The NWBuzz Newsletter | October 2023

Community Awards

Honoring Two Remarkable Individuals for Their Outstanding Community Contributions.

New Face on the Block

Jonathan Ooten, PA-C

Kat Lee and Shanta’ Frisbee are true champions of community service, spreading dedication and advocacy wherever they go. Their outstanding efforts not only earned them well-deserved recognition but also inspired those around them.

Kat Lee, who received the 2023 MAPS Community Award, is a shining example of giving back. Her strong commitment to community service led to this special honor. With a $1,000 grant, Kat chose to make a direct impact by providing new “Jeans for HOAP Clients.”

Shanta’ Frisbee’s accomplishments in advocacy were celebrated at the OPCA Annual Meeting. Both Kat Lee and Shanta’ Frisbee show us the powerful impact that individuals can have when they devote themselves to improving their communities.

Let’s give a big round of applause to Kat and Shanta’ for their incredible achievements and the positive change they continue to bring to the world around them. They are true inspirations!

How do you like to spend your time outside of work? Outside of work I like to spend my time rock climbing, hiking, playing video games, and catching up on shows and movies. I also love strategic board games that have a lot of moving parts. Please be prepared for me to talk for a few minutes if you ask me about board games!

Where would you be right now if you had zero obligations and money didn’t matter? I would buy a cabin in the mountains that would have enough space for my close friends and family and use that as my home base while I travel to Iceland, Denmark, and New Zealand. I would let them have an early retirement and pay for anything they want to do! I think just taking care of my people and myself!

What book, movie, music, etc. changed your outlook on life? There is a photograph entitled “Pale Blue Dot” that waken by Voyager 1 in 1990. It is a picture of Earth from approximately 3.7 billion miles (6 billion kilometers) just past Neptune. In the picture, Earth takes up a singular pixel. Every person that has ever lived, all the love and ideas and tragedy and goodness has lived in this one pixel. It just reminds me of how small all my problems and struggles are.

Are you bingeing any shows? I just finished Abbott Elementary, which is an Office-style sitcom about teachers, and I also watched the Interview with the Vampire series, which was incredible. I’m a big fan of horror/ thriller shows and movies!

Koua Cha, Shanta’ Frisbee, and Trina Henderson

Harvest Season Fun & Safety Tips

Family, Friends, Festivities, Fun and CANDY! A winning combination for Harvest/Spooky Season. Unfortunately, not all who participate in Harvest Season events including Trick-or-Treating door to door on Halloween night in their neighborhoods are completely safe. Statistically, Halloween is the only day of the year when child pedestrians are at double the risk of dying than any other day of the year. Here are some tips to help be aware of the dangers lurking in the shadows this Harvest/Spooky Season and stay scary safe.

Walking Tips:

• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings and watch out for cars backing out of driveways.

• Bring flashlights or glow sticks to increase visibility.

• Adults should accompany children under 12. Children over 12 should go in groups and stick to familiar areas.

• Always cross at crosswalks and intersections.

Costume Tips

• Costumes should be made of fireproof fabric and include reflectors and bright colors.

• Costumes should not obstruct vision or move ment.

• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers if the costume doesn’t have reflectors on it.

• Make sure that the costume is the right size. It will prevent falls and/or trips.

• Plan for the weather conditions and incorpo rate layers into the costume if possible. Layer ing warm garments for cooler weather condi tions is best practice.

Safety Facts:

This year, from the beginning of October to the end of October 2023, we will have lost a total of one and a half hours of daylight. On October 1st, there will be roughly 11 hrs. and 42 mins. of daylight, whereas on October 31st, there will roughly be 10 hrs.

Other Tips:

• Use LED lights or glow sticks to illuminate pumpkins.

• If decorating the outside spaces, consider us ing non-flammable, spaced apart decorations and avoid blocking exits with decorations.

• If driving to other locations, be extra vigilant and watch for children in dark clothing and discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween.

and 12 mins. of daylight. (timeanddate.com)

During the years 2015-2019 on Halloween night, there were 126 people killed in drunk-driving crashes from 6 p.m. on Oct. 31 to 5:59 a.m.

Nov. 1. 41% of those killed during the same years were in crashes that involved at

least one drunk driver.

(National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) injury by 45% and the risk of brain injury by 33%.

From 2014-2019, an average of 770 homes sustained structure fires resulting in 1 civilian death, 26 civilian fire injuries, and $13 million in direct property damage during Halloween season. Fire Protection

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients:

- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil

- 1 small onion, chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 cups canned pumpkin puree

- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

- 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

- Optional toppings: roasted pumpkin seeds, croutons, a dollop of sour cream, or a drizzle of honey

Instructions:

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic:

- In a large pot, melt the butter (or heat the olive oil) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant.

2. Add Pumpkin Puree and Spices:

- Add the canned pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onion and garlic.

3. Pour in Broth:

- Gradually pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, stirring continuously to ensure everything is well combined.

4. Simmer the Soup:

- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Blend the Soup:

- Using an immersion blender or by carefully transferring the soup in batches to a blender, blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.

6. Add Coconut Milk or Cream:

- Return the soup to the pot (if using a blender) and stir in the coconut milk or cream. Continue to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.

7. Season to Taste:

- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

8. Serve and Garnish:

- Ladle the creamy pumpkin soup into bowls. Optionally, garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds, croutons, a dollop of sour cream, or a drizzle of honey.

This creamy pumpkin soup is a delightful autumn treat. It’s warm, comforting, and full of rich pumpkin flavor. Enjoy!

NW Wellness

In today’s fast-paced world, achieving financial stability is a crucial aspect of overall well-being. It not only provides the peace of mind to handle everyday expenses but also empowers you to pursue your dreams and aspirations. This month, we’re diving into the realm of Financial Well-Being, offering you a positive and engaging roadmap to secure your financial future.

Financial well-being is the cornerstone of a balanced and fulfilling life. It encompasses the ability to manage your finances effectively, ensuring you can meet your financial obligations and handle unforeseen expenses. Moreover, it sets the stage for realizing your long-term goals.

Embark on Your Journey Track Your Spending

Start by gaining a clear understanding of your spending habits. Keep a spending journal for two months, documenting every expense. Alternatively, explore user-friendly apps that simplify this process. Remember, it’s not about judgment, but about gaining insight. This information will serve as a foundation for setting new financial goals and crafting a robust plan.

Empower Yourself Through Education

Communities often offer valuable, low-cost classes on financial planning. These courses equip you with the skills to create budgets, save for the future, and make informed investment decisions. Don’t overlook your local library, a treasure trove of books on financial planning and budgeting.

Automate Your Savings

Streamline your savings process by setting up automatic transfers from your checking to your savings account. By doing so, you remove the temptation to divert those funds elsewhere. Whether through a traditional bank or an online banking platform, this step ensures that your savings grow steadily. Remember, “out of sight, out of mind” holds true in financial matters too!

Exercise Patience and Celebrate Milestones

Recognize that achieving financial goals is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s normal for the journey to span several years. Stay steadfast in your commitment to the plan you’ve devised. Consider limiting how frequently you review your financial statements to avoid unnecessary anxiety. Additionally, relish in small victories, such as paying off a bill or reaching a $100 savings milestone. Remember, every penny counts and contributes to your overall financial well-being!

Embracing financial well-being is a transformative journey that empowers you to take charge of your financial destiny. By tracking your spending, seeking knowledge, crafting a realistic plan, automating your savings, and maintaining patience, you’re poised to unlock a future of financial confidence and success. Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is a testament to your commitment to a brighter financial future.

Cheers to your journey towards financial well-being!

No Profit, No Problem Final Showdown

Team finishes 3rd in the league

In a season filled with exciting plays and great teamwork, the Northwest Human Services (NWHS) Kickball Team, also known as “No Profit, No Problem,” has really shone. They finished in 3rd place in the league, showing how hard work, good sportsmanship, and working together can lead to success.

A Tradition of Greatness:

Their 3rd place finish means more than just a number on a board. It’s a sign of “No Profit, No Problem’s” lasting impact and their ability to bring people together. Their success on the field doesn’t just inspire the NWHS community, but also shows what can be done with hard work and teamwork.

Time for a Break and Looking Ahead:

After this season, the team is taking a well-deserved break. The next games won’t start until March, giving players a chance to rest and think about all they’ve accomplished.

Join the Team Next Season:

If you’re interested in being part of this amazing team, the next season is your chance. Send a message to Aaron Flager and get ready to be part of “No Profit, No Problem.” They’re looking forward to having you join their adventure.

Profit, No Problem Kickball Team 2023

PAs | Going Above and Beyond

Physician Assistant Week | October 6-12th

As October unfolds, we have a special reason to celebrate – Physician Assistant Week, which runs from October 6th to October 12th! This week is dedicated to honoring the incredible contributions of Physician Assistants (PAs) in healthcare. These professionals consistently go above and beyond, playing a vital role in providing exceptional care to patients across the nation.

Beyond the Call of Duty:

What sets PAs apart is their commitment to going above and beyond. They are known for their exceptional dedication to patient care. Whether it’s spending extra time explaining treatment options, offering a compassionate ear, or conducting thorough research to ensure the best possible care, PAs consistently demonstrate a level of commitment that leaves a lasting impact on patients’ lives.

A Word of Thanks:

As we celebrate Physician Assistant Week, let us take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the PAs who dedicate themselves to the well-being of their patients. Your unwavering commitment, tireless work ethic, and boundless compassion are the cornerstones of exceptional healthcare.

In celebrating Physician Assistant Week, we honor the tireless dedication of PAs across the globe. Their passion for healthcare and their patients is truly inspiring, and we are grateful for all that they do.

NWHS Physician Assitants

Chelsey Chapman | Erik Gillis | Jonathan Ooten | Meghan Ferry Sandra Fulkerson Schaeffer | Shannon Carey | Taylor McDowell

MAs | Making a Profound Difference

Medical Assistant Week October 16-20th

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, one group of professionals consistently stands out for their invaluable contributions - medical assistants. From October 16th to October 22nd, we celebrate Medical Assistants Week, a time to honor these dedicated individuals who play a pivotal role in delivering quality patient care.

A Balancing Act:

One of the unique aspects of a medical assistant’s role is the ability to seamlessly transition between administrative duties and patient care. They are adept at managing front-office operations, from scheduling appointments to handling billing and insurance. Simultaneously, they provide essential support in the clinical setting, assisting with examinations, preparing patients for procedures, and ensuring that medical records are accurate and up-to-date.

A Word of Thanks:

In celebrating Medical Assistants Week, we salute the countless medical assistants who make a profound difference in the lives of patients and in the healthcare ommunity at large. Your impact is immeasurable, and we are grateful for all that you do.

NWHS Medical Assitants

Gloria Chavez-Bazan | Stephanie Watkins | Stephanie Garcia | Beatrice Santos Lucero | Jennica Hupp | Miriam Garibay Orozco | Liz Torres-Gonzalez | Sirley Dominguez | Kim Dietz | Taylor Hansen | Kai Christensen | Maddy Chastain | Andrea-Segovia | Elizabeth Aguilar | Ana Ramirez | Yeo Ki | Leslie Munoz | Jaylynn Woodman | Yuliya Kondratyeva | Josiah Campbell | Veronica Barlow | Kacie Fuller | Evelyn Aracelia Nunez | Ester Nunez | Denise Kathleen Toledo-Loza | Ivette Muñoz

Sponsorship Events

Upcoming Events:

October 14th, Chemeketa Community College | Binational Health Fair

October 14th, Riverfront Park American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Walk

Northwest Human Services Annual Meeting

October 24th

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Willamette Heritage Center The “Spinning Room” 3rd Floor

Jesse Schwarz and Maria Perez, Veteran’s Stand Down, YMCA