July Joy Journal - Northwest Assistance Ministries

July 2016
50+ Center A NAM Program
15555 Kuykendahl Rd. Houston, TX 77090 (281) 885-4601 www.namonline.org
Daily Activities:
Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
$1 per visit
$25 Initiation Fee
Eva Galloway,
Social Services Supervisor
Grace Jackson,
Senior Services Director
Carole Little,
NAM President & CEO
50+ Advisory Council
Spotlight:
NAM Programs and Services
Juanita Barnett
Mary Helen Chachere
Judy O’Shea
Carolyn Wysocki
Deborah Rod
As NAM celebrates this Independence Day we would like to take a
moment to shine the spotlight on this organization which strives to
meet basic human needs through Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
NAM was formed in 1983 as 10 neighboring congregations decided
to set aside their theological differences and pool their resources in
order to have a greater impact upon community needs. The
organization opened with a small assistance office, a resale shop
and food pantry. More than 30 years later and after tremendous
growth, NAM’s programs include the following:
Non-Voting Members
Eva Galloway
Grace Jackson
Erin Broussard
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Assistance Office: consists of two programs; Emergency Basic Needs (EBN) and Housing
Services. EBN helps neighbors living within 17 different zip codes who are in need of help with
food, non-narcotic prescriptions, gasoline vouchers, bus tokens, clothing, financial assistance
with rent/mortgage, school supplies, holiday food and toys. The Housing Services program
helps eligible families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Children’s Clinic: provides a full range of medical care to infants and children through age 18
who are either on Medicaid, CHIP, private insurance, uninsured or those who self-pay. This
clinic is made possible through NAM’s partnership with the University of Texas Health Science
Center, Houston.
Family Violence Center (FVC): assists victims of domestic violence in finding a safe place and
accessing the needed resources to begin again on a new path. The FVC offers a 24-hour hotline,
telephone crisis counseling, emergency shelter, food, transportation, clothing, medical
assistance, professional counseling services for adults and their children, information and
referrals for battering intervention programs, on-site law enforcement, legal referrals and court
accompaniment.
Fifty Plus Senior Center: is an active senior center that offers a full schedule of activities for
seniors. From exercise classes and yoga, to day trips and free lunches, the Fifty Plus program
keeps our senior community actively engaged.
The Joanne Watford Nutrition Center (JWNC): is NAM’s choice food pantry that operates much
like a grocery store. Clients get to choose their own food from designated categories, like
produce, meat or dairy items. Each year, the JWNC serves thousands of clients including lowincome seniors who receive supplemental groceries each month.
Interfaith Homeless Network (INH): collaborates with area congregations to assist families who
are homeless and who are transitioning from homelessness. The program assists with such
necessities as move-in kits, transportation expenses, cleaning kits and household items.
Learning Center: assists adults who are in search of a better life through education. The
Learning Center offers ESL classes, GED Test Prep classes, Reading and Writing Literacy,
Financial Literacy, and Computer classes. The center also hosts seminars on topics of Job Search
and U.S. Citizenship.
Meals on Wheels (MOW): deliver hot, nutritionally balanced meals to more than 700
homebound seniors and disabled individuals annually. Meeting nutritional needs MOW heps
seniors maintain their independence. MOW also provides monthly groceries to more than 80
low-income seniors.
Treasures of the Heart Resale Stores: the stores generate much needed funds that benefit
NAM’s programs and services and contribute more than one million dollars annually to helping
neighbors in need. At either of the two NAM Resale stores, bargain hunters can find clothing,
home décor, furniture and toys at amazingly low prices. Additionally, since neighbors in need
come to NAM for basic need aid, these clients can receive items through a voucher system.
For more information on NAM’s programs and services or to find out how
you can donate or become a volunteer, please visit our website at
www.namonline.org or call (281) 885-4555.
Holiday Closure
In observance of Independence Day, NAM will be closed on:
Friday July 1
Monday, July 4
We will reopen on Tuesday, July 5. Have a safe and happy holiday!
Activities
Day Trip
Come
join
us
for
a
Mediterranean-themed day trip
on Thursday, July 14 as we
travel via the Precinct 4 bus to
the Houston Museum of Natural
Science for a guided tour of the
Hall of Ancient Egypt. Following
the tour, we will enjoy lunch together at
Phoenicia Specialty Foods downtown. After
lunch, we will be treated to a guided tour of the
Phoenicia Specialty Supermarket where we will
have the option to purchase specialty items from
more than 50 countries. The bus will depart from
NAM at 8:45 a.m. and will return by 3:30 p.m.
The cost for this trip is $11 and the cost of lunch
is on your own. The trip fee should be paid to Eva
by Thursday, June 7. We’re sorry; there will be no
exceptions for this deadline. For more
information, please stop by the 50+ reception
desk or see Eva.
Movie Day at 50+
Come join us on Thursday,
July 21 at noon for a free
movie with snacks. This
month, the featured film will
be, “Hello My Name is Doris.” This film tells the
story of Doris Miller who meets John Fremont,
her company’s hip new art director and sparks
fly—at least for Doris. Her first encounter with
true romance (outside of the pages of a novel)
convinces Doris that she and the mostly
unaware John are meant for each other. There
is no cost for the movie; however, the $1 daily
fee does apply. Bring your lunch and join us. To
sign up for this event, please stop by the 50+
reception desk or call Eva at (281) 885-4601.
AARP Safe Driving Class
Come join us for an AARP Safe Driving Class on Thursday, July 28 from 11 a.m. until 3:30
p.m. The AARP instructor will be at NAM to facilitate this course which may assist with
insurance discounts but does not count for ticket dismissal. The class is open to the public,
so you do not need to be a 50+ member to participate. The cost of the course is $15 for AARP members
and $20 for non-members. Please be sure to bring your AARP membership card to receive the discount.
To register for this class, stop by the 50+ reception desk or call (281) 885-4600.
Q. Where did the baseball player keep his mitt?
A. In the glove compartment
The difference between a duck and George Washington is:
One has a bill on his face; the other has his face on a bill!
I’m bigger than a coaster and smaller than a placemat. What am I?
Check out the August Joy Journal to find out. Hint: The answer is a new “Helping Hands” item.
Rosemary’s Riches
Getting by
This piece comes to us from
the pen of Rosemary Mackin,
who is one of our own 50+
members.
Rosemary is a gifted writer
who has the ability to paint
“word pictures” and she has
generously agreed to share
some of her writings with us.
If you like this piece, check
out more of Rosemary’s
writings on her blog,
www.succinctlysaid.com.
Life gets tricky from time to time and I’ve developed foolproof coping
techniques. Decades ago I learned to de-stress by scrubbing an
approximate forty-by forty inch area of brick at the back corner of the
house. This spot suffers recurring attacks of unsightly mildew and begs
to be cleaned. A bucket of soapy Clorox water and a stiff brush
become cost-free therapy. I felt invigorated after that first cleaning
bout and have worked diligently to make the brick sparkle—while
keeping the Home Owners Association at bay. However, these days
my knees are stubborn and I sit awkwardly on the lower rung of my
handy folding stool. Not to mention, the chore takes longer and
requires more effort. Still, it remains therapeutic.
Preparing a labor-intensive dish also provides respite from stress.
Chicken Fajita Casserole offers serious distraction and makes for
lengthy cleanup. For this recipe, being frugal, I bought a chunk of
cheddar, fully aware of my struggle to zest or shred anything. And
suffered accordingly. I overbought chicken pieces and fought to cream my mixture of cheeses. But in
the end—yummy! Again, therapeutic.
At other times I check my prized collection of fabric pieces, deciding to make new throw pillows. When
my sole concern is finding the exact patterned fabric to accent existing colors and patterns, I’m in good
shape. Sometimes this decision takes weeks, a blissfully long time in oblivion.
Desperate, I might tackle the laundry room closet. It harbors little to do with laundry, or with me,
and so is a challenge. If I’m dire straits, I attack the mess—as I’ve come to depend on desperation to see
me though a crisis. And then, depending on temperatures, I walk the perimeter of Champion Village. For
a lark I visit with a group of old codgers, to borrow from columnist Leon Hale, when they’ve gathered in
front of Randalls. This bunch is a hoot! Smokers all, they regularly meet to sip Starbucks coffee, solve the
world’s problems and greet passing ladies. So far, women are excluded, though I’ve seen a female or
two within their elite circle.
Perhaps Feng Shui would help—the practice of creating balance and harmony in life by releasing
blocked energy. I’m a fan of this notion; believing clutter is the villainous blocker of energy. Now, if my
adult son, his sister and her spouse, currently staying in our upstairs, could only see their way clear . . .
Need I say more?
Helping Hands Sale
It’s time to dress up those walls and we’d love to lend you a
helping hand. For the month of July, take 20% off all Helping Hands quilts and
wall hangings. Sale prices do not apply on previously reduced items.
60+ Café News
W.O.R.M. Day
Come join us on Wednesday, July 6 for Watch
Old Rerun Movie Day and enjoy lunch and a
movie. Please sign up for this event by Friday,
July 1.
National Milk Chocolate with Almonds Day
Come by for lunch and enjoy a special chocolatey
sweet treat as we celebrate National Chocolate with
Almonds Day on Friday, July 8. Please RSVP by
Wednesday, July 6.
Lunch and Learn
Come join us on Monday, July 11 for a Lunch
and Learn session with information being
presented by the NAM Resale team. Learn
how the Resale store operates as a vital part
of the NAM family and enjoy a hot lunch with
us. Please RSVP by Wednesday, July 6.
Lunch and Learn
Join us for lunch on Wednesday, July 13 for a Lunch
and Learn session with information being presented
by the director of the NAM Emergency Basic Needs
Department. Learn how the EBN team helps
neighbors in need. Please RSVP by Monday, July 11.
National Give Something Away Day
Come join us for lunch on Friday, July 15 as
we celebrate National Give Something Away
Day. Please RSVP by Wednesday, July 13
because we just may give something away.
Bingo Extravaganza
Grab a card and come join us for lunch and Bingo on
Monday, July 18. Please RSVP for by Wednesday,
July 13.
Lunch and Learn
Join us for lunch on Wednesday, July 20 for a
Lunch and Learn session with information
being presented by the NAM Meals on
Wheels Department. Learn how the MOW
team helps homebound seniors in our
community. Please RSVP by Monday, July 18.
Nutrition Class
Join us for lunch on three consecutive Fridays for
Lunch and Learn sessions with information being
presented by the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension
Program. These topics will cover good nutrition and
will include food demos. Session dates are Friday,
July 22, 29 and August 5.
National Hot Fudge Sundae Day
Come join us on Monday, July 25 for National
Hot Fudge Sundae Day. Of course the
celebration involves ice cream and hot fudge,
so please RSVP by Wednesday, July 20.
Monthly Birthday Celebration
It’s birthday time at the café again, so come join the
celebration on Wednesday, July 27. Please RSVP by
Monday, July 25.
Café Reminders
Don’t forget to RSVP if you plan to have lunch with us at the 60+ Café. We would love to have you join
us, but we need to know that you are coming so that we can pre-order your meal. The café is open to
anyone who is age 60 or older and who lives in Harris County. You must fill out a short form in order to
register and then order your meal 2 business days in advance. It’s that easy! Also, don’t forget that the
café and the bus accept donations.
To participate in any 60+Café activities, you must reserve your
meal at least two business days in advance by calling Linda
Plummer at (281) 885-4619 or just stop by
the 50+ reception desk.
Monthly Activities
Computer Class Cancellation
The computer class is canceled for the month of July and will restart on Friday,
August 5. For more information, please stop by the 50+ reception desk. We apologize for
any inconvenience that this cancellation may cause.
French and Spanish Class
Cancellation
Both the French Class and the
Spanish Class will be canceled for the
remainder of the summer. Please join
us as the classes restart September 1.
For more information, please stop by the 50+
reception desk. We apologize for any
inconvenience that this cancellation may cause.
Ballroom Dancing
Class
Join us every Tuesday at 10
a.m. for our Ballroom Dancing
Class. No previous experience
is required. Learn to Cha Cha, Salsa, Waltz
and more. For more information, please stop
by the 50+ reception desk.
A Moment of Inspiration
“Patriotism is not a short and frenzied
outburst of emotion but the tranquil
and steady dedication of a lifetime.”
Adlai Stevenson, American Statesman
Friendly Reminders
Daily Fee
Don’t forget to stop by our reception desk prior to participating in any 50+
activities. This includes luncheons, seminars and day trips. The $1 daily fee is a
small amount that does big things as it helps to support the 50+ daily
operations. Thank you!
July Birthdays
Norma Bellows – 7/10
John Berducci – 7/24
Lynn Bollwinkel – 7/9
Diane Boundy – 7/18
Ignado Bravo – 7/29
LaDonna Brogan – 7/18
Mary Brougher – 7/6
Shirley Carey – 7/19
Juanetta Cathey – 7/29
Mary Helen Chachere – 7/3
Helen Chen – 7/16
Hilda Chin – 7/4
Jane Cody – 7/27
Barbara Coleman – 7/16
Claudia Cuellar – 7/3
William Dill – 7/2
Jerry Dobbs – 7/27
Lorena Downey – 7/14
Ann Emore – 7/6
Thomas Epps – 7/18
Isabel Escauriza – 7/8
Francesca Fantini – 7/25
Ruby Fuentes – 7/4
Janet Furca – 7/1
Dora Gardner – 7/19
Paul Gelinas – 7/15
Teresa Guerrero – 7/22
Charla Hannibal – 7/21
Kimberly Kong – 7/3
Emily Lara – 7/12
Wanda Leverich – 7/10
John J. Lewis – 7/2
Ana Martinez – 7/26
Retha Matthews – 7/6
Irma McCall – 7/18
Kay McCarthy – 7/1
Pauline Morgan – 7/20
Jean Morin – 7/28
Debbie Murphy – 7/12
Diane Noskrent – 7/8
Mary Ogrodowicz – 7/5
Sheila Paton – 7/4
Velma Peterson – 7/26
Linda Plummer – 7/15
Karen Ramirez – 7/27
Kyle Rosa – 7/7
Berta Robertson – 7/20
Debbie Rod – 7/17
Marcia Shults – 7/7
Hoai Sommer – 7/4
Dolores Siebert – 7/1
Peggy Seitsinger – 7/23
Yanick Stam – 7/29
Martha Toloudis – 7/6
Max Waite – 7/2
George Wengrofsky – 7/7
Lillian Will – 7/28
Dorothy Williams-Henry – 7/21
Carolyn Wysocki – 7/26
Xian Rong Zhu – 7/30
Yi Mei Zhu -- 7/25
Grandparent’s Corner
What You Should Know About Zika
Summer is finally here and, unfortunately, so are mosquitoes. Since many grandparents spend extended
time with their grandchildren over the summer break, you should know a few simple things to protect
yourself and your loved ones from mosquitoes that could potentially be carrying the Zika virus.
According to www.grandparents.com, as of May 31, there were 591 people in the U.S. with Zika
including 168 pregnant women. None of them were bitten by a mosquito here—every case was travelrelated or sexually transmitted, however, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) predicts that this will not
last long.
As the weather heats up, mosquitoes carrying Zika virus are expected to travel up the East Coast, as far
north as New England and as far west as Kansas. Southern states like Florida and right here at home in
Texas are most at risk since our meteorological conditions are ideal for these insects. Worldwide, the
virus has already spread to 49 countries.
There is no cure or vaccine for Zika, however, there are several precautions that can help to protect you
and your family against contracting the virus, especially if you plan on traveling to a country with a Zika
epidemic.
1. Wear light, long sleeve clothing
2. Apply bug repellent
3. Use mosquito nets
4. Avoid or empty containers of standing water
(this helps at home too)
5. See a doctor immediately if you think you’ve
been infected, and be extra vigilant about
mosquitoes after arriving home.
If you would like more information about Zika, please visit www.cdc.gov
Two groups--pregnant
women and couples who
plan on getting pregnant
within six months of travel
should reconsider their
travel plans altogether. If
men find themselves with
Zika, they are advised to
have protected sex for the
six months following
infection, or to abstain from
sex altogether.
Recipe of the Month
It’s Father’s Day, so here’s a simple recipe that even the grandkids can help to prepare!
Neely’s Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients:
2 cups ketchup
1 cup water
½ cup apple cider vinegar
5 tablespoons light brown sugar
5 tablespoons sugar
½ tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
½ tablespoon onion powder
½ tablespoon ground mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine all
ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil,
reduce heat to simmer. Cook
uncovered stirring frequently for
one hour 15 minutes.
Yields 3½ cups of sauce.
If you would like to share your favorite recipe with our Joy Journal readers, please
submit your recipe to Eva at egalloway@namonline.org or drop it off at NAM 50+.
Everyday Health & Nutrition
Erase stains on plastic
The containers you use to store
your homemade pasta sauce are
sporting orange stains that
won’t wash away. The save: Cut
a lemon in half and rub the cut side of the fruit
on the discolored areas. Let dry and then wash
as usual. The fruit’s citric acid has a gentle
bleaching action to eliminate stains. Lemon also
neutralizes odors!
Aerobics melts fat best
Aerobic exercise such as walking and step classes
burn 67% more calories than resistance or
weight training exercises, so it’s much more
efficient at trimming body fat.
Wrinkle-release spray
It happens on many a morning: Your blouse is
wrinkled but there’s no time to iron. Instead of
using chemical-laden wrinkle spray, have your
own on hand. Simply mix:
1 tablespoon of white vinegar
1 teaspoon of conditioner
2 cups of water in a bottle.
Spritz on wrinkles and tug the fabric to remove
creases (spot-test on delicate fabrics).
Did you know?
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Pucker up because a one-minute kiss
burns about 26 calories.
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In Germany, the shhh sound literally
means hurry up.
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Bats hang upside down because their legs
are too weak to support their weight.
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The medical term for writer’s cramp is
graphospasm.
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The United States is the largest country
named after a real person (Amerigo
Vespucci).
Front Desk Receptionist
Bus Drivers
50+ needs a regular bus driver for Mondays and
a substitute to drive our 15 passenger bus to
pick up members and transport them to Bingo
from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Fridays. No special
license is required.
50+ is seeking a regular front desk receptionist
for Mondays and Wednesdays. No prior
experience is required. For more information
contact Eva at (281) 885-4600.
Northwest Assistance Ministries
50+ Center A NAM Program
15555 Kuykendahl Rd. Houston, TX 77090
(281) 885-4601
www.namonline.org