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Date: 3/30/2022
Subject: Quarterly Newsletter: Springing into Action with NNN
From: Social at NNN


March 2022, Quartlery Issue #11

Contents:

  • From the President of the Board
  • Member Spotlight
  • 3 Year Strategic Plan
  • Volunteer Spotlight
  • Social Highlights this Quarter
  • Summer Picnic June 16th! 
  • Upcoming Social Opportunities
  • Celebrate Spring with Tulips
  • Member-Volunteer Relationship Spotlight

 

Spring 2022: Time for Reflection and Look Ahead 

 
 As the Board of Directors continues to be amazed by the growth of NNN in the three years since our official launch, we’re excited to share some of the ideas from our March Strategic Planning Session and put our most impactful ideas to work right away. 

Reflecting: 

In our 2021 planning session, we focused on four key areas, and had great success–despite wading through the restrictions of a global pandemic.

  1. Expand NNN Community and Leadership - We added two new Board members and hired our first employee to help focus on Member and Volunteer support

  2. Increase Member Engagement and Ownership - We Restarted Our Social Committee and increased walking groups, coffee chats, board game events thanks to the ideas and support from members and volunteers

  3. Build Trust and Recognition within the Community - we continued to build strong relationships across King County and Snohomish County, Fire Department safety, senior centers, with monthly focus meetings to put plans into action. New members and volunteers are adding a wider variety of events and services for our members 

  4. Build Systems to Support Resilience and Growth - We added new financial systems, obtained legal input, upgraded insurance plans, took part in “GiveBIG” fundraising, and built a self-service volunteer signup option for even more volunteer flexibility and awareness of member needs

Looking ahead:

As we look ahead in our Strategic Planning, it’s all about planning for growth. 

  1. Growth of our non-profit Board by adding additional members with new ideas and new energy (we’re a very collaborative group and share ideas over email and share input on big decisions at bi-monthly Board meetings). It’s time to plan ahead for succession planning as well for those who’ve successfully brought NNN to where we are in serving our membership growth to date.

  2. Growth of our volunteer base. Our volunteers love the flexibility of choosing their own schedules and focusing on those areas they can contribute (friendly visits, driving members to appointments/errands, light housekeeping, handyman fixes around the member’s home, gardening, social activities, and more). What ideas have we yet to explore that a new volunteer may bring?

  3. Growth of our support model. For those who may not have time in their lives right now to volunteer, we’re exploring new fundraising options such as business sponsors for NNN’s mission of helping seniors age well in their own homes, and personal sponsorship such as sponsoring a member’s monthly dues. (Member dues cover the cost of insurance, volunteer background checks, software/systems, outreach supplies, and ongoing support.) 
Thanks to our growing membership, volunteers, and community connections, we’re helping more seniors than ever continue to lead a productive, connected life in their own homes and communities. We look forward to the ongoing support.
 
-From Suzy Chandler, President of the Board

Member Spotlight: Meet Colleen Lambert

Colleenś jeans were marked with spattering of colors that looked like an art piece themselves. She responded to my very first question. ¨Well yes I am. I am a painter.¨

I learned quickly that Colleen had a lot of appreciation for NNN volunteers. She shared how she had nearly completed a portrait of a particular volunteerś dog. ¨He just went out of his way for me when I needed help. This is my way of doing something nice for him.¨

Colleen shared more about her life and how it continues to thrive despite her challenges and in part now because of the support of NNN volunteers.

But it has been art that has gotten her through the roughest of times for over 30 years, including her diagnosis of MS. Colleen had been working as an Art Director at the Boys and Girls Club and was forced into early retirement because of her new disability. 

¨It wasn't exactly new; it was just unknown. Even as a young girl, I remember walking to church, as I did every Sunday, sitting down in the first row because I just loved to sing. And the next thing I know, I woke up at home in a bath of ice. Thatś how we treated seizures back then and it worked!¨

Colleen is fortunate in that her MS did not hit her as hard as doctors expected. She quickly jumped back into work with Edmonds Community College, where she was offered a job teaching art. For years she taught those over the age of 60 how to paint through the Creative Retirement Institute. She moved on to be part of the permanent teaching roster at Edmonds College, and eventually added Everett Community College to the list. 

After a while, she went through some tougher times with MS, among other things. Colleen pushed through and got deeper into her exploration of art. Eventually, she opened Lambert Art Studio, where she revealed her accomplishments as a painter and instructor of Representational Art. Colleenś website features impressive seascapes and striking still life work. Clearly she brings many years of experience to her community.

¨While I maintain my Art Studio, I most enjoy working with my students.¨ Colleen now teaches independently from her home. She talked fondly about a few students she has been working with for over 20 years. ¨They are so talented and they are so kind. They are dear to me and an important part of my life. I actually met them through their parents who once attended my classes through the Creative Retirement Institute. It seems everything comes around again full circle in so many strange ways. There have been many meaningful connections in my life. I pay attention to that.¨

When asked how it all began, Colleen pondered as she responded. ¨When I really think about it, I was always an artist and I was also an entrepreneur. I remember I was about 8 years old when I set up my art studio in a cubby under the stairs of my childhood home. I would recruit local neighbors to join my art classes. And they would come. Thinking back, I believe my family contributed a lot to my business sense. My parents ran a multi-generational business and our home was part storefront. As a young girl, I enjoyed  handing out coffee to a line of customers in our home. My mother was also a Rose Grower. Our yard was lined with 188 rose bushes. It was almost like a public gathering spot in our neighborhood. So often our coffee line consisted of local tourists as well.¨

Colleen is more than an artist. She continues to lead an adventurous and interesting life. She she shares many of her interests with the NNN community, including the Tulip Festivals, Lavender Field trips, Ferry Rides and Ice Cream in Kingston, Woodinville Winetasting spots, The International District in Seattle, Whale Watching, Molbak's Greenhouse and Nursery and of course the brilliance of Washingtonś outdoors….. The list went on much further. ¨Wouldn't it be nice if we could get together and relive some of our memories and enjoy these trips again or for the first time? I think itś just wonderful that NNN listens to what we have to offer for ideas of how we would like to get-together and meet each other.¨ 

¨So far, NNN has been a huge support for me. I have met many wonderful people. It has been an incredible experience. And I haven't even begun to get involved in the social activities that NNN has to offer. What I like most about NNN is that it simply makes seniors' lives easier, happier and more comfortable.¨ She added at the end and with a nudge ¨I do plan to attend a Tulip Festival event if NNN gets a group together.¨

-by Danie Belfield-Vigh, Progams Manager

This Year... and the NEXT 3 Years Ahead

  1. This Year's Board: The NNN Board is looking to add 3-5 new Board Members! Are you interested? Would you like to help us reach even more seniors in our area? We'd love to have you join our team (or our newly formed Advisory Council). We are particularly interested in those with the following backgrounds: Legal, Human Resources, Marketing, technology, Fundraising, Community Building or Finance. Questions? Contact Board President, Suzy Chandler: suzy@northwestneighborsnetwork.org

2.  This year's Outreach: We continue to make new partnerships with community groups. Is there a group you'd like to see us more involved with? (Habitat for Humanity?) Our Outreach Committee, led by Board member Tom Wilcox, meets monthly to engage with our community to ensure we're offering as many services as possible to our members and volunteers. Want to learn more? Email tom@northwestneighborsnetwork.org

3.  Three years from now in 2025:  Will we triple again in size? As we continue to build our strong volunteer base, we continue to feel very positive about reaching even more seniors in our community to help them thrive and age well in their own homes. (Interested in Volunteering? YOU pick the types of services and hours you're available for either in person helping members, or behind the scenes.) Contact Program Manager, Danie: danie@northwestneighborsnetwork.org

Did You Know?

The first aging in place village launched 20 years ago, on February 15th, in Boston.

2022 marks 20 years since the launch of Beacon Hill Village, the nation’s first Village, in 2002. Since then, the Village Movement has grown to become a vibrant network of over 300 Villages, each serving older adults so they may remain at home and connected to their communities.The map shows all the Villages across the U.S. Village to Village Network

Volunteer Spotlight: Anne Guthrie

Anne is a determined gardener and enjoys all things outdoors. She was pulling weeds while we spoke about her experience as a volunteer with Northwest Neighbors Network (NNN). There was a lot of ground to cover.

Right off the bat, Anne said being part of NNN as a Volunteer has given her ¨the opportunity to feel as though you are out there doing things for others, but finding that you are also out there doing these things for yourself.¨ She also added that she appreciated how flexible the programs were and that there were many ways to support the community as a volunteer. 
¨It all started when a neighbor of mine hosted an event about 5 years ago. It was an in person meet up among neighbors, where the story of NNN and what it was hoping to accomplish was being told. I remember thinking one day it will be me who will need these services, so I joined NNN as a volunteer in 2019 following the death of my husband.¨ It seemed right to Anne to pay it forward. She comes from a family of volunteerism, which clearly shows by the realm and depth of Anneś  service to the organization and community of members and other volunteers. For nearly a year, Anne was volunteering for a small handful of other local nonprofit organizations as well, until they started shutting down. Northwest Neighbors Network, on the other hand, kept growing, and of course evolving. ¨At that point I had met and had been actively visiting with 2 people on a regular basis. We quickly went from home visits to door way visits, and finally to phone and outdoor visits.¨ But Anne never left our community, and 2 years later is still visiting with the same people, while also enjoying a bit of help with gardening in the process. Anne shared much about how her overall experience with NNN has shaped where she is at, and how it has added value to her life. It seems that Anne has also shaped the organization on many levels.

Anne certainly has a knack with community engagement, frequenting community outreach and social events, sitting on the NNN Outreach Committee and maintaining her direct service work. Anne has been behind the scenes and on the front lines throughout NNNś years of growth and somewhat immersed in the volunteer experience from a few perspectives, having much to say about how far we have come and how far she can imagine us going.  Without volunteers like Anne, NNN could not exist. 

As she was finishing her gardening and we were finishing our dialog, Anne added with emphasis: ¨What I really discovered was that the service or job I was doing was a very small part of the experience. Most people just appreciate somebody coming around. I've enjoyed the connections I have made, and have gained so much wisdom from the insight of those I meet. I have gotten much out of my experience with NNN members and I believe this is an organization people can rely on, regardless of unforeseen barriers.¨

-by Danie Belfield-Vigh, Progams Manager

Social highlights of the First Quarter 

We were still being very cautious about indoor gatherings during the first quarter, and we had some serious wet weather that caused us to cancel a few of our favorite walks. Despite these obstacles, NNN offered 88 opportunities for getting out and mingling with others. Our walks take place on 4 different days of the week and continue to be the most well attended activities. Walking with NNN creates opportunities to move our bodies for physical and mental good health and nourish our souls by being with others. Speaking of nourishment, our twice a month lunches are back in full swing!

Check out the Events page for where to meet. If you're a member you may request transportation if you need a ride to and from lunch. Lunch starts at 1:00 and usually ends by 3:00. Walks and lunches are open to the public. Registration isn’t required. 

Personal Enrichment: 

This past quarter, we offered a special workshop to learn how we can change our lives by taking small steps to create lifelong habits. Many thanks to volunteer Cynthia O. for her generous offer of time, knowledge and support as she taught us the techniques of creating Tiny Habits. Cynthia has offered to lead another workshop if there’s interest. Please contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org .
In partnership with University of Washington School of Nursing and the Edmonds Waterfront Center, we were pleased to bring attention to the implications of Social Isolation, how to recognize social isolation and tips to help mitigate the risks of being socially isolated. You can watch a repeat of the presentation on the NNN Youtube channel. Click this link to see and hear the presentation. You may also copy and paste this address into your web browser: https://youtu.be/ykP7PyYAy-8. When viewing the video, you can turn on closed captioning by clicking on the "cc" at the bottom of the screen once the presentation begins playing.    

Games, games, games! Boy do we love  games! Thanks to volunteer Sharon L. for organizing our twice a month games afternoons at Third Place Commons in Lake forest Park. Mexican Train Dominoes seem to be a group favorite, although we’ve played so many other games, it’s just fun. Snacks pop up from time to time, too. Come join in the fun! Check out the Events calendars for upcoming dates. 

Special Events: Several members made a night of it by attending Drag Queen Bingo at the Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Senior Center. This fun event was also a fundraiser for the Senior Center, a valuable resource for our community. NNN is proud to support our neighborhood Senior Centers and appreciates the generosity of the centers to help us host events and special meetings. 

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience! A small group of us ventured out to this special event in the city. We learned so much about the life of Vincent Van Gogh as we strolled through the exhibit looking at well known works of the artist presented through digital and 3D technology. Relaxing and inspiring!
Register NOW for our Summer Picnic by the Lake on June 16th.
 
Join your fellow NNN members and volunteers for fun, food and conversation at the Lake Forest Park Civic Club. NNN will provide a buffet style lunch and beverages for this ‘Welcome to Summer!” picnic. We’re also planning to have a dessert table! If you have a favorite dessert and want to bring something to share, please contact us so we can put your name down.

The event hall is indoors, and we have access to an outside patio with a view right on the banks of Lake Washington. Parking is on site which is fully accessible. 

Space is limited with priority reservations held for the members and volunteers who register. Register now to save your spot for the picnic. There will be a wait list for those who miss early registration and for those who may wish to bring a guest if space permits. Register directly on the Events page or enter this URL into your browser: https://www.northwestneighborsnetwork.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=571198&item_id=1668256&event_date_id=255

You can also request to be added to the registration by sending an email to Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org or calling 253-237-2848.

NNN wishes a very Happy Birthday to our members and volunteers born in April:

Margaret B., Melanie B., Andy B., Jeanie E., Ron H., Kristiana J., Bob L., Jan M., Isabel N., Gisela S., Barb T., Virginia W.

Social Opportunities to Meet, Play and Laugh with our NNN Community

*Most of our events are open to the public unless otherwise indicated.

In-Person Gatherings: Most are open to the public

Weekly Walks: 

Mondays 10:30-11:30 @ Horizon View Park, Lake Forest Park

Tuesdays 11:00-12:00 @ Terrace Creek Park, Mountlake Terrace

Thursdays 1:00-2:00 @ Hamlin Park, Shoreline 

Sundays 12:15-1:30 @ Meet on Sunset between Bell & Edmonds Street, Edmonds 

Lunch with NNN (1:00-2:30): April 1: Super China Buffet, Shoreline April 15: Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant, Mountlake Terrace, and April 29: Suni’s Pizza and Burgers, Shoreline

Coffee Chat (2:00-3:00): April 7 (Thursday): Cafe Aroma, Shoreline & April 22 (Friday): Cafe Louvre, Edmonds

Games with NNN (1:00-3:00): April 13 & 27, Third Place Commons, Lake Forest Park

March Zoom Events

Weekly Monday Afternoon Chats: 4:00-5:00

Book Club: April 25, 1:00-3:00

Volunteers Only - Open Forum: April 27, 4:30-5:30

Member Only Events:

MahJong Class: Tuesdays in April from 1:00-3:00. Location to be announced. (The first class is full, sign up for future sessions)

Make Your Own Greeting Cards; Registration required space is limited. April 6th 1:00-3:00, Shoreline. Supplies provided. Free to members. Register on the Events site, email Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org or call 253-237-2848.

NNN Stronger Memory Program begins in May! 

Don’t Miss This Opportunity to Learn More and Be Part of Our First NNN Group!

Designed to stimulate the part of the brain that helps retrieve memories, the techniques practiced in the Stronger Memory program are easy to use and fun! Spend just 20 to 30 minutes a day engaged in simple reading, writing and math activities.NNN is offering this free program to all members and volunteers. Join us on April 8th to learn more as we listen to the experts tell us about the program and answer your questions. We’ve already heard from several of you who want to participate in our first group. For all who are interested in hearing more about the program, please add this Zoom meeting to your calendars now. We’ll hear directly from the people who’ve developed and supported this program as they share their experiences and the success of others who’ve been participating in the program.The discussion begins at 1:00 and is expected to last about 60-75 minutes. The link to join the meeting is on the Events calendar where you can also add the event to your calendar directly from the website. Here’s another easy way to join the meeting on the day of the event: Click on this link or paste this address into your web browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85754442708?pwd=VklpZGdKUzl2cWJnaDJNTkNHMHQzZz09The Meeting Id is 857 5444 2708, Passcode is 446611

"The Book Club"  Play May 1

Members of the NNN Bookclub are going to the Everett Performing Arts Center Space is limited. Registration required. Register on the Events page or paste this address into your browser: https://www.northwestneighborsnetwork.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=571198&item_id=1677801&event_date_id=255.  If you’re a book club member and missed the registration, you may still join the group at the play, even though you won’t be seated together.

Weekly Email Reminders

If you are interested in joining regularly scheduled events, but find it hard to remember, let us know, and we can add you to our email reminder list. Do you want to be added to a list like this? Do you want to hear more? Email Danie@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org *Members and Volunteers only.*

Interested in Joining NNN members on a field trip to the Tulip Festival in April?

Join Susanna, Danie, Colleen and Melanie as we plan a trip. If you are interested in Joining us, please contact danie@northwestneighborsnetwork.org so we can pick an exact date and purchase our tickets. Tickets are $15.

*Attendance numbers will be dependent on number of available volunteer drivers. This event is exclusive to Members and Volunteers.*

https://roozengaarde.ticketspice.com/skagit-valley-tulip-festival-tickets

RoozenGaarde is a world renowned spring destination and features a 5 plus acre display garden + 25 acre tulip field + 25 acre daffodil field. The display garden is annually redesigned and replanted featuring over 150 different tulip varieties and 1 million bulbs. Visitors from across the world travel to the Skagit Valley to see the amazingly colorful patterns and designs found throughout the garden.  The large tulip and daffodil fields are both filled with tens of millions of bulbs creating long rows of breathtaking color.

NNN relationship Spotlight: Friendship has no bounds

Sarah Crawford joined NNN as a volunteer in August of 2021, after meeting an NNN volunteer at a ¨Meet me in the park¨ event in Lynnwood the preceding July at Wilcox Park. ¨It was a welcoming event that drew me in.¨ 

Sarah has a natural empathy for those facing unnecessary barriers like many of her senior neighbors. She has an Epileptic condition which keeps her from being able to drive, on top of her battle with Social Anxiety. She understands personally how much these often invisible barriers can hurt and wants to ease the pain of others, in the ways that she can help. 

Sarah wouldn't let anything get in the way of her volunteering with our NNN community. ¨I remember my first job. It was August 1st. It wasn't easy for me. I recall a feeling of just jumping into the deep end head first.¨

It was less than a week after Sarah made that plunge that she met a woman that she would make a mark on her life. It was her second service job with NNN.

Sarah spoke fondly of her new friend and NNN member. ¨I truly enjoy her company, hearing her stories and sharing comfort. I know that she appreciates having me, maybe just somebody, there to visit.¨ 

¨Her short term memory suffers greatly and she doesn't know exactly who I am, like my name.¨ Sarah shrugged it off as though names didn't really matter anyway. ¨Her long term memory is incredible. We spend time together and she shares wonderful memories of her childhood and beyond. The stories are fascinating. And then sometimes we just chat about the weather.¨

¨I may have to remind her of my name and of the nature of my visit but I know that she knows who I am. She shares a familiarity with me, often asking about my life.¨ She will often stop in the middle of a conversation with Sarah, asking ¨So whatś up with you?¨ Sarah seemed tickled pink as she pondered and shared that thought. 

The two meet weekly and Sarah feels ¨a tugging on my heartstrings when it's time to go.¨ They share a special relationship, bound not by words and names but by something stronger.

Sarah ends with a simple summary of what her experience with NNN is like. ¨I like helping people.¨ ¨Itś a challenge for sure but now, with my friend, it's much more comfortable and I enjoy it.¨

-by Danie Belfield-Vigh, Progams Manager
NNN continues to serve our members and help them age well in their own homes. We follow the latest CDC guidelines to keep our members and volunteers safe. As always, if you need anything, please call our volunteer team at 253-237-2848 or email: Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org
253-237-2848
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