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Date: 12/20/2022
Subject: January NNN Neighborhood & Community News, and upcoming Events!
From: NNN Activities



As a community focused on providing support and social engagement, we enjoy sharing the latest news with our members, friends, families and community:

  • Message from the Board President
  • A Volunteer Story: by Anne Guthrie
  • Bringing Holiday Cheer!
  • Social Spotlight: Itś a new year!
  • January NNN Activities & Gatherings
  • NNN Cooks! Recipe of the Month
  • Birthdays to Celebrate in January
  • Zoom Gurus Wanted!
  • A Member Story: Winifred Won Again!
  • Remembering Ulla and Joan
  • Growing Delights and Decisions

As we all continue to work together to support our members and to reduce the impacts of social isolation and more from the pandemic, it's clear our non-profit is serving a huge need for Seniors in our community. We have doubled in size two times in the last two years, and to continue to enable that growth, we need your ongoing support.

Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, strong foundation, ability to engage with other community groups, and generous donations, we now have over 250 people involved in our NNN community. This direct interaction between volunteers and members– providing a unique, neighbor to neighbor model of support–means we get to support our members in their own homes and communities. Our volunteers provide over 300 services and 500 hours of service to our members each month. As we continue to put in place our sustainable growth, we look forward to helping the community all support one another in aging well in their own homes. 

Your support today for our year-end fundraising helps us offset costs of building a strong core of volunteers dedicated to helping our community continue to age well in their own homes, on their own terms. Thank you for considering a donation to help us continue to reach more Seniors in our community. I'm excited to be a part of a thriving Board who are all showing their support in this week's year-end match of up to $1000. (Donations on our website or Facebook page.)

Thank you! Suzy Chandler, Board President


Volunteer Profile: Anne G. shares her family tradition 

My large and scattered family has always been frugal with our Christmas gifts. Because of this, as adults we developed a strategy to avoid buying multiple gifts and the cost of postage. As was our style, it was a bit complicated. Only adults were part of the plan, with kids under 18 being fair game for any aunt, parent, grandparent or older sibling to give.

Those kids, however, had an important role in selecting who was buying who’s present. Each year one of the young relatives did the ‘picks’. Slips of paper with a name of each of the 8 adults in our immediate family as well as those who joined us, were created to pair people up. The trick was to avoid matching couples with each other. Once done those slips were mailed, never emailed, to all. An important understanding was that as Scots, no one should expect an expensive gift nor feel obligated to spend much. Over the years we came to learn that if we saw a gift had arrived from certain gifters - no ‘Secret Santa’ for us - we would be especially excited, or groaned. Some people were known for their creativity or for ignoring the ‘cheap’ rule, while others wrapped up free hats with beer logos or other company swag.

In time this joyful exchange diminished when conscientious young adults decided donations to worthy causes were a better way to celebrate the season. Bah, humbug. Perhaps this sense of frugality began when Santa shopped for us kids at Sears. Their toy catalog was taken out of hiding after Thanksgiving and we were given a price limit for what we wanted from Santa. We composed our lists to pin to our stockings, complete with page and catalog numbers and price, painstakingly adding it up to not exceed the limit. Come morning we found our gifts in separate piles surrounding our cardboard fireplace. Our family's old Santa pictured above saw it all. I hope you get what you’d like this year.

Happy Holidays!

By NNN Volunteer, Anne Guthrie


Bringing Holiday Cheer! 

In December, some of our talented NNN community members visited a few homes to spread holiday cheer. Many thanks to Eileen C., C C., Suzy C., Anne G., Gail L., Barbara & David R. We are grateful for the time you spent organizing and coordinating this event. Based on our members’ feedback, we’ll make this an annual event!

 

Social Spotlight

Planning New Opportunities for 2023!

Your NNN Social Committee is gearing up for the new year. We expect to continue to offer the favorites of walking, chatting, lunching, reading that many have come to enjoy. We’re also looking forward to bringing some new opportunities to our community and we’re asking for your feedback. 

Since we’re entering the winter months, we are going to focus on some indoor activities for the next quarter. We’re also thinking about another Member/Volunteer celebration once the weather is more predictable. Please let us know if you’re interested in participating in, or learning more about, these new Zoom events.

New Opportunities for 2023

Source: NASA

Zoom Discussion Group for people concerned about climate change. We will share ideas and thoughts about how to recognize and understand the impact of climate change and share ideas about how we can each play a part in how we impact our planet and personal lives.  Hosted by Member Cynthia O. We welcome all members and volunteers who are interested in this topic. Cynthia is a trained and engaging facilitator who cares deeply about this topic. She suggests the group meet at least once a month, and perhaps twice each month. Once formed, the group will decide what works best for schedules.


Zoom Trivia Night! Want to have some laughs with others in the NNN Community? We’re considering if, how and how often we could host a NNN Community trivia night via Zoom. Our thoughts are that some of our community would prefer to play along from the comfort of their own home and laugh with the rest of us as we try to answer questions about people, places, events or things that only some of us will remember! Before we get to the logistics of how this could work, we need to know if there’s enough interest. If so, we’ll get to work figuring out the details. AND, if anyone is interested in helping us organize and host one or more Trivia nights, please reach out to Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org right away!

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Zoom Makers’ Group. Would you like company while working on your project but it's too involved or just too much of a hassle to physically go somewhere to meet with others? NNN would like to start an informal Zoom meeting group for people to work on their projects in a group Zoom setting. Whatever you love to do, whether it’s arts, crafts, cooking, sewing, writing, woodworking (pretty much anything), we’re sure it’s more fun if you can do it in the company of others - even virtually. Maybe you’ll want to share what you’re working on with the group or get input and ideas from others who enjoy the type of project you do. Perhaps we’ll invite someone who’s an expert to talk with the group about a specific skill/hobby. Volunteer Marty B. is looking for people who’d like to participate and who’d be willing to share hosting. 

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Speaking of learning more about what our members and volunteers are interested in doing to stay involved with our great NNN community, we plan to reach out to you to help us update your Member Interests Profile. The more we know about what you enjoy (or don’t), the better we’ll be when developing opportunities. Please help us shape the community you want to be a part of by contributing your ideas and interests.

Look for a quick poll in your email from us in early January to express your interest in any of the new ideas for Zoom groups. If you already know you’d like to be part of one of these new or any existing groups, contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org or call 253-237-2848 to get added to the list of participants. As soon as we have the groups ready to go, you’ll be contacted by email unless you specify you’d rather have us contact you by phone.

JANUARY NNN ACTIVITIES AND GATHERINGS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

We welcome you to join us at any of our activities. It’s a great way to learn more about NNN and listen to others who enjoy the connections they make while attending an event. All activities are posted to our Northwest Neighbors Network web page. We encourage you to check our Events page for any changes or new opportunities that may pop up! 

We’re also mindful of the challenges of winter weather. If schools in our catchment area close, or when it’s not safe to drive or walk, NNN services and in person activities are likely to be canceled. Remember to listen to your local news station and check the Events calendar for updates. 

NNN Members may request transportation to any event by signing into the website, texting Services at 253-237-2848 or by emailing Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org. Please request services as early as you’re aware you may want some volunteer help. 

NNN Walks: 

Get out and stretch your legs while visiting with other NNN neighbors! Walks take place rain or shine (but not when it is unsafe to drive or walk). All are welcome.

  • Lake Forest Park, Horizon View Park, Mondays at 10:30

  • Mountlake Terrace, Terrace Creek Park, Tuesdays at 11:00

  • Shoreline, Hamlin Park, Meet in the first parking lot on the left, Thursdays at 1:00

  • Edmonds, Meet on Sunset between Bell & Edmonds St, Sundays at 12:15

NNN Talks:

Monday afternoon Zoom Chats with Jerry. The group picks a fun theme as a conversation topic each week. Call in to listen or share. Your choice! Great way to stay connected with your NNN community neighbors. 

  • Mondays, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Click Zoom link below or call: 253 215-8782

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2532372848?pwd=RmlBTUlCQWI1ZHpzZ2ExQ25ramRFUT09

NNN Chats over Coffee:

Meet us at a local coffee shop for an hour of casual conversation over your favorite cup of coffee. We hope you’ll join us!

  • January 6 at Woods Coffee, Edmonds. 2:00-3:00

  • January 20 at Richmond Beach Coffee Shop, Shoreline. 2:00-3:00

NNN Plays Games Together:

Join us for Games with Sharon at Third Place Commons. All are welcome. Just play for fun! Lots of choices and no cut throat competition. Upper level, look for our NNN table sign.

  • January 4 and January 18 from 1:00-3:00. 

Mahjong group meets on Fridays. 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. 

NNN Reads:

Join host Eileen C. and others as they share their thoughts about a book selected by the group each month. 

NNN Eats:

Boy do we like to eat! And talk! And eat some more! Lunches are open to all! We ask that you let us know if you’re coming so we can let the restaurant know how many to anticipate. Contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org or call/text 253-237-2848. January’s lunch locations:

  • January 13, Olive Garden, Lynnwood.  1:00-300

  • January 27, Time Out Greek and American Restaurant, Mountlake Terrace. 1:00-3:00

NNN Artists and Crafters Gather Together, Tuesdays, Upper Level under the Skylights, Third Place Commons, Lake Forest Park, 10:30-3:30

Whether you like to paint, draw, knit, crochet, make cards or have other special artistic talents, we welcome all to spend time and company with others who also enjoy creating in the company of others. Bring your own supplies and meet under the skylights at Third Place Commons in Lake Forest Park. Volunteer artist Marty B. and her friend Sylvia P. look forward to seeing you there! 

Members can request transportation to any NNN event or activity by sending an email to Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org or by texting/calling 253-237-2848. 

Have questions? Contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org.

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Where Can I Find the Activities hosted by NNN, and Where Can I meet other NNN Members or Volunteers? 

Visit the Northwest Neighbors Events page!

This is what our Events page looks like (but it’s much bigger and easier to see) when you visit our website and click on the “Events” tab. Here’s the link:  https://www.northwestneighborsnetwork.org/content.aspx?page_id=4001&club_id=571198



 NNN Cooks! Recipe of the Month

Earlier last year, we invited our NNN members to send us some of their favorite recipes. We’ll share one with each edition until we run out! Don’t let that happen! Send your recipe submissions to Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org.  Here’s a mouthwatering dessert recipe submitted by volunteer Eileen C. 

Mint Chocolate Bars

20 bars

Bottom layer:

½ cup flour

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter

2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

Topping:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

2 tablespoons milk

1½ cups sifted powdered sugar

½ teaspoon peppermint extract

Green food coloring

Glaze:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon milk

2 ounces high-quality semisweet chocolate, chopped

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan, or lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

2. To prepare the bottom layer: Combine the flour and salt; set aside. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chocolate, stirring until blended and smooth. Set aside to cool. With an electric mixer, beat the sugar and eggs until thick and pale. Add the cooled chocolate mixture and beat well.

3. Gradually add the flour, blending well after each addition. When mixed, spread evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 24 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely on a rack.

4. To make the topping: In a medium bowl, beat together the butter, milk and powdered sugar until smooth. Beat in peppermint extract and just a little food coloring to make a pale green. Spread evenly over the cooled dough. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until the topping is firm.

5. To make the glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter, milk and chocolate, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over the topping, spreading evenly with a thin spatula. Cover and chill until firm.

6. Run a sharp knife around the edge of the pan, then cut into 20 bars. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Did you make this recipe? Let us know how it turned out! Have a favorite recipe you want to share? Send your comments to Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org


Birthdays in January

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

Happy Birthday to:

Inger A., Diane A., Julie Anne B., Cecilia B., Matt B., Amy C., Rose C., Trish E., Fekerte K., Dick M., Shirley M., Crystal N., Lindsey O., Garnet R., Rickey S., Kathy S., Aida W.


Help Wanted! Zoom Mentors and/or Zoom Administrators!

Are you great at using Zoom? We need YOU!

Contact Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org

Zoom Mentors: Would you help us teach a few others how to host a Zoom meeting? We’re looking forward to offering some activities where participants can join in from home (or wherever they may be), and our volunteer hosts could use some pointers on how to sign on as a host to Zoom, share his/her/their screens, admit others to the meeting etc. We know there are many YouTube and other online tutorials available, but being able to talk to someone directly really improves learning and retention. We can schedule Zoom training in person or over the phone (via Zoom of course). Just let us know if you’re available to be a mentor! 

Zoom Administrators: If you’re available to be a volunteer Zoom administrator for an activity (even one or two times if not for all), we’d love to have you join some of our Zoom sessions and take the lead to get the Zoom up and running, monitor questions or the chat, maybe set up a breakout room etc.  Not having to worry about the nuances of how to navigate the Zoom application on a more expert level would free up our hosts of the activity to focus on the content and keep participants engaged throughout the activity. If you’re interested in the topic/activity, you’d also be one of the participants and have a chance to join in!

Member Profile: Winifred Wins Again!

I am in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a world powerlifting competition.  I have been here many times before, but it always seems like it's the first time.  With God at my side, the plan is to set another world record.  I feel good.  My son, who is  my trainer and coach, is taking very good care of me.  This is the first time we have lifted together and me on his team Teams all Natural.  That is the name of his team.  Tomorrow, Friday, all hell will break loose because the plan is we will rock the house.  I have the strength of man.  And I passed it on to my son by God's hand.  

I don't like flying but this was a good one.  We were able to see free movies on the airplane.  I don't look at television very much, but the movie was very good and the two hour flight went fast. Very few people wore masks.

It's expensive to fly. This journey to compete would not have been done without my sponsors: my church (St Matthew), Sound Generations, NNN Volunteers and some other good friends of mine stepped up to the plate and did their part. 

At the competition I ran into a lot of people who knew me. I did not know them. The weigh-in and all the paperwork, my son took care of everything and he is competing as well.  The only thing I have to do is lift the weights.  My nephew and his wife and her sister came to see the event for the first time because they had never seen one before.   

Now it's Friday morning and I am rip-roaring and ready to go.  First we would eat a good breakfast.  My son will come to get me at 6 a.m. and on with the show.  The rules will be said at 8 a.m.  The show will start at 8:30 a.m.  I will bring back the gold. That is the plan.  I don't know about anyone else but for me, it's the gold which matters the most.  That is what I trained for.

In the bench press I brought home the gold and I set a world record.  In the deadlift I set two world records in two different divisions. My best was 203.9 lb.  Since I am starting all over I was pleased with that.  I rocked the house with my lifting.  It was a very long day and into the night.  

Today, now Saturday, my family and I will have some fun.  For breakfast I  just wanted a bowl of oatmeal.  We will be home Monday.  My birthday was on December 16. I am eighty four years young. 

By NNN Member, Winifred Pristell


Remembrances 


Ursula Rychte

In the beginning of NNN Ursula was there.  As an adviser to the planning committee, as a board member, and as a founding member.  Each step NNN took, we had Ulla as a guide.  Start a book club?  Ulla provided the experience and encouragement.  Make connections with Shoreline neighborhoods?  Ulla knew people.  Help connect a member to a religious organization? Ulla, of course.  And NNN was just one of many organizations and people who benefited from her friendship, advice, and love.  She was a cheerful voice we will miss in our NNN Community. A bit of her amazing story is told in the Seattle Times. You can also copy address into your browser: https://obituaries.seattletimes.com/obituary/ursula-rychter-1086782908

Joan Baumann

Joan joined NNN on June 25, 2020 and quickly became a steady presence at our Friday lunches. NNN has quite a collection of funny faces and hand gestures (all of them polite) from those gatherings. She loved ice cream and always wanted water or root beer, but no ice thank you!  Folks who have come to some of the NNN lunches can attest to her enthusiasm for good food and even an occasional margarita (“hey, I’m not driving!”). Joan took care of a companion for many years and took comfort with her memories of that time. Despite some of her physical challenges, Joan looked forward to getting together with others and always brought a laugh and ready smile to the table. Direct and to the point, we knew we could count on Joan to let us know what she thought about a topic and to freely share her stories of growing up in Montana, where she’d hoped to return someday.


Growing Delights and Decisions

… and might we say, growing pains.  In the last year and a half, the number of members has doubled and is now 140. This year we completed over 3300 services (as compared to 1,700 last year), and we will log around 5,500 volunteer hours as compared to 3,600 in 2021.  An impressive performance for a young organization.  Health care organizations, fire departments, senior centers and senior service organizations, as well as our own members and volunteers are sending people to NNN and expressing their appreciation that we are here.  

It has been delightful meeting and getting to know the many new people who have joined us as we face the challenges of aging in place.  And we are so grateful to the many who have joined us as volunteers to help us accomplish that goal. Our volunteer force is now 140 strong, up from 78 a year ago at this time.

With growth, there have come challenges of course.  The main one: being able to provide transportation to appointments that must happen during business hours.  Many of our drivers also work during those same hours, so while we are delighted with the many new volunteers, we still have some tough decisions to make.  In the new year we will continue to look for ways to meet transportation needs in a fair way. With our members' help, we are looking for alternative means of transportation for members, including knowing which health care organizations are now providing rides at no charge or other organizations that provide rides at low cost. We are also asking members to get their appointments in to us as soon as they know them, to sometimes reschedule to a less busy day or time, and to let us know when they have alternate means of support as a backup.  And we welcome you sharing your ideas and experience to help us continue to meet the transportation needs of our membership.

By Sandy Moy, Membership Director and Chair of the Member & Volunteer Committee


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