Edmonds: Library board has vacancy

There’s a vacancy on the five-member library board, which advises Mayor Gary Haakenson and the City Council on a variety of issues concerning the city’s Sno-Isle Libraries branch.

Volunteer members serve five-year terms and meet at 6 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the Edmonds Library, 650 Main St.

Applicants don’t have to live in Edmonds. Applications, due by 4:30 p.m. Jan. 15, are available at City Hall, 121 Fifth Ave. N, or by e-mail.

Info: 425-771-0247.

Snohomish: Paper lanterns to mark shortest day of year

The community can celebrate the winter solstice today with a candlelit walk in the historic downtown area.

Volunteers will set up 500 paper lanterns between Avenue D and Maple Avenue along the riverside trail. The lanterns will be lit from about 4 to 7 p.m.

Locals are encouraged to bring their own candles, serve hot drinks at Kla Ha Ya Park or sing carols.

The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, with just 8 ½ hours of sunlight.

More info: 360-568-1000 or www.yogacirclestudio.com/solstice.

Edmonds: Police department awarded state accreditation

The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs last month awarded state accreditation to the Edmonds Police Department, Edmonds police Sgt. Don Anderson said. The accreditation is not required, but the police department wanted to send a message to the community that it provides services at the highest level.

Everett: Tools to save energy now online

Snohomish County PUD has given its Web site a facelift to make it easier to navigate.

The new look includes calculators that enable customers to answer questions about their home energy use and identify low-cost improvements to save money. The PUD Web site also offers more than 40 videos covering a range of topics such as electrical safety and tidal energy.

The Web site is www.snopud.com.

Lake Stevens: Center available for rent

The city of Lake Stevens is offering its community center for rent for birthday parties, meetings, social events or other occasions.

The center, at 1808 Main St. next to City Hall, was used as the Lake Stevens Senior Center until a new building for seniors opened in Eagle Ridge Park last spring.

Tables, chairs and a stove for warming food are available. The building can accommodate up to 81 people.

For rental rates and more information, call the city at 425-334-1012.