Message from Suzy Chandler, President of the Board

WOW! The opportunity to see how many people took part in our Good Neighbor Day outreach campaign was awesome! The big news was how many members, volunteers and people in our community had fun with the little flexible mascot figurines we used in photos as we all took part in what is at the heart and soul of being a part of NNN–neighbors helping neighbors! We had over 1,000 positive reactions on our Facebook posts, with 62 new followers. That means we got the word out to even more people in our community, and continue to build our model of neighbors helping neighbors! We’ve signed up at least three new volunteers this month from this outreach, and always love adding more.

• Have you thought about asking a neighbor or relative to volunteer and learn more about our flexible volunteering model? With 350-400 services being fulfilled each month, we have plenty of opportunities for volunteers to support our community together. 

• Do you already volunteer, and you’re thinking you’d like to get even more involved, such as serving on our non-profit Board to help continue to build our support network? We have a strong team, and are currently planning for adding someone just like YOU to our Board. Reach out to me at suzy@northwestneighborsnetwork.org if you are interested or know someone who might be.

Member Profile: Helene Harrison

The bright fall mums planted near the doorstep of Helene Harrison’s home welcome visitors and hint as to the spirit of the fiercely independent, resilient, yet giving and caring soul that resides within. Helene, who is turning 90 this month, was born and raised in Seattle and completed her primary education at Warren Avenue Grade School, later attending Queen Anne (present day condominiums reflecting their namesake) and Ballard High Schools. Helene worked for many years in the banking and financial industries, including some time in the landmark Seattle First National Bank building. Upon her retirement, she began crocheting beanie hats for premature babies in remembrance of a favorite co-worker’s infant son who passed away, and this remains one of her fondest memories. 

Today, Helene keeps busy with many activities. She loves to browse through unique gift stores on Bainbridge Island with her daughter when she comes to visit from Ft. Worth, Texas. Helene devotes her time on Sundays to cooking and preparing meals for the upcoming week (casseroles are her specialty). She is devoted to her “fur babies” – Abbey, her adorable chiweenie pup, and her two year old Maine Coon cat named Fitzy. Abbey is particularly near and dear to Helene’s heart, as she was hand-picked as a rescue by her beloved late grandson, Nick. 

Helene was referred to Northwest Neighbors Network by her primary care nurse practitioner when she began having troubles with her eyesight. She became a member “just like that” when membership director Sandy Moy came over and explained the program to her. Through partnership with NNN volunteers such as Melanie, Kim, Beth, and Marty ...just to name a few, Helene now enjoys going out in the community to shop, have her nails and hair done, attend doctor’s appointments, and take her pets for vet and grooming visits. Helene feels blessed to have NNN volunteers in her life and credits her membership with helping her retain her valued independence. “The volunteers greet you with a smile and a much-needed hug to make your day. They let you know they care and that you are loved. I wouldn’t be here today – in my own home, sitting in my own chair – without the volunteers. My world has become a better place because of them.” 

~ Social Spotlight ~

Aging Well Discussion Series

The UW Retirement Association offers virtual sessions focused on practical tools to ensure a secure and fulfilling retirement, whether for yourself or someone you care for.

You’ll find information that can be hard to get or difficult to trust. Speakers include leaders and experts from across the University and our small circle of community partners.

The Retirement Association graciously offers these recordings and resources at the links below which may be watched or shared with anyone that can benefit from the information. We thought our NNN Community would find many of these sessions informative and helpful.

How to View:

To access the recorded modules and related reference materials and additional resources, click on this UW Aging Well link (or type this address into your web browser https://retirees.uw.edu/events-programs/aging-well/. The selected recordings will launch. Links to reference materials and additional resources are provided for each presentation.

Aging Well programs are offered in four thematic areas: 

• Caregiving: Resources for those providing care for partners and family. (3 sessions)

  • Working with a Care Manager

  • Understanding Palliative Care

  • Resources for Caregiving

• Health & Wellness: Practical advice on when and where to seek specialized medical care as you age. (3 sessions)

  • Dental Care for Older Adults

  • Hearing Aid Q&Q

  • Advances in Hearing Aid Technology

• Housing & Long-term Care: Evaluating, selecting, and paying for retirement housing and long-term care. Six sessions in the series. (6 sessions)

  • Understanding Your Housing Options

  • The Financial Side of Retirement Housing

  • Aging in Community with Neighborhood Villages

  • Downsize to the Right Size

  • Making the Move

  • Retirement Living Post-Covid

• Nuts & Bolts: Practical tools for planning and paperwork to get your affairs in order. (6 sessions)

  • Advance Planning for End-of-Life Care

  • Exploring the Death with Dignity Act

  • Estate Planning 101

  • Advance Directives for Health Care

  • Funeral Options 2.0

  • The Role of a Professional Fiduciary

Learning Keeps Your Brain Active!

Do you know the difference between “Observation” vs “Admitted” as interpreted by Medicare? Why You Should Care

November 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.

• 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 (November 11th). 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. (October 10th and October 24th). 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=eHlDSnRHT0tYbktpVS8vVkNTbTJNdz09 Meeting 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.

• November 1st & 15th, 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, November 27nd, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Our November book is The Nordic Theory of Everything by Anu Partanen. 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!

• November 3rd, Shay’s Restaurant and Lounge, 15744 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline

• November 17th, Briley’s BBQ, 15030 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park

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 Thursday of the month.

• November 2nd, Richmond Beach Coffee House, 1442 NW Richmond Beach Rd, Shoreline, 98177, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Volunteers Connection Opportunities in November

This Fall/Winter, we plan to hold training sessions around “Current NNN Member Services Policies” and “Navigator Service Requests,” which have both been recently updated and are worth a good review. We will be announcing dates/times for the sessions soon. Watch for it in an upcoming Thursday email. And look out for the next Volunteer Happy Hour, which will also be announced in a Thursday email.

We still want to know about how you want to connect (if you do) with other volunteers. Let us know your ideas Services@northwestneighborsnetwork.org

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 (or type this address into your web browser) https://northwestneighborsnetwork.org/content.aspx?page_id=4001&club_id=571198. Here’s an ‘at a glance’ calendar for planned events in November 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 November

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

Happy Birthday to:

Marisa B., Adam B., Suzy C., Kate C., Kartina C., Page D., Helene H., Becky H., Alice K., Anbu M., Joan M., Deb M., John M., Jude M., Sheila P., Jerry P., Joann R., Rob S., Anna S., Christine T., Ron T.., Brian T., Cathy W., Kirk W., Linda W., Lindsay Y.

Recipes of the Month

Colleen's Chilli Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg dried pinto beans

• 1.5 lbs ground beef

• 1/2 to 1 large white onion

• 1/2 to 1 large red bell pepper

• 1/2 to 1 large green bell pepper

• 3 cloves of garlic

• 1 can tomato sauce

• 1 large can diced tomatoes

• 3 to 4 tbsp chili powder

• 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper

• 3 tsp ground cumin

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil

• salt, pepper

• water

• 1 small can diced Ortega chiles

• 1 can red kidney beans

Instructions:

• Rinse pinto beans and soak overnight in salted water. Then cover and cook until al dente, 30 to 40 minutes.

• Brown the ground beef. Drain any excess fat.

• Put browned beef in a large pot with diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, 1-2 tsp of the cumin, salt, and pepper.

• Mince the garlic. Rough chop the onion and bell peppers.

• Saute onion, garlic, and bell peppers in oil. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent.

• Add about 2-3 cups of water, depending on how thick or thin you prefer. This is totally up to you, and I suggest and play around with the amounts.

• Add the pinto beans and Ortega chilies.

• Taste, then adjust cumin, cayenne, and other spices accordingly. Stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat to low.

• Add canned beans, cook for another 30 minutes or so. Just don't overcook them, since they've already been cooked.

-Submitted by NNN Member, Colleen L.