Housing applications
Howard County Housing will begin accepting applications Oct. 1 for the October enrollment period for the Moderate Income Housing Unit program. The MIHU is an inclusionary zoning program that requires developers of new housing in certain zoning districts to sell or rent a percentage of the new dwelling units to households of moderate income. The program offers homes at reduced sale prices and rents to income-eligible individuals and families. Open enrollment ends Oct. 31. Information: 410-313-6318 or howardcountymd.gov/housingmihu.htm.
Art programs
Registration is underway 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. Programs and classes range from one-day workshops to eight-week sessions.
Fall classes for ages 5 to 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. 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 is recommended.
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. 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 Jim Rouse Theatre.