Bill Heston of Elkridge has won a Bose home theater system with a 50-inch plasma television set, the prize in a raffle to benefit The Arc of Howard County.
Started by a group of parents in 1961 as an advocacy and support group for people with cognitive and developmental disabilities and their families, The Arc provides housing, job placement, vocational training and a variety of support services to individuals and families.
Fire volunteers sponsor dance
The Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department's Junior firefighters will sponsor a "March Madness" youth dance, for ages 9-15, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at the firehouse.
Tickets, available only at the door, cost $8.
Information: 410-761-6633, ext. 5.
Around Town
Soccer program -- Registration is open for the Elkridge Youth Organization soccer program. Regular registration ends Friday; late registration ends March 31. The co-ed, recreational program emphasizes instruction, fitness and fun. Players ages 5-17 are welcome. There are no tryouts for recreational leagues. All players participate. www.eyosports.org and click on the "Soccer" tab.
Register -- Veterans Elementary School, 4355 Montgomery Road, Ellicott City, will accept kindergarten registration for the 2008-2009 school year from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 3-7. Custodial parents, whether biological, adoptive or legal guardians, must enroll any child who is 5 years old by Sept. 1. Parents must live in the school district in which the child will be enrolled, and should bring a parent picture ID; a signed original lease or deed; a current telephone bill (non-cellular), current gas and electric bill, or current cable bill; the child's proof of birth; proof of custody, if applicable; and the child's current proof of immunization, unless a religious exemption is to be requested. Parents who cannot fulfill these requirements can contact the school's pupil personnel worker, 410-313-1700. To request English as a Second Language (ESOL) services: 410-313-1525. For a calendar of school events: http:--www.hcpss.org./ves.
College scholarships -- The Elkridge Adult Athletic Association, a 30-year-old community association, will accept college scholarship applications from high school seniors until April 19. At least three scholarships will be awarded. Danny Tracy, 410-796-4389.
Knitting for charity -- A community service group meets to knit and crochet blankets, baby clothes and other items for charities, hospitals and senior centers. Group sessions are held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at Kiwanis Wallas Recreation Center. 410-313-7279.
Mount Hebron Idol -- The Mount Hebron Viking Bakers will sponsor the First Mount Hebron Idol, a contest for student performers. Auditions, to be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday in the school auditorium, cost $1 to tryout; $3 to watch; and $5 to be part of the voting audience on the final night. Twenty performers will advance to the final night, to be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday. The winner will receive professional studio recording time, after working with a professional singer-songwriter to write a song to be recorded. The song is also to be performed in a concert in April at the school. Registration forms for the contest are available in the school's front office and guidance office, and at the concession stand. 410-313-2880.
Kiwanis Club -- Kiwanis Club of Ellicott City, a volunteer service organization, meets at 6:45 p.m. Mondays at the Kiwanis Wallas Building, 3300 Norberts Way, Ellicott City. Everyone is welcome. 410-418-8218, or www.ellicottcitykiwanis.com.
Chess -- The county library's Elkridge branch, 6540 Washington Blvd., sponsors a chess club for ages 13 and older from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Players of all abilities are welcome, but they must know how to play chess. Snacks will be provided. Registration not required. 410-313-5077.