Everett Connections: Physically Distancing While Socially Connecting
Editor’s note: If you need mental health support, please check out our resource guide.
We are hardwired for social connection. Google it. There are pages and pages of results. One neuroscientist claims social connection is as important as food and shelter. We’ve been socially distancing for almost a year now and many of us are feeling pandemic fatigue.
It’s really physical distancing we’re doing though because with technology we can connect socially online with one another (thank heavens the pandemic didn’t hit 20 years ago). We’ve pulled together some ideas on ways to stay connected with friends and neighbors in our Everett community.
Virtual Meetings and Classes
Neighborhood Associations
Compare notes about where your neighborhood needs sidewalks or find out about a new neighborhood restaurant. Each neighborhood association has its own flare, so take in a meeting or two and you just might make some new neighborhood friends.
Engage Everett
Network with fellow professionals, creatives and community leaders; and get updates on what’s happening in Everett. The group meets online on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.
One Everett, One Book
Launching this month with the phenomenal book Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, Everett Public Library will provide print and digital copies so community members can read the book and join in on a virtual discussion with the authors on February 22 at 6 p.m.
Library Take and Makes
Raising the standard on “Take and Makes” for adults, Everett Public Library hosted Holiday Mocktails in December and have Valentine Cocoa Bombs planned for February 13 at 4 p.m. Sign up online for an interactive demonstration. All the free cocoa bomb kits are spoken for but you can still purchase one from Mom and Pops Cakery.
Schack Teen Night
Teens can learn new artistic techniques and ways to express themselves on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. Students should register online and download a list of supplies that can usually be found around the house. Supply kits are also available on a first come first serve basis.
Body and Brain Yoga and Tai Chi
Offering live online classes, Body and Brain offers a one week trial for just $1 so you can figure out the right classes for you. Make sure to sign up on their website to receive notifications for their occasional free classes.
Get Out, Get Moving
Everett Running Group
Mask up or spread out from fellow runners and get in a run every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. This group meets up at Crucible Brewing, goes for a run and closes out the evening with a beer in the outdoor seating area.
Everett Family YMCA
Download the YMCA of Snohomish County Mobile App to schedule gym time, swim sessions and outdoor group exercise classes.
Outings with Housemates
Wild West Mystery
Work together with up to 6 household members to discover clues and solve puzzles at Escape Scene. Right now the Deadwood room is available soon to be followed by their Cairo room.
Studio Time
Learn how to throw clay at the newly opened Salish Sea Ceramic Studio. They are offering single and group classes for household members.
Pick your Medium
Schack Art Center offers a wide range of art classes virtually and in the studio. Class offerings range include everything from glass blowing to needle felting so there’s probably something to pique your interest. You’ll want to sign up early because, with social distancing rules, the limited spots fill up quickly.
A Few More Ideas
Join one of Everett’s social communities on Facebook. Here are just a few groups of great Everett neighbors: Crafty Everett People, Everett Neighbors, Vintage Everett, South Everett Garden Share and Resistance Gardening - Everett.
Take the time to get to know what is happening in the city by virtually attending council, board and commission meetings. Check the city calendar for topics that may be of interest to you.
Contact your favorite non-profit and ask how you can help.
Send snail mail to a friend or neighbor. It’s wonderful to receive a kind note in the mailbox.
How are you staying socially connected with friends and neighbors? Drop us a note in the comments or over on Facebook.
Linda War Bonnet represents south Everett on the Live in Everett Team. When she isn’t working, she is running the Westmont-Holly Neighborhood Association. You might spot her walking her dog in the Holly neighborhood.
