| Northwest Neighbors Network News April 2025 | As a community focused on providing support and social engagement, we enjoy sharing the latest news with our members, friends, families and community:
- Message from the President of the Board
- Member Profile: Alda
- What is Happening in NNN
- April Events & Gatherings
- News You Can Use by Rita G.
- NNN Events Calendar
- April Birthdays
- Thank you to our Community Business Sponsors
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About a week ago, I faced a daunting task—one that I had been putting off for far too long. My wife, in her infinite wisdom, ”strongly encouraged” me to declutter and part with some of my books, especially those I had multiple copies of! As someone who can imagine a (re)use for almost anything, getting rid of things doesn’t come easy for me. In this case, I comforted myself with the thought “that’s OK, at least I’ll have one copy left for myself”. | | |
But when it came time to let go, I’ll admit—it was still tough. The hardest part wasn’t the fear of missing the books themselves; it was the thought that I might run into someone someday or a situation where one of those books would be just the perfect thing.
Well, as I packed up those duplicates to donate, I realized something: letting go doesn’t mean losing the joy of sharing. By donating them now, I’m ensuring they’ll bring value to someone else now instead of being “prisoners” on my bookshelf, awaiting the right time.Then I started thinking, “Hey, perhaps I can apply the same insight to other ‘stuff’ I’ve been holding.” And so, to my wife’s delight, it seems I may have caught the spring-cleaning bug.
As I am going through this process, I often ask myself simple questions: “What do I truly need? What serves me now, in this stage of my life?” These questions are making iteasier to look through fresh eyes and just start the process. Perhaps there’s a small corner of your home — a stack of papers, a long-forgotten drawer, or a row of books —awaiting your attention. Take it one step at a time, and you might find, as I did, that letting go brings its own unique rewards.
Wishing you a happy Spring and a joyful season of renewal.
~Mahyar
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“This TV is getting old, it has issues.” We did not shut the TV off, just muted the volume, afraid if we turned it off we could not get it started again. Alda and I looked at each other and laughed. Sounded familiar somehow. So began a delightful hour of conversation, with check-ins: “Am I taking too long to tell this?” Nope. | | | |
Alda W has been a NNN member for several years. She likes connecting with volunteers as they drive her to and from appointments, and enjoys the visits in her home even more. She is fun to chat with, so it was hard to stay on the topic of her life. We eventually covered her childhood starting in Grand Junction, CO, moving to Gold Hill, OR, and then to Seattle. Seattle is where she got married and settled down… until her husband, Calvin, decided it would be good for her to move to Alaska, where she lived for the next 20 years, staying even after Cal passed away.
Arriving in Seward, they moved into a new apartment building and right away the owner asked her if she would be the building manager (his first hire had just upped and left). Even though she explained to him that she had never even lived in an apartment before, he took her on. She loved the job, it paid the rent, and also provided interesting challenges that come with the territory. Seeing how good Alda is with filing her own records and keeping her calendar up to date, makes it obvious that she would have been a good manager.
Coming back to Seattle not long after the turn of the century, Alda has been living in an apartment complex in Shoreline, staying organized and dealing with the challenges that come with getting older. Enjoying many years when there was someone named Marilyn, who organized, cooked, and threw excellent potlucks every month in the common room. As these things often do, once Marilyn moved away, the gatherings stopped. Talking about this made us think: is there some way NNN could play a part in getting activities going in buildings or neighborhoods where several of our members live? Could that be sustainable? Ah well, a thought for another day, parting with promises of getting together more often, “before our own aging issues" make it harder to do.
-by Sandy Moy
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Announcing Trips on the Link Light Rail | |
Do you need to get to SeaTac but don’t want to drive or pay for a ride share service or airport parking? Maybe you just want to take a trip to visit a local community like Northgate or Capital Hill and want the freedom to come and go without the hassle of driving. Have you considered taking Sound Transit’s Link 1 line light rail, but you don't know how to approach it? We’re here to help you learn how easy it is!
After a successful trial run, NNN has decided to offer escorted practice light rail trips on the 1 Line. Some trips will go as far as the airport, and other trips will stay closer to our neighborhoods. This offer is just for current NNN members and volunteers. As of this writing, we anticipate offering a practice run once a month. Space is limited, and you must be registered to participate. The next escorted trip will be to and from SeaTac airport on March 29th.
Once you have a confirmed reservation, volunteer Eileen C will pick you up from home and help demystify the whole process. We will start at the Lynnwood Station Ride Store where you may obtain an Orca card if you wish. There is no cost to obtain a Reduced Fare Orca Card for seniors, adults with disabilities or on Medicare, low income households or youths under 18. The cost for a new Orca card for all others is $3.00. Those holding reduced fare Orca cards benefit because the cost for a one way trip to the airport is only $1! If you already have an Orca card and want to use it for this escorted trip, please remember to bring your card with you and check to see that you have at least a $2 balance in your account.
Once everyone has purchased their fares, we'll start our journey! The SeaTac trip involves taking the approximately 70 minute ride to the airport to learn about the different stations along the way and security measures available. We'll even identify where station restrooms are!
At the airport, we'll walk about a quarter-mile to enter the airport proper (unless the shuttle is operating). Once everyone is familiar with the general airport layout, we’ll walk back to the station and head home.
We can't guarantee the shuttle from/to the SeaTac station will be operating. To be able to participate on an escorted practice trip, you must be able to walk 1/2 mile and even a bit farther as we explore the area immediately inside the airport. A few mobile low-vision members participated on the first escorted trip and said they'd be comfortable doing the ride on their own in the future.
If you prefer a shorter practice trip, ask to register for a “local stops” trip. We’ll still start up at the Lynnwood light rail station Ride Store, but we won’t go as far. The goal is to get you comfortable understanding the basics of riding the light rail, get you set up with your Orca Card and help you become confident about how to use this convenient way to get around.
Let’s get you mobile and save some dollars!! Don't spend your hard earned dollars on a ride-share service or with a parking garage - pay just $1 to get to where you want to go, including the airport, and pocket the savings for other things!
As a member of NNN, you can request a NNN volunteer ride to take you to your nearest light rail station and pick you up after you return. To sign up for one of our escorted trips, please text or call NNN Services at 253-237-2848 or email Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org. | |
Don’t Miss Out! Our Annual Member & Volunteer Celebration is on June 7th. Registration is Open Now! |  | As mentioned in our March newsletter, we’re gearing up for our annual celebration - just for NNN members and volunteers. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Crista Senior Living, our celebration luncheon will be held in the dining room (The Grotto) at the Cristwood Park Community in Shoreline from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.. Space is limited to the seating capacity in the dining room, and reservations are required to be able to be seated.
To register, log in to the NNN website and then go to the event calendar for June where you can register and request transportation. Priority registration will be given to active NNN members, staff and volunteers. Guests may be able to attend, but their names will be placed on a waiting list until we know if space is available. If you hope to bring a guest, please email Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org and ask to have your guest’s name and contact information added to the waitlist. If you need help registering or would like to volunteer to help us with this year’s celebration, please email Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org, call or text 253-237-2858.
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Please join us! NNN members 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. Note: NNN members may request transportation to any NNN hosted event. | |
Walk with Friends
Every Tuesday
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Terrace Creek Park
48th Ave W & 233rd St SW |
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Other Days & Venues
We would love to add more weekly or bi-weekly walks. If you are interested in helping do that, please let us know. |
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| NNN Lunch
April 11
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Spiro's Pizza & Pasta
18411 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133 |
| NNN Lunch (Early)
Friday, April 25
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Pancake Haus
530 5th Ave S
Edmonds, WA 98020 |
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| Coffee with Neighbors
Thursday, April 3
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Richmond Beach Coffee
1442 NW Richmond Beach Rd, Shoreline |
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Our volunteer lunch hosts request that you let us know you are planning on coming so they can let the restaurant know how many to anticipate. You can register online by going to the events calendar and clicking on the event. Or you can call/text 253-237-2848 or email Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org. | Games at Third Place Commons
Wednesdays, March 5 & March 19
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Upper Level, Third Place Commons
17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park
Join games enthusiasts and host Sharon L. for an afternoon of games and conversation. Bring a snack and beverage, or buy at the Commons, if you like to nibble while you play. 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 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (one hour latter on the 4th Monday)
Meeting location varies.
We are filling two, somethings three tables! Additional players are welcome.
Quiddler
Every Saturday
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
We meet in a NNN member's home. If interested in joining us, please let us know.
Games in Your Home or a Spot Near You?
Would you like to participate in games, but prefer not to travel, or not travel far? If you are interested in having one or more NNN members come to your place to play a specific game line Canasta, Cribbage, Mexican Train, etc., let us know and we will see if we can make that happen. Maybe even on a regular basis. Or if you are interested in playing in just a small group of 2-4 people, we might be able to match you up with a few others. | | Book Club
March 27
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
March read: Humankind by Rutger Bergman.
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| Conversations and Camaraderie
Every Tuesday
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Zoom (check the Events calendar for the link) |
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Remembering Danie
Please join us, Saturday, April 5 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Lake Forest Park Civic Club, 17301 Beach Drive NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155, to celebrate the life of Danie Belfield-Vigh.
Appetizers will be provided, as well as beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Danie's wife will speak, and then an open floor will follow for whomever would like to say a few words. A slide show will play throughout with many happy memories, along with some fun music. There is parking on site. Overflow parking is available across the street at the Shopping Center.
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^ Attend a FREE gardening class on Wednesday, April 2 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the North City Water District 1519 NE 177th St. Shoreline. Peggy Campbell will share tips and techniques for a healthier sustainable garden of easy-care plants, fewer weeds, less watering, and without all the chemicals.Registration is required to attend. Contact us in advance by email to customerservice@northcitywater.org or call our office at 206-362-8100. Peggy is an ecoPRO Certified Sustainable Landscape Professional, her gardening roots include a Bachelor in Horticulture from Washington State University.
^ Snohomish County legal service provides legal assistance on Monday, April 28 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Edmonds Waterfront Center, and every 4th Monday. At this clinic you can meet with an attorney for a brief consultation regarding issues of divorce, grandparenting plan, housing or creditor/debtor issues. The consultation is FREE and appointments are recommended and receive priority, walk-in appointments are welcomed but not guaranteed. Register Online - https://schedulesplus.com/edmonds/kiosk/ or call 425.774.5555 or visit the 2nd floor Reception Desk
^ There are several Apps available that you can download as a check-in service for seniors. Snug is a simple, reliable daily check-in app designed to give peace of mind to people who live alone and their loved ones. Whether you want reassurance for yourself or your emergency contacts, Snug helps ensure that someone knows you’re okay every day. Snug has a free plan where emergency contacts are alerted if someone doesn't check in at their regular time. https://www.snugsafe.com/how-snug-works-for-people-who-live-alone There are also 5 other Apps that are alternatives to Snug, they are listed here with links to each one for further information. https://www.alternativeto.net/software/snug-safety/
^ Come enjoy Dancing and Live Music at Lake Ballinger Center on Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 23000 Lakeview Dr, Mountlake Terrace. Pay at the door and drop in is ok. Cost: $6 for members (Edmonds Waterfront Center or Lk. Ballinger Center) | $10 non-memberLive bands play a wide variety of music: Ballroom, Swing, Latin, Rock/Pop, Country and more! Dance on a great hardwood floor. Lauren Petrie 2nd/4th Tuesday; WAVE 1st/3rd/5th Tuesday.
^ For Shoreline residents only. Jill Bieler, a Social Worker, is available at the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Sr Ctr. 18560 1st Ave NE, Building G, for in-person or phone appointments. Jill is available for FREE, confidential consultations to:
* Provide advocacy and referrals for seniors to community resources for concerns related to housing, food assistance, transportation, financial, legal and mental health issues.
* Offer emotional support and short-term counseling to seniors and their families for issues related to aging, grief and loss, adjustment to illness and caregiving.
* Assist with applications to community agencies for services, including senior housing, utility discount programs and public benefits.Please schedule appointments with the Reception Desk.206-365-1536.
^ If you are traveling from SeaTac Airport with a disability that is not visually apparent, you may request to wear a Sunflower Lanyard, this communicates the passenger wearing it may need a helping hand or understanding while traveling. The lanyard is bright green with a bright green badge that has a sunflower. Passengers may request and pick-up a free Sunflower Lanyard to the right of the Central Main Information Booth, located between checkpoint 3 and 4. See link for more information about the sunflower lanyard program at SeaTac airport. https://www.portseattle.org/page/hidden-disabilities See link for more information of hidden disabilities. https://www.hdsunflower.com/
^ Community Transit is making schedule changes on most bus routes starting March 29. These changes include more earlier morning and later evening service on some routes. Overall, these changes are designed to decrease travel times, improve transit connections and increase access to more locations. Details about Community Transit’s service change: https://www.communitytransit.org/buses/service-changes Riders can also get personalized help with trip planning or request a printed schedule for their route by calling 425-353-7433 or emailing riders@commtrans.org.
^ Heroes Café is a Veterans Helping Veterans volunteer organization with gatherings on a monthly basis to focus on veteran and supporter camaraderie, personal safety, positive outreach, healthy interactions and improving the welfare within the communities they serve. Heroes Café is not just for veterans but for family, friends and the community who support veterans. There are now three Heroes Cafes in the region.
* Heroes Café Shoreline meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Seattle Scottish Rite Center, 1207 N 152nd St, Shoreline WA 98133.
* Heroes Café Woodinville meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30.p.m. at The American Legion Post 127, 21920 State Route 9 SE, Woodinville WA 98072.
* Heroes Café Lynnwood meets the 4th Tuesday of every month from 9:00am to 1:00pm at New Life Church, 6519 188th St SW, Lynnwood WA 98037.
While the three locations have the same name and similar programs, they are independent of each other but we help each other and many attend some or all of the Heroes Cafés. Unique among veteran organizations is that there is nothing to join, you just show up to participate.
^ The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Sr. Ctr. is offering FREE in-person tech help on Tuesdays and Fridays at 18560 1st Ave NE, Building G.They are partnering with TechConnect WA to help you resolve technical issues with devices and software, learn how to activate accessibility settings for hearing, vision, and dexterity impairments and much more. Appointments required. Please call the Reception Desk 206-365-1536. Appointments on Tuesdays from 10 a.m to 12 p.m. or Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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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. Here’s an ‘at a glance’ calendar for planned events in April 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.
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Join us in wishing our NNN members and volunteers born in April a very happy birthday month! We hope each of you finds something that makes you smile, as we smile with you.
Happy Birthday to:
Melanie B-V, Cindy B. Glenn C., Linda C., Nancy C., Nicole D., Yasmin G., Jeanette (JB) H., Dorothy H., Leah H., George H., Ron H., Ted L., Hyona L., Dottie M., Marie M., Liliana M., Erika Q., Margarita R., Dan R., Bobi S., Youngmee S., Liberty S., Kristi S., Donna S., Sandy T., Barb T., Vienna Z.
| We are grateful to our Sponsors for their support to help sustain and expand our organizational efforts to meet the community need.
Community Sponsors | |
Marella is a Senior Real Estate Specialist, Windermere Real Estate. Visit https://marellashomes.com/ Call: 206-914-9989 or Email: m.alejandrino@windermere.com
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Interested in Becoming a NNN Community Business Sponsor? Learn more Here. Email: info@northwestneighborsnetwork.org or call 253-237-2848 to leave a message.
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