CA President Brown to conduct meeting with residents July 8

Columbia Association President Maggie J. Brown will discuss the association and answer residents' questions at 7 p.m. July 8 at the Howard County Central Library.

The event is the second in the "Meeting with Maggie" series of community meetings, designed to create better communication between the association and its members.

The library is at 10375 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia.

Information: 410-715-3000.

Leave fawns alone, state agency reminds residents

The Wildlife and Heritage Service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents that fawns, sometimes seen alone in fields or in the woods in spring and summer, should not be disturbed. Moving the young animals is both harmful to them and against the law.

Most fawns have been hidden by their mothers and are not orphans. The doe feeds and moves her fawn to a new hiding place every few hours. Fawns have almost no odor and their spotted coats are effective camouflage against predators.

Residents who see a fawn in the woods should enjoy the moment and walk away. If the fawn attempts to follow, gently push down on its shoulders until it lies down and slowly walk away. Do not describe the location to anyone.

Information: 877-463-6497.

Area agencies to be closed on Independence Day

County government offices, courts, libraries, the animal shelter and the landfill will be closed Thursday for Independence Day.

There will be no trash or curbside recycling service. Households with Thursday trash collection will have pickup Friday. Those with Thursday recycling service will have their next collection July 11.

Parking meters will be free.

Post offices will be closed Thursday. The BWI Airport postal unit on Route 170 will be open 24 hours to accept express mail only.

For emergencies, residents should call 911. Government services will resume at 8 a.m. on Friday.

Information: 401-313-2022.

Aid program for seniors extends its hours

The Howard County Office on Aging's Senior Information and Assistance program has extended its hours Mondays and Wednesdays. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

The office is at Florence Bain Senior Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia.

Information: 410-313-7213.

Volunteer instructors sought by the Red Cross

The Central Maryland chapter of the American Red Cross seeks volunteers to teach health and safety services courses.

Instructors are needed for first-aid, adult, child and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation, baby sitting and lifeguard training.

Volunteer instructors will be expected to prepare records and reports, communicate with the volunteer coordinator and promote Red Cross courses and programs.

Candidates must be at least 17, have a current Red Cross certification in the area to be taught and have completed Red Cross instructor training. Experience is preferred.

Information: Terry Karloff, 410-764-4602, or tkarloff@ arccmc.org.

Red Cross issues appeal for donations of blood

The Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross has issued an emergency appeal for blood.

To donate blood: 800- GIVE-LIFE. All blood types are needed. Businesses and groups interested in organizing blood drives: 800-787-9282, Ext. 4680.

Volunteers ages 14 and older are invited to greet and register donors, label sterile containers, serve refreshments and provide a hospitable atmosphere during blood drives. Training is provided.

Information: 410-764-4602.