Northwest Neighbors Network News May 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
- Executive Director Alison Alfonzo Pence
- Give Big Donation Appeal May 6 & 7
- What is Happening in NNN
- May Events & Gatherings
- News You Can Use by Rita G.
- NNN Events Calendar
- May Birthdays
- NNN Snapshot Dashboard
- Thank you to our Community Business Sponsors
| | Hello Neighbors,
I hope this message finds you well. I am thrilled to share an exciting milestone in the history of our organization with you: the hiring of our very first Executive Director. After months of searching, interviewing, and careful consideration by our Hiring Search Committee and final approval by our Board of Directors, it is my honor to introduce Alison Alfonzo Pence as our Executive Director. Alison officially joined NNN on April 21st. | | | Alison brings to us a wealth of experience in leading non-profit organizations, passion for our mission, and expertise in community outreach and fundraising. She comes to us from the MSHS Donor Closet, where she successfully led operations and growth. As a volunteer-run organization like ours, she helped Donor Closet strengthen its volunteer engagement and set up the organization for financial sustainability.
Looking forward, Alison will be instrumental in guiding NNN into its next chapter. Through her leadership, our strategic objectives will come to life as we broaden our reach, improve our programs, and deepen our impact within the community. Her commitment to fostering organizational excellence will ensure that we continue our high standards in everything we do and that we do them efficiently as we set ourselves up for long-term success.
We are eager for you to get to know Alison. You can learn more about her and her accomplishments in the member profile below. Thank you for being a community of neighbors helping neighbors. Together, we are making a lasting difference.
~Mahyar
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Alison was born and raised in Seattle, the second of five children born to Victor and Rebecca Alfonzo. She and her siblings attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Seattle’s Central District, and she later graduated from Franklin High School. Alison went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Washington.
After college, Alison moved to San Francisco, where she lived for five years before returning to the Pacific Northwest. She married and raised four children. | | | For ten years, Alison worked in Olympia in the Washington State House of Representatives as a staff member in the House Democratic Caucus. After the birth of her fourth child, she decided to step away from the I-5 commute and eventually re-entered the workforce, discovering a deep passion for nonprofit, human services, and social justice work.
| | In 2017, Alison and her husband Roger Pence moved to Edmonds after their children had grown and moved out on their own. Alison remains deeply engaged in community service. She currently serves as Board President of the Asian Service Center, Service Committee Chair of the Rotary Club of Edmonds, and Board Development Chair for the Edmonds Waterfront Center.
When not in a meeting or supporting a local nonprofit, Alison can often be found playing traditional Hawaiian music or dancing Hula—two of her favorite pastimes.
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We’d be honored if you would consider supporting us during this campaign. Every gift—large or small—helps us grow and continue our mission of “helping Seniors remain in the place they call home.”
One of our generous NNN donors has agreed to match dollar for dollar for every donation received from now through May 7. So your donation will have double the impact.
Donate Today at the NNN Website by clicking DONATE HERE
or
Mail a check to Northwest Neighbors Network, PO Box 293, Edmonds, WA 98020
Together, we can do something big!
|  | | Our Volunteers Rock!
Recently, NNN volunteers were given the opportunity to fill out a survey about their experiences with us, and one thing stood out -- our volunteers love our members! They nearly unanimously commented that their favorite part of volunteering is supporting and spending time with members. They also love getting together with other volunteers, either socially or at meetings with learning opportunities. We're always looking for ways to make participating more meaningful for our volunteers, and it seems the best way is by building a community that includes everyone. Please keep those suggestions coming!
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Quotes Captured from the Survey
It's rewarding to be able to help others in the community, I want to continue to help
This organization does so much to make the volunteers feel appreciated
I believe NNN provides an important service and I am glad to have a small part
Volunteering has been amazing It's been extremely rewarding when the rest of the world seems impossible for me to help
| | | | A number of our members who receive services also volunteer for NNN in many capacities because they enjoy contributing to the community. If you're interested in joining the volunteer ranks, or you know someone who is, please contact Danielle, Volunteer Services Manager, Danielle@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org.
| | NNN Member & Volunteer Appreciation
Our annual celebration lunch will take place on June 7th in the main dining room at Cristwood Park 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. This is also your opportunity to meet our new Executive Director, Alison Alfonzo Pence. | | | |
More details can be found on our Events page and on the postcard that will be mailed to all active members and volunteers. You don’t need to wait for the postcard to register! Come hungry!
Here’s our planned menu for the buffet: Garden Salad, Rolls & Butter, Apple Cider Glazed Salmon, Chicken with Blackberry Cabernet Sauce, Wild Mushroom Risotto/Plain Risotto, Roasted Asparagus, White Chocolate Blueberry Cheesecake! Coffee, Tea & Water.
To register and reserve your spot, log in to the NNN website. Go to the June event calendar, and open the June 7th 2025 NNN Members & Volunteers Celebration Luncheon entry. When registering, if you’re a member, you may also request transportation to the event if needed. Priority registration will be given to active NNN members, staff and volunteers.
Guests may be able to attend, and 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.
We thank the generous sponsorship of Crista Senior Living, which is hosting this year’s celebration lunch. |  |  | | Every Tuesday
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Terrace Creek Park
48th Ave W & 233rd St SW | | Every Thursday
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Edmonds Civic Center Playfield
310 6th Ave N | | | | NNN Lunch
Friday, May 9
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Las Espuelas
4306 228th St SW Suite 9
Mountlake Terrace |
| NNN Lunch
Friday, May 23
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
The Hook Seafood Broiler
18521 76th Ave W
Edmonds |
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| Coffee with Neighbors
Thursday, May 1
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, May 7 & May 21
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)
Lake Forest Park, Third Place Commons
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
May 28
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
May read: Agent Sonya by Ben Macintyre
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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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^ Snohomish County accepting applications for "Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program." Looking for a way to add fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet? All applications must be received by 4 p.m. on May 5, 2025. SFMNP provides low-income seniors with fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs to support local farmers and community supported agriculture programs.
Eligible low-income seniors can apply to receive a pre-loaded benefit card worth $80 to purchase produce directly from participating farmers markets and farm stands. Eligibility includes Snohomish County residents who are aged 60+ for non-Native Americans and aged 55+ for Native Americans by June 30, 2025, and who have an income up to $2,413/month for one person and up to $3,261/month for two people. For larger households, add $848 per person.
Applications are accepted online and by mail. Online applications save time and offer expansive language options through Google Translate. To learn more about SFMNP, including eligibility requirements, and to apply online, visit https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/1002/Nutrition-Programs
All eligible applications will be processed up to available funding. Cards will be mailed to eligible Snohomish County applicants mid-June and must be used by Oct. 31, 2025. Call the Snohomish County Aging and Disabilities Resource Network (ADRN) at 425-513-1900 for assistance completing an application in English or for assistance in other languages.
^ New Chess Club at The Commons in Lake Forest Park Town Center. Fun and casual chess on the 2nd Sunday of each month, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., next session May 11. Some boards are available, but feel free to bring your own. All ages and skill levels.
^ Paper Shred (limit 10 banker boxes) & Tech Recycle on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Windermere parking lot, 17711 Ballinger Wy. N.E., located near Lake Forest Park, Town Center. Bring old computers, printers, routers, servers, keyboards, ink cartridges, flat screen tv’s or monitors, SMALL appliances, DVD players, game consoles, stereos, phones, batteries, cameras. Questions, call 206 364-8100.Hotdogs, chips and soft drinks will be available on-site.
^ Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL)WTBBL provides a free, comprehensive, statewide library service for anyone unable to read standard print due to blindness, visual impairment, deaf-blindness, difficulty holding a book or turning pages, or a reading disability. All services provided by WTBBL are absolutely free to any and all library patrons.
>Did you know that a newsletter Reading Matters is posted to the website quarterly? It includes news from the program manager, department updates, lists new books in audio and braille, spotlights staff and volunteers, and much more! Reading Matters is provided in text, electronic braille and audio versions, and archived issues.https://www.sos.wa.gov/washington-talking-book-braille-library/about-wtbbl/reading-matters-newsletter
>Did you know there is a new podcast called Literary Notes? This is where library volunteers sit down with authors to chat about the books they have written. New episodes are every other Thursday and you can listen to previous ones.https://www.sos.wa.gov/washington-talking-book-braille-library/about-wtbbl/podcast
>Did you know you can request an individual or group tour of the library, located in Seattle at 2021 9th Ave? Just request at least two weeks in advance. Hours of operation M to F, 8:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m. 206-615-0400 https://www.sos.wa.gov/washington-talking-book-braille-library/about-wtbbl/outreach-materials-tours
>There are many vision loss resources and services available for online support & information, support groups, advocacy organizations, recreation, and transportation. These are discussed at WTBBL’s quarterly workshop “Living With Vision Loss. Here is a link to the list of resources. https://www.sos.wa.gov/washington-talking-book-braille-library/additional-resources/vision-loss-resources
>register to attend in-person, call 206-615-0400 or email wtbbl@sos.wa.gov.
>register to attend online complete the Zoom Registration Form.
^On Thursday, May 15th at 1:00 p.m. there is a one-hour informational class at the Edmonds Waterfront Center “Make the most of your hearing, a discussion on coping strategies and use of technology for hearing loss” presented by Dean Olson. Class size is limited. Registration is required and opens for sign up on May 1st. To register, call the Waterfront Center at 425-774-5555 or sign up online at https://www.edmondswaterfrontcenter.org
^ King County residents can go places in the King County Metro Community Van. If you’re a resident of King County, and want to go someplace with at least one other traveling companion within a 2 hour drive distance from your pick-up location, consider signing up for the King County Metro Community Van program. This low cost option uses ADA accessible vans and can seat six, seven or 12 passengers.
Community Van drivers are all volunteers and arrive in low barrier step-in passenger vans owned by Metro. Rides are filled based on volunteer drivers’ availability and cannot be guaranteed. Rides are scheduled through Community Transportation Coordinators (CTC). Contact information for the CTCs can be found by clicking here. Here are the program basics:
>You must give at least 2 days’ notice for a transportation request, a week or more notice increases your chances of having your request fulfilled.
>Volunteer drivers only drive to and from the designated pick up and drop off locations. They may help with securing a wheelchair or accessibility items. They do not carry luggage or other items.
>Once your ride request has been accepted by a volunteer, the CTC will email you a confirmation with the pick up location, time and destination location. You must be ready at the pick up location at the time of your scheduled ride, otherwise your ride will be cancelled.
>Riders must pay using a monthly ORCA pass or The Transit GO App downloaded and activated on your smart device, but you must pre-purchase a King County Metro bus fare before your ride so you can activate it, and show the paid ticket on your smart device or a Human Services Bus Ticket. No cash payment allowed.
>For more information about this amazing program, call 206 625-4500 or visit (https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/metro/travel-options/community-van).
^ Puget Sound Bird Fest is Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1 in Edmonds. This annual event invites nature lovers to enjoy two days of speakers, guided walks, field trips, boat tours, exhibits and educational activities for children and adults.The event will have guided walks hosted by the Pilchuck Audubon Society, events and exhibits at the Frances Anderson Center, and a family story time at the Library.On Sunday you can sign-up for a 3pm boat cruise with Puget Sound Express.Many Bird Fest activities are free and open to the public, some activities require small fee and/or pre-registration. The two day event schedule is here: https://www.pilchuckaudubon.org/puget-sound-bird-fest
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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 May 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 May a very happy birthday month! We hope each of you finds something that makes you smile, as we smile with you.
Happy Birthday to:
Marilyn B., Evan B., Gwen B., Arleen B., Andrew G., Sandra H., Heather H., Afifa I., Winona K., Danny L., Mary Ann L., Emma M., Sandy M., Bruce M., Cindy O., Lars P., Evelyn S., Jeanne S., Rebecca S., Judith St.H., Josephine S., Lily S., John W., Eileen W.
| 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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