Tuesday, Aug. 5 at the Howard County Fair was relatively quiet. During the early afternoon, the piglets were napping nuzzled against their giant mother sow. The goats were heat-worn, and the chicks were busy looking for their water. Even the amusement rides were at a lull, since the overhead clouds kept the attendees to a minimum. But inside the Activities Building, things were literally hopping.

It was Senior Day at the fair, which brought out a steady flow of folks all day for the "Treasure Chest" theme that included numerous fun-filled activities and prizes.

About five years ago, when I used to work for the Howard County Office on Aging, people trickled in to see our display boards and check out the various activities that we had strung together.

Our entertainment was very limited, and Bingo was the main draw. We even advertised our "Free Water" as a way to get people to stop by. This year however, when I was visiting, I could hardly make it through the crowd at the door. What was the afternoon attraction? The Carroll County Cloggers.

They were like the country version of "Riverdance," and what a performance they did! I witnessed a man, a woman, and a child clog-dance to old country songs, as they performed their intricate steps with contagious enthusiasm. The seniors present seemed to be overjoyed at the dancers' level of energy and skill.

Speaking of energy and skill, the Glenwood Senior Center has many new programs and classes for every level of energy and skill, beginning in September.

Circuit Weight Training for Seniors with Lori Nowicki will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m., beginning Sept. 9. This 24-session class combines an aerobic workout with weight training. A medical clearance form is required. Cost: $90.

For the artistically inclined, there are many choices: Drawing & Painting with Zina Poliszuk, You Can Draw and Paint with Carol Zika, and Watercolors with Carol Zika.

The Drawing & Painting class is offered at two different times during the day. Section 101 will meet on Mondays at 10 a.m., and Section 102 will meet on Mondays at 1:15 p.m. beginning Sept. 8. Each class meets for two hours for 14 weeks and the cost is $60. Participants will work with a variety of media and learn about creations and influences of past and present artists.

You Can Draw and Paint will meet on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 and Watercolors will meet on Wednesday afternoons at 1 p.m. Both classes begin Sept. 10, and meet for 2 1/2 hours for 13 weeks. Cost: $70. You will be able to expand your palettes to include the colors of fall in each of these classes. For detailed descriptions on each class, go to the center's Web site or pick up a Fall Program Guide at the senior center.

Perhaps your palate would rather taste the flavors of fall? Is an evening of Beaujolais wine and delectable hors d'oeuvres your style? Mark your calendars for Sept. 10 at 5:30 p.m. for "The Villages of Beaujolais" by Daniel Wecker, executive chef and owner of the Elkridge Furnace Inn. This educational and social event will be exploring the wines of the Beaujolais region of France. Cost: $30 per person, but tickets are limited.

Educating yourself on which cars are the most fuel efficient can be a challenge these days. To help you filter the pros and cons of alternative fueled cars, the center will host John Davis, of Maryland Public Television's "Motor Week," Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. The topic: The Future of Cars. He will discuss the future of cars and alternative fueled cars. As Emmy Award-winning producer, host and creator of "Motor Week," John Davis can be seen throughout the U.S. on PBS and the Speed Network. Please register for this free presentation by Sept. 19.

Reminder: "A Visit to Old Appomattox with George Peers" will be held Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 3 p.m. You will go back to the time of the former sheriff and county clerk of Appomattox Court House, George T. Peers. The presentation will be by Patrick A. Schroeder.

For registration and information, call 410-313-5440 or go to www.glenwoodseniorcenter.org.

E-mail Shyami Codippily Murphy at shyami1@comcast.net.

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