The Long Reach, Owen Brown and Hickory Ridge community associations will offer their annual Holiday Lights Tour for senior citizens from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 10.
This year's event will feature a bus tour through the Symphony of Lights, a reception, a gift for participants and a guest appearance by Santa Claus.
The event is free, but reservations are required. Buses will pick up seniors at Longwood House, Owen Brown Place and Hickory Ridge Place.
Reservations on a first-come first-served basis will be accepted starting Nov. 13.
Information or to reserve a place: 410-730-8113.
Youths challenged to solve puzzles
The east Columbia library, 6600 Cradlerock Way, will offer "Puzzler Magic," a program for youngsters ages 11 to 14 on beating every kind of puzzle, from the Rubik's Cube to Sudoku, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 29. Registration begins Nov. 15.
Information or registration: 410-313-7700.
Get those bellies dancing to class
The Long Reach Community Association will offer belly-dancing classes for adults from Jan. 8 through March 12. Beginners meet from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.; advanced dancers, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The cost is $64 for eight weeks, with a 5 percent discounts for residents of Columbia Association-assessed property.
Information: 410-730-8113.
Around Town
Hatha yoga -- Kings Contrivance Community Association is offering Hatha yoga for experienced students. The cost is $120 to $130 for 10 weeks; the cost to drop in is $16 a class. Itsy Bitsy Yoga, a new Saturday program led by Linda Dobry, is designed for parents and babies, ages 3 weeks and older. The cost is $69. Ballet and tap classes for children ages 4 to 6, taught by Sandra Duerr, are offered Mondays. Judy Milke leads parent-and-child classes for children ages 14 months to 4 years. Classes are offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, depending on the age of the child. 410-381-9600.
Bridge -- The course "Bridge for the Absolute Beginner" will be offered from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the 50+ Center at the east Columbia library. Snacks will be served. The six-week class costs $60, plus $5 for a textbook. A drop-in bridge program is being offered from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesdays at the same location. Players at all levels are welcome to refresh skills, learn bridge conventions and meet friends. Mentoring is available. The cost is $6. Lessons in mah-jongg are also offered at the 50+ Center. The cost is $31 for three classes, after which students will be qualified to play. Registration is required. 410-290-5430.'Stepping Out' -- Long Reach Community Association will offer a six-week session of classes for ages 8 to 13 called "Stepping Out." The classes, which began yesterday and run though Dec. 6, are designed to enhance self-confidence and teach positive styles, attitudes, behavior and appropriate manners. The class is held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays at Stonehouse in Long Reach Village Center. The cost is $150, with a 5 percent discount for residents of Columbia Association-assessed property. 410-730-8113.
Jazz -- The Oakland Mills Community Association will sponsor "Back by Popular Demand: An Evening of Jazz With the Lavenia Nesmith Quintet," featuring Lavenia Nesmith, an Oakland Mills resident and jazz singer. The group will perform from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 12 at The Other Barn in Oakland Mills Village Center, 5851 Robert Oliver Place. Nesmith will be accompanied by pianist Chris Grasso, drummer Lenny Robinson, saxophonist Paul Carr, and Wes Biles on bass. Tickets are $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Ben Hunter, Oakland Mills community organizer, 410-730-1129.
Singles -- St. John's Singles will meet at 7 p.m. Nov. 21 at Oakland Mills Interfaith Center, 5885 Robert Oliver Place. Tracey T. Manning will discuss "Creating the Rest of Your Life." 410-964-9132, or www.sjerc.org and click on "St. John's Singles."