Blood donations
The Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Region of the American Red Cross is requesting blood donations. Eligible donors can call 800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule an appointment. Platelet donors should call 800-272-2123.
Calendar
Clinical trial: An herbal research clinical trial of the effects of culinary herbs on brain function will be studied at Tai Sophia Institute, 7750 Montpelier Road, Laurel, now through January. Participants must be between the ages of 65 and 90 and nonsmokers in a stable state of general health. Volunteers will consume a tomato drink containing a randomly assigned amount of the herbs being investigated and complete computer-based tests and questionnaires. To sign up, call 410-888-9048, ext. 6711, or go to research@tai.edu.
Wellness Programs : Other programs are also offered at the Tai Sophia Institute, 7750 Montpelier Road, Laurel. Learn about Reiki, the roots of this Japanese healing practice and how it can support wellness in body, mind and spirit, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. Fee is $45. "Anchoring in Stillness, the Peaceful Self " will be offered 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Fee is $90. For additional information, call 410-888-9048 ext. 6611.
Care for the caregiver : Explore emotions and issues about grief and guilt and the joys and satisfactions connected with personal caregiving at Bon Secours Spiritual Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday and Dec. 16. Call to register at 410-442-3120 or go to bonsecoursspiritualcenter.org.
Wellness programs : Programs are held at Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center, Medical Pavilion, 10710 Charter Drive, Suite 100, Columbia, unless otherwise noted. Registration is required. Call 410-740-7602 or register online at hcgh.org.
* Great American Smoke-Out. The American Cancer Society challenges smokers to quit using tobacco products for at least 24 hours as a first step in quitting completely, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday in the HCGH lobby. Resource material will be available.
* Dazzle Dash runners event, 5 p.m. Saturday, and walkers event, 4 p.m. Nov. 22. These events kick off the opening of the 16th annual Symphony of Lights and give participants a chance to view the light display on foot and enjoy festivities and refreshments. All proceeds benefit Howard County General Hospital. No pets are allowed due to insurance regulations. Space is limited; register 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 410-740-7840.
Jewelry sale fundraiser : A jewelry sale fundraiser sponsored by the Laurel Regional Hospital Auxiliary will be held from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday in the J.R. Jones Conference room of Laurel Regional Hospital, 7300 Van Dusen Road, Laurel. Items include gold and silver bracelets, earrings, necklaces and charms. The proceeds will go toward the purchase of capital equipment for the hospital. Call Marie Bena at 301-572-5636.