The Columbia Art Center Galleries and the Little Patuxent Review, a local literary and arts magazine, will present "How to Touch Spring: A Conversation on Reading and Writing Haiku with Tim Singleton," from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at the galleries, 6100 Foreland Garth.

Light refreshments will be served.

The discussion is the first in a new "salon" series of discussions by artists and writers being sponsored by the galleries and magazine.

Everyone is welcome. Admission is free.

Information: 410-730-0075 or visit www.ColumbiaArt Center.org.

Library will close early for event

The Howard County Library's east Columba branch will close at noon Saturday to prepare for the "Evening in the Stacks" gala fundraiser.

All other branches will be open until 6 p.m.

Information: 410-313-7890 or http:--hclibrary.org.

Around Town

Etiquette class -- The Kings Contrivance Community Association, 7251 Eden Brook Drive, will offer a new six-week etiquette class for children ages 8-12, beginning March 1. Patricia Minor, director of the Etiquette School of Maryland, will teach social, dining and communication skills through interactive programs from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays. The cost for Columbia residents is $200; $225 for nonresidents. 410-381-9600.

50+ Center -- East Columbia 50+ Center will offer a harmonize-exercise class from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. The cost is $24 a month.

A new Latin dance class will be offered from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, March 26 through April 30. The cost is $60 for the six-week class. Also offered:

Reflexology -- deep foot massage -- is available between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Mondays. The cost is $40 for a 50-minute treatment. Appointments also are available between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Fridays.

Reiki treatments are available by appointment between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. the first and third Fridays of each month. The gentle technique is said to restore physical, emotional, and spiritual balance and harmony. The cost is $30 for a 55-minute treatment.

Jesse Barnes, dancer and fitness trainer, will teach soul line-dancing from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. The cost is $35 a month. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

Simplified Yang's Tai Chi will be offered from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Thursdays. The cost is $24 to $30 a month. A new class, Beginner Tai Chi for Arthritis, will be offered from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The cost is $32 a month.

Sharon Cunningham, a new evening exercise instructor, will teach classes from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. The cost is $30 a month. 410-313-7680.

Seniors dance -- Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks is sponsoring country line-dancing classes for those ages 60 and older from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Mondays through March 17 at East Columbia 50+ Center. The class, designed for beginners, includes basic terminology, count, easy foot patterns and advanced footwork. Partners are not needed. Wear or bring leather-sole shoes; sneakers are not allowed. The cost is $33.