Chocolate Festival
The Church of the Resurrection holds its Chocolate Festival from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at 3175 Paulskirk Drive. There will be children's activities, demonstrations, raffles and pizza. Entry fee of $2 includes two samples, additional samples are 50 cents each. Proceeds benefit Resurrection's Palestinian sister church, Mary Mother of Sorrows, in the West Bank. Information: 410-461-2040.
Post office renovation
A construction project to renovate and restore the historic Ellicott City Post Office at 8267 Main St. is under way and will include new office space and a visitors' center. The project is expected to be completed by late October. Traffic will not be affected. Information: 410-313-3440.
Seeking coaches
The Ellicott City Patriots Youth Football & Cheer Program is looking for volunteers to serve as head coaches, assistant coaches, stunt coaches, dance coaches, gymnastics coaches, fitness trainers and competition-level coaches. Information: Linda Lagala-Spano, 410-461-1225 or cheer@ecpatriots.com.
Around town
Exercise program A stroke exercise program will be held from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Ellicott City Senior Center, 9401 Frederick Road. Information: 410-313-1425.
Senior Safety Awareness Day will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at the Ellicott Senior Center. Free.
Table tennis Play pingpong from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and Fridays at the Ellicott City Senior Center. Free.
Cards Play pinochle from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays at the Ellicott City Senior Center. Free.
Billiards Play pool from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays at the Ellicott City Senior Center. Free.
Needlework club Bring knitting, sewing or needlework projects and supplies to the Ellicott City Senior Center at 1 p.m. Wednesdays. Free.
Workshop Madline Taylor hosts a journaling workshop at 10:30 a.m. Thursdays at the Ellicott City Senior Center. Free.
Blood pressure screenings Stop in from 9:30 a.m. to noon Tuesdays at the Ellicott City Senior Center for free blood pressure readings by a registered nurse. Information: 410-313-1425.
Chess The Elkridge branch of the Howard County Public Library, 6540 Washington Blvd., sponsors a chess club for ages 13 and older from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Players of all abilities are welcome. Information: 410-313-7723.
English conversation The Miller branch of the Howard County Public Library, 9421 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, offers "Let's Get Together: English Conversation Club," a chance for those for whom English is a second language to practice speaking and understanding English in a group setting. The club meets at 7:45 p.m. Wednesdays. Register with the library before your first meeting. Information: 410-313-1950.
Kiwanis meets The Kiwanis Club of Ellicott City meets at 6:45 p.m. Mondays at 3300 Norberts Way. Information: 410-418-8218 or ellicottcitykiwanis.com.