Message from Suzy Chandler, President of the Board

Did you know there’s a National holiday all about celebrating Good Neighbors?! While we live this rally cry every day, thank you for letting me share with you how highlighting this one national holiday can help broaden our community model of neighbors helping neighbors! Help us share the impact of National Good Neighbor Day - September 28 

This year, we’re celebrating our 5 year anniversary of our neighbor-helping-neighbor model, and we love highlighting the work of our NNN volunteer community members on Good Neighbor Day! How can you help?

1. Volunteer your time - our flexible model is set up to fit in everyone’s schedule. When you’re an NNN community member volunteering your time, YOU pick the tasks you like to help with, and the dates and times you’re available. Head to the Volunteer page on our website to see how to volunteer your time and talents.

2. Donate - and celebrate our MATCHING $2,500 pledge! That’s right, if you’re able to donate, we have a donor matching dollar for dollar up to $2,500 thru the end of September. Double your impact via our website Donate page or Paypal. Donations pay for insurance, volunteer onboarding, staff, and more.

3. Spread the word - share our posts from the NNN Facebook page

Did you know? In 2023, the United States Surgeon General highlighted “the Epidemic of Loneliness” and declared a national loneliness and social isolation epidemic throughout the country. He warned that about half of U.S. adults are experiencing considerable levels of loneliness, which can affect physical, mental and societal health.

NNN’s community members of volunteers help combat loneliness - one of the six pillars of building social connection. There are many ways we can all work together to continue to strengthen our community connections of neighbors helping neighbors. Thank you for taking time to read more about this today and considering how you can help. 

https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf

-By NNN Board President, Suzy Chandler

Meet Bertha Marselis

 

Bertha Marselis was born in Saginaw, Michigan. She walked through doors of opportunity that opened up, from living in Chicago to San Francisco, eventually settling in Washington. Before moving to Washington, she had only visited the state twice, but by the second visit, she knew she was meant to stay. She emphasized that she doesn’t have a favorite place, as each reminds her of different experiences that she holds close to her heart to this day.

Though her family doesn’t reside in Washington, she regularly connects with her brother and sister. She believes that even though they are far apart, family bonds can be developed anywhere. “We find ourselves in the relationships we make. If you know who you are, you might have better chances,” she emphasized, highlighting the importance of knowing your identity outside of connections with other people.

With a strong passion for fashion, Bertha taught herself how to sew, creating new items every week for her community and family. She later studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York, majoring in Fashion Merchandising. Her mother encouraged her to explore her passions and pursue whatever she wanted, and she did.

From working with data to managing the coat department at a family-owned store to volunteering at Seattle Children’s Hospital as the “art cart lady,” she has walked through every door of opportunity with no regrets. She has always been open to trying new things and going to new places. She believes that “full effort means full victory,” quoting Gandhi.

About a year ago, as she was looking for the next opportunity, she stumbled upon an advertisement at the library for an art class at SilverKite Community Arts. She wanted to attend but faced challenges at the time that made it difficult to participate. Despite this, she went anyway and spoke with the instructor afterward. The instructor encouraged her to apply for a position, and they contacted her on the same day.

Bertha is currently employed at SilverKite, a company that uses art as a tool to promote creative engagement at all stages of life, bridge generations, and work towards eliminating the effects of loneliness. She is a Creative Expressions of Health and Wellness Facilitator, specializing in classes that reduce stress and promote mindfulness. She teaches classes focusing on Mandala creation using collage and Creative Mask Making for self-expression.

If you are interested in attending one of her classes and exploring how therapeutic art can be, visit the SilverKite website to learn more: https://www.silverkite.us/. All ages and abilities are welcome! SilverKite offers both in-person and online workshops in several communities throughout Washington.

-By NNN Volunteer Services Manager, Danielle Widjaya 

Meet Kevin Mest

In August, Kevin completed the two-day 195-mile Cascade Bike Club ride from the UW to the inner harbor in downtown Vancouver BC!

Please meet Kevin Mest, who has been a volunteer at NNN since January of 2024! Kevin and his wife Betty are long-time Edmonds residents of over 35 years. Kevin retired in 2023 after a career that started as a CPA with Deloitte to being a Senior Vice President at a technology transportation company that provided safety and compliance solutions to the school bus and transit industries. If he isn’t hiking, biking, traveling or spending time with his grandkids, he’s volunteering in our community! “I’m still very active, so I enjoy NNN service requests that require some physical work aspect, especially yard work” said Kevin. “I love the whole mission and purpose of helping seniors age in place which I hope to do myself as time marches on. And the volunteers I’ve met are equally as enthused, which creates a great sense of camaraderie and a fun social network.”

Kevin also recently joined the board of The Edmonds - South Snohomish County Historical Society, which operates a history museum (www.historicedmonds.org).

He sees it as another rewarding opportunity to connect with the community and with volunteers who care about preserving and sharing the SW Snohomish County region’s history. 

The Museum is located in the heart of downtown Edmonds in the historic former Andrew Carnegie Library Building. Many of you will recognize the building if you’ve ever attended the Edmonds Summer Market, which coincidentally is also sponsored and operated by the Edmonds Museum!

The Museum offers flexible hours much like NNN to engage as a volunteer in a variety of ways from being a welcoming Ambassador, a Docent or helping with Special Events like the Wine Walk, Scarecrow Festival or Holiday decorating to name just a few. It can be as little as a couple of hours a week whenever you’re available. If you’d like to learn more, please go to the website and checkout the Museum and the volunteer opportunities at -www.historicedmonds.org/volunteer-2/.

You’ll be contacted to come to a short get acquainted and orientation meeting to see the Museum and  learn more! Bring a friend and be a part of History!

Help Keep the Book Club Conversation Going!

After more than four years, Eileen Carter has decided to move on from leading NNN's Book Club. She will continue until the New Year, when we hope a new person will step into her shoes.

Are you a reader? Do you like to talk to others about what you've just read? Can you Zoom? (We can teach you.) Then you might be a strong candidate to coordinate our Book Club! Every member gets to choose a book for the club to read. We rotate the responsibility to choose a book for the coming month(s) and the book’s sponsor leads the discussion about the selected book. To help keep the conversation about the book going, the internet contains so many pertinent questions about any book you might choose, so there's no end of discussion topics. 

The Club meets over Zoom every 4th Monday of the month at 1pm. Get to know a new group of fellow readers and be a leader! Email Eileen with any questions at eileenc0125@gmail.com. We’re counting on you!

It’s time to think about Caroling! Volunteer Carolers and Goody Bag Elves Needed!

We know it seems a little early, but if Costco can put out holiday decorations in August, we figure we, too, can plan ahead! Following the success of the last two years, NNN is once again planning to celebrate the holiday season by sponsoring a few afternoons of caroling. We gather a group of enthusiastic singers to visit selected NNN members in their homes or community rooms and encourage all we visit to sing along. Lyrics sheets are provided. We hope to repeat our success and even add to it this year.

Whether you are a professional singer or just love to sing in the shower, you don't have to be a virtuoso to join in; that's the beauty of singing in a group. We invite members and volunteers alike to come join us in singing familiar carols and spreading a little cheer this December. We can also use some help organizing this annual event. Please contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org, call or text 253-237-2848 to volunteer or ask for more information. 

Thanks in advance for helping us make this a very merry and rewarding NNN group activity!

October 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 12 p.m. - Terrace Creek Park. Meet in the parking lot. 

Edmonds, Every Sunday  12:15 p.m. – Meet at the corner of Sunset and Edmonds. 

Edmonds Marsh Walk, Wednesdays, 10/9 and 10/23, 10:00 a.m. Meet at the entrance to the Boardwalk. The closest parking is in front of the Marsh Trail entrance, which is across the lot near the Salish Sea Brewing Company Boathouse Taproom. Bring binoculars if you have them and let’s see how many species of birds we can find! 

NNN Lunch Bunch

Scheduled Fridays, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

9/27 –Jersey's Great Food and Spirits - Shoreline

10/25 –Family Pancake House - Edmonds -Family Pancake House offers a senior discount ...and... since we're so close to Halloween, let's have some fun and wear your best Halloween outfit ... (If you dare!)

Coffee with Neighbors

Every 1st Thursday, 10:00-11:00 a.m. – 10/3

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. – 10/2 & 10/16

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, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Meeting location varies.

We have room for up to three tables. Additional players welcome! Contact Sandy@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org 

Games in Your Home?

Would you like to participate in games but prefer not to travel?  If you are interested in having one or more NNN members come to your place to play a specific game like Canasta, Cribbage, Mexican Train, etc., let us know and we will see if we can make that happen. Maybe even on a regular basis.  

Would you be interested in participating in games in a small home setting with just 2-4 people?  If so, we might be able to make some matches.  Please send email to services@northwestneighborsnetwork.org and we will see what we can do. 

Book Club - Online

4th Monday of each Month, 10/28, 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 October. 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 Tuesday, “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 

Low Vision Support Group Gathering 

Wednesday 10/09 1:00 - 3 p.m.

Dennis Foster from Vision Matters will join us at the Richmond Beach Library to talk about how we navigate the world with vision loss.

Free: UW Retirement Association (UWRA) Aging Well Series: Social Security Basics - Online

Wednesday, 10/30, 11:00 am -12:00 p.m.

Learn the basics of when and how to claim Social Security. Understand the program, explore the considerations for claiming, and get information to help you decide when claiming your benefits makes the most sense for you. This online discussion is free, but registration is required. To register, click on this link, which is also posted to our Events page for October 30th. Registered attendees will receive the Zoom link and meeting password prior to the session.

~ News You Can Use ~

All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. -Mr. Rogers

~ The Seattle Visiting Nurses Assoc. will be administering Flu Shots and Covid Boosters at the Edmonds Waterfront Center 220 Railroad Ave. from 10-2pm. Mondays that you can choose from: September 23, October 14, or November 4. Advanced registration is highly preferred. Register for day and time here:  https://schedule.seattlevna.com/service/3ee5347c-2447-ec11-8c62-0022482a8c2b?lang=en. Last minute walk-ins may register on the day of the clinic if capacity allows.

~  The Edmonds Waterfront Center is offering a Free information session to understand and gather information about Dementia. It will be held on Monday, September 23 from 2-3pm. The goal is to de-stigmatize dementia by providing basic information about what dementia is, the types of dementia, 5 Key messages about dementia, and how to effectively communicate with someone living with dementia. At the end of the session, every participant commits to one simple step to help someone in their community who is living with dementia (ie “I will smile and say hello instead of avoiding a person with dementia”). This is part of an international movement, Dementia Friends, that started in the UK. You may call to register 425 774-5555 or https://schedulesplus.com/edmonds/kiosk/dspevent.do?detail_id=4774934

~ The Edmonds Waterfront Center is offering Free information sessions to learn about the Property Tax exemption program for Snohomish County residents. You may choose Tuesday, September 24 from 2-2:30pm OR 3-3:30pm. Attend this seminar to learn about the property tax exemption program for seniors with a low income and for disabled persons of any age with a low income. Snohomish County homeowners qualify if their 2023 net income is less than $75,000 after allowable medical costs are deducted. Attend this free 30-minute seminar and get your questions answered. You may call to register 425 774-5555 or https://schedulesplus.com/edmonds/kiosk/pickmember.do?mb=&freshscreen=YES&next=cart  

~  Want to gain confidence and learn how to navigate public transportation? King County Metro will provide seniors and people with disabilities skills and instruction. On Tuesday, September 24 from 1-2pm, the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave. NE Bldg G will host Metro for this information session. You will learn about paying bus fare, using an Orca card, how to find bus stops, how to communicate with the driver, how to exit at the correct stop and general problem solving while riding the bus. Call 206-365-1536 or stop by the Senior Center to register.

~  Attend a Free virtual Safe Aging Symposium on Wednesday, September 25 from 1-3pm via Microsoft Teams. This is an online discussion using Microsoft Teams, a similar tool to Zoom or Google Meet. September is Fall Prevention Awareness Month and falls are the number-one mechanism of injury that brings people into the hospital. The Providence Swedish Trauma Department is partnering with South County Fire and Emergency Medical Services. The symposium’s goal is to provide information and resources to older adults, health care professionals and those who are involved in supporting individuals through their lifespan. Registration Req’d: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=OB3mbis7602OhY0nD_26YXGxlNX23OlBtwz6OgXgUVFUNklOUVk0VkVJUFM5RU5TSDQ3VTdOTjdDVy4u&origin=QRCode&route=shorturl

~  Did you know that KC Metro offers a Community Van for pre-scheduled, low cost trips? On Friday, September 27 from 10-11am, at the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave. NE Bldg G. You will learn to schedule rides for group outings, running errands, getting to medical appointments, going to concerts and sports events, etc. all at the cost of regular bus fare. Vans are available to book any time of the day, any day of the week, and this service is available to anyone.  Call 206-365-1536 or stop by the Senior Center to register.

~  The Shoreline Tool Library, 16610 Aurora Ave N., is hosting a FREE Tool Sharpening Class on Saturday, September 28 from 2-4pm. Come and learn how to clean and sharpen your tools. You can even bring your own! Register here:  https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/shoreline-sustainable-skill-series-3537979

~  The Shoreline Tool Library, 16610 Aurora Ave N., is hosting a FREE Machine Sewing Class on Sunday, September 29 from 10-12 noon. You’ll leave this class with the foundation for utilizing a standard home sewing machine. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/shoreline-sustainable-skill-series-3537979

~  Grieving the loss of a loved one? You are welcome to join a grief support group to navigate difficult times and heal. Northsound Church in downtown Edmonds, 404 Bell St. will begin a Free 13 week GriefShare group starting Wednesday, October 2 from 6-7pm. For more information, email info@northsoundchurch.com or call 425-776-9800.

~  It's that time of year again, Attend a Free virtual ZOOM presentation by SHIBA. Medicare presentation choices are currently scheduled for the following Wednesdays - September 25, October 9 and 23 from 6-8pm and Thursdays - October 3 and 17 from 2-4pm. Learn about Medicare Part A, B, C, prescription D and Medicare Supplement (Gap) plans.  Also, information on delaying enrollment, eligibility deadlines and extra help to pay for Prescription Drug Costs. Register and select your session: https://www.edmondswaterfrontcenter.org/ewc-programs/shiba/ or call 425.290.1276.

~  Enjoy a Free in-person talk regarding the Indigenous peoples of the local region. David Buerge, local historian, teacher, and published author of 14+ books will discuss research on the lives and histories of the indigenous peoples on Monday, October 7 from 10-11am, at the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave. NE Bldg G. Call 206 365 1536 or stop by the Senior Center to register for this event.

~  Free Legal Planning Workshop for Dementia-related documents on Wednesday, October 16 from 12:30-1pm, at the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave. NE Bldg G. Join Jill Mienser, the Program Coordinator at Dementia Legal Planning, for a 30-minute presentation on how to navigate dementia-related legal documents regarding powers of attorney for finances and health care, health care directives, and dementia directive forms.  Call 206 365 1536 or stop by the Senior Center to register for this event.

~ The Fred Hutch Mammogram Van provides 15-minute sessions for women aged 40 and over who haven't had a mammogram in the past year and who don't have breast symptoms. No referral needed, making it fast and convenient to get the preventative care you need. The Van will be at the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave. NE Bldg G on Tuesday, October 29 from 8:30am-4:00pm. Cost: Fred Hutch works with your insurance for this. If you are uninsured or if your insurance does not cover a mammogram, they will work with you to get the service covered by alternative funding. Call 206.606.7800 to request an appointment for the Van or use your Fred Hutch MyChart account.

~  Enjoy a Free workshop called “Boost Your Brain: Essential Tips for Cognitive Health After 55” at the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave. NE Bldg G on Monday, November 4 from 12:30-1:30pm. Focus will be on learning practical strategies to maintain and improve cognitive health, keeping the brain healthy, daily habits to enhance memory, focus and mental clarity, impact of nutrition, physical activity and sleep, and techniques for managing stress to support overall mental well-being. Call 206 365 1536 or stop by the Senior Center to register for this event.

Wenchiang Liang is offering:

Are you interested in learning Chinese Calligraphy, the stylized artistic writing of Chinese characters? Or do you have an interest in Chinese culture and wish to meet with Wen for casual conversation? Please contact us at Services@northwestneighborsnetwork.org and we will put you in touch with Wenchiang to set up (and arrange transportation if needed to) a lesson or meetup at her home.

Randy Engel is offering:

Are you interested in improving your mobility and balance through Juggling? Randy has been teaching juggling for years and plans to start offering monthly classes at a local senior center soon. In the meantime he is always happy to have a student or 2 that he can work with 1-1. Please contact us at Services@northwestneighborsnetwork.org and we will put you in touch with Randy to set up (and arrange transportation if needed to) a lesson at your home or his home.

Harold Hill is offering:

His skills and understanding of the process for applying for potential property tax relief in King and Snohomish counties. He would be happy to work with you 1-1 in person if you would like to learn more. Please contact us at Services@northwestneighborsnetwork.org and we will put you in touch with Harold to set up a meeting at your home.

NNN CommunityAt a Glance

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 October 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. 

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

Happy Birthday to:  

Hafiz A., Wayne B., Ro B., Skip B., Jeanie B., Mackenzie B., Randy E., Alina E., Mei-Ling F., Kate F., Barbara G., Lynn G., Melinda G., Doreen H., Rhonda H., Mary Ann I., Aisha J., Candy J., Pat K., Kim K., Colleen L., Kim L., Karen L., Clara M., Mary M., Colleen P., Betty Q., Rozanne R., Hans, S., Stephanie S., Wendy S., Margaret S. & Gene T.

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.

Networking Sponsors

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