Howard County officials announced this past week that $400,000 is now available to assist working families planning to buy homes in Howard County.

Through the county's Settlement/Downpayment Loan Program, eligible homebuyers can choose from loan plans, depending on their income and assets. They can borrow up to $40,000 at low interest rates, and loan repayment is deferred until resale, refinance or default. Incentives such as loan forgiveness are available under the Workforce Initiative Loan for households working in Howard County.

SDLP loans can be used to purchase homes selling for up to $429,620. Borrowers must occupy the home as their primary residence.

For information, contact Linda Phillips at 410-313-6328, or lphillips@howardcountymd.gov, or go to howardcountymd.gov/Settlement-Down-Payment-Loan-Program

First Alarm girls fire camp set for August 13, 14

The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Service's Women's Committee will host a two-day fire camp for young women to learn about fire service.

Held at the Public Safety Training Center in Marriottsville, the First Alarm Girls Fire Camp is open to girls ages 10 to 14, and will be held Aug. 13 and 14. Campers will participate in team-building exercises, visit a local station, view a live-burn demonstration and get CPR training.

If interested, children and parents may attend an orientation meeting Aug. 1 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Public Safety Training Center at 2200 Scott Wheeler Drive in Marriottsville. Applications are also available at howardcountymd.gov/GirlsFireCamp. For information, contact Battalion Chief Christine Uhlhorn at FD1804@howardcountymd.gov or 443-865-4814.

—?Andrew Michaels, Baltimore Sun Media Group

Volunteers sought for CA's BikeAbout in September

The Columbia Association is seeking volunteers to help with the annual BikeAbout at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront on Saturday, Sept. 17, taking cyclists on a tour of the area's pathways.

Volunteers will help direct traffic, provide direction, register and guide guests along the 10.6-mile course. Volunteers will also receive training and a free T-shirt. Beginning with registration at 9:30 a.m., the free ride will start at 10 a.m.

Families with young children may participate in the 1.5-ride around Lake Kittamaqundi, with all rides expected to end by 1 p.m.

More information is available by contacting Columbia.Archives@ColumbiaAssociation.org or 410-715-6781.

—?Andrew Michaels, Baltimore Sun Media Group

Grace Foundation gives conservancy $25,000

The W.R. Grace Foundation presented a $25,000 check to the Howard County Conservancy as part of a two-year, $50,000 commitment to the conservancy's capital campaign.

Based in Columbia, Grace Materials Technologies and Specialty Catalysts is a global supplier of catalysts and engineered materials. It established the foundation in 1961 to donate to nonprofits in the areas of education, health and human services, environmental stewardship and cultural programs.

—?Baltimore Sun Media Group