Our November voting session was a hefty one. The bill details are below. I co-introduced with Council Member Rigby one of the session's most important bills, CB42 (School Surcharge bill), which increases impact fees on new residential development and will help us pay for school construction costs in our fast-growing school district. For the past 10 years we have added an average of 1,000 students, a pace that is unmatched by any county in the state. The bill received unanimous approval from the Council and was approved by the County Executive.
This month, I am co-sponsoring two bills addressing Howard County’s natural environment; these bills are CB62 (repeal and replace of the Forest Conservation Act) and CB63 (altering requirements for buffers along Scenic Roads). The Forest Conservation bill will bring our County Code into compliance with the State of Maryland’s standards. This is a long overdue update and much needed, given the loss of our forested land in Howard County.
The Scenic Roads legislation will widen buffers on designated roads from 35 feet to 100 feet in the event that a major subdivision development is constructed next to a scenic road. It will also require that access roads from such a development be placed on a non-scenic road, if possible, and ensure that any road improvements to a scenic road preserves the nature of the scenic road. Such improvements can only take place if necessary to serve public safety.
Most importantly, I want you all to know that I appreciate your feedback on the bills before us, whether it is by email, phone call, or personal contact. Your thoughts and perspectives are critical to the process. Thank you for taking time to comment on our legislation and other matters. Citizen input is important!
Also I would like to thank my Administrative Assistant Roz Hightower for her colorful graphics and superb sense of style on this newsletter. Her keen layout skills have been a great asset to my District Update.
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County Council Updates
The Council's most recent voting session occurred on November 4.
CB42 (School Surcharge Bill)
As the co-introducer of CB42, which raises the school surcharge rate, I am pleased to report that the County Council voted unanimously to raise the rate to $7.50, following a two-year phase-in period. I want to thank my staff, China Williams and Ginnie Gick, as well as Council Chair Mercer Rigby and her staff who all worked tirelessly to bring this bill to a successful conclusion. Our Auditors responded to our many requests for updated figures, and our State Delegation passed the legislation that authorized us to increase this critical fee.
Each Councilmember proposed amendments that were either pre-filed or introduced from the dais and the final bill represents a true legislative consensus. I received many emails from constituents advocating for a clean bill; considering the economic effects of this bill on schools and housing, it was important to make certain adjustments and concessions. The Council is still waiting on a fiscal note on the final bill but preliminary estimates put the the total revenue generation over the next 10 years at about $200 million, a significant step toward putting the County into a strong financial position for much-needed school construction.
Below is a vote display and descriptions of the amendments and the amendments to amendments that passed. Thanks to HCPSS GT intern Keon Parsa for putting together the following chart.
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Howard County State Delegation Public Hearing
In preparation for the 2020 General Assembly, the State Delegation will hold a public hearing on local bills on
November 19, 7pm, George Howard Building, Ellicott City
.
Sign-up is available from 6pm to 6.50pm. Advance sign up is not available.
There will also be briefings to the Delegation by various interest groups at 6pm in the Banneker Room. These briefings will be open to the public.
Currently filed bills include
four bills addressing school redistricting
in the county and requiring homebuyers to be made aware of redistricting.
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Potholes Be Gone
Got potholes and other road and infrastructure repair requests? Report the problem and track the solution through
SeeClickFix
.
Create a login, set your location, and rest assured that the county is working on it for you.
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Visit the county's interactive
pDox
tool for more.
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Alternative Compliance Access
The Department of Planning and Zoning now provides online access to alternative compliance decisions that allow exemptions from development regulations for site-specific situations?
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Requests for Applications for Public Works Board
Deadline November 15
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Housing Opportunities Master Plan Taskforce
The County Executive has appointed a taskforce to collect data, compare programs in other jurisdictions, and develop a plan to assess our current housing needs and future plans.
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FineFix
The State has announced a debt forgiveness program for uninsured motorist fines. This program provides state residents an opportunity to reduce their delinquent fines by 80%.
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Howard County Commission for Women Seeks Nominations
Nomination deadline is November 21
Nominations are being sought for outstanding women to be inducted into the
2020 Women’s Hall of Fame
.
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National Women’s History Month Essay Contest
Deadline January 10, 2020
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BWI Roundtable
Membership
The Howard County representatives include the following:
County
Councilmember Deb Jung, District 4
Kim Pruim, appointed by the County Executive
State
District 9
Jesse Chancellor and
Debbie Macdonald, appointed by Senator Hester
District 12
Drew Roth, Howard Johnson, and Barbara Deckert (alternate), appointed by Senator Lam
District 13
Susan Defibaugh, George Lowe, Paul Verchanski (alternate), appointed by Senator Guzzone
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LGBTQ+ Workgroup
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has created a LGBTQ+ Workgroup to facilitate an environment of inclusion, communication, understanding, and respect throughout Howard County.
The new LGBTQ+ Workgroup will conduct quarterly meetings, open to the public; organize events and discussions; and advise the County Executive on best practices. Meeting minutes will be posted on the Office of Human Rights' website.
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Maggie J. Brown Spirit of Columbia Scholarship
The Columbia Association
is offering an annual scholarship up to $2,500 to six graduating high school seniors providing community service to benefit Columbia residents.
For more information, contact 410-715-3161 or email
here
.
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The Village in Howard
Howard County residents who are 55 and older can continue to live independently in their homes and neighborhoods thanks to this membership-based program. Benefits include educational, social, and cultural activities as well as transportation, home-repair recommendations, and assistance house maintenance.
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Amendments that passed as amended:
- Setting the surcharge rate of $1.32 or 1/3 of the rate for MIHU built onsite beyond the code-required number and for affordable units in Downtown Columbia Development District. Amendment 1 amended by Amendment 1.1
- Setting the surcharge rate of $1.32 or 1/3 of the rate for affordable housing projects that have received funding from the State or from the County after December 31, 2020. Amendment 2 amended by Amendment 2.1
- Setting the surcharge rate of $1.32 or 1/3 of the rate for affordable housing projects that have received funding from the State or from the County on or before December 31, 2020. Amendment 3 amended by Amendment 3.1
- Phasing in of the surcharge rate as follows: $4.75 through December 31, 2020, $6.25 through December 31, 2021, and $7.50 thereafter. Amendment 5 amended by Amendment 5.1
- Grandfathering projects at the following phases: inside the Planned Service Area, signed Site Development Plans; outside the Planned Service Area, technically complete Final Plan; at record plat of phase one for a phased project; or a final approval letter for minor subdivision. Amendment 6 as amended by Amendment 6.4
- Providing an annual adjustment for inflation based on the Consumer Price Index. Amendment 7
- Technical amendment deleting repetitive language. Amendment 8
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SAO3
Moves $250,000 from the Contingency Reserve to pay for the audit of HCPSS.
Passed
CB50
Adds a new disability-income category to the Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program.
Passed with amendments
CB51
Prohibits the use of certain pesticides on County-owned lands.
Passed with amendments
CR132
Approves the BOE's Capital Budget Request for fiscal year 2021 and Capital Improvement Program request for fiscal years 2022-2026. to the state's Interagency Commission on School Construction.
Passed
CB55
Places a temporary prohibition on commercial solar facility conditional use.
Failed
CR133
Creates a taskforce to study commercial solar facilities on agricultural land preservation parcels.
Passed with amendments
CR134
Calls on real estate signs to omit references to assigned schools and school zones.
Passed with amendments
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Current Legislation
Here are highlights of legislation that was introduced on November 4.
CB57
Prohibiting the distribution of electronic tobacco products to individuals under 21 years of age
CB61
Amending the criteria for granting waivers
CB62
Repealing and reenacting the Forest Conservation Act
CB63
Altering buffers along a Scenic Road
CB64
Providing a fee for disposable plastic bags
CB65
Amending Zoning Regulations to reduce setbacks for buildings and parking uses associated with Commercial Athletic Facilities
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Solar on Agricultural Preservation Land
CB55 proposed a one-year moratorium for commercial solar projects on agricultural preservation land. CR133 proposed a taskforce for solar-siting policies. CB50 did not pass but CR133 passed with amendments that charged the Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB) to facilitate the taskforce and added representatives from the Office of Community Sustainability, Department of Planning and Zoning, and a solar consumer organization (Maryland Solar United Neighbors).
Here are some points for and against commercial solar projects on agricultural preservation land and issues that the taskforce might consider. Thanks to my intern Keon Parsa for compiling this information.
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Boundary Review Process Update
Public input is still being received on HCPSS Superintendent's redistricting proposal. District 4 schools have significant impacts. Click
here
for more.
Public Input
From August 21 to November 19, the Board of Education will
receive written testimony
via mail or email (
redistricting@hcpss.org
).
Work Sessions
The Board of Education is currently scheduled to have seven public work sessions. The public view these work sessions in person but there is not a public participation portion. The BOE is expected to make a preliminary decision during their final work session on November 18.
Final Decision
On Thursday, November 21, the BOE will make a decision on redistricting for the 2020-2021 school year.
Online resources
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HCPSS Capital Budget
Conversations between the County Executive and HCPSS have begun in preparation for the FY2021 Capital budget.
According to calculations from the County Executive's office, the County will be able to afford to fund the HCPSS Capital budget between $41 million and $47 million. As a result the Superintendent recommended that the planned renovation and addition project at Hammond High School and replacement of Talbot Springs Elementary School be delayed due to funding. The Board of Education did not approve this recommendation and instead voted to move forward with the Capital funding request, including $27.9 million for Hammond and $15.1 million for Talbot Springs.
Per the BOE-requested funding timeline, Hammond construction is set to begin in June 2020 and open in September 2023 and Talbot Springs construction will being in October 2020 and open in September 2022.
Recently approved
CB132
included these requests to the State's Interagency Commission on School Construction, which oversees State aid to Counties' school construction budgets. The BOE is requesting a final determination of funding intentions by November 29, 2019.
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HCPSS Health & Dental Fund Deficit
The HCPSS 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
identified concerns over HCPSS's employee health and dental fund's unanticipated claims spike that exceeded projections by $10.2 million. There are also $3.3 million in unbudgeted employee benefit credits.
HCPSS's Health and Dental Fund deficit
increased from $37 million to $39.2 million.
On November 7, the Board of Education approved a $15.2 million transfer from the General Fund to reduce the fund's deficit to $24.0 million.
HCPSS Approves 2020-2021 Academic Year
For the 2020-21 academic year, Howard County schools will open August 25, nearly two weeks before Labor Day.
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Police Drone Field Test
Howard County police have purchased three drones and will launch a one-year drone field test.
The drones cost a total of $38,400.
HCPD will follow guidelines from the ACLU to ensure community protection and privacy. Drones will be used in crisis situations but not for mass surveillance that could violate First Amendment-protected activities.
Images taken by the drones will be retained if there is a reasonable suspicion connected with criminal activity, ongoing trial or investigation.
Recommendations for drone use were given by a workgroup, comprised of 20 members representing police operations and administration, union leaders, risk management, policy development, training and public information. The group also includes the HCPD Citizens’ Advisory Council and Police Foundation, the Howard County Office of Law and the Sheriff’s Office.
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BWI Roundtable Update
I have been invited to present information to the Howard County State Delegation on the efforts of the BWI Roundtable to protect the health and safety of
the residents in
Howard and Anne Arundel Counties who are
negatively affected by BWI's NextGen system
.
Problem:
NextGen is a satellite-based navigational system that concentrates air traffic into narrow "super highways" rather than dispersed over a wider area. The system also enables low-altitude arrivals around densely populated areas. The current noise impact is double that of a highway carrying 109,000 cars per day, 1,000 feet away.
Thousands of noise complaints are filed every month and are usually reviewed at the BWI Roundtable meetings.
We will continue to do everything possible to bring Howard County relief from the ever-present low flying airplanes damaging our health and environment. and continue to take all steps available to us to that end.
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BWI Roundtable Timeline
● 2014: FAA introduced NextGen at BWI airport adversely affecting residents in Howard and Anne Arundel Counties.
● March 2017: DC Metroplex BWI Community Roundtable formed to address community concerns regarding flight path changes.
● August 2017: FAA proposed BWI procedure changes via the Performance Based Navigation Working Group.
● April 2018: FAA presented to the BWI Roundtable proposed procedure changes that include minor modifications to departures and arrivals.
● April 2018: The State of Maryland and Howard County filed separate lawsuits against the FAA for exposure to excessive noise and other environmental hazards; FAA stopped attending the BWI Roundtable meetings after the lawsuits were filed.
● January 2019: BWI Roundtable sent FAA a letter assessing the FAA’s proposed procedure changes, accepting their changes to departures, and noting the inadequacy of changes to arrivals.
● April-August 2019: BWI Roundtable Technical Committee, MDOT, MAA, and airline industry representatives developed proposals for a flight procedure changes which could change the height at which planes fly over houses.
● July 2019: The State of Maryland filed a motion to hold its case in abeyance while the FAA and the State begins negotiations over noise reduction.
● November 2019 (pending): The Roundtable will approve the Tech Committee proposal for submission to the next PBN Working Group, which adds arrival changes to the earlier proposal for departure changes.
● Late Winter/Early Spring 2020 (pending): the PBN Working Group will consider the BWI Roundtable proposal.
● 2020-2021: Implementation of PBN Working Group accepted procedures
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Know Your History
Howard County is home to many Historically Black Churches, many of which are located in the rural West and served as schools and community centers as well as houses of worships. An historical overview can be found at the
Howard County Center of African American Culture
. The Committee of the Black Pioneers of Howard County recently honored the following:
- Brown’s Chapel UMC (Dayton) -- Dates to 1875 when African American farmers William H. and Charles H. Carroll deeded to Henry Howard, Steven B. Clark, Henson Allen, and Jesse Lyles the land and buildings on Howard Road. In 1878, the Dayton Colored School was built on the property but was later destroyed by fire in 1948.
- Community Baptist Church (Jessup) -- The church was first organized in 1948, as a community Sunday school. It later became a church and was granted a charter in August 1951.
- Daisy UMC (Daisy) -- Daisy UMC was organized in 1890. A small log building served as a school and meeting place. In 1913, Dennis F. Gaither and his wife received $1 for 2 ¼ acres of land to be used for a new school house and church. Governor Edward Warfield contributed $100 towards to the new building. Henson Dorsey was the first to preach in the building. The present building was built in 1906.
- Hopkins UMC (Hopkins) -- Members of Hopkins Methodist started to meet prior to 1882 in an old log building. In 1882, Gerald and Samuel Hopkins deeded land for a new church. Several buildings have occupied the land after destructive fires. The present building dates to 1956 and it continues to serve the congregation.
- Mt. Gregory UMC (Glenwood) -- In 1867 Thomas H. Hood and his wife deeded a stone building known as Warfield Academy and one acre of land to George Snowden and trustees of Cooksville community to be used as a school for Black children. Soon after, the deed was altered to allow the first floor to be used by the organizers of Mt. Gregory for church services. The present building dates back to 1898.
- Mt. Zion UMC (Ellicott City) -- This church was originally a Methodist Mission that first held services in Halls Chapel in Ellicott City in 1874. The corner stone for the present church was laid in June, 1890. The Smith and Hammond families were among the earliest members.
- St. Luke AMEC (Ellicott City) -- St. Luke AMEC in Oella dates back to 1873 and many of its early meetings were held in the Thomas Isaac cabin on Merryman Street in Ellicott City. This cabin dates to the 1780s and is the oldest structure in Ellicott City.
- Simpson UMC (Poplar Springs) -- Originally known as Mt. Lebanon Poplar Springs Church and School, this church dates back to 1886. Christopher D. Thiernau deeded the land for help with his tobacco crop. A small log structure was built and it served as the Mother Church for seven other Methodist Churches.
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Below are some of the events and meetings I have recently attended. Let me know about your community activities so I can stop by, if my schedule allows.
10|16 - Fall Farm & Conservation Day
10|25 - Honoring Elijah Cummings
10|25 - CAPA Achieve Success Together Celebration
10|28 - State of Health Care in HC
10|28 - The Village in Howard Meet & Greet
10|30 - Chamber Legislative Breakfast
10|30 - Housing Opportunities Master Plan Announcement
10|30 - Town Hall on Harpers Choice Fire Station
10|31 - Little Patuxent Reclamation Plant Tour
11|05 - Harper's Choice VB Meeting
11|07 - School Board Meeting
11|08 - Restorative Peace Circle at Wilde Lake HS
11|08 - Junior Achievement Shark Tank Panel
11|10 - Veteran's Day Parade
11|11 - ChangeMaker Challenge
11|14 - Office on Aging and Independence Thanksgiving
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Left: Fall Farm & Conservation Day, Honoring Elijah Cummings, Maryland Family Network Honoring Brett Kirwan;
Right: CAPA Celebration, The Village in Howard, Shark Tank at Reservoir HS
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Thrive by Five
Saturday, November 16, 8am-1pm
North Laurel Community Center
9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel
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Parents are a child’s first and best teacher and are essential for their lifelong learning and success. This conference is specifically for parents to understand early interactions with their child, the latest science on health and behavior, and how to feel energized, connected, and inspired to help their children thrive by the age of five.
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Volunteers are needed to plant trees at West Friendship Park on Saturday, November 16th, 9am-12pm.
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Plant Trees, Have Fun!
Saturday, November 16,
9am-12pm
West Friendship Park
12985 Frederick Road, West Friendship
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Make a difference by planting trees right here in Howard County. Join Recreation and Parks on Family Volunteer Day!
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Rainbow Theatre Presents: Groovy Nate
Friday, November 22, 10am
Slayton HouseTheatre
10200 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia
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Groovy Nate is a children’s entertainer and Wolf Trap Teaching Artist who creates fun and educational shows using exotic musical instruments and puppet skits a la Sesame Street meets Parliament/Funkadelic, meshed with The Electric Company, Kraftwerk, and Dub Reggae.
click
here for more information
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Shows are interactive and help young audience members learn to love the theatre experience. So sing, dance and have fun with Rainbow Theatre at Slayton House!
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Please join us for this swimmingly wonderful performance. Promises to be a moving night for all!
click
here
for more information
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The New Horizons Presents... Disney The Little Mermaid Jr.
Saturday, November 23, 7pm
Horowitz Visual & Performiong Arts Center, Smith Theatre
10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia
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The amazing special needs group, New Horizons, will be performing Disney’s Little Mermaid Jr. under the sea with Ariel, Sebastian, and Flounder.
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Frosty Fun Run
Saturday, November 30, 3:30pm
Merriweather Park @ Symphony
10431 Little Patuxent Pkwy
Columbia
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Bring the whole family to walk or run, then be the first to witness the magic of the Ice and Fire Festival as we raise money for community arts programming, Girls on the Run, and the Howard County Food Bank.
The Frosty Fun Run is an all ages untimed walk/run. Chose between a 3/4 mile or 1.5 mile course, beginning at the entrance to the Ice and Fire Festival, off Little Patuxent Parkway near the intersection with Merriweather Drive. Holiday costumes, ugly sweaters, and seasonal wear are encouraged.
After the run, join the celebration on the Chrysalis Stage and enjoy a free non-alcoholic hot chocolate or hot cider.
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Join us as we kick off the holiday season with a 3/4 mile or 1.5 mile family friendly fun run
Stay for the opening of the Ice and Fire Festival (ticket included in registration) at 5:00 p.m.- stroll through the Light Forest, get lost in the Light Maze, and be enthralled by the Ice Fairy and her friends as they transform Symphony Woods into a Winter Wonderland.
click
here
for more information
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Holiday Magic: Longfellow PTA Needs Your Help
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Longfellow PTA is organizing a holiday shoppe for the students of Longfellow Elementary, a Title 1 school. The goal is to help students independently purchase a holiday gift for a family member. The PTA is asking for monetary donations so that each child has $3 to spend on independently purchasing a gift for a loved one. Individual and corporate sponsors are encouraged to donate.
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Toys for Tots
Help us spread the holiday cheer and donate a new, unwrapped gift. Toy donations will be accepted at the following locations through Friday, December 13
th
at noon.
You can also contribute
online
.
- George Howard Building lobby (3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City)
- DPW - Engineering Building lobby (7125 Riverwood Drive, Columbia, MD)
- DCRS Building lobby (9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia)
- HCPD Headquarters (3410 Court House Drive, Ellicott City)
- HCPD Southern District (11226 Scaggsville Road, Laurel)
- HCPD Community Outreach (10741 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia)
- Bain 50+ Center (5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia)
- East Columbia 50+ Center (6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia)
- Elkridge 50+ Center (6540 Washington Boulevard, Elkridge)
- Ellicott City 50+ Center (9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City)
- Longwood 50+ Center (6150 Foreland Garth, Columbia)
- Glenwood 50+ Center (2400 Route 97, Cooksville)
- North Laurel 50+ Center (9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel)
- The Multiservice Center (9900 Washington Blvd, Suite I, Laurel)
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Feast of Carol with Tropic Twist
Sunday, December 15, 4pm
St. Louis Church
12500 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville
Over 100 singers and musicians will perform in a free “Feast of Carols…with Tropic Twist” concert. The combined St. Louis and Youth Treble choirs will join The Orchestra of St. Louis to explore music written for the season -- from the Christmas Octave to holiday celebrations from around the world, focusing on the island nations from the Pacific to the Caribbean.
No tickets are required, but seating is available on a first-come basis.
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