The east Columbia library, 6600 Cradlerock Way, is sponsoring several programs for children.

"Fun in the Fall," seasonal stories and crafts to help children ages 2 and 3 enjoy autumn's wonders, will be offered at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Mondays through next month. Registration for each class is required.

"Puppets Galore" for children ages 6 and older will be offered from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9. Registration begins Sept. 3.

"Superstitions," a story and crafts program for children ages 6 to 8, will be offered from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Sept. 13. Registration will begin Sept. 6.

"Puerto Rico and American Independence," a bilingual program for children ages 8 and older, will be offered at 7 p.m. Sept. 26. Revolutionary War re-enactor Hector Diaz will explain the role Puerto Rico played in the war for independence. Registration begins Sept. 19.

Information: 410-313-7700.

Finances for women to be topic of lectures

A financial empowerment series for women will be begin next week at the east Columbia library, 6600 Cradlerock Way.

Deborah Owens, a financial radio commentator and author, will speak at 7 p.m. Sept. 4.

Other lectures will be offered Oct. 2 and Nov. 20.

Information: 410-313-7700.

Military

Reports for duty: Marine Pfc. Chukwubuike M. Aghaj recently reported for duty with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26, Marine Air Group 26, Marine Corps Air Station, Jacksonville, N.C. He is a 1999 graduate of Oakland Mills High School.

Arrives for duty: Army Capt. Alex N. Flecker, son of Penny and Manny Flecker of Owen Brown, has arrived for duty as an aviation operations officer assigned to the 159th Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.

Births

Connor James: To Robert and Tracy Spillman of Kings Contrivance on July 25.

Brianna Monet: To Donilo and Maxine Allen on Aug. 1.

Paul Scott Lebert Jr. To Scott and Theresa Lebert of Oakland Mills on Aug. 7.

Around town

Chess club: Howard County Chess Club will meet from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 5 and 19 at the east Columbia library, 6600 Cradlerock Way. A group for ages 9 to 17, featuring a lecture and games, will also meet from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 410-313-7700.

Book club: The east Columbia library, 6600 Cradlerock Way, will sponsor a Black Fiction Book Club, beginning at 1 p.m. Sept. 7. Participants will read The Temple of My Familiar by Alice Walker. Registration is required. 410-313-7700.

Fall frolic: Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks will sponsor Fall Frolic for senior citizens from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 18 at Owen Brown Senior Center. The event will celebrate the arrival of fall with song, dance and refreshments. The cost is $2. 410-313- 7279.

Line dancing: Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks will offer two country line dancing courses at the 50+ Center, 6600 Cradlerock Way. Country Line Dancing I will be offered from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 16 to Nov. 25. The cost is $22. Country Line Dancing II for advanced beginners will be offered from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 16 to Dec. 9. The cost is $28. Registration required. 410-313- 7279.

Senior surfing: The east Columbia library, 6600 Cradlerock Way, will sponsor "Simple Surfing for Seniors - Using e-mail" at 11 a.m. Sept. 9. Participants will learn how to create address directories and organize messages. Registration required. 410-313-7700.

Vendors sought: Christ Episcopal Church seeks vendors for its flea market Sept. 14 at Dobbin and Oakland Mills roads. The cost is $7 for one space, $12 for two spaces and $17 for three spaces. The rain date is Sept. 21. To reserve a space: Suzanne Ziobro, 410-730-8578.

Elkhorn festival: Owen Brown Community Association is accepting applications to participate in the 29th Lake Elkhorn Festival, to be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 28 at the lake, rain or shine. Artists, artisans, small-business owners, community organizations, politicians, restaurants and food vendors are invited to reserve a space. Prices vary. 410-381-0202.