Message from Suzy Chandler, President of the Board

It’s HERE! Our 5 year anniversary as a nonprofit organization serving Seniors and adults with disabilities focused on helping us all age well in the place we call HOME! I am so excited to be a part of your leadership team with a core group of volunteers who helped form a sustainable community for all of us. A community we can give back to, a community where we pay it forward, a community that helps us break through social isolation and let our neighbors know we’re here for each other.

We’re working on an anniversary slideshow for our website this month, and reflecting on all of the services we’ve completed and friendships we’ve made along the way, it’s amazing to see what our community is building together. After four long years of planning, we officially started providing member services in February of 2019. Five years later, and we’ve completed over 10,000 Services! Volunteers have donated nearly 18,000 hours of their time and all members have lent their knowledge and provided social interactions to support one another. (And that doesn’t even count the hours behind the scenes in answering dozens of phone calls and emails daily, writing grants, updating the website, running the social activities events, and everything required for a sustainable nonprofit.) If you have ever wondered if there’s a committed team of volunteers in your community, you found us! AND, it’s never too late to join us. Call or email the team today–even if you only have a few hours a month–we have room for you to make a difference in our next five years and beyond. Thanks to each of you for making a difference, and for our members for trusting us and building lifelong friendships.

-Suzy C, Board President (and your full BOD from our February Board meeting)

Your 2024 NNN BOD: (Left to Right) Rita G, Cee C, Lee G, Jerry C, Rick C, Mahyar R, Kristine M, Cathy W, Lyn C, Suzy C, Jerry P

Member Profile: Arleen Burke

Howdy, Neighbor! That’s what I thought when I met member Arleen Burke recently – I was delighted to find she is just a hop and a skip from me – a true Neighbor with NNN!

Arleen was born an only child in Los Angeles via Bakersfield, California (there’s a story here…). Although she’s lived many places in that state (Ontario, Long Beach, Palm Springs to name a few), she has been in the Edmonds area for the last three years. When her mother passed away when Arleen was just 13, she went to live with her aunt and uncle in Palm Springs. There she met her future husband, one of twins whose family ‘snowbirded’ from Saskatchewan to California.

Despite losing her mother at an early age, Arleen has an independent spirit. She eagerly sought college in Early Elementary Education but left that endeavor when she and her husband were expecting their first child (ladies didn’t teach while pregnant then). Over time, the family enjoyed many vacations in their RV. In addition to family, she has previously volunteered as a tutor with refugee families studying for their U.S. citizenship. 

Her husband passed away about 12 years ago and Arleen relies on some of the services NNN provides, such as transportation to ongoing appointments. However, she has the support and friendship of her family here in the Northwest as two of her daughters live in her complex and a son and wife live in Port Angeles tending 10 acres with many of God’s farm creatures. She enjoys being close to family but is grateful for her independence.

I got a full sense of faith and fearlessness from Arleen – she enjoys the present but looks forward to future opportunities to volunteer, travel, and try new experiences. NNN came on good recommendation when she first arrived here and she knows we’ll be here for her in the future should the need arise.

-By Melinda Nelsen, NNN Volunteer Writer

2024 Member & Volunteer Celebration 

   May 18, 2024, 1:30-3:30 p.m. 

Registration is Now Open!

In the continuing celebration of NNN's 5-year anniversary, our annual member and volunteer celebration will be on Saturday, May 18th from 1:30-3:30. Our theme this year is "Let's Par-Tea!" We'll gather at the Laurel Cove Senior Living Community in Shoreline, where we'll enjoy a celebratory tea in the spirit of a High Tea in the company of other NNN members and volunteers. This event is open only to current NNN members and volunteers, and advance registration is required. Space is limited, so please be sure to register as soon as possible. We’ll need volunteer drivers, servers and greeters to help during the celebration. 

Register now on the Events page, after you’ve signed in to the website. If you have any questions about the event, please contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org. For help registering for this limited seating event, contact Servives@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org, text or call 253-237-2848.

Plan “a-head”

Just for fun (and a chance to win a token prize or at least bragging rights) consider coming to the Par-Tea in a fancy hat or fascinator!  
Many thanks to Laurel Cove Community for their generous sponsorship of this year's celebration!

March NNN Hosted 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 Opportunities (Also on the Events Calendar)

Creative Card Making Workshop, Wednesday, March 13th, 2 p.m.-4 p.m., Shoreline.

Registration is required, and space is limited to 4 members. Members/Volunteers Ginger H. and Rita G. are hosting this workshop. Members are invited to attend and will have prepared kits that make a couple of greeting cards to take home. No experience necessary. We provide the supplies and company, and you come with laughter and enjoy! Location details will be provided to confirmed registered participants prior to the event. If you have a small pair of scissors to bring and a roll of double-sided tape, that would be great but not required. 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. 

Weekly Game: Quiddler!

Every Saturday, hosted by a NNN member in her home from 1:00-3:00 p.m.

We have room for more players. If you have not played before, we are willing to teach. This fun word card game can be learned in 5 minutes or less. It is a friendly game, but be warned: the host is very good, and we have yet to better her score. Interested in joining? Please contact Sandy@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org for more information and location details.

Low Vision Support Group

In mid February a few NNN members got together to talk about some of the challenges that come with progressive vision loss. At the conclusion of the discussion, it was agreed that there was much more to be shared and many ideas yet to be explored. We will meet again on March 21st, although the location and time have yet to be decided. If you would like to participate, please email Sandy@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org. Transportation will be provided for members who need it.

Ongoing Events

 Walk with Friends

Take a stroll and enjoy the company of others.

Mountlake Terrace, Every Tuesday, 12 p.m. - Terrace Creek Park. Meet in the parking lot. 

Edmonds, Every Sunday, 12:15 p.m. – Meet at the corner of Sunset and Edmonds. 

 NNN Lunch Bunch

Scheduled Fridays, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

3/8 –Aurora Borealis - Shoreline

3/22 – Family Pancake House - Edmonds

Lunch Host Ginger H. requests registration so she can let the restaurant know how many to anticipate. To register online, click 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, 10:00-11:00 a.m. – 3/7, 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! Look for our table sign, grab your coffee and sit with us! 

 Games at Third Place Commons, Lake Forest Park

Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, 1:00-3:00 p.m. – 3/6 & 3/20 - 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!

Changed! Now meeting every Monday at a member’s home, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

The table is still 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 -4th Monday of each Month, 3/26 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Join host Eileen C. and others as they share their thoughts about a book selected by the group each month. The group is reading Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman and will discuss it in March. 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,” 4:00-5:00 p.m.

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

Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday, “Women’s Afternoon Break,” 3:00-4:00 p.m.; 3/12 & 3/26

Relaxed conversations with Anne G. and Carol F. 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. 

Every 1st & 3rd Sunday, “Artists, Crafters and Hobbyists Online Gathering,” 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 3/3 & 3/17. Work on your favorite art, craft or hobby project from the comfort of your home as we chat, find inspiration, demonstrate, and share in the company of other crafters and hobbyists. Pop in when you can, stay for the entire time or just a bit. Click here or go to the NNN Events page.

~ News You Can Use ~

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has."  ~Margaret Mead

~  FREE individualized Tax Preparation and Assistance is available at several King County Libraries: Kenmore, Bothell, Shoreline and Richmond Beach.  Check out the link for dates February 26 through March 30, times and registration information.

https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?audiences=5654e87875eef9cd27000011%2C572b6201717c23254b000015&startDate=2024-02-26&endDate=2024-03-31&locations=1493%2C1519%2C1532%2C1535&types=5bda21d2d6fafd2100a612d0

If you enjoy podcasts, here are two you might enjoy that are facilitated by Dr. Rangan Chatterjee:

Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age. Listen to the interview with Dr. Gladys McGarey who is a wonderful storyteller as she imparts wisdom about shifting one's perspective.  1hr/30min.

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/394-a-102-year-old-doctors-secrets-to-health/id1333552422?i=1000631665535

How to Get Well and Stay Well: 6 Healthy Habits We All Need to Know. This is a discussion with Dr. Gemma Newman, a 20-year doctor in Wales who believes in treating body, mind and spirit as one. Dr. Newman takes a more open-minded approach, studying nutrition, psychotherapy and a range of other holistic methods, combining them with her conventional medical practice.   2hr. 

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/420-how-to-get-well-and-stay-well-6-healthy-habits-we/id1333552422?i=1000642645006

Learn about Kintsugi, which means joining with gold: Japan's ancient art and philosophy of embracing imperfection and seeing the beauty of human flaws. Kintsugi has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years as an art technique, a worldview and metaphor for how we can live life.  Please enjoy the articles found in both links:

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20210107-kintsugi-japans-ancient-art-of-embracing-imperfection

https://theconversation.com/how-the-philosophy-behind-the-japanese-art-form-of-kintsugi-can-help-us-navigate-failure-193487

The Well-Lived Life: Listen to this interview with  Dr. Gladys McGarey, co-founder of the American Holistic Medical Association and author of the new book, The Well-Lived Life: A 102-year-old Doctor’s Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age. Many people consider Gladys to be the ‘mother of holistic medicine’. For years now, Dr. McGarey has been trying to spread the message that health is not just physical – it involves mental, emotional and spiritual elements in equal measure. In this interview, 103-year-old, Dr. Gladys McGarey, shares the secrets to live longer and healthier. Enjoy this short interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp5YZNpa1yQ

Mental Health Matters of Washington

“The primary goal of Mental Health Matters of Washington is to promote mental health through tailored health education, community engagement, resource navigation, and social support.”

Mental health is the foundation for our well-being and overall health. As the saying goes, “There is no health without mental health.” It is intertwined with so many other dimensions of our lives, including the physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, and economic.

• Do you need help finding a mental health provider that speaks your primary language?

• Are you wondering where to go to get low-cost or free mental health-related services?

• Would you like info on mental health resources at the local, state, or national level?

See the Directory of Resources, plus you can also search on the LiveWell Local directory for Snohomish County assets that enhance quality of life through Providence Healthier Communities.

https://mentalhealthmatterswa.com/resources/

Living With Vision Loss Seminar will be held Tuesday, March 5 from 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Location: Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (TBBL) 2021 9th Ave, Seattle WA 98121. This seminar is free, and free parking is available.

• Have you had a diagnosis of irreversible vision loss?

• Are you worried about how you’ll stay independent with less vision?

• Are you interested in learning about ways to cope?

If this sounds like you, please join the seminar, tips, tricks and helpful resources for living with vision loss will be discussed. In this 2.5 hour seminar, topics such as strategies for coping, helpful equipment, services, home modifications and more will be discussed. Friends and family welcome!  RSVP by calling 206-615-0400 or email wtbbl@sos.wa.gov to register.

For more information visit: https://www.sos.wa.gov/washington-talking-book-braille-library/living-vision-loss-seminar

Reminder: UW’s Aging Well Series is a free learning opportunity available to the public, but registration is required. Visit the NNN Events Calendar to learn more and to access a link to register for one or both of these upcoming one-hour seminars.

March 7th: The ABCs of CBD: Tips for Older Adults. Licensed pharmacist and UW teaching professor Dr. Abby Winter, PharmD, MPA, CDCES, will provide an overview of CBD products, including what to look for and when to use caution.

March 26th: Exploring Supportive Technologies for Caregiving and Aging in Place. Professor Oleg Zaslavsky of the UW School of Nursing and the Digital Health Innovation Hub will provide an overview of the available technologies, both current and evolving, with information gleaned from research into their best and safest uses.

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 March 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. 🧡

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

Happy Birthday to:

Rizwan A., Pam B., Jerry C., Patti C., Rilla C., Susan C., Samarth D., Anil D., Lisa D., Barbara D., Louise E., Ellen F., Jan F., Katie G., Jack H., Jean H., Daniel H., Sharon L., Laura L., Chingsu M., Nona M., Barbara M., Melinda N., Ritika P., Kassie R., Jeri R., Cindy R., Hollie R., Jackie S., Claudia S., Hosung S., Ken W., Emily W. & Nancy Y. 

Recipe of the Month–Shepherd’s Pie

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.

Interested in Becoming an NNN Community Business Sponsor? Learn more Here. Email: info@northwestneighborsnetwork.org or call 253-237-2848 to leave a message.