Message from Suzy Chandler, Board President

We’re excited to introduce two of our newest Board members in this issue, and to extend a big THANK YOU to our outgoing Treasurer, Don Beacom. Read on to learn more about these mighty volunteers who are helping us continue to grow our memberships and friendships. 

At our February Board meeting, we dove into our Strategic Planning, with each Board member taking on an area for our non-profit focus areas. Are you interested in helping us achieve our goals and offering new strengths in the area of Member & Volunteer Services, or Social, or Community Outreach and Fundraising? We’re a collaborative group who would love to include more helping hands. Email the Services team at services@northwestneighborsnetwork.org, and we'll forward your request to the committee to contact you and let you know more about how you might help! Come join in!

We’re also busy interviewing for our new half-time role of a Member and Volunteer Services Coordinator to help get to know our members and volunteers even more so we can continue to form great relationships. We expect to add this person to the team in March!

-By Suzy Chandler, NNN BOD President

Thanking Don Beacom

Don Beacom, Outgoing NNN Board Treasurer 

Spend an hour with Don, and you'll see his self-assessment rings true; he’s a “techie with personality.” And this has served him well in his career and his term as NNN’s Board Treasurer.

In the 1980’s Don was charged with helping University of Chicago business students adapt to personal computers. It was the era of MS-DOS, and as Don joked, “Press shift and f7 (to print); that’s intuitive, right?” So he and his colleagues programmed macros and developed training to meet student needs. 

Don and his wife, darci, of 50 years, moved around the country for her insurance career, but they were back in Chicago when their daughter and son-in-law called from Seattle. Don and darci were going to be grandparents. 

So their plan to settle in the Pacific Northwest became the obvious choice. The midwesterner said he enjoys the area “despite the hills and it (being) colder than it's billed to be.” And, of course, “it’s a real treat to be around while (his grandson) is growing up.” 

Don wrapped up his career in the University of Washington’s Continuing Education department before joining darci in retirement in 2020.

Meanwhile, darci reached out to NNN to volunteer in its infancy. Don said Sandy Moy, NNN’s President at the time, recognized darci's skills and convinced her to be a board member in 2019.

Then, darci volunteered her husband. And, Don thought he would be a handyman. 

But, Sandy had a different idea. Don said he took over as treasurer when there was “like $13 in the bank," and when King County awarded NNN with a sizable grant, it was time to upgrade the financials. 

NNN “needed to be able to slice and dice our data” between its work in King and Snohomish Counties, so Don tapped another volunteer, David Rood, for his financial experience. Moving the accounting from Excel to Quickbooks helped them with grant reporting and growing NNN. 

According to Don, his other accomplishment is convincing Cathy Webb to take up the torch of treasurer. As the organization grows, so do the complications. Don said Cathy has the “passion and expertise” to meet its growing needs and “is a great addition to the Board.” 

NNN fulfills an urgent need, and Don is proud of its work. People instantly understand the mission because everyone knows someone who needs the support he said. "Most members have been in their homes for 30 or 40 years. It's where they raised a family…they don't want to leave it.” But as people get older, “they shouldn't be climbing up on ladders to change the batteries in the smoke detector.” 

Don has not put away his ladder or his tools. He’s woodworking. 

With their house embedded into a hill, Don had searched for planters to stop their grandson from rolling off their yard. Not finding an affordable option to fit the space, Don built his own. And, “one of the things (he) noticed around (his) fellow woodworkers is they run out of people to give things to.” 

So he and darci developed a local planter business and did the farmer’s market circuit for a few years for some market research. Don said the markets “are a hoot as a vendor. There’s a whole culture.” And the customization continues to challenge and grow his skills. 

-By Kimberly Cecchini, NNN Volunteer Contributor

Member Profile: Steven Gimutru

When we met, Steven offered me a broad smile and complimented me on a firm handshake. He was waiting for me at one of the red and white tables in the brightly lit Costco food court. “Let’s start with my age. I’m 88,” he told me. Warm and to the point, I was not surprised to find out he had taught 6th grade for 33 of his years. 

I imagined his attributes as a teacher also served Steven well in other areas of his life. As the District Governor of the Greek American Association, he said he traveled around the Northwest encouraging Greek immigrants to deal with discrimination and adjust to life in the States by “get(ting) into business” like his father.  

Steven’s father arrived in the United States and opened an American restaurant, "John's" in Bellingham. Later his mother joined him from Greece via a transatlantic ship and transcontinental train. In an arranged marriage, his parents first met at the King Street Station in Seattle. Staying close to home, Steven earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Education at Western University.

After college, Steven started his career teaching 6th grade at a North Shore elementary school. He spent his weekends assisting the Seattle Police on its Reserves. Summoned to testify in drunk driving cases on too many school days, he had to step away after five years. But he didn’t keep his weekends idle. Later, Steven was a sergeant for the International Guard at the Bellingham Airport - the 262nd Communications Squadron - for the Air Force. He was responsible for leading communications at different sites with teletype and crypto. I asked Steven if he had any stories, but a guy at the next table reminded me with a laugh that’s not happening with the military. 

After retiring from his classroom at North Shore, he subbed at Shoreline. Remember when your teachers were absent and class devolved into movies and paper airplanes? Steven was not having that. What did he expect from you in his classroom? “Be a student first. Then a lady or gentleman. Work your hardest, do your best.”

When I asked about NNN, Steven said, “Gee whiz. It’s a great organization.” NNN Volunteer Melanie often takes him to his monthly doctor’s appointment. Speaking like a teacher, he said Melanie has “outstanding cooperation” with his needs and thinks she and Danie, Volunteer Programs Manager/Services Coordinator, are both wonderful.

So where can you find Steven? He “enjoys people” so he’s often out and about. And, you can tell people enjoy him too. At one point, he paused to tease a friend who had sat near us and then told me that the guy starts his shift at 3 AM in the megastore. About twenty minutes into chatting, Steven gestured towards my two pages of scrawled notes - it was enough attention on him. 

Introducing A couple of our new Board Members!

Cathy Webb, Incoming Board Treasurer 

“Everyone that I talk to about (NNN), just lights up and recognizes something that is needed in our community - especially after COVID,” Cathy Webb said. And people want to get involved “on both sides of the member/volunteer equation.”

The retired Applied Technology Teacher sees supporting local seniors as a logical extension of her career in supporting youth as an educator. 

Cathy helps with transportation at a local church. At the Lynwood Senior Center, Cathy has fun helping members with computer - and phone - questions. She says they are “really adamant their phone(s) (are) not a computer.” 

When Cathy first learned about NNN from a local news blog, it made her think of a friend who is homebound on the East Coast. Being 3000 miles away, she can’t be a caregiver for her friend, but she could support people out here. 

And, with an accounting background and two decades of experience as the treasurer for her “little church,” it’s not surprising that NNN’s outgoing Treasurer, Don Beacom, persuaded her to take the baton. 

She understands that it is difficult for small organizations to secure their footing and she respects the “brain trust” that Don has “deservedly built up” as the treasurer. 

As part of the board, Cathy is hoping to help grow the organization and help bolster the volunteer numbers to keep up with member needs. 

“I've just been delighted to meet the people that I have met,” Cathy said, “it’s a highly capable group of people” and she is “honored to be a part of the organization.” 

Jerry Patterson, Board Vice President

Bubbles!

The NNN board’s new Vice President’s hobby is making bubbles. 

Sure enough on Jerry Patterson’s website, you can see photos of him and his wife, Janice, mastering wands to entertain kids with massive bubbles. 

But his hobby is bigger than bubbles. It’s about what Jerry is about. Community. 

As an educator, he believed in creating a “school that embraced a culture of how important the students are.” 

When he retired as superintendent, Jerry said he wanted to give back to the community after his district benefited from community support. 

After moving around the country, Jerry and Janice followed their daughter, then a medical resident, to the Pacific Northwest. He’s since served terms on two local boards, the Richmond Beach Community Association and the Dale Turner YMCA. 

Then a friend saw NNN’s call for board members and asked him, “How about another one?”

Jerry said he was ”intrigued” by the ‘virtual village’ model and the role volunteers play. ”I’m a senior now, and I have a great deal of empathy and respect for other seniors who are a little bit more limited than they were when they were younger.” 

Jerry hopes to help NNN become “very visible with other communities” so NNN can meet its key resource - volunteers to serve the members’ “huge appetite” for much needed services. 

~ Social Spotlight ~

Save this newsletter so you can refer back to the activities and opportunities NNN offers throughout the coming month. If you see something that interests you, add it to your calendar so you don’t miss a date! In March, we’re offering our standard activities, and we have added several NEW options for you to consider. Look for them as you read the March NNN Events and Gatherings sections that follow. Exciting news we want to call to your attention is our annual Member & Volunteer Picnic Celebration that will take place on Saturday, June 10th. Read more about it later in this newsletter. 

We’re trying something new to connect members with similar interests. Several of you may have noticed you recently received a few emails to let you know about a fellow NNN member who wanted to go to a play, movie or concert with another NNN member or two. The result of this experiment was that a match between members was made in each instance and created an opportunity for people to go together to something they may not have gone to if they had to go alone. 

Beginning in March, we’ll keep track of non NNN-sponsored opportunities for members who want to go to a specific event with another NNN member (or two or three). We’ll collect submissions over the span of each week and combine those ideas by the end of the week and showcase them in a weekly email. We’ll provide information about the future opportunity and contact information of the member who is looking for someone who’s also interested in going. Arrangements about when, where, how will be up to those who decide they want to do something together. These informal connections will not be posted on the Events page unless NNN is hosting a special event related to the topic. 

If you’re looking for someone to go with you to something you enjoy, reach out by the end of day each Friday! We’ll do our best to share your interest with others who may also like to do something together with you. It’s always best to try to give as much advance notice as possible. Contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org.

As always, many thanks to each of our activity leaders for helping us bring new and enjoyable opportunities to our community! 

MARCH NNN EVENTS AND GATHERINGS OPEN TO ALL

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.

Weekly Walks:

• 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

Monthly Walk:

• Doggie Play date/walk, Edmonds Waterfront Dog Park, Saturday, March 18th, Bring your well behaved pup and meet us in the parking lot near the entrance to the dog park at 10:30.

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. 

• March 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 - Book Club:

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

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

NNN Eats Lunch Together:

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. March’s  lunch locations:

      ☘️March  10,  Jersey’s Great Food and Spirits, Shoreline: 1:00-300. Everyone looked great in their red for Valentine's Day, how about wearing our best green to celebrate St. Patrick's Day a little early on the 10th? Make the other patrons "green" with envy. Will Ginger be sporting green hair this time? Come and find out!!

• March 24, Santa Fe Mexican Grill, Richmond Beach:  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.

NEW! Sunday Matinee Movies at the Crest! Sunday, March 5, Crest Theatre, 16505 5th Avenue Northeast, Shoreline, WA 98155

Looking for something to do on a Sunday afternoon? How about joining Volunteer Sharon L. and others at the Landmark Crest Theatre for movies with NNN? As of the date of this publication, we don’t know which movies will be playing, but we’re sure one of the 4 screens will have something fun to watch! Everyone pays for their own ticket, snacks and beverages. Matinee ticket prices on Sundays are $7.00. Sharon will be in the lobby at 12:30. Look for the NNN sign!

NEW! Pop Up Coffee with Neighbors! March 1st, Richmond Beach Coffee House, 1442 NW Richmond Beach Rd, Shoreline, 98177, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Take a mid morning break to enjoy coffee and conversation with a few other NNN neighbors! Look for our table sign, grab your coffee and sit with us! Want to let us know you're coming? Click on the "register now" button! Registration isn't required, but it helps us know how many chairs to save at the table.

New! Contemporary Conversations Zoom Discussion Group: Second and Fourth Wednesdays of each month starting on March 8th at 4pm. 

Join member Mary M. and other NNN friends for interesting discussion about contemporary topics! With so much happening around us, we hope to explore different perspectives and experiences that impact our lives. We encourage you to raise a topic about current events and issues that interest you. 

We look forward to lively, sometimes controversial, always respectful conversations! Let the dialogue begin!

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

~ Gatherings for NNN Members and Volunteers Only ~

NEW! Making Cards with Ginger (and Tequila) March 25th, 2:00-4:00

~ Registration Required ~

Want to have great conversation and lots of laughs while making a few greeting cards? Sign in to the website and Register on the Events page (or contact Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork,org or Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org) for another fun afternoon of making cards with Ginger at her home in Shoreline. Space is limited to 4 attendees. Ginger supplies the materials and all the supplies you’ll need. If you have a small pair of scissors or a roll of double sided tape, bring one or both along. Ginger’s very friendly chihuahua will greet you at the door and may occasionally pop over to beg for a pat or snuggle - but he doesn’t mind if you ignore him. Members may request transportation at time of registration. 

Hello Dolly! Coming in May

How about going with another NNN member to the Shorecrest High School Drama production of Hello Dolly in May? 

Volunteer Izzy C. tells us this lively musical production will take place on May 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20 & 21. Tickets will go on sale mid March through Brown Paper Tickets. You can  learn more at https://www.shorelineschools.org/Page/3845. Let us know if you're interested in attending, and we'll add your name to those who may want to go with another (or perhaps a group) NNN member! 

NEW!

~ Gatherings for NNN Volunteers Only ~

Are you a Volunteer? If you have been vetted and approved as a volunteer for NNN, or if you’re a member who offers your time and talents to serve our greater NNN community, you are a Volunteer! These opportunities are meant just for YOU!

    Potluck lunch! March 11, 4:30-7:00, Shoreline

~ Registration Required ~

What can be more fun than sharing company and a favorite dish with other NNN volunteers? Volunteer Vince and his wife, Rosie, have offered to open their home for this gathering. Space is limited to 20, and you must be registered in advance. Once your registration is confirmed, you’ll receive more information including how to sign up for what you plan to bring to share with others. You must provide your own transportation. Sign in to register on the Events page or RSVP to Services@northwestneighborsnetwork.org, and we will send you a list of Potluck Food/Drink/etc from which to choose.

Let’s Take Some Breaks Together!

         ~ RSVPs Greatly Appreciated ~

Volunteer Coffee Hour: 

March 19, 11:00 - 12:00, Top Pot Doughnuts, 150 Sunset Ave, Edmonds, WA 98020

Spend an hour with other NNN Volunteers as we visit and enjoy our favorite beverages. Reservations are not required, but RSVPs are appreciated so we know how many chairs we’re likely to fill. Your first cup of coffee is on NNN! You must provide your own transportation. RSVP on the Events page or send an email to Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org.

Volunteer Happy Hour:

March 30, 3:30 - 6:00. Aurora Borealis, 16708 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133 

Come and meet your other NNN volunteers! We’ll gather for appetizers and beverages while we enjoy a well deserved break from the routine of daily living. Happy Hour appetizers are on NNN! Reservations are not required, but RSVPs are appreciated so we know how many chairs we’re likely to fill. Other than appetizers, participants pay for their own food and drink. You must provide your own transportation. RSVP on the Events page or send an email to Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org.

MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS: PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL CELEBRATION LUNCH!

Saturday, June 10th, 12:30-2:30

Mountlake Terrace Community Senior Center

You won’t want to miss this annual celebration just for our NNN members and volunteers. We’ll have a selection of catered box lunches to streamline food service and allow for plenty of time to visit with other NNN members. Count on being eligible to win some raffle prizes, too! But you must be present to have your name entered in one of our drawings.

Registration is required for both members and volunteers, as space is limited. To register,  go to the NNN webpage, click on Member Login (upper right hand corner), Scroll left over to the News &  Events and toggle down to Events. This takes you to the Events calendar. Scroll across the top months to get to June, and click on June 10th, NNN Members & Picnic Celebration. Click on the red “register now” button and complete your registration. If you’re a member, you’ll also be able to Request Transportation at the same time. You’ll receive an email confirmation if you’ve registered correctly. Need help?   Contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org, and we’ll help register you. 

June Celebration Event Volunteers Needed! We want this year’s picnic to be another successful celebration, and we can’t do that without the help of our amazing community of members and  volunteers. We need help planning and executing these main categories: 

Visit Our Events Calendar!

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. To view the Events calendar, click on this link (or type this address into your web browser) https://www.northwestneighborsnetwork.org/content.aspx?page_id=4001&club_id=571198

Here’s an ‘at a glance’ calendar for planned events in March 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.                                                 

Birthdays in March

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

Happy Birthday to: 

Pam B., Jerry C., Rilla C., Susan C., Anil D., Cathy D., Lisa D., Louise E., Ellen F., Jan F., Alanna H., Helen H., Sharon L., Chingshu M., Nona M., Abby M., Ann M. , Chris P., Hollie R., Claudia S.,  Jackie S., Bill V.,  Emily W. & Nancy Y.

~ Recipe(s) of the Month ~

This month’s edition has TWO recipes. Dinner and Dessert! Many thanks to Jude Moss and Helene Harrison! Please send comments and your own favorite recipe suggestions to Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org. Bon Appetit!

Buttermilk Pie  (This is a custard pie)

Ingredients:

• 9” pie crust (Use your own favorite butter crust recipe or ready-made crust)

For the Filling:

• 1 ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

• 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt

• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (fresh grated is best, but you can also use pre-ground)

• Zest from1 lemon

• Juice from 1 lemon 

• 1 cup buttermilk (Full fat is best)

Preparation:

• Preheat oven to 350 F

• Prepare pie crust for 9” pie plate, crimp the top edges and dock (prick with fork) the bottom and sides

• Parbake (also known as blind baking) after first covering the bottom and sides of the uncooked crust with parchment and adding pie weights or dried beans) before putting in the oven

• Cook the pie crust for 15-20 minutes, remove the parchment and pie weights, then let the crust cool completely in the pan before adding the filling

Make the filling: Note, you can use an electric mixer if you prefer not to hand mix

• In a large bowl and using a silicone spatula, smoosh (fancy way to say mix) sugar and softened butter until well blended

• Add flour & salt and smoosh/mix some more, about 30 seconds

• Add eggs and mix until incorporated nicely, but don’t worry if it’s not completely smooth

• Switch to a whisk if mixing by hand, and add lemon juice, zest, nutmeg and buttermilk

• Whisk until all ingredients are well blended together and smooth; a few small lumps are ok, but your goal is to have an easy to pour, well blended custard 

Bake:

• Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust and bake for 45-55 minutes, until the filling is set

• The filling should light golden brown, firm and jiggle slightly as you gently move the pie pan back and forth. If there is a lot of movement, cook for another few minutes. You can also test for doneness by using a toothpick inserted in the middle. It should come out clean. 

Most say this pie is best served cold with a few berries on the top or side of each slice, or add a light dusting of powdered sugar on the top. Garnish as you like! Refrigerate any leftovers. 

-Submitted by NNN Member Jude Moss

Czechoslovakian Pepper Steak

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs of Top Sirloin tenderized, trimmed, and cut on a diagonal into 1/2 " slices.

• Flour and salt, for dredging meat.

• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil

• I cup beef stock

• 1/4 cup tomato puree

• 1 medium onion, minced

• 1 clove of garlic, minced

• 2 tsp Hungarian paprika

• 2 bell peppers cut into strips (any color of choice)

• salt and pepper

• 1 cup of sour cream

Preparation:

• Dredge meat in flour and salt

• Heat oil in a large skillet on medium high heat

• Cook in 2 batches on both sides

• Remove from heat and set aside

• Pour off fat, all but 2 Tbsp

• Add minced onion. Saute until soft

• Add minced garlic and stir for a few seconds, then add paprika

• Stir in stock, followed by the puree, scraping up any bits clinging to the bottom of the pan

• Return beef to skillet and bring to a simmer

• Cover partially and simmer until beef is almost tender. About 40 minutes

• If the meat is dry, add a bit of beef stock

• Add peppers. Cook until peppers are softened and beef is tender. About 20 minutes

• Transfer to a heated shallow bowl

• Spread on top of caraway egg noodles.(recipe below for noodles)

• Top with sour cream

Caraway Egg Noodles

-Submitted by NNN Member Helene Harrison