FYI

Happy Valentine’s Day.

“There are many ways to acknowledge those you love without generating items that have short lives or excess packaging,” said Rita Smith, community education director of Waste Management of Western Washington.

Waste Management suggests the following alternative gifts:

* Instead of cut flowers, give potted plants, flowers or trees that can be transplanted into a garden. If you do give cut flowers, compost them.

* Instead of balloon bouquets, give long-lasting items such as a framed photograph or a piece of artwork.

* Instead of Valentine cards, send e-mail greetings, a photo with a message on the back or verbal Valentine wishes.

* Instead of giving boxes of candy, give sweets with less packaging, homemade treats, dessert at a restaurant or a gift card to your valentine’s favorite restaurant or coffeehouse.

* Instead of giving perfume, give a spa visit or massage. If you do give perfume or lotion, check to see if the empty container can be recycled.

Historian discusses library acquisitions

The Lake Stevens Historical Society meets at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Lake Stevens School District Educational Service Center, 12309 22nd St. NE.

Everett library historian David Dilgard will discuss new acquisitions to the library’s photograph collection.

Senior consul of Japan in Bothell

Cascadia Community College hosts a speech by the senior consul of Japan, Hidehiro Hosaka, at noon Wednesday at 18345 Campus Way NE, Bothell.

He will be in room CC1 102 speaking to a political science class, but visitors are welcome.

He will discuss political issues in Japan, China-Japan relations and, if time allows, his experience as a career diplomat.

Call 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:

Delivery: Everett, 425-339-3200

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