MLK tributes

One of the most well-established Martin Luther King Jr. tribute programs annually in the Seattle area is the Seattle Community College District program, scheduled for Friday at Seattle's Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1634 19th Ave. This year's keynote speaker will be King County Executive Ron Sims. Also scheduled are remarks by Gov. Christine Gregoire and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, and student recitations of King's famed "I Have a Dream" speech. The event will open with a musical prelude at 11:30 a.m., followed by the program from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Seattle's Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1634 19th Ave. Free.

• Juan Williams, senior correspondent for National Public Radio and political analyst for Fox News, will be keynote speaker for a Lynnwood diversity celebration at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Lynnwood Convention Center, 3819 196th St. S.W. in Lynnwood. Free. Tickets are available at the Lynnwood Convention Center, Edmonds Community College or South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce.

• Other MLK tributes scheduled through the MLK holiday on Monday are listed in today's Northwest Weekend section.

Cold weather tips

When temperatures dip, homeowners are wise to insulate pipes in crawl spaces and attics to keep them from freezing. The more insulation you use, the better-protected your pipes will be.

• Seal leaks that allow cold air inside, near pipes. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out and the heat in. In severe cold, a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to freeze a pipe.

• Disconnect garden hoses and, if practical, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.

• A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.

• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks.

• If you're going to be away, set thermostats in your house no lower than 55 degrees. Ask a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make sure it's warm enough.

Getting around

There are six new traffic Web cameras installed in the Lake City area to let motorists view real-time traffic conditions online at www.seattle.gov/trafficcams. The cameras are at major intersections along Lake City Way Northeast and on 15th Avenue Northeast.

Here & Now is compiled by Seattle Times staff reporter Charles E. Brown and news assistant Suesan Whitney Henderson. To submit an item, e-mail herenow@seattletimes.com or call 206-464-2226.