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.

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

I’ve concluded that spring may be the most profound of the seasons. Its meaning and promise, and how to experience it, are worth dwelling upon. Spring is the season of hope – that things will get better after they were worse.

“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant,” wrote English poet Anne Bradstreet. “If we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.”

After the cold dark days of winter, where life seems to be on the verge of collapse and purpose is blurred, spring comes to the rescue bringing renewed hope, joy, clarity and salvation from the dark.

Spring signifies coming out of the darkness. We’ve tipped the balance from longer nights to longer days. We call the first day of spring the vernal equinox. Equinox basically means “equal night” of light and dark, and metaphorically, we should spend more time in the light.

There’s even some science to the joy of spring. Research suggests that for many people, the extended daylight boosts mood, wellbeing and energy. It’s also the time for spring cleaning and ridding your life of those things you don’t need any more and maybe some bad spirits and bad habits.

Sometimes in order to come into a new season and spring forward in faith, we have to let go of the old season. Isaiah 43:18 NIV says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” One of life’s many lessons teaches us to let go. We should not hang on to past hurts, past struggles, and past relationships. And sometimes this means we must give ourselves time to grieve in order to move forward.

As spring starts to surface and the trees begin to bloom, we can see God’s reminder to align our hearts to the new thing He’s doing. Prepare to spring forward into His purpose.

As we enter a new season, if you would like to schedule a time to meet with the Chaplain or to leave a prayer request, please contact Chaplain Tisdale at 918.346.6607.

By Steve Dickie, CEO

I get asked the above question all the time! Most people have an outdated image of senior living. Many view the aging process as an inevitable sequence of progressive decline and loss. At Trinity Woods we are convinced that does not have to be case. It is possible to gain new friends, find new purpose and meaning, and restore physical health.

• Gaining New Friends: It is true that we all reach the age where our long-term relationships begin changing. People die. People move. Yet one person told me recently, “At Trinity Woods my social network has grown! I’ve picked up many new friends since my move here. The move here has been the best decision of my life.”

• Finding Purpose and Meaning: No one likes to be bored, at any age. Most retirees have led a productive and active life, and then suddenly find themselves trying to find their new normal. Who says you have to be in school to learn a new language or skill? People at any age, physical ability and mental acuity can find new, stimulating interests through a variety of activities. Residents at Trinity Woods are encouraged to find a new or reinvest time in their passion.

• Restoring Physical Health: Did you know that, even in your 80s or 90s, you can benefit from physical training? You can build strength and improve balance. The classes offered in the Spann Wellness Center offer practical coaching that can help improve your ability to do everyday tasks like loading the washer and dryer and carrying groceries.

What are the most common reflections of people who live at Trinity Woods? People say, “I should have made the move sooner.” “I have never had so much peace of mind.” “My kids have never seen me happier. And, I have more friends and I am more engaged than I was in my home.”

The vision of Trinity Woods is to set a new standard for senior living by redefining aging!
You deserve a retirement life that has a style all its own. Your style! Trinity Woods enables
you to live life in the style you want to live.

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

February is Black History Month. February is also said to be the month of love.

First John 4:7–10 deals with the theme of love. Here, John explains how true, godly love in a person’s life is a sign of being born again. Those who sincerely love God will act on that love, towards other people. Those who don’t demonstrate love have no fellowship with God. Love is something God showed us first,
by sending Christ. Our love for Him is ultimately rooted in His original love for us. We are reminded that true love involves acting, not just feeling. It is through this loving action that we live and have access to eternal life. Ultimately, Love is the Key to Life and Living.

John begins by addressing his readers as “beloved.” First, believers are to “love one another.” This reflects both the commandments of Jesus (John 13:34–35), and John’s prior teaching on recognizing a life influenced by Christ (1 John 2:7– 11).

Second, the reason we are to love one another is because “God is love,” therefore, “love is from God.” The ability to act lovingly towards others is one of the benefits of a close relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ gave us the greatest commandments in Mark 12: 30-31, “And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love you neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope. Maya Angelou

Third, the person who truly loves God has “been born of God and knows God.” The person who is “born of God” is a born-again believer (John 3). This should result in that person “knowing” God. No person can truly love others apart from God’s love. Those who demonstrate Godly love prove that they belong
to God. My hope is that we live out the command to love, this month and forever.

Emi Baggett, LPN, Household Manager Chapman Heights/ Buehler Place

» Start Date: May 2022
» Raised: Welch, Oklahoma
» Education: Crowder College, Neosho, MO
» Wanted to be as a Kid: Nurse or Teacher
» One Meal Forever: Spaghetti
» Described by Friends: Tenacious and Vivacious
» Hobbies: Watching her kids play sports
» Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving – family and food!
» Favorite Quote or Bible Verse: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela
» First Car: Ford Mustang
» Favorite Movie: The Blind Side
» Fun Fact: Competed in dance at a national level starting at the age of six.
» Family: Engaged and have three children
» What her supervisor says: “Emi’s energetic presence creates positivity wherever she goes. Emi is an
advocate for Trinity Woods’ elders, their families, and staff.” – Cheryl Hrdlicka, Director of Nursing

Make A Plan: If you’re like most people, you’ve probably entered this year with a burst of anticipation
and motivation to make new changes and positive resolutions.

This is a great time to look to the past and plan for the future, but planning takes time, effort, and sometimes a little expertise, especially when it comes to developing your estate plan. If you already have an estate plan in place, and it has been more than several years, it may be a good time to have it reviewed as there have been many tax law changes. Think of it as a “second opinion”.

Did you know on January 1st noteworthy tax changes take effect? These changes can represent net tax reductions and other tax cuts. In the past two years as states have had to respond to burgeoning revenues, greater tax competition in an era of enhanced mobility, and the impact of high inflation on residents.

This month Trinity Woods is offering an opportunity to learn more about tax changes, reviewing your plan, and planning for your legacy. Join us on Thursday, February 23 at 10 a.m. for a “Brunch and Learn.”

Our guest speaker will be Mark Loeber. Mark partners with Trinity Woods to assist our residents and their families with these types of conversations. He has over 34 years of specialization in the areas of estate, financial and charitable gift planning. There is no cost to attend or obligation to use our services.

At Trinity Woods, we understand the value of proper planning and the impact it can make today as well as tomorrow. As a service to you, we are here to discuss starting a plan or reviewing your existing plan. For more information or to RSVP to the event, please call 918.346.6671 or email hgarrett@trinitywoodstulsa.com.

Irene Brown, Life Enrichment Coordinator

» Start Date: October 2012
» Born and Raised: Tulsa, OK
» Education: Emory University, majored in music and French
» Wanted to be as a Kid: General Director of an Opera Company
» Favorite Sport: Tennis
» One Meal Forever: Cheese
» Hobbies: Swimming, cooking and regaining piano skills
» First Job: Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa
» Favorite Recipe: Asparagus Casserole
» Favorite Movie: Babette’s Feast
» Favorite Book: The Song of the Lark by Willa Cather
» Free Time: Reading, crosswords and exploring new places
» Fun Fact: Recently won 3rd Place in a poetry contest by the Rural Oklahoma Museum of Poetry.
» Fun Fact: Competed in dance at a national level starting at the age of six.
» Family: Married with two children
» What her supervisor says: “I have had the pleasure of working with Irene for 10 years. She is always willing to jump in and take care of whatever is needed and when we need it the most. She is the definition of “team player” and is a true blessing to our community. Irene upholds the Trinity Woods mission and vision in all her planning and programs.” – Dennis Graham, COO

By Steve Dickie, CEO

A look back at 2022, there is much to be thankful for and a lot that happened at Trinity Woods. It is truly amazing that last year we welcomed 69 new people to the Trinity Woods neighborhood!

In addition to serving new people there were several milestone accomplishments:
• Crestwood celebrated its 10th Anniversary: Everyone enjoyed and reflected on how Crestwood contributed to the transformation of campus.
• Three New Villas: The construction of these homes enhanced Sandusky Ave.
• Owens Park Opened: The area with its beautiful landscaping, stunning water feature, and lighted walking path is a wonderful addition to campus. The finishing touch will be the installation of the outdoor exercise area early next year.
• Putting Green Refurbished: The putting green has attracted experienced golfers and others who just like to “putt around”! The indoor golf simulator is scheduled to be installed early next year, so you can hit the links all year long.
• Reopening Mabee Point: We celebrated the reopening of this area of the Health Center, which promotes the expansion and improvement of short-stay rehab.

My Dad used to say, “Progress is our most important product.” Trinity Woods will make great progress in 2023 as we continue to reinvest in the community. Plans are in place for major projects like replacing the roofs on the Patio Homes and Lakeside Homes, carpet replacement in the Crestwood common spaces, and road repairs. The furniture is to be replaced in the Charter Oak Restaurant, the Crestwood game room, and the Members Club room. We also celebrate the way that philanthropy benefits the Trinity Woods community: we received donations to honor our employees, aid with benevolent care, and grants to invest in tomorrow’s healthcare professionals.

So, as I say goodbye to the past I rejoice in the many new opportunities that will be provided to Trinity Woods in 2023.

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., speaking before the Ebenezer Baptist Church in 1968

Every third Monday in January is a national holiday to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK Jr. Day). Dr. King is best known for his leadership during the American civil rights movement of the ‘50s and ‘60s (a wave of activism contesting racial segregation, discrimination, disenfranchisement, and injustice). From 1955 to 1968, Dr. King led several efforts to eliminate Jim Crow laws and other forms of systemic racism that hindered the mobility of people of color in the U.S. From sit-ins to marches, Dr. King championed demonstrations that combined nonviolence with direct action.

“NOTHING IN ALL THE WORLD IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN SINCERE IGNORANCE AND CONSCIENTIOUS STUPIDITY.” Martin Luther King, Jr. (1963, Strength to Love)

Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech from the 1963 March on Washington is one of his most celebrated. In it, Dr. King envisioned a world with equal justice for all people under the law. He went on to earn a Nobel Peace Prize and see the passing of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. Towards the end of his life, Dr. King’s advocacy emphasized the importance of economic justice in the fight for equality and racial liberation. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, where he was supporting Memphis sanitation workers in their strike for union recognition, better safety standards, and livable wages.

MLK Day matters because it recognizes Dr. King’s legacy of service while inspiring us to serve in our own ways. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), MLK Jr. Day is a federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service, and Americans are encouraged to spend this day volunteering to improve their communities.

Many things Dr. King advocated for during his lifetime (racial justice, economic equality, affordable housing, labor rights, etc.) are issues we continue to grapple with in 2023. The fight for justice is ongoing and we can use this day to reflect on the work Dr. King started and take responsibility for the work we still have left to do.

National Day of Service

Trinity Woods invites residents and employees to participate in a food drive for Restore Hope. There will be boxes set-up in the Community Life Center Ehlers Entrance and the Spann Wellness Center seating area to collect donations. Please make sure to drop off your nonperishable food items between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on January 16. Please see the Wellness supplement for specific types of items that are needed.