woods CEO,

A new era is beginning, not only for Trinity Woods, but for newly hired CEO Garrett Lee. With over 16 years of combined executive-level operational, finance, compliance, and acquisitional experience, in the health care industry Garrett is ready to start his journey with Trinity Woods.

Garrett writes an open letter to the Trinity Woods community expressing his excitement for this new opportunity. “I cannot tell you how excited I am to join the Trinity Woods family and help continue the good work that has gone on here for many years, making it the amazing place it is today. Perhaps what
I am most looking forward to is getting to know and building meaningful relationships with each
of YOU.”

Your won’t want to miss special feature articles: one from Tom Simmons, Trinity Woods resident, about growing a garden. The other asks the questions, is a Life Plan Community right for you?

May STAR Employee of the Month announced – Sandra!

May Wellness Events

Wellness Nurse, Lupina Fry, encourages us to get outside for better health. With springtime in our grasp is the perfect time to observe nature and receive mental and physical health benefits.

This month’s featured events include a performance from Tulsa Performing Arts Center’s Orbit Initiative, amateur senior thespians from around Tulsa, who will be performing Cinderella. Supper and a Show will feature young professional singers and Trinity Woods audience favorites Sam Briggs and Alex Johnson, accompanied by pianist Christy Stalcup, present a program all about spring. And more concerts, classes and book reviews!

New Neighbors
Meet Zella!

Download the May issue of The Trail Mix

April Issue of The Trail Mix

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

In This Issue:

Trinity Woods CEO, Steve Dickie Says Thank You

After 20 years of serving the Trinity Woods community, Steve Dickies says farewell and thank you.

What warms my heart as I say “goodbye”? I am thankful for the strong governance provided by the board. I am grateful for the dedication and commitment of my colleagues on the leadership team. I am appreciative of all the love and support offered by the members of this great community.

As we look back on the last 20 years who could have imagined all the progress we would make as an organization? Moving to person-centered model of healthcare, completing the development of Crestwood, promoting whole-person wellness, building the new Holliman Center, adding Memory Care Assisted Living, and completing the Community Life Center have all been major accomplishments!

April STAR Employees of the Month announced – Cecelia and Tasha!

April Wellness Events

Wellness Manager, Alison McMillan shares interesting information on music has astonishing and profound effect on our bodies and minds.

This month’s featured events include a performance from Metro Christian Academy’s theater department. Supper and a Show will feature the works of Henry Mancini performed by Janet Rutland, John Wooley and Scott McQuade. And more concerts, classes and book reviews!

New Neighbors
Meet Ron and Martha!

Download the April issue of The Trail Mix

March Issue of The Trail Mix

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

In This Issue:

Trinity Woods Resident Answers the Question – Why Trinity Woods?

When people move to Trinity Woods, friends and family starting asking a lot of questions. This was no different for the Blankenships. In this month’s issue Duane answers the questions of why and specifically why now?

After 46 years of homeownership, they made the “best decision” for them to live their best lives. The Blankenships talk about their “why” and what have been the biggest surprises along the way. Learn more about their journey to retirement living – the way they chose!

In March we will celebrate Holy Week. Learn more about opportunities to increase your spiritual health.

March STAR Employee of the Month announced – Sherrick!

March Wellness Events

The calendar is full of ways to connect, listen to music, read books and more!

This month we feature a special St. Patrick’s Day event to welcome new residents. Entertainment will include dancers from the Goode Academy of Irish Dance and an educational performance by the City of Tulsa Pipes & Drums band. Erin go bragh!

New Neighbors
Meet Jan and Chuck!

Download the March issue of The Trail Mix

September Issue of The Trail Mix

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

In This Issue:

The Legacy of Trinity Woods!

For more than 65 years, Trinity Woods has been serving people in the spirit of Christ. But that would not have been possible without gracious donors who believed in our mission and purpose. There is not a building on this campus that has not been made possible without philanthropy – Spann Wellness Center, Fleming Center, Holliman Center and the Community Life Center. That kind of true partnership is what makes Trinity Woods special.

“In November the Tin Man Society will celebrate 10 years of people leaving their legacy
at Trinity Woods by making a commitment to the future of this organization,” said Steve
Dickie, CEO. “Over the years gifts that have come from Tin Man Society members have really
allowed Trinity Woods to do great things to continue our mission. These types of gifts are
critical to making a difference for years to come.”

Trinity Woods’ legacy of giving is reflected every day in the dedicated efforts of our Board, employees, community members, and donors who have shaped our community for the better. The power of philanthropy is what changes organizations – some givers may never see their gifts come to fruition but can courageously imagine what is possible. It is the givers who ensure there will always be a home where elders find a life worth living. 

September STAR Employee of the Month announced – Heidi!

September Wellness Events
This month we host the Tulsa Community Band in a special outdoor concert. We are excited to welcome Trinity Woods loved ones for the annual Trinity Woods Family Day! In honor of grandparents day, we invite all generation out to see campus and experience a day of fun activities for all ages. Supper & A Show features Reflejos Flamencos an spicy and romantic, Spanish flamenco dancing team. Meet new friends as well as enjoy a casual meal and some great music.

New Neighbors
Meet Duane and Janice!

Download the September issue of The Trail Mix

June Issue of The Trail Mix

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

In This Issue:

You’re Invited to an Interactive Discussion On Aging

Thursday, June 15th Steve Dickie, Trinity Woods CEO, is extending an open invitation to all who are navigating the journey aging. This is the great session for parents, their adult children and anyone walking
through making decisions for seniors. This 90-minute event will open with a summary of the book, “They’re Your Parents Too!” which is subtitled “How Siblings Can Survive Their Parents’ Aging Without Driving Each Other Crazy.” We hope this event will help initiate conversations. It can give you directions to help navigate complex relationships and difficult exchanges. It can bring joy,
reconciliation, and peace to the journey of aging.

To learn more about this event and the book, you may visit our website at
TrinityWoodsTulsa.com or call 918.346.6671. This event is free and open to the public.

June STAR Employee of the Month are announced – Lori!

June Wellness
In June we celebrate all the men who live in the Woods with a special Men’s Gathering. Our special guest will be Ben Leslie, Chief Development Officer from the Folds of Honor. An F-16 fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, he became painfully aware of the realities families face when a loved one in uniform is fallen or disabled. This Oklahoma-based organization has become a national patriotic movement with chapters across the country. Ben Leslie, who has been with Folds of Honor for 12
years, will talk about their impact and some of the lives that have been changed through their work.

New Neighbors
Meet Sheila and Joe and Sharen!

Download the June issue of The Trail Mix

December Issue of The Trail Mix

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

In This Issue:

It’s Christmas Time at Trinity Woods
Seasons Greetings! You’re invited to Christmas in the Woods. Our annual holiday tradition that puts everyone in the Christmas spirit. This year the event is scheduled for Thursday, December 8th.

Trinity Woods is seeking Board Nominations.

We also announce the December STARS Employees of the Month – Mandie!

December Wellness
There are several special services to highlight the holiday – Christmas Service hosted by Boston Avenue and New Year’s Eve Service. Additionally this year brings lots of opportunities for music and holiday tunes. Mark your calendar for all the events, from sing-a-longs to piano concerts you will not want to miss anything this month.

New Neighbors
Meet Bill and Aneta!

December Availability
We are featuring the Magnolia floor plan in Crestwood. Click here for more information!

Download the December issue of The Trail Mix

November Issue of The Trail Mix

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

In This Issue:

Celebrating Trinity Woods Veterans
This month we highlight those who serve and have served our country with honor – American veterans. Every year Trinity Woods takes time to celebrate and thank these very special people, both men and women who have served, with a special program. The event this year will be held Friday, November 11 at 2 p.m. in the Fleming Center.

Make sure you check the new name of the Bargain Basement – The Treasure Chest!

We also announce the November STARS Employees of the Month – Michael and Anderson!

November Wellness
As the holidays approach Jennifer Rawlings, VP of Wellness, shares tips for managing stress and keeping fit. There are also several featured events this months – Conversation with Chief Wendell Franklin, Dancing with Michael Loman and a Thanksgiving Reception!

New Neighbors
Meet Sharon, Dennis and Norma, and Jean!

November Availability
We are featuring the Maple floor plan in Crestwood. Click here for more information!

Download the November issue of The Trail Mix

October STAR of the Month

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

Stephanie Lieb – Housekeeping

» Start Date: May 2017
» Born: Torrance, CA
» Raised: Gardena, CA and Tulsa, OK
» Education: Will Rogers High School and Community Care College
» Wanted to be as a Kid: Veterinarian or Lawyer
» Favorite Sport: Football
» Described by Friends: Strong, smart, resilient and kind.
» Hobbies: Diamond paintings and crafts
» First Job: Dietary Aide
» Family Recipe: Deviled eggs or Great Grandma’s Baked Beans
» Favorite Book: Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
» Family: Married with four boys
» What her supervisor says: “Stephanie does her job well and cares about the members she serves. She is an asset to Trinity Woods and our team” – Cathy Green, Director of Housekeeping

October Issue of The Trail Mix

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

In This Issue:

Tranquility Wellness Spa
Are you looking for a more tranquil life? Well look no further – the Tranquility Wellness Spa is just the place. This state-of-the-art spa allows residence to freshen up their hair, get a manicure or pedicure and for real relaxation a massage. This month we are also offering a grief Workshop for people looking for support through any type of loss. We also announce the October STARS Employees of the Month – Stephanie and Kelley!

October Wellness
We are excited to extend an invitation to community members and friends to the Annual Trinity Woods Trunk or Treat event scheduled for October 28. October will host many events from concerts, book clubs, pickleball and Fall Festival!

New Neighbors
Meet Dennis and Phil and Lela!

October Availability
This month we announced an amazing Year End Special for the Felt House. Click here for more information!

Download the October issue of The Trail Mix

Welcome Alec Davis!

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

We are excited to introduce the newest member of the Trinity Woods Sales Team, Alec Davis. He is originally from Bixby, OK. He is a graduate of Northeastern State University in Tahlequah with a degree in
business administration. While he is new to senior living, Alec has over 18 years of experience with his last employer where he was in sales for eight years, then promoted to acquisitions. Alec is married to his wife, Jenny, and they have two sons, who attend Union Public Schools. He spends most of his spare time getting the boys to their music lessons and lacrosse events. Alec enjoys his family time and loves to run, bike, remodel his home, and work on his 1977 Datsun (his first car). Please feel free to reach out to
Alec and welcome him to the Trinity Woods neighborhood.

Favorite Sport: Lacrosse
First Job: Chuck E. Cheese
One Meal Forever: Pizza
Friends Describe: Enthusiastic, dynamic and loud
Favorite Holiday: Easter
Collects: Bison
Favorite Quote: “Be curious, not judgmental” Walt Whitman (via Ted Lasso)
Fun Fact: He was a background actor in Killers of the Flower Moon.

Putt Putt Go!

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

We are excited to showcase the newly replaced putting green located southwest of the Spann
Wellness Center. We worked with Celebrity Greens to completely redesign the area. The slope of
the green has been adjusted for a more enjoyable putting experience. Additionally, the entire area has
been relandscaped and a sitting area has been added. We are also looking forward to the addition of
the indoor golf simulator that has been ordered and will be installed in the coming months. The golfers on
campus are sure to enjoy hitting the links all year long.

Inspiring the Workforce of Tomorrow

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

By Jacob Will, VP of Health Services

The concept of the Trinity Woods CNA Student Internship Program began back in 2019, just when COVID-19 had just started to create interruptions. And while the program has faced obstacles, we are proud to say that after more than two years it is going strong and changing lives. Initially when Trinity
Woods collaborated with Nathan Hale High the objective was to provide an experience that would certify students as Nursing Aides (CNA) and provide a paid internship in our Healthcare Households during a semester.

We now work with two different schools – Nathan Hale and Union High Schools. This year we plan to offer four students (per semester) this internship opportunity but there is always space to expand if needed. The internship is divided into two parts, the certification class and then the onsite training here at Trinity Woods. Over the 10-12 week period the students work side by side with their mentors in the Health Center.

The immediate goal of the program is to introduce the students to the person centered care model at Trinity Woods and inspire a career path that will encourage them to advance their clinical education from CNA to Certified Medication Aide and ultimately to Licensed Practical Nurse and Registered Nurse. The long-term goal of the program is the development of a dedicated workforce committed to improving the quality of care of elders. We hope to empower students to explore their passions through individualized
educational opportunities supported by meaningful relationships. The strategy enables students to work outside the school walls and to guide students to develop self advocacy and self-reliance.

Since the beginning of the program Trinity Woods has hosted 19 students into the program. Of those 19, 10 students completed the program and were offered positions at Trinity Woods. Seven of those elected to accept positions at Trinity Woods.

As we look ahead, we are filled with gratitude for the donors who funded the internships. This program has been fully funded by the generosity of others. If you are interested in sponsoring an intern for the Fall semester, the cost is $2,800 and the results are priceless. For more information on helping
these amazing young people contact Bonnie Polak at 918.346.6639 or bpolak@trinitywoodstulsa.com. Truly, the best is yet to come!

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