Harford County Executive David R. Craig and the Humane Society of Harford County have announced a new program aimed at controlling the county's surplus cat population.

Called the Free Feline Fix, the program will run through June 30. The humane society will offer a certificate good for one free feline spay or neuter, a rabies vaccination and one topical flea control application.

Certificates are valid only at participating local veterinary offices. There is a limit of three certificates per family, until funds are gone. Craig awarded the humane society a stipend for the program.

Society Interim Director Laura Ulrich also noted that the county has a large number of feral cat colonies that sterilizing would help reduce as well.

Information: 410-836-1090, ext. 102.

Irish folktales at Bel Air library

Celtic storyteller Michael Gaudreau will share Irish folktales at the Bel Air Branch of the Harford County Public Library at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Gaudreau uses his Celtic heritage to bring stories of kings and tricksters, leprechauns and giants, often accompanied by the beat of the Irish drum.

Registration is required for this free program.

For more information, call 410-638-3151 or visit HCPLonline.info. The Bel Air Branch is at 100 E. Pennsylvania Ave.

The program is funded by the Bel Air Friends of Harford County Public Library.

Help in getting all federal tax benefits

The Harford Community Action Agency, with Harford County Government and the AARP, has created a plan to help working low- and moderate-income families and individuals by assisting them in claiming federal tax benefits they have earned.

Tax benefits that residents might not realize they are eligible for include the Earned Income Credit, worth up to $4,716 for families who worked in 2007; and the Child Tax Credit, worth $1,000 per child for those who qualify.

"These are not some form of handout, but a federal income tax credit that hard-working Harford County families have earned," said Harford County Executive David R. Craig. "This extra income can help our citizens meet everyday expenses like groceries and clothing."

The Harford Community Action Agency has established a hot line to help citizens claim their benefits and get free help in preparing their 2007 income tax returns through several community organizations.

Information: 410-638-3567.

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Expo on transition from youth to adult

The New Life Center at Mountain Christian Church will host the Expo for Transitioning Youth from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at 1824 Mountain Road in Joppa.

The expo is a free event for teens and young adults with special needs, and families facing the challenges and opportunities of transition to adulthood.

Workshops on topics such as finding your first job, support for students with disabilities at Harford Community College, how to get a Maryland driver's license with a medical condition will be available.

Registration and information are available online at www.harfordcountymd.gov/services/disabilities or by calling 410-638-3373.

Training class for SARC volunteers

The Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center Inc. will hold a SARC Helper training class for individuals who are interested in being a volunteer in the office and with special projects.

Training classes will be from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. March 18. Those interested should call for an application and to set up an interview.

SARC is a Harford nonprofit for domestic and sexual violence, as well as stalking victims. Information: 410-836-8431, ext. 20.

Plant a tree, or 900, to mark Arbor Day

Harford County is seeking volunteers for the sixth annual Harford County Arbor Day Celebration and Conservation Project, which starts at 9 a.m. March 21.

Volunteers will be joined by county officials in planting 900 tree seedlings and installing tree shelters.

Trees will be planted on 3 acres along a tributary of Deer Creek. The planting site is on the Scarboro Landfill property near Sandy Hook Road in Street.

Volunteers are asked to bring work boots and gloves, a hammer and a bag lunch. Parking will be available at the site.

The project qualifies for community service hours, and youths are encouraged to participate. Information: 410-836-4579.