Listings are accepted on a space-available basis. Events must be open to the public, and priority will be given to those in Howard County. Items typically appear two weeks prior to the date included in the listing if sent far enough in advance. Deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday prior to date of publication at the latest. To submit calendar items, mail to Up & Coming, Patuxent Publishing Co. Editorial, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278; email hccalendar@patuxent.com; fax 410-332-6336; or call 410-332-6497.

For complete events calendar listing, go to http://www.explorehoward.com.

Classes

Misako Ballet — Offering a free class to newcomers through Sat., May 28. 5485 Harper's Farm Road, Suite 203, Columbia. 410-884-9690 or 443-805-1350. http://www.misakoballet.com.

Community Line Dance and Social — Sponsored by CrossLife Community Church. Featuring an evening of instruction, dancing and fun with Barb Dutterer. Fridays, through June 3, 7-10 p.m., Rockburn Elementary School, 6145 Montgomery Road, Elkridge. In advance for six weeks: $40 individual, $85 per family (three or more); at the door per class: $10 individual; $25 per family. http://www.crosslifeonline.com.

Understanding Grief, Just for Teens — Hosted by Gilchrist Hospice Care-Howard County. A session specifically designed for teens to help them explore their journey through grief, with the inclusion of writing, music and art. Wed., June 1, 6:30-8 p.m., Gilchrist Hospice Care, 5537 Twin Knolls Road, Site 433, Columbia. Free. Registration required. 443-539-4086 to reserve a seat.

Self-Defense for Young Women — Offered by Howard County General Hospital. Featuring age-appropriate self-defense for young women. Learn physical and psychological strategies; also discusses concepts of self-image, self-esteem and assertive behavior. June 4, 9-11 a.m., HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Suite 100, Columbia. $35. For ages 12-15. 410-740-7601 or http://www.hcgh.org to reserve a seat.

Exhibits

Artists' Gallery — Exhibiting "Oriental Influences," displaying an appreciation of and sensitivity to Eastern culture, art and aesthetics. Runs through Fri., May 27. American City Building, 10227 Wincopin Circle, Columbia. Weekdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 410-740-8249 or http://www.artistsgallerycolumbia.com.

Galleria at Ranazul Restaurant — Exhibiting "Nourishment: Body and Soul," showing the artists' views on the joys of cooking, eating and celebrating life, and an appreciation of the beauty of food and flowers. Runs through Sat., May 28. Ranazul Restaurant, 8171 Maple Lawn Blvd., Suite 170, Fulton.

Howard County Arts Council — Exhibiting "Resident Visual Artists Exhibit 2011" and "Coded: Shalya Marsh and Lars Westby." Runs through June 24, with a reception June 16, 6-8 p.m. 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City. 410-313-2787 or http://www.hocoarts.org.

Artists' Gallery — Exhibiting "ArtGREENArts," which will explore the concept of "green" with works that celebrate Mother Nature and the color of green itself. Runs through June 24, with a reception June 10, 6-8:30 p.m. American City Building, 10227 Wincopin Circle, Columbia. Weekdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 410-740-8249 or http://www.artistsgallerycolumbia.com. Barbara Kaufman — Exhibiting photos of the woods of Howard County. Runs through June 30, Bean Hollow, 8059 Main St., Ellicott City.

Howard County Arts Council — Exhibiting the "Residential Visual Artists Exhibit 2011" and "Coded: Shalya Marsh and Lars Westby." Runs through June 24, with a reception June 16, 6-8 p.m., and an open mic night, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City. Weekdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sundays, noon-4 p.m. 410-313-2787 or http://www.hocoarts.org.

Laurel Museum — Exhibiting "And They're Off! 100 Years at Laurel Park," exploring the glamour and grit of horse racing, life behind the scenes at the Laurel Race Track and its impact on the town. Runs through December. 817 Main St., Laurel. Sundays, 1-4 p.m.; and Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 301-725-7975 or http://www.laurelhistoricalsociety.org.

Willowbrook Stuidos Annual Art Show and Sale — Exhibiting a collection of watercolors, acrylics and mixed media by the Willowbrook Studio Painters, with a reception June 3, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Show continues June 4, noon-3 p.m., Oliver's Carriage House, 5410 Leaf Treader Way, Columbia. 410-446-7584 or willowbrookpaintersstudio@comcast.net.

Food

2011 Farmers Market — Hosted by Howard County General Hospital. Sponsored in partnership with the Howard County Economic Development Authority's Agricultural Marketing Program. Featuring locally-grown produce, baked goods, fruits, flowers and specialty items. Fridays, through Oct. 26, 2-6 p.m., HCGH visitor parking lot, 5755 Cedar Lane, Columbia.

Afternoon Tea — Hosted by the Town Center Community Association. Catered by Sweet Simplici-Tea. Serving tea, sandwiches, desserts and scones. Thu., May 26, 4:30-6 p.m., Historic Oakland Ballroom, 5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia. $22. Reservations required at least two business days in advance. 410-730-4801 or 800-730-4802.

Fundraisers

Quartermania Event — Hosted by St. James Episcopal Church. A game combining Bingo and an auction using only quarters. Refreshments available. June 3, 6 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church, 1307 N. Main St., Mount Airy. $5 in advance with two paddles, $8 at the door with one paddle. 301-829-0325 or quarter2011@yahoo.com to reserve a seat.

Relay For Life of Howard County at Hammond High School — To benefit the American Cancer Society. An overnight event to celebrate cancer survivorship where teams camp out and take turns walking around a track, with each team trying to keep at least one member on the track throughout the night. Event includes Opening Ceremonies, Survivors' Lap, a Luminary Ceremony and a kids' walk, with a survivors' reception prior to the opening ceremonies for cancer survivors and their caregivers. June 3, 6:30 p.m. start. http://www.howardrfl.com. 410-781-4316 or hcrelay@hotmail.com.

Howard Community College Nursing Scholarship Benefit — To endow scholarships for the nursing program at HCC. Featuring guest speak Ben Carson, cocktail reception, dinner and open bar. June 4, 6-10 p.m., Howard Community College, Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center, 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. $125. 443-518-1970 or http://www.howardcc.edu/specialevents.

Health

Fitness Fusion — Hosted by CrossLife Community Church. Featuring upper- and lower-body strength and endurance activities, as well as a "fusion" of cardio and core strength work. Runs through June 13, 5-6 p.m., Elkridge Fire Department. $35. 410-960-6301 or http://www.crosslifeonline.com to reserve a seat.

Zumba Gold — Dance class for active seniors, beginner exercisers and larger exercise participants. Tuesdays, through mid-June, 10-11 a.m., Alta at Regency Crest, 3305 Oak W. Drive, Ellicott City. $40 for five weeks. Registration required. Tamra, 301-312-4524 or flexible4life@gmail.com.

Prenatal Exercise — Offered by Howard County General Hospital. Gentle stretching and light exercise condition birth muscles and enhance well-being. Physician permission required. Thursdays, May 26-July 14, HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Suite 100, Columbia. $88 for eight sessions. 410-740-7601 or http://www.hcgh.org to reserve a seat.

Baby Signing — Offered by Howard County General Hospital. Parents, grandparents and caregivers of babies up to 1-year-old will learn 100 basic signs to help your baby communicate. June 4, 9-11:30 a.m., HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Suite 100, Columbia. $40 per person, or $75 per couple; price include review DVD. 410-740-7601 or http://www.hcgh.org to reserve a seat.

3rd Annual Men's Health Fair — Co-sponsored by Howard County Council Chairman Calvin Ball and the Howard County Health Dept. Featuring health screenings including: prostate, kidney, blood pressure, BMI, spinal, vision and more; healthy food samples; health and insurance information; and the opportunity to win an autographed Ravens memorabilia. June 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Howard High School, 8700 Oal Annapolis Road, Ellicott City. Free. Open to the public. Kimberly Pruim, 410-313-3105.

Healthy Howard Day 2011 — Hosted by We Promote Health. Offering activities and resources to promote health and wellness in the county, highlighting what schools, restaurants and workplaces do to promote health. June 5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Centennial Park, 9801 Old Annapolis Road, Ellicott City. Free. http://www.healthyhowardday.org.

Meetings

Toastmasters — Holding a meeting. Sat., May 28, 11 a.m.-noon, Y of Central Maryland, 4331 Montgomery Road, Ellicott City. Visitors welcome. http://whynottms.freetoasthost.org. Ben Gugliotta, 410-379-0133.

Near-Death Experience, IANDS Maryland Chapter — Holding a meeting, followed by dinner at a restaurant to be determined. June 5, 3-5:30 p.m., Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, 11100 Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel. http://www.marylandiands.org.

Miscellaneous

A Moment to Honor — Sponsored by Senior Peer Resources: Individuals, Networks and Groups. A program that takes time to honor and remember the significant people in individual's lives who are no longer alive, featuring a short presentation, quiet reflection, time for sharing and a group commemorative activity, with Rosemary Dougherty as the speaker. Light refreshments served. Wed., June 1, 10-11 a.m., Bain Senior Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia. Free. Open to the public. Karen Hull, 410-313-7466 or khull@howardcountymd.gov to reserve a seat.

Blood Drive — Hosted by the St. James United Methodist Church. To benefit the American Red Cross. June 2, 2-8 p.m., 12470 Route 99, West Friendship. 410-442-2020 to make an appointment.

8th Annual Howard County Boatfloat — Hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Howard County and the Columbia Association. Featuring family fun activities, grand parade of boat teams and instant boat races. June 4, all day, Lake Kittamaqundi. 443-517-3186 or http://www.hocoboatfloat.com.

2nd Annual North Laurel Community Fair — Hosted by the North Laurel-Savage Multiservice Center and multiple Howard County nonprofits. Featuring health screenings, food for families in need, healthy eating tips, family portraits, employment assistance, immigration counselors, fashion tips and business attire makeovers, vendors and face painting. June 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Whiskey Bottom Shopping Center, 9105-I All Saints Road, Laurel. Free. Open to the public.

2nd Annual Columbia Home Tour — Sponsored by the Villages of Columbia and Columbia Archives. To benefit One Month's Rent Initiative. A self-guided tour of five homes in Columbia, with docents at each location who will guide visitors through the home's architecture and qualities. Event followed by a reception at the Owen Brown Community Center with refreshments and displays by Columbia Archives. June 5, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $20. http://www.columbiavillages.org. Carol Hobelmann, 410-730-3987 or wlevents@columbiavillages.org.

The Wedding Workshop — Featuring planning and budgeting, venues and locations, invitations and programs, hair and make-up, bridal gowns and tuxedoes, photography, videography, caterers and cake designers, limousine services, flowers, and rentals and linens. June 5, 2-5 p.m., Snow Hill Manor, 13301 Laurel Bowie Road, Laurel. $5 per person. 240-274-2765 or lola@loladivine.com to reserve a seat.

17th Annual Columbia International Day — Hosted by the Columbia Association. Seeking vendors and artisans who would like to display or sell items with an international theme. Discounted rate for vendors who apply prior to June 2. Held July 23, 2-10 p.m., Downtown Columbia Lakefront. http://www.columbiaassociation.org/events.

Music

Lakefront Wednesdays Concert Series — Hosted by the Columbia Association. Featuring a live concert. Diane Daly Trio, June 1; Andrew McKnight, June 8; Project Natale, June 15; Matt Wigler Trio, June 22; Alex and Zach Brown Group, June 29; and Tuckahoe Road, July 6. Wednesdays, May 25-July 6, noon-2 p.m., Downtown Columbia Lakefront. 410-715-3104.

High Heat — June 3, 6 p.m., Players Bar and Grill (formerly Mangias).

Voices 21 Concert — Present "American Voices: Chapter 2." June 5, 3 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 6800 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia. http://www.voicesxxi.org. 240-643-6563 or voicesxxi@aol.com.

Religion

Spiritual Presence for Men in Stressful Times — Hosted by Bon Secours Spiritual Center. Get in touch with an inner path that can transform the stresses, strains and challenges at home and work into productive encounters with what is holy, grace-filled and at the center of who we really are. Fri., May 27, 5 p.m.-Sat., May 28, 8 p.m., 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville. $150. For men only. 410-442-1320 or http://www.bonsecoursspiritualcenter.org.

Young Families Rosh Hodesh Group — Sponsored by Beth Shalom Congregation. Join other young families with children, ages birth-5, for crafts, stories, music and socializing once a month. Member and unaffiliated families are welcome. Next gathering is June 5. 410-531-5115 for directions. Email Becca Roberts, youth@beth-shalom.net to host.

Theater

Silhouette Stages — Presents "Chicago." Runs through June 5. May 27-28, June 3-4, 8 p.m.; May 29 and June 5, 7 p.m.; May 29 and June 5, 3 p.m.; Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia. $18 adults, $15 students and seniors. http://www.seatyourself.biz/silhouettestages.com. 410-637-5289.

Laurel Mill Playhouse — Presents "Rent." Runs through June 11; Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sun., May 29 and June 5, 2 p.m.; Thu., June 2, 8 p.m. 508 Main St., Laurel. $15 general admission, $13 ages 18 and younger and 65 and older. 301-617-9906. http://www.laurelmillplayhouse.org.

Howard County Arts Council — Present "No, No, Nannette." June 3-4, 7 p.m., and June 5, 2 p.m., Howard County Arts Council, Black Box Theatre, 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City.

Yard Sales

Community Yard Sale — Sat., May 28, 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Lisbon United Methodist Church, Route 144. Free space available. Dan, 410-489-9519.

Colossal Funky Flea for Cancer — Hosted by The Pink Cabbage. Booth proceeds to benefit the American Cancer Society. Featuring more than 50 vendors. June 4, The Pink Cabbage, 11707 Frederick Road, Ellicott City. Rain date is Sun., June 5. http://www.thepinkcabbageshop.com. Marcie Barnard, 410-461-3985 or Marcie.barnard@ngc.com.

Fundraiser Yard Sale — Hosted by Boy Scout Troop 601. Sat., June 4, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Columbia Academy, 9210 State Road 108, Columbia. Rain date is June 5. $20 per space or $30 for two spaces. troop601yardsale@yahoo.com.

Yard Sale, Car Wash and Bake Sale — Hosted by the Orthodox Church of St. Matthew. To benefit its Multi-Cultural Festival. June 4, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Kings Contrivance Interfaith Center, 7271 Eden Brook Drive, Columbia.