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Date: 4/27/2022
Subject: April NNN Community News and Connections
From: Northwest Neighbors Network



Our NNN Community continues to be busy with exciting events and connections. What's on your mind as we close out April and look forward to the warmer Spring days ahead? As a community focused on providing social engagement, we enjoy sharing the latest news with our members, friends, families and community members:
  • NNN Board Thankful for Volunteers
  • Member and Volunteer Focus (Muschi & Melanie)
  • Free Covid Boosters - Onsite or Home
  • Covid Dashboard Updates
  • King Co/Sno Co Property Tax Options
  • Community Events/Links/Connections (Markets/Wine/Plants)
  • June 1 Navigating Life Decisions Panel Open to All
  • Social Outings in May (Many open to public)
  • Members Only: June 16 Picnic

NNN Board Thankful for Our Volunteers!
As a growing and thriving nonprofit, we know how lucky we are to have such a fantastic core of volunteers giving their time and skills in helping all of us live better lives! During National Volunteer Month, we especially focus on our new and long-standing volunteers. (If you've been thinking of volunteering, you can see from the message we sent to our team below just how much we appreciate our volunteers!)
If you are interested in learning more about being a volunteer, please reach out to our Services team! You choose the amount of time you have, and every week or month can be different based on your schedule. 
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When did you last sit down and reflect on all of the wonderful things you’re doing for your Northwest Neighbors Network community? Your NNN Board thinks about it all of the time! Without YOU, we would never come close to meeting our mission of helping our neighbors get the little extra help they need to continue living in their own homes and connected to their community.

Your NNN Board is so thankful for you and the efforts of the full volunteer team that makes our NNN community so strong and resilient. Without you dashing through the rain and sleet to run our members to doctor appointments and errands, where would our members be? Without you and your friendly visits, how would our members feel connected and not deflated by this weather? Without you and that uncanny ability to reach that cobweb up in the corner of a member’s kitchen window, how would our members see all of the spring blossoms emerging? Without you leading our walks in four different locations each week, how would our members get outdoors and active? Without you and your endless patience with the latest technology upgrades, how would our members stay connected on their computers? Without you serving on our Social, Outreach, and Member/Volunteer committees, or helping with event planning, how would we keep up with all of the awesome program activities we’re able to provide to our membership community?

By the way, did you know that our volunteer team has already completed 800 service requests for our members this year? Who knew when we launched in 2019 that we would so quickly reach over 100 members? In February of 2019 we had 33 members (full service and social), and as of February 2022, we had 104 members. Our small and mighty volunteer team of 76 continues to grow, and we have exciting plans ahead to add even more volunteers to meet our growing needs. We’re excited to have you and your efforts helping make the lives of each other and our members so much better!

Thank you for all you do for the NNN Community. You’re making a difference, and we appreciate you!

Muschi and Melanie
Member and Volunteer Focus: Muschi, Melanie & Quality Cheese
NNN volunteer Melanie recently signed up for a 3 month project to help NNN member Muschi with a downsizing and packing project. When asked about her weekly meetings with Muschi and the project she was helping with, Melanie shared her experience. 

¨It starts with a cup of coffee and ends with an empty cup that Muschi will not let me wash.¨ Melanie, smiling, goes on. ¨Muschi has a comfortable presence. Maybe it's our ties to European heritage. Hers Germany. Mine Hungary. Or possibly our opinion about what constitutes quality cheese. Maybe we just silently understand each other, each having our own challenges, adventures and paths that led to now.¨ 

¨As for the packing and moving project, it has been fun and inspiring. It has only been a month but it feels longer, in a good way. I feel fortunate to be invited into Muschiś world of experience through the things we are packing up and the conversations that follow. I learn so much from her stories. Things that make me think.¨

¨The work is easy and I enjoy spending time with her, even though Muschi always worries that I'm going to hurt myself. She is also literally a neighbor, a 5 minute drive away. So helping Muschi on this project is convenient with my schedule. I like that NNN can offer nearby and flexible opportunities for volunteers.¨ 

Muschi requested volunteer support, sharing with NNN that this June she must reluctantly move out of a place where she has called home for over 20 years. Her landlord and friend must sell the property and so she will leave the area and live adjacent to her son and close to extended family. Muschi explains it as a feeling of  mixed emotions to Melanie. "Her current community has been a huge part of her life. But she has a very loving and supportive family who is going to make her next journey feel secure and loving." Muschi shared with me that her grandchildren think she's wild, and one of their favorite people ever. ¨I can see that,¨ Melanie adds with a grin. 

Boosters
Covid Vaccine Clinics (or At Home)
In addition to community events such as the Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Senior Center clinic on May 6 (no appointment necessary), there continue to be options (including for those who are homebound) for getting vaccinations in your community.
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King County residents - in-home vaccination is available for people age 5 and older who:
  • Are eligible for a primary or booster dose (or who have a moderate or severe immune-compromised condition that make them eligible for an additional dose) AND
  • Have an injury, developmental disability, medical or mental health condition that makes it difficult to leave the home AND
  • Would require considerable and taxing effort to get vaccinated outside the home. https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/vaccine/distribution.aspx
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Snohomish County:
Snohomish County Vaccine Taskforce has mobile teams of emergency medical staff with local fire agencies. Homebound individuals who cannot access vaccinations outside of the home may contact the call center at 425-339-5278 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). The call center makes referrals to mobile EMS teams and vaccination providers when the only way for someone to access the vaccine is through in-home vaccination.

Covid Dashboard
Covid Dashboard Updates
Did you know? The State Covid Dashboard has a new "Current Status" tab to show trends which can be tracked by each county to show hotspots and trends.
Dashboard - https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies/covid-19/data-dashboard

King County taxes
King County Property Tax Exemptions
April and October are property tax deadlines. Do you know the new income levels for Senior exemptions?
Washington State lowered the income levels which allow those meeting the criteria to reduce the amount of property tax they pay.
 
 Basic qualifications:
  • Own the home you live in
  • At least age 61 by December 31 of the preceding year or disabled
  • Max income of $58,423 (2019 and 2020) or $40,000 (2017 and 2018)
  • Read the full Qualification details on the King County link
https://kingcounty.gov/depts/assessor/TaxRelief/SeniorExemptions.aspx
Snohomish County taxes
Snohomish County Property Tax Exemptions

The Senior Citizen/Disabled Persons Property Tax Exemption Program helps reduce your property tax liability. The qualifying criteria is based upon your age and/or disability, residency and income. The new levels of income thresholds are:

  • A $0 TO $38,591 Exempt from excess levies (ie: local school levies) and Part 2 of the state school levy, plus a reduction of assessed value of 60% or $60,000, whichever is greater.
  • B $38,592 TO $47,167 Exempt from excess levies and Part 2 of the state school levy, plus a reduction of assessed value of 35% or $50,000, whichever is greater, not to exceed $70,000
  • C $47,168 TO $55,743 Exempt from excess levies and Part 2 of the state school levy

Snohomish County link
https://snohomishcountywa.gov/328/Property-Tax-Exemptions


--Community Connections--
Snohomish County Transit Feedback

Community Transit is asking people who live and travel in Snohomish County to provide feedback on a redesigned bus network in anticipation of connecting to light rail in 2024. Community Transit will host a Zoom presentation of the draft bus network on May 2 at noon. The Zoom can be accessed at bit.ly/Transit2024OpenHouseMay2. Members of the public can review the new routes and ask questions.

 
Ready to give your input? Reply by the May 31 deadline: https://transit2024.participate.online/

King County Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
Deadline to apply is April 29th! The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides $40 worth of vouchers/checks (one-time distribution) to be used for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets. Learn more here: https://www.agingkingcounty.org/what-we-do/healthy-aging/#sfmnp

Edmonds Summer Wine Walks
Grab a friend and sign up now - if you love local art, it's time to sign up. SIP. SHOP. SOCIALIZE. SUPPORT! June 25th and August 6th 2022 - The Edmonds Summer Wine Walks are back! Sip local wines, shop small, socialize with good friends, and support the Arts in Edmonds all on a gorgeous summer evening.

Ready for Some New Plants?

Shop all of your favorite plants at the Snohomish County Master Gardener Foundation’s annual plant sale Saturday, May 7 from 9 AM-3 PM.


Shoreline Farmer's Market Has a New Location!

Opening day is Saturday, June 4. In partnership with King County Metro, the Shoreline Farmers Market will be turning the Shoreline Park n Ride parking lot into a lively space open for everyone in the community to enjoy on Saturdays. With plenty of parking you can drive, walk, bike, or hop on the bus: RapidRide E Line, 301, 303, 304, 342.
Just a stone’s throw from the Dale Turner YMCA and Sky Nursery, the Shoreline Farmers Market will have over 40 local and regional vendors selling seasonal vegetables, berries, organic meat, eggs, local honey, and baked goods. 


Panel Discussion
Special Panel Open to All: Navigating Life Decisions
Opportunity to learn and socialize! Please come to this free in-person panel discussion with experts who help seniors navigate critical life decisions! All members of the public are invited.

We all would like to live a very long, healthy life and remain independent until the end of our days. What can you do now to help prepare yourself, or someone you love, to navigate the uncertainties you may face? Come and learn with us! NNN has arranged an expert panel for an afternoon of listening, learning and asking questions.

We hope you’ll join us and other members of the community at this free event to hear from an Elder Care Attorney, a Home Care Advisor, a Senior Housing Referral Specialist and a Fiduciary as they share information we may want to consider as we plan our futures.

Thanks to the generosity of the Mountlake Terrace Senior Center for providing their facility for us to hold this event! While at the event, take a few minutes to explore the MLT Center and enjoy the surroundings. The MLT Center is situated right on the banks of Lake Ballinger. Light refreshments will be available.
 
Members Only: Watch your mail for a flyer with more information about this event. It’ll be tucked in with your invitation to the June picnic. Registration is recommended but not required. If you have any questions about this panel discussion, please contact social@northwestneighborsnetwork.org. If you need help logging on to the website or registering for this event, or need transportation, please contact services@northwestneighborsnetwork.org or text/call 253-237-2848. Members: register and/or request transportation through this link (Remember you must log on to see the Register and Request Transportation buttons since those services are only available to members of the NNN Community. 

What’s happening within your NNN Community in May?
Tip: Make it a habit to check the Events Calendar regularly for additional information about planned,
newly added or changes to scheduled events. 

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): May 13: Claim Jumper, Lynnwood: May 27: Kebella’s Pizza & Pasta, Edmonds
Coffee Chat (2:00-3:00): May 6: Cafe Aroma, Shoreline & May 20: Cafe Ladro, Edmonds
Games with NNN (1:00-3:00): May 11 & May 27, Third Place Commons, Lake Forest Park
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May Zoom Events (Check the Events page for updated links)
Weekly Monday Afternoon Chats: 4:00-5:00
Monthly Book Club - May 23 from 1:00-3:00 PM
Volunteers Only - Open Forum: May 25, 4:30-5:30

Member Only Events:
The BookClub Play: Sunday, May 1, 2022. For more information, contact Sandy@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org
MahJong: Tuesdays from 1:00-3:00. For more information, contact Sandy@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org
Stronger Memory Group: Mondays from 1:00-1:45. For more information, contact darci@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org

Tree blossom
Members and Volunteers Only! Save the date for our June ‘Spring into Summer’ Picnic! June 16th, 2022; 11:30-2:30

~ Invitations with more information are in the mail ~ Registration is required! ~ 

Our picnic is being held at the Lake Forest Park Civic Club. Come rain or shine, we’ll be eating inside the Civic Club’s hall! The Club is fully accessible. If the weather is nice, we can wander outside to the adjacent patio which looks out over Lake Washington. We’re serving a buffet style lunch and encouraging attendees to bring a favorite dessert to share on our dessert table. 

What else will be happening at the picnic? Enjoy meeting and visiting with other members of our NNN Community, listening to some ukulele players, visiting a resource table with helpful information for aging in place, chatting  with the Shoreline Fire Department’s Community Outreach member and having a chance to win a small gift from occasional and random drawings. Don’t miss out! Click on this Register link or paste this address into your web browser : https://www.northwestneighborsnetwork.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=571198&item_id=1668256&event_date_id=255
(Remember you have to log in first to see the Register button or to request transportation.)  

If you haven’t been called about your interest and availability to come to the picnic by one of our enthusiastic volunteers, expect a friendly call to say hello and answer any questions you may have about the picnic. We’ll make it easier to say “yes!” by registering you for the event if you want us to. If you’re a member and will need transportation to the picnic, you will need to send a transportation request to services@northwestneighborsnetwork.org, by calling 253-237-2848, or by clicking on the Request Transportation button when you’re registering on the website. 

Heads up, volunteers! We’re asking you to lend your hands to help us make the picnic a successful and fun outing for all!



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.
 
Here's to a Happy Birthday ahead to our members and volunteers born in May:

Patricia A., Marilyn B., Carla B., Cindy G, Heather H., Margaret J, Carlos I., Sandy M.,
Diana P., Judith S., Eileen W. 

If we missed your name, please let us know!


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