Message from Suzy Chandler, President of the Board

Member Profile: Jeanie Blair

When the jobs became scarce in the ’30s around St. Louis, Missouri, Jeanie’s paternal grandfather gathered his seven sons and announced, “From today, you are all musicians and performers.” Thus began the Blair family traveling Vaudeville (history of vaudeville) odyssey. They often called themselves the Blair Scottish Highlanders. They went town to town on a family bus, and later became part of a circus troupe. Life was hard-scrabble; two of the brothers succumbed to scarlet fever. 

Eventually, Grandpa Blair settled the family around Dallas, Texas. It was not easy, but it was far better than his early life as a Scottish miner. The oldest surviving brother from the 7 born to the family married, and Jeanie was born in the early 40s. An only child, Jeanie didn’t quite fit in with some of the traditional, often narrow, societal views of the time and place. Thus, she was glad when, on the day of her high school graduation, her father and mother decided to move.

They had saved up enough money to purchase a 5-acre lot, settled here in Edmonds, and this is where Jeanie has lived most of the rest of her life. She has had several careers, several loves, much travel, and two children. Yes, she can play the bagpipes, and is proud of her parents and grandparents and the heritage she possesses. She is vivacious, charming and articulate, and can cast quite a spell when she decides to dip into the Scottish brogue.

Over recent years, no longer working a job, she has volunteered locally with the Edmonds Center for the Arts, the History Museum, the Senior Center, and the hospital, to name but a few. She is quite involved in the community and is familiar with many of the prominent locals. The last few years have brought forward some health issues. 

When asked for a reference, a book she’d like to recommend is Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon. As a member of NNN, Jeanie relies on rides to and from her physical therapy appointments, for which she is thankful. But more than the time and money saved, she appreciates the volunteers she meets and being afforded the opportunity for lovely conversations while en route.

-By Jack Hagel, NNN Volunteer Writer

February NNN Hosted 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. 

Something New Has Been Added ….. 

Seeking Artists, Crafters and Hobbyists for a new NNN Online Gathering

So many of our community members enjoy doing arts, crafts and other hobbies to enrich their lives. To support and foster those interests as you work on creative projects you love to do, we’re excited to bring you an opportunity to enjoy some company while you work on your project(s). Launched in January, a group of like minded members and volunteers started a new online NNN community that  brings us together as we work on our favorite art, craft or hobby projects. You don’t have to pack up your supplies, because this group works on their favorite projects from the comfort of their own homes! They gather informally and virtually to chat, find inspiration, demonstrate what they’re doing, and share in the company of other crafters and hobbyists.

We’ll be live on Zoom from 10:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. on the first and third Sundays of the month. Hope to see you on February 4th and/or 18th for some or the entire time. 

 Curious? Just want to visit and hear what others are doing? That’s fine! Please plan to join us! No registration is required, but if you want to let us know you’re planning to join, you can do that by clicking on the “Joining? Let Us Know” link on the events calendar or just send us an email to Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org. Here’s the Zoom Link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82717351900?pwd=NGk3NXR6VU1pd256b0o1S3F6am1Vdz09. Meeting ID: 827 1735 1900.  Passcode: 729970 To participate, you must have the current Zoom application on your phone, tablet or computer with a working camera and speaker. Unfamiliar with Zoom? Contact Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org, call or text us at 253-237-2848 and request to schedule a tech support volunteer to help get you started. To be courteous of others on the call, we won’t be able to provide tech support during the gathering.

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 Sunset between Bell & Edmonds Street. 

NNN Lunch Bunch

Scheduled Fridays, 1:00-3:00pm

• 01/26 – Old Spaghetti Factory - Lynnwood
• 02/09 – Aurora Borealis - Shoreline
• 02/23 – Brier Pizza Kitchen - Brier

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 – February 1st. 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 – 2/7, 2/21. 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 still 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, February 26th 1:00-3:00pm, 4th Monday of each Month. The February 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; 2/13 & 2/27

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 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. 🧡

~ News You Can Use ~

The secret to change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old but on building the new. ~Socrates

Just For Fun From The Comfort of Your Living Room

Feeling nostalgic, did you grow up in the 60’s and watch That Girl with Marlo Thomas on TV? If you loved the show and are in the mood for a visit to her stunning Upper East penthouse in NYC, relax and take 5 minutes… Her motto for decorating is “When decorating, if you like it, it works!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJBO_73PSgY

Ready to Go Out And About? Here Are Some Opportunities You May Like!

~ Educational Public Walking Tour - Washington Park Arboretum, Free 1st Thursday, February 1, 2024, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Graham Visitors Center 2300 Arboretum Drive E

Enjoy a casual, Docent led walk through various areas of the 230-acre Arboretum. UW Botanic Gardens is committed to enriching lives with free public tours. Every effort is made to tailor tours to the audience--most months the walks can be made longer or shorter depending on capabilities. These educational tours are tailored for an adult audience, and cover history, programs and plant collections, highlighting plants and gardens of seasonal interest. Tours depart from Graham Visitors Center at 11:30am. No pre-registration necessary. Questions? Call 206 685-8033/email urbhort@uw.edu

~ National Alliance on Mental Illness Seminar (NAMI)

Free Seminar - “You Are Not Alone – Building Hope, Resilience and Skills to Navigate Crisis,” Saturday, February 3 - 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, Rosehill Community Center - 304 Lincoln Ave, Mukilteo, Questions? email Liza Patchen-Short Liza.Patchen-Short@co.snohomish.wa.us

~Arts for Adults at the Kenmore Public Library,  6531 NE 181st St, Kenmore

Come to the library to create casual art in a relaxed and friendly environment. Basic art supplies, tea and snacks and quiet music are provided. You can also bring your own project to work on! There will be basic instruction and plenty of time to experiment. Registration not required. Drop in at any time.

• 3D Pen Art:  2nd Friday, February 9, 2024, 2:00 pm to 4:00pm

• Watercolors: 2nd Friday, March 8, 2024, 2:00 pm to 4 pm

~ Indoor Orchid Plant Festival - Lynnwood Event Center, Saturday March 2 (10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) & Sunday March 3, 2024 (10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.), 3711 196th St. SW, Lynnwood

Explore the beauty and diversity of indoor plants with participating plant societies from Oregon and Washington, featuring plant families like Begonia, Orchids, Cactus, Succulents, Carnivorous Plants, and African Violets. The Northwest Orchid Society is hosting this event and ticket sales support this non-profit. Presale Tickets begin at $7 a day but increase up to $10 if purchased the day of the event. Purchase tickets: https://www.nwos.org/2024-spring-indoor-plant-festival-2 

~ King County Library System (KCLS) Offers Opportunities to Reserve Free Passes to Many Popular Local Attractions for holders of current KCLS library cards ~

Passes may be reserved (first come, first served) to: Washington State Parks, Bellevue Arts Museum, KidsQuest Children’s Museum, MOHAI Museum of History and Industry, The Museum of Flight, Museum of Pop Culture, Northwest Railway Museum, The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, Seattle Aquarium, Seattle Art Museum, Washington State History Museum and The Woodland Park Zoo. 

Reservations fill up quickly. New passes are released each day at 2:00 p.m. for the day two weeks into the future. Each attraction has its own criteria. When on the KCLS site, click on each attraction to learn about restrictions and availability. For more information and to reserve a free pass, visit:

https://kcls.org/museum-passes/ _gl=1*185wbd9*_ga*OTM5MjcwMjE5LjE3MDUyODQ3NTc.*_ga_G99DMMNG39*MTcwNTI4NDc1Ni4xLjEuMTcwNTI4NDkyMi4wLjAuMA. Need help? Please Call the library at 425-450-1765.

~  Free Online Discussions ~

Recognizing the Warning Signs of a Stroke, Tuesday, January 30, 2024, 6:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.

What should you do if you think you or someone might be having a stroke? An emergency medicine physician and a neurologist from Overlake Medical will teach you about the warning signs and symptoms of stroke and the treatments that may stop a stroke in its tracks. Please register. You will be emailed a link no later than one hour before the program start time. https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/65493c470102a03700f77d07

Explore Google Arts & Culture, Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00pm

Curious minds will enjoy walking through the world's museums, playing with color and much more. Presented by Bridget of Gentle Tech Help via the King County Library System. This program will not be recorded. Please register, deadline to register is 1pm on the day of the program. You will be emailed a link no later than one hour before the program start time. https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/6564fbe661803d36006ed93d

Artwork Discussion with Frye Art Museum

Theme: Companions, inspired by the Frye permanent collection, Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 1:00 p.m.– 2:00pm

Do you miss visiting art galleries and museums? We will bring the art to you! Join an artwork discussion led by an educator from Frye Art Museum. Please register, deadline to register is 10am on Friday, February 9th. https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/6564fd38bf3fd82800d1b878. Email Jessica if you don't receive an email with a link jmhughes@kcls.org. Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event. Automated closed captioning is always available for online events.

University of Washington Retirement Association announces 2 new discussions to their Aging Well free online series. Each session is free to the community, but registration is required in order to get the Zoom link and log on credentials.

~ THE ABCs OF CBD: TIPS FOR OLDER ADULTS, March 7, 2024, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

CBD (cannabidiols), a non-psychoactive ingredient in the cannabis plant, is marketed for a range of physical and mental health concerns. The legalization of CBD products has elevated interest in both research and usage of CBD. Over 20% of Americans 65 years and older say they have tried CBD oil for various ailments, but is it safe? Is it truly effective? Registration and more information can be found at  https://events.uw.edu/event/59d90406-b73a-4f75-9baf-ad8045a1473a/summary

~EXPLORING SUPPORTIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR CAREGIVING AND AGING IN PLACE, March 26, 2024, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm 

Newer technologies may help older adults stay in their homes longer, with the potential to make aging in place easier for both older adults and those who care for them. From mobile applications to Artificial Intelligence, this field is finding new ways to help older adults stay healthy and connected.  Professor Oleg Zaslavsky of the UW School of Nursing and Digital Health Innovation Hub provides an overview of technologies. Register: https://events.uw.edu/event/b3a09771-947e-4cf5-9994-f6d494a3d06b/summary

…. In Other News ….

~ Now Open! Tool Lending Library in Shoreline; 16601 Aurora Ave. N. (Evergreen RV bldg.) 206 524-6062

Would you rather borrow tools for your projects rather than purchase them? If so, consider the Tool Lending Library for your needs. Inventory of tools include; wheelbarrows, garden tools, clamps, power tools, pressure washers, a cider press, chainsaws, catering equip., party tents and much much more. Most items are available on a first come basis with a few exceptions for event specific items. This is a non-profit, run by volunteers and Seattle REconomy, sponsored by a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology, in partnership with King County Solid Waste Division and the City of Shoreline. They also have toys, games, and puzzles available for check-out. Donations of tools, toys, games, and puzzles are welcomed to share with the community. See the website for open hours.   https://seattlereconomy.org/stl/

A Fix-It Night is offered every third Wednesday from 5-8pm, you may bring in any broken household item/s that you can carry in on your own ie.. tools, lamps, toys, furniture, appliances, etc. Sign up online for free admission to the Fix-It Nights  https://seattlereconomy.org/event/fix-it-night-at-the-shoreline-tool-library/

~ The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS), is accepting applications until May 3, 2024 for its annual Rampathon building project.

Anyone who would like to be considered for a free wheelchair access ramp to the external entrance of their home is encouraged to apply. The access ramp construction begins every 3rd Saturday starting April 2024 through July 2024. Important reminders about the Rampathon application:  1) You will need to submit at least 3-4 photos of the area where the ramp will be installed. Pictures need to show the entrance and the yard space to make any determinations on whether it is viable for the program or not. Pictures CANNOT be from Google Maps or any other online maps services, pictures need to be taken within the last year. 2) Filling out an application is not a guarantee that you will be chosen. 3) Rampathon only takes place in King or Snohomish counties.

The printable version and the online version of the Rampathon 2024 application can be found at this link:  https://www.mbaks.com/community/rampathon

~ National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. A mental illness/mental health condition is a medical condition that disrupts a person's thinking, feeling or mood. These conditions may affect day-to-day living and/or someone's ability to relate to others. Each person will have different experiences, even people with the same diagnosis. The first to know is that you are not alone and mental health conditions are more common that you think, a 2020 national survey showed: 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year, 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt35325/NSDUHFFRPDFWHTMLFiles2020/2020NSDUHFFR1PDFW102121.pdf Knowing how to support someone who has a mental health condition can make a big difference. However, it may be hard for us to know what approach is best.  Here are some tips: https://nami-sno-isle.org/resources/recovery/ NAMI "Connection" Support Group is for people living with mental health conditions. It is peer-led for adults experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.  You will gain insight from the challenges and successes of others and will have the opportunity to share your experiences, receive support from other attendees and by the group trained leader. "Connection" Support Group meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month. In-Person from 7:00pm to 8:30pm @ Verdant Health Center -4710 196th St SW, Lynnwood. Led by NAMI trained facilitators, Kathy & Brandan. NO registration required. For more information and questions, email  namisnohomishcounty@gmail.com. If you ever find yourself in a Crisis, NAMI is here to listen: Call the Snohomish County Crisis Service Line 24/7 at (800) 584-3578 or Text “NAMI” to 741741 for 24/7, confidential, free crisis counseling or Call the NAMI HelpLine, M-F 7 am – 7 pm @ 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

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:

Lana A., Mary Lynn A., Ralph B., Catherine B., Mary D., Brianna E., Eva F., Patty F., Bill F., Beth F., Carol F., Marjorie G., Jan H., Elisa I., Vibeke I., Donna J., Kristy K., Arnie K., Kim K., Frances L., Murl M., Kathryn M., Carolyn M., Emily M., Dolores O., Smriti P., Graeme R., Libby S., Suanna S., Christine S., Sandra W. & Lois W.

Recipe of the Month–Don’t Miss The Special Surprise!!!

Salmon Cakes

~ Guess who submitted this recipe, and you WIN the Salmon Cakes! ~

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.