Brain Fitness

You already know that your body needs regular exercise and a healthy diet, but what about your brain? As it turns out, mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness, and Marbles: The Brain Store at the Columbia mall can help. The store, which opened in August, has more than 200 handpicked and expert-tested games, puzzles, books, CD/DVDs and software to stimulate brain growth at any age. “There's nothing like Marbles,” says store manager Bree Patarini. “We are focused on brain growth.

Summer outdoor movies The Saturdays at the Wine Bin summer movie series continues with "The African Queen" at 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at 8390 Main St. Popcorn and bottled water will be sold to benefit Voices for Children. Information: 410-465-7802. Around town English conversation The Miller branch of the Howard County Public Library, 9421 Frederick Road, offers "Let's Get Together: English Conversation Club," a chance for those for whom English is a second language to practice speaking and understanding English in a group setting.

Around town Blood pressure screenings Stop in from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays at the Ellicott City Senior Center for free blood pressure readings by a registered nurse. Information: 410-313-1425. Kiwanis meets The Kiwanis Club of Ellicott City meets at 6:45 p.m. Mondays at 3300 Norberts Way. Information: 410-418-8218 or ellicottcitykiwanis.com . Ellicott City Senior Center events in July: Brain Fitness Instructor Robin Zahor will teach techniques to improve cognitive performance and keep the brain in top form at 11 a.m. July 12. Also at the center: •Pinochle, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays and Fridays.

The North Laurel Savage MultiService Center will host its fourth annual Community Fair on Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fair hosts many agencies that can offer assistance to members in need in our community. Some of the agencies that will be attending are Grassroots, FIRN, BGE, Howard County Workforce, LARS, Maryland Department of Housing, and Family and Children Services. There will be clowns and a moon bounce for the kids. They will also be offering free health and dental screenings.