Message from Suzy Chandler, President of the Board

-By Suzy Chandler, NNN Board President

Member Profile: Maria

-By Jack Hagel, NNN Volunteer Writer

~ News You Can Use ~

We make a living by what we get; but we make a life by what we give.~Winston Churchill

~  Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year, local churches live stream their Candlelight Service on YouTube, here are just a few for your convenience:

• North Sound Church-Edmonds 7pm, https://www.youtube.com/@NorthSoundChurchEdmonds/streams
• Christ the Rock Church-Lynnwood 6pm, https://www.youtube.com/@christtherockfellowship2700/streams
• Holy Trinity-Edmonds 11pm, https://www.youtube.com/@holytrinityedmonds4983/streams
• Shoreline Christian Reformed Church 6pm, https://www.youtube.com/@shorelinechristianreformed/streams
• Richmond Beach Congregational Church 10pm,  https://www.youtube.com/@rbcc-ucc/streams

~  The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) through the Federal Government has a program that you can apply for to get up to $30 off your internet per month.

Check here to see if you qualify:  https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/do-i-qualify/ You may apply online or call (877) 384-2575 or email ACPSupport@usac.org. Open 7 days a week between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. ET.

The Program provides eligible customers of participating broadband providers credit toward Internet and mobile services for the duration of the program. It will last for as long as the Federal Government funds the Program, which is expected to be several years. Some of the more well-known providers that are included in this program are Ziply Fiber, Verizon Wireless, Earthlink, Comcast Xfinity, Metro by T-Mobile. You may search to see if your specific provider participates in the ACP program: https://cnm.universalservice.org/

~  An integral part of our lives is music, here are a couple of Spotify links to enjoy:

solo piano playlist by David Lanz, 50 of his favorite pieces.  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6liJ1W2GaLiM7a46pOKXZN

various artists Christmas songs, 85 songs to enjoy.  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6BlRAQ0bptcocBeXvw8hp8?si=970f3bc89231461b&nd=1

~  Electronic Waste & Styrofoam Collection.  Saturday January 6, 2024 from 10am-12pm. Drop off at the Lynnwood Operations and Maintenance Center 20525 60th Ave. W. Styrofoam must be CLEAN, all tape and stickers must be removed. Acceptable E-Waste items are listed on the City website, link provided here:  https://www.lynnwoodwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works/Garbage-and-Recycling/Recycling-Collection-Event

~  The wait is almost over, get your library cards ready!  

The Edmonds Library, 650 Main St., will host a grand re-opening Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 11 a.m. There will be a ribbon cutting, tours and activities. A top-to-bottom, $2 million upgrade has been put in place after the irrigation pipe leak on June 23, 2022. The community will soon be able to relax in the library’s updated space, discover new elements in the interactive children’s area, reserve the new community meeting space, and enjoy better sightlines to the library’s stunning view. Library hours will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

~  FREE Styrofoam Recycling Collection Event, funded by Snohomish County Solid Waste.

Do you have Styrofoam occupying your home? Filling up garages, corners, and closets? On Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 10am to 2pm, bring your (clean!) Styrofoam to McCollum Park 600 128th St SE, Everett. The WSU Sustainable Community Stewards will be waiting in the parking lot near the Northwest Stream Center to collect your Styrofoam. Acceptable Styrofoam items: rinsed/cleaned to-go containers, food trays, bagged packing peanuts, block packaging, coolers, Styrofoam EPE sheets (tape removed), Pink, blue, or gray XPS foam insulation. UNACCEPTABLE Styrofoam ITEMS: Spray-in foam, Insta-Pak foam, Grey insta-pak foam, Foil-lined foam, and Hot tub covers.

~  Free newsletter is available online “Focus on Healthy Aging”. Since 2016, University Health News (UHN) has been a leading source of health news, advice, and information from some of America's most respected medical schools, hospitals, and health centers.  UHN does not accept outside advertisements, allowing them to bring the most informative health information possible, free of bias. The newsletter shares insights and strategies for years of health-filled, independent living. Sign up and have the newsletter sent to your email. https://universityhealthnews.com/subscription-offers/mount-sinai-school-of-medicine-focus-on-healthy-aging-3/

Holiday Caroling brings Joy to Community

A merry band of carolers made their way throughout NNN land in early December. Their mission was spreading holiday cheer to some of our homebound members.

Two groups drove from home to home over two days dressed in holiday gear and sang to our members, many of whom sang along. A group of carolers assembled holiday goodie bags for each destination, distributing them to individuals and to the residents of the group homes. Some wonderful members even reciprocated with very welcome cider and cookies.

It was a jolly couple of days. May the good cheer generated by all extend through the season and beyond!

December 2023 Caroling Crew Photo Album.

-By NNN Volunteer, Eileen Carter

January Events

Please join us! NNN has a variety of events, gatherings and online chat groups. Throughout the month check out the website calendar for new or changed events as well as the monthly event descriptions/links.

Click on this link to view our Events page. 

NNN members may request transportation to any NNN hosted event. 

New Events in January

Hygge and the Science of Happiness – Online Event (Free), Wednesday, January 10, 2024  - 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Author Jody Eddy shares the basic elements of hygge and you will discover real world examples for simple ways to introduce hygge into your life. Jody will also talk about the growing field of happiness science, a vast array of scientific studies that explain why the elements of hygge make your mind, body and spirit feel so good. She draws upon the work of Meik Wiking who runs the Happiness Research Institute in Denmark and Laurie Santos, who teaches the happiness class at Yale. Hygge can be introduced into your own life no matter where you live or what season it is.  This event will not be recorded.  Registration is required:  https://sno-isle.bibliocommons.com/events/652f197b5c850f4800528a7b and you will receive a reminder email with the Zoom link 24 hours before the event, and the Zoom link is provided here: Please click the link below to join the webinar at 6:30pm on Wednesday, January 10:
https://sno-isle-org.zoom.us/j/84130876611?pwd=T1BoRnJoUFZCTU9MS0tCbFBFS1FQdz09
Passcode: 739359 Or by Telephone, audio only: 253 215-8782 or 253 205-0468 Webinar ID: 841 3087 6611m Passcode: 739359

UW Aging Well Series: Get to Know Cohousing - Online Event (Free), Thursday, January 25, 2024, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Cohousing has been much in the news, catching the attention of many who are approaching retirement and considering their future options. But what, exactly, is cohousing? In this session, Shelly Parks will explain the nuts and bolts of cohousing, including the attributes that create opportunities for enriching socialization, mutual support, and aging in place. She’ll also discuss advantages and disadvantages of cohousing and questions one should ask if they are considering cohousing.  You must register to receive the link to join the session.  A recording will be available to registrants about a week after the session. Registration is required: https://events.uw.edu/event/03ae98f3-0d2f-4b1d-8759-4c13e96d4d1c/summary

Monthly Events

Walk with Friends

Take a stroll and enjoy the company of others.

Mountlake Terrace, Every Tuesday, 12pm - Terrace Creek Park. Meet in the parking lot. 

Edmonds, Every Sunday, 12:15pm – Meet on corner of Sunset & Edmonds Street. 

NNN Lunch Bunch

Scheduled Fridays, 1:00-3:00pm

12/29 – Red Robin - Lynnwood

01/12 – Super China Buffet - Shoreline

01/26 – Old Spaghetti Factory - Lynnwood

Lunch Host Ginger H requests registration so she can let the restaurant know how many to anticipate. To register online, click on the Events page,and then on the date, or instead call/text 253-237-2848, or email Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetworks.org.

Coffee with Neighbors!

Every 1st Thursday, 10:30-11:30 am – This month on the second Thursday, – January 11th, Richmond Beach Coffee House, 1442 NW Richmond Beach Rd, Shoreline, 98177

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! 

Games at Third Place Commons, Lake Forest Park

Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, 1:00-3:00pm – 1/3, 1/17, Upper level, Third Place Commons, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, 98155

Join games enthusiasts and Host Sharon L. for an 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. 

Mahjong!

Meets on alternating Fridays at a member’s home – 2:00-4:00pm

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. Contact Sandy@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org.

Book Club - Online

Monday, January 22nd 1:00-3:00pm, 4th Monday of each Month

The January book is A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. Join host Eileen C. and others as they share their thoughts about a book selected by the group each month. Click on this link to join or go to the NNN Events page 

Conversations and Camaraderie - Online

Looking to take a break in your afternoon for a few minutes of interesting conversation and laughter? Join via the links below or go to the NNN events page. Phoning in information is available via the NNN events page. Every Monday, “Let’s Chat with Jerry”, 4:00-5:00pm. Coffee klatch style casual conversations. Join online - click here or go to the NNN events page 

Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday, “Women’s Afternoon Break”, 3:00-4:00pm; 1/9 & 1/23

Relaxed conversations with Anne G and Carol F. Pour yourself a cup of tea, coffee or your favorite beverage and join us. Let’s make friends! Join online – click here or go to the NNN events page.

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 (or type this address into your web browser) https://northwestneighborsnetwork.org/content.aspx?page_id=4001&club_id=571198. Here’s an ‘at a glance’ calendar for planned events in January 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 January

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

Happy Birthday to:

Inger A., Ann B., Ernie B., Jennifer B., Julie Anne B., Kelly B-Y., Mare B., Rose C., Trish E., Rita G., Julia H., Kathe H., Michelle H., Swei-Ming H., Fekerte K., Chao M., Mary M., Shirley M., Crystal N., Lindsey O., Helen P., Joann R., Kuin R., John S., Kathy S., Shannon S.,  Alda W., Alan Y.

Recipes of the Month

Shiitake Crusted Quiche Lorraine

The above is a fancy name for a baked omelet that I have found to be a reliable, easy to prepare dish for a lazy evening meal or a leisurely brunch.

INGREDIENTS

4 Large Eggs

3 Tablespoons of Whole-Milk Greek Yogurt 

1 cup of Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese 

3 Green Onions

4 Slices of Canadian Bacon

1 Cup (more or less) of Shiitake Mushrooms

1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil

¼ teaspoon of salt

¼ teaspoon of freshly ground pepper

PREPARATION

1. Preheat the oven to 400⁰F.

2. Shiitake Mushrooms

   1. Remove stems (optional).

   2. Cut heads into slices approximately 3/8 inch wide.

   3. Cut sufficient mushroom heads so that, when laid flat, cover the bottom area of an 8 in ovenproof frying pan.

   4. Reserve.

3. Green Onions

   1. Rinse green onions to clean them.

   2. Slice off the bottom heads and discard.

   3. Cut the rest of the onions into lengths approximately 3/8 in. to ½ in long.

   4. Reserve.

4. Canadian Bacon

   1. Cut slices of Canadian bacon into roughly ½ in squares. 

   2. Reserve.

5. Egg Batter

   1. Break eggs into a large mixing bowl.

   2. Mix eggs with a whisk until smooth.

   3. Add yogurt and mix again.

   4. Add grated Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper, and mix to smoothness.

   5. Add Canadian bacon squares and green onion pieces, mix gently to disperse these morsels into the batter.

   6. Reserve.

6. COOKING

   1. Preheat Mushrooms

      1. Layout mushroom slices on the bottom of an 8 in diameter oven-proof frying pan.

      2. Add olive oil and assure that all mushrooms have been wetted.

      3. Insert frying pan into 400 ⁰ F oven. Do not cover the pan. Set the oven cook timer to 35 minutes.

   2. Add Egg Batter

      1. At approximately 22 minutes on the timer, remove the frying pan from the oven, and place on a heat-resistant working surface.

      2. Add all of the egg batter to the frying pan with the aid of a spatula.

   3. Cook the Frittata

      1. Replace the frying pan contents in the oven.

      2. Allow the contents to bake uncovered for the balance of the cooking time. 

      3. Remove the frying pan from the oven.

7. FINISHING TOUCHES

   1. Transfer the contents of the frying pan to a warm pie plate of similar diameter as the frying pan.

   2. Slice the frittata as desired and serve immediately.

   3. Serves two to four depending on the occasion, tastes, and appetites of the participants.

-By NNN Community Member, Robert Kaiser

Hungarian Goulash

Ingredients: 

4 slices of bacon, sliced 

1 medium sized onion, sliced

1-1 1/2 Tbsp Hungarian paprika

2 pounds chuck, blade, or boneless pot roast, cut into cubes

1 Tbsp salt

1 tsp caraway seeds

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 tomato, sliced

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

4 small potatoes, pared and quartered

beef broth

Directions:

• Brown bacon in a Dutch oven or heavy 3 quart pot with a tight fitting lid.

• Remove bacon.

• Add onions to bacon drippings until transparent.

• Remove pot from heat and stir in paprika. 

• Add the beef, salt, caraway seeds, cooked bacon, and half of the green bell pepper and tomato.

• Return to heat and cover tightly. 

• Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding small amounts of beef broth as needed.

• Cook 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until the meat is tender.

• Add garlic, potatoes,  the other half of the green bell pepper and tomato.

• Add enough broth to completely cover the meat and vegetables. 

• Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes. 

*If using spaetzle noodles (my favorite) add in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Egg noodles are also a good option. 

NNN Community Business Sponsors

We are grateful to our Sponsors for their support to help sustain and expand our organizational efforts to meet the community need.

Interested in Becoming an NNN Community Business Sponsor? Learn more Here. Email: info@northwestneighborsnetwork.org or call 253-237-2848 to leave a message.