Meetings
Why Not Toastmasters — A nonprofit organization that provides communication and leadership training. Holding three meetings in the months of September and Octtober. Visitors are welcome to attend and learn more about Toastmasters. The club currently has an offer to waive September dues for all members. 11 a.m.-noon Oct. 1, Glen Mar United Methodist Church, 4701 New Cut Road, Ellicott City. 410-379-0133.
Retired Officers' Wives' Club Meeting — Holding its monthly luncheon meeting, featuring the big band sounds of The Retro-Rockets, who will play music from the 1950s and 1960s. Friends, neighbors and spouses are invited. Reservations required by Sept. 29. Members can call their area Reservation Committee representative. 11 a.m. Oct. 4, Club Meade, 3354 Crumpton S., Laurel. $15. 410-551-7082.
Miscellaneous
Salvation Army Holiday Assistance Registration — Holding registration for holiday assistance for Howard County residents, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, Sept. 12-30, with extended hours Tuesdays and Thursdays, until 7 p.m. Past and new clients must bring valid photo ID, Social Security cards for every household member, proof of all income (pay stubs, DSS, child support, food stamp letters), proof of all expenses (BG&E, phone, cable, etc.), proof of residence (Section 8 or HUD, lease, mortgage), birth certificates for all children 0-12-years-old and gift suggestions less than $30 for children. 443-656-3376.
27th Annual Home Decorator Show — Sponsored by Historic Ellicott City Inc. Featuring Holly Manor, a colonial revival estate located on 13 rolling acres in the Maple Lawn area just south of Columbia. Showcase opens with a Preview Party Gala (advanced tickets required). Profits from the Show House will benefit education and preservation of Ellicott City's rich historic inventory. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 29; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 30-Oct. 1; noon-5 p.m. Oct. 2; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 4-5; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Oct. 6; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 7-8; noon-5 p.m. Oct. 9; Holly Manor, 8105 Holly Manor Way, Fulton. In advance: $15; at the door: $20. 410-461-6908.
Columbia Association Group Fitness Expo — Hosted by the Columbia Association. Highlighting CA's group fitness program, featuring a variety of popular fitness classes; door prizes and vendors. Registration required from 7 a.m. Sept. 24 to 10 p.m. Sept. 29. CA Package Plan Plus members can register online; other CA members and non-members may register by calling the Columbia Gym. All participants must bring a photo ID and check in at least 10 minutes before class. 7 a.m.-noon Oct. 1, Columbia Association Columbia Gym, 6151 Daylong Lane, Clarksville. Free. 410-531-0800.
Howard County Legacy Leadership Institute for the Environment Information Night — Holding an information night as part of recruitment for the 2012 Class of Legacy Leaders. An environmental education and volunteer leadership program for ages 50 and older who want to gain skills and knowledge and create a legacy through their volunteer work with partner organizations. Runs for six weeks, Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Feb. 1-March 14, followed by 150 hours of field placement with partner organizations from March through September 2012. Field trips to significant local environmental sites are part of the program. 7-9 p.m. Oct. 4, Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia. $50. 410-381-5279.
Lisbon Volunteer Fire Company Open House — Learn how to protect you family from fire through hands-on activities and demonstrations. Featuring the Maryland State Police helicopter; demonstrations by Dino, the search and rescue dog, and Mae, the arson dog; dress up like a firefighter and get your picture taken with Sparky, the fire dog; and bring a stuffed animal and fix its injuries as an EMT in the ambulance. Learning opportunities available for all ages. Free snacks provided by Lisbon's Town Grill. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 8, Lisbon Volunteer Fire Co., 1330 Route 94, Lisbon. 410-489-4646.
Sharp's at Waterford Farm Open House — Presents "A Day in the Life of a Farmer." Featuring a farm class on beekeeping and farm crops; feeding animals, mini corn maze, hayride and pumpkins. Registration required by Sept. 28. 10-11:30 a.m. Oct. 8, Sharp's at Waterford Farm, 4003 Jennings Chapel Road, Brookeville. Adults: free; children: $6.75. 410-489-2572.
Music
Brave Noise — Performing jazz-rock music. 8:30-10:30 p.m. Sept. 29, Great Sage, 5809 Clarksville Square Drive, Columbia. 443-535-9400.
"Sista's Can Sing": A Tribute to Female Legends in Jazz — Presented by Lavenia Nesmith. Presents a musical journey into the musical offerings of Nancy Wilson, Billie Holiday, Gloria Lynne and Dinah Washington. Tickets must be purchased by Sept. 28. 5-7 p.m. Oct. 1, Jim Rouse Theater, 5460 Trumpeter Rd., Columbia. $29 . 301-210-1399.
Ying String Quartet —Candlelight Concert Society presents the Ying String Quartet, performing Mozart: Quartet in E-flat Major, K. 428; Paul Moravec: Anniversary Dances; John Novacek: Three Rags for String Quartet; and Smetana: Quartet No. 1 in E minor, "From My Life." 8 p.m. Oct. 1, Howard Community College, Alfred J. Smith Jr. Theater, 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. Adults: $30, seniors: $28, ages 9-24: $12; one free child, ages 9-17, with one paid adult or senior ticket. 410-997-2324.
Sundays At Three Chamber Music Series — Opens its 15th season with the Mendelssohn Piano Trio, artists-in-residence of Washington's Embassy Series, which will perform Haydn's Trio in E-flat major, Brahms' Trio No. 3 in C minor, and Schubert's Trio No. 2 in E-flat major. 3 p.m. Oct. 2, Christ Episcopal Church, 6800 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia. Adults: $15; ages 17 and younger: free when accompanied by adult. 443-288-3179.
St. Louis Church Concert Series: "Keeping it Close to Home" — Featuring musicians from Howard County churches, with Paul J. Carroll, Dave Foley, Stephen Lay, Berta Sabrio and Larissa Sanders. 4 p.m. Oct. 2, St Louis Catholic Church, 12500 State Route 108, Clarksville. Free. 410-531-6040.
Savage Bluegrass — 7 p.m. Oct. 4, Sam and Elsie's Bar and Restaurant, 9994 Washington Blvd. N., Laurel. 301-317-7797.
St. Louis Church Concert Series: LYRA — Presents LYRA, the Russian Vocal Ensemble of St. Petersburg, with Paul J. Carroll, organ. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8, St Louis Catholic Church, 12500 State Route 108, Clarksville. Free. 410-531-6040.
Outdoors
Rake and Take Program — Sponsored by the University of Maryand Extension. The Howard County Master Gardeners are hosting a program for those who rake and bag their leaves and would like someone else to pick them up. Email phooker9440@gmail.com with your address and telephone number to become a part of the program. Participants will be contacted in the fall to arrange a pickup. 410-313-2707.
