Volunteer of the Year
Forms are available for the 2015 "Volunteer of the Year" awards program sponsored by county government, the County Council and the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County. Program recognizes individuals (youth and adults), nonprofits or governmentalagencies, and for-profit organizations or community groups that have demonstrated commitment and dedication to the community.
To qualify, nominees must be county residents or do their volunteer work in the county. In addition, their efforts should have an effect on an individual or the community, and for individual nominations, the service must be performed outside the scope of the nominee's paid employment. Nomination forms are available at howardcountymd.gov/voy.htm. Completed nomination forms may be:
•Filled out online and submitted via email to voy@howardcountymd.gov.
•Mailed to: Howard County Volunteer of the Year, Attn: Alexandra Bresani, Office of Public Information, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City 21043.
•Faxed to: 410-313-3390.
Deadline for nominations is Friday, Feb. 27.
Income tax assistance
AARP and the IRS are sponsoring free personal income tax preparation for county residents. The service is available to all middle- and low-income taxpayers, with special emphasis on ages 60 and older at various locations. To schedule an appointment, call:
•The Bain Center, 410-313-7387.
•East Columbia Senior Center, 410-313-7680.
•Elkridge Senior Center, 410-313-5192.
•Ellicott City Senior Center, 410-313-1400.
•Miller Library, 410-313 1400.
•Glenwood Community Center, 410-313-5440.
•North Laurel Community Center, 410-313-0380.
Vendors needed
The seventh annual WomenFest will be held April 25 at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center in Glenwood and the Department of Citizen Services is seeking vendors that offer products and/or services that promote health, wellness, fashion and beauty, and are designed to inspire women to live a more balanced, healthy and fulfilled life. Applications available at howardcountyaging.org/womenfest.
Spanish speakers
The Foreign-Born Information and Referral Network, 5999 Harpers Farm Road, Suite 200-E, Columbia, needs Spanish-speaking volunteers to greet clients, answer basic questions, make appointments and support the staff. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday; other times may be considered. Information: 410-992-1923, ext. 14.
Calling all artists
The Meeting House Gallery will celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Meeting House at Oakland Mills Interfaith Center this year with an exhibition, "The Meeting House: Now and Then," on display March 14 to May 16. Exhibit focuses on, but is not limited to, the history and vision of the Interfaith Center and Columbia. Artists can submit applications to exhibit their works. Send images of two and three dimensional work by Jan. 21 to themeetinghouse.org.
Kindred Spirits
The social club for people diagnosed with early memory loss or dementia meets from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the 50+ Center at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center, 2700 Route 97 in Cooksville. Highlights include therapeutic activities, including music, art and exercise, as well as a support group. A daily fee of $30 includes snacks, lunch, coffee and tea. The program is sponsored by the Howard County Office on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Maryland. Information: Judy Miller at 410-313-5441 or email jumiller@howardcountymd.gov.
Recycling cans
Habitat for Humanity and the Boy Scouts of America have placed a collection bin for aluminum cans at the entrance to the parking lot of Christ Memorial Presbyterian Church, 6410 Amherst Ave., in Allview Estates. Information: 410-997-4949.