Message from Suzy Chandler, President of the Board

Nearly five years ago, we had the privilege of two powerhouse humans joining our non-profit Board--darci and Don Beacom. We had a shared vision of helping build a network where neighbors could get the help they needed to age well and stay connected to the community while living in their own homes. We had a website and a marketing flier with initial membership fees, and no employees. Thanks to the hard work and perseverance of this dynamic duo, we soon had insurance coverage, accounting best practices, an approved budget, planned activities, and more. That "more" was a small and mighty Board, looking to grow the organization to help get the word out about NNN. 

Thanks to darci and Don and their expertise, we did just that. We grew from 33 people involved as members or volunteers to now nearly 300 strong. There is simply no way we would be serving hundreds of seniors in their journeys to age well in their own homes without the countless hours and drive and dedication from darci and Don.

Member Profile: Randy Engel

When Northwest Neighbors Network was getting ready to open its doors and looking for volunteers, Randy ¨knew exactly what kind of organization they were trying to put together, and decided to show up for a meeting in Lake Forest Park¨- it was immediately clear to Sandy Moy, the Membership Director, that Randy had essential insight and skills to offer.

Previously, Randy was involved with our sister organization NEST in Seattle (also an Aging at Home Village) since its inception in 2009 when he lived in the NE Seattle area. He was involved in some planning meetings for NEST and attended several fundraising events. He was one of the first NEST volunteers helping people in NE Seattle.

¨It's just wonderful that NNN is even more developed than I would have imagined it could be after three and a half years.¨ Randy became one of the first NNN volunteers in December of 2018.

On top of his teaching work, Randy decided to become a Fitness Trainer after he was required to attend PT after a minor injury about 25 years ago. The training quickly became more specialized as he decided to teach juggling to those interested! Since then he has been spotted with a sign at Green Lake reading ¨Free 20 minute Juggling Lessons!¨ He has also offered classes at the Edmonds Waterfront Community Center, and he currently offers 1-1 or small group lessons to NNN members & Volunteers.

Randy is adventurous as he can be, always looking for a new hobby. He has a hand-built canoe from Wenatchee which he has enjoyed gliding through Lake Washington and the Snohomish River. Randy also has a Trike which he learned to start riding with ¨Outdoors for All¨ in Magnuson Park, Seattle.

After coffee, Randy invited me to his home. I was immediately greeted with a friendly sniff. Randy's dog Mila, an eleven year old Golden Doodle that bounces around more like a 2 year old, is hard to miss when you approach the home. We carried on with our conversation, enjoying the beautiful midday weather.

Randy demonstrated a few juggling moves and had me join him. We bounced large and small bouncy balls back and forth in front of his home, which was nested into a colorful blend of nearby cottages, shrubbery, plants, walkways, benches and fountains. Randy even used one particular fountain to demonstrate a magic trick, designed more to make me smile than for trickery.

Randy hopes to bring Juggling as a fun, easy activity to NNN for everybody to enjoy! Despite all he has done already, Randy continues to want to give back as he is appreciative of what the NNN Community has done for him.

(In the group photo below sit the first nine volunteers at their volunteer orientation, clockwise from the back: Barb Traaen, Eileen Carter, Randy, Ralph Brand, Barbara Rood, David Rood, Pat Kenney, Catherine Brand & Pam Jensen, and all of them are still supporting NNN!)

~ Social Spotlight ~

Announcing New Travel Planning benefit for NNN Members and Volunteers

Do you find yourself the primary travel planner when getting ready for a trip? Would you like to save time and perhaps some money? Your ongoing association with NNN now includes access to a free travel planning benefit through ADVANTAGETRUST Travel, powered by Onriva. Onriva is a one stop on-line resource you can use to look for, and book, competitive pricing for flights, hotels and rental cars for domestic and international travel. 

Perhaps one of the best benefits to you is that the AdvantageTrust Travel program does the searching for you, rather than you having to go to multiple sites to look for options. Onriva has agreements with nearly all airlines and other on-line travel booking services such as Priceline, Booking.com etc. You get access to negotiated pricing you may not be able to get on your own, although Onriva doesn’t guarantee the lowest price. For example, Onriva doesn’t have access to pricing available to Costco Travel members, private booking sites like VRBO or Airbnb, nor does it serve as a tour or package travel program. Onriva customer service offers 7x24 customer support. 

Changes to your itinerary can be made without incurring any add on fees, but you are subject to the cancellation policies of the airline, hotel or car rental company you choose. Everything is booked in your name, using your unique travel profile.

There are no fees to you or to NNN for using this program. You are under no obligation to book through the site, and you can arrange travel for others traveling with you or on their behalf. Unlike other pricing aggregators, when you book your travel through AdvantageTrust Travel, it’s as though you made the reservation directly with the airline, hotel or rental car agency. If you belong to frequent flier, rental car or hotel programs, and if you’ve added that information to your Onriva traveler profile, your reservations will include your profiles with those companies so you receive whatever benefits you’d typically receive under the terms of those companies’ programs and your program status.  

To take advantage of this program, NNN first needs to notify AdvantageTrust/Onriva of your eligibility to participate. After that, you’ll receive an invitation to set up your profile directly from Onriva. NNN will never have any access to your traveler information or booking arrangements, nor are we an intermediary between you and the AdvantageTrust Travel/ Onriva team other than to verify your eligibility and provide Onriva with your email address.

Interested? If you’re interested in learning more or just want to get signed up so you can give it a try, please contact darci@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org. 

If enough people want to learn more, we’ll arrange to hold one or two Zoom sessions to walk through the program and show you how it works. Contact darci@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org if you’re interested in signing up to participate in an on-line information session/demo. 

This benefit program is just one more way for us to say thanks for being part of our Northwest Neighbors Network Community!

Happy Trails!

August Events 

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. Click on this link to view our Events page for additional information.

Walk and Talk with NNN 

Take a little stroll while you enjoy the company of others.

Weekly walks:

• Mountlake Terrace, Terrace Creek Park, Meet in the parking lot. Tuesdays at noon.

• Shoreline, Hamlin Park. Meet in the parking lot on the left as you drive into the park. Thursdays at 1:00 p.m.

• Edmonds, Meet on Sunset between Bell & Edmonds Street. Sundays at 12:15 p.m.

Monthly walks:

• Richmond Beach Stroll, Meet at the Richmond Beach Library parking lot, 19601 21st Ave NW Shoreline, WA  98177. 3rd Wednesday of the month, August 16th, 10:00 a.m.

• 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 (August 12th). 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:

• Monday afternoon Zoom Chat with Jerry. Mondays, 4:00-5:00p. Join by clicking on this Zoom link or enter this URL in your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2532372848?pwd=RmlBTUlCQWI1ZHpzZ2ExQ25ramRFUT09  You may also call 253-215-8782.

• 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. (August 8th and August 22nd). 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=eHlDSnRHT0tYbktpVS8vVkNTbTJNdz09Meeting 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, 

• August 2nd and 16th, 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 alternating Fridays at a member’s home from 2-4p. 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. 

Special Event(s) for Members & Volunteers Only

Registration Required

Making Cards with Ginger!

August 31st, 2:00-4:00, Shoreline WA

Details on location will be provided to confirmed registered participants prior to the event. Limited seats. Members, after signing on to the Website, click here to register online or contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org.

Get Outdoors! Explore Some Free Community Events

It’s summertime! Take advantage of these free concerts, Farmers Markets and other outdoor events offered in our community in August! Going to a concert? Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, pack a snack or beverage, or just come and enjoy being outside! 

Edmonds: 

Concerts in the Park 

Edmonds City Park 600 3rd Ave S.

Sundays, August 6th, 13th & 20th, 3:00-4:00

Hazel Miller Plaza Concerts, Hazel Miller Plaza, 5th Ave S. & Maple Street

Tuesdays, August 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd, 4:30-6:00 

Thursdays, August 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th, 4:30-6:00

Edmonds Summer Market

Saturdays 9:00-2:00 through October 14

5th Avenue N & Bell Street

The Edmonds Museum Summer Market hosts about 90 vendors every Saturday through the spring and summer season.  Each of our vendors is a family-owned business.  Our farmers grow/raise all the produce they bring to the market, while our producers, artists and crafters bring items they make to the market each week.

Lynnwood: 

Shakespeare in the Park 

Lynnwood Park Amphitheatre, 18927 72nd Ave W.

Wooden O’s production of Romeo & Juliet, August 3, 7:00 p.m. 

Shoreline: 

Celebrate Shoreline Festival

Cromwell Park, 18030 Meridian Avenue

Main Stage Music, Beer Garden and Events throughout the day, August 19, 1:00-9:00

This event is free, but food, beverages and some activities are available for purchase.

Annual Dahlia Show at Sky Nursery

August 12th 9-6pm and August 13th 9-4pm 

Sky Nursery, 18528 Aurora Avenue N

Love flowers? You won't want to miss this Sky summer tradition, as the greenhouse is transformed by a sea of exquisite dahlias! Organized by the Seattle Dahlia Society and the Puget Sound Dahlia Association.

Shoreline Farmers Market

Saturdays, 10:00 - 2:00 

BikeLink Park & Ride (corner of 192nd & Aurora, across from Sky Nursery)

Shoreline's place for farm fresh & local food, flowers, baked goods, local honey, live music, food trucks, kids programming, and so much more.

Lake Forest Park: 

Lake Forest Park Farmers Market

Sundays, 10:00 - 2:00 through October 14

The Lake Forest Park Farmers Market is located in front of the Professional Building at the intersection of Bothell Way and Ballinger Way in Lake Forest Park. There is plenty of free parking.

AARP, Living Longer, Living Smarter Series

August 17, 1:30-2:30 p.m. 

Edmonds Waterfront Center (Registration Required) Register at https://schedulesplus.com/edmonds/kiosk/dspevent.do?detail_id=3372292

This is a free in person discussion, but you must register by 1:00 on 8/17, and space is limited. As of the printing of this newsletter, there were 17 seats left. 

Topic: Your Health: You need to stay healthy to live life to the fullest both now and in the future. Learn how your ability to live well is impacted by family health history, lifestyle modifications and available healthcare.

Your Home and Community: Evaluate whether your home and community can support your changing needs. Will your home help or hinder your quality of life as you age? Does your community offer sufficient access via public transit or shared ride services to help residents connect with social activities, jobs, health care, and other important services?  

Want to Go Somewhere but Don’t Want to Go Alone? 

Connect with Another NNN Community Member!

Interested in finding another NNN Community member who may want to join you on an outing? Your Community is at your fingertips! Here’s how!

Log in to the NNN Website, and click on the square Directory box on the front page. Our NNN Member Directory is only available to registered members of NNN. If you’re a member and don’t see the Directory box,  you may not have completely logged on to the website, so double check that you see your name in the far upper right hand corner of the website.

Example: You’re planning to go to one of the outdoor concerts mentioned in this newsletter, and you’d love some company. After signing into the website, click on the box named Directory. This opens a search box. Scroll through the Interests box and select “Small Group Tours and Outings- Music, Concert Events, Theatre, etc ” Don’t worry about filling in all of the other boxes unless you want to narrow your search further. Click on Search. You’ll see contact information of other NNN members who have similar interests and who’ve agreed to share their contact information with other NNN Community members.  

Too complicated? If running your own Search is more than you feel comfortable doing, please contact Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org or call 253-237-2848 and request help doing the Search or ask for a posting to be added about the outing and that you’d like another member or volunteer to join you at the event. No guarantee someone will respond to your request, but maybe there’ll be a match!  

If you’re planning to go anyway, and you’re open to having other NNN members join you, contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org. We’ll post it on our Members Only Events page as a Member to Member opportunity. We’ll send an email to NNN members who’ve expressed similar interests to let them know you’d like some company! Any interested members will be put in touch with you, so you can coordinate a meet up. 

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 August 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 August

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

~ Recipes of the Month ~