American Red Cross offering Letters from Santa for donation

The American Red Cross will hold its Letters from Santa program this year.

Santa Claus will send a personalized letter to all children (or adults) as requested.

Letters must be requested before Dec. 1. Anyone interested should call 410-635-8740 or 410-848-4334 and leave his or her name and address. Order forms will be mailed to all callers.

A $5 donation is requested for each letter, with proceeds supporting Red Cross efforts to those in need.

Three Treasures to offer classes in tai chi

Three Treasures Health Services of Sykesville will offer classes in the Chinese internal healing art of tai chi.

Frances Gander, a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, will teach the classes. Topics include qigong and internal energy cultivation, and tai chi philosophy, principles and applications.

Tai chi classes are from 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays Nov. 27 to Jan. 15 (no class Dec. 25 and Jan. 1). Early registration is urged because classes are limited to 12 students. The next session will start Jan. 22.

Classes cost $85 in advance or $90 at the door. A 20-percent discount is given to those from the same household.

Checks can be sent to Three Treasures, 7532 Norwood Ave., Sykesville 21784. Information: 410-549-0156.

American Red Cross offers classes in CPR, first aid

The American Red Cross is offering cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first-aid classes.

Classes will be given next month at Westminster Senior Center, 125 Stoner Ave.

Participants must register and pay for classes in advance. Available courses are:

Infant and Child CPR: The class will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 14 at WSC and costs $35.

Infant and Child CPR and First Aid: The class will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 14 at WSC and costs $40.

Crime-Avoidance Training: The class includes awareness of personal security, strategies of people most likely to avoid crime, tips for staying safe while walking, driving and using ATMs, and responding to threatening situations. Instructors will come to a group to offer training. A minimum of 10 people is required for classes. The cost is $9.95 per person.

Information: 800-787-8002 or 410-764-4609.

Schools system given funds to aid hospitalized students

The Carroll County Public School System has received $20,000 from the Carroll County Children's Fund.

The money will be used to continue Carroll County General Hospital's program for students who are hospitalized with psychiatric problems.

The school system provides staff, and parent and school support services, to help students make the transition from hospital to school as smoothly as possible.

The program was developed by Dick Simmons, a retired supervisor of pupil personnel and student support services.