Parent academy

"The Social and Emotional Needs of Advanced-Level Learners: Strategies for Parents," will be presented from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Centennial High School, 4300 Centennial Lane in Ellicott City. Featured speaker is Patricia Schuler, a counselor and author with expertise on issues related to the educational, social and emotional needs of highly able learners, including perfectionism and underachieving advanced-level learners. During this program, parents can learn strategies to help their child deal with the internal and external pressures related to being an advanced-level learner.

For more information, call Stephanie Bateman at 410-313-6800.

Housing applications

The Department of Housing and Community Development is accepting applications for the January enrollment period for the county's moderate-income housing unit program. Enrollment period ends Jan. 29.

For guidelines and more information, call 410-313-6318 or go to howardcountymd.gov.

Vendors wanted

Vendors and exhibitors are wanted for Howard County's GreenFest, scheduled for April 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Howard Community College's Burrill Galleria, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia. People with information on green products, ecological home cleaning and lawn care, alternative energy, water conservation and reuse, and tips for greening everyday activities are encouraged to apply.

Each space includes a 5-foot table and two chairs. Cost for nonprofits is $25 per space, $35 per space for others. Preference will be given to businesses and organizations that promote environmentally friendly goods and services.

To apply and for more information, call 410-313-4374 or go to hcgreenfest.org.

Parenting workshops

The Howard County Office of Children's Services will present a series of workshops for parents and guardians raising children from birth to age 8. Topics include child development, encouraging self-esteem and good behavior, positive guidance and discipline, and how to keep children safe and healthy.

Participants may take one class or the entire series of six, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays beginning Feb. 22 and continuing through March 29 at 3300 N. Ridge Road, Suite 380 in Ellicott City. Cost is $5 per class.

To register and for more information, call 410-313-1923.

Volunteers needed

The Columbia Association seeks volunteers to help Special Olympics athletes participate in an "Ice Skating Social" from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday at the Columbia Ice Rink, 5876 Thunder Hill Road in Columbia. Volunteers will receive free skate rentals and food from the snack bar.

Call 410-715-5523 to volunteer and for more information.

Merry Mulch

Collection of Christmas trees for mulching continues through Friday. Residents can recycle their trees curbside or at one of these locations:

* Kendall Hardware.

* River Hill Garden Center.

* Cedar Lane Park.

* Grandfather's Garden Center.

* Rockburn Park.

* Howard County Circuit Court's upper parking lot.

* Schooley Mill Park.

* Wood waste area at Alpha Ridge Landfill.

* Savage Park.

* Western Regional Park.

Look for the Merry Mulch signs designating the drop-off areas.