The Oakland Mills Community Association has announced plans for a community renewal and enhancement project for Robert Oliver Place, between The Other Barn courtyard and Oakland Mills Interfaith Center.
A community meeting to discuss the project will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at The Other Barn.
The pilot project will create a design plan for enhancing curb appeal in the village center with new pedestrian amenities such as trees, art and paving. The space will also serve as a gathering space for special events.
Once the plan is set, the county is expected to make the improvements.
Information: 410-730-4610.
Oakland Mills pool party is Aug. 7
The Oakland Mills Community Association will hold its annual pool party Aug. 7 at the Thunder Hill Neighborhood Pool.
The party for Oakland Mills residents will include soft drinks, pizza, dessert and a disc jockey for dancing and games.
Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, are $2.50 and are available at The Other Barn, 5851 Robert Oliver Place.
Also, the community association is seeking participants for its International Fall Festival, to be held in the village center Oct. 13.
Festival planners are seeking people interested in sharing their ethnic heritage with the community. Representatives of social service organizations, artisans, food vendors, cultural clubs, school groups and entertainers are welcome.
Information: Susan Azoulay, 410-730-4610.
Hammond's Class of '87 plans reunion
The Hammond High School Class of 1987 is seeking class members who have lost touch with their classmates.
A 20-year reunion is planned for July 28.
Those interested can e-mail hammondhigh1987@yahoo.com or visit http:--groups.yahoo. com/group/HammondHigh 1987.
Around Town
Extra lane -- The State Highway Administration has begun a $460,000 project to widen Route 108 (Old Annapolis Road) between Howard High School, Centre Park Drive and Phelps Luck Road. The project will create a right-turn lane along westbound Route 108. The project, which is intended to improve safety and reduce congestion near the school, is expected to be completed by early September, weather permitting. Motorists can expect single-lane closures between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. weekdays. 301-624-8100 or 800-635-5119.
At the library -- A reading program for children, "Reading Roadtrip," offers prizes for books children read during the summer. Participants can register at the east Columbia branch, 6600 Cradlerock Way. A program is also available for kids age 3 and younger, in which parents can read to their children and earn prizes.
An adult summer reading club, sponsored by Friends of the Howard County Library, is offered through Aug. 31. Participants will be eligible for monthly prize drawings. Entry forms are available at the information desk in each library. www.hclibrary.org.
Belly dancing -- The Long Reach Community Association is offering belly-dancing classes for adults tomorrow through Sept. 10. A beginner class meets from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays; advanced students meet from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The cost is $76 for eight weeks of classes. A 5 percent discount is offered to those living on Columbia Association-assessed property. 410-730-8113.
Debaters -- The east Columbia library will offer a debate symposium for coaches and middle and high school teachers interested in learning more about argument, speech technique, research skills and how to sharpen students' debating skills and prepare them for competition. The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday. Registration is required. 410-313-7700.
Etiquette class -- The Long Reach Community Association will offer a six-week "stepping out" class for children ages 8 to 14, teaching etiquette, social skills and self-improvement. The class is designed to teach positive attitudes and behavior. Classes are held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays through Aug. 11. The cost is $150, with a 5 percent discount for residents of Columbia Association-assessed property. Classes meet at Stonehouse in Long Reach Village Center. 410-730-8113.
Free lunch, music -- Senior citizens who live in Kings Contrivance village are invited to a free lunch with their neighbors, to be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 31. A main course and beverages will be provided; those who attend are asked to take a dessert to share. The lunch will include musical entertainment by Larry Scott, keyboardist and vocalist. Admission is free. Registration is requested by July 25. 410-381-9600.