The two biggest focus areas we're putting into place are new fundraising efforts, and ideas to increase our team of volunteers. 

Many people think that as a non-profit organization, we shouldn't have to worry about fundraising or grant writing or sponsorships, but the costs for insurance, background checks, our mighty employees, and more, means we need to build our strength in this area. We're tapping the expertise of healthcare and fundraising experts on our Advisory Council, with up to four grants we're planning to apply for in the next few months. (Yes, we're always looking for help if you're interested in writing, reviewing, researching!)

From a volunteer perspective, we're reaching for the stars and looking for ways to reach even more volunteers. As our membership grows, we want to ensure we always have a volunteer available to meet our member's needs. One idea we're looking into is for local companies who may have employee volunteer programs we could be a part of.

We appreciate Board Director, Don Beacom, who is running our Advisory Council efforts. 

(Photo top-right: Suzy C, Robin Fleming (AC), Cee, Robin Fenn (AC), Cathy W, Don B)

When I lost my husband in 2015, it traumatically hit me that I had to face an unexpected life change.  Then, I realized that I had to adopt a healthy lifestyle along with a positive attitude and constructive activities to bring out meaningful aspects of my aging process. In 2016, my daughter invited me to move from California to Seattle, Washington to stay closer to her. 

I love healthy food and socializing, and I enjoy classical music, walking, fitness programs, Tai Chi, line dancing, and gardening. I play Mahjong and Chinese chess. I am very fond of friends who have a pleasing smile and joyful spirit to light up my days. I believe that friends are meant to cross our path for a reason.  Good friends are key to my happiness.   

Since December 2021 I have become a happy member of NNN. It offers multiple programs including transportation service, social and recreational activities. The transportation service has been most vital to help me deal with many appointments and make friends. I appreciate compassionate volunteers who often go the extra mile to help members. I admire efficient administrators who make members feel important, valued and respected. NNN gives members a sense of belonging; we are just like a family.

Through multiple engagement opportunities at NNN, I hope to find a few precious friends that could support one another in all circumstances, and keep one another strong in times of need as well.

-By Mei-Ling Fang, NNN Member

June Events – Open to all 

We look forward to meeting you at some of our gatherings and online chat groups. Please join us! As always, NNN members may request transportation to any NNN hosted event. We encourage you to check out our website for any new or changed events. 

Walk and Talk with NNN 

Take a little stroll while you enjoy the company of others on these weekly walks:

• Mountlake Terrace, Terrace Creek Park, Meet in the parking lot. Tuesdays at noon.

• Shoreline, Hamlin Park. Meet in the parking lot on the left as you drive toward the park. Thursdays at 1:00.

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

NOTE: Our monthly walk with pups at Edmonds Waterfront Dog Park for Saturday the 10th has been canceled due to the Member & Volunteer Celebration Picnic! See you in July for the Dog Park Walk!

Conversations and Camaraderie: Zoom/Phone Conversations

 Looking to have a few minutes of interesting conversation? Please join us for one of the following online opportunities:

• Monday afternoon Zoom Chat with Jerry. Mondays, 4:00-5:00. Join by clicking on this Zoom link or enter this URL in your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2532372848?pwd=RmlBTUlCQWI1ZHpzZ2ExQ25ramRFUT09  You may also call 253-215-8782.

• Women’s Afternoon Break online group launched last month! This is a wonderful way for you to connect with other women and something you can enjoy right from home! Give yourself a break in your day and join in for an hour filled with relaxed conversations and support. Hosts Carol F. and Anne G. invite you to share anything from good books, favorite activities, recipes to cooking tips, tell us what made you smile recently, or simply how your day’s going. Second and Fourth Tuesday of each month from 3:00-4:00 (June 13th and June 27th)- Join by clicking on this Zoom link or enter this address in your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85440313657?pwd=eHlDSnRHT0tYbktpVS8vVkNTbTJNdz09 Meeting ID: 854 4031 3657 Passcode: 9800

• Join by phone: 1-253-215-8782 (at the phone prompts, enter the meeting

ID, press #, then enter the passcode)

 Games

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 cutthroat competition.   

Wednesdays, June 7th and June 21st from 1:00-3:00, Upper level, Third Place Commons, 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. 

Book Club

Join host Eileen C. and others as they share their thoughts about a book selected by the group each month. Monday, June 26th, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Join by clicking this Zoom link or enter this address in your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2532372848?pwd=RmlBTUlCQWI1ZHpzZ2ExQ25ramRFUT09

Lunch with NNN

Friday Lunches are open to all. NNN Lunch host Ginger H. asks you to let her know if you’re coming so she can let the restaurant know how many to anticipate. Click “Register” on the Events Page, contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org or call/text 253-237-2848. Hope to see you at one or both of our lunches!

• June 16th, Old Spaghetti Factory, 2509 196th St SW, Lynnwood 1:00-300 

• June 30th, Family Pancake House, 23725 Highway 99, Edmonds 1:00-3:00

Coffee with Neighbors! 

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! Members may request transportation.

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

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!

We hope you can make one of these events as a chance for connection with other volunteers!

Birthdays in June

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

~ Recipe of the Month ~

This month’s recipe can be ready in just about an hour, only needs one mixing bowl, one baking pan for easy clean up and results in a complete tasty meal that says “welcome home!” 

Mini Meatloaf with Potatoes and Green Beans

Ingredients:

1 1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp salt (divided)

1/4 tsp pepper

2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)

1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef (90%)

4 yukon gold potatoes cut into wedges

1 egg beaten

1/4 cup onion chopped

1/4 cup Cabaret crackers crumbled (4-6 crackers)

3 Tbsp ketchup

1 Tbsp worcestershire sauce

2 lbs green beans

Instructions:

Position rack in upper third of oven.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Combine paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

Add potatoes to coat.

Drizzle with 1 Tbsp of olive oil. Toss again.

Spread on a baking sheet. Place in the oven for 10 minutes.

Remove potatoes from the oven and set aside.

Combine meat, egg, onion, cracker crumbs, 2 Tbsp ketchup, worcestershire sauce, 1/4 tsp each of salt, pepper, and garlic powder into the large bowl.

Form the mixture into small loaves. (About 2 x 4)

Place on the baking sheet. 

Brush tops with 1 Tbsp of ketchup.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

Toss green beans with 1 Tbsp olive oil, and a 1/4 tsp each of salt and pepper.

Move the potatoes to one side of the oven and add the green beans to the other side.

Bake until the green beans are tender. About 20 to 30 minutes. 

Enjoy!

-Submitted by Helene Harrison