Author: Bonnie Polak

September Issue of The Trail Mix

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

In This Issue:

Inspiring the Workforce of Tomorrow
Learn more about the Trinity Woods Student Internship Program. We are proud that after two year, and one pandemic, the program is still going strong and the students are still being inspired by serving elders. Trinity Woods is showcasing this unique and innovated program that changes lives. We also announce the September STARS Employee of the Month – Dorothy! And meet the new faces at Trinity Woods – Jerome Steele in Finance and Alec Davis in the Sales Office.

September Wellness
We are excited to extend an invitation to community members and friends to the Annual Trinity Woods Health & Wellness Fair! Come learn about offerings on campus and what is available from the surrounding community. The Annual Health & Wellness Fair will be held on Thursday, September 15th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Community Life Center.

New Neighbors
Meet Rita and Oakley!

September Availability
This month we are showcasing the Crestwood residences. Contact us to learn more about some special offers that are currently available. Click here for more information!

Download the September issue of The Trail Mix

Trinity Woods Online Logo Shop

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

We are excited to announce the Trinity Woods Logo Shop! Community members can now show their Trinity Woods spirit. The website will be live through Sunday, August 21. Items purchased will be ready for pick up at the September Town Hall, scheduled for September 9. For questions about ordering TW merchandise contact Heidi Garrett at 918.346.6671.

To access the website click here!

August Issue of The Trail Mix

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

In This Issue:

Celebrating One Year for the Community Life Center
It has been one year since we opened the Trinity Woods Community Life Center. This space has allowed us to truly bring together our community in so many ways. We are excited to host “The Big Show” to celebrate this special anniversary with lots of performers and fun! We announce the August STARS Employees of the Month – Clarence and Amy!

August Wellness
This month we finish out our summer school schedules with Japanese Culture, Jewelry Making and Recycling. We also are excited to announce the new Biodex Balance System to our therapy program. We also have the Eicher Thursday concert for the music lovers in the neighborhood!

New Neighbors
Meet Bob and Toni!

August Availability
This month we are showcasing the Patio Homes residences. Click here for more information!

Download the August issue of The Trail Mix

July Issue of The Trail Mix

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

In This Issue:

Summer School at Trinity Woods
We are excited to showcase the lifelong learning that is happening through the Trinity Woods Summer School programs. These classes are taught by our very own community members. We have a variety of different options sure to pique everyone’s interests. We announce the July STARS Employees of the Month – Cathy and Laura!

July Wellness
This month we welcome Lori Fullbright from Tulsa’s Channel 6, will tell us about the latest cons, frauds, and scams. We also have several concerts for all the music lovers in the neighborhood – Amt Cottingham and Eicher Thursday!

New Neighbors
Meet Donna and Carson and Tom!

July Availability
This month we are showcasing the residences in Crestwood. Click here for more information!

Download the July issue of The Trail Mix

June Issue of The Trail Mix

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

In This Issue:

Good Samaritan – Paving the Way
This month we talk about being the Good Samaritan for your neighbor. We also celebrate 10 years of wellness at Trinity Woods. We look back at what we have achieve and honor those who began the journey with when we opened Crestwood. Join us for a Crestwood birthday party on June 10th! We announce the May STARS Employee of the Month – Rosal!

May Wellness
We announce Wendell Franklin, Tulsa Chief of Police, as the special guest for the annual Men’s Shindig. Featured events include a trip to Oklahoma City, Don Irwin piano concert, Richard Miller guitar concert and Book Club with Mary Helen Stanley, a community favorite.

New Neighbors
Meet Erna and Linda!

June Availability
This month we are showcasing the brand new Villa that is available. Click here for more information!

Download the June issue of The Trail Mix

May Issue of The Trail Mix

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

In This Issue:

Celebrating the Neighborly Way of Life
This month we explore what make the Trinity Woods neighborhood special – what are you waiting for? You won’t want to miss the article on Pickleball the fast growing sport in the US. We also celebrate the May STARS Employees of the Month – Karen and Tim!

May Wellness
We are brining back Spring Fling! A great afternoon with fellowship, fun, and food! Featured events include a trip to Pawnee, Lyndon Myer Piano Concert, and Eicher Thursday a community favorite.

New Neighbors
Meet Betty and Evelyn!

May Availability
This month we are showcasing the Maple Floor Plan in Crestwood. Click here for more information!

Download the May issue of The Trail Mix

Affordable Senior Living Community Option!

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

This month we are featuring the most affordable senior living community option in Tulsa – Trinity Woods’ Felt House apartments. Located in the heart of Tulsa, Trinity Woods is 40 acres of scenic beauty, full of life, and great neighbors. Discover a sense of community like no other. Trinity Woods is a place to grow, connect and truly live. Right now we are offering an April Special. The Felt House offers 1 bedroom and bathroom, living room, and kitchen but you also receive three meals a day. For this month only the entry fee is $5,000 (based on the standard plan) and $2,745 in monthly expenses – don’t forget this includes meals, housekeeping and maintenance! And $5000 toward moving expenses! Contact us for more info.

April Issue of The Trail Mix

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

In This Issue:

Memory Care Houses – A Year in Review
It has been one year since we opened the Marshall-Gaddy and Barnes memory care assisted living houses on campus. In this issue we hear from Memory Care Manager, Sadie Krywicki about what makes these houses so special. We also celebrate the April STARS Employees of the Month – Delisa and Japhari!

April Wellness
Trinity Woods announces the return of Meet the Chef! We also highlight all the Holy Week services on campus with special guest speakers. This month we several different concerts along with the book club.

New Neighbors
Meet Matt and Teilla; Don and Judy; and Betty!

Download the April issue of The Trail Mix

Volunteer for your Health

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

April is National Volunteering Month. Did you know that volunteering is a reciprocal act? The benefits of volunteering can be improving mental health, making new friends, gaining a sense of purpose and connectedness, as well as boosting your overall happiness! Volunteering also enhances the programs and offerings at Trinity Woods. We would not have the robust programming if it were not for the volunteers. Community participation is what makes Trinity Woods the premier place to be. Let me say “thank you for all your efforts and dedication!”

Even during the trying times of 2020 members found ways to volunteer on campus. Some of our long-standing opportunities were put on hold, some were able to be adapted throughout the year, and new opportunities were created. As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, we want to celebrate the 140 on campus volunteers from 2020.

Here are just some of the ways people volunteered:  Bargain Basement, Caring Mat-ters, Fifth Thursday, Food Committee, Health Center Volunteer, Holliman Center Volunteer, Event Help, Libraries, Manor Bears, Manor Mirror, Marketing Ambassadors, Member Council, Movie Nights, Needlecraft, Program Presenters/Organizers, Screenwatchers Guild, Worship and Spiritual Life, Pianists, Walk and Rollers, WAC, Thanksgiving, CLC Planning, Development, Spann Set-Up, Welcome Wednesday, and the Safety Committee. 

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Irene Brown at 918-346-6614 or ibrown@trinitywoodstulsa.com.

Ways to Save Money

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

By Senior VP of Finance, Jim Ginther

In my line of work, people are always asking for finance tips…So here is my best advice –
START USING A BUDGET.

Budgeting is helpful when it comes to cutting expenses. Budgets require you to track
spending and set reasonable expectations for how much you spend. Here are my “best
tips” for saving money.

SHOP AROUND FOR AUTO AND HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE – When it comes
to different insurance products like auto and home insurance, you can easily save money if
you shop around and compare insurance from other providers.

CONSOLIDATE CREDIT CARD DEBT – The average credit card interest rate is over
16%, which means you could be saving big if you consolidated your credit card debt with
a 0% APR credit card or a personal loan. Balance transfer credit cards let you avoid interest for up to 21 months.

SWITCH CELL PHONE PROVIDERS – How much are you paying for your cell phone? Chances are good you could be paying less if you are willing to switch providers.

PLAN SEVERAL “NO SPEND” DAYS PER WEEK – Did you know that spending $27.40 a day adds up to $10,000 a year? Small purchases can add up quickly. Plan a few “no spend” days each week or a couple of weeks each month.

FINAL BUDGETING TIP – The number one rule in budgeting is, do not go over budget.

March STARS Employee of the Month

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

Harriet Zavala – LPN, Buehler Place
» Start Date: August 2021
» Born and Raised: Winchester, KY
» Wanted to be as a Kid: Teacher
» Favorite Sport: Basketball
» Hobbies: Knitting and Reading
» Favorite Book: Little Women
» Collects: Frogs and Gnomes
» Fun Fact: Used to be a correctional officer in Texas.
» What her supervisor says: “Harriet is compassionate about her work at Trinity Woods.
She is loving, kind and sensitive to her team and the residents. Harriet is devoted to her work,
and I can always count on her. I appreciate all that she does for our team.” Trina Yoder, Buehler
Household Manager


Moments in Black History by Chaplain Weldon Tisdale

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

Mary Ellen Pleasant

Mary Ellen Pleasant was born on Aug. 19, 1814 in Virginia and spent her early years in Nantucket, Massachusetts.  She worked as a bond servant to the Hussey family, an abolitionist family.  She later married James Smith, a wealthy former plantation owner and an abolitionist.  Mary Ellen and James worked on the Underground Railroad.  After Smith’s death four years later, Mary Ellen continued her work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad.

Mary Ellen married John James Pleasant around 1848.  To avoid trouble with slavers for their abolitionist work, the couple moved to San Francisco, California in April 1852.  Mrs. Pleasant established several restaurants for California miners, the first named the Case and Heiser.  With the help of clerk Thomas Bell, Mrs. Pleasant amassed a fortune by 1875 through her investments and various businesses by 1875.  She also helped to establish the Bank of California. Making her one of the wealthiest and most influential Black Americans in history.

Pleasant earned her title as the “Mother” of California’s early civil rights movement, establishing the local Underground Railroad.  She financially supported abolitionist John Brown from 1857 to 1859.   In the 1860s and 1870s, Mrs. Pleasant brought several civil rights lawsuits in California, especially against the trolley companies, most of which she won.

During the 1880s, a smear campaign by the widow of Thomas Bell damaged Mrs. Pleasant’s reputation.  Local newspapers began to taunt her with the pejorative title “mammy,” which she reportedly hated.  She never recovered her prestige from this campaign. Mary Ellen Pleasant died on Jan. 4, 1904.

Moments In Black History by Chaplain Weldon Tisdale

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

Annie Turnbo Malone

Annie Malone was born in 1869, in Metropolis, Illinois, to formerly enslaved parents and orphaned at a young age. From an early age, Malone understood that for African American women, appearance and grooming represented more than their personal style. It could also indicate a woman’s class and social standing. She realized that improving hair health could also have a positive effect on the lives of African American’s. This motivation, along with her early passion for styling her sisters’ hair, inspired Malone to develop products to help women adapt to a society that judged them based on how they met the American standard of beauty (which excluded the natural appearance of most African Americans). 

Malone not only faced the challenges of being a black woman in a segregated society but a businesswoman in a sexist society. Undeterred, she began experimenting with chemistry and established a successful business after developing a line of products that were advertised to help improve scalp health and promote hair growth. Some of these products included scalp preparations and her famous “Hair Grower.” After early success in Illinois, she moved to Missouri in 1902 and founded Poro College Company which became a very successful training ground for many women and men.

Black History is American History

February Issue of The Trail Mix

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

In This Issue:

Tin Man Society Dinner in February
Special guest speaker Jill Donovan will highlight this night that focuses on kindness through philanthropy. Learn more about leaving your legacy!

February Wellness
Celebration of Black History month by Chaplain Tisdale. Highlights from the Maintain Don’t Gain Challenge. Valentine Celebration – Friendship, Community, and Love!

New Neighbors
Meet Mary, Norma, and Don and Chris!

Download the February issue of The Trail Mix

Nutritious and Delicious for Game Day!

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious snack to watch the “big” game look no further! Trinity Woods VP of Wellness Jennifer Rawlings recommends this tasty treat!

Ingredients
• 4 Tbsp hot pepper sauce, divided use
• 2 Tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 1 dash ground cayenne pepper to taste (optional)
• 1 lb raw chicken breast tenders
• 1⁄4 cup reduced-fat (2%) plain yogurt
• 1 Tbsp crumbled blue cheese
• 4 medium celery stalks, cut into sticks

Instructions
Combine 1 Tbsp. hot sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne (if desired) in a small bowl; mix well. Add chicken; toss to coat. Marinate, covered, in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375° F. Place chicken in a baking dish. Discard any remaining marinade. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in the middle. While chicken is baking, combine yogurt and cheese in a small bowl; mix
well. Set aside. Combine chicken and remaining 3 Tbsp. hot sauce in a large bowl; toss gently to blend.

Serve chicken with dip and celery.

Introducing the Trinity Woods new Marketing and Sales Team

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

Trinity Woods recently announced the restructuring of the Sales and Marketing Department. We have reassigned some responsibility and added a new sales representative. This reorganization will allow us to better promote the overall Trinity Woods community and offer a more personalized sales approach.

In the new structure Bonnie Polak will serve as the Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Engagement. In this role she will continue to be responsible for philanthropy but will extend her public relations role to include marketing the community and oversight of the two-person sales team.

“I am eager to be part of this team,” said Bonnie. “We are at an exciting time for Trinity Woods not just because of our new name and brand but all of the new amenities we have to offer. Trinity Woods is an amazing community of caring and kind people. I look forward to our team sharing that with others.”

Nadine Barnes and Kristi Hinesley are the Trinity Woods sales representatives and will work with prospective members to showcase the community. Both have extensive senior living sales experience and expertise to highlight the heart and neighborly feel of our community. Nadine has served the Trinity Woods community for the past 10 years and Kristi comes to us from another senior living community. The structure will be a true team approach allowing each of them to help prospects find their perfect home on the Trinity Woods campus.

This next year we look forward to introducing more families to this great community. We know our current members are our best reference so if you know of someone looking for their new home, please reach out to Nadine and Kristi. Remember there are incentives for referrals and rewards if your friends join our community!

12 Commandments for Seniors

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

Submitted by resident Bill Moorer (original author unknown)

  1. Talk to yourself. There are times you need expert advice.
  2. “In Style” are the clothes that still fit.
  3. You don’t need anger management. You need people to stop making you mad.
  4. Your people skills are just fine. It’s your tolerance for idiots that needs work.
  5. The biggest lie you tell yourself is, “I don’t need to write that down. I’ll remember it.”
  6. “On time” is when you get there.
  7. Even duct tape can’t fix stupid – but it sure does muffle the sound.
  8. “One for the road” means going to the bathroom before you leave the house.
  9. Lately, you’ve noticed people your age are so much older than you.
  10. Growing old should have taken longer.
  11. Aging has slowed you down, but it hasn’t shut you up.
  12. You still haven’t learned to act your age and hope you never will.

Local Author Night: John Wooley and Brett Bingham: Twentieth Century Honkey-Tonk

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

Trinity Woods welcomes authors John Wooley and Brett Bingham for a look at their new book about a Tulsa icon. It was supposed to be a car dealership. Instead, it became one of the most famous American music venues of all time. For the first time ever, all the secrets of the hottest honky-tonk of the 20th Century, the Cain’s Ballroom, are revealed, in the words of the people who made it happen.

Spanning the famed venue’s first 75 years, from 1924 through 1999, Twentieth-Century Honky-Tonk tells it all, from Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys—who became a national sensation with their clear-channel ballroom broadcasts— to U2, the Police, and Van Halen. Books will be available for purchase and signing at a cost of $20, cash or credit card accepted.

John Wooley is a writer, novelist, lecturer, filmmaker, and radio and TV host who specializes in the movies, literature, and music of the 1930s and ‘40s as well as other pop-culture history. Brett Bingham has managed and booked dozens of musical acts, specializing in western Swing. Currently, he’s the business manager for Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys under the direction of Jason Roberts.

Be Well in the New Year

Posted on by Bonnie Polak

by Jennifer Rawlings, VP of Wellness

What if your health and well-being were your job? What if it was your top priority? It is the time
of year when most people set their goals and then want to see instant results.

I encourage you to resist the temptation to give up, especially if you don’t see immediate results after the first two weeks. Your health is a work in progress. You must find what works for you. Your success is built upon failures and trials. Never quit when you are struggling; you only fail when you quit. As long as you are working toward your goal, you are making progress. It doesn’t matter how slow or how fast you are going as long as you keep going. You are
worth it!

If your health is something you think about every day or even if it is something you only think about when you have to, you are still making progress by thinking about it at all. Your health is the product of small choices you make every day. Remember skipping one workout or eating one dessert doesn’t make you unhealthy and doesn’t derail your goals. However, skipping a workout more often than not and fueling your body with processed foods will take you farther and farther away from your healthy goals for wellbeing!

Make your health a priority to make your life better. Being well is not a punishment to your body, it is something you are doing that is good for you. Celebrate, embrace, and be proud of being well. It’s all about your mindset.

Love yourself and allow the struggle to help you grow. Enjoy the process; remind yourself of the small wins and focus on where you want to go. You owe it to yourself to do the best you can and invest in you!

What Now?

Take the Next Step