Workshops
The Howard County Department of Citizen Services will offer a workshop at 6 p.m. Sept. 9 and 16 for parents and guardians raising young children from birth to age 8. Held at the Ellicott City Senior Center, 9401 Frederick Road. The "Family First" workshops cover topics including child development, encouraging self-esteem and good behavior, positive guidance and discipline and how to keep children safe and healthy. Information: 410-313-1940.
Art programs
Registration is under way for the Howard County Arts Council's fall educational programs at the Howard County Center for the Arts in Ellicott City. The council offers classes and workshops for ages 5 to adult. The art programs begin the week of Sept. 9, and classes range from one-day workshops to eight-week sessions.
Fall classes for ages 5-12 include Saturday Art Studio and Discover 3-D. For teens and adults, offerings include drawing and composition and three new workshops: art quilts, reliquary boxes and mosaic basics. Ongoing weekly drop-in sessions for drawing and painting from portrait and life models are also available.
Registration and full class listings are available at hocoarts.org. Brochures are available at the art center, and requests for a brochure to mailed may be directed to 410-313-2787. Early registration suggested as space is limited.
Volunteer naturalists
The Howard County Conservancy seeks volunteer naturalists for its fall field trip programs. Naturalists assist conservancy staff during field trips by leading nature-oriented hikes on the 232-acre historic farm property. Field trips are offered during October and November, and naturalists are asked to lead a minimum of three hikes. Training takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 12, 19, and 26 for the elementary program and Tuesdays, Sept. 10 and 17 for the secondary program. Participants will receive a manual and learn ecological concepts as well as about the history, plant life and wildlife of Howard County. To register and more information, call 410-465-8877.
Vendors and sponsors
The annual 50+EXPO will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18 at Wilde Lake High School, 5460 Trumpeter Road in Columbia. The event is presented by the Department of Citizen Services' Office on Aging. The Capitol Steps will perform at noon and 2 p.m. in the James Rouse Theatre.