Voter registration

The League of Women Voters will hold voter registration at the East Columbia Library, 6600 Cradlerock Way, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 3 and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug 7 at all six Howard County Library branches. Information: 410-730-0142 or howard.lwvmd.org.

Performing artist award

The Howard County Arts Council is accepting applications for its 2011 Rising Star Performing Artist Professional Development award. Competition is open to individual performers, ages 18-35, who live, train, work or perform regularly in Howard County or have done so in the past. Review criteria include artistic expression, technical ability and stage presence. Up to 10 finalists will be selected to perform at the council's gala celebration March 26. The audience of more than 500 artists, patrons, business and political representatives and community members will vote for their favorite performer; the winner receives a $5,000 award on stage. Information: 410-313-2787 or hocoarts.org.

Art contest

The Howard County Bird Club is sponsoring a "Youth Bird Art Contest" for residents ages 9-13, to draw, paint or sculpt their favorite bird. Prizes include a backpack containing a pair of Eagle Optic binoculars, field guides and a year's membership to the bird club. Deadline for submissions is Sept. 1. Information: howardbirds.org.

Election judges needed

The Howard County Board of Elections needs registered voters to work as election judges throughout the county during the 2010 primary Sept. 14 and the general election Nov. 2. Registered Republicans are needed most, but Democratic judges are also needed. Information: http://www.howardcountymd.gov/BOE.

Auditions

Red Branch Theatre Company will hold auditions for children's roles in "Bridge to Terabithia" on Monday, July 26, at the Drama Learning Center, 9130-I Red Branch Road, Columbia. Roles of Jesse Aarons, Leslie Burke and MayBelle (Jesse's younger sister) will be cast. To sign up for an audition group at 4 p.m. or 5:30 p.m., e-mail dramalearningcenter@yahoo.com. Callbacks will be Tuesday, July 27. Information: 410-997-9352.

Volunteer coordinator

AT:LAST Inc. is looking for a volunteer coordinator for Volunteer Maryland. The position is for an 11-month, 20-hour-per-week position starting in mid-September. Benefits include extensive training, a living stipend, and money for college and insurance. Information: 410-381-2667 or communications@matcoop.org. The deadline is Aug. 1.

Housing program

Applications for the July enrollment period for the county's Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program are being accepted until Friday, July 30. The program offers new homes at reduced prices and rents to eligible families. Information: 410-313-6318 or howardcountymd.gov.

Relief for arts

The Howard County Arts Council has created a $25,000 artRELIEF fund to help alleviate the effects of the recession on the local arts community. Seven organizations will receive grants: Candlelight Concert Society, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts, Columbia Festival of the Arts, Columbia Orchestra, Columbia Pro Cantare and the Howard County Poetry and Literature Society. The average award will be $3,500.

Volunteers

The Howard County Conservancy is seeking Wednesday drop-in gardening volunteers from 9:30 a.m. to noon to help maintain thematic and native plant gardens on the property. All levels of experience are welcome.

Also, drop-in work days in the Children's Garden, located within the Community Gardens, are 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. the first and third Saturdays of the month, and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays. No experience needed. Meet at the Nature Center.

Information: 410-465-8877 or hcconservancy.org.

'Sunset Serenades'

Howard County Recreation and Parks' annual concert series held at Centennial Park South, 10000 Route 108, continues Wednesday, July 28, with soul, funk and pop music by the Eric Scott Band. Concerts are free. $3 per vehicle parking fee, except Aug. 11. Information: 410-313-4700 or howardcountymd.gov/rap.

Nature series

Continuing through late August, the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum hosts its "Summer Saturdays Nature Series" at 300 Oella Ave. Activities include a campfire/night hike, a quilting workshop, and arts and crafts revolving around the themes of ecology, recycling and the environment. Admission is free. Information and times: 410-887-1081.

Theater workers needed

Red Branch Theatre Company is accepting resumes for costume designers, lighting designers and stage managers for the remaining shows this season. Send applications to Jennifer Spieler at jspieler1025@aol.com.

Leadership awards

The Howard County Commission on Disability Issues seeks nominees for its annual leadership awards program to recognize outstanding efforts and promote the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and pursuing personal goals while living with a disability. Nominees must live, work or provide services in Howard County. For nomination forms, go to howardcountymd.gov/citizenservices or call 410-313-6402. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, July 30.

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.

Library resources

The Howard County Library will offer one-on-one tutoring at its branches.

Call a library branch to schedule a session, available at all branches unless indicated.

"Job Search Tools at the Library," a tour of databases, websites and periodicals as well as the business and career sections, will be offered at the Central Library. 410-313-7850.

"Mouse in the House: Family Web Surfing," a program for children 7 and older and adults that covers the basics of surfing the Internet and websites that are friendly to children.

"Open the Door to Open Office," a tour for ages 15 and older of the free software package that creates, edits and saves documents, spreadsheets, presentations and pictures.

"Research 24/7," a way to access full-text articles and other resources for school assignments, business or personal use from any computer.

"Surfing Basics for Seniors," hands-on practice in using the Internet, offered at the Central Library. 410-313-7800.