Bay advocate course
This adult education course taught by Chesapeake Bay Foundation staff and other professionals is for those who want an in-depth understanding of the Chesapeake Bay's history, ecology and issues and who want to help restore the bay. Course starts Feb. 18; Easton course starts Feb. 20. Cost is $25. Space is limited. For more information or to download an application form, go to cbf.org/voices.
Tax assistance for seniors
Seniors can receive help in completing their federal and state income tax returns from Feb. 1 through April 1 at the county's senior activity centers through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. This free service is available only by appointment and hours are limited.
Call 410-222-4464 for more information.
Opera competition
Applications and CDs are being accepted for the annual Annapolis Opera Vocal Competition. All applicants must complete the online form at annapolisopera.org under auditions and vocal competition, and submit a CD. The deadline has been extended to Feb. 12.
Applicants should label the CD with name, date of birth, contact information and titles of the arias, and mail to Annapolis Opera Vocal Competition, Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, c/o Carmen Balthrop, 801 Chase St., Annapolis 21401.
Go to the Web site for detailed information about the competition.
Anger management training
The Anne Arundel Conflict Resolution Center will hold a five-week session of anger management training from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays, April 5 through May 3.
Classes are designed to help participants learn to channel anger in a positive direction. Classes include group discussions and exercises, and cover topics such as identifying anger triggers, conflict styles, coping strategies and taking responsibility.
Classes, which will be held at the center's offices at 2666 Riva Road in Annapolis, cost $175 and include all materials.
For more information, call 410-266-9033.
Annapolis Idol contestants
The Anne Arundel Conflict Resolution Center invites local artists to come to these establishments to showcase their skills and maybe become the next Annapolis Idol:
* Mike's Crab House, 3030 Riva Road, on Monday.
* Heroes, 1 Riverview Ave., on Tuesday.
Start time is 8 p.m. Contestants must be at least 18 by the event date and be able to perform a Top 40 mainstream pop song.
Call 410-266-9033 or go to aacrcmd.us for more information.
Home heating bills
The Maryland Energy Assistance Program is accepting applications for the heating season. Those needing assistance should call the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities at 410-222-4257 and speak with an information specialist, who can mail out an application form.
Guitar lessons
The Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts is offering group guitar lessons and music appreciation classes for the spring semester. Beginning and intermediate lessons are available for teens and adults as well as classical music appreciation classes for adults. All classes will be taught by Morgan Fiddler. The Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts is at 801 Chase St. in Annapolis.
To register or for more information, call 410-263-5544 or go to marylandhall.org.
Historic house tours
The Ann Arrundell County Historical Society has opened the historic Benson-Hammond House and North Browse and Buy Shoppe at Aviation Boulevard and Andover Road in Linthicum for the season. Tours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Group tours are by appointment. The Kuethe Library for Historical and Genealogical Research, 5 Crain Highway S.E., operated jointly with the Anne Arundel Genealogical Society, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays year-round. Call 410-760-9679.
Dance classes
Ballet Theatre of Maryland offers dance classes and workshops at the Chesapeake Arts Center, 194 Hammonds Lane in Brooklyn Park. For registration, cost and times, call 410-636-6597 or go to chesapeakearts.org.