'Teen Idol' auditions
The Columbia Association will host three first-round auditions for the annual "Hear My Voice Teen Idol Competition," beginning Monday, Sept. 12, at Slayton House. Regional winners will advance to the semifinals, where 10 finalists will be selected to compete at the "Hear My Voice Teen Idol Competition" on Oct. 9 at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront. This year's winner will receive a $300 cash prize. Runners-up will receive gift cards to the Columbia Mall.
Auditions will be held on the following dates:
•7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12 at Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia.
•7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20 at River Hill Village Center, 6020 Daybreak Circle in Clarksville.
•7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21 at the Columbia Teen Center, 5853 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia.
This year's event will be dedicated to anti-bullying. In addition, all Columbia Teen Idol finalists must agree to participate in the Hear My Voice community service project.
Auditions are open to students in grades 6-12. No music is necessary for auditions. Singing and rap performers are welcome to audition; however, any use of profanity, sexual innuendo and references to drugs/alcohol will be grounds for disqualification.
To register and more information, call 410-992-3726.
Women and divorce
A class will be held Saturday, Oct. 15, at Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway. Registration, times and information: 443-518-4974.
Awards dinner
The Community Action Council will hold its 16th annual Holland Awards Dinner at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, at Turf Valley Country Club in Ellicott City. UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski will be the keynote speaker. David Weeks from Glenelg Country School will receive the Humanitarian Award and the Howard County Arts Council is the Service Award winner. Tickets are $75, $650 for a table of 10. RSVP by Sept. 30. Please advise if any meals should be vegetarian.
Information: 410-313-6440 or go to cac-hc.org.
Disaster training
The Volunteer Center Serving Howard County will hold two training sessions for volunteers interested in helping staff a disaster Volunteer Mobilization Center during times of disaster and recovery. Its purpose is to coordinate community needs with volunteers who come forward to help with tasks such as cleanup or information distribution. A classroom training session will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15 at the center, 10221 Wincopin Circle in Columbia, and a simulation training session will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Community Room, 5000 Signal Bell Lane in Clarksville. Interested participants are encouraged to attend both training sessions. Registration must be made by Sept. 13.
To register, call 410-715-3179 or e mail Pam@VolunteerHoward.org. Information: 410-715-3172 or go to volunteerhoward.org.
Soccer coaches
Special Olympics needs soccer coaches for the current season, which runs from late August through October. Practices are held twice a week, on Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Training will be provided. All new coaches must attend a volunteer orientation at 1:30 p.m. today. Information: 410-740-0500.
Columbia Association
Organization seeks residents to serve a two-year term on the Senior Advisory Committee. Goal of this committee is to advise the association on the needs, interests and concerns of Columbia's senior residents. Nominees must have demonstrated interest in the senior population, be at least 55 years-old and be knowledgeable of senior programs and services in the county. Letters of interest should be mailed to: Columbia Association, 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, 21044, Attention Michelle Miller, or e-mailed to Michelle.Miller@ColumbiaAssociation.com. Information: 410-715-3170.
Naturalists needed
Howard County Conservancy seeks volunteer naturalists for its fall field trip programs. Naturalists assist conservancy staff during field trips by leading nature hikes on the property. Field trips are offered during October and November, and naturalists are asked to lead a minimum of three hikes. Training takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursdays in September for the elementary program and Tuesdays for the secondary program. Participants will receive a manual and learn ecological concepts as well as the history of plants and wildlife in Howard County. Cost for materials is $10.
To register and more information, call 410-465-8877.
Flea market
Event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at Christ Episcopal Church, 6800 Oakland Mills Road in Columbia. Information: 410-916-0744.
Charity golf event
The annual Lisbon Open, sponsored by the men of Lisbon United Methodist Church, will be held Sept. 27 at the Whiskey Creek Golf Club in Ijamsville. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society and flood and tornado victims. Cost is $150 per person. To register and for more information, call Mike Mattingly at 301-854-6141 or e mail gwenmattingly@comcast.net.
