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Date: 3/22/2023
Subject: April NNN Neighborhood & Community News, and upcoming Events!
From: NNN Activities



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
  • Volunteer Profile: Melanie Belfield-Vigh
  • Social Spotlight: Invitations Have Been Sent! June 10th Members & Volunteers SUMMERTIME Picnic! RSVP and order your entree now!
  • April NNN Activities & Gatherings Open to All
  • Gatherings for Volunteers Only
  • NNN Events Calendar
  • Birthdays to Celebrate in April
  • Recipes of the Month!

Message from Suzy Chandler, Board President

Growing up with a family that got a little obsessed with all things hunting/gathering, I always picture the beginning of Spring in a different way than just flower bulbs blooming. If you’ve even been on the elusive hunt for the mighty razor clam (and usually fighting sideways coastal rain) as you debate the eternal question – is that a sand shrimp hole or razor clam hole? – then you likely have the same memories of the start of Spring! 

When was the last time you talked with a like-minded gatherer to reminisce about some of your outdoor adventures? What is a pastime you share with another person in our community? At NNN, we love knowing we have members and volunteers who are happy to meet up and talk about the mighty clam that got away–or anything else that’s on your mind! Friendly visits, walk and talk events, our NNN community is here!  (Now it’s time to go find that favorite recipe from my Aunt Dorothy.) Happy Spring!

-By Suzy Chandler, NNN BOD President


Volunteer Profile: Melanie Belfield-Vigh

Just before Melanie and I were supposed to speak, my Mom called so I asked Melanie if we could briefly delay our call. She got it. Melanie said for herself, “When Mom calls, the world stops.” Melanie is a volunteer with Northwest Neighbors Network and, because of her Mom, she has an intimate understanding of its mission. Melanie’s Mom is trying to maintain her own independence with severe arthritis and without Melanie’s Dad who passed away a few years ago. Melanie told me, “(Seniors) lived this long in life...if they can, they should have (independence) like anyone else. And anything I can do to help with that makes me happy.”

Speaking with Melanie is like speaking with NNN’s Director of Community Operations and Outreach, Danie; they are both easygoing and easily laugh. Melanie, who has been married to Danie for two years, said that everywhere Danie works, she volunteers, “I come with the package.” In San Francisco, when Danie worked for Meals on Wheels, Melanie delivered Thanksgiving dinners to Seniors. And, when Danie worked for a Food Rescue Organization, Melanie helped organize the food donations. 

For the past two decades, Melanie has invested a lot of time in local events with causes like cooking for Boys’ and Girls’ Club’s fundraisers. Her instinct for community support is rooted in her childhood. She said, “I grew up in a neighborhood where everyone looked after each other.” Up the street, her Grandma would give out fruits from her persimmon tree to their neighbors, her Mom participated in baked good swaps, and neighbors celebrated holidays together. Of course, they would also help each other out with things like taking in the mail or driving someone to a doctor’s appointment - “you know, things we do for our (NNN) members,” Melanie said. 

As her community shrunk, Melanie felt the loss and found that volunteering helped “to fill that hole.” Melanie earned a degree in Sociology many years ago but found herself beginning a career as a chef. In that world, she had done everything from helping to launch restaurants in Mexico to catering for tech companies in California. Now she is returning to her first passion and exploring the nonprofit world for her next opportunity. 

Melanie has developed strong relationships with NNN members. When we spoke, she reflected on Muschi, the first member she consistently helped. Melanie said Muschi had been essentially “ kicked out” of her mobile home so she and Muschi bonded over the months it took to help Muschi go through and pack up “her life.”

Fortunately, Muschi moved in a block away from Melanie and Danie, and she continued to check in and visit with Muschi. Melanie recalled, Muchi “would let me clean her house and pack up her world, but she would never let me clean my coffee cup.” At the end of each visit, Melanie would ask to clean it, Muschi would decline, and it became their way to say goodbye. 

Speaking about NNN, Melanie said, “I haven't felt this fulfilled in a long time…I’ve been missing a sense of community…and I finally feel part of one again.” As with any community, there is the pain of loss. Muschi unexpectedly passed away shortly after she settled in as Melanie’s neighbor. Melanie will always treasure the time she shared with Muschi and continues to find joy in supporting other members. She said, “I just love that I have a place I can volunteer where I can make so many bonds. And on good and bad days, I can be a part of it …we will get through it together.”

-By Kimberly Cecchini, NNN Volunteer Contributor

~ Social Spotlight ~

 

Food, Fun and Friends!

BIG NEWS! Invitations have been sent for our Members & Volunteers Summertime Picnic!

June 10th, 2023

Mountlake Terrace Community Senior Center

12:15-2:30

On March 14, email invitations were sent to all current NNN members and Volunteers (if we had email addresses) with details about our June 10th celebration picnic. The invitation came from Activities@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org. Thank you to everyone who’s already replied! If you’ve received your email invitation but haven’t yet replied, please take a few minutes to respond now, while you’re thinking about it. The easiest way to respond online and make your main entree selection is by following this link or by pasting this address in your browser https://forms.gle/yZTGUdj8c7TBY3qT9. We’d like to know whether you plan to attend or not. By responding online, you can help save a tree, save NNN the cost of postage, and help us streamline the registration process. 

Attendance to this year’s picnic is reserved exclusively for our current Members and Volunteers and is by reservation only. Make sure you’ve registered and made your food selection no later than May 10th if you plan to come AND if you want us to order a catered box lunch for you.  In addition to tasty food, you’ll also have a chance to play some fun low impact games, an opportunity to win some nice raffle prizes and - most importantly - enjoy great conversations connecting with other NNN members and volunteers! 

If you didn’t receive your email invitation, or can’t find it in your email, please contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org, call or text 253-237-2848 or contact Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org

If you don’t have an email address, told us you prefer not to receive email communications or haven’t yet replied to the online invitation, watch your mailbox! We will be mailing invitations and RSVP forms to our members and volunteers who’ve not yet responded online starting the week of April 3rd. When you receive yours, please complete the RSVP (even it you can’t make it this year) and return your response in the self addressed, stamped envelope included in the invitation.

We hope you can join us for this year’s celebration of our growing NNN Community!


APRIL NNN EVENTS AND GATHERINGS OPEN TO ALL

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! 

NNN Members may request transportation to any event by signing into the website, texting Services at 253-237-2848 or by emailing Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org. Please request services as early as you’re aware you may want some volunteer help. 

NNN Walks: 

Get out and stretch your legs while visiting with other NNN neighbors! Walks take place rain or shine (but not when it is unsafe to drive or walk). All are welcome.

Weekly Walks:

  • Lake Forest Park, Horizon View Park, Mondays at 10:30

  • Mountlake Terrace, Terrace Creek Park, Tuesdays at 11:00

  • Shoreline, Hamlin Park, Meet in the first parking lot on the left, Thursdays at 1:00

  • Edmonds, Meet on Sunset between Bell & Edmonds St, Sundays at 12:15

Monthly Walk:

  • Doggie Play date/walk, second Saturday of each month at Edmonds Waterfront Dog Park, Saturday, April 8th, Bring your well behaved pup and meet us in the parking lot near the entrance to the dog park at 10:30.

NNN Talks:

Monday afternoon Zoom Chats with Jerry. The group picks a fun theme as a conversation topic each week. Call in to listen or share. Your choice! Great way to stay connected with your NNN community neighbors. 

  • Mondays, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Click Zoom link below or call: 253 215-8782

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

NNN Plays Games Together:

Join games enthusiast and NNN Volunteer, Sharon L. for a fun 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 cut throat competition. 

  • Wednesdays, April 5th & 19th from 1:00-3:00, Upper level, Third Place Commons is located at 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, 98155

Mahjong group meets on Fridays at a member’s home.

The table is full, but 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. 

Games at Home:

 Do you like to play games (board games, cards, backgammon etc) but prefer to do so in the comfort of your own home? Members may submit a Service request to Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org. One of our volunteers may be available to visit and play along with you. 

NNN Reads - Book Club:

Join host Eileen C. and others as they share their thoughts about a book selected by the group each month. 

NNN Eats Lunch Together:

Lunches are open to all! We ask that you let us know if you’re coming so we can let the restaurant know how many to anticipate. Contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org or call/text 253-237-2848. April’s lunch locations:

  • Friday, April 7th,  Aurora Borealis, Shoreline, 1:00-300 

  • Friday, April 21st, Briley’s BBQ, Lake Forest Park:  1:00-3:00

NNN Artists and Crafters Gather Together:

Whether you like to paint, draw, knit, crochet, make cards or have other special artistic talents, we welcome all to spend time and company with others who also enjoy creating in the company of others. Bring your own supplies and meet under the skylights at Third Place Commons in Lake Forest Park. Volunteer artist Marty B. and her friend Sylvia P. look forward to seeing you there! 

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30-3:30, Third Place Commons, Lake Forest Park 98155

Coffee with Neighbors! 

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! Members may request transportation.

  • April 5th, Richmond Beach Coffee House, 1442 NW Richmond Beach Rd, Shoreline, 98177, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Contemporary Conversations Zoom Discussion Group:

 Join member Mary M. and other NNN friends for an hour of interesting discussion about contemporary topics! With so much happening around us, we hope to explore different perspectives and experiences that impact our lives. We encourage you to raise a topic about current events and issues that interest you. 

  • Second and Fourth Wednesday of each month from 4:00-5:00p (April 12th and April 26th)

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

~ Gatherings for NNN Volunteers (and their invited guests) Only ~

Are you a Volunteer? If you have been vetted and approved as a volunteer for NNN, or if you’re a member who offers your time and talents to serve our greater NNN community, you are a Volunteer! These opportunities are meant just for YOU!

Members, spouses, partners & friends are always welcome, however NNN will not be able to provide any rides to these events. To help us reserve enough chairs and tables, please email Services@northwestneighborsnetwork.org, call or text 253-237-2848  to let us know if you plan to attend. Thank you!

Volunteer Coffee Hour:

Join some of your fellow volunteers for a cup of coffee or tea. Last month’s coffee hour was a blast! We enjoyed meeting new people, sharing endless stories and laughter. We hope you can make this one!

  • Saturday, April 22, 10:00-11:00, Sheridan Market and Roadhouse; 15348 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155

Volunteer Happy Hour

Our first Volunteer Happy Hour last month was quite the experience! So many opportunities for volunteers to mix, mingle and get to know each other while they made connections within our NNN community. The laughter and fun was nonstop! We hope you can make it to our April gathering!

  • Thursday, April 27th, 4:00-6:00 p.m., Avanti Pizza & Pasta; 16715 52nd Ave W ste.b, Lynnwood, WA 98037

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 link (or type this address into your web browser) https://www.northwestneighborsnetwork.org/content.aspx?page_id=4001&club_id=571198

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.    


Birthdays in April 

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: 

Vickie B., Melanie B-V., Glenn C., Nancy C., Behramji D., Jeanie E., Yasmin G., Rebecca H., Bachan K., Rita K., Ted L., Bob L., Jan M., Mary Beth S., Youngmee S., Liberty S., Pegi S., Gisela S., Barb. T., Virginia W.


~ Recipe(s) of the Month ~

This month’s edition has TWO new recipes. Dinner and a Side! Many thanks to members Carol Freeman and Ginger Hodge for their submissions. Please send comments and your own favorite recipes to Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org

Bon Appetit!

Parmesan Dijon Chicken, Serves 1-2

Ingredients:

2 each           Chicken breast, boneless, skinless

1/3 cup          Dijon mustard

1TBsp           Dry white wine or dry sherry

1 cup             Panko, plain or fresh breadcrumbs*

2-3 Tbsp        Melted butter

1/3 cup          Grated Parmesan cheese, optional, just add a little salt instead

Preparation: 

Preheat oven to 400°

Mix mustard and dry wine together.

In another bowl, combine Panko, Parmesan, and melted butter. 

Place chicken breast in a foil lined pan. Spread mustard mixture onto chicken. Spoon Panko mixture on top and sides of the chicken. If needed make more of the topping mixtures to ensure the chicken is completely covered. Just adjust the mixtures to taste. 

*If Panko is substituted, then fresh, fluffy breadcrumbs work better than compact dry bread crumbs.

Bake until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°, approximately 30-40** minutes depending on size of chicken breast.

**At approximately 25 minutes, tent with foil to prevent over browning of crumb topping.

-Submitted by Carol Freeman

-----

Cornbread Layered Salad,  Serves 6-8 

Ingredients: 

1 pkg             Cornbread/muffin mix (8 ½ oz) 

6  ea              Green onions, chopped 

1 med            Green pepper, chopped 

15 ¼ oz         Can whole kernel corn, drained 

15 oz             Can pinto beans, rinsed and drained 

¾ cup            Mayonnaise 

¾ cup            Sour cream 

2 med            Tomatoes, seeded and chopped or grape tomatoes halved 

½ cup             Shredded cheddar cheese 

Preparation:

Prepare and bake cornbread according to package directions. Cool on wire rack. Crumble cornbread into a 2-qt. glass serving bowl. Layer with onions, green pepper, corn and beans. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and sour cream; spread over vegetables. Sprinkle with tomatoes and cheese. Refrigerate until served. 

NOTE: Using the whole cornbread mix might be too much for you, maybe just use half or 2/3. I know this combination sounds weird but give it a try, you might be surprised. Everyone that has seems to like it and I don’t think they were just being polite!   

-Submitted by Ginger Hodge


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