Explore Howard: Calendar of Laurel events

Share your good news and events with the community. Contact Laurel Leader editorial assistant Pat Farmer, paf1@patuxent.com, or 301-725-2000, ext. 2526, or fax 410-997-4564.

Indoor yard sale -- Fundraiser for the Laurel 4th of July Committee, Sat., Oct. 16, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Phelps Center, 8th and Montgomery streets. Tables are $15 each or two for $25. Refreshments available for purchase. Virginia, 301-317-8936 or Judy, 301-604-8149 for tables and information.

Yard sale -- Hosted by the city of Laurel Employee Relations committee and Secret Santa Program, Sat., Oct. 23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Laurel Municipal Center parking lot, 8103 Sandy Spring Road. Rain date, Sun., Oct. 24. Cost $15 per space without table, or $20 per space with table. To reserve a space by Oct. 20, visit Laurel Municipal Center, Department of Community planning and Business Services, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday Municipal Center open Tuesdays until 7 p.m. Only cash payments accepted and payment is non-refundable unless sale is canceled. All proceeds from reservation of tables benefit City of Laurel Employee Relations Committee and the city's Secret Santa Program.

Flea market -- Sat., Oct. 23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Maryland City Volunteer Fire Department, 3498 Fort Meade Road. Tables $12 or space $10. Reservations, 301-725-1279. Proceeds benefit the Auxiliary to the fire department. Usable items (no clothes) for auxiliary table appreciated.

Bazaars and craft fairs

Fall craft and vendor sale -- Hosted by Maryland City Elementary School PTA, Sat. Oct. 30, 9 a.m.-noon, Maryland City Elementary School, 3359 Crumpton South, Maryland City. Vendors and crafters may rent space for $35. Toni, tru2bblue@comcast.net.

Christmas bazaar and craft show -- To benefit Elks Charities, Sat., Nov. 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Laurel Elks Lodge, 8261 Brock Bridge Road. also cake wheel, raffles. $10 a table, $15 for two. Table reservations, Linda Dearstine, 301-974-1240 or ldearstinec@aol.co,, or Connie Lewis, 240-463-6914 or clewis8870@aol.com.

Holiday Craft fair -- Sponsored by the Fort Meade Officers' Wives' Club, Sat., Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. -5 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 14 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., McGill Training Center, 8452 Zimborski Ave., Fort Mead. Over 100 indoor booth spaces available for rent. Standard 10 foot by 8 foot booth space $75, corner booth $80, electrical connections $25 per booth. A vast selection of art mediums will be showcased. All proceeds used to aid local charities and to award scholarships to military dependents graduating from high school in 2011. For vendor letter, policies and registration form, go to www.fortmeadeowc.org. Craft fair chair, Kristina Piergrossi, 410-305-8241 or fortmeadeowccraftfair@yahoo.com.

Holiday craft fair applications -- South Laurel Recreation Council now accepting applications from artists and craftspeople for the 35th annual Holiday Craft fair, Sun., Nov. 14, Deerfield run Elementary School and Community Center, 13000 Laurel-Bowie Road (Route 197). if you make items for display and sale, call 301-776-2805, or Deerfield run Community Center, 301-953-7882 to obtain application. This juried craft show will also have refreshments, bake sales, lunch and door prizes.

Vendors wanted -- American Legion Auxiliary Unit 60 craft show, Nov. 20, 8 a.m. set up, show 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 2 Main St. Craft show items or vendors only, no yard sale items. $20 per table with two chairs; add $10 for electric (bring extension cord). Vicki, 410-674-5088, or Brenda, auxiliaryunit60@gmail.com.

Holiday bazaar -- Laurel Senior Friendship Club, Sat., Nov. 20, Phelps Center, 701 Montgomery St. $20 for 8-foot table. Reserve table, 301-442-9992.

Craftors wanted -- Annual craft show, Sat., Nov. 20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Bond mill Elementary School, 16001 Sherwood Ave., West Laurel. Rental fees for tables, which are provided, are $25 and $35. Proceeds support fifth grade end-of-year activities. Interested craftors call school, 301-497-3600, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Coach handbag bingo -- Fri., Oct. 15, 7 p.m., St. Mary of the Mills Church, lower level of church, handicap accessible, 114 St. Mary's place. Doors open 6 p.m., come early for dinner. Admission $15 per person, $18 walk ins. Reservations, Val, 301-498-1433, ext. 557 or vmakarsky@aol.com.

No Tricks All Treats basket bingo -- Sun., Oct. 24, kitchen opens 1 p.m., early birds 1:50 p.m., games 2 p.m., Phelps Center, 701 Montgomery St. Twenty regular games, early birds, two specials, two raffles plus Tutt, balls and silent auction. $15 with reservation, $20 at door. Reservations, Elizabeth, 240-515-1168 or reservations@bestbasketbingo.com. Benefits Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue. Donated doggie item, play special game

Boys and Girls Club bingo -- Doors open weekly, Mondays at 5:30 p.m., games begin 7 p.m., Phelps Center, 701 Montgomery St. Bargain dinner from Carla's kitchen available. Bring family and friends out and support the club. https://laurelboysandgirlsclub.org.

Laurel Elks Lodge 2283 bingo --Cash bingo every Tuesday night, 8261 Brock Bridge Road. Doors open 5:30 p.m., bingo 7 p.m. Special "Loser" game. Ball game pull-tabs and cash balls sold. A good place to earn Community Service hours for school. 301-466-8202.

American Legion -- Bingo on Fridays, 7:45 p.m., Post 60, 2 Main St. Doors open 5:30 p.m. 301-725-2302. no Wednesday night bingo.

Book clubs/discussions

Book clubs -- Savage Branch Library, 9525 Durness Lane. Mystery Book Club, second Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Nonfiction Book Club, third Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Books available at branch. no registration required. 410-880-5980.

South Laurel Recreation Council fall classes -- Now registering children, teens and adults for classes at South Laurel elementary schools, the Montpelier Carriage House or the Montpelier Neighborhood Park. Advance registration necessary. Fitness: Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates and Zumba; tennis; dance: Zumba, Ballroom, Latin and African; special interest: chess, crochet and knitting. Information and/or register, Council, 301-776-2805, or stop by Deerfield run Community Center, 13000 Laurel-Bowie Road, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.

Montpelier Arts Center fall art classes for children, teens and adults -- 9652 Muirkirk Road, 301-377-7800. Classes run through Nov. 30. Sign up online, www.pgparks.com/Things_To_Do/Arts/Montpelier_Arts_Center.htm, or by touch-tone phone, 301-583-BOOK. Montpelier, 301-377-7800 for a brochure.

Free genealogy classes -- Classes held fourth Thursday of each month, 7:30-8:30 p.m., 7200 Contee Road, Latter-day Saints Chapel (across from Laurel Regional Hospital). Questions on class or genealogy research, Amy Krieger, amy@byu.net or J.R. Martinez, jmartinez@acbankers.org.

New and expectant parents -- Free classes at Laurel Pregnancy Center, 415 Main St., Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. Topics range from childbirth to parenting to healthy living. Taught by a professional from the community. Karen, 301-776-9997, karen@laurelpregnancycenter.org.

Crab feast -- Sat., Oct. 23, 6-11 p.m., American Legion Post 60, 2 Main St. Food, 6-8 p.m.; music and dancing with DJ Miles, 8-11 p.m. Advance tickets $35, no tickets at door. Adults only (must be 21 years of age). Open to the public. Reservations, 301-725-2302.

Lasagna dinner -- Antonio Gatto Lodge, Sun., Oct. 24, 1-6:30 p.m., St. Mary of the Mills Church, 114 St. Mary's place. $8 adults, $4 children. Proceeds benefit philanthropic activities of the lodge. Anthony DeBella, 301-725-4133.

15th annual Riverfest -- Sponsored by Laurel Board of Trade, Sat., Oct. 9, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Riverfront Park, one block off Main Street at end of Avondale. Festival starts at 9 a.m. with the 6th annual first Generation College Bound Riverfest 5K run 2 mile walk. Arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, community groups and continuous live entertainment, games for kids, pony rides. Information, 301-483-0838. Register for the run/walk, go to www.fgcb.org or 301-490-0911.

5K run/2 mile walk at Riverfest -- Race for Education sponsored by first Generation College Bound Inc., Sat., Oct. 9, 9 a.m., rain or shine, Riverfront Park, one block off Main Street at end of Avondale Street. Sponsorship deadline is Sept. 13. Contact Nickole, 301-490-0911, to promote your business or college/university. looking for volunteers, runners and walkers. T-shirts provided to all participants. Entry fee $25. Register online, www.fgcb.org and click "Register here," or call first Generation College Bound, 301-490-0911. Pre-registered runners can pick up race packet Oct. 7, 3-7 p.m., Feet first, Hickory Village Center, 6420 Freetown Road, Columbia, or Oct. 8, 3-7 p.m., Modell's sporting Goods, 14220 Baltimore Ave., Laurel. Race day registration, 7:45 a.m., Riverfront Park. www.fgcb.org. Quarter auction -- Sat., Oct. 9, doors, kitchen, bar open 6 p.m., auction 7 p.m., Laurel Moose Lodge, 430 Brock Bridge Road. Vendors, raffles and 50/50. come out and support our children and families with autism. quarterauction.weebly.com, marylandcityquarterauction@yahoo.com.

"Pink Bag Lunch" -- Sponsored by Success in Style, Thu., Oct. 14, 11 a.m., Maple Lawn Community Center, Fulton. Tickets $40 each. Attendees enjoy a fashion show, noshing, shopping and networking. Emcee Laurie DeYoung, member of Country DJ Hall of Fame and morning show host of indoorgaOC/93.1FM in Baltimore. Event provides local businesses sponsorship opportunities and networking time at lunch. Benefits Success in Style which provides business attire and coaching to disadvantaged women seeking employment. Sponsorship and tickets, 410-750-6475 or successinstyle@verizon.net.

Benefit basketball game -- Production by Lovely Ladies of Laurel, Thu., Oct. 14, 6:30 p.m., Laurel High School, 8000 Cherry Lane. indoorgaGC 95.5 DJs against 2Exclusive, the highly educated new youth basketball team of Laurel. $3 per person. Information, www.divaladiesoflaurel.com.

Uniform sale -- Fundraiser sponsored by Laurel Regional Hospital Auxiliary and Uniform City, Fri., Oct. 22, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., J. Russell Jones conference room, Laurel Regional Hospital, 7300 Van Dusen Road. Variety of pants, tops, lab coats, socks and accessories and popular shoes for comfort. Cash, check and credit accepted. 301-572-5636.

Community "Groove" fair -- Sponsored by Laurel Boys and Girls Club cheer leading program, Sat., Oct. 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Phelps Center and Boys and Girls Club, 701 Montgomery St. Local vendors sharing products, goods and services; workshops for young ladies ages 5-17; music, food, face painting, moonbounce.

Laurel Community Center Games Club -- every Thursday, 6 p.m., Robert J. DiPietro Community Center, 7901 Cypress St. Innovative, challenging games for children, teens and adults. Games of all types such as Blokus, Carcassonne, Mencala, Lost Cities. Share your favorite or learn a new one. 301-776-2280.

Laurel Chess Club -- Meets Thursdays, 6-10 p.m., Laurel Armory Anderson- Murphy Community Center, 422 Montgomery St. Players of all ages and skill levels. Jason Waggoner, 301-490-6042.

Laurel Library Chess Club -- Meets Saturdays, twice a month, 1 p.m., Laurel Branch, 507 Seventh St. Learn to play or improve your game. All ages. 301-776-6790.

"Magic, The Gathering" Club -- Sundays, 1-4 p.m., Laurel Armory Community Center, 422 Montgomery St. Sponsored by the Laurel Department of Parks and Recreation. Danny Miller, 301-725-8088. www.laurel.md.us.

Haunted tour of Laurel -- Sat., Oct. 9, 8 p.m., Venus Theatre Play Shack, 21 C St. Box office opens 7:30 p.m. Led by Gettysburg tour guide John Nunemaker, it is an all ages two hour, two mile walking tour seeped with the history of the town, covering industrial, Civil War and WWII era history and stories from Victorian era and contemporary times. Special permission given to travel the river path after dark, so watch your step, wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight. Tours will also be available Oct. 16 and Oct. 23. Tickets, $10 per person. Deb, 202-236-4078, deb@venustheatre.org. www.venustheatre.org.

Special workshop and paranormal investigation -- Fri., Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m., Snow Hill Manor, 13301 Laurel Bowie Road. Sponsored by the Maryland-National Capital Park and planning Commission Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George's County and The Greater Maryland Paranormal Society. Chance to investigate a location that has a lot of stories attached to it. Learn a little about history of house, see short video on the GMPS team and get hands on training on tools of a ghost hunter. Space is limited to 15 people only. must be 18 years of age or older. Advanced registration required, 301-725-6037 or 301-249-2000.

GFWC Women's Club of Laurel -- Meeting, Thu., Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m., clubhouse, 384 Main St. Speaker Roy Joynes, branch manager of Laurel Library. Public welcome to attend. Membership information, 301-725-6829, wclaurel@yahoo.com.

Lecture by Ann Wiker -- Sponsored by Laurel Art Guild, Mon., Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m., Main Gallery of Montpelier Arts Center, second floor of Art Barn, 9652 Muirkirk Road. Wiker, artist, teacher and entrepreneur, will speak on getting exposure for your art and making the transition from hobbyist to professional artist. Public welcome. Guild information, Mary Ellen Simon, st8900@verizon.net, 301-776-6721. Arts center, 301-953-1993, www.laurelartguild.org.

Montpelier Oaks Homeowners Association -- Annual meeting of membership, Mon. Oct. 11, 7-9 p.m., Robert J. DiPietro Community Center, 7901 Cypress St. D.H. Bader Management Services, 301-952-1955, ext. 22.

North Lake Homeowners Association -- Annual membership meeting, Tue., Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m., Oseh Shalom Synagogue, 7515 Olive Branch Way. D. H. Bader Management Services, 301-953-1955, ext. 28.

Wyndemere Townhouse Association -- Annual membership meeting, Thu., Oct. 28, 7 p.m., Laurel Woods Elementary School media room, 9250 Laurel Road. D. H. Bader Management Services, 301-953-1955, ext. 30.

Meade Area Garden Club -- Meade Area Garden Club -- Fri., Oct. 15, 10 a.m., Community Hall, corner of Route 175 and Wigley Avenue, Jessup. Presentation "Home Remedies Using Herbs" by Courtney Carpenter. Club members plant exchange. no reservations required. Meetings are once a month from September through May, except in December, on the third Friday at 10 a.m. at Jessup Community Center, corner of Route 175 and Wigley Avenue. Join the club for $20. Club also takes several bus and carpool trips to areas of gardening interest. Pat Loosararian, 410-519-6443.

Howard County Young Widows & Widowers -- Meeting, first Tuesday of each month, 6:30-9 p.m., Jilly's, 10300 Baltimore National Pike in Ellicott City. Social and support group that meets the first Tuesday of each month. Everyone is welcome. 410-740-5858.

Crown of Laurel Toastmasters Club 77 -- Meetings every first and third Tuesdays, 6:45 p.m., Boys and Girls Club, 324 Montgomery St. coltm.com. Columbians Toastmasters Club -- Meets first and third Wednesdays, 7:15 p.m., Capitol College, 11301 Springfield Road, Laurel. Public speaking. columbianstm@hotmail.com. 301-794-9669.

Maryland Search and Rescue -- Meetings, Mondays, 7-9 p.m., Mount Zion United Methodist Church in Highland, Route 216 at Browns Bridge Road. Meetings Mondays, 7-9 p.m. (Last Monday each month is an officers' meeting.) Maryland Search & Rescue is a program for young men and women, aged 14-21 (and adult advisors/participants) that focuses on wilderness, lost-person searching. Training consists of a number of high-adventure activities, hiking, backpacking, land navigation, all-weather camping, rock climbing, repelling as well as search tactics and first-aid. Program run by the youth members, providing a great opportunity to learn leadership skills while giving back to the community. Pamela Paulding, 410-730-0561 or Art Ross, 410-740-2913. www.msar616.com.

Blue Star Mothers of Maryland -- Monthly meetings in Laurel for mothers supporting sons and daughters in all branches of the military (active duty, reserves, honorably discharged). 301-490-5358 or 410-978-2979.

Writers' Circle -- second Mondays monthly, 7 p.m., Savage Branch Library, 9525 Durness Lane. Share original writing with other aspiring authors for mutual support and feedback. no registration required. 410-880-5980.

Society of Military Widows -- Fourth Sundays, brunch at Fort Meade's Club Meade. New members welcome. Call Daisy Jackson, 410-730-6194, daisyjackson@mris.com.

Trick or Treat -- On Main Street, Thu., Oct. 28, 6-8 p.m.

Prostate screening -- Sat., Oct. 16, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Laurel Regional Hospital, 7300 Van Dusen Road. Both laboratory test and clinical exam administered to each participant. Service provided in support of men's health and prostate cancer awareness. Screenings to first 50 men to register. Information and required registration, 301-497-7914.

Successful Transitions along the Dementia Journey -- Tue., Oct. 26, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sheppard Pratt Conference Center, 6501 North Charles St., Towson. Conference, sponsored by The Alzheimer's Association, The Geriatrics and Gerontology Education and Research Program, University of Maryland Baltimore and The Maryland Gerontological Association, for acute and long term care nurses, social workers, assisted living and nursing home administrators, geriatric care managers and allied health professionals working with individuals with dementia and their family caregivers. Registration fees: MGA members $80; non-members $100; full time students $35; Senior 60 plus $35; includes continental breakfast, luncheon, conference materials and continuing education certificates for members and non-members. Deadline Oct. 15. Register online, http://dementiaconf2010.kintera.org.

Spring Challenge: get Healthy Laurel! -- New Weight Watchers® now open in Laurel. Meetings every Wednesday, 6 p.m., St. Vincent Pallotti High School, 113 St. Mary's place. The Momentum TM program provides people with the skills to achieve weight loss goals and live healthier lives. Kelly Benton-Klein leads the meetings.

Be a part of History -- every fourth Sunday until November, 1-4 p.m., Laurel Museum, 817 Main St. Bring up to four recent pictures that tell your story and place them in our Laurel in 2010 scrapbook. Pictures of your family, team, school, pets, house, special celebrations and special days. Write in what you want the future to know about you and our town of Laurel. 301-725-7975, info@laurelhistoricalsociety.org.

Tours of Montpelier Mansion, 9650 Muirkirk Road -- Guided, Sundays, noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Self-guided, Monday through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Group tours for 10 or more by appointment. $3 adults; $2 seniors and groups of 10 or more; $1 ages 6 to 18; free ages 5 and under. The reproduction kitchen is a part of the regular mansion tours. 301-377-7817. www.pgparks.com.

Tours of Snow Hill Manor -- Plantation house of late Georgian style built in 1755, 13301 Laurel-Bowie Road. Tours Tuesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 301-725-6037. snowhill.manor@pgparks.com.

Youth Resource Guide -- Volunteer Center for Anne Arundel County released its 2010-2011 Youth Resource Guide for all of Anne Arundel County. The guide presents information about non-profit and faith-based organizations that provide programs and services for all youth across the community. Go to www.VolunteerAnneArundel.org to download a free PDF version of the guide. A limited number of hard copies can be purchased from the Volunteer Center for $5 each. Resource Guide coordinator, Janice Hayes-Williams, 410-897-9207, janice@volunteerannearundel.org.

Weekend Teen Club -- Sponsored by Laurel Department of Parks and Recreation. Fridays, 7-10 p.m., Laurel Community Center, 7901 Cypress St. Saturdays, 7-10 p.m., Laurel Armory Anderson-Murphy Community Center, 422 Montgomery St. Basketball, games, tournaments and food. must have annual pass, no daily drop in fees accepted. Ages 12 through 17. 301-725-7800, www.laurel.md.us.

Savage Branch Library, 9525 Durness Lane -- For Teens on Screen: Anime Movie Club. first Mondays, 7-9 p.m., Special screening of popular anime films. Refreshments. Ages 11 to 17. Registration required. Teen 'Zine. first Wednesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. Add your voice to the online newsletter written by teens, for teens. www.hclibrary.org/teenzine. Ages 13 to 17. no registration. Teen Book Club. Fourth Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m., ages 13 and up, no registration. 410-880-5980.

Children's classes -- Savage Branch Library, 9525 Durness Lane, Savage, 410-880-5978. no registration unless specified. Preschool: Play Partners, ongoing every Wednesday, 9:45-10:30 a.m., ages infant-23 months with adult.

Laurel Branch Library -- 507 Seventh St. 301-776-6790.

* Daytime storytimes (pick up free ticket at Children's Desk): Newborn to 12 months with caregiver, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.; 12-24 months with caregiver, Wednesdays 11:15 a.m., ages 2 to 3, Mondays, 10:30 and 11:15 a.m., limit 35; ages 2 1/2 to 4 1/2, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m., limit 35.

* Evening storytime, ages 3-6, Wednesdays, 7 p.m., limit 35. Pick up free ticket at Children's Desk.

* English-French storytime/L'heur du conte pour les enfants en Anglais et Francais, Children and their Families/Les enfants et leurs familles, Sat., Oct. 9, 10:30 a.m./samedi le 9 octobre a 10h30. Pick up free ticket at Children's Desk/Des billets gratuits sont disponibles chez le bureau des enfants.

* Family Game Night, all ages, Mon., Oct. 18, 7 p.m., Laurel Branch library, 597 Seventh St. Play board games at the library. Bring one of your own, or play on of the library's. Snacks provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Laurel Library.

* Hear me Read: how Recorded Books Are made -- Mon., Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m. Families welcome. Actor Johnny Heller with more than 200 audio-books to his credit will discuss the process of making a recorded book. Listeners delight in his energetic and youthful voice. Hear him narrate and answer your questions.

* "Dracula is Dead: how Romanians Survived Communism, ended it, and Emerged since 1989 as the New Italy" -- Tue., Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m. former US ambassador Jim Rosapepe and journalist Sheilah Kast introduce us to people, places and history of Romania. Family program sponsored by the Friends of the Laurel Library.

* Special Maryland one Book Lecture -- Tue., Oct. 26, 7 p.m., "Melting Pot or Mixing Bowl: how Immigration Shapes Our History." Martin Ford, associate director of Maryland Office for New Americans, traces American immigration history and discusses changes in American attitudes over time. Presentation followed by discussion of "outcasts United" by Warren St. John.

* Valerie Tripp's "American Girl Collection" -- Sat., Oct. 30, 2 p.m. Talk about creative process and joys of writing. Question and answer session Bring your "American Girl" books and other items to be signed. Families welcome. Registration required, call branch for details. Sponsored by the Friends of the Laurel Library.

* "Finding your Roots: Researching African-American Genealogy" -- Sat., Nov. 6, 2 p.m. Presenter Michael Halt, professional genealogical researcher and instructor of course in African-American Genealogy. Presented in collaboration with Montpelier Mansion as part of "Between Fences," a Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibit.

Maryland City at Russett Branch Library -- 3501 Russett Common, 301-725-2390.

* One-on-One Computer Training: Mondays, 7-8 p.m., Tuesdays, 2-3 p.m. and Wednesdays, 9-10 a.m. Work individually with a librarian in a scheduled session. Learn how to access your library account and search the catalog; search the Internet and special electronic databases, and set up a free e-mail account. Reservations required. Call or visit the branch to schedule an appointment.

* English Basic Skills: Contact the library for information on dates and times. these free English classes offered by Anne Arundel Community College integrate listening, speaking, reading ad writing skills for students with minimal English training prior to attending classes.

Savage Branch Library -- 9525 Durness Lane. Sunday hours 1-5 p.m. www.hclibrary.org, 410-313-7890.

* Internet Technology, one-on-one tutoring: Mouse in the House: Family Web Surfing, ages 7 and over; Open the Door to Open Office: Ages 13 and over; Research 24/7: Access full-text articles and other resources for school assignments, business or personal use from any computer at any time.

* Preschool classes: Picture Book Parade, every Thursday, 10:15 a.m., ages 2-5 with adult, 30 minutes, no registration; Pajama Time: every Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Invasive plant removal -- second Sunday of every month, 1 p.m. The Sierra Club invites volunteers of all ages to join its ongoing removal activity in Riverfront Park. Meet at the Municipal Swimming Pool, Ninth and Main streets, Brigitte, 240-506-8976.

The big Sit! -- Annual, international, noncompetitive October birding event hosted by Bird Watcher's Digest and founded by the New Haven (Conn.) Bird Club, Sun., Oct. 10, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Patuxent Research Refuge, National Wildlife Visitor Center, Powder mill Road between the Baltimore/Washington Parkway and Route 197, just south of Laurel. Adopted by the National Wildlife Refuge system as an activity for National Wildlife Refuge Week, the idea is to identify a 17 foot diameter circle near the National Wildlife Visitor Center, set up chairs and binoculars and identify as many birds as possible. come for all or part of the day. no special equipment or experience needed, bring binoculars, field guide, lawn chair and snacks. 301-497-5630, http://patuxent.fws.gov. www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/funbirds/bigsit/bigsit.aspx.

Patuxent Research Refuge -- Free programs; advance registration required, donations to the Friends of Patuxent appreciated. 301-497-5887. www.patuxent.fws.gov. Annual Patuxent Wildlife Festival planned for Oct. 16.

* North Tract, Route 198 between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Route 32. 301-776-3090. Contact Station and grounds open every day, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. except for federal holidays. http://patuxent.fws.gov. Fall Nature Hike: Sun., Oct. 10, 12:30-2 p.m., ages 8-10.

* National Wildlife Visitor Center, off Powder mill Road, two miles east of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. 301-497-5580. Bird Walks: Wed., Oct. 20, 8-10 a.m., ages 16 and over. The three Bears: Fri., Oct. 8, 2:30-3:30 p.m., ages 5-7. Webs of Wonder: Sat., Oct. 9, 1:30-3 p.m., ages 5-7. Refuge Management Hike: Sun., Oct. 10, 2-3 p.m., ages 14 and over. Migration Madness: Tue., Oct. 12, 2-3:30 p.m., ages 5-7. Nature Tots: Spooky Spiders: Wed., Oct. 13, 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. Nature Tots: Bats!: Thu., Oct. 21, 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-2 p.m., ages 3-4. Nature Tots: Colors of Nature: Sat., Oct. 23, 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. Who's Afraid of the Little Brown Bat? Puppet show: Fri., Oct. 29, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., all ages. Skull Scene Investigation: Sat., Oct. 30, 10:30 a.m.-noon, ages 11-14. Creatures of the Night: Sun., Oct. 31, 1-2:30 p.m., ages 8-10.

Miss Pre-Teen Maryland International -- Now seeking Miss Pre-Teen Howard County International 2011. Applicants must be between ages 9 through 12. Pageant April 2, 2011, Chesapeake College, Wye Mills. no Maryland residency requirements. Contestants compete in on-stage introduction two-minute speech, fun fashion wear and formal wear. no talent contest. Winner receives a free entry Miss Teen Maryland International Pageant. State director, 410-490-0879, mrsmaryland@msn.com.

Miss Teen Maryland International -- Now seeking Miss Teen Laurel International 2011. Applicants must be between ages 13 through 18. Pageant April 1 and 2, 2011, Chesapeake College Performing Arts Center. Applicants must live or attend school in Maryland. Contestants compete in personal interview, fun fashion, aerobic wear and evening gown. All contestants must have a personal platform they promote throughout the year. no talent. no swimsuit. Winner receives all expense paid trip to national competition in July 2011 in Chicago. State director, 410-490-0879, mrsmaryland@msn.com.

Laurel High School Class of 1975 -- 35 year reunion, Sat., Oct. 16, Laurel Park racetrack. Go to Facebook group page (LHS Class of '75 Reunion), or laurel_1975@verizon.net for more information. Classmates from other neighboring years welcome to attend.

Laurel High School Class of 1991 -- looking for classmates for 20th reunion. Marcy Brodsky, reunion coordinator, 410-531-0175, mjbhappy@hotmail.com.

Car Wash -- Sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 1250, Sat., Oct. 9, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Einstein Bros. Bagels, 14402 Baltimore Ave. Danny, 240-645-7855.

Girl Scouts -- Dedicated to helping all girls build courage, confidence and character to make the world a better place. To join in Laurel, Anne Arundel area, Chris, 301-498-7599.

Daisy Girl Scouts -- Girls, age 5, entering kindergarten welcome. Learn, work and play together. 800-834-1702, dwilliams@gscnc.org.

Boordy Vineyards -- Sponsored by the Retired Officers' Wives' Club at Fort Meade, Tue., Oct. 12, Hydes, Md. Bus departs Ridgeview Shopping Plaza, 11:45 a.m. and returns 5 p.m. Cost $38 includes transportation, tour of winery, wine tasting with cheese and crackers and souvenir wine glass. Joan Fiscus, 410-465-0492.

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