Message from Suzy Chandler, President of the Board

They say good things come in threes, and your NNN team behind the scenes couldn’t agree more! We are so thankful as a board to announce not one, not two, but three new Board members to help us expand and grow what we get to do to build and support our NNN community of members and volunteers. We’ll introduce our newest team members (Rick Canning, Rita Gunderson, and Mahyar Rahbarrad) in an upcoming news article, but for now, we’re bursting with excitement at the news that we continue to add to our talented team to meet the growing needs of our NNN community. 

Have you ever wondered what your NNN Board does behind the scenes? We meet monthly, and work together on multiple projects behind the scenes from our Strategic Plan (such as streamlining the website design) to determine how best to support our NNN community. We look at enhancing our community relationships. We look for funding to ensure we can successfully support our model. We are also actively pursuing a new leader to support the crucial work of our Social Committee! Our Social Committee is a busy and far-reaching team, with multiple programs to continue one of the things we’re best known for – combating social isolation! Thanks to their hard work over the past few years of Covid restrictions, we’ve been able to continue to offer activities ranging from online meetings and book clubs to those who want to get together and create and mail our newly launched greeting card program. Could you see yourself leading this fun team? Reach out and let me know, I’m happy to meet with you to share their enthusiasm to continue the work they have well mapped out.

A final note - we’ll be sending our year end donation campaign letter in the mail. This funding helps us continue to provide all of the structure and support needed to continue the work we do best - helping our community age well in their own homes thanks to our always dedicated employee and our fantastic team of volunteers.

It’s my favorite time of year, and I’m THANKFUL for YOU - our NNN community - and all that you do to ensure we can enrich the lives of our growing NNN community.

-Suzy Chandler, your NNN Board President

Member Profile: Ginger Hodge

Ginger’s introduction to NNN was initially focused on practicality. When she downsized to her current home in 2020, she happened to receive a postcard detailing the many benefits of membership, including assistance with minor household fixes. Volunteer retired contractor Rick responded to Ginger’s first request. Ginger has nothing but praise for his assistance, sharing, “Rick is just fabulous. He’s installed curtains, changed light fixtures, fixed a downspout, changed out a door to my carport, and put in a doggy door for Tequila [Ginger’s adorable Chihuahua mix pup].”

Within a few months, Ginger knew she wanted to begin volunteering at NNN as well. She began contributing her sewing talents by completing minor clothing alterations for other members. She then joined the social committee, and for the past year has helped plan and organize twice monthly member lunches, with attendance at the lunches steadily growing to now as many as 16-18 attendees per function.

Most recently, as part of the social committee, Ginger has begun leading a drive to make and send homemade greeting cards, including birthday cards, to NNN members. Every couple of months, she hosts a card-making party (which is posted on the event calendar) and invites all interested members and volunteers to participate. Ginger stresses that no experience is required to participate, as She provides instruction on easy use of a basic embossing and die-cut machine. Ginger believes that receiving cards is a special treat for members, stating, “Nowadays, the only mail you get is junk mail. To get a handmade card is really something – people really like that.”

As an NNN member, Ginger feels one of the most impactful benefits she has observed in her life is a sense of social connectedness. After relocating to Seattle from Los Angeles to be closer to her daughter, and to provide companionship and care for her father, Ginger felt the loss of her work associates and long-term friendships. “I would say that it came at a good time for me in my life. I didn’t have much social life. After I got involved with NNN, even in COVID, socially, I started making friends and meeting people and now there’s hardly a week that goes by where I’m not either going to lunch with a bunch of people or somebody will suggest a movie or this or that, so it’s been really nice to have a social network.”

As an NNN volunteer, Ginger most appreciates getting out and meeting and helping people. “It makes me feel good to help people. It’s nice to be able to get up in the morning and have a purpose for the day. It’s like a whole different type of day. I appreciate having the ability to have something planned whether it’s making phone calls or going someplace to do something or helping with something. I appreciate having more structure to the day.”

-By Carla Leathers, NNN Volunteer Writer

~ News You Can Use ~

Stretching Your Food Budget 

Looking to stretch your budget and take a break from cooking?  We found some options in our community you may want to consider. In all cases, meals are served during the times noted and only as long as the prepared food lasts. (Information is current as of this publication). Many of our local churches and community organizations may offer additional options. If you’re aware of other locations that offer free or reduced cost meals, please share information with us that may help others in our community. Contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org. We’ll also post this information on the Resource page of our NNN Website. 

FREE DINNERS 

Mountlake Terrace (Tuesday):

Sponsored by Creekside Church, the Neighborhood Tables program provides a free boxed dinner beginning at 5 pm and ending at 6 pm for anyone in the Community, while supplies last. Drive up to the parking lot to receive your dinner. Lake Ballinger Center parking lot, 23000 Lakeview Dr., Mountlake Terrace. For more information, click this link or type this into your web browser: https://tinyurl.com/MLT-Dinner   

Shoreline (Tuesday):

Sponsored by St Dunstan's Episcopal Church: self-serve buffet style dinner every Tuesday from 5pm to 6:30pm.  The line starts forming well before 5:00. St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church, 722 N. 145th Ave. N. (between Aurora and Greenwood Ave.), Shoreline. For more information click this link or type this address in your web browser: https://bit.ly/TuesDinner.     

Edmonds (Wednesday):

Sponsored by Annie’s Community Kitchen: sit-down community dinner from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Line starts forming before 5pm, 50 people allowed to enter at a time. Edmonds Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 23525 84th Ave W, Edmonds. For more information, click this link or type this address in your web browser: https://bit.ly/Dinner-Wed 

Lynnwood (Wednesday):

Sponsored by Creekside Church, the Neighborhood Tables program provides a free boxed dinner beginning at 5 pm and ending at 6 pm for anyone in the Community, while supplies last. Drive up to the parking lot to receive your dinner. Creekside Church parking lot, 18527 60th Ave W, Lynnwood. For more information, click this link or type this address in your web browser: https://bit.ly/Din-Wed 

Shoreline (Wednesday):

In partnership with the Dale Turner YMCA, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church offers a sit-down community dinner at POPY’s Café from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 14514 20th Ave NE, Shoreline. For more information call ((206) 363-8100, click on this link or type this address in your web browser: https://bit.ly/3QEQuTK  

Mountlake Terrace (Last Sunday of each month): 

Sponsored by Bethesda Lutheran Church 23406 56th Ave West, Mountlake Terrace.  A free sit-down, cafeteria style dinner is served in the Fellowship Hall for anyone who is hungry.  The doors open at 5pm and coffee is served, dinner is served starting at 5:30pm.  Water, silverware, salt and pepper are on the table.  Reservations are not required and everyone is welcome. 

There are no stairs, so please park in the lower lot and enter the Fellowship Hall from the door next to the lower lot.  Questions – 425 778-6390 Judy Rasmussen or email officemanager@bethesdalcmt.com  

LOW-COST LUNCHES (Seniors 60+ yrs) 

Edmonds: (Monday – Friday)

Edmonds Waterfront Center (EWC) recently changed their lunch program, but they still offer 60+seniors living in their service area a boxed lunch for those registered for the program.  The lunch cost requested is a subsidized amount based on income (after pre-approved registration) and the regular suggested donation is $15.  You may pick-up your boxed lunch at the Potlatch Bistro (located next to the Banquet room), from 11 am to 2 pm. You’re invited to eat in the Banquet room where you can enjoy the wonderful water view. Edmonds Waterfront Center, 220 Railroad Avenue, Edmonds. To obtain a registration form to qualify for the reduced cost lunch, follow this link or type this address in your web browser https://bit.ly/3s1jR9i 

Shoreline (Monday – Friday)

Sponsored by Sound Generations, $4 hot lunch in the multi-Purpose dining room at the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center. Seating begins at 11:45 am through 12:15 pm. Reservations are not necessary. For more information call 206 365-1536.  Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center, 18560 1st Ave NE #1, Shoreline. Click this link to see a monthly menu or type this address is your web browser: https://bit.ly/Shorelinelunch 

Lynnwood: (Monday-Thursday & Every Other Friday)

Sponsored by Homage, $4.00 buffet lunch, served at 12 (noon) in the Multicultural Senior Center, 5026 196th St SW, Lynnwood.  The focus of the lunch is Filipino (Monday), Chinese (Tuesday), Vietnamese (Wednesday), Korean(Thursday), Hispanic (every other Friday). Call ahead to reserve a spot 425.513.1900.  You may come to visit or socialize beginning at 9am and if you don’t plan on eating lunch no need to reserve.  For more information click link or type this address in your web browser: https://bit.ly/3FCjrco 

Mountlake Terrace: (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)

Sponsored by Homage, $4 buffet style lunch in the Creekside Room at Lake Ballinger Center. Seating begins at 11:30 am, and lunch is served between 12 (noon) and 12:30 pm. Call ahead to reserve a spot 425 672-2407. You must claim your reserved meal ticket by 12 (noon) or the ticket will be made available to the walk-in guests.  No will be turned away due to a lack of funds. Lake Ballinger Center 23300 Lakeview Dr., Mountlake Terrace. Click this link for more information and review the monthly planned lunch menu or type this address into your web browser: https://bit.ly/MLTLunch 

FREE BREAKFAST

Lynnwood (Saturday)

December Events

Please join us! NNN has a variety of events, gatherings and online chat groups. Throughout the month check out the website calendar for new or changed events as well as the monthly event descriptions/links. Click on this link to view our Events page. NNN members may request transportation to any NNN hosted event. 

New Events in December

Medicare Health Fair – In Person, Registration Required

December 1st, 10:00-12:00pm – Free event, Homage Senior Services, 5026 196th St. SW, Lynnwood, WA  98036 - 866-980-7268. Click here to register or go to the NNN Events page.

Navigating Medicare can be challenging. Understanding the “alphabet soup” of coverage options, Medigap, and Medicare Advantage can leave your head spinning. We have experts from Aetna, Humana, and United Healthcare who will be on hand to explore your Medicare choices and answer your questions.

Making Cards with Ginger!

December 11th, Monday 2:00-4:00pm – Shoreline. Click here to register or go to the NNN Events page. Alternatively, call the NNN office for registration.

Need a last-minute birthday card or thank you card? Impress the socks off your friends by sending them a card YOU made! Absolutely no experience needed. Join member; volunteer Ginger H. for this afternoon of creative card making with other NNN 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. Masks are optional, but this will be an indoor activity. If you have a small pair of scissors and a roll of double-sided scotch tape, that would be great but not required.

Monthly Events

Walk with Friends-Take a stroll and enjoy the company of others.

• Mountlake Terrace, Every Tuesday, 12pm - Terrace Creek Park. Meet in the parking lot. 
• Shoreline, Every Thursday, 1:00pm - Hamlin Park. Meet in the left parking lot as you drive into the park. 
• Edmonds, Every Sunday, 12:15pm – Meet on Sunset between Bell & Edmonds Street. 

Dog Park Get Together

Every 2nd Saturday, 10:00 am – December 9th

Esperance Park & Off-Leash Dog Area (meet inside the large dog park area, 2nd away from the parking lot.) Address: 7830 222nd Street SW, Edmonds, WA 98026. Bring your favorite pup or just enjoy getting outside with others!

NNN Lunch Bunch

Scheduled Fridays, 1:00-3:00pm

Lunch Host Ginger H requests registration so she can let the restaurant know how many to anticipate. December is a month of many and various holidays. How about wearing your most festive or fun outfit on 12/15 to celebrate your favorite holiday or just as an excuse to get dressed up? Register above or on the Events page, and then on the date, or instead call/text 253-237-2848, or email Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetworks.org.

Coffee with Neighbors!

Every 1st Thursday, 10:00 am – December 7th. Richmond Beach Coffee House, 1442 NW Richmond Beach Rd, Shoreline, 98177

Join host Sandy M. and take a mid-morning break to enjoy coffee and conversation with a few other NNN neighbors! Purchase a snack and beverage from the local vendors, or bring something from home if you like to nibble while you play games. Look for our table sign and sit with us! 

Games at Third Place Commons, Lake Forest Park

Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, 1:00-3:00pm – 12/5, 12/20. Upper level, Third Place Commons, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, 98155

Join games enthusiasts and Host Sharon L. for an 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. 

Mahjong!

Meets on alternating Fridays at a member’s home – 2:00-4:00pm

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.

Book Club - Online

December 18th, Monday 1:00-3:00pm, usually 4th Monday of each Month

The December book is Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton/James Patterson. Join host Eileen C. and others as they share their thoughts about a book selected by the group each month. Click on this link to join or go to the NNN Events page. 

Conversations and Camaraderie - Online

Looking to take a break in your afternoon for a few minutes of interesting conversation and laughter? Join via the links below or go to the NNN events page. Phoning in information is available via the NNN events page.

Every Monday, “Let’s Chat with Jerry”, 4:00-5:00pm

Coffee klatch style casual conversations. Join online - click here or go to the NNN events page.

December 12th, Tuesday 3:00-4:00pm, Every 2nd Tuesday, “Women’s Afternoon Break”, 3:00-4:00pm

Relaxed conversations with Anne G and Carol F. Share your day, stories or “go with the flow.” Pour yourself a cup of tea, coffee or your favorite beverage and join us. Let’s make friends! Join online – click here or go to the NNN events page.

Visit Our Events Calendar!

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

Birthdays in December

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

Happy Birthday to:

Kendal A., Danie B-V., Bette B., Connie B., Eileen C., Allison E., Vitaly E., Adam F., Brian H., Tina H., Verla H., Ellen K., Carla L., Cathy M., Gretchen M., Kathy N., Trevor N., Vince O., Maggie P., Winifred P., Mark R., Albina S., Bev S., Kathy S., Kim S., Virginia S., Pearl T., Barbara V.

Recipes of the Month

Five Pound Fudge

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups of sugar
2. 1/2 cup (1 cube) butter or margarine (I use butter)
3.  1 13 oz can of evaporated milk

• Mix all ingredients in a heavy large pot. I put the butter in 

• first to melt before adding the sugar and can of milk.)

• Stir constantly while cooking on low heat.

• Cook for 8 minutes more on medium heat after it begins to bubble, taking care not to burn ingredients.

• Simmer on low heat while you add the ingredients below.

Pour over mixture above: (see below)

1. 1 tsp vanilla
2. 2 oz package of milk chocolate chips or 1 11.5 oz Hershey's milk chocolate chips
3. 2 6oz. Nestle's semi-sweet chocolate chips or 1 12 oz Nestle's semi-sweet chips
4. 1 7 oz jar marshmallow creme
5.  1 cup of walnuts chopped fine (optional)

• Stir in vanilla first then rest of the ingredients above until all is melted and mixed well.

• Pour into a buttered glass dish (15x10x2).

• Cool on the counter until just warm.

• Put in the bottom of the refrigerator for a couple of hours to set firm. (no longer).

• Cut into squares, before it sets completely.

• Run a sharp knife under hot water every so often while you are cutting so candy will cut easier.

• Will stay fresh in tupperware for quite awhile.

• If you give this candy as a gift, be sure to place a piece of wax paper or parchment paper over each layer of candy so the fudge doesn't stick.

• Do this as well for your own storage.

* Never store it in the refrigerator. *Use vanilla from William Sonoma. It is a little pricier, but worth it. Brand name: Nielsen Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract. *For white fudge, use Nestle's white chocolate chips.

 -Submitted by NNN Member, Helene Harrison 

Peppermint Bark 

Ingredients:

• 12 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped

• 12 oz. white chocolate, chopped

• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract

• 8 candy canes, crushed

Directions:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Fill the bottom of a large pot with 3 inches of water and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

• Reduce heat to low, then place a large heatproof bowl on top.

• Add semi-sweet chocolate and stir occasionally until chocolate has melted.

• Stir in extract.

• Pour into the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer with an offset spatula.

• Refrigerate until set, about 20 minutes.

• Over the same pot of barely simmering water, place another large heatproof bowl.

• Add white chocolate and stir until melted.

• Pour over set semi -sweet chocolate then top immediately with candy canes.

• Refrigerate until set, about 20 minutes.

Break apart however you like and enjoy. Happy Holidays.

-Submitted by NNN Volunteer, Melanie Belfield-Vigh

NNN Community Business Sponsors

We are grateful to our Sponsors for their support to help sustain and expand our organizational efforts to meet the community need.