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.

Bingo

Valentine basket bingo extravaganza -- Sun., Feb. 14, 2 p.m., St. Mary of the Mills Church, 114 St. Mary's Place. Doors open 1 p.m., early birds 1:45 p.m.. Two King Tutts, might balls for baskets and Vera Bradley. Good neighbor games with Coach and Vera Bradley awarded to person to left and right of you. $15 per person with advance reservation, or $18 at door. Reservations, Val, 301-498-1433, ext. 557, or vmakarsky@aol.com.

Laurel Boys and Girls Club Monday bingo -- Doors open weekly at 5:30 p.m., games begin 7 p.m., Phelps Center, 701 Montgomery St. Guaranteed $500 bonanza game every week and a new Triple Seven game with opportunity to win up to $500. Food and drink at reasonable cost from Carla's kitchen. Proceeds support club's programs. 301-953-9340.

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.

Black History Month

Black History Month concert -- Sat., Feb. 6, 2 p.m., (rescheduled from Jan. 30 because of snow), Montpelier Mansion, 9650 Muirkirk Road. The Society for the Preservation of African American Arts teaches the audience about African Americans' rich history through reenactments, song, spirituals, and theater based on plantation life in the 1800s. Program funded in part by the Maryland State Arts Council and the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area. Friends of Montpelier members $10, non-members $15. Reservations required. 301-377-7817. www.pgparks.com.

Black History walk --Sponsored by the Freestate Happy Wanderers Walking Club, Sat., Feb. 20, start between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., finish by 4 p.m., Vansville Neighborhood Recreation Center, 11733 Old Baltimore Pike, Beltsville. A memorabilia collection of Blacks in history will feature U.S. stamps, Baseball Negro Leaguers, Black athletes on cereal boxes and Blacks on U.S. currency, coins and stamps on display. Brochure, 301-572-5574 before 9 p.m., or wahasse@ix.netcom.com. www.ava.org/clubs/freestate.

Black History celebration -- Thu., Feb. 25, mini-concert by the Oxon Hill High School Choir, 6:30 p.m., and play on the life of the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, 7 p.m., Bowie State University's Meyers Auditorium inside the Martin Luther King, Jr. Communications Center, 14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie. Sponsored by Bowie University's Performing Fine Arts Center and The Elder Theodore L. Barber Scholarship Foundation Inc., a Laurel-based, nonprofit organization that has given scholarships to several Prince George's County high school students. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend will make opening remarks. The play will feature a cast of judges from Maryland and Washington, D.C. Thurgood Marshall will be played by Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Robert Bell and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown will play the role of Spottswood Robinson, Marshall's colleague. Tickets are $20 for general admission; $10 for students with identification. Marilyn, 301-442-2166.

Classes

Winter class session -- Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road. Registration underway for several master watercolor workshops, a new voiceover class, writing for artists workshop, several parent child workshops and regular classes in visual arts. Go to Smartlink page of www.pgparks.com and use the advanced search to browse classes. Choose Montpelier Arts Center as your site and the date range of today's date-Feb. 28 for all winter classes. 301-377-7800.

Free English as a second language and U.S. citizenship classes -- Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. and Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., through May, First Baptist Church, 15000 First Baptist Lane. 301-725-6163. www.firstbaptistlaurel.org.

PACE program-- "People with Arthritis Can Exercise," through March 8, on Mondays and Thursdays, 10 a.m., Laurel Regional Hospital, 7300 Van Dusen Road. A community-based, non-clinical program involving group participation. Activities to improve endurance, joint mobility and body mechanics. Encourages peer interaction and socialization. Participants must be able to walk independently, with a device, or to transfer to a straight chair from their wheelchair. Sponsored by Laurel Regional Hospital and the Metropolitan Washington Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. $25 per person, $15 for Auxiliary members, or $3 per class. 301-497-7914.

Montpelier Arts Center classes and activities -- 9652 Muirkirk Road, 301-377-7800. Sign up on line, www.pgparks.com, or by touch-tone phone, 301-583-BOOK.

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.

Competitions

Miss Teen Laurel International 2010 --Seeking applicants between ages of 13 through 18, who live or attend school in Maryland. Contestants compete in personal interview, fun fashion, aerobic wear and evening gown. Pageant scheduled on April 9 and 10, 2010. Winner will receive an all expense paid trip to the National competition in July. State director, 410-490-0879, or mrsmaryland@msn.com.

Miss Pre Teen Central Maryland International 2010 --Seeking applicants between ages of 9 through 12, who live or attend school in Maryland. Contestants compete in on-stage production, fun fashion, 12-minute speech, aerobic wear and formal wear (ball gown). Pageant scheduled on April 9 and 10, 2010. Winner will receive a free entry into the Miss Teen Maryland International pageant when they are age eligible. State director, 410-490-0879, or mrsmaryland@msn.com.

Miss Teen Anne Arundel, Montgomery and Prince George's County International 2010 -- Applicants must be between ages of 13 through 18 and live or attend school in Maryland. Contestants compete in personal interview, fun fashion, aerobic wear and evening gown. Pageant to be held April 9 and 10, 2010. Winner receives all expense paid trip to National competition in July. State director, 410-490-0879 or mrsmaryland@msn.com.

Miss Teen Anne Arundel County International 2010 -- Applicants must be between ages of 13 through 18 and live or attend school in Maryland. Contestants compete in personal interview, fun fashion, aerobic wear and evening gown. Pageant to be held April 9 and 10, 2010. Winner receives all expense paid trip to National competition in July. State director, 410-490-0879, or mrsmaryland@msn.com.

Miss Pre Teen Anne Arundel County International 2010 -- Applicants must be between ages of 9 through 12 and live or attend school in Maryland. Contestants compete in on stage introduction, fun fashion, 12 minute speech, aerobic wear and formal wear (ball gown). Pageant to be held April 9 and 10, 2010. Winner receives free entry into the Miss Teen Maryland International Pageant when they are eligible. State director, 410-490-0879 or mrsmaryland@msn.com.

Miss Teen Howard, Anne Arundel and Prince George's County International 2010 -- Applicants must be between ages of 13 through 18 and live or attend school in Maryland. Contestants compete in personal interview, fun fashion, aerobic wear and evening gown. Pageant to be held April 9 and 10, 2010. Winner receives all expense paid trip to the National competition in July. State director, 410-490-0879 or mrsmaryland@msn.com.

Miss Pre Teen Howard, Anne Arundel and Prince George's County International 2010 -- Applicants must be between ages of 9 through 12 and live or attend school in Maryland. Contestants compete in on stage introduction, fun fashion, 2 minute speech, aerobic wear and formal wear (ball gown). Pageant to be held April 10, 2010. Winner receives free entry into the Miss Teen Maryland International Pageant when they are age eligible. State director, 410-490-0879, or mrsmaryland@msn.com.

Dance

Maryland's Dance Festival variety dance -- Hosted by the Friendship Club of Laurel, Fri., Feb. 5, 7:30-10:30 p.m., Grand Ballroom, Phelps Center, 701 Montgomery St. DJ Professor Jay plays modern, oldies, country, big band, line dances, pop, 50s and 60s, polka, Latin, swing and ballroom. Public invited, all age adults. Free snacks and setups, sodas 50 cents. Donation $2.99. 301-937-2896.

LA Singles Valentine's dance -- Fri., Feb. 12, 8:15 p.m.-1 a.m., Bowie Knights of Columbus Hall, 6111 Columbia Way, Bowie, Route 3. Flowers for the ladies. Casual dress, no jeans. Singles and singles groups welcome. lasinglesbwa.com, 410-721-6666, 410-969=6392.

Mardi Gras/Valentine's dinner dance -- Sat., Feb. 13, 7-11 p.m., Resurrection of Our Lord Church hall, 8402 Brock Bridge Road. Entire family can join in the dinner and dancing. Dinner buffet, soft drinks, coffee and desserts. Party dancing, line dancing, polkas, Spanish dancing. Costumes optional. Costume contest, crafts, raffles, youth activities and lots of prizes. Advance donations, $10 per person, $25 per family (parents and children under 16). $12.50 per person and $30 per family at door. Tickets, 410-300-6819.

Feasts

Bull-oyster-shrimp feast -- Sponsored by Sons of The American Legion Squadron 60, Sat., Feb. 27, 6-11 p.m., American Legion Post 60, 2 Main St. Food 6-8 p.m. includes draft beer and soda, dancing 8-11 p.m., music by DJ Miles. $35 per person. Adults only, must be 21 years old. Reservations, 301-725-2302.

Food drive

Help our neighbors who are hungry -- Food drive conducted by Laurel Moose Lodge 1504, through Feb. 14. Bring non-perishable food items to the Lodge, 430 Brock Bridge Road. Food will be donated to Laurel Advocacy and Referral Service and Elizabeth House/FISH of Laurel Inc. 301-725-4790, or www.loom1504.org.

Fundraisers

Retired basket bingo -- Fri., Feb. 5, doors open 6 p.m., bingo at 7:15 p.m., Laurel Elks Lodge 2283, 8261 Brock Bridge Road. Benefit for the Snider family, a local family with a 10 year-old that needs a bone marrow transplant due to a form of anemia. All baskets are retired sets and filled; also a few Vera Bradley bags and cash. Admission $15 in advance, $17 at door, includes 22 games of bingo, door prizes and refreshments. King Tut, ball games and jackpots extra. Reservations, 301-466-8202, or 301-604-4153.

Buy back gold and gold jewelry sale -- Fundraiser sponsored by the Laurel Regional Hospital Auxiliary, Wed., Feb. 10, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Laurel Regional Hospital, 7300 Van Dusen Road. In conjunction with Jewelry Cares, a Pretty Pickens Co. Purchase something for Valentine's Day, or bring in your gold jewelry to sell. Proceeds go toward purchase of capital equipment for the community hospital. Marie Bena, 301-572-5636.

Dates for Dollars -- Live dinner date auction, Sat., Feb. 13, 7 p.m.-1:30 a.m., Bank Shot Bar & Grill, 3249 Fort Meade Road. DJ, beer pong, pool tables and darts. Benefit to help Mary Bryant with medical bills from her fight against breast cancer. Bidding for each person starts at $20 and the prize for buying someone is a dinner date at Hellas in Millersville, the Sunday of the weekend after the auction. Cash and checks accepted. Anyone under 21 years of age can only stay until 10 p.m. Janice, 410-707-7353, janice@clesgroup.com.

Night at the Races -- St. Vincent Pallotti High School spring spectacular, Sat., March 20, 7 p.m.-midnight, Carriage Room, Laurel Park Race Track. $70 per person, $125 per couple. Live and silent auction, full catered dinner and open bar, Simulcast horse races and betting, live DJ and dancing. Accepting auction item donations and sponsorships. www.PallottiHS.org, Pallotti Advancement office, 301-725-3228, ext. 223.

"Sponsor a firework" -- Be a part of the city of Laurel's 4th of July celebration or give as a holiday gift. Mix and match and then look for your "firework" at next year's celebration, July 3. Color peony or gold gleaner, $20; pearl bomb or happy flower, $30; golden willow or tiger tail, $40; palm tree or panther, $50; oriental thunder or poisonous spider, $75. Kay Harrison, 301-725-5300, ext. 203, or Jane Flemion, 301-725-5300.

Games

After school chess program -- If interested in learning how to play chess or in playing chess with others who know how, call Laurel Parks & Recreation, 301-725-7800. Sessions would be Wednesdays, 3-5:45 p.m., Robert J. DiPietro Community Center, 7901 Cypress St. For students age 8 and over.

Yu-Gi-Oh Club -- Meets on Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m., Laurel Armory Community Center, 422 Montgomery Street. Open to all levels of play. Bring a friend and your own cards. Laurel Department of Parks and Recreation programs, www.laurel.md.us. 301-725-8088.

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 -- Laurel Library, 507 Seventh St. Saturdays, Feb. 13 and 27, 1 p.m. All ages. Instructor: Eagle Chess Academy. 301-776-6790.

Savage Library Chess Club -- Mon., Feb. 22, 5:30-7 p.m., Savage Branch, 9525 Durness Lane. Ages 10 and over. 410-880-5980.

Group meetings

Ivy Hill Association -- Annual meeting and election of officers, Tue., Feb. 9, 7 p.m., Laurel Municipal Center, 8103 Sandy Spring Road. Maurice Harding, Sec./Treas., 301-725-1620.

Looking at What Isn't There: The Sadler Photographs -- Sponsored by the Laurel Historical Society, Thu., Feb. 11, 7 p.m., Laurel Municipal Pool Room, Ninth and Main streets. Lecture on collection of early twentieth century slides depicting Laurel. Learn to think with a critical eye, looking for what isn't there. 301-725-7975, www.laurelhistoricalsociety.org.

Families for Russian and Ukrainian Adoption (FRUA) -- Winterfest 2010, a celebration of adoptive families, Sat., Feb. 13, 4-7 p.m., Lakelands Middle School, 1200 Main St., Gaithersburg. Dinner, craft hosted by Hillwood Museum, dancing by Lyman Ukrainian Dance ensemble. Registration information, www.frua.org/dc.

Mayfair Homes Association -- Annual meeting, Wed., Feb. 17, 7 p.m., Oseh Shalom, 7515 Olive Branch Way. D. H. Bader Management Services, 301-953-1955, ext. 31.

Meade Area Garden Club -- Meeting, Fri., Feb. 19, 10 a.m., Jessup Community Center, corner of Wigley Avenue and Route 175. Speaker Courtney Carpenter on "Home Remedies Using Herbs." Refreshments served. No reservations required. Pat Loosararian, membership chairman, 410-519-6443.

Relay For Life of Laurel -- Team captain meeting, Mon. Feb. 22, 7-8:30 p.m., Laurel VFD, 7411 Cherry Lane. Linda Hold, 301-317-1220, or lbholt@comcast.net to form teams. www.relayforlifelaurel.org.

Howard County's Relay For Life -- Team meeting, Tue., Feb. 23, 6 p.m., East Columbia Library, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia. Current team members and those interested in forming or joining a team to raise money for the American Cancer Society invited. Fundraising ideas to be presented. The relay will be June 4 and 5 at Hammond High School in Columbia. Register teams online, wwwlhowardrfl.com; team members can register for an existing team. Registration $10. hcrelay@hotmail.com.

Laurel Historical Society book club -- Meets monthly, third Wednesday, 7 p.m., Laurel Museum, 817 Main St., to explore history and culture related topics one book at a time. 301-725-7975.

Howard County's 2010 Relay for Life -- An overnight event designed to celebrate cancer survivorship and raise money for the American Cancer Society, the Relay will be held June 4 and 5 at Hammond High School in Columbia. For those who would like to join Relay teams, help with fundraising opportunities, or fill volunteer positions, Jason Copley, 410-781-4316, hcrelay@hotmail.com. www.howardrfl.com.

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.

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.

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.

History

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. montpelier.mansion@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.

Kids and teens

Youth Volunteer Guide -- Volunteer Center For Anne Arundel County's Resource Guide listing more than 70 agencies that have volunteer opportunities through 2010 for youth of all ages with nonprofit agencies whose missions include health and human services, education, the environment, animals and wildlife, arts and culture, and recreation. Available for downloading free, www.VolunteerAnneArundel.org. To cover cost of publishing this 46-page guide, printed copies can be ordered for $5 each by mailing checks to the Volunteer Center For Anne Arundel County, or purchase a copy during regular business hours at the Center, 2666 Riva Road, Suite 130, Annapolis, MD 21401. info@volunteerannearundel.org, 410-897-9207.

Straight talk about drugs -- Thu., Feb. 25, 6:45-8:30 p.m., Savage Branch Library, 9525 Durness Lane, Laurel. Presentation by HC DrugFree, a nonprofit organization that seeks to empower the Howard County community to raise drug-free teens. Adolescents ages 11 to 15 encouraged to attend with a parent. Register, 410-880-5980. www.hcdrugfree.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.

Library

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

* Program schedule: Sat., Feb. 13, 10:30 a.m., Heart Disease: It's not just your mother's illness! presented by speakers from WomenHeart: Coalition for Women with Heart Disease; Wed., March 10, 7:30 p.m., How to Get Your Material Published presented by John Hayes, local poet and sculptor; Wed., March 24, 7:30 p.m., Celebrate Women's History Month, Fighting for Freedom: Black Women's Army corps during World War II presented by Janet Sims-Wood; and Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m., Great Decisions 2010, discuss global issues shaping U.S. foreign policy and the world. The Foreign Policy Association briefing book provides historical background, current U.S. policy and alternative policy options. Eight issues of concern to U.S. policy makers to be discussed: Feb. 9, Global Crime; Feb. 16, U.S. and China Security Relations; March 2, Global Financial Crisis; March 9, Russia and Its Neighbors; March 16, Persian Gulf; and April 6, Peace Building and Conflict Resolution.

* Daytime storytimes (pick up free ticket at children's desk): Newborn to 12 months with caregiver, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.; 12 to 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.

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.

Nature

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.

Patuxent Research Refuge -- Free programs; advance registration required, donations to the Friends of Patuxent appreciated. 301-497-5887, www.patuxent.fws.gov.

* North Tract, Route 198 between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Route 32. 301-776-3090, http://patuxent.fws.gov. Contact Station and grounds open every day, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. except for federal holidays.

Winter Trees & Seeds: Sat., Feb. 6, 1-3 p.m., all ages. Bird Walk: Sun., Feb. 7, 8:15-10:15 a.m., all ages. Owl Prowl: Sun., Feb. 7, 5:30-7 p.m., ages 5 and over. Signs of Spring: Sun., Feb. 21, 9-11:30 a.m., all ages.

* National Wildlife Visitor Center, Powder Mill Road between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Route 197. Winter Bird Walks: Wednesdays, Feb. 8 and 24, 8-10 a.m., ages 16 and over. Wake up!: Sat., Feb. 13, 10:30 a.m.-noon, ages 5-7. Nature Tots: Owls Outside: Thu., Feb. 18, 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m., ages 3-4. Explore Your World: Sun., Feb. 21, 2-3 p.m., ages 16 and over.

Open house

Mayor's annual open house -- Sun., March 7, 1-4 p.m., Laurel Municipal Center, 8103 Sandy Spring Road. 301-725-5300.

Scouts

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.

Scout workshops

The following free workshops for Scouts cover all requirements for the badges indicated. Donations are greatly appreciated and can be donated through the Friends of Patuxent. Space is limited and registration is required, 301-497-5887. Registration will not be accepted until 9:15 a.m. one month prior to the date of the workshop. A maximum of 10 scouts will be accepted from each pack and/or troop. Participants must stay for the entire workshop. All workshops will beheld rain or shine, National Wildlife Visitor Center, Powder Mill Road between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Route 197. Bring a bag lunch and dress for the weather. All workshops are

subject to change or cancellation depending on availability of staff

and/or low registration numbers.

* Girl Scouts

Juniors Earth Connections: Sat., Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Become an ecologist in this hands-on workshop by looking closely at nature and discovering ways you can help the environment.

Cadette and Seniors All About Birds: Sat., April 17, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Spend the day learning about bird ecology, identification, migration, banding, and find out how you can help protect and provide habitat for birds in your area.

Brownie Try-it Day! Two workshops in one day just for Brownies! Sun., May 16, Animals, 9:30 a.m.-12 p. m. and Eco-Explorer, 1-3:30 p.m. Covers requirements for the Animals and Eco-Explorer Try-it's. Sign up for one or both.

Juniors Wildlife: Sun., Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Get up close and personal with wildlife and their habitat while learning ways to protect and conserve them in this exciting all day workshop.

* Cub Scouts

Webelos Forester and Naturalist: Sat., June 5 and Sept. 25, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Our most popular workshops are now together in a whole day event! Workshop focuses on a variety of topics including tree identification, knowing your venomous animals and poisonous plants, and much more.

Seniors

Tax assistance -- AARP tax program sponsoring free tax preparation for seniors in Laurel, Mondays, through April 12, excluding Feb. 15 holiday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Phelps Senior Citizens Center, 701 Montgomery St. Appointments, 301-776-6168.

Tax preparation -- AARP volunteers available Wednesdays, through April 14, Maryland City at Russett Branch Library, 3501 Russett Common. Free drop-in service requires no registration; available on first-come, first-served basis.

Enhance Fitness -- Series of specially designed and tested exercises developed for the older adult, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in February, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Savage Senior Center, 9525 Durness Lane. Improve your balance, flexibility, bone density, endurance, coordination and mental sharpness and decrease of falling. $30 for nine classes. Instructor J. Lee, kinesiologist, offers free fitness assessment. 410-880-5915.

Connect-A-Ride -- Senior discount tickets for bus service can be purchased for $9 at Phelps Senior Center, 701 Montgomery St. www.corridortransit.com.

Senior van transportation -- City of Laurel provides "curb to curb" service for senior and disabled adults for a small annual fee. Travel within the incorporated city limits of Laurel only. Preregistration required for service. Brochure, 301-498-3384.

Barbara Brown's line dancing -- Tuesday and Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Laurel Armory, 422 Montgomery St. Advanced and fast paced dancing/exercise class. $35 per person for 15 weeks.

Seniors in Motion -- Walk inside Laurel Mall, Tuesday and Thursday, 8-10 a.m., upper level near food court. Information, 301-776-6168, or stop by desk in Mall.

Senior Gala -- March 13, night of dinner and dancing, hosted by the Laurel Lions and the City of Laurel Department of Parks and Recreation. Tickets will be handed out by Laurel Lions on Wed., March 3, 10 a.m., Phelps Senior Center, 701 Montgomery St., to all Laurel Zip codes.

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