Residing in our community versus being involved in our community often brings a more positive opinion of what really happens in our local area. Mountain Meadows is an asset to our community in many ways and has a long history of involved generosity, while at the same time, keeping a low profile. They do the things they do so they can sleep peacefully at night, not to reap the public’s acknowledgement and thanks for their involvement. It’s apparent that last week’s “Letters to the Editor” author [Craig Nelson] of the Mountain Meadows bash didn’t have all the information he needed before he made his condemnation.

As a public service, Mountain Meadows opens their farm to numerous local non-profit organizations and local businesses for their fundraising events, volunteer recognition picnics, employee picnics and more. They donate tables, chairs, giveaways and money to local schools for their auctions and events. They donate an unbelievable amount of toys for kids to the King County Sheriff’s Office annual collection at Christmas. Over the years, The Mt Si Senior Center, the city of North Bend, Meadowbrook Farm, Children Services (Encompass), Alpine Days and many more have reaped the benefit of Mountain Meadows great heartedness.

Last year, Mountain Meadows supported the Festival at Mount Si after all their tents, trash cans, tables, signs and more were stolen from their storage area in North Bend. They not only donated what was needed, but they supplied all the employees to put it up and take it down again. They have committed to continuing this year and no doubt could be persuaded again.

Our community is growing and lots of things are happening around town that do create traffic. People want to shop and eat locally which supports our local commerce. Visitors came to our area to cool off in our rivers-cars were lined up last weekend. Thomas the Tank Engine was also in Snoqualmie last weekend and drew massive crowds. I don’t believe Mountain Meadows should be blamed for all the traffic we have locally, especially since they only operate four summer weekends a year and go to great expense and planning to make things flow as easily as possible for us locals.

I thank Craig Nelson for the opportunity to go on record as saying, “Thanks, Mountain Meadows, for supporting your community with your charitible contributions and graciousness.” I believe I speak for many people who have benefited from their local philanthropic glean.

Pam Welborn-Whittington

Snoqualmie