FYI

What to do with the Christmas tree?

Snohomish County Solid Waste Management Division offers these suggestions:

Sign up for tree pickup service from a local youth organization or take your tree to a community drop-off site. See Page B2 for a list.

If you have curbside yard debris collection service from your garbage collector, check with them for pickup instructions.

Take your tree to a local compost facility, listed in the Yellow Pages.

Chip your own tree and use it for compost or mulch in your yard.

Take your tree to one of the county’s recycling and transfer stations. They charge $5 per tree.

The city of Everett’s pool at Forest Park will be closed today, Saturday and Sunday because of problems with the heating system, city spokeswoman Kate Reardon said. The city hopes to resume regular pool hours next week.

Now that the toys are opened, here are some saving tips from the Toy Industry Association.

Teach children to take care of their possessions. At an early age, children can be taught to store their toys properly. This prevents toys from being lost, stolen or damaged. In addition, it may prevent falls and keep younger children away from toys intended for older ones.

It is especially important to keep toys off staircases to avoid falls.

If a storage chest is used, be sure it has a removable lid or a spring-loaded support that allows the lid to remain securely open. Also, check for smooth, finished edges and air holes to prevent suffocation and hinge-line clearances to prevent pinched fingers.

Other good options for storing and organizing toys are large, stackable plastic bins, smooth-edged baskets or sturdy, open shelves.

Register soon for one of many classes and programs offered by the Edmonds Parks and Recreation Program Guide for January through April.

Classes beginning in January include steelhead fishing, beginning fly-tying, calligraphy, ukulele playing and Irish dance. Pick up a copy of the Craze at the Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main St. in Edmonds or view the program guide online at ci.edmonds.wa.us.

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.