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Monday, March 3

National Consumer Protection Week: 1-3 p.m., East Columbia 50+ Center, 6610 Cradlerock Way, Columbia. 410-313-6420. Howard County Office of Consumer Protection offers series of programs and information for residents during National Consumer Protection Week, celebrated March 2-8. County executive kicks off NCPW, where OCP presents on “Artificial Intelligence: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.” OCP staff and volunteers on hand to answer questions about consumer and tenant issues. NCPW has government agencies, consumer protection groups, and organizations like the Advisory Board on Consumer Protection working to share information about consumer and tenant rights and help people learn to spot, report, and avoid scams.

Kiwanis Club of Ellicott City General Meeting:6:30-8 p.m., Bare Bones Bar & Grill, 9150 Baltimore National Pike #22, Ellicott City. ellicottcitykiwanis.org. Group serves children of Howard County and works to make difference in their lives. Free.

Food Addicts in Recovery Meeting:7-8 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 6800 Oakland Mills, Columbia. 571-484-8135. foodaddicts.org. Free.

Tuesday, March 4

Classes on Meditation and Modern Buddhism in Columbia: 7:30-8:45 p.m., Owen Brown Interfaith Center, 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia. 410-243-3837. meditationmd.org. Everyone is welcome to join these classes on meditation and modern Buddhism. $8-$12.

Saturday, March 8

HER Encounter 2025: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Ten Oaks Ballroom, 5000 Signal Bell Lane, Clarksville. her2025.eventbrite.com. Event about fulfilling purpose and encountering presence of God. Lineup includes host and speaker Donna Scott, speakers Michael Scott, Elizabeth Forbes and Gwendolyn Smith; and psalmist Grace Forlu. Open to women and young women aged 13 and up. $20-$65.

The Gold Rush:11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel. 410-313-0457. howardcountymd.gov/the-gold-rush. Participate in scavenger hunt. Check in at community center and make your way to gymnasium. You may find golden coins, pots of gold, or prizes. For all ages. Registration is $10.

Food Addicts in Recovery Information Session: 1-2:30 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 6800 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia. 571-484-8135. foodaddicts.org. Information session to learn about recovery from food addiction. For anyone having trouble controlling the way they eat, who are overweight or underweight, obsessed with food, weight, or dieting. Free.