Tai Chi

WHEN "SEVERNA Park Reflections" was published in 1997, all 1,000 copies flew off the shelves. Now, the popular glance at personal histories from old Severna Park is going into a second publication.For $50, the name of your family, organization or business will be included in the patron listings. Hardcover copies cost an additional $15.Edited by Elsie Wingate Mullinix and Kathleen Giddings Hankins, "Severna Park Reflections" tells the stories of favorite Park people and places, and is filled with old-time photos.

American Red Cross offering Letters from Santa for donation The American Red Cross will hold its Letters from Santa program this year. Santa Claus will send a personalized letter to all children (or adults) as requested. Letters must be requested before Dec. 1. Anyone interested should call 410-635-8740 or 410-848-4334 and leave his or her name and address. Order forms will be mailed to all callers. A $5 donation is requested for each letter, with proceeds supporting Red Cross efforts to those in need.

Al-Duha Chase, a former drug addict and director of Tai Sophia Institute's Penn North Clinic, where he helped those suffering from narcotic and alcoholic dependencies reclaim their lives, died of lung disease Feb. 14 at Johns Hopkins Hospital. The Northwest Baltimore resident was 55. Mr. Chase's descent into his own personal "hell," followed by years of addiction, began in the city's Sandtown-Winchester neighborhood where he was born and raised. Born Stephen Chase, he later dropped his given name and adopted the African name of Al-Duha.

The Long Reach Community Association will offer martial arts classes from Sept. 11 through Nov. 6 at Stonehouse. The classes in three-circle hapkido are based on movement along three circular planes to apply striking, joint-locking, throwing and pressing techniques against hand and weapon attacks. The technique draws on difference styles of Korean self-defense and is influenced by other martial arts such as chen tai chi, aikido, jujitsu, bagua, hsingi and mudukwan. Classes for ages 5 to 11 will be offered from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; for those ages 12 and older, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

WOODBINE Recreation Council, in cooperation with Carroll County Department of Recreation and Parks, will offer a variety of classes this fall.Whether you're interested in shaping up, learning a skill, or simply having fun, the recreation council has something for all ages and skills. Below are a few of the classes being offered throughout Carroll County.Horseback riding lessonsInstructional and recreational horseback riding lessons start Sept. 19 for Saturday classes and Sept. 20 for Sunday classes at Holinker Farm, 5220 Equestrian Drive, Eldersburg.

Painting, drawing The Glenwood Senior Center, 2400 Route 97, Cooksville, is offering a painting and drawing open studio, 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays. Bring your own supplies. Free. Information: 410-313-5440. Shoot pool Everyone is invited to shoot pool 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays-Fridays at the Glenwood Senior Center, 2400 Route 97, Cooksville. Information: 410-313-5440. Senior hoops Hoopsters are welcome at 9 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Glenwood Senior Center.

The Long Reach Community Association is offering "Stepping Out," a six-week session of classes in self-esteem and social skills for children ages 8 to 13. The classes will emphasize self-confident behavior; positive styles and attitudes; and appropriate manners. Classes will meet from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays, this week through Dec. 15, at Stonehouse in Long Reach Village Center. The cost for the series is $150, with a 5 percent discount for anyone living on Columbia Association-assessed property.

TWO POINTERS Run teen-agers who are studying the ancient Chinese martial art of Kung Fu have brought home trophies from tournaments in recent months.Jeffrey Ogle won three trophies at the 9th National Battle of the Martial Arts Championship held last month at Milford Mill Academy.He took first place in the 13 to 15 boys forms division, and in the 13 to 15 boys sparring division.He won second place in the 13 to 15 boys weapons division, using a long staff.John Droege competed in the Metropolitan Martial Virtue Championship held in Laurel last fall.

Robert Duggan, president of Tai Sophia Institute in North Laurel, was recently honored by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association for his work in treating drug addicts with acupuncture. "His organization was the first to provide acupuncture treatment behind the walls to female offenders in the country. A decade later, acupuncture is a common practice," said LaMont W. Flanagan, commissioner of Maryland's pretrial detention and services division, who was also honored. At Penn North, a free Baltimore acupuncture clinic run by Tai Sophia, patients are getting better, Duggan said.