Volunteers

The Howard County Arts Council seeks volunteers to assist at its Celebration of the Arts and 30th Anniversary Gala on March 26 at HCC's Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center. Volunteers are needed for various opportunities, including reception, raffle ticket sales, silent auction and general setup. Those interested should contact the Howard County Arts Council at 410-313-2787 or e-mail Kimberly@hocoarts.org.

Environmental video contest

The Howard County Environmental Sustainability Board is sponsoring the annual Green Screen Video Festival for county elementary, middle and high school students. Cash awards, from private funds, will be given out at the board's environmental summit during the county's Greenfest on April 2 at Howard County Community College.

"Stormwater Management: Help Save the Chesapeake Bay" is this year's topic for videos in either of two categories: public service announcements or information videos. Guidelines with information sources and entry forms are available by sending an e-mail to hocogreenscreen@gmail.com or for download at howardcountymd.gov.

Videos must be submitted by Friday, March 18, to Howard County Office of Sustainability, Attn: Lindsay DeMarzo, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, 21043.

Swimming pools

The Columbia Association is developing an Aquatics Master Plan to ensure pools serve the community in the near and long-terms. Informational workshops to provide an overview of the master plan process will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. March 29 at the Other Barn, 5851 Robert Oliver Place in Oakland Mills, and March 30 at the Hawthorn Community Center, 6175 Sunny Spring Road in Hickory Ridge. Information: 410-381-1096 or go to columbiaassociation.org.

Art contest

The Columbia Association's International Exchange and Multicultural Programs are sponsoring the annual Sister Cities Young Artist Competition. Residents, ages 13-17, are invited to create an original artwork illustrating their vision of this year's contest theme, "Shaping Your Community for a Greener Future." Artwork should reflect the many ways you or your community are working to protect the environment. Artwork may highlight a problem, issue or solution that is important to you. First-prize winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to The Mall in Columbia, and be entered into the Young Artist Competition of Sister Cities International, which awards 10 finalists. Second- and third-place finishers will receive a $25 gift certificate to be used toward a class or workshop at the Columbia Art Center.

Accepted media include watercolor, oils, pastels, pen and ink, charcoal, photography, mixed media and collage, as well as computer-generated art. All work must be two-dimensional and no more than 1/4 inch in depth. Artwork must be submitted by April 15 to the Columbia Art Center, 6100 Foreland Garth, 21045.

For an entry form and more information, call 410-730-0075 or the association's International Exchange and Multicultural Programs at 410-715-3162, or go to columbiaartcenter.org.

Audition

Misako Ballet Company will hold an audition at 10:45 a.m. April 9 at its studio, Harper's Choice Village Center, 5485 Harper's Farm Road, Suite 203, in Columbia. People who have a strong background in dance, either classical ballet or modern, and are 18 years or older are encouraged to try out. Information: 410-884-9690.

'Into the Woods'

Red Branch Theatre Company presents its first show of the season March 25 through April 9 at the Drama Learning Center, 9130-I Red Branch Road in Columbia. Showtimes vary. Tickets are $15-$18 in advance, $20 at the door. Information: 410-997-9352 or redbranchtheatre.com.

Scholarships

Special Olympics Howard County will award two scholarships to outstanding student volunteers who have demonstrated their commitment to the program by volunteering and advocating for the athletes. Available are the Jackie Burk Memorial Award for Outstanding Student Volunteer for Special Olympics Howard County, valued at $1,500, and the Allan Homes Award, valued at $1,000.

Interested students must complete an application (available at somdhc.org), provide at least one recommendation from a Special Olympics coach, management team member or sports coordinator and write a 500-word essay about their experiences as a volunteer. High school seniors and college students are eligible to apply.

Completed applications should be mailed to Special Olympics Howard County, Attn: Scholarship Committee, 8970 Route 108, Suite A-1, Columbia, 21045, and must be postmarked no later than April 1.

Information: 410-740-0500.

Volunteers

The Howard County Conservancy seeks volunteer naturalists to serve as educators for the conservancy's school programs at Mount Pleasant, 10520 Old Frederick Road in Woodstock. Naturalists will assist conservancy staff in leading hikes on the conservancy's historic farm property. Training is from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursdays in March. Participants will receive a manual and learn about native plants, animal species, ecological concepts and the history of Mount Pleasant. Cost for materials is $10. Registration and information: 410-465-8877.

Summer day camps

Glen Mar United Methodist Church in Ellicott City will hold weekly summer day camp sessions June 27 through Aug. 5 for children entering kindergarten through sixth grade. Full- and half-day sessions are available. Costs are $145 to $225 per week. A $50 deposit is required for each camp at time of registration; balance is due by June 1. Sessions include Pioneer Outdoor Camp; Mix It Up Camp; What's Cooking?; Summer Fun and Games; Lights, Camera, Action; Celebrate; and Talent Camp. Information: Andrea Calomeris at 410-465-4995, ext. 212 or e-mail camp@glenmarumc.org. Registration forms available at glenmarumc.org.

Solar cooking contest

The Columbia Association's Teen Advisory Committee and the Columbia Archives are sponsoring a Solar Box Cooking Contest on May 14 at the Columbia Lakefront. Solar boxes can be used to make hot dogs, cookies, nachos and more. Prizes will be awarded for the best cooked item. The contest is part of the Save the Planet Day Celebration and the Columbia BikeAbout events. For more information and instructions on how to build a solar cooker, call 410-715-5523.

Scholarships

The Elkridge Adult Athletic Association is accepting applications from area high school seniors for its 2011 scholarship awards. Applications will be accepted until April 22. Information: 410-796-8088.

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, 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.

'Kindred Spirits'

"Kindred Spirits," a 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. The program is sponsored by the Howard County Office on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Maryland.

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.

Services directory

The Southeast Howard County Health Services Directory, a guide to resources near North Laurel and Savage, is available free at the North Laurel-Savage Multiservice Center, 9900 Washington Blvd. The directory includes listings of clinics, pharmacies, hospitals, general and family practices, dentists, obstetricians and gynecologists, transportation and crisis contacts. The guide also indicates whether Spanish and Korean are spoken at the facility, as well as the address, contact information and hours of operation. Hours and information: 410-880-5917.

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 workdays in the Children's Garden, 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.

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.

Panel seeks members

The Secondary Language Arts Advisory Committee seeks new members. The committee consists of teachers, administrators, students, parents and other community members who advise, support and advocate for the improvement of educational programs. Meetings will take place four times during the school year at a central location. Information: 410-313-6620.

Call for artists

Slayton House Gallery is accepting applications to exhibit for the coming season. Applications are available by e-mailing cjblack@columbiavillages.org. Information: 410-730-3987.

Spanish speakers wanted

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.