FYI

If your New Year’s resolution is to help young people learn to read, here is your chance.

Powerful Partners: Schools and Communities Working Together is recruiting volunteer tutors who would enjoy helping young children from six Edmonds School District campuses improve their reading skills.

Training is set for 9 a.m. Jan. 26 and 27. Topics include understanding how children learn to read and specific techniques to help children strengthen their reading skills.

"Tutors have made a big difference with our kids," said Kyle Kinoshita, principal at Meadowdale Elementary School and the lead tutor trainer. "They help them gain confidence in their reading skills, and that helps them with all of their subjects."

For more information and to register for training, call Rona Besterman at 425-670-7350 or e-mail her at BestermanR@edmonds.wednet.edu

Stadium Flowers in Everett and the McDonald’s at 2001 Everett Ave. have been honored for their conflict resolution skills.

The awards were given by the Volunteers of America’s Dispute Resolution Center of Snohomish and Island counties.

Both businesses said they try to get employees to find their own solutions, rather than impose one on them. If that doesn’t work, at McDonald’s they then involve a manager and lastly a mediator. The process helps decrease tension and turnover and increase productivity.

For more on building conflict resolution skills in the workplace, visit www.voaww.org/drc.

What does the new year have in store for Snohomish County? Elections, building projects and belt-tightening in city governments. There may even be a new teachers contract in the Marysville School District before 2004 is over. Find out what lies ahead for your community in Sunday’s Herald.

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 newstips@heraldnet.com.

Other numbers to call:

Everett, 425-339-3200

425-339-3470, after 4 p.m.