Message from Suzy Chandler, Board President

What does it feel like to be FOUR YEARS OLD? You tell us! Share your favorite stories about NNN’s 4 years of community growth - send an email to info@northwestneighborsnetwork.org and you may see your story in our next newsletter!

NNN kicked off in 2019, and WOW, how we’ve grown! We ended 2019 with 33 people involved (Volunteers, Members, Steering Committee, Board) and we ended 2022 with 264 people involved! In 2022, your volunteer team provided over 3,000 services and gave over 5,400 hours of their time to support our community. This does not include the many hours of all the volunteer teams, committees and board members keeping the lights on at NNN. That’s a lot of LOVE! 

To celebrate our anniversary, your newly expanded Board of Directors will be rolling up their sleeves on our Strategic Plan to bring in even more volunteers to continue to provide services to help our ever-growing population of Seniors to get a little extra support to thrive in their own homes and communities. Do you know of a local business who has a growing volunteer program? Do you, or someone you know, have even just a few hours a month to help with members, or with behind-the-scenes operations of running our program? (Yes, in addition to helping your neighbors in person or on the phone, you can write website content, help organize electronic files, help identify systems to effectively run our non-profit, and more!) Send an email with your ideas: info@northwestneighborsnetwork.org 

How does each of the stories behind our volunteering make a difference? Hearing straight from our members really tells the story! We look forward to having you volunteer so we have great news to share every week. (Here are a few of dozens of notes of appreciation.)

• I am so happy I found this great bunch of people, you have definitely brought joy into my life, and I thank you.

• You have made me feel welcome and I no longer feel so isolated.

• I really appreciate your wonderful volunteer drivers, each one with different life experiences.

Thank you for your support and spreading the word to help! 

Tribute to Jerry Carriveau’s Service on the NNN Board

Let’s go back in time just a few years…how about 2015? You know, when a bag of groceries with milk, eggs, bread, and peanut butter would cost you about $10.50, and gas was just over $2 per gallon. That same bag of groceries today? Well, first you have to BRING your own bag to the store, then bring an extra $6.

This is not a story about groceries, but about change, and what big changes can happen in just a few short years. In 2015, Jerry was one of the initial members of the planning group hoping to launch a successful village model that would be fully self-sufficient within eight years. 

October 2015, there was an IDEA for NNN, but no official nonprofit name, no website, no bank account, no tax exempt status, no Bylaws, and even the service level boundaries were not set! (There were plans to stop at 196th in Lynnwood.)

Jerry was one of the original Board members behind the scenes, helping on governance and planning workgroups, and elected as the first Board President in 2017. (He may still have that gavel hidden somewhere around his house, who knows?)  In 2018, we joined the Village to Village network and had a 501(c)(3) status, approved Bylaws, working phone, website, logo, brochures, and early partnerships with local senior centers and community organizations. In February of 2019, NNN officially launched, with all of the foundational materials in place. 

Now that those Bylaws clearly state Board officers need to bow out after six years of service, we’d like to reflect back on the drive and determination Jerry brought to help us successfully launch, and be self-sufficient within eight years. I think we all agree that we’ve successfully met that initial target and are expanding well beyond.  

-NNN Board of Directors

Member Profile: Patricia Goninan

When Patricia welcomed me into her home, I had just missed NNN’s volunteer Kristy, who had dropped off groceries with one toddler strapped to her back and another strapped to her front. Patricia offered me an armchair and she sat on the floral couch next to where her cat was nestled into his corner. She repeated her doubt that her life was not worthy of a profile. Then her landline rang, and she went over to her favorite nook, where her desk is framed by a lattice wooden screen, to answer it, “Hello, Goninan residence.” 

I took the moment to glance around her living room and saw she had some stories to tell.  I asked if there was one behind the Japanese artworks. Patricia attended high school in Japan while her US military parents were stationed in Sendai. She recalled riding horse-drawn carts to the ocean and experiencing “sushi from a street vendor (that was) 100% better” than any you can get in the US. 

Transferring between a dozen or so schools as she grew up, she said, broadened her outlook as she experienced attitudes and cultures that widely differed - even among regions in the States. 

When she moved on to the University of Washington to study psychology and anthropology, a professor discovered her drawing talents and recruited her to illustrate artifacts from their archeological digs. She went on to learn additional techniques from anthropologist, Dr. Alex Krieger, and later to illustrate lab work for UW’s hospital. 

Patricia's passion for learning is reflected in her varied career, transitioning from engineering, architecture, social work, merchandising, and her most challenging position in a prison release program.

But what fascinated Patricia the most is learning to be so independent that she could live off the grid or on the road. Although she never built the yurt she designed, she realized the first dream with a house in the woods so close to Emerald Lake that you could “practically fish” from the second floor. Patricia and a roommate would cut and split the fuel for their wood-burning stoves and she would climb up from a ladder on the second-story deck to clean the huge chimney.

Redesigning a small RV, Patricia realized the other dream. With an interest in holistic medicine and a sign in the window, “New Driver,” she took off on a solo trip to learn from experts in northern Mexico and spend time with people being treated.

Patricia rerouted her long-term RV’ing dreams to be a caretaker but keeps exploring her curiosities. She has done week-long mediations and was a member of the International Association for Near Death Experiences. Currently, she is pursuing volunteering with the International Archive Association to transcribe handwritten historical texts. And, she just might try to pick up a book on quantum physics again.

Now, Patricia is an unofficial recruiter for NNN clients, telling her peers that NNN is the “best thing you can do for yourself.” She praised its volunteers who have done everything for her from light housekeeping and driving to fencing off an area for her cat on the balcony. And, to her, NNN volunteer Sandy M. is a “miracle” - if “she thinks you need something, you don’t have to say anything, she will go out of her way to help.”

Social Spotlight

Did you know NNN hosted 380 separate activities in 2022? We’d love to hear from you about what you enjoy the most when getting together with others in our great NNN Community. We’re going to continue to offer your favorite activities in 2023, we’re pausing the Friday Coffee Chats (low participation), and we’ve added a couple of new (or new to you) activities we hope you’ll consider. The two newer options are: 

• Walk with your Furry Friend! 

Join NNN’s Volunteer & Program Manager Danie and volunteer Mel with their dog, Frida, on the 3rd Saturday of each month for a romp at the Edmonds Waterfront Dog Park. Located in Marina Park on Admiral Way, take a stroll, throw a stick or a ball, or just enjoy the company and views of other dog lovers out for a fun morning at the waterfront. Owners/pet walkers are responsible for maintaining control over their own pets when at the park. Please make sure your dog has been well socialized when out with other dogs or people and has always been well behaved when in an open play setting. Meet at 10:30 in the parking lot.

• Games/Puzzles at Home: 

Are you more comfortable staying in your own home when playing a game or working on a puzzle? Volunteer game host Sharon and other NNN Volunteers would love to play games or spend some time finding just the right spot for that puzzle piece with you. Our volunteers will bring their own games/cards or use your games. Do you have a jigsaw puzzle already set up? Let’s work on it together! Don’t have a puzzle? We’ll bring one! The choice of what you want to play or work on is up to you! When your NNN Volunteer calls, you two can work out the details of what, when, where and for how long. Contact Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org to request a game buddy!

• Update: Last month, we asked for input about 3 possible new Zoom activities (Trivia Night, Climate Change Discussion Group, Makers Group). We haven’t heard from many of you to let us know if we should pursue these, so we’re holding off on developing those for a bit.

• Have you visited one of our local Community Senior Centers lately?  These centers offer many opportunities to meet others while you pursue new, or favorite, interests! Please remember to take advantage of one or more of our local Community Senior Centers! 

Each Center offers a wide variety of in person and online activities ranging from hobby interests, health and fitness classes, on-site clinics for personal hygiene and wellness support, special events and affordable lunch options. If you’re a member of one of the centers and sign up for their newsletter, you’ll usually receive advance notice of upcoming events and discounted access to their offerings. Visit these websites to explore the possibilities!

• Edmonds Waterfront Center: https://www.edmondswaterfrontcenter.org/

• Lynnwood Senior Center: https://www.lynnwoodwa.gov/Community/Play-Lynnwood/Lynnwood-Senior-Center

• Mountlake Terrace Community Senior Center: https://ballingercenter.org/

• Shoreline Lake Forest Park Center: https://shorelinelfpseniorcenter.org/

We’re listening!  It’s a new year! Please add your voice to let us know how we can best connect with you and with the NNN Community. We hope to see more of you join us when you can. Contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org

FEBRUARY NNN EVENTS AND GATHERINGS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

We welcome you to join us at any of our activities. It’s a great way to learn more about NNN and listen to others who enjoy the connections they make while attending an event. All activities are posted to our Northwest Neighbors Network web page. We encourage you to check our Events page for any changes or new opportunities that may pop up! 

NNN Members may request transportation to any event by signing into the website, texting Services at 253-237-2848 or by emailing Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org. Please request services as early as you’re aware you may want some volunteer help. 

NNN Walks: 

Get out and stretch your legs while visiting with other NNN neighbors! Walks take place rain or shine (but not when it is unsafe to drive or walk). All are welcome.

• Lake Forest Park, Horizon View Park, Mondays at 10:30

• Mountlake Terrace, Terrace Creek Park, Tuesdays at 11:00

• Shoreline, Hamlin Park, Meet in the first parking lot on the left, Thursdays at 1:00

• Edmonds, Meet on Sunset between Bell & Edmonds St, Sundays at 12:15

NEW!!!  WALKING WITH FRIENDS (FURRY ONES, THAT IS):

Join us for a monthly walk with your favorite furry friend (or just come yourself) at the Edmonds Waterfront Dog Park located in Marina Beach Park, 498 Admiral Way, Edmonds WA 98020. 

When: Meet in the parking lot near the entrance to the dog park at 10:30 on the 3rd Saturday of the month. Rain or shine.  February walk is on Saturday, February 18th.

We’ll stroll, play and splash along with our pups until about noon (or whenever you or your pup are ready to leave). Don’t have a dog? No matter! Come and enjoy visiting while you take in the amazing views of the Puget Sound. 

NNN Talks:

Monday afternoon Zoom Chats with Jerry. The group picks a fun theme as a conversation topic each week. Call in to listen or share. Your choice! Great way to stay connected with your NNN community neighbors. 

• Mondays, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Click Zoom link below or call: 253 215-8782

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2532372848?pwd=RmlBTUlCQWI1ZHpzZ2ExQ25ramRFUT09

NNN Plays Games Together:

Join us for Games at Third Place Commons. Join games enthusiast and NNN Volunteer, Sharon L. on the upper level of the Commons, across from Third Place Books. Third Place Commons is located at 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, 98155. Bring a snack and beverage if you like to nibble while you play games. There are also several food vendors in the building and surrounding area.  look for our NNN table sign. All are welcome. Just play for fun! Lots of choices and no cut throat competition. 

• February 1st & 15th from 1:00-3:00. 

Mahjong group meets on Fridays at a member’s home. The table is full, but let us know if you want to add your name to the waitlist. We’re happy to add another table if we get 4 additional players. 

Games at Home: Do you like to play games (board games, cards, backgammon etc) but prefer to do so in the comfort of your own home? Members may submit a Service request to Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org. One of our volunteers may be available to visit and play along with you. 

NNN Reads:

Join host Eileen C. and others as they share their thoughts about a book selected by the group each month. 

• February 27, by Zoom, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2532372848?pwd=RmlBTUlCQWI1ZHpzZ2ExQ25ramRFUT09

NNN Eats:

Boy do we like to eat! And talk! And eat some more! Lunches are open to all! We ask that you let us know if you’re coming so we can let the restaurant know how many to anticipate. Contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org or call/text 253-237-2848. February’s  lunch locations:

• February  10,  Sorelli Pizza, 22402 44th Ave W., Mountlake Terrace, 1:00-300

Just for fun at lunch on the 10th, Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so why not wear something red, even your favorite red outfit, to mark the occasion? Red is not required, only clothing is! See you at lunch!

• February 24, FloAnna’s Diner, 14707 Bothell Way NE, Shoreline, 1:00-3:00

NNN Artists and Crafters Gather Together, Tuesdays, Upper Level under the Skylights, Third Place Commons, Lake Forest Park, 10:30-3:30

Whether you like to paint, draw, knit, crochet, make cards or have other special artistic talents, we welcome all to spend time and company with others who also enjoy creating in the company of others. Bring your own supplies and meet under the skylights at Third Place Commons in Lake Forest Park. Volunteer artist Marty B. and her friend Sylvia P. look forward to seeing you there! 

Have questions? Contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org 

Birthdays in February

Join us in wishing our NNN members and volunteers born in February a very happy birthday month! We hope each of you finds something that makes you smile, as we smile with you. 

Happy Birthday to:

Mary Lynn A., Catherine B.,  Ralph B., Eva F., Carol F., Glenora G., Jan H., Elisa I., Donna J., Kristy K., Arnie K., Alexa K., Pam M., Kathryn M., Carolyn M., Smriti P., Sally P., Ron R., Libby S., Suanna S., Colt V., Karen V., Sandra W., Lois W. & Sherry W.

Don’t Miss Out on Something You’d Like to Do with the Community! 

Take a few minutes now to add the activities mentioned in this newsletter to your own calendar. If you’re a member and need transportation, request it now while you’re thinking about it! We can’t promise to fill every transportation request, but we’ll do our best. 

Want to see if something’s been added or changed before you lock in your plans? 

We encourage you to visit our website at www.NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org. Our main page has a side column that includes NNN planned activities for each day and coming weeks. You can also find a month at a glance calendar of upcoming activities by visiting the Events tab on our website. Here’s the link:  https://www.northwestneighborsnetwork.org/content.aspx?page_id=4001&club_id=571198

Here’s a quick ‘at a glance’ calendar for planned events in February as of the time of this publication. Hint: It’s easier to review when you look at it on the website from your computer or Smartphone.

 

~ Recipe of the Month ~

We’re  collecting your favorite recipes to add to our monthly newsletters. Please submit your recipes to Social@Northwest NeighborsNetwork.org. February’s recipe comes to us from NNN Community member Margaret H. 

Marinated Vegetables

1 cup diagonally sliced carrots 1/4" thick

1 cup broccoli florets

1 cup cauliflorets

1/2 cup green pepper 1" pieces

1 small onion cut into small pieces

1 clove garlic minced

1/4 cup water

8 oz fresh mushrooms

2/3 cup white vinegar

12 cup vegetable oil

2 tsp salt

2 tsp dried basil

1/4 tsp pepper

In a 2-quart casserole combine veggies and water.  Cover, Microwave on High 4 - 5 minutes.  Stir in mushrooms. Set aside.  In a small mixing bowl blend in remaining ingredients.  Pour vinegar and oil mixture over veggies.  Mix gently.

Chill for at least 8 hours or overnight. Enjoy!

Thanks, Margaret!
To our readers: If you make this recipe, let us know how it turned out! If you have one of your own to submit, we’re looking forward to hearing from you!