August 2020 - North East Seattle Together (NEST)
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August 2020
Contents Neighbors Helping Neighbors
NEST Vendors- 1
President's Corner - 2 From grocery runs to check-in calls to our new beta test of
volunteer transportation, NEST's dedicated volunteers have
In-Home Care - 3
shown us what it means to be a good neighbor throughout the
Events - 4 COVID-19 pandemic.
Community Support - 6
Calendar - 7 From all of us here at NEST: THANK YOU for your continuing
support of our members. Our village relies on your generosity of
Care and Dementia - 8 spirit to stay strong through the trials we are facing.
Summer Auction - 9
Celebrations - 10 Through thick and thin, our volunteers have met the needs of our
Last Chirps - 10 members with ingenuity and creativity. As our economy begins to
reopen and the weather continues heating up, we appreciate our
volunteers stepping up to meet the ever-evolving challenges that
emerge.
Grocery shopping remains one
of our most requested services
(NEST volunteer Tara, pictured
right, has become an expert at
finding the exact items on each
member's list). But with Seattle
in Phase 2 of Governor Inslee's
reopening plan, some members are
feeling more confident about going
out to run their own errands.
NEST has begun testing a new
system for providing members
transportation to the grocery store as well as medical
appointments and other necessary outings. We appreciate
the willingness of our volunteers to help us find a safe and
comfortable way to get our members where they need to go.
We love our volunteers!
President's Corner
Greetings to Everyone, and Happy August!
As a nonprofit organization, NEST continues to strive for financial health. One of our key Board of
Directors’ goals is to have increased diversity of revenue streams. This is a best practice and important
as we weather challenges like COVID-19 and seek to grow as an organization. A fun way that we are
diversifying in the short-term is to host our first-ever Summer Surprises Auction - which will include
opportunities to bid on fun activities, services, future vacations, and other things - and offer a way for
not only members but also neighbors, family and friends to help grow our NEST support network.
As part of one of our longer-term financial health strategies, I want to devote this President’s Corner to
an important topic - the critical choices we make in our estate plans. NEST now has a Legacy Giving
program, and I am honored to be its inaugural “Champion”. Here is some personal history behind my
choice, and why it is so meaningful to me.
In January 2008, my wife Nancy was diagnosed with early-onset dementia. She had just turned 65.
Over time, Nancy's dementia progressed to a point where in July 2010, I came to the painful realization
her needs would be best served by moving her to a memory care residence in Washington state. On
July 4, 2012 Nancy passed away. It was indeed her Independence Day - freed from the bonds of a
relentless and unforgiving disease.
A little over two weeks before her death, EvergreenHealth Hospice Care took over all of Nancy’s
health needs. The hospice professionals and staff were sensitive, empathic, and truly amazing. I was
overwhelmed with their care and compassion - both with respect to Nancy’s care, and my own needs.
Several years later, I decided to revise my estate planning so as to include EvergreenHealth
Foundation, an IRS registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, in the allocation of my tax-deferred investment
account. I wanted to honor Nancy, and support an entity through which she had received such loving
care.
Just recently, I further revised my tax-deferred investment allocation to include NEST. I wanted to
ensure that two organizations that are so very near and dear to my heart, will someday receive a
benefit for the amazing and compassionate work they do.
I am inviting you to do the same and consider NEST in your estate plans. Participating in the NEST
Legacy Giving program will empower you to honor and memorialize your values through creating a gift
that has meaning for you. On August 13, 2020, NEST is offering a free estate planning seminar with
NW Elder Law. (See the article in this Newsletter on how to sign up.) Learning about how your estate
planning may change over time, and the many flexible ways that planning can occur, is a helpful way to
think about legacy giving.
For further information about NEST’s Legacy Giving program, you can contact Laura Hitchcock,
Development Director to learn more.
Namaste.
Don Desonier
President, NEST Board of Directors
2
Reasons to Choose In-Home Care for Seniors
This article is provided by our sponsor Adam Colby of Fedelta Home Care
It’s important for seniors to get the care they need; luckily, there are several options families can
consider. One option that might be the best choice is in-home care. Instead of stopping there, find out
some of the reasons to choose in-home care for seniors, and get your loved one the attention
they deserve.
Reducing Risk of COVID-19 Exposure
Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities such as Assisted
Living and Skilled Nursing Facilities are particularly
vulnerable to COVID-19 exposure. Home Care is an option
that minimizes risk of exposure since you are in control
of who visits your home. Fedelta Caregivers and Nurses
providing home care use the same personal protective
equipment (PPE), hygiene, and social distancing protocols
that are used in long-term care facilities and are screened
for symptoms daily.
Seniors Can Remain Independent
When seniors age, it’s important that they still maintain their independence in some form for their health.
With in-home care, the ability for seniors to be independent is possible since they aren’t in a nursing
home. Losing independence is a fear many seniors have, but it’s not an issue with in-home care.
More Than Just Medical Treatment
The second reason to choose in-home for seniors is that it provides more than just medical treatment.
While health and safety are the number one priority, an in-home caregiver also provides a senior with all
the help they need around their home with cooking, grooming, and other daily activities.
Seniors Can Stay Comfortable at Home
For seniors, some form of caregiving is necessary, but a major worry for seniors is ending up in a
nursing home. In-home care not only gives a senior the attention they need, but it’s all done in the
comfort of their own home.
Builds Companionship
Senior life is also known to get lonely, which can often lead to depression. The good news is in-home
care can also help with this because a professional caregiver can become more than just someone to
help. They’re also a companion with friendly conversation, social activities, and more.
In-Home Care Is an Affordable Option
The final reason why you should consider in-home care is because it’s an affordable option. Seniors
have many options to consider for care, like nursing homes and assisted living, but in-home care
services cost less. With all the benefits that come with in-home senior care, it’s hard to think of a better
option.
From friendly companionship to round-the-clock in-home care,
we offer customized, flexible solutions for seniors, people with
disabilities, and patients recovering from injury or illness. Visit
www.FedeltaHomeCare.com or call 206-362-2366 for a free
in-home or virtual assessment.
3
Upcoming Events See these events on
the calendar, page 7
NEST Events Open to the Public
All events are free unless otherwise noted.
Estate Planning: What You Need to Know - Thursday, August 13 at 2:00 pm
Virtual event, please contact the NEST office to RSVP
Join us for a free online webinar on estate planning and simplifying your legal affairs. You will learn:
• What legal documents should everyone have?
• What legal planning can I do to make sure my wishes are carried out during my lifetime?
• Are there ways to minimize or avoid family conflict after my death?
• How to work safely with an attorney while adhering to COVID-19 restrictions.
Janet L. Smith is an attorney providing services in elder law, estate planning, estate administration,
guardianship and mediation. She received her law degree from the University Of Washington School Of
Law in 1983 and received a Certificate in Gerontology from the University of Washington in 2000. She
is the founder of Northwest Elder Law Group PLLC, located in the Northgate area.
This presentation will include a Q&A section. Participants are encouraged to submit questions in ad-
vance to the NEST office.
Moving with Greater Ease: Feldenkrais - Tuesdays from 11:00 am to noon
NEST Office, 8008 35th Avenue NE, Fireside Room
Virtual class, click here for information on how to join.
This class led by Gail Thompson uses the Feldenkrais Method of gentle movements to help students
move with increased comfort, flexibility, and balance. Safe, relaxing, and varied movement lessons
stimulate the brain’s neuroplasticity to increase awareness and explore options for how we use our
bodies in sitting, reaching, walking, and other activities. Movements may help improve balance, reduce
pain, and decrease peripheral neuropathy. No experience needed; lessons take place on the floor or in
chairs. Students should wear warm, comfortable clothing and bring a mat or blanket.
Mind, Body, Spirit, Healing Community: Qigong - Thursdays from noon to 1:00 pm
Virtual class, click here for information on how to join.
Quiet the mind, experience a grounded and centered state using focused intent, breath, and body
postures. Deeply relax and practice self-healing meditations in still (internal) and moving (external)
forms. Virtual Class materials: floor space, armless chair/stool, comfy place to sit, stand, + lie down
for relaxation forms. If your internet signal stretches and you have safe access to the outdoors with
social distance, consider practicing with us in nature!
Member-Only Groups and Activities
*NEW* Casual Conversations - Wednesday, August 19 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Virtual event, RSVP to the NEST office to receive info on how to join
Come join long-time NEST supporter and sponsor Kelley Smith for an afternoon of
fun conversation and activities! This month, Kelley will be supplying each participant
with a paint-by-number kit that we will all paint together over Zoom. Kelley is an expert
at having fun, but if you do have any questions about long term care options, she is
available to answer them as well. We hope to continue these events every two weeks - with a different
activity each time. Please RSVP to the NEST office by August 7.
4
NEST Zoom Gathering - Tuesday, August 18 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Virtual event, click here to join Zoom Meeting with video or call 253-215-8782 with your phone
Meeting ID: 874 2557 5881 Password: 723182
In lieu of NEST potlucks for now, we bring you a virtual NEST gathering on the third Tuesday of the
month, where we can still be social and connected with each other while social distancing! Let's have
a fun and friendly conversation about hobbies or interests, sports, food, movies --- you name it, let's
talk about it. Moderated by NEST members Marilyn Layton and Nancy Nordquist.
Poetry Reading Group - Wednesday, August 26 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Virtual meeting, click here to join Zoom Meeting with video or call 253-215-8782 with your phone
Meeting ID: 870 7336 3862 Password: 030009
Join your NEST friends for reading, sharing, and appreciating great poems and poets. Please bring
one or two of your favorite poems (can include poems you have written) to read aloud with the group.
This group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the NEST office and is facilitated by
NEST Members Rosemary Blakemore and Debbie Anderson.
Science Club - Thursday, August 27 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Virtual class, click here to join the Zoom Meeting with video or call 253-215-8782 with your phone
Meeting ID: 857 2117 5104 Password: 009510
Calling all scientists and science enthusiasts! Join us on the fourth Thursday of each
month for an afternoon of intellectual engagement. Bring an article that you found
fascinating on anything - black holes or black bears, geology or genetics - and we will
discuss it as a group. All scientific interests are welcomed here!
Women’s Caregiver Support Group - Fridays from 10:30 am to noon
Contact the NEST Office to get more information about attending this class via phone or computer.
Volunteer Julia Devin leads this group at the NEST office. Come enjoy a great space to connect with
other members who are supporting a loved one who needs care.
Recommended Community Events Open to the Public
The History and Politics of Black Hair and Beauty - Multiple dates through August 4 at 6:00 pm
Virtual event, click here for more information
In her new book Doing Business with Beauty, sociologist Adia Harvey Wingfield examines hair
salons—one of the fastest-growing businesses popularly owned and run by Black women. Join her
for a virtual talk with local Black arts space Wa Na Wari.
Climate Change and the Puget Sound's Marine Ecosystem - Thursday, August 6 at 10:30 am
Virtual event, hosted by University House Wallingford, please RSVP at (206) 545-8400 by Tuesday,
August 4. Click here for a copy of the flier.
In this webinar, Dr. Bond will review how Puget Sound and its marine ecosystem are likely to evolve
over the coming decades, with a focus on the impacts of climate change. He will include a discussion
of the kinds of efforts, both current and future, required for its protection and restoration.
Nick Bond is a principal research scientist with the Cooperative Institute for Coastal, Ocean and
Ecosystem Studies (CICOES) of the University of Washington. He has a Ph.D. in Atmospheric
Sciences from the UW. His research focuses on the weather and climate of the Pacific Northwest and
the linkages between the climate and marine ecosystems of the North Pacific. He is the climatologist
for the state of Washington, and proud to be a weather geek. This event is free and open to the
public.
5
Isabel Wilkerson: Caste - Friday, August 7 at 8:00 pm
Virtual event, click here for more information
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson (The Warmth of Other Suns) explores "how race and
related matters are viewed, perceived, experienced, understood" in her new book, Caste: The Origins
of Our Discontents. Hear her explore the intersections of systemic inequality in the US, India, and
Nazi Germany in this virtual talk co-hosted by Tasveer and the Northwest African American Museum.
$10 - $35.
A Candid Conversation about Systemic Racism - first and third Fridays through December
Virtual event, click here for more information
Do you have white privilege? Are you wanting to educate yourself and be part of the solution to
systemic racism? Are you willing to listen and be part of the change?
Join us for this continued series of candid conversations about systemic racism as well as personal
stories and perspectives from people of color.
These webinars are all being held via Zoom. Each webinar date has an individual link for registration
from Zoom so you can sign up using eventbrite and we will send you the zoom link OR when you
choose the date(s) you will see under each date, there is a direct registration to zoom. This event is
free and open to the public.
Committing to Our Community
Over the past few months Seattle has seen an uprising of social justice protests. NEST
has always been an organization devoted to serving the entire Northeast Seattle area by
strengthening our intergenerational community, but never more so than during the COVID-19
pandemic. Throughout this time it has been clear that illnesses do not discriminate. Regardless
of race, class, or sexual orientation, it is vitally necessary to continue serving older adults in our
community to the best of our ability while we flatten the curve. But our work does not stop there.
NEST acknowledges not only that we are headquartered on the native lands of the Duwamish
people, but also that we are a neighborhood shaped by the redlining practices of past generations
- a practice that has left a long-lasting mark on our community. As our organization continues
to grow, we are committed to serve any and all who wish to join our mission of creating a
community that connects our members with each other and with resources to age
successfully in the place they call home.
In addition to the social justice-related events listed above, NEST would like to offer this list
of books, movies, and more as well as this collection local Seattle resources as many of our
community members are beginning or continuing their own reflections on the impacts of the
racism that persists in American society.
6
August 2020 Calendar
Find the details for these events on pages 4 - 6
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
2 3 4 5 6 7 1
11:00 am 11:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 10:30 am
Basic iPhone Feldenkrais* Intermediate Qigong* Women’s
Class* iPhone Class* Group
8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
11:00 am 11:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 10:30 am
Basic iPhone Feldenkrais* Intermediate Qigong* Women’s
Class* iPhone Class* Group
2:00 pm
Estate
Planning*
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
11:00 am 11:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 10:30 am
Basic iPhone Feldenkrais* Intermediate Qigong* Women’s
Class* iPhone Class* Group
2:30 pm
Casual
Conversations*
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
11:00 am 11:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 10:30 am
Basic iPhone Feldenkrais* Intermediate Qigong* Women’s
Class* iPhone Class* Group
4:00 pm
NEST Zoom 2:00 pm 2:00 pm
Gathering Poetry Group Science Club
30 31
Virtual meeting *Open to the public
7
Tips for Caring for a Loved One With Dementia
This article is provided by our sponsor Stephanie Swenson of ERA Living
Caring for a loved one with dementia is a significant role that requires empathy, attentiveness,
and patience. While there is still much to be learned about Alzheimer’s disease, researchers in
this industry have made significant progress in finding effective methods for caring for people with
dementia that have a positive impact on both the dementia patient and the caregivers.
For example, Era Living Memory Care has adopted the Best Friends™ approach to dementia care.
This approach, developed by Virginia Bell and David Troxel during the 1990s, is based on the notion
that what a person with dementia needs most of all is a “best friend”: one who empathizes, remains
loving and positive, and promotes the perspective and dignity of a person with dementia. When
caring for or interacting with a loved one with dementia, we encourage using some of the techniques
behind this approach.
Keep love one involved in decisions and ask for their opinions
Whenever possible, make sure your loved one still has a sense of agency and empowerment. Giving
them choices, even if just between two options, is important in helping them feel that they can still
make decisions.
People with dementia also want to feel valued. By asking for their preference on apparel or something
similar, you are showing your loved one that you appreciate their opinion.
Recall information from their past
Whether you’re caring for a family member or friend with dementia, you have the advantage of
knowing details of your loved one’s past. Where they went to school, what achievements they are
proud of, big trips they went on — these are all great pieces of information to bring up in conversation.
Details like these can brighten their day.
Laugh together and show affection
Laughter is always therapeutic. When caring for a loved one with dementia, tell some jokes or
remember funny stories. Adding affectionate touch, like hand squeezes and side hugs, can also help
loved ones with dementia feel connected. Since close contact may need to be avoided during the
pandemic, it’s even more important to stay as connected as possible through phone or video calls.
Learn more about Era Living Memory Care and The Best Friends approach at eraliving.com/
memorycare today. The Best Friends™ is a trademark of Health Professions Press, Inc.
Since 1987, Era Living has been dedicated to
fostering a healthy and engaging environment of
whole body wellness, culture, warmth, and social
fulfillment – providing premier healthcare services
and enriching activities at all eight of its communities.
Era Living Memory Care is offered at two of its communities: The Terrace at The Gardens at Town
Square and is coming soon to The Terrace at Ida Culver House Broadview. For more information,
please visit www.eraliving.com/memorycare or call 206-829-4940.
8Mark Your Calendars for NEST's Summer Surprises Auction
When: September 14-17, 2020
Did you know that NEST continuously seeks to work with our volunteers to develop responsive
programming, based on people's needs? And that we provide 30 scholarships for NEST membership?
Later this summer, NEST is bringing a fun event to you, even as we all continue to practice social
distancing. The NEST Summer Surprises Auction will feature some great surprises, including fabulous
donated artwork (including the beautiful painting pictured right), vacation opportunities (when it is safe
to travel), weekly gourmet desserts for a month, local business gift certificates for take-out dinners
and professional services consultations, wine & cheese deliveries,
and many other fun (socially-distant) auction packages. We can't wait
to see all of the surprises!
Our first-ever online* auction will also help support NEST
scholarships, underwrite some of our COVID-19 response costs for
helping to keep NEST members and volunteers safe with specific
protective equipment, and organizational efforts to develop new
programming. Our auction will be open to NEST members and the
community for bidding between September 14-17, with the opportunity
to Zoom into a NEST online event party on the last day - with some
activities and guest speakers and a Zoom raffle.
No summer is complete without an end of summer celebration before
we head into the Northwest's beautiful green and rainy winters. Join
us for this opportunity to both celebrate NEST, the end of summer and help to support a good cause.
Laura Hitchcock
Development Director
*Phone-in or pre-bidding will also be available for those who do not wish to participate online.
**Want to donate a gift certificate or sponsor the event? NEST is taking donations! See the NEST
website (nestseattle.org) or contact Jessica McKeirnan (jessica@nestseattle.org) with ideas.
Wearing is Caring!
As the summer begins to heat up and we all grow weary of the restrictions that
continue to limit our usual warm weather activities, it can be tempting to leave
our masks at home. However, with the rising number of COVID-19 cases in
Seattle, it is still important to stay home as much as possible and wear masks
whenever we do have to leave the house.
9Celebrations
A place to honor anniversaries, birthdays, and major life changes. Here’s who we’re honoring this
month:
August Member Birthdays: A very happy birthday to NEST Members Gretchen A., Mary
B., Peg C., Lila D., Lynn F., Marlene H., Bert H., Diane M., Jean M., Linda P., Bob R., Margie S.,
Shailini S., Ione T., and Carol W.!
Last Chirps
Pandemic
Know that we are connected
by Lynn Ungar
in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.
Shared with the NEST poetry group by Jack C.
(You could hardly deny it now.)
What if you thought of it Know that our lives
as the Jews consider the Sabbath— are in one another’s hands.
the most sacred of times? (Surely, that has come clear.)
Cease from travel. Do not reach out your hands.
Cease from buying and selling. Reach out your heart.
Give up, just for now, Reach out your words.
on trying to make the world Reach out all the tendrils
different than it is. of compassion that move, invisibly,
Sing. Pray. Touch only those where we cannot touch.
to whom you commit your life.
Center down. Promise this world your love–
for better or for worse,
And when your body has become still, in sickness and in health,
reach out with your heart. so long as we all shall live.
Volunteer with NEST
Grocery Shopping Friendly Visitor Calls
Help keep our members safe Help make sure that NEST
amid the COVID-19 outbreak members are safe and well
by delivering groceries to their through weekly check-in
doorstep from your local store. calls.
Lawnmowing Exercise
Help keep a member's home Enjoy the fresh spring air and
looking spic and span by help our members stay active
aiding with yard or garden by accompanying them on a
maintenence. walk.
Connect with NEST!
Call or email (206) 525-6378 or info@nestseattle.org
On the web at nestseattle.org
Hours Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4pm
10You can also read
