By Bonnie Polak, VP Philanthropy and Community Engagement

At Trinity Woods, being a good neighbor is part of who we are.

What makes someone feel at home? Sometimes, it’s as simple as seeing a familiar face, being invited to join for dinner or knowing someone will notice when you need a helping hand.

At Trinity Woods, hospitality isn’t reserved for special occasions or welcoming new residents. It happens every day, in countless small ways, through a culture of neighbors caring for neighbors.

Our residents are at the heart of that culture. They check in on one another, offer rides or assistance, make introductions, save seats and invite others to participate. They celebrate birthdays and milestones, share meals and conversations, and show up for each other during difficult times. These gestures may seem small, but together they create something significant: a true sense of belonging.

That neighborly spirit also shapes the relationships between residents and Trinity Woods team members. Hospitality can be found in a team member remembering how someone takes their coffee, stopping for a conversation or noticing when a resident could use a little extra encouragement. And it goes both ways. Residents know our team members, ask about their families, celebrate their accomplishments and remind them that they are valued members of this community, too.

That is what makes hospitality at Trinity Woods special. It isn’t simply something we provide—it’s something we share. Every person who lives and works here has an opportunity to contribute to our neighborly culture. A smile, an invitation, a helping hand,
a few minutes spent listening: each is a simple act of hospitality that says, “You belong here.”

And perhaps that is the heart of being a good neighbor: making sure the people around us know they are seen, valued and never alone. At Trinity Woods, that’s more than hospitality. That’s community.

By Alison Guerrero, Fitness Professional

Life can be a real balancing act sometimes! We have to balance our checkbooks, ensure we make fair and balanced decisions, keep relationships in balance, watch that we eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy work/life balance, and more. Noticing a pattern here? It’s “balance” – a huge part of our lives, especially as we age! Specifically, our physical ability to balance.

Balance is defined as one’s ability to remain in an upright and stable position. It is comprised of four systems that all must work in tandem to help keep you standing and walking tall. Each system is just as important as the others and impacts your overall balance, so building each system is valuable.

• MUSCULAR SYSTEM: Regular strength training as well as flexibility training, especially for the core and lower body, helps improve overall stability and endurance. It’s recommended to strength train two to three times a week for 20 to 30 minutes a session using free weights, weight machines, resistance bands, or body weight, and to stretch gently to the point of discomfort all areas of the body at least once a day.

• VESTIBULAR SYSTEM: Located in your inner ear. Certain head and body movement exercises, like head turns, head rolls, careful and safe spinning, etc, can help improve the vestibular system by helping the brain practice tolerating and interpreting the signals it gets from the vestibular system.

• VISUAL SYSTEM: Ensuring your environment is well lit and clean, especially at nighttime, is greatly helpful in supporting visual balance. On top of that, regular visits to your optometrist and practicing eye care and safety help keep your visual system in tip-top shape.

• SOMATOSENSORY SYSTEM: This is a fancy way of saying your body’s ability to feel and sense where you’re at in space. It can be strengthened by using, you guessed it, sensory exercises! Things like standing on uneven surfaces (like soft foam), intentional and focused body awareness exercises, and practicing feeling the environment around you can help support your somatosensory system.

As we age, like the rest of our body, these systems can weaken, which is why it’s so important to prioritize balance training in our everyday lives. That’s why Trinity Woods now offers four Better Balance educational exercise classes on a weekly basis! Remember, life’s all about balance, and today is as great a day as any to take charge and balance it out!

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

As summer begins its gentle transition toward autumn, August invites us to slow down and appreciate the blessings that surround us. The days are still warm, the gardens are flourishing, and there is an opportunity to pause and reflect on God’s faithfulness.

Life often encourages us to focus on what comes next; the next event, the next appointment, or the next milestone. Yet Scripture reminds us that God’s greatest gifts are often found in the present moment. Every sunrise, every shared meal, every conversation with a neighbor, and every act of kindness offers an opportunity to experience His grace.

At Trinity Woods, we are blessed to live in a community where meaningful relationships flourish. Whether you participate in a wellness class, attend Bible study, volunteer, enjoy a concert, or simply stop to visit with a friend, you help create a place where everyone is known, valued, and encouraged. Community is built not only through special events but also through everyday moments of compassion and genuine care.

August is also a wonderful time to continue growing in wellness. Wellness encompasses much more than physical health. It includes caring for our spiritual, emotional, intellectual, social, vocational and environmental well-being. Sometimes growth begins with something as simple as trying a new activity, reconnecting with an old friend, spending time in prayer, or taking a peaceful walk to enjoy God’s creation.

Perhaps the greatest habit we can cultivate is gratitude. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance God has already provided. It strengthens hope, deepens relationships, and reminds us that every season of life has purpose. Even when circumstances change, God’s love and faithfulness remain constant.

As we journey through this month, look for opportunities to brighten someone’s day. A smile, a handwritten note, an invitation to coffee, or a few moments spent listening can become a meaningful expression of Christ’s love.

Thank you for making Trinity Woods more than a place to live. Together, we are building a community where faith, friendship, and purpose flourish. May this August be filled with joyful moments, renewed strength, and grateful hearts as we continue walking together in God’s grace.

Rejoice in today!

By Garrett Lee, Trinity Woods CEO

As we welcome August, I’ve been reflecting on all our community has experienced together over the past few years. Change has been a consistent theme—from completing major construction projects and welcoming new leadership to celebrating an extraordinary milestone: 70 years of serving older adults with compassion, dignity, and excellence.

Periods of change naturally invite questions and concerns. They also present opportunities.

Recently, we celebrated the retirement of our longtime Chief Operating Officer, Dennis Graham, whose leadership helped shape Trinity Woods. We are deeply grateful for his service and for the many leaders who have faithfully advanced our mission over the years. Their legacy continues as we welcome new leaders, residents, and employees who share our commitment to serving in the spirit of Christ.

Our campus has also been transformed through thoughtful improvements that enhance life for today’s residents while preparing for future generations. These investments create spaces where people can connect, thrive, and truly feel at home.

While much has changed, what matters most has remained the same. For 70 years, our mission has been rooted in providing exceptional care, building meaningful relationships, and fostering a vibrant community where residents can live with purpose and peace of mind. Every decision we make reflects our commitment to those we serve and to the employees who bring our mission to life each day.

As we look ahead, I am filled with optimism. Trinity Woods is financially strong, strategically focused, and supported by an engaged Board of Directors, dedicated employees, outstanding leadership, and wonderful residents. Together, we are building on a proud legacy while preparing for an even brighter future.

Thank you for your trust and partnership. As we move forward together, we remain committed to honoring our past, serving with excellence today, and celebrating our bright future.

By Lupina Fry, Wellness Nurse

Most of us know that sunlight helps our bodies make Vitamin D, lowers stress, and keeps your sleep cycle on track. But being in nature can provide even more benefits. The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that spending just 10 to 20 minutes outside can lift your mood, improve focus, enhance memory, lower blood pressure, and help you sleep better. Studies also show that time outdoors can lower your risk of major illnesses like heart disease and diabetes, boost your immune system, and ease anxiety and depression. Getting outside each day, even briefly, can make a real difference for both body and mind.

Many experts suggest that a short 20-minute session outdoors each day can lower heart rate and sharpen focus. This is a general guideline. Individual needs may vary based on age, current health, and even the season. It’s a good idea to adjust your routine to fit your own circumstances.

 If you’re concerned about full sun exposure, try early-morning sunrises and late-evening sunsets. They may be beautiful experiences, but they also do your body some good. Stepping outside early in the day lets natural light hit your circadian rhythm’s master clock. This tells you to be alert, awake, and energized. Sunset’s warm, amber tones prepare your body for sleep. Try enjoying your morning coffee outside or watching the sunset in the evening.

The practice of Shinrin-yoku, a Japanese term for forest bathing, involves consciously immersing all your senses in nature. Unplugging from technology to absorb the environment through sight, sound, smell, and touch. Sit on a bench, feel the wind, listen to the birds, or take off your shoes to feel the cool grass. That’s Shinrin-yoku.

One study used smartphones with assessment applications and found positive associations with feeling happy, restored, and relaxed within 10 minutes in nature! It doesn’t take much time or effort to make an impact. In this study, participants sat on benches, strolled in parks, or took brief walks outdoors.

At Trinity Woods, we recognize that nature and beautiful surroundings are part of environmental wellness. Places like little Woodard Park (outside of Crestwood), Owens Park, and the numerous walking trails make it easy and safe to get outside. So why not take a moment today to step outdoors and experience these benefits for yourself? The return on investment is truly positive!

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

As Trinity Woods celebrates July and joins the nation in marking America’s 250th birthday, it is fitting to remember that great things often begin in quiet, unassuming ways. A nation, a community, a calling, a life of faith, all are shaped by beginnings that may seem small at first glance. Jesus reminds us of that truth in the parable of the mustard seed (Matthew 13: 31-32).

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed,” He says. In the original Greek, the word kokkos refers to a tiny grain, something so small it could easily be overlooked. Yet that little seed carries within it the power of future growth. What looks insignificant is not empty. What appears small is not without promise.

The same is true in our own lives. In biblical thought, a seed is never just a seed. The Hebrew word zera carries the sense of offspring, future, and promise. A seed is not only what is planted; it is what is carried forward. Hidden inside the smallest beginning is the possibility of fruit, shelter, and blessing.

Jesus says the mustard seed grows until it becomes large enough for the birds of the air to come and rest in its branches. That image is deliberate. In Scripture, great trees often represent kingdoms and places of refuge. But the mustard seed was not a noble cedar. It was ordinary, fast-growing, and even a little wild. By choosing this image, Jesus teaches us that the Kingdom of God does not always look polished or predictable. It begins quietly, grows unexpectedly, and spreads farther than anyone imagined.

Sometimes we dismiss small things: a kind word, a prayer whispered in the morning, a decision to forgive, a new habit, a fresh commitment, a seed of hope in a difficult season. Yet the parable tells us not to despise small beginnings. What seems minor today may become a place of shelter tomorrow. What appears hidden now may one day bless many.

As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday this July, we are reminded that both nations and lives are shaped by beginnings. Small beginnings are still beginnings. Seeds still grow. Prayers still matter. Faithful work still bears fruit. And in God’s hands, even the smallest start can become something greater than we ever expected.

So let us honor the past, live faithfully in the present, and trust God with the future. The seed is small, but the promise is not.

By Bonnie Polak, VP Philanthropy and Community Engagement

Summer is a season for growth, and at Trinity Woods, learning never takes a vacation. Trinity Woods’ Summer School program is celebrating its 10th year of bringing residents together through engaging classes, meaningful conversations, and new experiences.

This year’s Summer School features 13 diverse classes, all taught by residents, designed to inspire curiosity and encourage lifelong learning. Topics range from current issues such as Artificial Intelligence and Climate Change to hands-on experiences like Make a Bamboo Flute, Junk Journals, and Gardening with Nature. Residents can also explore history, retirement planning, games, and creative arts through classes including History of Lace, Memories of Route 66, Euchre Card Game, and Sculpted Threads: What & How?

“Summer School is one of the highlights of the year because it gives residents the opportunity to explore new interests and share experiences with one another,” said Garrett Lee, Trinity Woods CEO. “The enthusiasm and engagement we see each summer are truly inspiring.”

More than just education, Summer School fosters connection among residents. Classes provide opportunities to meet neighbors, exchange ideas, and build friendships in a welcoming environment.

“Learning together creates a sense of community,” said Irene Brown, Life Enrichment Coordinator. “Residents come for the classes, but they often leave with new friendships and a renewed sense of purpose.”

From understanding the role of a poll worker to exploring ageism, faith, retirement security, and local history, Summer School offers something for everyone. The program supports both intellectual growth and social wellness, helping residents stay engaged, active, and connected.

As Trinity Woods celebrates a decade of Summer School, the program continues to demonstrate that learning is a lifelong adventure—and one best shared with friends.

Estate planning is one of the greatest gifts we can leave our loved ones. It’s more than deciding who receives what — it’s about protecting family, preserving assets, and ensuring your wishes are carried out with clarity and care. A recent guide outlining “11 Estate Planning Missteps” highlights common mistakes families make and practical solutions to help avoid them.

1. Relying on “I love you” wills. Solution: Consider a revocable trust for more flexibility and probate avoidance.

2. Overlooking jointly owned property. Solution: Ensure assets are properly titled to support your estate plan.

3. Adding children as joint owners on accounts or property. Solution: Use transfer-on-death (TOD) beneficiary designations instead.

4. Creating a trust without trustee replacement provisions. Solution: Include flexibility for changing trustees if needed.

5. Ignoring community property laws. Solution: Understand how state laws may affect asset transfers.

6. Not building flexibility into trusts. Solution: Consider appointing a trust protector for future adjustments.

7. Failing to start a gifting program. Solution: Explore gifting strategies that reduce taxable estates.

8. Overlooking life insurance in tax planning. Solution: Review ownership and beneficiary structures carefully.

9. Treating all children exactly equally. Solution: Tailor inheritance plans to each heir’s unique needs.

10. Not planning for illiquid assets. Solution: Use life insurance or other strategies to provide liquidity.

11. Failing to coordinate the overall estate plan. Solution: Regularly review documents, beneficiaries, and funding details.

The biggest takeaway? Estate plans should be reviewed regularly. Life changes, laws evolve, and family circumstances shift over time. Taking steps now can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones in the future. If you are interested in working on your estate plan, contact Bonnie Polak, VP of Philanthropy and Community Engagement at bpolak@trintywoodstulsa.com.

Article source: The Advancement Group

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

In Scripture, the number seventy often marks a season shaped and completed by God. It is a number that speaks of fulfillment, purpose, and divine faithfulness over time. As Trinity Woods celebrates 70 years of ministry, this biblical theme offers a meaningful lens through which to reflect on this milestone.

Throughout the Bible, seventy appears at pivotal moments. Israel experienced seventy years of exile in Babylon—a difficult season, yet one that God used for renewal and eventual restoration. When those years were complete, God brought His people home, reminding them that He had never forgotten His promises. Seventy, then, became a testimony that even in long seasons, God is still at work.

In another moment, Moses appointed seventy elders to help lead and care for the people. God shared His Spirit among them, showing that His work is carried forward through community. Likewise, in the New Testament, Jesus sent out seventy disciples to serve and share the good news. Once again, seventy represents not just time, but purpose and people called together and sent out in faith.

In many ways, the 70-year journey of Trinity Woods reflects these same truths. Since its founding in 1956, this community has been a place of care, connection, and Christ-centered service. Generations of residents, employees, and leaders have shared in its mission, carrying forward a legacy built on compassion and faith.

Like the biblical examples, these seventy years tell a story of God’s sustaining presence. Through seasons of growth, challenge, joy, and loss, God has remained faithful. Lives have been touched, relationships have been formed, and a strong sense of community has flourished.

“TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON AND A TIME TO EVERY PURPOSE UNDER HEAVEN.” Book of Ecclesiastes

Psalm 90 reminds us that a lifetime is often measured in seventy years. In that sense, Trinity Woods has reached a remarkable milestone: a full season of ministry. Yet this is not simply a conclusion; it is a continuation. The same God who has guided each step over the past seventy years will continue to lead into the future.

As we celebrate this anniversary, we give thanks for what has been and look forward with hope to what is to come. Seventy years stands as a witness to one enduring truth: God is faithful, and His work is never finished.

By Lupina Fry, Wellness Nurse

Talking with someone who has dementia can be difficult, but it is possible to have meaningful conversations. At Trinity Woods,
we work to be a respectful, safe, and informed community. We strive to support people living with dementia and their families,
reduce stigma, offer helpful options, and adapt our spaces so everyone feels included. Here are some practical ways to have positive, respectful conversations with people living with dementia:

1. APPROACH WITH KINDNESS AND PATIENCE. Be kind and patient and speak in a friendly tone. Smile, make eye contact,
and call them by the name they like. Give them plenty of time to think and reply.

2. KEEP IT SIMPLE AND CLEAR. Speak slowly and use short, clear sentences. Stay away from complicated questions or topics. If needed, repeat what you said using different words, but do not ask them to remember things. Questions like, “Remember me?” or “Remember we used to…?” can be too much for someone with memory problems.

3. LISTEN ATTENTIVELY. Give them your full attention and listen without interrupting. Pay attention to their facial expressions and gestures, as these can show how they feel or what they need.

4. STAY POSITIVE AND RESPECTFUL. Talk about positive things and, if it feels right, share your own good memories. Do not correct or argue about facts. Instead, recognize their feelings and gently guide the conversation if needed.

5. USE VISUAL AND PHYSICAL CUES. Using gestures, pictures, or familiar objects can help you get your message across, but do not expect them to remember. Approach with words first. Use gentle touch only after a connection is made.

6. REDIRECT WITH COMPASSION. Watch their face and body language to see how they are feeling. If they seem anxious,
gently guide them to something calming or interesting. You could ask if they want coffee, a snack, or to sit and talk.

7. FIND SOME HELP. If you cannot help someone who is upset, ask for help. Find someone in charge or another person who
can assist.

Remaining socially connected is vital for people living with dementia and their care partners because it supports quality of life and enhances health and well-being.

By using these tips, you can help make our community more supportive. Treating others the way you would like to be treated is always a good rule to follow when communicating with people living with dementia as well as others in our community. For more tips on communicating with people living with dementia, go to the Alzheimer’s Association website.