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.

Garden club The Cross Country Garden Club will host an open house from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 8, in the Avalon Room of the Howard County Library's Miller branch, 9421 Frederick Road. Visitors can meet club members and learn about activities and projects. Light refreshments will be served. Information: 410-465-5424. Historic meeting Rebecca Whitman Koford will lead a meeting of the Howard County Genealogical Society at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, at the Ellicott City Senior Center, 9401 Frederick Road, and make a presentation on the War of 1812.

'Off the Beaten Path' An exhibition of more than 25 paintings by Diane Tesler is on view through Sunday, July 1, at the Still Life Gallery, 8173 Main St. Information: 410-461-1616. 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: July 4 Celebrate Independence Day with music and a sing-along with pianist-vocalist Alan Schwartz at 11 a.m.; lunch follows.