Snoqualmie Valley Record Holiday Briefs | Dec. 10

The Snoqualmie Arts Commission is hosting a Frosted Film Fest food and toy drive, 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Church on the Ridge, 35131 S.E. Douglas St. in the Snoqualmie Ridge Business Park.

Arts group hosts Frosted film fest

The Snoqualmie Arts Commission is hosting a Frosted Film Fest food and toy drive, 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Church on the Ridge, 35131 S.E. Douglas St. in the Snoqualmie Ridge Business Park.

Two family-friendly films will be shown: “The Polar Express” at 3 p.m., and “White Christmas” at 6 p.m. Admission is free with a food or toy donation for the Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank.

For more information, call Sandra Rossetter at (425) 888-5337 or e-mail to srossett@ci.snoqualmie.wa.us.

Casino donates hundreds of birds

Snoqualmie Casino lent a helping hand to regional community organizations by donating hundreds of turkeys.

The casino donated 460 turkeys to groups including the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, Chief Seattle Indian Club, Thunderbird Native Community Rehabilitation Center, Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank and the Snoqualmie Tribal Food Bank during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Hundreds of turkeys were also given away to employees of the casino.

“The casino’s kindness will never be forgotten.” said Cheryl Dodson, Youth Home Manager for the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation.

Christmas trees fund adventures

For over 22 years, Snoqualmie Venture Crew Post 115 has manned the tree lot on the corner of Snoqualmie Parkway and Highway 202, just east of Snoqualmie Falls.

The Venture Crew uses proceeds from the lot to fund high-adventure scouting activities like snowmobiling, sea kayaking and wilderness hiking.

The tree lot, which opened Thanksgiving weekend, features freshly cut trees, locally crafted wreaths and garlands, and handmade stands. Crew members strive to make tree buying a fun family experience. The lot features a free pancake breakfast every Sunday morning in December, and school bands and choirs regularly perform. Popcorn, hot apple cider and cocoa are available to customers on cold winter days.

“This is not just a fund raiser for our troop,” said Crew leader Emily Ferree. “It is a community event. We do everything we can to make this an enjoyable experience for our customers.”

“It’s also a great job experience for crew members,” added Kim Ferree, Emily’s dad. Members, primarily high school and middle school students, follow strict schedules, work hard and receive credit for their efforts. The Christmas tree lot is the group’s main fundraiser, and it funds all of the activities and equipment for the rest of the year. It is run by the members of the group with the assistance of adult leaders.

Though the Venture Crew is a division of the Boy Scouts of America, it is a co-ed group of young adults between the ages of 14 and 21, guided by a group of dedicated adult leaders and volunteers.

To learn more about Venture Crew, e-mail to info@crew115.org, or visit the tree lot Web site at www.members.doubleknot.com/Post115/treelot.htm.