As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to embrace the festive spirit than by stepping into the enchanting world of Christmas in the Woods. This beloved annual tradition transforms the Trinity Woods campus into a winter wonderland, brimming with charm, creativity, and holiday cheer.

Christmas in the Woods offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and seasonal joy. Twinkling lights adorn the trees, creating a magical ambiance that invites visitors of all ages to explore and celebrate. Some of the highlights of this year’s event include a live nativity, horse-drawn carriage rides, a train display, a candy shop, and Santa and Mrs. Claus.

No holiday event would be complete without delicious food, and Christmas in the Woods delivers that in spades. Visitors can indulge in everything from carved prime rib and ham with all the holiday sides and piping hot cocoa to fresh fudge. Be sure to sample all the specialties and festive baked goods while strolling through campus.

The magic of Christmas in the Woods extends beyond its sights and flavors. Live music by carolers and local musicians, and a holiday performance by Grady Nichols will provide entertainment for the entire family. Kids can enjoy special activities like Elfie Selfies or a visit with Santa himself, while adults can savor the warm camaraderie of the holiday spirit.

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.

To purchase tickets, visit the Crestwood Concierge or the Holliman Center Receptionist – $15 members, $18 guests, and $10 children ages 3-12. Children under 3 are free. For more information call 918.346.6614.

Celebrate the holidays in a place where the season truly comes to life. Experience the wonder of Christmas in the Woods—it’s a tradition you’ll want to keep for years to come.

By Lupina Fry, Wellness Nurse

It’s funny how time changes our perceptions of what is considered normal. Not long ago, the word cancer was taboo. Lack of community involvement made the fight for your life one you fought almost alone. But time and understanding, and increased support have changed things, and it took a while to
get there. The diagnosis of dementia is following the same slow path.

Today we acknowledge that dementia issues are a real challenge to our collective future. All of us are likely to encounter cognitive challenges with those around us. Science tells us as we age one in four of us will be diagnosed with some type of dementia. And that person will need at least three people to provide adequate care. It can be a difficult road for each person in that scenario. With support, compassion and understanding for a person living with dementia and their loved ones, we can make a difference. Trinity Woods is a dementia friendly community, and we are proud of the work we’ve done to support families and loved ones living with dementia. We understand it takes a community to change the tide.

In the next few months, a series of presentations will be held to learn more about dementia and dementia care. Topics will include communication techniques, care challenges, the effects of different types of dementia diagnoses and a path forward. Whether you, your friend or a loved one has been diagnosed,
join us. Check your Trinity Woods calendar for information on the date, time, and location or call 918.346.6618.

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV)

Through seasons of change and transition, we can rest assured that one thing never changes, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever.” As we look at what the Bible says about the divisions of the year known as the seasons, we find assurance for the seasons of our lives as they change and transition. In the Bible, winter, spring, summer, and autumn are spoken about in relation to the agricultural
activities of planting, growing, and harvesting. The seasons of change and transition are also used to describe the lives of God’s people.

Everyone will experience change; however, change is not always the problem, it’s the transition or the adjustment to or acceptance of change. In other words, my difficulty lies in transitioning my internal
response to the external stimuli of change.

Change and transition are related concepts, but they have distinct meanings:
Change:
*Change refers to an alteration in a situation, circumstance, or condition. It can be external or internal.
*It is often visible and tangible—for example, moving to a new city, switching jobs, or adopting a new hairstyle.

Change can be sudden or gradual, and it can be planned or unexpected.
In an organizational context, change might involve restructuring, process improvements, technology upgrades or new leadership at the top.

Transition:
*Transition goes beyond the surface-level change. It encompasses the psychological and emotional process that accompanies change.
*It involves adjusting to the new reality, letting go of the old, and embracing the unknown.
*Transitions are more about the internal journey—the feelings, thoughts, and adaptations.
*In an organizational context it can be when someone retires: the change is leaving the workplace, but the transition involves finding a new sense of purpose and identity.

In summary, change is the external shift, while transition is the internal process of adapting to that change. Both are intertwined and essential for growth and development. And remember we can all rely upon the One who does not change, Jesus Christ, to help us face all of life’s personal transitions.

By Steve Dickie, CEO

Serving Trinity Woods for the past 20 years has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.
This month I want to take the opportunity to say thank you as we pass the torch to a new leader.

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 a 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!

Nothing is more gratifying to me than to witness the positive impact Trinity Woods has on the people and the families we serve.

Trinity Woods has an outstanding Mission: Serving the Trinity Woods family in the spirit of Christ. None of us lit the flame. That happened 68 years ago! But we are all responsible for keeping the flame of the mission of Trinity Woods burning bright.

I am pleased to share the Board voted unanimously to hire Garrett Lee as the next CEO of Trinity Woods. Next month’s issue of the Trail Mix will be devoted to introducing Garrett to the community. I look forward to seeing all that God still has in store for Trinity Woods.

Your neighbor and friend,
Steve Dickie

Please be watching for communication about events to honor Steve.

By Jacob Will, VP of Health Services

Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, has long been a daunting challenge for both those diagnosed and the medical community. However, recent years have witnessed significant breakthroughs in the understanding of the disease and new treatments. Being a board member of the Oklahoma Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, I wanted to share with you some knowledge on
these new treatments.

For decades, the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain has been a hallmark feature of Alzheimer’s disease. All previous medications could only treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. New treatments aim to target and clear these abnormal protein deposits of beta amyloid. These treatments
work by binding to amyloid plaques and facilitating their removal, potentially slowing down the progression of the disease.

Two such treatments have progressed through Phase 3 trials: Leqembi and Donanemab. Leqembi has already gained FDA approval, and Donanemab has applied for such status. Both
treatments are similar in their attack of beta amyloid and have been shown to slow the progress of Alzheimer’s for around six months.

Early diagnosis remains crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of these treatments. Improved diagnostic tools and increased awareness of Alzheimer’s disease can help identify cases in their early stages, when interventions are more likely to be effective. Specific blood tests to identify high traces of beta amyloid are in clinical trials as well. Developing a simple blood test to find biomarkers for Alzheimer’s would
drastically cut down the cost and time associated with confirming a diagnosis.

DID YOU KNOW?
The Tulsa Walk to End Alzheimer’s is one of the largest in the country coming in 6th for funds raised. These donations allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment, and, hopefully, a cure.

It is important to know that these treatments have been shown to slow progress but not stop it. There is not a cure yet. If you have specific questions about the blood tests, treatments or clinical trials, please contact your primary care physician. In addition, you can research this topic and more
on the Alzheimer’s Association website at www.alz.org. Finally, there is an Alzheimer’s Association Support Group that meets on the Trinity Woods campus. They meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 p.m. in the Crestwood 3rd floor meeting room. No reservation is needed, and all are welcome.

By Bonnie Polak, VP of Philanthropy and Community Engagement

What does it mean to leave a legacy? Simply put, it means leaving your mark on the future and making a contribution to future generations. At Trinity Woods those people are part of our Tin Man Society. Each member of the Society will be part of this community long after they are no longer living here. Imagine helping a future neighbor at Trinity Woods that you don’t even know and hasn’t even selected Trinity Woods for their home yet.

To join the Tin Man Society, simply inform us that you have provided for the mission of Trinity Woods in one of these seven ways.

1. Will or Revocable Living Trust: Designate a specific or percentage amount to go to Trinity Woods, Inc. A contingency bequest allows Trinity Woods, Inc. to receive the remainder and residue of your estate if other beneficiaries are deceased or cannot inherit.

2. Permanent Endowment: Current gifts that establish a permanent endowment to benefit the
community.

3. Charitable Gift Annuity: You transfer your cash or property in exchange for a guaranteed fixed income (with rates based on your age) for the rest of your life.

4. A Charitable Remainder Trust: This type of gift pays you an income for life. With an Unitrust, there is the potential that your income could increase over time with growth in the trust. An annuity trust pays out a fixed amount each year based on the value of the property at the time it is gifted.

5. Insurance Policy: You can give your life insurance policy to Trinity Woods and receive a charitable income tax deduction. Then make deductible contributions each year that we may use to pay the premiums. You can also designate Trinity Woods as the beneficiary of your life insurance policy.

6. Beneficiary on Investment Account(s): Beneficiary designation on IRA’s, CDs, commercial annuities,
savings accounts, and savings bonds. Also, if you are 70 ½ or older, you can make a gift of up to $100,000 to Trinity Woods from your IRA to meet your annual distribution requirement. By making an IRA
charitable rollover gift, you are able to avoid taxes on the IRA distribution while supporting our charitable
mission.

7. Donating your Membership Fee: A simple amendment to your Membership Agreement is an easy
way to give your eligible entrance fee refund. Contributing your entrance fee refund directly to the
fund of your choice is a simple way to benefit the community you call home as well as, there is no out-of-pocket expense to create the gift.

If you have any questions about any of these gift options, please contact our legacy office at 918.346.6639. By doing any of the above, one becomes a member of the Tin Man Society. We hope you will prayerfully consider leaving a lasting legacy. Trinity Woods is a community of kind and compassionate
people and through their generosity, others will be able to experience it for years to come.

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

Life sometimes gets hard. Things we don’t want to happen occur. Our plans vaporize. We find ourselves exactly where we never wanted to be—or perhaps we have to sit by and watch a loved one suffer.

Yet God gives rivers in the deserts of life. We want a way around them—for ourselves and for our loved ones. But God doesn’t promise to take us around the deserts of life—instead He promises to give us life-giving, refreshing rivers in the midst of them. Many times, it’s in the desert—in those hard times—we
learn to receive His miraculous provision and strength.

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19

Whatever you’re facing, whether it’s a big or comparatively small hardship, choose to thank God. Thank Him because it can help show you His provision. Thank Him for working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). Thank Him that He knows what it is to suffer—that He came and suffered on the cross so we would one day get to live again with Him in a perfect world. Thank Him for using suffering to refine and work eternal glory we cannot even comprehend (2 Corinthians 4:17), even though suffering was not part of His original creation but came as a result of the fall in the garden of Eden. Thank God for how He has proven His faithfulness to you and others in the past and know that He will be faithful to keep and guide you through this too.

As you choose to “rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16), you’ll find the refreshing rivers of His strength and joy in the middle of life’s challenges.

By Irene Brown, Life Enrichment Coordinator

Wow! Trinity Woods is not only a community of lifelong learners, but we are blessed with an amazing number of talented, educated, and enthusiastic lifelong teachers as well. This year will mark the seventh year of Trinity Woods Summer School and I am excited to announce that it also is the year we have more classes than ever before, all taught by our very own community members in July and August.

The Wellness Team strives to off er lifelong learning programs on a variety of different topics. We recognize that people have a natural drive to explore, learn and grow and we encourage everyone to improve their quality of life and sense of self-worth by pursuing the ideas and goals that inspire them. Kudos to those who have stepped up each year of Summer School not only to learn but also to teach such fascinating classes.

Lifelong learning is good for your brain and for your self-esteem. Trinity Woods Summer School classes promote social wellness as we learn and discuss together. There is such a wide variety of classes offered this year that I know every resident will find at least one class to be of interest. From games to wine to end-of-life planning to science to theology and even more, there is a cornucopia of learning to be enjoyed!

All the classes will be held on the Trinity Woods campus. The classes are all at different times, which makes it easy to take part in as many classes as you wish. Peruse the fascinating course offerings and see what you would like to learn more about. For a full list of the classes offered in July, please see page 4 and 5. Class will soon be in session!

By Bonnie Polak, VP of Philanthropy and Community Engagement

We all have heard the story of the Good Samaritan who came to the aid of a complete stranger in a great time of need. But what you may not know is that in 1961 Dr. John Webb, the appointed director of Oklahoma Methodist Manor (as we were called at the time), spoke to the then Board of Directors about a great need for our community.

Dr. Webb told the story of residents who were living on campus, solely by the generosity of gifts from people across the state. He said we were not just called to preach the gospel of the New Testament but also called into action. That was the beginning of what we know as the Good Samaritan Fund.

Today the Good Samaritan Fund continues to be a vital part of the mission and ministry of Trinity Woods. It addresses the needs of current and future residents who outlive their resources. This benevolence bridges the gap not covered by Medicaid. Over the past 5 years we have provided $1.2 million in funds for residents at Trinity Woods.

“The Good Samaritan Fund is what allows us to fulfill our brand promise to our residents,” said Steve Dickie, CEO. “Once you move to Trinity Woods, you will be able to live out your days with peace of mind and dignity, knowing you will be cared for if you run out of money.”

A gift to the Good Samaritan Fund DOES make a difference. Remember that any gift of $300 receives a commemorative brick that will be engraved and located in front of the Community Life Center. A gift can be made as an honorarium or memorial in the name of someone who is living or no longer with us. All donations are 100% tax deductible. For more information or to make a gift, visit TrinityWoodsTulsa.com/donate.

By Lupina Fry, Wellness Nurse

As I struggle to cover this topic, a looming deadline ahead of me, I admit to feeling a little stressed. It’s normal to some degree. However, unrelenting, debilitating stress is not “normal”. Stress Awareness Month serves to remind us to be aware of health consequences so we can make good choices for ourselves and our families.

According to the National Institute of Health, although life itself can often be stressful; when you begin to experience problems with your health, you may be at higher risk for developing anxiety disorders or depression. Stress can affect your immune, digestive, or cardiovascular systems, your cognitive capabilities, and even your sleeping patterns.

Amazingly, although stress can be debilitating and can cause and/or aggravate health problems, we don’t always notice stress is happening to us. Careful attention to your body may shed light on your stress levels. Some subtle signs of stress can be frequent or recurring headaches; overeating, indigestion, or constipation; tense muscles-especially shoulders and neck; hair falling out; jaw or tooth pain; frequent colds or cold sores; confusion or forgetfulness; and sleep disturbances- either sleeping too little or
too much. Do any of these symptoms resonate with you?

If so, what can you do about the stress in your life? Begin by being honest with yourself. Then take a closer look at your environment, your to-do lists, and your commitment to others. Make yourself and your time a higher priority. Exercise can be one of the most effective de-stressors. Long walks in the fresh air
help destress and may improve some of the harsh effects stress has on the cardiovascular, digestive, and immune systems. Eat healthy regular meals, stick to a sleep routine, and avoid drinking excess soft drinks, coffee, or alcohol. Give yourself permission to say “No”. Keep a journal and write down goals along with your feelings and positive self-supportive statements. Identify and challenge negative and unhelpful thoughts and confide in friends and family who may help you cope more positively.

If you are struggling to cope and symptoms do not resolve or begin to worsen, it may be time to talk to a professional. You can find more information on the National Institute of Mental Health website at www.nimh.nih.gov/findhelp.