Have you ever wondered what it would be like to play a round of golf at Pebble Beach or St. Andrews, just like the professionals? Well, now you can at Trinity Woods’ new Indoor Golf Experience, located on campus.

“We are so excited to off er this new activity to our residents,” said Steve Dickie, Trinity Woods CEO. “Whether you are an everyday golfer, trying to fi ne-tune your swing, or just trying to do something fun with your friends, this is a great opportunity.”

The Indoor Golf Experience features golf simulator technology that is used by novice and professional golfers all over the world. Residents can play a round of golf on one of 25 golf courses, have a long drive contest, or just practice. The golf simulator can also provide immediate swing analysis data such as
angle and speed.

It doesn’t matter your level of golf experience, whether it’s beginner or experienced golfer, anyone can play. The Indoor Golf Experience is meant to bring people together for a fun opportunity.

“We hope the golfers in the community enjoy the fact that they can get in a round of golf no matter the weather outside and we hope it allows more people to try something new. Who knows, maybe there is a hidden talent on campus waiting to be discovered,” said Dickie.

Highlights:
Stunning reproductions of the world’s best courses – Enjoy the world’s most challenging and beautiful courses, all faithfully reproduced to deliver the most true-to-life golf simulation experience available.

Endless Settings Customization – From player options to weather conditions, there are nearly endless options.

Compete in Skills Challenges, Closest to the Pin, and Long Drive competitions – Power and precision become the focus in our skills challenges. Test your skills against others on a selected par 4, par 5, or the Foresight Sports range.

This new experience available at Trinity Woods would not have been possible without the generosity of Rich and Barbara Lilienthal. Be watching for more information on the Indoor Golf Experience location, times of play, and tutorial sessions.

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)

When we allow fear into our lives, our thinking gets clouded. Instead of seeing situations from God’s point of view, our fears and worries about what others think (or will think), our finances, our health, our loved ones, our jobs, our school, our homes, etc. cloud our assessments and rob us of the joy of walking in God’s victory.

The opposite of living in fear is living in fearlessness, or boldness and confidence. I got to thinking about some individuals in the Bible who lived fearlessly: Joshua, Caleb, Deborah, Esther, David, Paul, Daniel, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Each of them boldly faced their situations because they were confident in God and in His will…and submitted to whatever that was. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had confidence God could save them from the flames, yet they were surrendered to perish if God chose to allow the flames to consume them (Daniel 3).

On the other hand, the Bible has many examples of individuals who lived fearfully, such as the man who hid his talent in the ground (Matthew 25:14-28). This man was so afraid of making a mistake and displeasing his master that he wasted even the one talent he had been given. Fear immobilized him.

We can’t overestimate the importance of thinking clearly, both physically and spiritually. This month let us remember to check ourselves to see if we are surrendered to God’s will and confident in His love, care, and leading, or if we’re allowing fear to cloud our thinking…and ultimately our actions.

When we have alleviated our fears, we can then begin the process of thinking with a sound mind – “Thinking Clearly”.

By Alison McMillan

Summer is here bringing many good things like bright sunshine, warm fresh air, and the opportunity to
increase activity outdoors. Summer also brings high temperatures, high UV index ratings, and an increased risk of dehydration. Because water is crucial for bodily functions, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of dehydration, as well as to take measures so you stay hydrated this summer.

Hydration Tips:
Drink more water throughout the day. If you struggle with the taste (or lack thereof), drop some fresh
slices of strawberries, cucumbers, or lemons in to add some flavor. Another alternative is low/no calorie
flavor additives you can find in the beverage aisle of your grocery store.

>Carry a refillable water bottle or tumbler throughout the day to help you remember to drink more, especially if you’re in a place that doesn’t have easily accessible water.
>Drink slowly. Your body doesn’t process water the way it processes food. Excessive water gets sent to the kidneys where it’s turned into urine.
>Get water with your diet by eating more water-dense foods – watermelon, cucumbers, celery, frozen fruit ice pops, lettuce, and dairy products, etc.
>Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol. Drinks like coffee, tea, beer, wine, and spirits all have diuretic effects meaning they make you produce more urine which creates a risk of lowering your body’s water content.
>Plan to bring and drink more water if you’re getting ready for an outdoor activity, such as a sports game, a concert, a picnic, gardening, etc.
>Try low calorie electrolyte drinks. There are several on the market that help hydrate the body as well as replenish lost electrolytes. Look for the ones that have low or no sugar content!

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

There is a phrase I remember as a child that causes me to look forward to the month of May with excitement and enthusiasm. Despite the depression that looms from the hard and long winter of the past several months, the phrase “April showers bring May flowers” brings a sense of hope called springtime.

Following the commemoration of the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus over the Easter weekend, I kept thinking about phrases like: weeping endures for a night but joy comes in the morning; there is a silver lining beyond each dark cloud; these light afflictions are but for a moment; and this too shall pass.

The reality of Jesus’ death producing new life parallels with the thought of sunshine following a season of gloom and sadness. Perhaps you have heard this rhyme at some point, generally having been taught it at an early age by parents or teachers. It is a popular thing to say and hear around springtime.

“April showers bring May flowers” is a reminder that even the most unpleasant of things, in this case the heavy rains of April, can bring about very enjoyable things indeed – an abundance of flowers in May. This rhyme is also a lesson in patience, and one that remains valid to this day.

Many of life’s greatest things come only to those who wait, and by patiently and happily enduring the clouds and dampness of April, you can find yourself more easily able to take in the sights and smells of May. After all, it’s easier to love something if you begin with an optimistic outlook.

Bad thing happen, and sometimes a bad thing, later on down the line, turns out to not be bad at all, even though at the time you wouldn’t have know it. ~ Kenneth Arthur

Have you had a season of setbacks, disappointments, or hindrances? Do not be dismayed. Remember these things: weeping endures for a night but joy comes in the morning; there is a silver lining beyond each dark cloud; these light afflictions are but for a moment; and this too shall pass.

By Irene Brown, Life Enrichment Coordinator

THANK A VOLUNTEER OR, BETTER YET, BE ONE!

The Trinity Woods neighborhood is filled with servant-hearted people! That’s what makes us a caring community. Last year we counted 160 on-campus volunteers! The list below gives you an idea of just some of the work that community member volunteers, as well as some who don’t live here, do on our campus:

• Run the Treasure Chest thrift shop
• Show movies twice a week and choose those movies
• Maintain and improve our two libraries
• Push Health Center neighbors in wheelchairs to events
• Set-up and serve meals at Supper & A Show
• Support fundraising activities – Employee Appreciation
  Fund
• Help with party decorating
• Advise the Chaplain
• Play piano at weekly Devotions and special events
• Advise the Wellness Team
• Teach Summer School classes
• Lead groups and gatherings such as Pickleball, Mah Jongg, Anna Bible Study, Ping Pong and more
• Make and deliver a bear and a prayer to everyone in the Health Center
• Serve on the Board, the Member Council and its committees
• Act as Next Door Neighbors to newcomers
• Host potential new members at events.
• 
  Many community members are also involved in volunteer work off campus, throughout greater Tulsa, in hospitals, churches, schools, and elsewhere, helping make our whole city a more caring community.
  
  Volunteering helps us age better. Research has shown that people who volunteer have higher levels of well-being and life satisfaction than people who don’t. Not only that but the older a person is, the greater the potential benefits of volunteering, making the simple act of giving back an essential part of staying healthy as we age.
  
  THANK YOU, volunteers, for all that you do for Trinity Woods and the Tulsa community!

By Steve Dickie, CEO

In the world of senior living communities, people often ask what sets Trinity Woods apart? Most of the time I focus on the people because I know that is truly what makes Trinity Woods the community God has called us to be. One group of people that have significant impact on the Trinity Woods community is the Board of Directors.

One of the tremendous advantages of living at Trinity Woods is the benefit gained from the governance of a local Board. Everyone who serves on this Board lives right here in Tulsa and their sole purpose is dedicated to advancing the mission of Trinity Woods.

Every Board member supports Trinity Woods by giving of their time, talent and treasure:
Time: Each Board member commits to prepare for and participate in a monthly meeting.
Talent: Board members share their expertise by serving on a sub-committee: Finance and Audit, Development and Public Relations, Governance, Legal, Human Resources, and Property Trustees.
Treasure: Board members are asked to make an annual financial contribution that is significant to them. Trinity Woods relies on the generosity of faithful supporters to fulfill its mission and the Board leads the way with their financial support and by introducing the organization to new donors.

Our Board truly sets the future direction of Trinity Woods by approving and reviewing the organization’s strategic plan. They approve the annual operating and capital budgets, yearly audit, and review monthly financial performance. The support and assistance provided by this group of 24 dedicated volunteers is an essential ingredient to the success of this community.

As a professional in the nonprofit sector for my entire career, I know that a healthy working Board can make all the difference in an organization’s success. Please know the Trinity Woods Board of Directors is committed to working together to serve in the spirit of Christ and THAT is what makes all the difference.

Trinity Woods is making a concerted effort to offer more avenues for culture training and bonding for all employees. Our goal for the coming year is to have all Trinity Woods employees attend these full-day training sessions. These training sessions offer customer service training, Eden Alternative Training*, and
an opportunity for employees to meet other employees from across campus.

*The Eden Alternative Philosophy is a person-centered approach to creating a community where life revolves around close and continuing contact with people of all ages and abilities. It is these relationships that provide the young and old alike with a pathway to a life worth living.

By Don Hertzler, resident Master Gardener

A favorite evergreen tree in eastern Oklahoma is the southern magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora. The native evergreen tree grows to 80-120’ tall and can have a life span of up to 200 years. Recently, dwarf versions have become available. The varieties ‘Little Gem’ and ‘Teddybear’ mature at 16-20’ tall and 10’ wide
and can be found in the new Owens Park on Sandusky. The large white flowers of the southern magnolia often have an intense fragrance that makes a lasting memory. The Southern Magnolia is a native tree of the southeast U.S. but it does well in northeast Oklahoma. Its leaves will burn from extreme cold or
heat, but they will recover during the growing season.

We have a number of examples of Southern magnolias across campus. Pictured here is a flower from a Little Gem Magnolia in Owens Park. This spring when you are out walking in the Trinity Woods neighborhood, take time to smell a magnolia bloom.