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.

Don Hertzler, Resident and Tulsa Master Gardener

As we navigate, what seems like, the never-ending allergy season we thought it might be helpful to take a look at what external plants might be causing more issues than normal. Plant and trees that cause
us to sneeze can be divided into two categories: wind pollinated or insect pollinated.

Insect pollinated plants are not a source of hay fever allergies. You can tell that a plant is insect pollinated if it has an attractive flower. Flowers that attract insects are attractive to humans. So if a plant or tree has pretty flowers, it does not cause you to have allergies. Common plants with attractive flowers would include garden and native flowers as well as some trees – including magnolia, dogwood, redbud, and fruit trees.

Trees and other plants that don’t have attractive flowers are wind pollinated. They have pollen that is so small and dry that the pollen particles float in the air. Grasses, weeds, and many trees including
maple, oak, and all conifers are wind pollinated. It is their pollen that causes you to sneeze.

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

The hymn writer Anne Cousin wrote, “Jehovah lifted up His rod; O Christ, it fell on Thee! Thou wast sore stricken of Thy God; There’s not one stroke for me. Thy tears, Thy blood, beneath it flowed; Thy bruising healeth me.”

Why did Jehovah lift his rod and strike Christ? It was because Christ was our substitute on the cross. This is the heart of the cross. 1 Peter 3:18 says, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous”. Christ suffered for the unrighteous. This means that the punishment He received was
the penalty the unrighteous deserved. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, Paul writes, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” This verse is a powerful statement about the sacrificial work of Christ on the cross and the imputed righteousness that believers receive as a result of their faith in Jesus.

As our willing substitute, He became guilty for all of our sins. As a mass of concentrated sin, the justice and holiness of God was unleashed on him. Every drop from the cup of God’s wrath was poured out until he cried, “It is finished!” In this, every drop of blood man shed that cried out for justice was told, “Be silent,
it is finished!” In this word, the Jews that carried their lambs and goats to slaughter for atonement are told, “Be done, it is finished!” In this the broken law that held curses over our heads is told, “No condemnation in Christ, it is finished!” Speak to your own conscience, saying, “It is finished! Your sins are forgiven” As the hymn writer said, “There’s not one stroke for me!” Do you believe that?

Yet there is even more in this great exchange that took place on the cross. Our sins were counted to Christ so that Christ’s righteousness would be counted to us. Not only are the sins of Christians forgiven by Christ’s death, but the perfect life of Christ is counted to them. Our position before God is righteous
in Christ. Is there any better news than that? No wonder we call it “The Gospel.”

Adapted from www.churchletters.org

By Bonnie Polak, VP of Philanthropy and Community Engagement

One of the most important functions of a board of directors is hiring and evaluating the performance of the CEO. This critical task has significant impact on the direction of the organization.

The Trinity Woods Board began planning for this transition over a year ago, when the current CEO Steve Dickie announced his desire to retire from Trinity Woods after 20 years of service. Knowing that the CEO is the driving force behind setting vision, guiding strategy, and ensuring long-term success, Task Force members know they have an important job ahead of them.

The search for a new CEO requires careful consideration and methodical focus. “Before embarking on the search, the Board and stakeholders took time to define the key attributes required for the CEO,” said Curtis Craig, Trinity Woods Board President. “Clarifying the desired leadership qualities, experience, industry expertise, and cultural fit helped us establish a clear framework for the search process.” Curtis Craig is former Chief Legal Counsel for Explorer Pipeline, whose experience makes him uniquely quailed for his role.

“The search for a new CEO is a critical and complex undertaking,” said Jim Taylor, Trinity Woods
Board Member and Chair of the Succession Planning Task Force. “The team who has been identified to do this knows the importance of their work. I am confident we will find the right leader that will provide Trinity Woods a clear vision, guide decision-making, inspire us, and build on our strong reputation.” Prior to retirement Jim was a CPA who co-founded the regional accounting firm.

To date there has been a strong response to the job listing, each candidate will be carefully evaluated by the Task Force. Between now and the end of the year the field will be narrowed to a few final candidates. The final selection will align with the leadership requirements and the vision of Trinity Woods.

Early next year, when the new CEO is chosen, the onboarding process will begin to ensure a seamless transition. Anyone interested in applying is encouraged visit the Trinity Woods website.

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

Life is not predictable. There are ups and downs along the way. Many of us want to trust God. When times are good, it can feel easier. But when times feel difficult and uncertain, it is even more important to trust God. God’s unchanging character can give us a fi rm foundation when things feel unsteady. King
Solomon instructs us to:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart….” (Proverbs 3:5a)

The word “trust” here “expresses that sense of well-being and security which results from having something or someone in whom to place confidence.” The object of that trust is Yahweh. The extent of that trust is “with all your heart.”

The next line is similar but looks at it from the negative — what not to do. It gives us a powerful mental picture.

“Lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5b)

The verb “lean” has the idea of putting your weight on something, trusting that it will not give way. We are to trust in God, but not put our weight on our own limited understanding, insight, or discernment. It is so easy for us to miss a key piece of the puzzle and thus completely misunderstand or misconstrue a situation. We seek wisdom! We desire discernment! But we must realize that our understanding is imperfect and limited.

“Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:7a)

Does anything more need to be said?

“In all your ways acknowledge him….” (Proverbs 3:6a)

In English, “acknowledge” means “to recognize the rights, authority, or status of,” which, in practice, often amounts to giving a nod in God’s direction and hoping for his approval. But the word in Hebrew is much, much broader and richer than “acknowledge.” Yāda, “to know,” can describe God’s knowledge of man, a person’s knowledge, one’s skill in hunting, one’s ability to distinguish between, etc. But it can also express acquaintance with a person, describe the most intimate acquaintance, even a sexual relation, and finally one’s relation to God.

A casual acknowledgement of God can mask an arrogance that doesn’t really desire to know. We can develop a practiced deafness towards God when we only want him to rubberstamp our own plans with the word “Approved.” But when we seek to know God and listen for his voice, there is a humility,
an openness. That very humility allows us to listen to him and discern his way.

One thing for certain is that we can “trust God with everything.”

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 Lupina Fry, Wellness Nurse

When someone takes the time to learn more about what it’s like for a person living with dementia, we move closer to answering the question of “what is a dementia-friendly community.”

People living with dementia often experience their surroundings as disorienting, confusing, and sometimes worst of all, as dangerous. “Where was I going, What did I need, Who was I meeting?” Questions like these can be disconcerting but imagine that nothing you see around you seems to help; people seem irritated or unapproachable; you feel uncomfortable asking for help, and nothing indicates where you are though you’re certain you’ve been there before.

Dementia Friendly America encourages communities to foster the ability of people living with dementia to remain in community and engage and thrive in day-to-day living -basically meeting a person’s needs while maintaining quality of life and dignity.

Now imagine, as someone living with dementia, encountering a friendly face, easy-to-read directional signage, and a clock telling the time and date. Imagine cheerful sounds, and a comfortable place to sit while waiting for the memories to return or a friend to appear. That scenario would certainly provide ease and comfort.

Imagine a neighbor who offers help with compassion and acceptance, brushing aside the temptation to judge and offering a helpful hand in the spirit of Christ. Neighbors who are understanding and accepting of people living with dementia, who cannot change, though most certainly they wish they could. A dementia friendly community is community – it’s neighbor helping neighbor, being aware, concerned and actively working together for the betterment of the entire community.

Trinity Woods is offering a Dementia Virtual Tour on September 26 and 27. This event will give participants a hands-on experience of what a person living with dementia may encounter. It is a
great way to learn how to help make sense of noted behaviors and actions. Call Lupina Fry, Wellness Nurse, at 918-346-6618 to reserve an appointment for this experience.

By Lupina Fry, Wellness Nurse

When the temperature reaches into the 90’s some of us head for the air conditioning indoors, while others head for the sunny outdoors! The longer days beckon us to enjoy the sunshine and the activities available to us. Whether it’s a barbecue with family and friends, or just a walk outdoors, it’s important to be careful of the greater exposure to the sun’s rays and the accompanying heat. While there might be some precautions we know by heart, there can be many misconceptions.

For instance, sunscreen is helpful but alone is not enough. Apply sunscreen to any exposed skin including, scalp, upper back and other hard to reach areas, a full ounce at least 15 minutes before heading outdoors and again every two hours. Sunscreen becomes less effective over time as well, so reapply regularly.

Don’t forget to grab a stylish pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes as well. If you like your sunglasses, you’re more likely to wear them. Blockage of 99-100% of UVA/UVB rays is standard for sunglasses made in the US today. Single gradient, shaded only on top, are great for driving; double gradient, shaded
bottom and top, are best if you’ll be involved in activities or sports.

Seek shade whenever possible, wear light colored clothing that covers any exposed skin. Consider a wide brimmed hat to protect the delicate skin on ears and neck. Dr. Vernon Sondak, Chair of the Cutaneous Oncology Program at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida has this useful phrase- “slip, slap, slop”. “Slip” on protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirt and long pants; “slap” on a brimmed hat and sunglasses; “slop” on a lot of sunscreen.

Remember to stay hydrated, as well! Start your day with a full glass of water, drinking at least two more before heading to any outdoor activity. If engaging in strenuous activity continue drinking those important fluids. Lastly, try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Keeping these precautions in mind will help make your summer a safe and more enjoyable one!

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 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!