By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.” James 2: 8-9 NIV

The Apostle James provides his own version of loving thy neighbor, but first he emphasizes and clearly makes the distinction of class division. The book of James chapter 2 highlights for us the behaviors and parameters of who we deem as acceptable and who we consider as neighbors based upon worldly things: power and social status. I believe even today this is where we too struggle with loving our neighbors as God loves us. It is so easy for us to love those who look as we do, dress as we do and move in the same social circles as we do. But what becomes problematic is when we are asked to treat all those we encounter with love, respect, justice, and mercy.

It is easy to love those we self-define as worthy, but it is harder to love those who may be different than we are or those we prejudge and label. It is often difficult to widen the circle of life to include those we discriminate against, those whom we would rather not break bread with, those whom God has called us to include as sisters and brothers. James has much to contribute to our thinking about separatism and inclusion. He reminds and cautions us in chapter 2 verse 9 that in showing favoritism or disregard for the “other,” – we sin. What a sobering thought!

Who then is our neighbor? Our neighbor is anyone in our proximity with whom we can share God’s love. We love people by genuinely seeking what is best for them. Loving others does not mean agreeing with everything they say or do, nor does it mean acting in ways that always gain their approval. We love our neighbors when we have compassion for them and help meet their needs as we are able.

As we serve in the spirit of Christ, remember to always “love your neighbor as yourself.”

By Jennifer Rawlings, Your Wellness Celebrating Guru

As we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Crestwood and the Spann Wellness Center, I can’t help but reflect on the evolution of wellness at Trinity Woods.

As ingrained as Wellness is into our culture now, it’s hard to imagine a time when there wasn’t a Spann Wellness Center or even a Wellness platform. Believe it or not, there was a time when the fitness center consisted of a treadmill and an exercise bike in the basement of the Felt House. Fitness classes were held in the Fleming Center. Charter Club members (Crestwood waiting list) participated in fitness classes held in the Marketing office which was a lakeside home, and each area of the continuum operated as
an individual area, planning their own activities and programs.

The opening of the Spann Wellness Center allowed us to truly bring everyone on campus together and to offer much more. It has expanded our recreational programs like ping pong and pickleball, our functional fitness programs like boxing and line dancing, and our self-directed programs like indoor walking and weight training. The Spann Wellness Center allows both residents and employees to be physically fit as well as have social connection. There is not a day that the Spann coffee bar area isn’t hopping with residents gathering before and after class to enjoy each other’s company.

Through the last 10 years wellness has become the lifestyle for people choosing to move to Trinity Woods. We encourage everyone to take advantage of all the wellness opportunities that are offered. The Seven Dimensions of Wellness are not just a saying for us; it is part of our core culture and beliefs. Through physical, social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, vocational, and environmental wellness, we have added value and purpose to so many individuals.

I could give you so many examples of community members who moved here simply because of our wellness model and culture. I love it when residents share their personal stories and photos that were all made possible by engaging in our wellness programs.

As I look forward to the next 10 years our goal is that everyone at Trinity Woods will be involved and engaged in wellness programs and that wellness will continue to evolve with new and current residents’ needs and interests. I am excited to see where the next decade takes us.

Trinity Woods was named to the TulsaPeople A-List awards for 2022. Our thanks to you for your vote. Bigger thanks to the residents and Trinity Woods team for creating the kind of community that wins
awards. It’s your caring and compassion for your fellow neighbor that makes this a truly amazing place. Way to go Trinity Woods!

Look for the June issue of TulsaPeople to see a complete version of all the winners!

April showers bring May flowers. Most people are familiar with this saying. The month of May is filled with the sounds of birds, the smell of fresh flowers and summer breezes from time to time. The month marks the beginning of the end of spring and the preparations for summer. School age children are anticipating graduations, summer vacation, and parents are planning for family getaways after being inside during the
cold winter months.

May also marks the fifth month of the year. It is the time when life, activities, and nature begin to flourish and multiply. This is also significant from a biblical perspective. The number five means grace, favor, or blessing. It also can mean increase, balance and divine appointment. I do not have enough space
to delve fully into all the meanings. However, in Genesis 1: 20-22 on day five of creation, after God finished speaking forth the great creatures of the seas and every winged fowl, He says, “Be fruitful and multiply.”

The first mention of the number five in the Bible deals with fruitfulness and increase. And because it is the first mention of the number, one could conclude it suggests that the number five will carry some relevance to grace, favor, fruitfulness and increase throughout the rest of the Bible. If this piques your
interest, please seek me out. I would enjoy exploring this more with you.

I say that as a reminder that even the most unpleasant of things and times, in this case the heavy rains of April, can bring about very enjoyable results. “April showers bring May flowers” is also a lesson in patience, and one that remains valid to this day.

Have you had a season of setbacks, disappointments or hindrances? Do not be dismayed. Remember these things: there has never been a wind that did not change directions on clouds that hang around forever, and April showers bring May flowers. Beyond the deluge is the joy of meaning, purpose, and favor-filled results.

By Steve Dickie, CEO

At Trinity Woods we celebrate the neighborly way people are welcomed into the community. We also acknowledge the importance of each person having a sense of belonging. In fact, our tagline was selected to support an aspirational goal for community members and employees, “Belong. Believe. Become.”

In recent visits with serval community members of Trinity Woods I have gained some fascinating insights. When I asked, “What goals were you seeking to accomplish when you chose to move here?” one person responded by saying, “I didn’t know anyone when I moved here. I never imagined I could make such great friends after the age of 80.” Others told me, “I wanted to plan ahead. I wanted to make my own decisions about my future,” and another said, “I moved for my children. I did not want them to have to worry about me.”

I am so impressed by the depth of the interpersonal relationships that have taken root at Trinity Woods. One person described it this way: “When I fi rst moved here, I found new acquaintances. The acquaintances became friends. Those friends I now consider family.”

The rich sense of fellowship is evident. It manifests itself in diverse ways and in a variety of places — in
fitness classes at the Spann Wellness Center, around the pool table or at ping pong in the Community Life Center and around the dining tables in the Charter Oak and Cypress Grille restaurants. I am captivated by the vision of a community where the love and care of others defines our essence.

This “good neighbor” archetype is rooted in the “great commandment.” A teacher of the law once asked Jesus, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” Jesus answered by saying, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength,’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Mark 12:28-34) Thank you for the way you “love one another” so deeply and so well.

The heart of every home (or community) is the kitchen, which is where the idea for “Meet the Chef” was born. This program gives residents an avenue to meet the chefs who create the amazing food at Trinity Woods. For example, did you know that Trinity Woods has three fulltime chefs on the dining team?

In a partnership with the Dining team, we are pleased to announce the return of Trinity Woods’ “Meet the Chef” event. This is an opportunity to not only hear directly from the chefs who prepare the meals, but also learn how to prepare them. There might even be a few Trinity Woods secret recipes shared.

Throughout the years the Trinity Woods’ chefs have featured many recipes, shared stories, and served samplings. The time has come to add a new flare to this longstanding event! In April “Meet the Chef” will be hosted in the Cypress Grille and will feature Chef Ling Pham. Chef Ling has been at Trinity Woods for over 10 years. He was the Executive Chef in Charter Oak and then opened the Cypress Grille where he is currently the Executive Chef.

This enhanced program will highlight a different Trinity Woods chef each month and they will bring their flare to each experience. Members will learn more about the chefs personally and about their cooking style. Each Chef will demonstrate their favorite recipes and teach participants about the cooking process, all while answering questions along the way. And the best part is everyone enjoys a sample!

At the end of the program, members will walk away with a new recipe and have a better insight about what goes into making the delicious food we serve at Trinity Woods. Our goal with the new enhanced program is to offer another way for the residents to interact with the kitchen team and learn new cooking techniques.

Mark your calendar for the Meet the Chef event, which is scheduled for Tuesday,
April 19 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets and reservations are required for this event.

By Sadie Krywicki, Trinity Woods Memory Care Manager

It has been one year since Trinity Woods opened our memory care assisted living houses. At the time, I remember everyone asking, “what makes these houses so special when it comes to memory care?”

The Marshall-Gaddy and Barnes Houses are the newest memory care homes in Tulsa and their unique small house model is unlike any other in the area. Each home offers 12 private rooms with living quarters for each resident, a family-style dining area and open kitchen with full meal service, along with trained caregivers 24 hours-a-day.

However, what makes these houses truly feel like home is our philosophy to encourage residents’ maximum autonomy. Instead of a stringent schedule, we provide options and empower residents to take ownership of their choices. They enjoy shopping, exploring Tulsa attractions and events, attending on-campus events, arts and crafts, baking, music, dancing, and reminiscing in each other’s company.

I have enjoyed watching the residents become a family to each other. Each day brings a new opportunity to fi nd or invigorate someone’s purpose. For example, we have a retired nurse who we often find ‘checking on her patients’ throughout the day and making sure everyone in the house is cared for. We have another gentleman who enjoys entertaining everyone by playing guitar and piano, making everyone smile.

Our “household” model encourages consistent communication and care between caregivers and residents which develops stronger relationships. This allows us to more quickly identify changes in behavior and other concerns in order to make earlier adjustments to lifestyle or treatment, if necessary.

Dementia affects everyone differently and our team is constantly adjusting so that residents have a person-centered experience. We know when we provide residents with a familiar, calm atmosphere that feels and looks like home, the state of their well-being can significantly improve.

For more information about Trinity Woods memory care options call 918.743.2565 or visit TrinityWoodsTulsa.com.

By Don Hertzler, Trinity Woods resident and Tulsa Master Garden

The first half of April, Oklahoma flowering dogwoods put on a show. We have several dogwoods on the Trinity Woods campus. The native dogwoods (Cornus Florida) bloom before the leaves appear but hybrids of the natives and Kousa Dogwoods (Cornus kousa) have larger blooms among green leaves.
I encourage everyone to get out and experience “the woods” wherever you are in Tulsa. Here is a
photo of one from my front yard flowering with the azaleas. Which type of flowering dogwood
is it? See how many dogwoods you can find on our campus or around town this April!

Easter is the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For Christian believers it is the highest of the holy days because this is the day Jesus soundly defeated death, hell, and the grave. Because of His resurrection, believers have a blessed hope of being raised together with Christ and the blessed assurance of spending eternity together with Him in their heavenly homes.

We are preparing for that great day of celebration during the Lenten season. To culminate this season, Christians make final preparations during the week before Easter/Resurrection Sunday known as Holy Week. It starts with Palm Sunday when Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem. The week leads us
through His trial, the Last Supper, His crucifixion, and ends on Easter Sunday with His resurrection.

This is the basis of Christianity; His sacrifice launched the New Covenant God promised and many had prophesied throughout the Old Testament. Each day of Holy Week allows us to peek into the heart of our Savior at intently close proximity. His love for us is reflected in every significant step toward the cross,
every breath up to the last, and His resurrection. Holy Week provides us the opportunity to reflect on and remember what Christ endured to secure our salvation.

Japhari Maji, CNA Buehler Place
» Start Date: September 2005
» Wanted to be as a Kid: A Mechanic
» Described by Friends: A caring person who will
do anything to help
» First Job: Making Air Conditioners
» One Food Forever: Tacos!
» Favorite Book: Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
» Fun Fact: I have an almost photographic memory.
» What his supervisor says: “Japhari is always dependable, and the elders look forward to the
times he is there.” – Cheryl Hrdlicka, Director of Nursing

Delisa Atkins-Gray, Fitness Coordinator
» Start Date: January 2021
» Born: Tulsa, Oklahoma
» Raised: Coweta, Oklahoma
» Favorite Sport: Roller Skating
» Hobbies: Dancing, Camping and Traveling to Bahamas and Jamaica
» Favorite Verse: “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
» Favorite Movie: Funny Farm
» Collects: Jokes! I love to tell them to the residents.
» Family: Married with three Dogs
» What her supervisor says: “Her daily jokes, her kind heart, and her willingness to help make
Delisa a great asset to the Wellness team. Delisa finds creative ways to engage the residents in all
areas of the campus and adds a smile to every room she goes too!” – Jennifer Rawlings, VP of
Wellness

We are pleased to announce that Trinity Woods Board Member, Wendy Williams has been selected as a 2022 Pinnacle Award Winner. These awards honor women who are exemplary leaders in the Tulsa
community and demonstrate both professional success and commitment to service. The Pinnacle Awards were established by the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women to celebrate the important contributions of women to the City of Tulsa. Wendy joined the Trinity Woods Board this year. She is the owner of Health and Safety Education Consultants Training Center, an approved State of Oklahoma Health Department Nurse Aide Registry program. Wendy recognized there was a need to increase the number of training centers to help students become Certified Nursing Assistants and enter other health service entry level careers. She is also the founder and president of Eastern Oklahoma Black Nurses Association, a local chapter of the National Black Nurses Association, Inc.

By Jennifer Rawlings, Your Friendly Neighborhood Wellness Guru

Today’s seniors are living longer than ever, and their wellness routines are evolving to ensure each new year brings not only physical health, but also purpose and contentment. That’s why Trinity Woods takes a multifaceted approach to wellness. We invite everyone to redefine what it means to live and be well
at every age.

Wellness can look different to each individual and there are many factors that can influence each person’s wellness. Your beliefs, values, education, traditions, environment and past experiences all shape what wellness means to you.

According to a survey by the International Council on Active Aging, senior living communities are increasingly moving away from a care-first mindset and toward a wellness lifestyle with options for care available. For the Trinity Woods community this has been our mindset for years.

We embrace wellness in all areas of campus with these types of wellness programs:
• Education and lifelong learning
• Exercise (led by both instructors and technology)
• Health education and disease management
• Food and nutrition education and preparation
• Intergenerational programs linking youth and older adults
• Social and cultural events

The goal of the Wellness Team at Trinity Woods is for there to be a true sense of achievement where residents are learning and developing, fostering relationships with meaningful interactions, and fulfilling their purpose. This is accomplished by focusing on the seven dimensions of healthy aging: Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Social, Spiritual, Environmental and Vocational.

When you participate in a physical, social, or educational program you are actively working to improve your longevity and overall well-being. Wellness is ingrained in the culture of Trinity Woods.
We would love to discuss how we can help you achieve your wellness goals.

If you want more information about wellness opportunities for yourself or a loved one, available at Trinity Woods, contact Jennifer Rawlings, VP of Wellness at 918.346.6663.

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

Did you notice something during the height of the pandemic lockdown? When much of the man-made world was forced to hit the pause button, everything in the natural world began to clear up and turn green! Smog decreased, air quality increased, birds sang louder, trees laughed again, and the earth seemingly rejoiced. People stopped but nature did not. Spring still arrived.

Some may say, “What’s the big deal? That’s only nature,” but it means something greater. In our time of recluse, God, in His faithfulness, brought spring. And here we are on the precipice of another spring.

When Noah left the ark in Genesis 8 and 9, God made several promises. He said in 8:22, “While
the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” (NASB) God promised that the seasons will continue and that the season of life will always return after winter. The coming of spring is a picture of God’s complete faithfulness.

God’s faithfulness transcends beyond nature. During the winters of life, His faithfulness remains with us through every trial. God carries us through every one of our hard times. It does not matter the size or depth of our situation; God remains with us. His faithfulness does not allow Him to abandon us.

God does not want us to feel alone or afraid. In Deuteronomy 31:6(c) He says, “…He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (NASB) Just like year after year He brings spring, day-in-and-day-out, He stays faithfully with us. Nature keeps going because God upholds it and is faithful to His creation. If He is faithful to His creation, He is even more faithful to us.

No doubt we live in a strange and uncertain time. We do not know what lies ahead, but as you make your way through this strange and uncertain time, look out your window or go for a walk. When you see that everything is turning green, know that God is faithful.

Adapted from inspiration.org

This spring Trinity Woods will break ground on three brand new villas for independent living. After evaluating some of the current properties the decision was made to tear down an existing villa and duplex to make room for these new homes.

“We are excited about this addition to our community,” said Dennis Graham, COO. “As with any renovation or new construction project we undertake, these villas will be built with full attention to detail and master craftsmanship in mind.”

While each villa will have unique features and floor plans, the design will keep with the overall aesthetic of the community and other villas. Each villa will offer two bedrooms with large walk-in closets, an open concept living area with a gas fi replace for relaxing with a good book. Additionally the plan offers a private study, two full bathrooms and one-half bath as well as a spacious laundry room. The modern streamlined kitchen will have a large center island with a bar seating area perfect for entertaining. There will be a covered patio, full size two-car garage, and a fully landscaped yard with a sprinkler system.

“As part of this process we welcome the new owner to be part of the selection process. We want them to be able to select the designer colors, finishes, and fixtures, if they choose.” said Dennis. “We expect to be able to build each villa within 120 days and we are excited to work with the resident.”

If you would like more information on the new villas or other independent living options at Trinity Woods, contact us at 918.574.2590. We have several information sessions scheduled for this month!