FEMA aid available for flood, storm losses

Seattle and King County residents who experienced uninsured losses from December's floods and storms may qualify for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Those hoping to receive low-interest loans, housing grants or other financial assistance must apply to FEMA by Feb. 19.

There are three ways to apply:

• Online at www.fema.gov/assistance

• By phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• In person at North Seattle Community College's disaster-recovery center, 9600 College Way N., from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, call the city's Office of Emergency Management at 206-233-5089.

Civic calendar

Fremont Bridge

Overnight tonight and Thursday night: The Fremont Bridge will be closed to vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists so that work may continue on the replacement of mechanical and electrical systems on the south part of the bridge. The closures are from 9 at night to 6 the following morning. Similar overnight closures are planned next week for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. During the closures, pedestrians and bicyclists can take a shuttle van from 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. that runs between the north and south sides of the bridge, using an alternate route. Shuttles will run about every 20 to 30 minutes.

Legislative preview

Jan. 11: CityClub's annual legislative-preview luncheon is at noon at the Westin, 1900 Fifth Ave. The panel is to feature four key lawmakers — Speaker Frank Chopp, Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, Senate Republican Leader Mike Hewitt and House Minority Leader Richard DeBolt. Registration is required: www.seattlecityclub.org or 206-682-7395.

Tutors needed

Now: The Literacy Council of Seattle is searching for tutors to teach English to non-native-speaking adults. Tutor-training workshops are Jan. 19 and Jan. 26. No tutoring experience is necessary. To reserve a spot in a workshop, call 206-233-9720 or e-mail the council at info@literacyseattle.org by Jan. 12.

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

Jan. 2, 1848: Bishop Augustin Magloire Blanchet ordained two Oblate missionaries, Eugene Casmire Chirouse and Charles M. Pandosy, as Catholic priests in a solemn but improvised ceremony at Fort Walla Walla — the first Catholic ordination in what would become the state of Washington. Fort Walla Walla was on the Columbia River between the Snake and Walla Walla rivers.

Source: Historylink.org