School news
Middle and high school students will have an opportunity to learn about the Howard County Public School System's Career Academies program and watch others demonstrate skills they have learned during the Career and Technology Education events scheduled on the following dates at Howard County Library branches.
* Arts, Media and Communications Business Management and Finance. 8 p.m. Wednesday at East Columbia branch, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia.
* Information Technology Career Research and Development. 7 p.m. Thursday at Savage branch, 9525 Durness Lane, Laurel.
* Health and Bio sciences. 7 p.m. Feb. 1 at Elkridge branch, 6540 Washington Blvd., Elkridge.
* Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology. 7 p.m. Feb. 4 at Miller branch, 9421 Frederick Road, Ellicott City.
* Construction Development, Transportation Technologies. 7 p.m. Feb. 10 at Glenwood branch, 2350 State Route 97, Cooksville.
For more information, call 410-313-6680.
Photo slide show
National Geographic photographer George Grail's slide presentation, "Life on a Wharf Piling in the Chesapeake Bay," takes place at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Howard County Conservancy, 10520 Old Frederick Road in Woodstock. Discover techniques that animals develop for camouflage, reproduction and adaptation to changes in the tides and environment. Call 410-465-8877 or go to hcconservancy.org for more information.
Vendors wanted
Vendors and exhibitors are wanted for Howard County's GreenFest, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 17 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.
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 Friday.
For guidelines and more information, call 410-313-6318 or go to howardcountymd.gov.
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.
Road work
Construction project at the intersection of Dobbin Road and Dobbin Center Way, south of Route 175 in Columbia, is under way. Project includes the construction of a right-turn lane from southbound Dobbin Road onto westbound Dobbin Center Way. Completion is scheduled for May.
For questions or concerns about Capital Project J-4211, call 410-313-3440.
Friends of Education Award
Nominations are being accepted for this award, which recognizes individuals, businesses or organizations for innovative or unique contributions that directly support the school system's mission of excellence in teaching and learning, and student achievement. Nomination forms can be obtained by calling 410-313-7346 or going to hcpss.org and clicking on "forms." Completed nominations should be returned to the Howard County Department of Education, 10910 Route 108, Ellicott City 21042 by Friday.
Call 410-313-5634 for more information.
Umpires needed
The Tri-County Umpires Association will hold classes beginning in February for anyone interested in umpiring baseball in Howard, Baltimore, Carroll and surrounding counties. For more information, call Mike at 410-916-5655.
Essay contest
The Howard County Bird Club announces its annual Youth Birding Essay Contest. Applicants must be Howard County residents between the ages of 9 and 13. Topic of the essay is "My Favorite Bird Watching Experience." Length should be no longer than 250 words.
Prize for the best essay is a backpack containing a pair of Eagle Optics Triumph 8x42 binoculars, a field guide and a one-year membership in the Howard County Bird Club.
Essays should be sent to Tom Miller, 6404 Glasgow Circle, Sykesville 21784 or e-mail to birderTWM@verizon.net. Include name, age and contact information. Deadline is Jan. 31.
Poster design contest
The Columbia Festival of the Arts will feature an original piece of artwork by a Howard County K-12 student on its 2010 brochures, programs and posters. Winning work will be purchased from the student for a cash prize of $500. Certificates will be awarded for the best entry in each grade level and also for juror's and director's choices. Selected pieces will be on display at the festival June 11-26.
On their entries, students should visually interpret the essence of a multidisciplinary arts festival. Dimensions of the artwork should be 16 1/2 by 11 3/4 inches on white paper only. Deadline is at 5 p.m. Feb. 5. Winning entries become property of the festival arts.
Call 410-715-3044 or go to columbiafestival.com for more information.