Message from Suzy Chandler, President of the Board

What does it mean to be a good neighbor? When you’re camping, it means borrowing that forgotten item from someone camped next to you, or helping set up a rain canopy for that unexpected rainstorm!

What does it mean in the day of a volunteer and member at NNN? September 28 is National Good Neighbor Day, and this year, NNN will let everyone follow along on the day in the life of our volunteers and members. We’re also kicking off an online giving campaign to help offset our operating costs (yes, although we are nearly all volunteer-led, we have many ongoing expenses such as insurance, background checks, website software, payroll, and more). 

How can you help on or before Sept 28 Good Neighbor Day? 

• Be a Volunteer! This month, we’re ramping up the volunteers we need who are willing to let us "virtually tag along" on a day in the life of NNN services. We want everyone to see how our neighbors helping neighbors model makes a difference, and show the flexibility of being a volunteer and making a difference in your community. You provide the services and photos and stories, and we’ll publish throughout the day on Sept 28. (Did you know we provide 300-400 services each month?)

• Plan to Donate! Tune into our Facebook page during the last week of September to see how your donation of just $100 can help pay for crucial items such as volunteer background checks. (Last year, background checks cost $2,326)

• Share our Story! Take one of our Good Neighbor Day Facebook posts and share it on your page.

• Share your Connections! Let us know if you have a connection for company matching or employee giving campaigns. We are very frugal with our spending, and this support can go a long way to helping members who might not be able to afford the recommended membership cost.

Member Profile: Verla H. 

Although I frequently state, “I want to live to be 100!,” I may need to up that to 105 after visiting NNN member Verla Houston.

Born in the last two weeks of 1917, Verla is a Seattle native. She lived in West Seattle and later the Seward Park area. She is new to NNN, which she heard of through her daughter. Since becoming a member, she’s connected with volunteer Kendahl Adjorlolo, who visits her regularly and assists with light housekeeping and other tasks. Verla has recently given up driving (!), which irks her. However, she is keen on maintaining her independence.

My impression of Verla can be said in one word: Elegant. This stylish, well-spoken person has traveled the world (including Hawaii 65 times!) by virtue of owning her own travel agency on Roosevelt. Her travels have taken her to many places around the globe; Jerusalem and Egypt left her with particularly vivid memories. She enjoys experiencing different cultures, but also sees the common themes between people the world over.

Her thoughts on being 105 and the years that have led to this milestone are many. She says the time has gone by fast! I watched her face light up as she described the fun she had dancing with her husband and friends at the Olympic Hotel ballroom, as well as the dance floors at many golf clubs. She attributes some of her longevity to the exercise dancing provided. She enjoys reading and as a young child remembers walking to the library in Columbia City to get all the Zane Grey adventure novels.

Verla loves shopping, clothes and good food. She’ll make herself a nice breakfast and enjoy having lunch out with friends. Playing cards keeps her mind sharp but, be careful – she likes to win!

There is also sadness as she remembers family, friends and loved ones who have passed. However, she is motivated to make new friends and experience something different. She starts the day looking forward to what will happen next. Verla says the world is a wonderful place and indeed it is with her in it!

By Melinda Nelsen/NNN Volunteer

Help Wanted! Board Members; Social and Fundraising Committee Chairs

We are seeking a diverse array of candidates for NNN's Board of Directors. Our dedicated, friendly Board of Directors is looking for new members and seeking diverse candidates and skill sets. If you are interested in learning more about what’s involved in being a member of our Board, and/or exploring the specific volunteer opportunities below, we would love to speak with you. Please contact Suzy@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org. 

Social Committee: The mission of the Social Committee is to help NNN members remain active and engaged by planning and hosting social events and activities. The Social Committee Chair should be enthusiastic, have experience or interest with arranging/coordinating social events, understand how to research potential social opportunities, lead a small group of social committee volunteers and be able to participate in some of the events. Ideally, the Chair would also be willing to serve on NNN’s Board of Directors to help shape and execute NNN’s strategy and fulfill our mission to help seniors in our region remain in their homes as long as they wish and to remain socially active and connected to their neighbors. To read more about this opportunity, please visit https://www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp2891387.jsp.

~ Social Spotlight ~

~ Holiday Caroling Coming in December ~

Sign up now to join the 2023 NNN Caroling Crew

This may feel a little like Costco putting out Halloween stuff in July, but in this case, the earlier the better! Last year, NNN sponsored a very successful holiday caroling party. Armed with song sheets and holiday-themed goodie bags, enthusiastic (and masked) NNN singers visited several members’ homes and encouraged them to sing along or just relax and enjoy the brief friendly visit. Nearing the end of the pandemic, our NNN carolers joyfully raised the spirits of members and onlookers alike, many of whom hadn’t had much company for a while.

We Need Your Help!!! 

We’re looking forward to singing and visiting with even more members this year. Our plan is to organize groups of singers for 4 – 6 visits throughout the first two weeks of December. We don’t need expert singers; that’s the beauty of singing in a group. You can sing once, twice, or even at every afternoon visit. Everyone had a blast last year, and we hope you can join us this year!

All members and volunteers are welcome to join our NNN holiday caroling team. You’ll be provided with song sheets and an array of dates to choose from, as well as probable carpool options. NNN will also provide the goodie bags. Please contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org to add your name to the list of carolers, so we can plan how many members we can visit over the two week period. Not sure if you want to sing, but you’d help capture some memories on your camera? We’d like you to come along! Happily, our most talented and organized volunteer Caroling Coordinator, Eileen C., will lead us again this year, so you KNOW we’ll be in good hands!

Thanks so much for signing up to take part in this volunteer/member experience. We know it’ll be memorable and just plain fun for all who participate.

Members & Volunteers: Are you Aware These Benefits Are Available to You?

Beside experiencing the deep personal satisfaction of volunteering and knowing they’re part of a welcoming and inclusive community, NNN members and volunteers enjoy a few additional benefits just by being part of the NNN family. Here are the highlights we hope you’ll keep in mind:

Benefits Available to All Members and Volunteers:

• 20% Discount at Third Place Books located at Town Center at Lake Forest Park, 17171 Bothell Way NE, # A101, Lake Forest Park WA 98155. Tell the sales associate you’re a member of Northwest Neighbors Network at the register before ringing up your purchases, and present your NNN membership card. Can’t find your membership card? Contact Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org to request one.

• Free travel planning and booking tool through ADVANTAGETRUST Travel, powered by Onriva. Once registered, you can take advantage of streamlined searches for airfares, hotels and car rentals, access to negotiated rates that may save you money and the ability to book your reservations without having to leave the travel site. You must set up your free personal account before you can take advantage of this travel site. Contact darci@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org to get started.

• Accidental Death, Dismemberment, Paralysis and Excess Accident Medical Expense policy. This benefit provides coverage, up to the limits of the policy, if you are injured as a volunteer while providing a scheduled service for one of our NNN members. Additionally, volunteers and members who are injured while participating in an activity sponsored by NNN are covered under this policy if they were registered as attending at the time of the activity. (This is one reason why we need members to request a service through NNN and expect our volunteers to only accept a volunteer service when assigned through NNN. It’s also why you need to be sure to add your name to the sign-in sheet when attending one of our events and, in some cases, to register in advance.) NNN pays the premium costs for this coverage. There is a $50 deductible per covered accident which you pay. For more information about this benefit including limits, terms of coverage or how to file a claim, contact darci@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org.

Additional Benefit Available for Members Only:

• NNN will reimburse you for your first year membership dues at one Senior Center of your choice in our service area (Edmonds Waterfront Center, Lake Ballinger Center, Lynnwood Senior Center, Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center). For more information about how to take advantage of this benefit, contact Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org.

Last Call! 

Sign up to make cards with Ginger!

August 31st, 2:00-4:00, Shoreline

Need a last-minute birthday or thank you card? Impress your friends by sending them a card YOU made! Absolutely no experience needed. If you can cut paper and use scotch tape, you’ll be a pro. Join member volunteer Ginger H. for an afternoon of creative card making with a few other NNN volunteers and members. Everything you need to make a couple of easy 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. If you have a small pair of scissors to bring for cutting paper and a roll of double-sided scotch tape, that would be great but not required.

September Events 

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. Click on this link to view our Events page for additional information.

Walk and Talk with NNN 

Take a little stroll while you enjoy the company of others.

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 into the park. Thursdays at 1:00 p.m.

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

Monthly Doggie Event: 

• Dog Park Gathering: Bring your favorite pup or just enjoy getting outside with others! Edmonds Waterfront Dog Park (located in Marina Beach Park) 498 Admiral Way, Edmonds, WA  98020. Second Saturday of each month (September 16th). Meet at 10:00 a.m. (There are benches for sitting and the park is enclosed by fence aside from the water)

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, 4:00-5:00p. 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. 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 p.m. (August 8th and August 22nd). Join by phone: 1-253-215-8782 (at the phone prompts, enter the meeting ID, press #, then enter the passcode). Join by Zoom link or enter this address in your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85440313657?pwd=eHlDSnRHT0tYbktpVS8vVkNTbTJNdz09Meeting ID: 854 4031 3657 Passcode: 9800.

Games at Third Place Commons, Lake Forest Park

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. First and Third Wednesdays of the month.

• September 6th and 20th, from 1:00-3:00 p.m., Upper level, Third Place Commons, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, 98155

Mahjong

Mahjong group meets on alternating Fridays at a member’s home from 2-4p. 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. Contact Sandy@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org. 

Games or Puzzles at Home 

Do you like to play games (board games, cards, backgammon etc) or work on puzzles  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 - Online

Join host Eileen C. and others as they share their thoughts about a book selected by the group each month. Monday, September 25th, 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. Lunch is from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., and members may request transportation. Hope to see you at one or both of our lunches!

• September 8th, Aurora Borealis, 16708 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA  98133

• September 22nd, Issaya Thai, 1441 NW Richmond Beach Rd, Shoreline, WA  98177

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. 1st Wednesday of the month.

• September 6th, Richmond Beach Coffee House, 1442 NW Richmond Beach Rd, Shoreline, 98177, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

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

Are you a Volunteer? If you are a volunteer for NNN, or if you’re a member who offers your time and talents to serve our greater NNN community, come join us and meet other volunteers! 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 Happy Hour, Thursday, 9/14 from 4-6p: Sorelli Pizza

22402 44th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043, Food & Drink Specials 3pm – 5pm: (NNN buys the food!)

Volunteer Coffee Hour, Saturday 9/23 from 10-11a: Rila Bakery & Cafe, 7600 196th St SW #500, Lynnwood, WA 98036, USA (Coffee, Teas, etc. on NNN!)

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

Coming in October, Registration Opens September 1st

AARP Series: Protect Yourself From Fraud & Identity Theft, Registration Required

Tuesday, October 10, 2023, 1:30 PM until 2:30 PM

In-Person at Edmonds Waterfront Center

220 Railroad Avenue

Edmonds, WA  90802 

Topic: Con artists don’t care how hard you worked. They steal billions from Americans like you every year. We’re fighting back with the AARP Fraud Watch Network. In this session, we will share an inside look at how scammers think, how to safeguard against identity theft and

fraud, hear first-hand accounts from victims, and what to do if you or someone you know has been a victim.

Free, but you must register and space is limited. Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. on 9/1, and space is limited to 25. (NNN Members needing transportation: Please wait to request transportation untill you have a confirmed seat.)

Register for this seminar using this link ,which is also found on our October Events page. If you prefer, you may also enter https://schedulesplus.com/edmonds/kiosk/dspevent.do?detail_id=3372294 in your browser to go to the on-line registration. 

Visit Our Events Calendar!

Want to see if something’s been added or changed before you lock in your plans? 

Birthdays in September

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

Happy Birthday to:

darci B., Nancy C., Duy D., Nor F., Steven G., Arslan H., Christina J., Joan L., Grace M., Mary Mc., Peggy M., Elise N., Mary O., Deanna R., Patricia R.,Georgi S., Aditit S., Caleb S., Sharon S., Mike W., Tom W., and Michelle W.

Recipe of the Month

Fettuccine Ricardo

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked fettuccine

1 cup whipping cream

1/3 cup butter

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp seasoning salt

1/4 tsp minced garlic

3/4 cup raw white chicken

1 or 2 zucchini's cut into 4ths and then into 1/2 inch cubes

Parmesan cheese(optional)

Instructions:

Heat butter, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large frying pan.

Add chicken, sear on all sides until cooked.

Add zucchini and seasoning salt.

Add whipping cream and sour cream. Blend in well.

Cook for 4-5 minutes to reduce the creams to a thick sauce.

Add parmesan cheese if desired. 

-Submitted by NNN Member, Helene Harrison