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Date: 9/28/2022
Subject: September NNN Neighborhood & Community News, and upcoming Events!
From: NNN Social



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 Board President: ¨Happy Good Neighbor Day!¨
  • Member Profile: Amy Nathanson
  • In Case You Missed It… Learn to Spot a Scam
  • Social Spotlight: Sharon L.
  • Making Cards and Laughing with Ginger
  • Puzzles!
  • Calling all Crafters, Crocheters, Knitters & Creative Souls
  • Health and Wellness Opportunities!
  • Oktoberfest Celebration
  • The annual Holiday Bazaar
  • October NNN Events & Gatherings
  • Meet Your NNN Social Committee!
  • Birthdays to Celebrate in October
  • Calling All Music Lovers!
  • Our New Service Coordinators!

Message from Suzy Chandler, Board President

What does it mean to be a Good Neighbor? Did you know there’s a national holiday to celebrate National Good Neighbor Day? (Hint… It’s TODAY!! September 28) Thanks to a grassroots campaign in the 1970s, and signed as a proclamation by President Jimmy Carter in 1978, we’ve been celebrating this for over 40 years. 

As a nonprofit dedicated to helping our community age well in their own homes, I celebrate that we have a strong, growing, dedicated community of trusted neighbors supporting local Seniors. Our team of volunteers lives this rally cry of being Good Neighbors every day. Without a community helping and watching out for each other, it’s easy to slip into a narrow view and feel isolated, and forget what it feels like to have a neighbor reach out and help another neighbor. 

Did you know our Board is preparing to grow? We’re adding new members next month, helping us better serve our community of neighbors helping neighbors. We’re excited for the new ideas and continued passion the team has to serve our neighbors. Signing off now–I need to head out and share some homemade jam with my neighbors. See you next month!


Member Profile: Amy Nathanson

As soon as she sat down with me, Amy professed it has been a “learning experience” to seek help from the Northwest Neighbors Network. After a shoulder injury and a bout with Vestibular Balance Disorder, this is the first time that the “73-year young” woman has been on the receiving end of caretaking. 

A “fiercely independent” woman herself, Amy recognized that as more and more people were living longer, she could make a difference in people’s lives by caring for the elderly in their homes. Although Amy established elder care as her own business, she saw her clients as family. She spoke about building joyful moments with her clients as she assisted them through their day-to-day and sometimes being there through their last days to provide comfort and dignity. 

Amy has been drawn to the wisdom of mature generations since her childhood visits to her Grandpa’s nursing home in Connecticut. Before she would go home with her Mom, she insisted on visiting all of the patients, “plopping onto their laps, gazing into their eyes, and listening to their life stories.” Just as those patients used to “light up” in front of their miniature audience, Amy lights up when she speaks of her decades devoted to caring for others. 

Before starting her business, Amy began her medical journey as a ‘candy striper’ in a hospital. Later, she volunteered with the VA to help Vietnam Veterans who had sustained paralyzing injuries and at the City of Hope with children battling cancer. In 1967, she was a member of the first medical assistant training class in the United States and spent the intervening years between medical assistance and administrative positions in universities. 

Amy says that she enjoys “every minute” of her life and credits her Mom’s independent spirit as her inspiration for both how she has lived her career and her personal life.  

Before settling in the Northwest 30 years ago, she grew her hippie roots in Southern California. She loved being part of the movement for its dedication to changing the world and its artistic spirit, seeing the likes of Jimi Hendrix, and Bob Dylan (at least 12 times!) - and thrilled this author with a brief reenactment of Janis Joplin at the Hollywood Bowl. 

As an artist, Amy sold her jewelry and weaving at fairs at the Santa Barbara seaside. Because she feels travel is one of the best ways to feed her love of learning, she took extended leaves to travel Europe, and once took a tour of the United Kingdom with her Mom. Amy also credits her mom for being a model of how to age well; she said everybody loved being around her Mom who preached joy and was still “giggling” until she passed away in her 97th year.

Although her recovery has kept her adventures closer to home, Amy believes that you “never know what’s around the corner” and is currently finding joy in art collecting and writing. She just completed her memoirs which are a reflection of her time as a caretaker. 

Now, Amy knows firsthand that aging well means that she is sometimes the one that needs a hand, and she has been impressed by the “fabulous, bright professional people” of the Northwest Neighborhood Network” who are doing what she did for a living as volunteers. Amy added, “There is no greater reward than giving to people. NNN volunteers are really finding that out.” 

But Amy’s not done with being on the giving end of caretaking. Now that her health is improving, she gladly accepted the opportunity to care part-time for one of her previous clients. 

And, as inspired by her Mom’s example, Amy is cheering her elderly client to “think younger, act younger, be younger.” 

-By Kimberly Cecchini, NNN Volunteer Contributor


In Case You Missed It… Learn to Spot a Scam from 7,000 Miles Away 


Volunteer and Certified Financial Services Crime Specialist, Kathryn M., hosted a dialogue with our NNN community and the public on September 23, 2022 at the Shoreline Public Library and on Zoom. We recorded the session. It’s now available on NNN’s YouTube channel through this link or by pasting this URL in your browser: https://youtu.be/bfNEwi4m0fg. Unfortunately, the audio/visual isn’t great, but you can still hear Kathryn’s presentation. If you'd like a copy of the slide presentation, please contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org.Many thanks to Kathryn for the time and energy she spent. The information was timely! Kathryn is interested in holding additional sessions and asks us to gather ideas that YOU want to learn about. Please contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org with your ideas. 


Social Spotlight: 

Games at the Commons… and Other Places, too!

Volunteer, Sharon L.  

Do you love to play games?  Any particular type?  At NNN Games at the Commons, we play all types of games, whether there are just a couple of us or a couple of tables’ worth.  Dominoes, cards, dice games like Yahtzee and Farkle and various board games are some of the games we’ve enjoyed.  We even completed a custom jigsaw puzzle once!  Join in the fun on the first and third Wednesday afternoons from 1:00-3:00 at Third Place Commons in Lake Forest Park. There’s plenty of free parking and yummy food options (or bring your own) if you want to munch and play. I would love to see more faces from our members and volunteers. It’s a great way to meet others in our NNN community. We play for fun as we get to know each other better. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a member, volunteer or guest. 

I’m so excited about playing games that, if you’re a member of NNN, I’ll even come to your home if we can find compatible dates and times. Contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork if you’re interested. 

Editor’s Note: Sharon has been a volunteer with NNN for a year. In addition to NNN, Sharon also volunteers with two local Food Banks and is an active member in several MeetUp groups (Games, Tall Club, Mystery Book Club). Sharon brings some of her favorite games to each Wednesday Games Day to share, and she is an enthusiastic and patient coach for those who’ve never played games. She encourages people to bring their own games, since she loves to learn new games too! 

Submitted by NNN Volunteer Sharon L. 

 Let’s Get Together! Making Cards and Laughing with Ginger 

Member/Volunteer Ginger H. 

 ~ Members Only ~ Register to reserve your place ~

October 3, 1:00-3:00, Shoreline WA 

Not into Halloween? You will be after making a couple of fun Halloween greeting cards for that special, spooky someone. Absolutely no experience needed. If you can cut paper and use scotch tape, you’ll be a pro. Just think how impressed your friends will be! Join member & volunteer Ginger H. for this afternoon of creative card making with other NNN members. Everything you need to make a couple of hauntingly ghoulish greeting cards will be provided along with fun and good company. There is a small (12-lb.) house dog who will greet you then ignore you. Masks are optional, but this will be an indoor activity. If you have a small pair of scissors to bring for cutting paper that would be great but not required. 

Reserve your spot after signing on to the website and clicking on this link. Or contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org if you need help with registration. Members can also request transportation, if desired. 

Submitted by NNN Volunteer Ginger H. 

Puzzles! 


     

Do you know NNN has oodles of boxed puzzles available to loan for free??? Would you like to work a puzzle with another NNN community member in your home or with others at an offsite location? Or maybe you’d just like to work on a puzzle at your own pace in your home. Just contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org, text Services at 253-237-2848 or email Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork. We’ll help set you up with a puzzle in whatever way works best for you!


Calling all Crafters, Crocheters, Knitters or other Creative Souls 

Are  you interested in joining a small group of others to visit with while you work on your project?  Contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org to let us know what interests you. We’ll help find a common meeting spot (maybe a Library, Coffee Shop, local Senior Center, someone’s home) and help connect you with others.


Neighborhood Senior Centers Offer Wide Variety of Health and Wellness Opportunities, Classes, Educational Speakers, Gatherings of Special Interest Groups, Tech Help and More! 

We encourage members to check out the many offerings available through our local community  Senior Centers. Many events are free or are offered at a very low cost, and Members of the Centers often enjoy a reduced fee or early bird access to registration to participate. If you find something that interests you, and you’d enjoy having another person come with you, why not let us know? Contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org to let us know you’re interested. We’ll keep a record of who’s interested and, if we find a match, we’ll let you know! 

Remember: New members to NNN enjoy a free one year membership to one of our  neighborhood community Senior Centers of your choice! We hope you’ll stay connected with a Center once you join — and keep us up to date on what’s coming up! 

Check out the many opportunities right in your own neighborhood.

Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center: https://shorelinelfpseniorcenter.org/activities/

Mountlake Terrace Community Senior Center: https://www.mltseniorcenter.net/new-page-2

Edmonds Waterfront: https://www.edmondswaterfrontcenter.org/ewc-programs/

Lynnwood Senior Center: https://www.lynnwoodwa.gov/Community/Play-Lynnwood/Lynnwood-Recreation-Guide-Classes-Activities/62-Programs


Oktoberfest Celebration Hosted by Laurel Cove Communities

17201 15th Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155

October 6th from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

NNN Members & Volunteers are Complimentary Guests: Registration is Required by October 2

Contact Katie.verhey@encorecommunities.com or call 206-364-9336

NNN is not hosting this event, but if you choose to go and need transportation, contact Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org, text or call 253-237-2848 as soon as you’ve registered. We’ll do our best to try to accommodate you!


Looking for unique decor, homemade treats or holiday gifts? 

Make plans to stop by the  Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center during its annual Holiday Bazaar and Silent Auction

October 21st & 22nd from 10:00-4:00 daily

18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155

NNN is not hosting this event, but we will be there to introduce others to our NNN Community. Please stop by and visit us at our table!


OCTOBER NNN EVENTS AND GATHERINGS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

We welcome you to join us at any of our activities. It’s a great way to learn more about NNN and listen to others who enjoy the connections they make while attending an event. All activities are posted to our Northwest Neighbors Network web page. We encourage you to check our Events page for any changes or new opportunities that may pop up! And remember, NNN Members may request transportation to an event by signing into the website, texting Services at 253-237-2848 or by emailing Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org.

In-Person Gatherings: Most are open to the public

Weekly Walks

Mondays 10:30-11:30 @ Horizon View Park, Lake Forest Park

Tuesdays 11:00-12:00 @ Terrace Creek Park, Mountlake Terrace

Thursdays 1:00-2:00 @ Hamlin Park, Shoreline 

Sundays 12:15-1:30 @ Meet on Sunset between Bell & Edmonds Street, Edmonds

Lunch with NNN (1:00-2:30):

October 7: Super China Buffet, Shoreline 

October 21: Claire’s Pantry, Edmonds 

Coffee Chats (2:00-3:00)

September 30: Cafe Aroma, Shoreline

October 14: Diva Espresso, Kenmore

October 28:  Urban City Coffee, Mountlake Terrace

Games with NNN (1:00-3:00)

Host: Sharon L.

October 5 & October 19: Third Place Commons, Upper Level, Lake Forest Park

ZOOM MEETINGS

Monday Afternoon Chats: 4:00-5:00 

Host: Jerry C.

What a great way to spend an early afternoon! Join host Jerry C. for lively discussions centered around a fun theme to get the ball rolling each week Themes are decided by the attendees at the end of each weekly chat. Whether you come to share your own anecdote or story about the topic or just want to listen to others, we think you’ll have fun! The rules? No controversial themes!

Click on this link to join a chat or paste this into your web browser:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2532372848?pwd=RmlBTUlCQWI1ZHpzZ2ExQ25ramRFUT09

Book Club: October 24 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Host: Eileen C. 

Join host Eileen C. and other NNN members in our monthly book club meeting. Are you curious about what we read? Want to just stop by to observe?  If you’re interested in learning more about the club, please contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org

Member Only Events:

MahJong: Host: Bette B. Our MajJong group is full, but we are happy to add your name to our wait list. If we get another group of 4 players interested, we’ll contact you. For more information, contact Sandy@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org

Stronger Memory Alumni Group: Monday, October 10, 1:00-1:45. For more information, 

contact darci@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org


Here’s a quick ‘at a glance’ calendar for planned events in October as of the time of this writing (Events in red take place either in September or November.)


Meet Your NNN Social Committee!

Wonder who tries to keep NNN in the swing of things? Meet our newly formed NNN Social Committee! Volunteers (from top to bottom) Sharon L., Cindi “C” C., Marty B., darci B. and Ginger H. Our goal is to find ways to help all members enjoy lives to the fullest through engaging activities and social connections. We’d love your help …. either by joining the committee or by keeping us informed about upcoming events and happenings around the greater Seattle area. The more advance notice we have about something that interests you, or you think may be of interest to others, the greater the chance we can get the word out across the community and offer the opportunity to others who may be interested. 

Ms. Ginger wants to know... What’s keeping you? 

Contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org today and tell us what you’d like to do!


 

Birthdays in October

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:

Ro B., Eric B., Izzy C., Annalee C., Randy E., Mei-Ling F., Kate F., Kristine G., Barbara G., Lynn G., Melinda G., Muschi G, Rhonda H., Pat K., Colleen L., Kim L., Clara M., Mary M., Betty Q., Wendy S., Trudy T., Lacey V.


Calling All Music Lovers! 

Member/Volunteer Marilyn B. is looking for Neighbors to join her!
Do you like to listen to music? Do you like to go to concerts and events that feature music? You’re in luck! It’s more fun to go with someone who shares your interests! Member/volunteer Marilyn B. will be keeping us informed about upcoming musical events! Watch our future newsletters for Marilyn’s “Music Beat” column. In the meantime, we’d like to gather a list of people who would like to know about what’s coming up and who may want to attend these events together. Please contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org to let us know if you’d like to be included in hearing about these opportunities.

Member Survey Coming Soon!

For our members who live in King County, please watch for a separate communication for the annual survey distributed by King County. This is a short and sweet three question anonymous survey, and we will provide support for you to submit this in October. (This survey is a component of the funding we receive from the King County Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services levy.)


Our New Service Coordinators Volunteer Team at NNN!

Have you ever wondered why Sandy and Danie share the same NNN phone number, 253-237-2848? This is our official NNN Services Line and at times Danie is answering it and at other times, Sandy. The reason for sharing a number is so that there is always somebody there to answer the phone during our normal business hours (9a-5p, M-F), as well as during any hours for which you have a Service. We respond daily, 5a-10p to urgent matters regarding a Service in Action. Expect to hear even a few more new voices when you call in the future. 

Sandy Moy acts as our Membership director and sits on the Board of Directors. You most likely know her best as our number 1 back-up driver and the primary leader in anything having to do with Services, including answering the phone. We are hoping to free up some of her time so that she can focus on larger goals for the organization. Danie Belfield-Vigh, acts as our Volunteer Program Manager and supports Services, Communications and Outreach efforts for NNN. We also hope to free up a bit of Danieś time on the phone.

Marty Behnke, Lyn Ching, Alanna Hilderbrand, Evelyn Schachle and Melanie Belfield-Vigh have answered the call for volunteer help. These 5 will act as our new Service Coordinator Volunteers to help Danie and Sandy on the phones. 

All have been in training, learning our platform for creating and coordinating Services for Members by Volunteers. And they are very close to answering the phone to help all of you with any needs or questions about Services. 

So please welcome Marty, Lyn, Alanna, Melanie and Evelyn to an essential new volunteer Team at NNN! As an organization and community of real neighbors, we should all be thankful for their service as it allows us to grow and help even more people. 

 

        Alanna Hildebrand     Marty Behnke                     Evelyn Schachle  

 

     Lyn Ching                              Melanie Belfield-Vigh

NNN continues to serve our members and help them age well in their own homes. We follow the latest CDC guidelines to keep our members and volunteers safe. As always, if you need anything, please call our volunteer team at 253-237-2848 or email: Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org
253-237-2848