Oakland Mills eNews
December 7, 2022
Upcoming Events
CALL AHEAD or CHECK EMAILS and FACEBOOK to find out the status of meetings and events.

The OMCA office will be closed from Friday, December 23rd through Friday, December 30th and will reopen Monday, January 2nd.

Our weekday hours at The Other Barn are Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Staff members work a hybrid schedule. Please call before stopping by.
December 7th, 6:30 p.m.
Gingerbread House Decorating

December 13th, 7:00 p.m.

December 27th OMCA Board Meeting Canceled

December 15th, 7:00 p.m.

December 17th, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Holiday Lights in the Courtyard

December 20 OM Public Space Committee Meeting canceled.

January 5th, 7:00 p.m.
RAC Virtual Meeting
MASK POLICY - Masks are optional inside The Other Barn.
Contact Us!

The OMCA office will be closed from Friday, December 23rd through Friday, December 30th and will reopen Monday, January 2nd.

The Other Barn is open Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you want to talk to a specific staff member please note that OMCA staff are working hybrid schedules. Before you visit The Other Barn, please contact us by email or phone to leave a message and schedule an appointment.
 
Sandy Cederbaum, Village Manager
 
Brigitta Warren, Facility and Event Coordinator 
 
Amy Carpenter, Administrative Assistant 
 
Carrie Wenholz, Covenant Advisor for Letters of Compliance

Michael Vaughn, Covenant Advisor for Exterior Alteration Applications (in office Tues/Thurs)

Karina Caico, Covenant Advisor for Property Concerns (in office Mon/Wed)

Contact Board Members HERE.

The Other Barn Phone: 410-730-4610
(Messages only)
Celebrate in our amazing space!
Rent The Other Barn!
The Other Barn is currently booking events through 2023. To view venue photos and info, please click on the button below. Tours are by appointment only.
For further questions, contact Brigitta Warren at events@oaklandmills.org. Follow The Other Barn on Facebook!
Other Important Community Contact Info
Howard County Police
For emergencies, call 911
Non-emergencies: 410-313-2200
OM Community Resource Officer:
PFC Matthew Paul
Non-emergency phone: 410-313-2614
Howard County Government Website
  • Howard County Assistance page (Covid-19 emergency assistance & resources) 
  • Covid-19 County Updates HERE
Howard County Council
Oakland Mills is located in Council District 2 and represented by Opel Jones. 
  • District 1 - Liz Walsh Website 
  • District 2 - Opel Jones Website 
  • District 3 - Christiana Mercer Rigby Website 
  • District 4 - Deb Jung Website 
  • District 5 - David Yungmann Website 
Who handles what?
Want to know who handles what—CA, the Howard County Government, or the Columbia Village Community Associations? Click HERE to see a simple breakdown.
New to the neighborhood? Welcome hOMto Oakland Mills! We'd love to virtually welcome you to OM. Email manager@oaklandmills.org and we'll send you all of the great info you need to feel right at hOMe!
Oakland Mills Board of Directors
Board News

Now hiring! OMCA is seeking a village manager to manage all aspects of village operations. Find out more HERE.

The OMCA Board meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 7:00 p.m. Meetings will continue to be held virtually until further notice. (Click date for link.)

Upcoming OMCA Board Meetings
December 27 OMCA Board meeting canceled as is the December 20 OMCA Public Space Committee meeting.

Agendas for upcoming board meetings are posted four days prior on this page. Past board meeting minutes can also be found on this page. 
 
To contact the OM Board click here.
OMCA Committees
OMCA Education Committee
Meets virtually on Zoom the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m.
Next meeting: January 24th

OMCA Public Space Committee
Meets virtually on Zoom the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Next meeting: January 17th
Resident Architectural Committee (RAC)
The RAC meets virtually on Zoom on the first & third Thursdays of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Next meeting: December 15th
Info/list of applications will be posted three days in advance of the meeting HERE.
Architectural Covenant Processes
For info on architectural covenant processes, visit the Covenant Tab on the Oakland Mills website.

Exterior Alterations Applications Info
Click HERE.

Request For Letter of Compliance
Click HERE

Resale Packet
Click HERE to download. Hard copies can also be purchased for $30 at The Other Barn Monday through Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Property Concerns
If you have a concern about your property or another in Oakland Mills, please email Karina Caico, Covenant Advisor for Property Concerns, at: propertyconcerns@oaklandmills.org.

CA's Rain Garden Cost Share Program is up and running again. Click HERE for more info.
Gingerbread House Decorating at The Other Barn
Gingerbread House Decorating
TONIGHT! Wednesday, December 7th
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The Other Barn
Tickets NOT available at the door, online purchase only.

Tickets $20/house. Up to four people can decorate one house. All supplies provided. Light refreshments served. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets limited and available only online.

For more info, email events@oaklandmills.org.
Holiday Lights in the Courtyard
Holiday Lights in the Courtyard
Saturday, December 17th
4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The Courtyard Next to The Other Barn
FREE EVENT!

Take a walk through the Courtyard with sparkling lights and fun decorations, snap a fun picture, grab some cocoa, pick a kid's craft bag, and share in the merriment! Free, no tickets required, but please bring a donation for OMHS Food Pantry.
(No rain date.)

For more info, visit the OM website or email events@oaklandmills.org.
OMHS Holiday Parade
OMHS Food Pantry Donations at The Other Barn
We are now taking donations for the OMHS food pantry at The Other Barn. Drop off items Monday through Thursday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Click HERE to see a list of items needed.
County & Statewide Vaccination Info
Need to replace, print, or view your Covid-19 vaccination card? Visit the Maryland Department of Health’s “Maryland MyIR” website.
Community Events
OMLLT's 5th Annual Job & Career Fair: HELP NEEDED!
January 20th, 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
OMHS
This is a great event for high schoolers, sponsored by the Oakland Mills Local Leadership Team. Volunteers, speakers, and employers are needed to make this event a success. More info.
Kwanza Celebration
December 28th, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Harriet Tubman Cultural Center
8045 Harriet Tubman Lane, Columbia
Through inspirational presentations and musical performances, the Howard County Office of Human Resources and Equity will explore the creativity, self-determination, and faith within Black and African American communities. Celebrate African American culture and the seven principles of Kwanzaa. More info & registration HERE.
The Meeting House Gallery Exhibition: Fusion
Now through January 21st
Oakland Mills Interfaith Center
Meet the artists at our reception on November 13th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. More info and gallery hours HERE.
HCC Student Theatre Productions
Click HERE.
Howard Community College Concert Series
Click HERE.
Rep Stage Professional Theatre
Click HERE.
St. Louis Church Concert Series
Click HERE.
The Family Institute Parenting Workshops & Newsletter
The Howard County Office of Children and Families offers free workshops through its Family Institute program. Check out the office's newsletter for more great resources.
Services & Volunteer Opportunities
Help Howard County Families in Need: Support the Virtual Diaper Drive
Help give local parents peace of mind this holiday season by donating today to this year’s Virtual Diaper Drive. Hosted by the Howard County Office of Children & Families and the Community Action Council, this project provides free diapers and wipes to low-income families so they don't have to make those difficult choices.
 
For questions and/or more information about the Drive, contact OCF at 410-313-2273 or email children@howardcountymd.gov.
A-OK Mentoring & Tutoring Needs Volunteers!
Would you like to be a volunteer mentor-tutor who supports Howard County elementary and middle school students? Are you a trustworthy adult who can commit to one school year of service for a student? Attend an information session to find out how. Next session:
December 13th, 12:00 p.m.
RSVP & Info HERE.
OMHS Community Food Pantry
Next Distribution Date:
December 21st, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
at Oakland Mills HS
For pick up procedures and info on donating, click HERE. Donations can also be dropped off at The Other Barn Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. More info.
Ride RTA for Free for those 60 Years+
Did you know residents 60 years of age and older or persons with a disability can take the Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland’s (RTA) fixed route service for free? Individuals just need to complete a RTA Certified FREE Ride Card Application and submit it either via email or mailed or dropped off in person at the RTA’s Administrative Office. Once received, applications will be reviewed within 48 hours and the applicant will be contacted to have their picture taken for their RTA Certified Bus Rider ID, completed weekdays, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. The ID can be processed in five minutes while rider waits in the lobby or it can be mailed.
 
To learn more about this free ride program, contact RTA Mobility at 1-800-270-9553, press option 3, then option 6.
The Village in Howard
The Village in Howard is a member-based community of Howard County residents 55 and older. Membership benefits enable members to actively age in place. December Newsletter
Community Action Council Assistance
Community Action Council offers housing assistance, energy assistance, food assistance, and early childhood education. Visit www.cac-hc.org to learn more. Get support or get involved now by calling 410-313-6440.
Columbia Community Care
Free food and goods for those in need. Volunteers and donations welcome.
The distribution site in Oakland Mills is at Oakland Mills Middle School (Saturday 10 a.m. to noon). Other locations are also available. Please visit the CCC website for details.
Free Bikes 4 Kidz
Got a bike to give away? Donate to Free Bikes 4 Kidz. The organization also has volunteer opportunities. More info HERE.
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center
6700 Freetown Road, Columbia
Call: 410-531-6677 or 410-531-6006 
24 Hour Hotline: Dial 211 

Grassroots is in CRITICAL NEED of MEALS Sign up to provide a meal here. Make your donation here​. 

Telephone counseling, free walk-in counseling, emergency shelter for the homeless, a 24-hour suicide hotline, Mobile Crisis Team, and a Runaway Teen Program that provides crisis intervention for runaway youth and their families. All services are free. Marylanders with mental health or substance use issues are encouraged to "Call 211 and Press One" to reach help.
Howard County Multiservice Center Food Pantry
9900 Washington Blvd, Suite 1, Laurel
Mondays & Wednesdays, 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Third Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
More info: EnglishSpanish
Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland
Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals once a week for seniors, as well as support and safety-net services. To learn more about services or to donate/volunteer, click HERE.
The Loan Closet of Howard County
7125 Riverwood Drive, Suite D1, Columbia
Need medical equipment? Try The Loan Closet. Appointments are required for all services; call 410-313-0363 (voice/relay) to discuss your needs. More info.
Howard County Residents Assistance
Info on Covid-19 resources, food assistance, housing help, social services, and more. HERE
Howard County Food Bank
Shop for the Foods YOU want at the Howard County Food Bank. All shopping trips are family-choice. Fresh items such as milk, eggs, hygiene products, meats, produce are all on hand each time. Families who may qualify should visit www.CAC-HC.org or call 410-313-6440 for more details.
Howard County General Hospital's Member Care Support Network
Receive FREE support while recovering from a health crisis (weekly calls, wellness checks, connection to community resources, and more). To qualify, you must be 18 or older and live or worship in Howard County. To enroll or for more information, email HCGH-J2BH@jhmi.edu or call 410-740-7601.
Childcare Scholarship Program
If you’re a working parent, in school or participating in an approved training program you may be eligible for the Child Care Scholarship Program. For more information and step-by-step instructions to complete an application click HERE or contact the CARE Line at 410-313-2273 or children@howardcountymd.gov.
Columbia Association News & Events
CA Headquarters & Member Services Office

6310 Hillside Court
Columbia, MD 21046
CA main number: 410-715-3000
Member Services number: 410-730-1801

Festive Fridays
December 9th & 16th, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Downtown Columbia Lakefront
The Downtown Columbia Partnership and Columbia Association are excited to bring their annual family-themed Festive Fridays back to the Downtown Columbia Lakefront in 2022. For two Fridays in December (December 9th and December 16th), visit the Lakefront to enjoy music, activities, delicious snacks and drinks, and great local entertainment. Find out more HERE.
Columbia Ice Rink
Located in the OM Village Center
5876 Thunder Hill Road

Ready to take to the ice? There is no better place to do so than Columbia Ice Rink. Open from August to June, Columbia Ice Rink has great options for skaters of all ages and abilities. Public skate sessions occur daily, and skate rentals are always available. The rink is also a great place to hold a party or take in an ice show. 

Find out more about classes and programs by clicking the button below.
Columbia Conversations
The team at Columbia Association wants to talk to you about what you love about Columbia, what you don't, why you're here, and what you'd like to see.

Learn more at ColumbiaConversation.org.
CA Yards Alive
Yards Alive! is an exciting program established to educate by CA's Climate & Sustainability Committee and Oakland Mills residents about more sustainable landscaping practices. Oakland Mills is the location of the first pilot program. Visit the Yards Alive! Blog to learn more about the program and about ways you can improve your little square of paradise. The Yards Alive! blog has articles written by your Oakland Mills neighbors.
house-fence.jpg
CA OPEN SPACE
50/50 SURVEY PROGRAM

Does your land abut CA Open Space? Then you could qualify to have CA pay for half of your home's boundary survey!

To ensure accurate installation of exterior alterations within your property boundaries, a survey of your property can be done. In order to assist with that effort and to prevent encroachments onto CA Open Space, the 50/50 Survey Program was created. CA now offers a discounted survey for community members who own property adjacent to CA Open Space.
 
For more information and to take advantage of this program, email: RealEstateServices@ColumbiaAssoication.org.
Youth and Teen Center @ The Barn
Phone: 410-992-3726
Teen Center Director: Rene Buckmon, Rene.Buckmon@columbiaassociation.org
Other Resources/Info
Consumer tips to avoid holiday scams & fraud
With the holiday shopping season well underway, the Howard County Office of Consumer Protection warns consumers to expect holiday scams. Read tips to help you avoid becoming a victim.
HCPD's Transaction Safe Place
Whenever you are buying or selling on Facebook Marketplace or similar sites, Howard County Police Department (HCPD) encourages residents to choose a safe place when handling any transaction arranged online. To assist residents, HCPD has designated parking spots at its Northern District Station in Ellicott City (3410 Court House Drive), Southern District Station in Laurel (11226 Scaggsville Road) and Community Outreach in Columbia (10741 Little Patuxent Parkway), where buyers and sellers can safely complete their online transaction. Marked by a yellow “Transaction Safe Place” sign, these spots are video recorded 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Howard County Recycling
NO CURBSIDE COLLECTION of recycling, yard trim, food scraps or trash on Monday, December 26th and Monday, January 2nd. 
Curbside collections will slide those weeks and be made one day later. Saturday collections will not slide. 

On Saturday, December 24th the Alpha Ridge Landfill will close at 12:00pm. Alpha Ridge Landfill and County offices will be closed on Monday, December 26th and Monday, January 2nd. 
County Water Main Break Notifications
Click HERE to find how to receive notifications.
Need help getting fast, reliable internet?
Visit Consumer Action's fact sheets to learn about discounted internet and phone service:
See Click Fix
See Click Fix is an interactive website for Howard County residents to report issues to the County. Issues include, but are not limited to, roadway issues, missing street signs or fallen street signs, street tree issues, potholes, cracked sidewalks, etc. THIS IS NOT a site for 911 emergencies or police or fire issues.
Visit OMO!
One CLICK opens the door to become engaged in a community-based, multi-generational social learning environment.
Oakland Mills United is a community organization that advocates for Oakland Mills through education, empowerment, and demanding change. OMU empowers OM's students, schools, and community by providing programs to address the needs of students and families. 
Howard County Public Library
The Howard County Library System is open for in-person services!

Visit the Howard County Public Library website to access virtual educational resources & events and more.
Little Free Library at The Other Barn
While we are away...
The free little library is open to the public. While our OM librarian is away please feel free to continue to leave a book and take a book so that OM can continue to enjoy reading and sharing. 

Please remember that only books that you would find at the HoCo Library should be left in our library and be appropriate in nature.
Support our OM Merchants
Visit the OM Website for a complete list of merchants and businesses. All Oakland Mills merchants are open and would love your support! 

Oakland Mills Merchants ~ Our merchants are all open and appreciate your patronage!

Now Hiring! HC DrugFree has immediate openings for two positions in a collaborative team environment. Find out more HERE.

HC DrugFree provides resources and education on prevention, treatment, recovery, and health and wellness to help Howard County residents develop knowledge and skills to understand and address behavioral health (substance use and mental health) disorders. HC DrugFree website
Please remember to pick up after your pet! More folks than ever are using our beautiful paths. Please don't leave anything behind.