FYI

Published 9:00 pm Friday, December 3, 2004

Men and women in the military deployed anywhere in the world can communicate eye-to-eye with family members in Snohomish County using a free video message program available through the Snohomish County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

The Red Cross chapter joined with AOL Broadband to support “Project Video Connect: We’re Here Until They’re Home,” a program created by VIDISolutions, a video software company. Two-minute video messages are recorded and then sent by e-mail to the military member.

Families of Army National Guard members assigned to the 898th Engineer Battalion serving in Iraq and Saudi Arabia will send messages to their loved ones on Sunday.

Bev Walker, manager of the Red Cross chapter’s Armed Forces Emergency Services Office, said family members can record their messages in private. For an appointment, call 425-252-4103, ext. 20.

Emergency messages continue to be sent through the worldwide Red Cross emergency communication network.

‘Nutcracker’ opens on south Whidbey

Whidbey Dance Theatre opens its 12th annual production of “The Nutcracker” this weekend at South Whidbey High School. For more information, go to whidbeydancetheatre. org.

For information on other performances of “The Nutcracker,” check Friday’s A&E section of The Herald.

Mukilteo lights its tree tonight

The Mukilteo Chamber of Commerce will have its annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at 6 tonight at Rosehill Community Center, 304 Lincoln Ave., Mukilteo. Bring a food bank donation for admission.

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If you have an item for FYI, call Kristi O’Harran at 425-339-3451. If you have a news tip or an idea for a local story, call the city desk at 425-339-3428, or e-mail newshound@ heraldnet.com.

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