George Howard Building | 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043
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It is with great enthusiasm and pride I was elected to be your Councilmember representing the viewpoints of the amazing people of the Second District of Howard County. I am honored to serve as your Councilmember and looking forward to following in the steps of your prior leaders by continuing their fine legacy of leadership. My focus is on enhancing education, assuring public and personal safety, and championing community vibrancy.
While these are our primary focus areas, my team and I are committed to partnering with you on so many different topics to make District Two the absolute best place to work and live! Working together, we can accomplish a lot and that means listening to your ideas, addressing your concerns, and building on your feedback. I look forward to our journey together!
In service and partnership,
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ARTreach 2022 - Volunteers Wanted
ARTreach is a free, one-day festival for all ages that celebrates the arts, community, and Long Reach Village Center!
Volunteers will help with event set-up & break-down • artist check-in & hospitality • greeting & directing festivalgoers • maintaining a safe & clean festival site • assisting with hands-on art activities & much more!
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ARTreach Festival
June 4th, 11 AM -7PM
Long Reach Village Center, Columbia
We are thrilled to announce that the ARTreach Festival will return to Long Reach Village Center this summer! This free, fun, family event has something for everyone! Try your hand at arts activities including tie-dye, ceramics, pinata-making and more. Listen to world music performances by local and regional musicians. View artist demonstrations and visit artist studios. Enjoy food from village center restaurants and food trucks. Learn about village center businesses and organizations…and so much more!
Festivalgoers can also have their caricature drawn, pick up a reusable, screen-printed ARTreach festival tote, and engage with strolling performers. Best of all, admission is free!
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Howard County Resident Services |
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Information on food assistance, housing help, social services, and more. |
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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 by calling 410-313-6440.
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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
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The Elkridge Food Pantry and Garden
The pantry serves all residents of Elkridge in both temporary and long-term need. The pantry is open the second and fourth Friday of each month from 4:00 - 8:00 PM.
Service Area: Elkridge, Hanover, and Jessup
Elkridge Food Pantry - Good Samaritan Outreach Center 5646 Furnace Ave
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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.
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Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center
6700 Freetown Road, Columbia, MD 21044
Call: 410-531-6677 or 410-531-6006
24 Hour Hotline: Dial 211
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.
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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.
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Report water main breaks, broken street signs, and more on Howard County's mobile app and website Tell HoCo. Residents can report non-emergency issues which the county will assign to the responsible department.
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County-Sponsored Document Shredding Dates Announced for 2022
The Bureau of Environmental Services has released its spring and fall County-sponsored document shredding event dates for 2022.
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Saturday, April 9th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (OR until trucks are full) in Lot B at Howard Community College in Columbia;
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Saturday, April 23rd from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (OR until trucks are full) at Long Gate Park and Ride in Ellicott City;
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Saturday, October 8th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (OR until trucks are full) at Howard County Recreation and Parks' Gary J. Arthur Community Center in Cooksville; and
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Saturday, October 29th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (OR until trucks are full) at Long Gate Park and Ride in Ellicott City.
Residents may bring up to three bags or boxes of paper to be shredded at each event; however, residents are asked to ONLY bring items that contain personal information. Junk mail, catalogs and office paper should be recycled with your curbside recycling collection.
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COVID-19: County Updates & Resources |
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Vaccine Clinics For 5 - 11 Year Olds
Visit the Howard County Health Department website for a list of COVID-19 vaccine clinics for 5 to 11-year-olds. While demand is greater than supply at this time, please remain patient, and speak to your pediatrician first.
If you secure an appointment, please plan to arrive no more than 15 minutes early, in order to keep these clinics as calm and smooth as possible for our kids.
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Mobile COVID-19 Testing Sites
First Call Urgent Care and Centennial Medical Group will be implementing mobile testing units in the following locations: https://www.firstcallurgentcare.com/covid-19-testing-and-faqs/
Testing Sites will make every attempt to remain open, but may need to close due to inclement weather conditions. Call 443-351-7301 or email [email protected]
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County and Statewide Vaccination Information |
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Testing for COVID-19
For more information call 410-313-6284 or click
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Howard High School:
Prom: May 13th
Graduation: June 1st at 7 PM at Merriweather Post Pavilion
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Long Reach High School:
Spring Music Concerts: April 26th at 7 PM and April 27th at 7 PM
Prom: April 30th at 7 PM at the Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel
Dance Concert: May 5th at 7 PM and May 6th at 7 PM
Graduation: June 1st at 11 AM at Merriweather Post Pavilion
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Oakland Mills High School:
Guitar and Piano Recital: April 6th at 7 PM
Performing Arts Spring Showcase: April 26th at 6:30 PM
OMHS Food Pantry: April 27th at 3 PM
Prom: April 30th at 7 PM at the B&O Railroad Museum
Dance Concert: May 6th at 7 PM and May 7th at 7 PM
Graduation: May 31st at 3 PM at Merriweather Post Pavilion
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Dunloggin Middle School:
Spring Band: Concert, May 4th at 6 PM
Spring Concert: May 12th at 4 PM
Spring Chorus Concert: June 1st at 4 PM
Spring Orchestra Concert: June 8th at 7 PM
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Ellicott Mills Middle School:
Percussion Ensemble: Jazz Band Concert, May 25th at 7 PM
GT Enrichment Fair: May 26th at 6 PM
String Orchestra, Jazz Band: Symphonic Winds, and Percussion Ensemble Concert, June 7th at 7 PM
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Lake Elkhorn Middle School:
Spring Chorus Concert: May 18th at 7 PM
Spring Orchestra Concert: May 19th at 7 PM
Spring Band Concert: May 24th at 7 PM
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Mayfield Woods Middle School:
Spring Chorus Concert: June 7th
Spring Orchestra Concert: June 8th at LRHS
Spring Band Concert: June 9th at LRHS
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Oakland Mills Middle School:
Spring String and Chorus Concert: May 9th at 6:30 PM at OMHS
Spring Band Concert: May 17th at 6:30 PM at OMHS
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Deep Run Elementary School:
Pop-Up Food Pantry: April 9th at 9 AM
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Waterloo Elementary School:
Band and Orchestra Concert: May 10th at 6:30 PM and May 11th at 6:30 PM
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Spring/Summer Activity Guide Now Available Online
The Department of Recreation and Parks' 2022 Spring/Summer Activity Guide is AVAILABLE online.
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Looking for Activities During Spring Break?
Check out the variety of one-day camps at the Department of Recreation & Parks. For the Howard County Public School System’s upcoming Spring Break (April 11th to April 15th and April 18th), be sure to check out these camp offerings.
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HCPD Now Accepting Applications for its 2022 Youth Summer Programs
Applications are due by April 15th
Looking for a great summer activity for your high schooler, check out Howard County Police Department’s (HCPD) P.L.E.D.G.E. Summer Leadership Camp and Youth Police Academy (YPA).
Geared towards Howard County students heading into the 9th grade, HCPD’s P.L.E.D.G.E. (Pride, Leadership, Education, Diversity, Growth, Evaluation) Leadership Camp is a FREE, one-week day-camp that helps participants develop leadership skills prior to entering high school. Lessons and activities challenge campers’ ability to make critical decisions, focus on core beliefs and values, recognize diversity, and work toward a common goal. This year’s P.L.E.D.G.E. Leadership Camp will offer two sessions, the first from June 27th to July 1st and the second from July 25th to July 29th.
For residents aged 15 to 18 who are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience this summer, HCPD’s YPA is for you. YPA is a FREE, one-week overnight camp (July 10th to July 15th) that introduces campers to what it’s like to be a police officer. Campers will train and learn like HCPD’s Police Academy recruits, while exploring career and leadership opportunities and building life skills.
For more information about either program and/or to apply, click here.
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7th Annual Kid’s Fest
April 16th, 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Meadowbrook Park
Come experience all that our Department of Recreation & Parks has to offer our Howard County youth by taking part in its 7th annual Kid's Fest on April 16th at Meadowbrook Park. From 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, this always popular and ever-so-exciting event will feature sports instruction, games, activities, arts and crafts, food and much more. While geared towards children, age two to 12, the whole family is invited.
Pre-registration is encouraged; however, it is not required as on-site registration will be available the day of the event.
To register for this event in advance (note, the cost per child age two to 12 is $12 a ticket) or for more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/kids-fest today. The cost to purchase a ticket in person the day of the event and to pay by cash or check is $15 per child.
Please note, in the event of inclement weather, Kid's Fest will be cancelled, and a full refund will be issued.
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2022 Summer Youth Employment Program
Howard County Office of Workforce Development for Youth
Applications are due April 29th, by 11:59 PM
Click here for more information
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Howard County High School Gifted and Talented Orchestra with Time for Three
When: Sunday, May 15th
Time: 3:00 PM
Where: Rouse Theatre
Presented in Partnership with Columbia Festival of the Arts and Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission. Bonded by an uncommon blend of instruments and vocals, Charles Yang (violin), Nick Kendall (violin), and Ranaan Meyer (double bass), have found a unique voice of expression. Defying convention and boundaries, Time For Three stands at the busy intersection of Americana, modern pop, and classical music. To experience Time For Three live is to hear the various eras, styles, and traditions of Western music fold in on themselves and emerge anew.
The Howard County High School Gifted and Talented Orchestra represents a collaboration of the highest endeavor, combining school system resources and personnel with a large cadre of world-class musicians that provide private instruction, incredibly supportive families, and the tireless work-ethic of some of our brightest and most promising young adults. HSGTO is currently led by Directors Ben Denne, Jeoung Kim, and Colin O’Bryan, and Percussion Coach Tim McKay.
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Submissions to Cultivate 2022
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Cultivate arts magazine is a publication of HopeWorks of Howard County Maryland. Themes for your submitted work (both visual and literary) should focus on reflections about growing up, relationships, family and friends, activism, change, social justice, empowerment, transformation, hope, self-care, or healing. Writers/artists must be ages 18 years or younger.
2022 Submission Season: Closes May 1, 2022. Submitting early in the submission season is encouraged. Acceptance e-mails will be sent by July 2022.
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Junior Achievement (JA) of Central Maryland
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Providing Suits.
Changing Lives.
Success in Style
Free and discounted professional clothing and coaching for interviews/new jobs.
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Columbia Workforce Center
Columbia Workforce Center Group Orientation: Join other job seekers during this workshop from 9:30 -11:00 AM to learn about the variety of employment and support resources available through the CWC and partner agencies. Call 410-290-2600 to reserve a seat.
Résumé Writing for Job Seekers: Overview of résumé writing, how applicant tracking systems (ATS) read résumés (tips for an ATS-friendly résumé) and future résumé trends. Call 410-290-2600.
Ace That Interview: Learn how to prepare for an interview, interviewing skills and strategies, different types of interviews, how to answer commonly asked interview questions, body language, follow up plan after an interview and salary negotiation. Call 410-290-2600.
Networking for Job Seekers: This hands-on, interactive workshop will help get you ready to start a more effective job search. Call 410-290-2600.
Click here for more information
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Upcoming Meetings
The next board meeting is scheduled for April 12th, at 7 PM and will be held via Zoom.
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Rent The Other Barn!
The Other Barn is currently booking events through 2023. To view venue photos and info, please click on the link below. Tours are by appointment only.
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The Oakland Mills Community Association will offer paper shredding for Oakland Mills residents
Shredding will be free for Oakland Mills residents only and addresses will be verified. Residents may bring up to 3 bags or boxes of paper per household. No business shredding.
The shredding truck will be located in the parking lot behind The Other Barn.
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The Oakland Mills Annual Plant Sale
When: Saturday, May 7th
Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00
Where: The Other Barn
A wide variety of flower annuals will be available both in hanging baskets and in potted plants. There will also be a variety of herbs to choose from. Cash, check and credit cards will be accepted. Plants are available until they sell out so be sure to come early. The line will form at 8:30 AM and the doors will open at 9 AM. Please feel free to bring your own trays, boxes or bags to carry flowers and plants home. Masks are required and we will ask all guests to practice proper social distancing while in The Other Barn.
Yards Alive will be participating with their Native Plants and Vegetable sharing.
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Lively Arts for Little Ones
When: Friday, May 20th
Time: 11:00 AM
Where: The Other Barn Courtyard
Mr. Jon and Friends will be performing in The Other Barn Courtyard. The event is FREE and open to the public.
Bring your little one and have some fun!
Lively Arts for Little Ones is a lively introduction to the arts for little ones. Ideal for children ages 2 to 5 and their parent or caregiver. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
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Oakland Mills Online
Visit OMO! One click opens the door to become engaged in a community-based, multi-generational social learning environment.
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Oakland Mills United
Oakland Mills United is a community organization in Howard County led by OMHS graduates. This organization advocates for the betterment of schools within the Oakland Mills community.
Oakland Mills United addresses four core issues:
- Changing the stigma
- Closing the opportunity gap
- Maintenance of school buildings
- Redistricting
For more information click here.
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Upcoming Meetings
Board of Directors
The next board meeting is scheduled for April 19th, 2022 at 7:30 PM and will be held via zoom.
More information is available here.
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Now Hiring: Evening/Weekend Staff
Long Reach Community Association is looking to fill the part-time position of Facility Assistant. This position assists residents and customers during evening and weekend facility use. Candidates must have strong customer service skills, be able to effectively work independently, be available to work flexible hours (particularly on evenings and weekends). Interested candidates should submit resume to [email protected].
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Paper Shredding
April 23rd, 9 AM –12 PM
Meet us at 6110 Foreland Garth to safely and securely dispose of sensitive information. FREE for all Long Reach residents (ID Required) $10 for all others. Limit 3 grocery bags/banker boxes per household. First come, first served. The event is over once the truck is full.
Please Note: This is NOT a drive-thru event. Participants must be able to carry their own shredding from their car to the shredding truck.
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50+ Luncheon
Friday, April 29th 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Stonehouse
Join us for an afternoon of engaging conversation with neighbors and friends while dining on a delicious pasta meal. Enjoy entertainment by Rearview Mirror, an oldies variety cover duo.
Tickets are $5.00 per person. Advance Ticket Sales Only – no ticket sales at the door.
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Master Gardeners of Howard County
Monday, May 2nd at 7 PM
Free, online presentations
Growing Herbs Year Round Inside & Out –
Learn simple tips on how to grow, maintain, and harvest herbs so that you can have a ready supply of herbs year round. This presentation provides general care ideas that apply to a variety of herbs.
Integrated Pest Management for Vegetable Gardens
Monday, May 9th at 7 PM
Learn about identifying common insect pests attacking your vegetables and organic ways of dealing with them. Also learn about some common vegetable diseases and what can be done to avoid them.
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Long Reach Village-Wide Yard Sales
Saturday, May 14th, 8 AM - Noon
On Saturday, May 14th starting at 8 AM have a sale in your yard and Long Reach will take care of the advertising!
The participating streets in Long Reach will be listed on the website and social media pages the day before the sale.
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April 4th through May 2nd
Adventurists will be able to explore the Blossoms of Hope tree groves, solve the clues, and hunt for the hidden treasures in each of the 15 groves.
"Take a Walk on the Wild Side..."
Explore some of Blossoms of Hope groves throughout Howard County as you Hunt for WILD animals. Maps, clues, and some hunting tools will be provided. Remember to pack some snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and get ready to explore some of the Blossoms of Hope groves.
Where will you get the supplies necessary for the hunt?
Once you register, you will receive an email with details of how you can pick up your tote. The tote contains the Scavenger Hunt card that you can mail in when complete for a chance to win prizes.
Are there any prizes?
All participants will be entered for a chance to win Blossoms of Hope prizes. Participants who send in their hunt cards will be entered to win one of many door prizes, including restaurant gift cards, family venue gift cards and much more.
How to sponsor a tree:
One of the organizations is Blossoms of Hope, which has a Howard County Cherry Tree Project. Guests can purchase a tree, including an individual Kwanzan Cherry or Native Dogwood trees throughout the year. Also, sponsorships are available for the trees already planted, starting at $155 each, which comes with a personalized plaque. Those who sponsor will receive a certificate for framing recognizing their contribution to Blossoms of Hope.
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Howard County’s 2022 GreenFest
Saturday, April 9th
Returning to Howard Community College’s Dwight A. Burrill Galleria this year, on Howard County's largest celebration of Earth Day, the annual event aims to connect residents with the resources that local businesses, non-profits, and government provide to help anyone be a good steward of the environment. From a native plant sale to rain barrels and compost bin giveaways and the oh-so-ever-popular document shredding event, this environmentally-friendly event is sure to get you in the green spirit.
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SpringFest
April 23rd, Starting at Noon
Mark your calendars and plan to have a fantastic time enjoying outdoor stages with live music from 20+ bands, food trucks, beer & wine gardens, local artisans, kids' crafts and our awesome historic eclectic town with 70+ shops, restaurants and more.
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Racial Equity Alliance News
Wednesday, April 27th, 6 PM
The Meeting House
YOM HASHOAH COMMEMORATION
The Jewish Federation of Howard County invites you to the annual Yom HaShoah Commemoration, which is Holocaust Remembrance Day. This year’s event is “Keeping the Memory Alive: Local Children & Grandchildren of Survivors Share the Stories of Their Families.”
The commemoration website includes a virtual gallery walk, artifacts of families of holocaust survivors, and more. For more information click here: Jewish Federation of Howard County.
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Howard County Library Systems Upcoming Events
Wednesday, April 27th at 7 PM
Sociologist Eric Klinenburg specializes in how social infrastructure can help us achieve equality. His book, Palaces for the People, explores how communities’ social infrastructure spaces—like libraries, childcare centers, and churches—are where crucial, sometimes life-saving connections, are formed. These spaces are often difficult to access—especially in poorer or underserved areas.
How can we ensure that social infrastructure exists for those who need it most? In this talk, Eric explores how public institutions and shared educational spaces are designed to reflect what we value as a society; and enhancing the ways we engage with these spaces will lead to a more successful, happier population overall.
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Food & Fashion Festival
April 30th, Noon - 8 PM
Howard County Fairgrounds
2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship, MD 21794
Phone: (410) 567-6599
Price: FREE
The Indian Cultural Association of Howard County invites you to the Great Indian Food and Fashion Festival. Enjoy live music, DJ, entertainment, while shopping for Mother's Day! Free entry. Free Parking.
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AAPI Heritage Festival
When: May 1st
Time: 11 AM - 4 PM
Where: The Chrysalis
Howard County is home to a diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
Join the community on May 1st for the first annual Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Festival at the Chrysalis in Downtown Columbia.
Get your free ticket today here.
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WINE IN THE WOODS FESTIVAL
When: May 21st - May 22nd
Wine in the Woods is back! Tickets are NOW on sale online for this year's two-day event, scheduled to take place the weekend of May 21st and 22nd at Symphony Woods in Columbia, and set to feature around 20 wineries, 22 specialty food vendors, 30 artisans/crafters, and 12 musical acts.
For more information and/or to purchase your tickets for this year’s tasting extravaganza, visit www.wineinthewoods.com.
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Addressing Long-term Health Consequences
Now through April 30th
Many survivors experience chronic pain conditions that interfere with their quality of life.
ARTiculation is a peer support and education group focused on exploring ways to live well, be informed self-advocates, and address the stigma and health disparities that challenge our well-being.
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