The Town Center Community Association will sponsor a seminar for first-time homebuyers from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 21 at Historic Oakland, 5430 Vantage Point Road.
Harry Hearn of EXIT 1st Class Realty will speak.
Refreshments will be provided. Admission is free.
Information: 443-927-9137, Ext. 129.
The community association will sponsor a seminar on "Gardening in Small Spaces," taught by landscape designer Ryun Wauls of the River Hill Garden Center, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 14 at Historic Oakland.
The free class is designed for residents of townhouses and condominiums.
Information or registration: 410-730-4744.
Central library sets activities for young
The central library's Manga Club offers youths, ages 11 and older, a chance to discuss a favorite novel from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 31.
Registration is not necessary.
"Pajama Time," a story and music time for children of all ages, will be offered at the library at 7 p.m. Aug. 6. Pajamas, Teddy bears and blankets are welcome. Registration is not needed.
The Surfin' The Books club, for children ages 9 to 11, will meet at 7 p.m. Aug. 9 to discuss The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman. Registration is to begin Aug. 2.
Information: 410-313-7860.
Yoga Center plans classes for seniors
The Yoga Center of Columbia will hold yoga classes for senior citizens at Slayton House in Wilde Lake village. The slower-paced, gentle-yoga classes emphasize breathing and stress reduction and are geared to individual needs and ability.
The classes will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays, starting Sept. 6. A free class will be offered Aug. 30. The six-week session, which ends Oct. 11, costs $78; the cost to drop in is $15.
Prospective students are encouraged to consult a physician before starting any new exercise program.
Registration is highly recommended.
Information or registration: 410-730-3987.
Military
Return -- Air Force Reserve Col. Shan A. Choudhury, son of S. Alam and Sultana R. Choudhury of Town Center, has returned to the United States from an overseas location where he participated in Operation Enduring Freedom, the official name given to anti-terrorism military operations. A director of logistics/multifunctional logistic with 25 years of military service, Choudhury is assigned to the Pentagon.
Around town
Theater camp -- Slayton House Conservatory, a musical theater camp designed for those in grades one through eight, will present its final performance of Disney's High School Musical at 7 p.m. today at Slayton House on Wilde Lake Village Green. Cate Barry, drama teacher at Glenelg Country School, is director, and pianist Aaron Broderick is musical director. Tickets are $10; $8 for senior citizens and students. 410-730-3987.
Laughter workout -- Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks is sponsoring "Another Way to See It," a laughter club for those ages 55 and older. The program includes laughter exercises. The club meets from 9 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. Mondays at the Bain Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way. 410-313- 7279.
Play groups -- Town Center Community Association is accepting registration for its summer session of parents and tots play groups, meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays. Children ages 24 months to 4 years will meet Tuesdays; ages 6 months to 4 years will meet Thursdays. The sessions, which began last week, are held from 10 a.m. to noon and run for eight weeks, ending the week of Aug. 28. Activities include coloring and playing with toys and, together, listening to music and reading. The groups meet at Historic Oakland, 5430 Vantage Point Road. The cost is $20 a child for Columbia residents; $22 for nonresidents. Siblings can enroll for half-price. 410- 730-4744.
Mah-jongg -- Those ages 18 or older are invited to Slayton House in Wilde Lake Village Center for mah-jongg at 10 a.m. Wednesdays. Admission is free. Participants are invited to take a game and attend with a friend. Wilde Lake Community Association is sponsoring the program. 410-730-3987.
Lakefront concert -- Columbia Association will continue its Lakefront festival from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday with a performance by Deny Everything. Dancing under the People Tree is offered from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays at the Columbia lakefront. Instruction is offered and a movie is shown after the dance session. www.lakefrontfestival.com.
Pool party -- Wilde Lake Community Association will sponsor a family pool party from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at Running Brook pool. The event is for Wilde Lake residents only. Children to age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pool membership not required. The cost is $3 a person and includes pizza and a beverage. Tickets must be purchased in advance. 410-730-3987.