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As a community focused on providing support and social engagement, we enjoy sharing the latest news with our members, friends, families and community:
- Message from the Board President
- Volunteer Profile: Anbu Manoharan
- Social Spotlight: 2023 NNN Member & Volunteer Celebration was a Blast!
- July NNN Activities & Gatherings Open to All
- Members to Members Gatherings
- Gatherings for Volunteer Connection
- NNN July Events Calendar
- Birthdays to Celebrate in July
- Recipe of the Month!
| | |  | | Message from Suzy Chandler, Board President
Volunteer Kudos - How does one month of 400 blow away an impressive yearly number of 3,135?
How do you picture the impact you're making on a local senior's life? If you're a volunteer who's into numbers, check this out!
400 times this May, you prioritized helping someone else in the community.
400 times this May, you could have slept in, read a book, watched someone finally beat Bobby Flay--but you chose to help your neighbor instead!
Taking a look back and reflecting on the twelve months in 2022, our volunteer team helped our members with 3,135 visits, for 6200 hours. Using the nationwide estimated value of a volunteer's time of $31.80 per hour, your team gave close to $200,000 of your time.
If every month were the month of May, and we helped our neighbors 400 times per month, we might be looking at 4,800 services and 8,400 hours in a single year. That translates into about $270,000 of your team's time dedicated to serving NNN members.
But, more importantly, it would show that our awesome team of volunteers go out of their way to choose our neighbors first. This is the true meaning -- whether you like math or not! ;)
Your drive and commitment are a testimony to what a village of selfless volunteers can do.
Thank you!
| | Volunteer Profile: Anbu Manoharan
When Anbu volunteered for respite care for an NNN client with dementia, the woman couldn’t track the conversation. But when Anbu sang, she joined in. They did duets of classics like “You Are My Sunshine” and “Catch a Falling Star,” but Anbu said it felt particularly apt when they sang “Qué Será Será” (“What will be, will be”). Anbu was impressed by the woman’s patience with perpetually living with the unknown, “How much should you embrace the discomfort of not understanding what’s going on around you?”
(Photo Courtesy of Anbu; Alaska in the Kenai Fjord National Park.) | | | |
Anbu said, “I don’t know how she does it.” Each time she arrived at the woman’s home, she would have to introduce herself and even when the woman came back from the bathroom, “we’d go through it again.” And, having seen her aunt nurse her Grandpa through dementia, she appreciates how much respite care is needed for caretakers.
Anbu credits her middle school principal for getting each class engaged with a monthly cause like visiting an orphanage or saving water in her community in Tamil Nadu (India). She said, “The principal got us very invested.” When she participated in a tree planting project, it didn’t end with the seeds. She had to caretake for it; make sure people in the community watered it, the goats didn’t eat it, and the trees thrived. “It felt like it mattered what we did because we could see the difference.”
The experience left an impact on her and volunteering allows Anbu, a full-time software engineer, the space to explore her passion for service. During COVID, Anbu decided to work with Seniors because she realized how lucky she was that once she had the vaccine she could live her life in ways that more medically vulnerable people couldn’t. She also empathized with elders who were not able to access their families during the pandemic because the restrictions delayed the international trip to visit hers.
Volunteering with Seniors has been a bittersweet reminder of her grandparents who she said were “very forward for their generation” and empowered girls to choose their own path in life. Growing up with her maternal Grandmother at home, Anbu had a strong bond with her and reflected fondly on her Grandmother’s strength. She admires her Grandmother for going against tradition and working so her husband could study to be a teacher and advance their station in life. “Ah, I miss her,” Anbu sighed.
Most recently, Anbu committed to picking up a NNN client's mail and garbage cans and enjoys when she can walk or run the 1.5 miles to their home. She said NNN feels “like a formalized, more coordinated version of community. It’s so intuitive - if you talked to your neighbors, you would (help them out) naturally.” Like when Anbu was young, her Mom would cook extra food for an ill neighbor and have Anbu deliver it like a meal service.
Currently, many NNN volunteers are older and not working full-time. Anbu, a 20-something software engineer for Google Maps, is a reminder that we can all find time for the joy and fulfillment of pitching to help our neighbors.
By NNN Volunteer Writer, Kimberly Cecchini | ~ Social Spotlight ~
2023 Member & Volunteer Celebration Picnic Was a Blast!
With over 100 members and volunteers attending, our annual Member & Volunteer Celebration picnic was a success! Here’s what one member wrote about her experience:
“I’m a member of NNN, and this is my third picnic with every one getting better. There is no way you can improve on perfection. The volunteers did a fabulous job in every way and the generosity of the gifts was over the top. The lunch was the best picnic lunch I’ve ever had. I am so grateful for all the benefits that NNN has to offer. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” ~ E.W.
Many, many thanks to each volunteer and member who helped make this year’s picnic run smoothly. Thanks, too, for the generous support of our local community businesses and some NNN members (several who prefer to remain anonymous). Forty-two (42) lucky attendees won something from the prize table! If you visit any of these businesses, please thank them for their support of NNN: Ballinger Thriftway, Edmonds PCC, Edmonds QFC, Cafe Louvre, HopsNDrops, Cogir Senior Living, Crista Senior Living, Harbour Pointe Senior Living, Sunrise Senior Living and CedarSchemes. NNN member and artist, Colleen L., donated one of her original paintings, and NNN member Helene H. donated two Starbucks gift cards. Volunteer Marty B. contributed delicious chocolates from Chocolate Man in Lake Forest Park, and Member/Volunteer Ginger H. donated a cuddly hand-made bunny that was tucked inside a standing cedar patio planter made by member Don B. Thanks to all!
Making Memories and Connections: If you missed this year’s event, or just want to relive some memories of your time at the picnic, please enjoy this brief video. You may also access the video by typing this address into your web browser: https://youtu.be/uLcOHZwJXZU.
One More Request: If you attended the picnic, we’d love to hear about your experience! If you’ve not yet filled in the post picnic survey sent to your email address, please do so now! Click here to be taken to the online survey or type in this address to your browser: https://forms.gle/jyzoS8exc5cq6rfv7
Hope to see you at next year’s Celebration! | |
July Events – Open to all
We look forward to meeting you at some of our gatherings and online chat groups. Please join us! As always, NNN members may request transportation to any NNN hosted event. We encourage you to check out our website for any new or changed events.
Walk and Talk with NNN
Take a little stroll while you enjoy the company of others.
Weekly walks:
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Mountlake Terrace, Terrace Creek Park, Meet in the parking lot. Tuesdays at noon.
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Shoreline, Hamlin Park. Meet in the parking lot on the left as you drive into the park. Thursdays at 1:00 p.m.
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Edmonds, Meet on Sunset between Bell & Edmonds Street. Sundays at 12:15 p.m.
Monthly walks:
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Richmond Beach Stroll, Meet at the Richmond Beach Library parking lot, 19601 21st Ave NW Shoreline, WA 98177. 3rd Wednesday of the month, July 19th, 10:00 a.m.
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Dog Park Walk: Bring your favorite pup or just enjoy getting outside with others! Edmonds Waterfront Dog Park (located in Marina Beach Park) 498 Admiral Way, Edmonds, WA 98020. Second Saturday of each month (July 8th). Meet at 10:30 a.m.
Conversations and Camaraderie: Zoom/Phone Conversations
Looking to have a few minutes of interesting conversation? Please join us for one of the following online opportunities:
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Women’s Afternoon Break online group. Give yourself a break in your day and join in for an hour filled with relaxed conversations and support. Hosts Carol F. and Anne G. invite you to share anything from good books, favorite activities, recipes to cooking tips, tell us what made you smile recently, or simply how your day’s going. Second and Fourth Tuesday of each month from 3:00-4:00 p.m. (July 11th and July 25th). Join by phone: 1-253-215-8782 (at the phone prompts, enter the meeting ID, press #, then enter the passcode). Join by Zoom link or enter this address in your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85440313657?pwd=eHlDSnRHT0tYbktpVS8vVkNTbTJNdz09 Meeting ID: 854 4031 3657 Passcode: 9800.
Games at the Commons
Join games enthusiast and NNN Volunteer, Sharon L. for a fun afternoon of games and conversation. Bring a snack and beverage if you like to nibble while you play games. Look for our NNN table sign. All are welcome. Just play for fun! Lots of choices and no cutthroat competition.
First and Third Wednesdays of the month, July 5th and July 19th, from 1:00-3:00 p.m., Upper level, Third Place Commons, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, 98155
Mahjong
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 or Puzzles at Home
Do you like to play games (board games, cards, backgammon etc) or work on puzzles 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.
Book Club
Join host Eileen C. and others as they share their thoughts about a book selected by the group each month. Monday, July 24th, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Join by clicking this Zoom link or enter this address in your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2532372848?pwd=RmlBTUlCQWI1ZHpzZ2ExQ25ramRFUT09
Lunch with NNN
Friday Lunches are open to all. NNN Lunch host Ginger H. asks you to let her know if you’re coming so she can let the restaurant know how many to anticipate. Click “Register” on the Events Page, contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org or call/text 253-237-2848. Lunches are from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., and members may request transportation. Hope to see you at one or both of our lunches!
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July 14th, Diamond Knot Brewpub, 5602 232nd St SW, Mountlake Terrace, WA
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July 28th, Super China Buffet, 15323 Westminster Way N, Shoreline, WA
Coffee with Neighbors!
Join host Sandy M. and 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! Members may request transportation. 1rst Wednesday of the month.
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Wednesday, July 5th, Richmond Beach Coffee House, 1442 NW Richmond Beach Rd, Shoreline, 98177, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
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~ Members to Members Gatherings ~
NNN is a community that thrives on building relationships. We encourage any NNN member and volunteer to let us know about opportunities to enjoy the many offerings available to us in the greater Seattle area. For members who enjoy the company of others, even if NNN isn’t sponsoring the activity, we’re happy to include something you plan to attend or host if you’re open to having others join you. Contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org or call 253-237-2848 to let us know if you want us to add something to the Events Calendar for you.
Members Don and darci hope to see you at a free summer concert by the Lago Vista Social Club on July 19th. This concert is part of Shoreline’s Swinging Summer Eve event that will also have hands-on activities with a special safety emphasis. Safety topics include emergency preparedness, bike safety, internet safety, as well as safety tips from our fire and police agencies. This is a free event; but there is a cost for food from the food trucks. If you come, bring a picnic blanket to sit on or a low back chair (high back chairs aren't ideal, but if you do bring one, you need to sit in the back row so you don't restrict your neighbors view). Contact darci@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org if you want to sit together.
Where: Cromwell Park, 18030 Meridian Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133. The festivities start at 5:30, and the concert is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. | |
~ Gatherings for NNN Volunteers (and their invited guests) ~
Are you a Volunteer? If you are a volunteer for NNN, or if you’re a member who offers your time and talents to serve our greater NNN community, come join us and meet other volunteers! Members, spouses, partners & friends are always welcome, however NNN will not be able to provide any rides to these events. To help us reserve enough chairs and tables, please email Services@northwestneighborsnetwork.org, call or text 253-237-2848 to let us know if you plan to attend. Thank you!
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Volunteer Coffee Hour: Saturday, July 15th, 10-11am, Grand Pere Bakery: 24007 56th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
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Volunteer Happy Hour: Thursday, July 20th, 4-6:30pm, Hops & Drops Lynnwood: 19702 Hwy 99, Lynnwood, WA 98036 (located in Lynnwood Crossroads)
We hope you can make one of these events as a chance for connection with other volunteers! | | | |
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 July 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 July
Join us in wishing our NNN members and volunteers born in July a very happy birthday month! We hope each of you finds something that makes you smile, as we smile with you.
Happy Birthday to:
Debbie A., Carole C., Kimberly C., Shelley C., Sarah C., Lyn E., Jana F., Patricia G., Dave G., Linda G., Lori G., Ginger H., Christy H., Larry J., Kevin L., Gail L., Talia L., Aimee L., Rick M., Gil M., Yvonne N., Gina P., Janet P., Mahyar R., David R., Tammy T., Ruby W.
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~ Recipe of the Month ~
Teriyaki Salmon
Melanie’s Tip: If you’re going to add a side, try the Coconut Rice (recipe follows). Start cooking the rice as the salmon is coming to room temperature, so it’ll be ready when your salmon is done.
Ingredients:
For the salmon:
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2 large salmon filets (skin on, about 1 pound total)
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1/2 Tbsp olive oil
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Optional (minced green onion, toasted sesame seeds)
For the homemade teriyaki sauce (sub 1/2 cup purchased in a rush)
Instructions:
Place the salmon on a plate on the counter and allow it to come to room temperature
before cooking. 15 to 20 minutes. Pat dry, then rub olive oil on all sides of the salmon.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ginger over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low.
In a small bowl, whisk together the water or pineapple juice cornstarch. Whisk it into the saucepan until the mixture thickens. About a minute.
Divide the teriyaki glaze in half into two small bowls and allow it to cool.
When the oven is preheated, heat a dry oven proof skillet over high until very hot.
Place the salmon skin side up onto the hot skillet.
Cook without touching for 2 to 3 minutes to sear the top of the salmon, until the center of the salmon is starting to cook and you see a layer of brown.
Turn off the heat and use a thin spatula to flip the salmon.
Brush the top and sides of the salmon with 1/2 of the teriyaki sauce( 1/4 cup)
Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 3 to 5 minutes( depending on thickness of salmon),
Remove the skillet from the oven.
Spoon the remaining teriyaki onto the top.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and/ or chopped green onions.
Submitted by NNN Volunteer, Melanie Belfield-Vigh
Coconut Rice
Ingredients:
1 cup jasmine, basmati, or long grain rice (rinsed and strained well)
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup vegetable and chicken
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp minced ginger
2 Tbsp shredded coconut( optional)
Directions:
Add rice, coconut milk, and broth, sea salt, garlic, ginger, and shredded coconut to a large saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, lower heat to a simmer and cover. Ensure it's simmering and not boiling or the rice can cook too quickly.
Simmer until broth is completely absorbed and rice is tender- about 20-25 minutes.
Drain off excess water if there is any.
Turn off heat, remove lid, fluff with fork, put the lid back on, and let rest for 10 minutes so the moisture redistributes to prevent mushy rice.
Taste to see if you want to add salt.
Submitted by NNN Volunteer, Melanie Belfield-Vigh | NNN continues to serve our members and help them age well in their own homes. We follow the latest CDC guidelines to keep our members and volunteers safe. As always, if you need anything, please call our volunteer team at 253-237-2848 or email: Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org
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