By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

July 4, 1776 was the greatest and most important date for the United States of America. It is the day the original 13 colonies declared their independence from the British Empire and became independent states. It is the date we celebrate, annually, as “July 4th – Independence Day.” For enslaved Africans there was no such celebration until the final slaves were freed in Texas on June 19, 1865, more than two-and-a-half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. A day we now know and celebrate as “Juneteenth.”

As we celebrate our independence and freedom, we must also remember that more than 2000 years ago believers were set free from sin by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus the Christ. Given these facts, we all have great reason to celebrate our varied freedoms. However, freedom has its limits. We are limited by the laws of the land, the laws of nature, the laws of morality and the Word of God.

Paul records in Galatians 5:1, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (NKJV) It was for freedom that Christ set us
free, but… Paul also tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:12, “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial.’ I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.” (NIV)

In other words, though I have the right, freedom, and independence to do anything, not everything I choose to do is beneficial, safe, moral or good for me. While Paul is dealing primarily with the
types of food being eaten and sexual immorality, the overarching theme covers our entire existence.
Though our lives can be lived independently, we each should follow the guidelines outlined in the Word of God to manage our lives for His glory. Each of us should also erect guardrails to limit our access to unlawful and harmful thoughts, actions, activities, and behaviors.

In the final analysis, our independent existence is totally dependent on a loving and all-powerful God. We must recognize as we celebrate Independence Day that independence and freedom has its limits. And though Jesus secured our freedom more than 2000 years ago, I believe that He desires us to live Independently, Dependent – upon Him.

By Bonnie Polak, VP of Philanthropy and Community Engagement

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget; teach me and I may remember; involve me and I
learn.” This is the perfect description of the Trinity Woods philosophy on lifelong learning. We know
our community members bring rich stories, experiences, and expertise to this community. Lifelong
learning has become a part of the culture and community members have really embraced sharing
their knowledge and their expertise.

Whether pursuing personal interests and passions or chasing professional ambitions, lifelong learning
can help us achieve personal fulfillment and satisfaction. It feeds our natural drive to explore, learn
and grow. It even encourages us to improve our own quality of life and sense of self-worth by paying
attention to the ideas and goals that inspire us.

As a way to give structure to the sharing of knowlege and expertise, the Trinity Woods Summer School
program began. Each year, since 2017, we have offered a variety of classes that allow community
members to expand their education and their passions.

“I am really excited about the classes for this year,” said Irene Brown, Life Enrichment Coordinator.
“This year’s classes, we hope, will offer something that piques an interest for everyone. We want
community members to embrace these lifelong learning opportunities.”

A special thank you to the Summer School instructors, all of whom live on the Trinity Woods campus,
for sharing and bringing excellent learning opportunities to this dynamic and curious community. “It
is truly wonderful to watch neighbors share their experience with each other to increase awareness
and personal growth,” said Irene. For more information about Summer School classes, please
contact Irene Brown at ibrown@trinitywoodstulsa.com or

By Bonnie Polak, VP of Philanthropy and Community Engagement

I have heard it said many times that this community would not be what is, if it weren’t for the kindness of others. We are surrounded by reminders of the “Good Samaritans” who have ensured that this community and its mission have thrived for over 65 years. We could not do what we are called to do without these good Samaritans. We all know the story of the Samaritan who came to the aid of a fellow traveler, someone truly in need. Currently there are residents living in our Health Center who have outlived their financial resources, through no fault of their own. They are reliant on support from the Good Samaritan Fund, formerly the Supplemental Aid Fund. The fund was recently renamed to fi t the donors of this very special cause.

Each year we ask our community and generous supporters to give to this Fund. Over the past few years this Fund has become one of the most urgent and critical areas of need for the people living at Trinity Woods.

This Fund helps Trinity Woods residents when they need it most. If you feel led to help a fellow neighbor through the Good Samaritan Fund, please use the remittance envelope provided to make a donation. All donations are 100% tax deductible. You can even make a gift as an honorarium or memorial in the name of a friend who is living or no longer with us.

This year, with a gift of $300 you will receive a commemorative “brick” that will be engraved in your honor and placed in front of the Community Life Center. Our goal is to raise $150,000 for the Good Samaritan Fund. I hope you will partner with us to support this very important cause.

To support this very special mission please visit: https://bit.ly/TrinityWoodsGiving

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.” James 2: 8-9 NIV

The Apostle James provides his own version of loving thy neighbor, but first he emphasizes and clearly makes the distinction of class division. The book of James chapter 2 highlights for us the behaviors and parameters of who we deem as acceptable and who we consider as neighbors based upon worldly things: power and social status. I believe even today this is where we too struggle with loving our neighbors as God loves us. It is so easy for us to love those who look as we do, dress as we do and move in the same social circles as we do. But what becomes problematic is when we are asked to treat all those we encounter with love, respect, justice, and mercy.

It is easy to love those we self-define as worthy, but it is harder to love those who may be different than we are or those we prejudge and label. It is often difficult to widen the circle of life to include those we discriminate against, those whom we would rather not break bread with, those whom God has called us to include as sisters and brothers. James has much to contribute to our thinking about separatism and inclusion. He reminds and cautions us in chapter 2 verse 9 that in showing favoritism or disregard for the “other,” – we sin. What a sobering thought!

Who then is our neighbor? Our neighbor is anyone in our proximity with whom we can share God’s love. We love people by genuinely seeking what is best for them. Loving others does not mean agreeing with everything they say or do, nor does it mean acting in ways that always gain their approval. We love our neighbors when we have compassion for them and help meet their needs as we are able.

As we serve in the spirit of Christ, remember to always “love your neighbor as yourself.”

By Jennifer Rawlings, Your Wellness Celebrating Guru

As we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Crestwood and the Spann Wellness Center, I can’t help but reflect on the evolution of wellness at Trinity Woods.

As ingrained as Wellness is into our culture now, it’s hard to imagine a time when there wasn’t a Spann Wellness Center or even a Wellness platform. Believe it or not, there was a time when the fitness center consisted of a treadmill and an exercise bike in the basement of the Felt House. Fitness classes were held in the Fleming Center. Charter Club members (Crestwood waiting list) participated in fitness classes held in the Marketing office which was a lakeside home, and each area of the continuum operated as
an individual area, planning their own activities and programs.

The opening of the Spann Wellness Center allowed us to truly bring everyone on campus together and to offer much more. It has expanded our recreational programs like ping pong and pickleball, our functional fitness programs like boxing and line dancing, and our self-directed programs like indoor walking and weight training. The Spann Wellness Center allows both residents and employees to be physically fit as well as have social connection. There is not a day that the Spann coffee bar area isn’t hopping with residents gathering before and after class to enjoy each other’s company.

Through the last 10 years wellness has become the lifestyle for people choosing to move to Trinity Woods. We encourage everyone to take advantage of all the wellness opportunities that are offered. The Seven Dimensions of Wellness are not just a saying for us; it is part of our core culture and beliefs. Through physical, social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, vocational, and environmental wellness, we have added value and purpose to so many individuals.

I could give you so many examples of community members who moved here simply because of our wellness model and culture. I love it when residents share their personal stories and photos that were all made possible by engaging in our wellness programs.

As I look forward to the next 10 years our goal is that everyone at Trinity Woods will be involved and engaged in wellness programs and that wellness will continue to evolve with new and current residents’ needs and interests. I am excited to see where the next decade takes us.

Trinity Woods was named to the TulsaPeople A-List awards for 2022. Our thanks to you for your vote. Bigger thanks to the residents and Trinity Woods team for creating the kind of community that wins
awards. It’s your caring and compassion for your fellow neighbor that makes this a truly amazing place. Way to go Trinity Woods!

Look for the June issue of TulsaPeople to see a complete version of all the winners!

April showers bring May flowers. Most people are familiar with this saying. The month of May is filled with the sounds of birds, the smell of fresh flowers and summer breezes from time to time. The month marks the beginning of the end of spring and the preparations for summer. School age children are anticipating graduations, summer vacation, and parents are planning for family getaways after being inside during the
cold winter months.

May also marks the fifth month of the year. It is the time when life, activities, and nature begin to flourish and multiply. This is also significant from a biblical perspective. The number five means grace, favor, or blessing. It also can mean increase, balance and divine appointment. I do not have enough space
to delve fully into all the meanings. However, in Genesis 1: 20-22 on day five of creation, after God finished speaking forth the great creatures of the seas and every winged fowl, He says, “Be fruitful and multiply.”

The first mention of the number five in the Bible deals with fruitfulness and increase. And because it is the first mention of the number, one could conclude it suggests that the number five will carry some relevance to grace, favor, fruitfulness and increase throughout the rest of the Bible. If this piques your
interest, please seek me out. I would enjoy exploring this more with you.

I say that as a reminder that even the most unpleasant of things and times, in this case the heavy rains of April, can bring about very enjoyable results. “April showers bring May flowers” is also a lesson in patience, and one that remains valid to this day.

Have you had a season of setbacks, disappointments or hindrances? Do not be dismayed. Remember these things: there has never been a wind that did not change directions on clouds that hang around forever, and April showers bring May flowers. Beyond the deluge is the joy of meaning, purpose, and favor-filled results.

By Steve Dickie, CEO

At Trinity Woods we celebrate the neighborly way people are welcomed into the community. We also acknowledge the importance of each person having a sense of belonging. In fact, our tagline was selected to support an aspirational goal for community members and employees, “Belong. Believe. Become.”

In recent visits with serval community members of Trinity Woods I have gained some fascinating insights. When I asked, “What goals were you seeking to accomplish when you chose to move here?” one person responded by saying, “I didn’t know anyone when I moved here. I never imagined I could make such great friends after the age of 80.” Others told me, “I wanted to plan ahead. I wanted to make my own decisions about my future,” and another said, “I moved for my children. I did not want them to have to worry about me.”

I am so impressed by the depth of the interpersonal relationships that have taken root at Trinity Woods. One person described it this way: “When I fi rst moved here, I found new acquaintances. The acquaintances became friends. Those friends I now consider family.”

The rich sense of fellowship is evident. It manifests itself in diverse ways and in a variety of places — in
fitness classes at the Spann Wellness Center, around the pool table or at ping pong in the Community Life Center and around the dining tables in the Charter Oak and Cypress Grille restaurants. I am captivated by the vision of a community where the love and care of others defines our essence.

This “good neighbor” archetype is rooted in the “great commandment.” A teacher of the law once asked Jesus, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” Jesus answered by saying, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength,’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Mark 12:28-34) Thank you for the way you “love one another” so deeply and so well.

The heart of every home (or community) is the kitchen, which is where the idea for “Meet the Chef” was born. This program gives residents an avenue to meet the chefs who create the amazing food at Trinity Woods. For example, did you know that Trinity Woods has three fulltime chefs on the dining team?

In a partnership with the Dining team, we are pleased to announce the return of Trinity Woods’ “Meet the Chef” event. This is an opportunity to not only hear directly from the chefs who prepare the meals, but also learn how to prepare them. There might even be a few Trinity Woods secret recipes shared.

Throughout the years the Trinity Woods’ chefs have featured many recipes, shared stories, and served samplings. The time has come to add a new flare to this longstanding event! In April “Meet the Chef” will be hosted in the Cypress Grille and will feature Chef Ling Pham. Chef Ling has been at Trinity Woods for over 10 years. He was the Executive Chef in Charter Oak and then opened the Cypress Grille where he is currently the Executive Chef.

This enhanced program will highlight a different Trinity Woods chef each month and they will bring their flare to each experience. Members will learn more about the chefs personally and about their cooking style. Each Chef will demonstrate their favorite recipes and teach participants about the cooking process, all while answering questions along the way. And the best part is everyone enjoys a sample!

At the end of the program, members will walk away with a new recipe and have a better insight about what goes into making the delicious food we serve at Trinity Woods. Our goal with the new enhanced program is to offer another way for the residents to interact with the kitchen team and learn new cooking techniques.

Mark your calendar for the Meet the Chef event, which is scheduled for Tuesday,
April 19 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets and reservations are required for this event.

By Sadie Krywicki, Trinity Woods Memory Care Manager

It has been one year since Trinity Woods opened our memory care assisted living houses. At the time, I remember everyone asking, “what makes these houses so special when it comes to memory care?”

The Marshall-Gaddy and Barnes Houses are the newest memory care homes in Tulsa and their unique small house model is unlike any other in the area. Each home offers 12 private rooms with living quarters for each resident, a family-style dining area and open kitchen with full meal service, along with trained caregivers 24 hours-a-day.

However, what makes these houses truly feel like home is our philosophy to encourage residents’ maximum autonomy. Instead of a stringent schedule, we provide options and empower residents to take ownership of their choices. They enjoy shopping, exploring Tulsa attractions and events, attending on-campus events, arts and crafts, baking, music, dancing, and reminiscing in each other’s company.

I have enjoyed watching the residents become a family to each other. Each day brings a new opportunity to fi nd or invigorate someone’s purpose. For example, we have a retired nurse who we often find ‘checking on her patients’ throughout the day and making sure everyone in the house is cared for. We have another gentleman who enjoys entertaining everyone by playing guitar and piano, making everyone smile.

Our “household” model encourages consistent communication and care between caregivers and residents which develops stronger relationships. This allows us to more quickly identify changes in behavior and other concerns in order to make earlier adjustments to lifestyle or treatment, if necessary.

Dementia affects everyone differently and our team is constantly adjusting so that residents have a person-centered experience. We know when we provide residents with a familiar, calm atmosphere that feels and looks like home, the state of their well-being can significantly improve.

For more information about Trinity Woods memory care options call 918.743.2565 or visit TrinityWoodsTulsa.com.

By Don Hertzler, Trinity Woods resident and Tulsa Master Garden

The first half of April, Oklahoma flowering dogwoods put on a show. We have several dogwoods on the Trinity Woods campus. The native dogwoods (Cornus Florida) bloom before the leaves appear but hybrids of the natives and Kousa Dogwoods (Cornus kousa) have larger blooms among green leaves.
I encourage everyone to get out and experience “the woods” wherever you are in Tulsa. Here is a
photo of one from my front yard flowering with the azaleas. Which type of flowering dogwood
is it? See how many dogwoods you can find on our campus or around town this April!

Easter is the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For Christian believers it is the highest of the holy days because this is the day Jesus soundly defeated death, hell, and the grave. Because of His resurrection, believers have a blessed hope of being raised together with Christ and the blessed assurance of spending eternity together with Him in their heavenly homes.

We are preparing for that great day of celebration during the Lenten season. To culminate this season, Christians make final preparations during the week before Easter/Resurrection Sunday known as Holy Week. It starts with Palm Sunday when Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem. The week leads us
through His trial, the Last Supper, His crucifixion, and ends on Easter Sunday with His resurrection.

This is the basis of Christianity; His sacrifice launched the New Covenant God promised and many had prophesied throughout the Old Testament. Each day of Holy Week allows us to peek into the heart of our Savior at intently close proximity. His love for us is reflected in every significant step toward the cross,
every breath up to the last, and His resurrection. Holy Week provides us the opportunity to reflect on and remember what Christ endured to secure our salvation.

Japhari Maji, CNA Buehler Place
» Start Date: September 2005
» Wanted to be as a Kid: A Mechanic
» Described by Friends: A caring person who will
do anything to help
» First Job: Making Air Conditioners
» One Food Forever: Tacos!
» Favorite Book: Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
» Fun Fact: I have an almost photographic memory.
» What his supervisor says: “Japhari is always dependable, and the elders look forward to the
times he is there.” – Cheryl Hrdlicka, Director of Nursing