By Lupina Fry, Trinity Woods Wellness Nurse
Parkinson’s disease is a global health crisis and currently one of the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorders. Its cases are expected to double by 2040. This incurable, progressive condition destroys brain cells that control mood, movement, and cognitive function, affecting millions worldwide.
While Parkinson’s is commonly known for tremors, think of actor Michael J. Fox or boxer Muhammad Ali, Parkinson’s is a “whole body” disease affecting life in numerous ways. The tremors and muscle rigidity are well-known symptoms, but this shaking and stiff ness often slow movement and increase the risk of falls.
Other non-motor symptoms include depression, sleep disorders, anxiety, and loss of smell—can be just as disabling as movement issues. These symptoms may appear years before tremors or stiff ness is noted. Over time, as the disease progresses, it aff ects walking, talking, and swallowing.
As the disease advances, changes in brain function may lead to personality changes and dementia. Many will eventually require continuous care. Despite these challenges, many people live for years with proper management. Early diagnosis is key. Identifying Parkinson’s in its pre-motor phase (signaled
by loss of smell or sleep disorders) is the only way to apply possible disease-modifying treatments
before brain damage can occur.
There is currently no cure or treatment disease. By the time symptoms appear, brain cells may be lost, complicating treatment. The exact cause remains uncertain. Researchers believe genetics, environmental exposure to chemicals or pesticides, or repeated head injuries may be involved.
While not curative, medications can significantly manage symptoms. Regular, intense exercise helps slow the decline in quality of life. Next-generation therapies, such as focused ultrasounds, infusion pumps, and advanced surgical procedures, are available. If you are concerned, consult your doctor now to protect your brain health.
Parkinson’s Awareness color is gray. It is often chosen to represent the “grey matter” in the brain that is affected by the disease.
Category: Living in the Woods
Did You Know? Parkinson’s Awareness
Share Your Trinity Woods Story!
For 70 years, Trinity Woods—formerly Oklahoma Methodist Manor—has been home to generations of
residents and their families. Together, we’ve created a legacy filled with meaningful moments, cherished
relationships, and lasting memories.
As we celebrate this milestone, we invite you to help us preserve the stories that make our community so special.
Do you have a connection to Trinity Woods? Did a parent, grandparent, friend, or loved one live here? Maybe you remember visits, celebrations, or simple everyday moments that meant the most. We would love to hear your story.
Your memories—and even photos or keepsakes—help us honor our past and celebrate the people who shaped our community. Send memories and stories to memories@trinitywoodstulsa.com.
Every memory matters. Help us keep the Trinity Woods story alive.
More Than a Game: The Pickleball Connection
By Alison Guerrero
As spring arrives, many Trinity Woods residents head outdoors to enjoy the sunshine—whether
walking, gardening, or playing pickleball. For Don Neuhaus, pickleball quickly became a favorite after he was introduced to it shortly after moving in over a decade ago. What started as curiosity turned into a passion.
Don says the key to staying active is simple: do something you enjoy. Unlike a typical workout that can feel long, pickleball makes time fly. Research supports this—fun, engaging activities help people stay consistent and improve overall wellbeing.
Beyond enjoyment, pickleball offers real health benefits. It supports heart health, improves endurance, and even boosts brain function through quick thinking, coordination, and strategy. As Don puts it, both your body and brain get a workout every time you play.
Equally important is the social side. Players build friendships, share laughs between games, and create a strong sense of community—helping prevent isolation and encouraging connection.
Don’s advice? Don’t be intimidated—just give it a try. The rules are simple, and the community is welcoming. You might just find your new favorite way to stay active. Check out the Wellness Calendar for
times and locations for the next Pickleball match.
Why is Good Friday Good?
By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain
Each year as Holy Week approaches, many people ask an important question: Why is Good Friday called “good”? After all, it marks the day Jesus was crucified, a day filled with betrayal, suffering, and death. At first glance, there seems to be nothing good about it. Yet for Christians around the world,
Good Friday stands as one of the most meaningful and hopeful days in our faith. What appeared to be humanity’s darkest moment became the very place where God’s love was most clearly revealed.
Centuries before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah described a mysterious figure known as the Suffering Servant. Isaiah wrote that this servant would bear our griefs, carry our sorrows, and suffer on behalf of others. In one of the most powerful passages in Scripture we read, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Christians understand this passage as pointing forward to Jesus. On Good Friday, Jesus fulfilled that role as he willingly endured the cross, taking upon himself the weight of human sin and brokenness.
What makes Good Friday “good” is not the suffering itself, but what God accomplished through it. In the crucifixion we see the depth of God’s grace and love. Jesus endured the cross so that forgiveness, reconciliation, and new life could be offered to the world. When Jesus declared, “It is finished,” the work of redemption was complete. What seemed like defeat became the victory through which God opened the way for humanity to be restored.
Good Friday also invites a response from each of us. When we reflect on the cross, we are reminded of how deeply we are loved and how freely we have been forgiven. Gratitude becomes the natural response. The grace we receive calls us to extend grace to others—to forgive as we have been forgiven,
to show compassion to those who are hurting, and to live with humility and kindness.|
In many ways, Good Friday reminds us that God often works through what appears to be loss or suffering. The cross seemed like the end of the story, yet it became the turning point that leads to Easter morning. Because of that, we can face life’s challenges with hope, trusting that God can bring life even out of the darkest circumstances.
April Issue of The Trail Mix
In This Issue: March at Trinity Woods: Learning, Connection, and New Beginnings
Celebrating Community, Purpose, and Connection: April at Trinity Woods
At Trinity Woods, every month brings new opportunities to connect, grow, and celebrate life—but April holds a particularly special place. In this issue of The Trail MIX, we’re reminded that purpose doesn’t retire. Instead, it evolves—shaped by community, compassion, and a continued desire to make a difference.
April is National Volunteer Month, and at Trinity Woods, volunteerism isn’t just something residents do—it’s part of who they are. Many residents arrive with a lifetime of service already behind them, but what makes this community unique is how that spirit continues to thrive. Whether welcoming new neighbors, supporting events, or contributing to organizations across Tulsa, residents remain deeply engaged.
Volunteerism here is more than helping others—it’s a vital part of wellness. It fosters connection, strengthens emotional and spiritual health, and brings a renewed sense of purpose. As highlighted in this month’s feature, giving back doesn’t slow down in retirement—it takes on new meaning.
Finding Meaning in Faith and Reflection
April also invites deeper reflection with the observance of Good Friday. In this issue, readers are encouraged to consider why such a solemn day is called “good.” The answer lies in hope—what seemed like a moment of loss became a powerful expression of love, grace, and renewal. It’s a message that resonates far beyond the season: even in life’s challenges, there is opportunity for growth, healing, and transformation.
Wellness Spotlight
Wellness continues to be a cornerstone of life at Trinity Woods, and this issue highlights both awareness and action. A thoughtful article on Parkinson’s disease sheds light on one of the fastest-growing neurological conditions, emphasizing the importance of early detection, education, and proactive care.
At the same time, wellness is celebrated in more joyful ways—like pickleball. More than just a game, it’s a gateway to better physical health, sharper thinking, and meaningful social connection. As one resident shares, staying active is simple: find something you enjoy, and the rest follows.
April Featured Events
April is filled with opportunities to gather, learn, and be entertained. From a lively musical performance of Freaky Friday to a meaningful movie night featuring A Better Life, there’s something for everyone. Book lovers can dive into a Route 66 mystery review, while music enthusiasts can look forward to Singin’ in the Rain performed by Broadway Senior. These shared experiences are more than events—they’re moments that strengthen community bonds.
Welcoming New Neighbors
A community is only as strong as the people who make it up, and this month we’re delighted to welcome several new residents. Each brings a unique story—rich with experiences, careers, travels, and a shared desire for connection. Their journeys remind us that Trinity Woods isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to belong.
70 Years of Stories—and Counting
As Trinity Woods celebrates its 70th anniversary, there’s a renewed focus on honoring the past while looking toward the future. Residents, families, and friends are invited to share their memories—stories that capture the heart of this community. Because it’s these shared experiences that define Trinity Woods—not just as a place, but as a legacy of connection, care, and belonging. We are asking for your Trinity Woods stories.
A Community That Continues to Thrive
The April issue of The Trail MIX is a powerful reminder that life at Trinity Woods is vibrant, purposeful, and deeply connected. Whether through service, wellness, faith, or fellowship, residents continue to inspire one another every day. Here, retirement isn’t an ending—it’s a new chapter filled with opportunity, impact, and joy.
Sowing Spiritual Seeds in a New Season
By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain
March arrives like a soft invitation: longer days, thawing ground, and the quiet promise that what was dormant can begin to grow. Spiritually, this month is a natural hinge between winter’s inward work and spring’s outward fruitfulness. Sowing spiritual seeds now means intentionally planting acts of faith,
words of encouragement, and habits of devotion so that when the season turns, God’s harvest can appear.
Seasons shape our souls. Just as a farmer reads the weather and the soil, we sense when God is calling us to move from waiting to planting. Scripture reminds us: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:7–9 (NIV). This promise anchors our efforts. Sowing is not a frantic scramble but a faithful, patient investment in what God will bring to life.
Sowing reshapes us. As we plant, our faith grows from theory into practice. Benefits include renewed hope, deeper trust in God’s timing, strengthened community, and the joy of seeing small beginnings become meaningful change. Even when results are unseen, the act of sowing aligns our hearts with
God’s kingdom purposes and trains us in perseverance.
“TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON, AND TIME TO EVERY PURPOSE UNDER HEAVEN.”
Book of Ecclesiastes
Imagine a gardener in March, hands in cool soil. She doesn’t wait for every frost to pass; she prepares beds, tests the earth, and plants hardy seeds that will root while the world still seems quiet. Some seeds will sprout quickly; others will sleep until the warmth comes. The gardener’s faith is not in immediate green shoots but in the pattern of seasons and the steady work of tending. So, it is with us, our faithful, sometimes unseen sowing prepares a harvest that God will bring in His time.
This March, choose one seed to plant and tend it faithfully. You are partnering with God when you pray, give, serve, and speak life into others. Expect slow beginnings and trust the promise of God’s harvest.
March STARS Employee of the Month
John Rodriguez – Healthcare Team
Start Date: February 2025
Born and Raised: Sapulpa, Oklahoma
Education: Pursuing Business Degree at Rogers State University
Wanted to be as a Kid: Nurse
Favorite Sport: Football
Hobbies: Fishing and Boating
First Job: Burgers N More in Sapulpa
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Favorite Book: The Testament by John Grisham
Motivated By: My Family and I Want to be the Best Possible Version of Myself.
Free Time: Fishing and Spending Time with Family
Family: Married with Three Children
What his supervisor says: “John lives out the Trinity Woods mission and our culture of courtesy through
his exceptional dedication and unwavering willingness to help wherever it’s needed. He handles resident
assessments for the Health Center, yet he consistently goes above and beyond—offering assistance across the community. Before leaving each day, he makes a point to check in from office to office, quietly ensuring that everyone has the support they need. Through his selfless service and steadfast commitment, John has made our work easier, our days smoother, and our community stronger, truly serving in the spirit of Christ.” ~ Emilie Creswell, VP of Health Services
Brunch and Learn!
By Bonnie Polak, VP of Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Navigating changes in tax law and retirement planning can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Join us on March 17th at 10:30 a.m. for a special Brunch & Learn Workshop designed to provide clarity, confidence, and practical next steps.
This free, educational session will be led by Mark Loeber, our Trinity Woods trusted expert with extensive experience in tax law changes, charitable giving strategies, and retirement planning. Mark is known for translating complex legislation into practical, easy-to-understand guidance that helps individuals make informed decisions about their financial future.
During the workshop, you’ll receive a clear and expert breakdown of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including what’s changed and how the new law may impact your taxes, Social Security and Medicare benefits, charitable giving, and long-term retirement plans.
You’ll learn more about:
New Tax Law Updates and how they affect retirement and giving
Social Security and Medicare (IRMAA) and how hidden costs can influence your benefits
Planning Ahead, with strategies for charitable giving, retirement savings, and estate
planning
Major Retirement Impacts, what to anticipate, and how to protect your plan
Actionable Steps you can implement now
This Brunch & Learn is a free educational workshop, made possible through a partnership between our organization and the Tulsa Community Foundation. Enjoy a relaxed brunch while gaining valuable insights to help you plan with confidence.
Space is limited. To reserve your spot, call 918.346.6671 or email bpolak@trinitywoodstulsa.com.
We hope you’ll join us for a morning of learning, conversation, and great food.
Why People Move to Trinity Woods
By Lupina Fry, Wellness Nurse
At Trinity Woods, we hear many reasons why people choose to call our community home. Some are excited about never climbing a ladder to clean gutters or raking another year’s worth of leaves. Others are ready to trade cooking for one or two in a large, quiet home for shared meals and lively conversation.
For many, Midtown has always been home, and they’ve long admired the sense of neighborliness they experience when visiting campus. Some have family ties that stretch back through our 70-year history.
Whatever the reason, most people are ultimately looking for peace of mind — safety, maintenance-free living, meaningful connections, opportunities for wellness, and a plan for the future. Trinity Woods provides these through a thoughtful focus on the dimensions of wellness: spiritual, emotional, physical,
intellectual, vocational, environmental, and social. When one dimension is neglected, it can affect overall quality of life. When they work together, they create balance, resilience, and purpose.
From a wellness perspective, staying engaged is more than just staying busy. Regular movement supports balance and strength, reducing fall risk. Social connection protects emotional health and lowers the risk of depression. Intellectual stimulation keeps the mind sharp. Purposeful activity contributes to longer, healthier lives. These aren’t just activities on a calendar — they are building blocks of well-being.
With a full calendar of opportunities, every resident has the chance to participate at their own pace. Sometimes that first step is as simple as attending one class, inviting a neighbor to coffee, or trying something new. Small steps, taken consistently, can make a meaningful difference.
It’s easy to put things off, but engaging early — while you feel strong and independent — gives you more time to build friendships, routines, and healthy habits that support your future. Wellness isn’t only about exercise or a health class. It’s about connection, purpose, laughter, growth, and knowing support is there when you need it.
Choosing to get involved isn’t about pressure — it’s about possibility. And at Trinity Woods, the opportunity to live well is always within reach.
March STARS Employees of the Month
Julie Clemons – Wellness Team
Start Date: October 2018
Born: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Raised: Los Angeles, CA
Education: Rogers State University
Wanted to be as a Kid: Broadcast Journalist
Favorite Sport: Basketball – Go Lakers!
Described by Friends: Lights Up A Room
First Job: File Clerk at a Law Office
Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving
Favorite Quote: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never
forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
First Car: Ford Pinto
Favorite Movie: O Brother Where Art Thou
Favorite Book: Moby Dick by Herman Melville
Family: Mom of Two Children
What her supervisor says: “Julie truly embodies the Energizer Bunny: “still going.” She is non-stop energy. Julie is an indispensable member of the Wellness Team and a tremendous asset to the entire Trinity Woods community. Julie consistently balances multiple responsibilities with grace and efficiency, delivering excellent results across the board. We are fortunate to have her on our team.” – Weldon Tisdale, VP of Wellness
March Issue of The Trail Mix
In This Issue: March at Trinity Woods: Learning, Connection, and New Beginnings
Spring is arriving at Trinity Woods, bringing opportunities for learning, wellness, faith, and community connection. The March edition of The Trail Mix highlights upcoming events, new neighbors, and the many ways residents continue to grow and thrive together.
Planning for the Future: Brunch & Learn Workshop
This month features a special Brunch & Learn on March 17, designed to help residents better understand recent tax law changes and retirement planning strategies. Led by financial expert Mark Loeber, the free workshop will break down how new legislation may impact taxes, Social Security, Medicare, charitable giving, and long-term financial planning. The event, presented in partnership with the Tulsa Community Foundation, combines practical education with a relaxed, social setting.
A Season of Spiritual Renewal
Chaplain Weldon Tisdale reflects on March as a season of renewal and growth, encouraging residents to “sow spiritual seeds” through faith, service, and encouragement. Holy Week services, held March 30 through April 3, will offer daily worship and fellowship opportunities for the community.
Wellness and Purposeful Living
Trinity Woods continues to emphasize whole-person wellness — supporting physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual health. Wellness Nurse Lupina Fry shares that residents often move to Trinity Woods seeking peace of mind, meaningful relationships, and maintenance-free living. Staying engaged through activities and relationships helps promote independence, resilience, and overall well-being.
Engaging Events and Lifelong Learning
March offers a full calendar of enriching programs, including:
- A weather presentation with longtime Oklahoma meteorologist Travis Meyer
- A powerful personal story from Afghan refugee and community leader Omid Mobarezpoor
- A piano recital featuring young musician Daniel Hsieh
- Supper & A Show with Cherokee musician Agalisiga “Chuj” Mackey
These events reflect Trinity Woods’ commitment to lifelong learning, culture, and shared experiences.
Celebrating Community
The newsletter also recognizes staff members who exemplify the Trinity Woods mission through exceptional service, celebrates resident milestones, and shares seasonal fun facts to welcome the arrival of spring.
At its heart, March at Trinity Woods is about renewal — planning wisely, nurturing wellness, deepening faith, and building meaningful connections that make community life flourish.
Tin Man Society: A Legacy of Many!
A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart
By Bonnie Polak, VP of Philanthropy and Community Engagement
It has often been said that there is not a building on campus that would not be here if it weren’t for the generosity of others. In fact, many of the people who made many of our campus improvements and wellness programs possible never even saw their gifts come to fruition. That’s the power of our community and of legacy giving.
Legacy giving is a powerful way to support the mission of a nonprofit beyond your lifetime — ensuring that your values continue to make an impact for future generations. At Trinity Woods, this enduring form of philanthropy is honored through the Tin Man Society, a community of donors who have chosen to leave a lasting legacy through planned giving.
Legacy gifts, also called planned gifts, allow individuals to make significant contributions to a nonprofit’s future without affecting their current lifestyle. These gifts can be arranged through your estate plan, will, trust, or through financial tools such as charitable gift annuities and remainder trusts. They may also include beneficiary designations on life insurance, retirement accounts, assignment of membership fee refund or other assets.
When you commit a legacy gift to Trinity Woods — you become part of the Tin Man Society. This society recognizes individuals and families who have pledged to support the ongoing mission and ministry of Trinity Woods well into the future. Members are celebrated for their foresight and generosity in helping ensure that Trinity Woods remains a place where elders thrive in community, dignity, purpose and are served in the spirit of Christ.
Legacy giving isn’t just about financial support — it’s about leaving a meaningful mark. Your planned gift can help provide affordable, compassionate care, enhance campus life, and sustain programs that enrich the lives of residents who may never know you personally but will benefit profoundly from your kindness.
By joining the Tin Man Society, you embed your legacy in the heart of Trinity Woods’ mission — ensuring that its spirit of generosity lives on for years to come. For more information about the Trinity Woods Tin Man Society, contact Bonnie Polak at 918.346.6639 or bpolak@trinitywoodstulsa.com.
Black History Month
By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain
February brings with it Black History Month, a time set aside to honor the stories, struggles, and triumphs of African Americans whose contributions have shaped our nation in ways both visible and unseen. While it began as “Negro History Week” in the 1920s, thanks to historian Carter G. Woodson, it has grown into
a monthlong celebration that invites all of us to pause, reflect, and learn.
For communities like ours, where many individuals may not have grown up hearing these stories firsthand, Black History Month offers a chance to broaden our perspective and appreciate the creativity and resilience that enriches American life. It’s not about guilt or division, it’s about connection, curiosity, and gratitude.
Take Garrett Morgan, for instance. His invention of the three light traffic signal literally keeps us safe every day. Dr. Patricia Bath’s groundbreaking work in ophthalmology gave the world a device to treat cataracts, restoring sight to millions. George Washington Carver, often remembered for peanuts, actually
revolutionized agriculture by finding hundreds of new uses for crops, helping farmers thrive.
Lewis Latimer, working alongside Edison and Bell, improved the filament in light bulbs, making electric lighting practical for homes across the country. And Madam C.J. Walker, a visionary entrepreneur, created hair care products for Black women and became one of America’s first female self-made millionaires. These stories remind us that innovation knows no boundaries of race or background—it springs from talent, vision, and determination.
So why highlight these names in our community newsletter? Because Black History Month isn’t just about remembering the past, it’s about recognizing how deeply interconnected our lives are. Every time we stop safely at a traffic light, flip on a lamp, or hear of a woman breaking barriers in business, we’re touching
legacies that began in African American hands.
This February, let’s approach Black History Month with openness and curiosity. Read a story, share a name, or simply pause to appreciate the everyday gifts we’ve inherited. In doing so, we honor not only Black history, but American history and we strengthen the bonds of community that make life richer for
us all.
The Seven Dimensions of Wellness and Your Heart
By Alison Guerrero, Wellness Professional
Sometimes when I think of the Seven Dimensions of Wellness (Physical, Emotional, Social, Intellectual, Vocational, Environmental, Spiritual,) I think of them separately, as entities wholly of their own category. Physical is exercise, Intellectual is learning, Vocational is working, so on and so forth. But then in the moments when I’m spending time with my loved ones, when I’m working on a project at work, or when I’ve finished a difficult workout, I realize just how the dimensions really are connected. How? You might be asking. Through the heart, of course.
Each dimension has its own impact on the heart by mitigating the stresses in our life and helping our hearts feel both healthy and whole. Stress sends signals to the body to release inflammation and hormones that contribute to elevated blood pressure, blood sugar, heart rate, cholesterol and plaque,
and irregular heartbeats. All of that can be detrimental to the heart’s effective function, and lead to an increased risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, and death. Let’s see how each dimension can ease stress:
PHYSICAL: Regular exercise, healthy diet, and adequate sleep improve cardiovascular function by reducing blood pressure, releasing feel-good hormones, reducing heart rate, and strengthening the heart.
EMOTIONAL: Becoming aware of and understanding your emotions, learning and practicing healthy coping skills like journaling, meditation, and more can reduce stress.
SOCIAL: Finding strong social and community connections help combat the stress of loneliness and increases a sense of belonging.
INTELLECTUAL: Expanding knowledge and skills, flexing your brain and exploring new concepts to keep our brain engaged provides needed distraction from stressors.
VOCATIONAL: Finding purpose and satisfaction through work like volunteering for your favorite nonprofit
or teaching skills to those around you can be a source of strength when faced with stress.
ENVIRONMENTAL: Stress reduction also comes from working toward healthier surroundings, small scale and large, through recycling, pollution reduction, cleaning and caring for your community around you, and more.
SPIRITUAL: Participating in activities that support your beliefs and values, finding purpose and meaning with or without organized religion help combat the stresses of life.
Since February is Heart Health Month, it’s the perfect time to take steps to fulfill the Seven Dimensions of Wellness in an effort to help support your heart health!
Poached Salmon & Avocado Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Enjoy this heart healthy recipe from the kitchen of our very own Richard Applegate, Trinity Woods Director of Food Service.
• 6oz Fresh Salmon Filet (skinless)
• 1 Medium Avocado
• 1oz Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Juice from 1 Lemon
• Pinch of no salt season (Mrs. Dash works well)
• 1 Small Head of Butter Lettuce
Instructions:
Poach salmon in simmering water for 10-12 minutes. Check with a probe
thermometer to ensure internal temperature is at least 145 degrees.
Place salmon in refrigerator to cool off for around 20 minutes. Split avocado
in half and remove pit, scoop from the rind into a mixing bowl.
Add salmon to avocado, season with no salt seasoning, add olive oil and
lemon juice. Carefully mix while keeping the salmon a little chunky.
Place a couple of ounces of the mixture in lettuce leaves and roll. Enjoy!
February STARS Employee of the Month
Haley Bolton – Housekeeping Team
Start Date: July 2025
Born: Germany
Raised: Florida, Texas and Oklahoma
Wanted to be as a Kid: A Mom
Favorite Sport: Bowling
One Meal Forever: Steak and Shellfish
Described by Friends: Sweet and Bubbly
Hobbies: Crocheting, Knitting and Fishing
First Job: McDonalds
Favorite Holiday: Halloween
Favorite Quote: Treat Others the Way You Want to Be Treated
Family Recipe: Granny’s Queso
First Car: Ford Tempo
Favorite Movie: Bye, Bye, Birdie
Favorite Book: Green Eggs & Ham by Dr. Suess
Collects: Porcelain Dolls
Motivated By: Being Helpful to Others
Free Time: Spending Time with Family and Going Fishing
Family: Married with Four Kids
What her supervisor says: “Haley brightens up every room she walks in. She’s a joy to have around. Haley is a dedicated, hard worker. It’s a blessing to have her as a member of our team.” Amy McDaniel, Housekeeping Manager
Entering the New Year Together
As we step into this new year together at Trinity Woods, our hearts carry both grief and gratitude. Over the past 90 days we have said goodbye to neighbors, family members, and two beloved staff members. Loss changes the shape of our days and the contours of our community, and there is no one right way to bear it. Yet even in sorrow, we hold to the gentle promise that we are not alone in our mourning or our hope.
Comfort comes to us tenderly in Scripture: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). When tears come, when routines feel hollow, this assurance
reminds us that our pain is seen and that God draws near. Jesus’ words, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4), do not minimize our loss; they hold it up to the light and promise a healing presence that walks with us through the dark.
We also lift up hope, hope that does not erase the past but reorients us toward what is possible. The Lord says, “See, I am doing a new thing” (Isaiah 43:19). New beginnings rise slowly: a shared memory that brings a smile, a conversation that eases the ache, the steady kindness of staff and neighbors who show up. These small acts are the stitches of grace that help repair what grief has torn.
For those wrestling with emptiness and the question of what comes next, Revelation offers a vision of ultimate consolation: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning
or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4). We hold that future promise while tending to present needs; listening, remembering, praying, and caring for one another practically and tenderly.
May this new year bring seasons of rest for the weary, courage for the uncertain, and deep, quiet peace for every heart that aches. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an
end; they are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22–23).
I end with this prayer: Gracious God, hold us in our sorrow, surround us with your comfort, and lead us into a year of renewed hope and gentle healing. Amen.
February Issue of The Trail Mix
In This Issue: The Legacy of Many!
The February issue of The Trail Mix highlights the heart of Trinity Woods—community, wellness, legacy, and connection. The lead feature focuses on legacy giving and the Tin Man Society, explaining how planned gifts help sustain Trinity Woods’ mission for future generations while honoring donors’ values and foresight.
In recognition of Black History Month, Chaplain Weldon Tisdale reflects on influential African American innovators and leaders, encouraging curiosity, gratitude, and a deeper appreciation for the shared histories that shape everyday life.
The Wellness section ties Heart Health Month to the Seven Dimensions of Wellness, showing how physical, emotional, social, intellectual, vocational, environmental, and spiritual well-being work together to reduce stress and support heart health.
Residents are invited to a full calendar of February events, including Theatre Tulsa’s Love Letters, the Valentine’s Celebration of Friendship and Love, OU to YOU on cutting-edge radar technology, Sunday with the Symphony, and a Tulsa Youth Symphony chamber recital. An Ash Wednesday service will be held February 18.
The newsletter also celebrates February birthdays and anniversaries, honors those remembered, recognizes Haley Bolton as STARS Employee of the Month, and acknowledges employee service milestones. The issue closes with a save-the-date for a March educational workshop on new tax law updates and retirement planning.
New Neighbors to Trinity Woods – we welcome Ken and Judy, Margaret, Grady and Sandra, and Barry and Dayna.
Reflections on the New Year from the CEO
By: Garrett Lee, Trinity Woods CEO
As we welcome 2026, I want to reflect on an exceptional year of progress, performance, and purposeful growth. Our achievements in 2025—expanding our occupancy, strengthening our financial position, and elevating the value we deliver, among others—are all grounded in one undeniable advantage: our people. This year reaffirmed a simple truth that when you bring together mission-minded and dedicated individuals who care deeply about the organization and one another, remarkable things happen.
We saw residents and employees across the organization embrace change with clarity, courage, and creativity. Whether it was adopting new technology, or modifying and enhancing the way we deliver services, each improvement made us stronger. Change can be challenging, but you proved that it can also be a catalyst for achievement when approached with openness and unity. Because of that, we start this year more agile, more aligned, and better positioned for long-term success.
As we look ahead, 2026 holds tremendous promise. We enter our 70th year with momentum—
talented teams, higher occupancy, strong finances, and ambitious strategic goals that reflect who we are. We will continue building systems that support excellence, strengthen our culture, and shape an environment where people can live their best life and build meaningful relationships. There is much to look forward to, and I am excited for what we will achieve together!
In this new year season, I want to acknowledge the deeper source of momentum that carries us forward: the spirit of hope and ambition that lives within this organization. Hope gives us the confidence to move forward even when the path is not always fully visible. Ambition gives us the drive to reach for our potential, not just settle for what is comfortable. When these two forces are paired together, they guide us to strive for excellence with humility, purpose, and gratitude, fueling progress that is both meaningful and lasting. Thank you for your dedication, passion, and perseverance throughout the year.
Here’s to a new year of growth, opportunity, and shared blessings.
Meet the INBODY MACHINE
The last time you went to the doctor, they probably weighed you and measured your BMI (body mass index, measurement of height vs weight) as a way to monitor your health and wellness, but what if I told you there is more to your body than that?
Your body is made up of lean tissues, fatty tissues, water, and more. This is called Body Composition, and it is a much more valuable measurement of our body than a standard weight measurement or BMI.
After the age of 30, we lose muscle mass at a more rapid rate and after the age of 50, our bones weaken,
increasing risk of breaks. Both can be combated through resistance training by strengthening the muscle, which in turn strengthens the bones by triggering bone building cells to activate. Fat serves as a protective cushion and insulation layer for our internal organs. Fatty tissues can be both beneficial but harmful to the body, so it’s important to find a healthy balance in how much fat we have. Too little fat has negative impact on the immune system and hormones, but too much fat strains the body, specifically the cardiovascular system. Knowing the importance of water, muscle, and fat tissue levels, how can we track and improve them? That’s where the InBody, and Senior Fitness Testing (SFT), come in.
The InBody is a body composition scanner that uses mild harmless electrical impulse to measure the
amount of water, muscle, and fat in your body. The SFT can show where we are in fitness through seven
standardized tests and can help give us ideas on how to improve both fitness and body composition.
Trinity Woods will hold our annual SFT in January and offers InBody Scans and consultations in the Spann Wellness Center throughout the year. We invite you to stop by, learn more and take a healthy step in your wellness journey.