Homework help centers

The Seattle Public Library has student homework help centers at its Central Library and at several branches offering free one-on-one homework help in math, science, English and social studies. Hours and days vary.

New help centers have been added at the Douglass-Truth, International District/Chinatown, Rainier Beach and South Park branches. Centers were already open at the Columbia, Delridge, Lake City and NewHolly branches.

The library system also has homework help resources on its Web site: www.spl.org, including an online tutoring service and round-the-clock reference service.

People interested in becoming homework help center volunteers can call the library's volunteer-services coordinator at 206-386-4614.

Helping hands

This month, a local multiple sclerosis support group, MS Helping Hands-MSHH Donor Closet, will host durable-medical-equipment and mobility-equipment fairs every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MSHH Donor Closet, 409 Howell Way in Edmonds.

Available items will include recycled and new scooters, power and manual wheelchairs, walkers, commodes and shower benches, and other health aids. Minimum suggested donations will be asked for the items, and all donations for the recycled and new items will go to provide financial assistance to people with MS in this state.

Items also can be donated to the fairs. Information: 425-712-1804.

Attorney to speak

Lynne Stewart, a criminal-defense and civil-rights attorney fighting a possible 28-month prison sentence following a conviction for "abetting terrorism," will speak on "My Fight for Justice in Patriot Act America" at an International Women's Day program at 7 p.m. Saturday in Seattle University's Pigott Auditorium. The program will be free and open to the public.

Stewart is on a West Coast tour from New York City to build support for the appeal of her conviction. The speaking engagement is being co-sponsored by Radical Women. Thursday is International Women's Day.

Race registration reminder

Online registration opens today for the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure fundraiser in Seattle on June 16.

This is the 25th anniversary for the Puget Sound Race for the Cure, which starts and ends at Seattle's Qwest Field & Event Center. Proceeds from the race are used locally to fund breast-cancer research, education, and screening and treatment programs.

Participants can get information and register online at www.komenpugetsound.org. Race organizers said last year's race drew 15,000 participants and raised more than $1.6 million.

Traffic watch

• Road crews are working on Northeast 45th Street between Interstate 5 and 15th Avenue Northeast in the University District. Lanes are restricted, and drivers should plan on traffic delays. Parking will be prohibited at times near the intersections.

Brooklyn Avenue Northeast between Northeast 45th and Northeast 47th streets will be closed from about 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Wednesday, with a detour posted.

• South Lucile Street will be closed between First and Fourth avenues this week, starting today, for roadway grinding and paving. Crews will work from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and Tuesday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. All traffic will be detoured on South Dawson Street.

Here & Now is compiled by Seattle Times' Metro staff reporter Charles E. Brown. To submit an item, e-mail herenow@seattletimes.com or call 206-464-2226.