Book discussions

The Columbia Art Center and Little Patuxent Review present "An Evening With Danuta Hinc and Truth Thomas" at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7 at the art center, 6100 Foreland Garth. Ms. Hinc, a local author, will discuss her latest novel, "To Kill the Other," and Mr. Thomas, a local poet, will discuss his book, "The Bottle of Life." In addition, author Rafael Alvarez will join the discussion. A Q&A and book-signing follows the discussion. Admission is free. Information: 410-730-0075 or go to columbiaartcenter.org.

Student film festival

The annual "Howard County Student Film Festival," a product of the HCPSS Gifted and Talented Intern/Mentor Program, is seeking original film submissions from public and private high school students. All films must be 3 to 10 minutes in length, original and family-friendly. Submission deadline is Feb. 25. Information: hocofilmfestival.com.

Association appoints new officers

The Association of Community Services of Howard County has appointed two new officers to fill vacancies. Debra Popiel, deputy director at Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center Inc., has been named secretary and David Shippee, CEO of Chase Brexton Health Services, has been named treasurer. The association provides education, advocacy and networking opportunities. Information: 410-715-7975 or acshoco.org.

Auditions

Silhouette Stages will hold auditions for "Chicago" 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 15-16 at Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane. Callbacks, if needed, will be held on Feb. 17. Be prepared with 32 bars of a musical piece, sheet music or CD. An accompanist will be provided. Also, be prepared to dance. Dance portion of the audition will be at 8:30 p.m. Must be at least 17 to audition. To schedule an audition and for more information, call Conni Ross at 443-812-9895.

'Souper Bowl of Caring'

Local faith communities will hold a collection for Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center on Sunday, Feb. 6, to raise funds for the homeless and others in crisis. The campaign is designed to help alleviate hunger and poverty and educate young people about the less fortunate. Participating communities will use labeled soup kettles to make their collections before, during and/or after services on Super Bowl Sunday. Donations can also be sent to Grassroots, Souper Bowl of Caring, 6700 Freetown Road, Columbia, 21044.

Email jeanmoon@verizon.net for more information.

Parenting workshops

The Howard County Office of Children's Services presents a series of workshops for parents and guardians raising children from newborn to age 8 on one Thursday of each month through April at Howard County Library's East Columbia branch, 6600 Cradlerock Way. Topics include child development, encouraging self-esteem and good behavior, positive guidance and discipline, and how to keep children safe and healthy. Classes meet from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $5 per class. Registration and information: 410-313-1940.

Art exhibits

•The paintings of Marc Boone and Michael Sastre will be on display through March 13 in the Rouse Co. Foundation Gallery at Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway. A reception will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 2. Information: 410-772-4804.

•"Pieces of My Mind: A Piece a Week for a Year": Exhibit by fiber artist Martha Gilbert features 52 works created by the artist during 2010 and is on display through Feb. 13 at the Columbia Art Center, 6100 Foreland Garth. Free admission. Hours and information: 410-730-0075 or columbiaartcenter.org.

'Kindred Spirits'

Social club for individuals diagnosed with early memory loss or dementia will meet from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays in the 50+ Center at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center at Glenwood. Activities include speakers, discussion of current events, yoga, meditation and art therapy. Daily fee of $26 includes snacks, lunch, coffee and tea. Information: Judy Miller at 410-313-5441 or jumiller@howardcountymd.gov. Program is sponsored by the Howard County Office on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Maryland.

Stream restoration

A construction project to repair an eroding stream and extend a storm drain in the vicinity of Great Drum Circle and Evensong Mews in Columbia is under way. Project should be completed by early March. Information: 410-313-3440.

Ride home program

The "Guaranteed Ride Home" program is coming to Howard County. The program, funded by the Maryland Department of Transportation, guarantees a free ride home to commuters who regularly travel to work by mass transit, van pool, car pool, bicycle or walking. The program offers a free ride up to four times a year in a taxi or rental car, depending on location. To be eligible, commuters must register in advance and renew their registration annually. Registration and information: 800-745-7433 or commuterconnections.org.

Winter classes

Registration is under way for the Howard County Arts Council's visual and performing arts winter programs at the Howard County Center for the Arts, 8510 High Ridge Road in Ellicott City. The council offers classes and workshops for children, teens and adults. Classes began on Jan. 25 and continue through March 26. For a brochure and information: 410-313-2787 or hocoarts.org.

Restoration

A project to repair an eroding stream and protect an existing sanitary sewer infrastructure behind the properties on Old Willow Way in Ellicott City is expected to be completed by early March. The stream will be regraded and stabilized through the use of stone and plant materials. Information or concerns: 410-313-3440.

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.

•Students at Patuxent Valley Middle School have joined the Great American Can Roundup. A collection bin for aluminum cans is outside the school, and proceeds from recycling will be used to fund Green School projects and field trips. The school is at 9151 Vollmerhausen Road in Jessup.

Recycle old TVs

•The Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services reminds residents to recycle analog TVs rather than throw them away. Options available:

•The Alpha Ridge Landfill Resident's Convenience Area, 2350 Marriottsville Road, is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday and accepts TVs, computers, keyboards, printers, scanners, laptops, VCRs, radios and other electronics.

•Best Buy's Customer Take-Back Program allows customers to bring in old TVs (32 inches or smaller) at no charge. Limited to two televisions per person per day. Console televisions are not accepted.