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 Executive Director
• Member Profile
• Volunteer Guides
  
• Tips to Prevent Scams
• August Events & Gatherings
• News You Can Use by Rita G.
• NNN Events Calendar
• Birthdays to Celebrate
• NNN Community Dashboard
  
• Thank you to our Community Business Sponsors

Baird envisions service posters displayed across the country, showcasing real people making a difference in their communities. Imagine someone walking by, feeling inspired to ask: How do I get involved? Where do I start?

At Northwest Neighbors Network (NNN), we attract volunteers in many ways, but by far the most effective is word of mouth. Still, we know there are many who haven’t heard about us yet, and we’re always seeking new ways to reach them. One of the simplest and most meaningful ways is by celebrating our volunteers—every single one of them. Whether someone offers a few hours or quietly dedicates themselves behind the scenes, their contributions matter, even if they haven’t been publicly recognized yet.

Remember back in high school? The trophy cabinet in the main hall proudly displayed the football or basketball team’s awards. A jersey might be hanging in there because its owner made it to the pros. We all knew the quarterback’s name—the one with the letterman jacket and the prom date who was a cheerleader.

But what about her—that classmate who volunteered at the hospital as a Candy Striper, or who sang Christmas carols at nursing homes? Maybe she went on to work for a nonprofit, quietly making a difference. Her picture wasn’t in the trophy case. She didn’t get an award for helping Mrs. Brown take her garbage to the curb. Why is that?

As an active member of the Rotary Club and immediate past chair of our local Service Committee, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of “Service Above Self.” We’ve built tiny homes for the homeless, collected holiday gifts for foster children and food bank families, distributed socks and handwarmers in winter, gathered shoes for children, and raised funds for countless local nonprofits. The list goes on. And yet, ask any Rotarian why they do it, and the answer is almost always the same: it just feels good to help.

Most people don’t volunteer for the recognition. They do it because giving back feels right. At NNN, we don’t just thank our volunteers—we cherish you. Every day, we see your kindness, your dedication, and your spirit of service.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to each and every one of our volunteers—no matter how much time you give, it makes a difference. I’ll be reaching out to Brian Baird to see how NNN can support his vision of honoring volunteers like you on a national scale.

In the meantime, please know how deeply grateful we are. Thank you for all that you do!

It started with a fire.  One of many she had attended. 

Well, it really started in Shoreline, before it was the City of Shoreline, where Leslie was raised and from where she left to go to WSU.  Leslie majored in communications and political science, which led to a job as a reporter in Idaho. From there, Leslie went on to work as managing editor of a newspaper publishing company which produced, among other things, newsletters for local government agencies.  For many years, one of the newsletters was for a growing fire department in South Snohomish County. This department needed a media relations officer.  Leslie took what she thought would be a two-year job while her children were very young. 

That turned into a 27-year career as the public information officer for what is now known as South County Fire. Leslie retired in January as the communications director. She said the best part of her career was getting to work with “amazing, compassionate people who are so skilled and dedicated to helping others.” 

Social Volunteer Guides Needed 

 We feel safer in groups and are often more comfortable with some support in new situations. NNN is here to provide opportunities for folks to engage in activities that can bring joy, combat feelings of isolation, and improve overall well-being. But we need your help. 

 Do you have a favorite activity that you or your family would like to share with others? Perhaps it’s a favorite park or place you like to visit, attending live theater or concerts, or exploring museums? Your involvement can be as easy as being a “point person/guide” for a single activity. It can be as simple as meeting members at a location, helping with directions or seating, and reporting to NNN who attended. Share your enthusiasm with others at NNN by being a Social Volunteer Guide!

 We’re especially looking for guides for our “Pop Up” activities. This summer, for example, we added Nature Walks in our area’s various parks. Based on those successful walks and reading about what our members’ interest profiles tell us, we want to offer more small gatherings like attending concerts, tours, museums, and more throughout the year. We’re preparing to grow our social events if we get a volunteer to be at each event.

 ARE YOU READY TO RAISE YOUR HAND? The NNN Social Activities Committee (SAC) will collaborate with you by providing helpful materials and guidelines. Whether you’re interested in helping with a NNN organized activity/event or exploring your own activity idea, SAC can help you prepare for it and will mentor you along the way.

 If you are willing to be a volunteer guide, please email  Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org. or text/call 253-237-2848 and ask the Services team to put you in touch with a Social Activities Committee member. We’ll take it from there and begin the collaboration with you!

Help us fulfill NNN’s mission to nurture social interaction by offering members social opportunities that allow them to feel comfortable, safe and energized in our own NNN ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ Village way. 

 You can help bring joy to our NNN community members. Please reach out to volunteer as a Social Volunteer Guide today!

Don’t Miss This Opportunity! 

Learn to how to recognize scams in a free 1 hour seminar

Thursday, July 31st, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.  - Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center  -  18560 1st Ave. NE, Building G, Shoreline 98155

BECU and the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center are offering a free informative and empowering session designed to help seniors recognize, avoid, and respond to common scams and fraud tactics. From phone and email scams to identity theft and financial fraud, this presentation will provide practical tips, real-life examples, and easy-to-follow strategies to stay protected. This session is open to the public, and registration with the Center is required. Contact the Center at (206) 365-1536 to register. NNN members may request transportation on the Events page or by contacting Services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org. Call/text 253-237-2848.

Cohousing offers an alternative for seniors who want to downsize, avoid isolation, and live in a close-knit, supportive community—without moving into assisted living. Designed to foster connection and mutual support, cohousing communities combine private, modest homes with shared amenities such as a common house, kitchen, gardens, and more. Originating in Denmark in the 1970s, the model has spread across the U.S., including 30 communities in Washington state. While general cohousing is often multigenerational, senior cohousing is tailored for adults 55+, emphasizing aging in place, independence, and neighborly support.

 Senior cohousing communities are self-governed and collaboratively built, with future residents actively involved in planning, design, and decision-making. These eco-friendly neighborhoods reduce environmental impact by sharing tools, vehicles, and living spaces, allowing smaller home footprints. Though distinct from assisted living, residents benefit from a built-in social network and informal assistance from neighbors. Washington’s only existing senior cohousing community is Quimper Village in Port Townsend, but a new group—Elderberry Commons—is now forming in Seattle. For more information, click here and visit elderberrycommons.org or contact Sandy Wood at swood43@comcast.net.

Please join us! NNN members and volunteers host 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.  Questions or suggestions to Social@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org or call/text 253-237-2848

NNN members may request transportation to any NNN hosted event by going on online or contacting the services team at 253-237-2848 

Members Only - Small Group Tour - Cascadia Art Museum - Registration Required

Friday, August 1st, 11:00 a.m. -  12 p.m. at the Cascadia Art Museum, Edmonds WA

Have you had a chance to visit Edmonds' own Cascadia Art Museum, down by the waterfront? It's a great size for an hour or so, is walker and wheelchair friendly, and has benches in viewing rooms if you want to sit a spell to enjoy the art. Knowledgeable and friendly volunteer docents are happy to share their knowledge about the exhibits, if you like.  NNN Hosts Eileen C. and Lee G. hope you'll join them on this small group outing of up to 12 other NNN members. Registration is required if you'd like to attend with us. Admission to the museum is $10.00 for seniors 65+ and $15.00 for others. Attendees will pay at the museum upon entry. Free parking is available in the lot outside the museum. As always, members may request transportation to this activity.

To register for this outing, after signing into the NNN Website, click on the red “Register Now” button and fill in your information. If you need help registering, contact Services@northwestneighborsnetwork.org, text/call 253-237-2848.

Members Only - learn to Ride the Light Rail

Saturday, August 2nd, 10:00 a.m. - noon

Do you want to go to one of the Seattle neighborhoods, including Sea Tac airport, but don't want to drive or have to pay a ride-share service to get there? Have you considered taking the Light Rail, but you don't know how to use it?
Host Eileen C. is offering escorted practice trips on the Light Rail 1 Line between the Lynnwood Station to the Northgate/Capital Hill Station. This opportunity is only available to current NNN volunteers and members. Eileen will pick you up from home and help demystify the whole process.
Space is limited, and advance registration is required. Please contact services@NorthwestNeighborsNetwork.org, text or call 253-237-2848, and your name will be referred to Eileen. She will reach out to you to coordinate the details and confirm your registration. 

Beach Blanket Bingo at Richmond Beach Community Park

Sunday, August 24th, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

Richmond Beach Community Park

2201 NW 197th Street, Shoreline, WA  98177

Join NNN hosts Don & darci B. for fun family bingo games in Richmond Beach Library park! Play up to 10 rounds of friendly bingo and maybe get lucky and win a prize! Your hosts will bring a small sampling of snacks to share and welcome others to bring something too. Please bring your own beverages, something you can sit on, lawn chairs or blankets. Cost is $1.00 per book of 10 games. If you need a dauber, you can purchase one at the park for $2.00 more.

Registration isn't required, but as a courtesy to your hosts, please reply with your contact information by going to our website and clicking the red "Please register" button so we know to look for you. You may also call/text 253-237-2848 and ask the Services team to let darci B. know you’re coming.

Walking opportunities to explore our local community gardens and parks

Volunteer Happy Hour (Active NNN Volunteers & other Members who also Volunteer)  Thursday, August 21 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at The Local 104,  18498 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park

This Newsletter has many exciting events that NNN is involved in or recommends. In particular, the free Fraud Prevention workshop on Thursday, July 31. Knowledge is your best defense!  See the article above under the “Scam Alert” sign. Call to register @ 206 365-1536.  Here are a few more activities that you might be interested in.

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

  

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

Happy Birthday to:  

Ronnie A., Lydia A., Jean B., Joan B., John B., Carol B., C C., Dean C., Lyn C., Amy E., Julia F., Paul G., Diane G., Bolb H., Keiko I., Junsuke I., Bruce M., Jennifer M., Kathy M., Paul M., Jackson M., Edna O., Barbara R., Teri S., Rebekah S., Sai T., Veronica T., Katie V., Rachel W., Gene W.

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