Howard County Briefs

Etiquette for children

The Etiquette School of Maryland is offering classes for boys and girls ages 8-12 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays next month at Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia. Dates are March 3, 10, 17 and 24.

The program includes instruction on social etiquette, communication skills and table manners. Cost is $300. To register and more information, call 410-465-4969 or go to etiquetteschoolmd.com.

Gala

Tickets are available for the annual "Celebration of the Arts in Howard County," being held on March 24 at HCC's Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia. Tickets are $50 and $100.

The event include a reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., along with a silent auction of artwork by local artists, food from area restaurants and caterers, and live performances.

For tickets and more information, call 410-313-2787 or go to hocoarts.org.

Child fair rescheduled

"Children on Board," Howard County's annual Preschool/Child Care Information Fair sponsored by the Office of Children's Services, has been rescheduled and will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 4, at Ten Oaks Ballroom, 5000 Signal Bell Lane in Clarksville. The event will provide parents, guardians, grandparents and child-care personnel with information on child care and preschool programs. Representatives from community service organizations will also attend. Admission is free; attendees are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for the Howard County Food Bank. Information: 410-313-1940.

Softball registration

Registration is open for Howard County Youth Program's upcoming season for girls 6-17 years old. The league is for all girls, from beginners to experienced players. Practices begin in March, and league play starts in early April. To register, or for more information, go to hcyp.org.

Art exhibition

Exhibition of oil, pastel and watercolor paintings by regional artists is on view through Friday, Feb. 24, at the Artists' Gallery, American City Building, 10227 Wincopin Circle in Columbia. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays. Closed Sundays. Gallery is also open by appointment. Information: 410-740-8249 or artistsgallerycolumbia.com.

Tax assistance site

The county's first Volunteer Income Tax Assistance office has opened at the North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, and will remain in operation throughout the tax season. The site offers free tax assistance preparation and free electronic filing to most taxpayers who earned up to $49,000 last year. Hours are 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays. For appointments and more information, call 410-313-0386 or go to howardcountymd.gov/vita.htm. This year's tax-filing deadline is April 17.

Call for artists

The Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House is accepting applications for artists to exhibit in the galleries for the 2013 season. The Gallery Screening Committee will begin reviewing applications in the spring. Deadline for applications is June 1. For applications and more information, go to wildelake.org. Mail applications to gallery director Carole Black at Bernice Kish Gallery, Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia, 21044; or send email to cjblack@columbiavillages.org.

GreenFest vendors

Vendor applications are being accepted for the annual GreenFest, to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 14 at Howard Community College's Burrill Galleria, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia. Vendors and exhibitors with information on green products, ecological home cleaning and lawn care, alternative energy, water conservation and reuse, and tips for greening everyday activities are encouraged to apply. Other topics of interest include energy efficiency, green buildings, green consumer products, green landscaping, wildlife exploration, children's activities and information on local green organizations. Each exhibit space includes a 5-foot table and two chairs. Cost to nonprofits is $25 per space; $35 for others. An additional $10 late-application fee now also applies. Preference will be given to local businesses and organizations that promote environmentally friendly goods and services. Applications are available at hcgreenfest.org. Information and applications: Lindsay DeMarzo, 410-313-4374 or ldemarzo@howardcountymd.gov.

Support groups