Cancellation

"An Evening of Wine and Words With Francine Prose," scheduled for June 22 at Howard Community College, has been canceled. Event was sponsored by the Howard County Poetry and Literature Society (HoCoPoLitSo), in partnership with the Columbia Festival of the Arts. For refunds and more information, call 410-715-3044 or go to columbiafestival.com.

Energy program

Howard County launches a new program to provide free comprehensive home energy audits to 1,500 households (audits can cost between $250 and $500). Announcement will be made at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 14, at 6593 Robin Song in Columbia at a home that recently underwent an energy audit. The results of that audit, along with information on how homeowners can save money on their energy bills, will be discussed. The program will be funded through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants Program.

Blood drive

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, June 12, at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 10755 Scaggsville Road in Laurel. To schedule an appointment and more information, call 800-272-2123 or go to eumclaurel.org.

Volunteers

The Columbia Association's Board of Directors' Planning and Strategy Committee seeks volunteers whose background or careers are preferably in the financial management area, to serve a one-year term on the Columbia Association's Financial Advisory Committee. The mission of the committee is to provide community input to the planning and strategy committee to inform and advise the association on budget issues and financial matters related to planning and strategy. Letters of interest, along with resume, should be submitted by Wednesday, June 29, via mail to Chick Rhodehamel, Columbia Association, 10221 Wincopin Circle, Suite 100, Columbia, 21044; via fax to 410-312-6327; or via e-mail to Chick.Rhodehamel@ColumbiaAssociation.com. Information: 410-381-3551.

Workshops

The Howard County Office of Children's Services will present a series of workshops for parents and guardians raising children from birth to age 8. Topics include child development, encouraging self-esteem and good behavior, positive guidance and discipline, and how to keep children safe and healthy. Classes are offered in an interactive group format and will include practical tips and advice for common situations, as well as hands-on activities. Interested persons can take just one class or the entire series of six. Each class is $5 and will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every other Tuesday from June 14 through August 23 at the North Laurel-Savage MultiService Center, 9900 Washington Blvd. in Laurel. To register and more information, call 410-313-1940.

Calling all artists!

The Howard County Arts Council is now accepting submissions for Art HoCo 2011. If you are a visual artist, 18 or older, who lives, works or studies in Howard County, you are eligible to apply to this biennial, juried exhibit. The juror will be David Gracyalny, dean of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies at Maryland Institute College of Art. For entry forms and more information, call 410-313-2787. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26.

Philanthropy award

Bernie and Connie Dancel will be given the 2011 Jim Greenfield Award for Compassionate Leadership by The Arc of Howard County at a tribute from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at the Howard Hughes Building's Spear Center, 10275 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia. The Dancels are noted for their personal philanthropy, particularly on behalf of children. The Dancels have also provided financial support for The Arc of Howard County through personal and corporate gifts to the capital campaign, endowment fund, annual campaign and frequent sponsorships. Proceeds from the $100-per-person benefit will go to support programs and services provided by The Arc. For tickets and more information, call 410-730-0638, ext. 306.

Volunteers

The Howard County Arts Council seeks two volunteers to serve on the Baltimore City Arts & Cultural grant review panel. Interested individuals should have expertise in science/history museums, aquariums, libraries or zoos. Attendance at a three- to four-hour meeting on Wednesday, June 15, is required. Send resume and letter of interest to grantsandprojects@hocoarts.org. Information: hocoarts.org.

Theater rental

The Howard County Arts Council has announced the availability of the Black Box Theatre for rental. It is a 98-seat multipurpose performance space and is equipped with professional sound and lighting equipment, nearby dressing rooms, padded seats, black stage curtains and a sprung dance floor. A performance grand piano is also available for rental through a separate agreement with the Howard County Music Teachers Association. All renters of the theater are required to carry a commercial liability insurance policy of $1 million. Other requirements and rental request forms and rates can be found at hocoarts.org. Rental request forms should be mailed to Room Rentals at the Howard County Arts Council, 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City, 21043.

Endowment fund

Howard County resident Elaine Ritchey has established the Arnold Braer and Maggie Endowment Fund, a donor-advised fund at the Columbia Foundation, that will support organizations dedicated to animal welfare. Fund is a memorial to her brother, Arnold Braer, who lived in Laurel, and his beagle, Maggie. The two died in November 2006. For more information about the Columbia Foundation, call 410-730-7840 or go to columbiafoundation.org.

Seeking committee members

The Slayton House Gallery seeks qualified individuals for the Slayton House Gallery Selection Committee. Applicants must have a background in the arts to be considered. Send resume to Bernice Kish, wlca@columbiavillages.org or Carole Black, cjblack@columbiavillages.org. This is a pro bono position. Deadline is June 15.

Boating season

The Department of Recreation and Parks has opened its newly renovated boat-launching ramp and fishing pier at Centennial Park. Located on the south side of the park, the ramp and pier improvements include an enlarged pier and an ADA-compliant walkway. The start of this year's boating season, which normally begins March 1, was pushed back to April 22 because of the construction project. As a result, the cost of an annual boat permit has been reduced from $35 to $30. Permit is good for the entire season, which ends Nov. 30. Information: 410-313-7271 or howardcountymd.gov/rap.

Vendors for International Day

The Columbia Association seeks vendors for the 17th annual Columbia International Day, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at the downtown Columbia lakefront. The celebration highlights and celebrates the cultural and ethnic diversity that distinguishes Columbia from other communities. Free event features live music and entertainment representing a variety of cultures; international food and crafts vendors; children's activities and more.

Applications are being accepted from vendors and artisans who would like to display or sell items with an international theme. For an application and more information, call 410-715-3161 or go to columbiaassociation.org/events.

Renovation project

The Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks has received a $30,000 grant from the National Recreational Trails Program Fund. The grant will be used for the renovation of the Village of Owen Brown's pedestrian pathway system.

The project, scheduled to begin in October, will allow the restoration of the deteriorating East Columbia pathway with a new overlay of asphalt. Howard County will provide $30,000 in matching funds, along with any remaining funds needed for the project.

Renovations will consist of repaving the 3,909-foot pathway that serves the Owen Brown Community Center, Owen Brown Interfaith Center, Owen Brown Village Shopping Center, Cradlerock School, the Howard County Library's East Columbia branch, and the Southwick and Elkhorn housing communities. Anticipated completion date is the summer of 2012.

Information: 410-313-2022.

Disaster information sessions

The Volunteer Center of Howard County hosts monthly disaster volunteer information and orientation sessions to inform community members about how to prepare for and respond to a disaster. A session will run 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, at 10221 Wincopin Circle in Columbia. The session will identify local response agencies and inform participants how they can volunteer, prepare and train to respond in times of disaster.

To register and for more information: 410-715-3179.

Yard waste collection

Howard County's Bureau of Environmental Services will resume weekly yard waste collections through Jan. 20, 2012. Yard waste will be picked up weekly during regular recycling days and should be placed outside by 6 a.m. Allowable yard waste items include grass, leaves, hedge clippings/light brush, small limbs or branches less than 4 inches in diameter and 4 feet in length, dry seed pods, straw, hay and bamboo. Residents are encouraged to use paper bags or reusable containers.

To obtain a free paper yard waste bag (limit two bags per family), go to the Bureau of Environmental Services at 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite 514 in Columbia, or the Alpha Ridge Landfill at 2350 Marriottsville Road in Marriottsville.

For a complete list of what yard waste is and is not accepted, or for more information, go to howardcountymd.gov/dpw/recycling.htm.

Kindred Spirits

Kindred Spirits, a social club for people 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. Highlights 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.

Council seeks members

The Community Advisory Council to the Board of Education is seeking at-large members for the coming school year. The council sponsors educational programming for members and provides the opportunity to study and have input into curriculum, educational policy, redistricting and budget. It meets at 7:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at the Department of Education in Ellicott City. At-large members serve a two-year term. Information: 410-313-6682.

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.

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.