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Message from Suzy Chandler, President of the Board
Thanks to Board Member, Jerry Patterson, who has diligently worked to launch our local Business Sponsor program just in time for our 5 year anniversary! (Photo shows me welcoming our newest sponsor, Marella Alejandrino - Realtor with Windermere)
How does it work? Local businesses who want to help support our mission of building a supportive community for seniors and adults with disabilities thrive in the place they call home simply choose the support level they would like, and that helps offset the costs of insurance, staff, background checks, and more. In turn, we share information about sponsors on our website, and in our monthly newsletters.
Learn more about our newest sponsor, local Windermere Realtor, Marella Alejandrino.
She and I first met over coffee last year, and this year we met again (in unplanned nearly matching outfits!) to catch up about her specialty areas and her appreciation for all we do to help seniors in our community. Marella is an experienced Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), and as such is uniquely equipped to help boomers and seniors when it is time for them to make a downsizing transition. Marella is a Seattle native who has resided for many years in Kenmore with her husband and three children. She is passionate about her community as a representative of the Windermere Foundation, member of the University District Rotary Club, and serves on the Board of the Kenmore Heritage Society. Visit https://marellashomes.com/ Call: 206-914-9989 or Email: m.alejandrino@windermere.com
We’re excited to add our latest sponsor, and HIGH 5 all around for our 5 year anniversary of helping our community age well in their own homes.
-Suzy Q
The 2024 Member & Volunteer “Let’s Par-Tea!” celebration was a success!
  
The theme for our 2024 celebration was “Let’s Par-Tea,” which offered a traditional afternoon tea experience sponsored and hosted by Laurel Cove Community in Shoreline on May 18, 2024. Scones, tea sandwiches and sweet desserts were served thanks to the direction of Chef Steve and his team at Laurel Cove. 77 of our NNN community members and volunteers attended, which was 90% of those who intended to attend. From our view, it was a huge success. Thank you to the entire community for creating such a wonderful Summer Event! Click on this link to enjoy the memories in this 4 minute video of the party fun. (To enjoy the video, type https://tinyurl.com/2464dsrz in your web browser if you don’t have an electronic copy of this newsletter or want to share the memories with others.)
The generous Laurel Cove sponsorship covered the full cost of the facility, decorations, food, and two raffle baskets. We could not have done it without Laurel Cove, their staff and our wonderful volunteers. Additional raffle prizes were donated by QFC, Ballinger Thriftway Market, Arnies Restaurant, and the NNN Board. Congratulations to each of our prize winners: Raffle winners Sharon S., Vitali E. & Albina S., Bette B., Marilyn B., Judy M. Susan C., Heather H., Emily W. & Gene T., Nancy C. and grand prize winner Pat K. Our Best Hat Contest winner was Nona M.. Thanks to everyone who participated – your hats made the afternoon even more special!
A special thanks is appropriate for our NNN volunteers who supported behind the scenes; darci B., Rita G., Carol F., Ginger H., Katie V., Suzy C., Sandy M., Kate F., Marty B., Suanna S., Yana W., Judith S., Cindy M., Don B., Rick C., Melanie B.V, Bruce Mac., Lee G., Winona K., Mahyar R., DeAnna S., Jerry C., Michelle D., Anne G., Kristine Mc., Cindi C., and our Director of Community Operations and Outreach Danie B-V.
And of course we thank our drivers, who beyond being a ride, engaged our community members and made the event that much more special for attendees; darci B., Lee G., Bruce Mac., Amanda M., Brian H., Steve M., Bruce M., Patty C., Elise N., Suzy C., Quentin C., Steve F., Ellen F., Cathy W., Winona K., Heather H., Sandy M. and Melanie B-V.
A bit of Community Feedback
“It was a special day - an appreciated day.”
“I was extremely enthusiastic about all the effort put forth by the staff and volunteers to make this event a delight. My very best thank you to all of you!!! It was very cute!! I would have loved to have met more of the people and seen more of their faces a little more close up…THANK YOU, THANK YOU THANK YOU TO EVERYBODY. WHO WORKS SO HARD TO MAKE THIS EVENT A PLEASURE!!!!!”
“SOOO much work went into a truly lovely event!! I have great respect and appreciation!”
 
“Meet NNN Community Members; Esthr & Malya”
If it’s Saturday, then it’s Quiddler time! NNN member Esthr Singer enjoys hosting this weekly card game at her daughter Malya Muth’s home in Edmonds (more information in this newsletter). It provides her with a lot of fun along with social contact. Her daughter is glad about the gathering because, although she is not as enthusiastic about card games, she enjoys seeing her mother interact.
With Esthr and Malya, NNN gets a twofer as both are brand new members of our organization. Esthr participates in the low vision support group and takes advantage of transportation services NNN offers; Malya, a trained singer and teacher would like to contribute volunteer assistance by providing a free workshop to members who want to learn how to strengthen their speaking voices.
Esthr
When she couldn’t drive any longer due to increasingly poor vision, Esthr came to Washington State from California to live near her daughter. Eventually, she moved in with Malya and they’ve been housemates ever since. It’s always hard to admit we need help but both Esthr and Malya are glad she took that step, particularly given that Esthr is admittedly extremely independent. Recognizing this, Malya gives the respect and space needed to ensure her mother thrives while providing the necessary assistance.
Esthr holds a PhD in Psychology - she agrees the field has come a l-o-n-g way since Freud. The last 5 years of her career were at a prison talking with inmates. Some of them may have tried manipulating the conversation to get a favorable write-up, but of course Esthr recognized this. Fortunately, a few inmates she talked to used the opportunity to take ownership of their behavioral issues. Esthr used her psychology in child rearing (implementing a token/reward economy for chores) and it really worked! Ultimately, Malya and her brother Dan aged out of the process - somehow, working to earn small toys on top of the refrigerator just didn’t do it anymore…
Esthr also takes advantage of the activities at the Edmonds Waterfront Center. She participates in general discussion meetings and music therapy sessions, which provide cognitive exercises to retain memory and stay sharp. She is tenacious and doesn’t let much stand in the way of her going about her day: she takes para-transport to events and retains self-assuredness by recognizing physical limitations and finding ways around them - that’s how we keep moving forward in life!
If you’re at the Edmonds Waterfront Center on the days Esthr is there (MWF), be sure to say ‘Hi’ and check out the wonderfully decorated visors she is known for!
Malya
Malya came to the Seattle area in 1984 solely based on an article she saw in Newsweek magazine. She lived all around the Puget Sound prior to moving to Edmonds. She has a son graduating from university and another graduating from high school. She is thrilled to have them both independent and is excited for and supportive of their next steps in life.
Malya recalls always having music playing in the home when she was growing up. Esthr confirms that while she herself didn’t play an instrument, she enjoyed playing records (yes, records) of a variety of music genres. Malya became a classical singer and has her own business teaching the many facets of singing and voice.
It was a pleasure to watch the interaction between these two very different and independent individuals. Each is able to retain their own personal style and sense of joie de vivre while sharing in life’s everyday rituals. Now, I’m going to read up on the rules of Quiddler…
–By NNN Volunteer Contributor, Melinda Nelsen
(Rob helping Sharon S. with some emergency-prep tech)
My Edmonds News: Dr Rob Scarr: Edmonds Citizen of the Year
Our very own NNN Community volunteer was recently in the news and he brought NNN along with him. Check it out in this link in My Edmonds News. It is worth the quick read for a lifetime of accomplishments.
Alternatively, here is the link to the My Edmonds New article honoring Dr. Scarr that you can copy and paste into your browser: https://myedmondsnews.com/2024/05/dr-robert-rob-scarr-named-2023-edmonds-citizen-of-the-year/
Special Announcement
NNN will be changing our hours of official operation starting June 1, 2024. The new hours in which staff or volunteers will actively be answering the phones will be 9am-12n and 1-3p. This will not affect your ability to leave a message or email before 5pm and have your request up and ready for volunteers to see the same day as always. We will also have staff/volunteers available to return time sensitive calls between 3-5p. More importantly, note that all calls and emails from volunteers who have a service that day/any time inside or outside of our business hours will be monitored for urgency, answered or returned promptly.
June Events
Please join us! NNN members and volunteers host 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.
Walk with Friends
Take a stroll and enjoy the company of others.
Mountlake Terrace, Every Tuesday, 12n. - Terrace Creek Park. Meet in the parking lot.
Edmonds, 2nd and 4th Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. - Edmonds Marsh. Meet at the entrance to the Boardwalk. Bring binoculars if you have them and let’s see how many species of birds we can find!
Edmonds, Every Sunday, 12:15 p.m. – Meet at the corner of Sunset and Edmonds.
NNN Lunch Bunch
Scheduled Fridays, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
6/14 –Aurora Borealis - Shoreline
6/28 –Sorelli Pizza - Mountlake Terrace
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, 10:00-11:00 a.m. – 6/6
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, 1:00-3:00 p.m. – 6/5 & 6/19
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!
Every Monday at a member’s home, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
We’ve added a second table! 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
Quiddler!
Every Saturday at a member’s home, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Engaging word card game that’s fun to play with others. Contact Sandy@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org for location and to confirm that you’re coming.
Book Club - Online
4th Monday of each Month, 6/24 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Join host Eileen C. and others as they share their thoughts about a book selected by the group each month. The group is reading Color of Water by James McBride and will discuss it in June. 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,” 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Coffee klatch style casual conversations. Join online - click here or go to the NNN events page
“Women’s Afternoon Break” is taking a summer break. Stay tuned for fall information. Relaxed conversations with Anne G and Carol F.
Every 1st & 3rd Sunday, “Artists, Crafters and Hobbyists Online Gathering,” 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 6/2 & 6/16. Work on your favorite art, craft or hobby project from the comfort of your home as we chat, find inspiration, demonstrate, and share in the company of other crafters and hobbyists. Pop in when you can, stay for the entire time or just a bit. Click here or go to the NNN Events page.
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~ News You Can Use ~
“The older you get the more you realize that kindness is synonymous with happiness.”
—Lionel Barrymore
~ Richmond Beach Garden Tour - FREE. The tour will be Saturday, June 1 from 11am to 4pm.
This year there will be nine gardens on the tour. Six are new and three are favorites from past tours. One garden has a collection of over 275 dwarf conifers and maples, mostly in containers. Another garden shows a great example of what you can do in a small space. Each garden is unique and beautiful. No registration required, you may pick up a map at Richmond Beach LIbrary, Spin Alley-Vault 177, Beach House Greetings or Sky Nursery. You may print out a pdf of the map at: https://www.richmondbeachwa.org/garden-tour.html#/
~ Good things are coming! Construction started last month for the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center and will take approximately 13 months to complete.
The location will be next to Trinity Lutheran Church off 196th & 64th. This "one-stop hub" will provide many human services, including medical, dental and mental health; youth development, community events and gatherings, refugee and immigrant assistance, a Boys & Girls Club, and a technology lab. No longer will you be required to travel to Seattle or Everett for Snohomish County services.
The land was purchased 25 years ago by Rick Steves, Edmonds resident and Europe travel guide and will carry the flavor of a multi-generation gathering place that will include a cafe and gymnasium. More info and an architect’s rendering can be found here: https://www.voaww.org/lnc
~ Free Online class through the King County Library: Interested in phone apps that can enhance the time you spend outdoors?
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 from 2pm to 3pm. Registration required. https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/65b937e061803d36007889a7
~ Design Tips for Container Gardening. As we head towards the warmth of summer, it's the ideal time to add colorful containers to our decks, patios, and porches.
Containers are a fun way to create a personal mini landscape that represents the style and color that speaks to you. https://www.sunnysidenursery.net/sunnyside-blogs/2024/5/20/spring-into-container-gardens
~Free Online classes through the Sno-Isle Library:
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Learn about Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, the realities and illusions—covering their history as well as an overview of how they work.
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 from 6:30pm to 7:45pm. Registration required. https://sno-isle.bibliocommons.com/events/661598803849bf4100b24ab3
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Are you a night owl crafter? If so, Craft and Chat offers you the opportunity to skill share, learn about library resources and make connections with fellow crafters.
All types of crafts are welcome. Friday, June 7, 2024 from 9pm to 10:30pm. Registration required. https://sno-isle.bibliocommons.com/events/6567dc04bf3fd82800d2122b
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Have fun with visual journaling where you can make art with lines, doodles, and any other art supplies you want to use (like collage or painting)! You will be able to add words that resonate with your drawing to practice building creative trains of thought.
Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 10:30am to 11:30am. Registration required at this zoom site: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8817121965824/WN_NZ9HSvrQSeykVQ0I7v4BmQ#/registration
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Calling all yarn crafters (knit or crochet). Come Craft and Chat and connect with fellow crafters, show and tell your use of yarn for making garments, gifts, home décor etc. Wednesday, June 12, 2024 from 3pm to 5pm. Registration required. https://sno-isle.bibliocommons.com/events/655d3d4e686cf83000e3fffc
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Watercolor pencil drawing class, prompted by Georgia O’Keefe’s flowers. You will draw a close-up image of a flower of your choice and will learn several watercolor pencil dry and wet blending techniques.
Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 10:30am to 11:30am. Registration required at this zoom site: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8417121967728/WN_alTACo8MRguyvN1XaXtJnA#/registration
~ Learn how to recognize a scam and protect yourself. If you can spot a scam, you can protect yourself from a scam - and help stop it. AARP is offering a free online class on Friday, Jun 14, 2024 from 12:00 noon to 1pm. Registration required and you don't need to be an AARP member. https://local.aarp.org/vcc-event/fraud-prevention-with-sarita-61424-29nlblfkfhv.html
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 June 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 June
Join us in wishing our NNN members and volunteers born in June a very happy birthday month! We hope each of you finds something that makes you smile, as we smile with you.
Happy Birthday to:
Zenaida B., Don B., Marty B., Rhonda B., Michael B., Rick C., Hsu-Mei C., Sandy C., Jamie F., Anne G., Julia J., Madeleine K., Robert K., Bertha M., Risa M., Kevin M., Jeff M., Amy N., Naomi N-B., Ann N., Connor O’L., Kare Q., Janet S., Marilee S., Sidney S., Nancy S., Valerie T., Danita W., Trish W. |