Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks will hold its annual Spring Egg Hunts from 10 a.m. to noon March 15 at two locations.
The hunts, for children ages 2-10, will be held at Schooley Mills Park, 12975 Hall Shop Road, Fulton, and at Laurel Woods Elementary School, 9250 N. Laurel Road, North Laurel.
Children should bring a basket to collect the eggs and arrive promptly. The eggs have surprises inside. Games, crafts and other activities are also planned. The children will be divided into groups according to age.
The cost is $5 a child; $15 for a family of up to four children. There is no fee for attending adults.
Registration is required. Information: 410-313-7275; text telephone, 410-313-4665. Or visit http:--www.howardcountymd.gov/rap. In case of inclement weather: 410-313-4452 after 7 a.m. on the day of the event.
Military
Graduates -- Army Pvt. Curt Ault, son of Elizabeth Ault of Savage, has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. He received instruction in the Army's mission, history tradition and core values; training in physical fitness and instruction and practice in combat skills, weapons, chemical warfare and the use of bayonets.
Around Town
Bluegrass -- Savage Bluegrass, a group of local musicians, will appear at Sam & Elsie's bar and restaurant on Route 1 South in North Laurel at 7 p.m. Tuesday and March 4 and 18. There is no cover charge. 301-317-7796.
Art auction -- Reservoir and Atholton high schools will sponsor the 2008 Music Boosters Art Auction on Saturday at Kahler Hall in the Harper's Choice Village Center. The adults-only event will raise money to purchase new instruments, uniforms and equipment for music students in both schools. The auction preview begins at 6:30 p.m., when guests can try wine and hors d'oeuvres. Door prizes and a silent auction will be offered. The auction, coordinated by Marlin Art Inc., begins at 7:30 p.m. Thirty-percent of sales will go to the music departments of both schools. To reserve tickets: 301-604-9171.
Free screenings -- Howard County General Hospital will offer free blood pressure screenings at the Savage branch library on the second Monday of each month, beginning next month. The walk-in screenings, which do not require an appointment, will be held from noon to 3 p.m. at the library, 9525 Durness Lane. 410-740-7601 or visit www.hcgh.org.
Baseball, softball -- The Savage Boys & Girls Club is accepting spring registration for recreational baseball and softball. The club holds evaluations to create balanced teams, but players of all skill levels are welcome. Registration is available online. The club is also seeking volunteer coaches. www.SavageBGC.org.
Turkey hunt -- The Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel will be the venue for a spring wild turkey hunting season in April and May. The hunt, which is being conducted in partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation, Wheelin' Sportsmen and Meade Natural Heritage Association, is open to youth, the disabled, those whose mobility is impaired, and the public. Hunters will be selected by lottery. Application forms for the lottery are available at http:--patuxent.fws.gov or by calling 301-776-3090. Applications must be submitted in person at the refuge's North Tract Visitor Contact Station by 4 p.m. Feb. 29. The refuge's station is off Route 198 on Bald Eagle Drive, 1.4 miles east of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.
Refuge open -- Patuxent Research Refuge's National Wildlife Visitor Center is temporarily closed for repairs and will remain closed through most of the spring season, but spring tram tours and other programs will be held. Weekend public tram tours on the visitor center grounds will begin the first weekend in April. Tram tours can also be scheduled on weekdays by reservation. Trails remain open daily, except on federal holidays. For program information for visitor center grounds and the refuge's North Tract: http:--patuxent.fws.gov.