George Howard Building | 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: (410) 313-2001 | Email: ojones@howardcountymd.gov
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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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Howard County Executive Dr. Ball Launches The County’s First Disparity Study Addressing Opportunity Gaps |
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It was a pleasure joining County Executive Ball highlighting the County’s first Disparity Study. During the height of the pandemic our small, minority, and women-owned businesses kept the county afloat by providing outstanding services and goods. I am very intrigued and excited to review the data the Disparity Study will provide as Howard County continues to support local businesses. |
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Howard County Executive Dr. Ball Releases First Round of Youth Engagement Programming (YEP!) Grants |
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Many thanks to Howard County Executive Calvin Ball for his steadfast support and dedicated leadership ensuring that all students have an equal opportunity to excel and thrive. YEP! is an amazing grant opportunity and I am excited that many of the nonprofits will call the Oakland Mills Village Center home! |
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cOMmunity Tree Planting at Oakland Mills |
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On Monday, May 1st my staff joined County Executive Dr. Ball and the Department of Public Works (DPW) at the Oakland Mills Village Center to replant trees and enhance our cOMmunity. We planted Shumard Oaks and Elms, both native to Maryland.
I can't wait to see these beautiful trees in full bloom!
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Howard County Holiday Information |
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Memorial Day - Monday, May 29th
There will be no curbside collections on Monday, May 29th. The Alpha Ridge Landfill and County offices will be CLOSED on Monday, May 29th.
Curbside collections of recycling, yard trim, food scraps and trash will SLIDE and be made one day later that week.
Bulk item collection will slide with trash collection. Scrap metal collection will remain as scheduled and will not slide.
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Juneteenth National Freedom Day -
Monday, June 19th
Juneteenth National Freedom Day celebrates the end of slavery in the United States, when the Emancipation Proclamation reached slaves in Galveston Texas, more than two years after it was signed.
Howard County Government offices, 50+ centers and more will be closed in observance of Juneteenth National Freedom Day on Monday, June 19th and there will be regular Monday curbside trash, recycling, food scrap and yard trim collections.
County operations will resume on Tuesday, June 20th, at regular business hours.
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Independence Day - Tuesday, July 4th
Howard County Government offices and more will be closed in observance of the Independence Day holiday on Tuesday, July 4th.
As there will be no Tuesday curbside trash, recycling, yard trim or food scraps collection on the 4th, the County’s holiday slide schedule will be in effect for the remainder of the week.
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Howard County Resident Services |
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Resources and social services for residents living in Howard County:
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Howard County's Housing Repair Program
If you own a home in Howard County and need repairs, check out this program!
The housing repair loan program can help income eligible Howard County homeowners make necessary repairs to their homes. The housing repairs can be done to meet local housing codes for health and safety conditions. Cosmetic upgrade items may also be eligible.
Repairs may include, but are not limited to:
- Heating and air systems
- Electrical wiring
- Plumbing
- Roofs
- Windows
- Doors
- Painting
- Landscaping
This program can help homeowners stay in their homes, address outstanding maintenance and repair items and improve overall neighborhood appearance.
Click here to learn more about Howard County's RRR Program
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Report Traffic Concerns
There’s an easier way to report traffic violations in #HoCoMD!
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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.
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Caregiver Support Program Manager
Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) Presents the following topics to assist caregivers:
- Reduce personal stress
- Change negative self-talk
- Communicate more effectively in challenging situations
- Manage emotions
- Make tough caregiving decisions and better understand dementia
Whether you choose to attend in person or participate online, don't miss this opportunity to improve your relaxation and exercise habits, boost your physical and mental well-being, and enjoy the support and company of other caregivers.
For more information or to register, contact Kathy Wehr, Caregiver Support Program Manager, at (410) 313-5955 (voice/relay) or kwehr@howardcountymd.gov.
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Need Assistance Finding and Paying for Child Care?
LOCATE: Child Care is a free personalized service that helps parents find child care. The service provides referrals and counseling to help parents choose high quality child care to meet their needs.
LOCATE: Child Care also offers an Enhanced Service for parents of children with special needs and those who need to speak with a Referral Specialist in Spanish.
Another available resource for families, is the Child Care Scholarship Program. If you’re working, in school or participating in an approved job training program you may be eligible for the Child Care Scholarship Program. The Child Care Scholarship Program (formerly known as the Child Care Subsidy Program) provides financial assistance with child care costs to eligible working families.
For more information on LOCATE: Child Care or the Child Care Scholarship Program please contact the CARE Line at (410) 313-2273 (voice/relay) or email children@howardcountymd.gov.
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Help Is Available – 988
Many members of our community struggle with mental health. It's important to remember that you’re not alone. The first step can be the hardest, but each of us can be a lifeline to those facing struggles. Our actions, as individuals and collectively, can make a difference and save lives.
988 is the new national mental health crisis helpline. Whenever you call this number, you are guaranteed quality and safe care for mental health and substance use emergencies. No need to look up any national toll-free number.
Simply call or text 988 and you will get free, immediate, confidential help you need from a trained counselor.
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Community Action Council Assistance
Community Action Council offers housing assistance, energy assistance, food assistance, and early childhood education.
Howard County Food Bank Location and Hours:
Tuesdays, 1 - 4:30 PM
Wednesdays, 11 AM - 7 PM
Thursdays, 1 - 4:30 PM
Laurel MultiService Center*
Wednesdays, 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM
Thursdays, 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM
Visit www.cac-hc.org to learn more. Get support or get involved by calling (410) 313-6440.
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Early Childhood Education
CAC’s Early Childhood Education program will open Head Start and Prekindergarten slots for the 2024 school year, children must be 3 - 5 years of age for the program. All program services are free to enrolled eligible families.
Rental Assistance
CAC provides housing assistance and eviction prevention to Howard County residents who have fallen behind in their rent but are not yet facing eviction. Renters should contact CAC immediately when they are first unable to pay their rent.
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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 - 8 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 years 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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COVID-19: County Updates & Resources |
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Get Boosted!
Getting boosted is the best way to protect yourself and your family against severe disease, hospitalization and even death.
Find out if you’re eligible or schedule your shot now here.
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COVID-19 Testing
The Howard County Health Department and private partners are continuing to offer COVID-19 tests across Howard County on a regular basis. If you would like to get tested, please visit the Health Department's website for a list of nearby testing clinics and locations.
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HCPSS Rainbow Conference
Register Now!
The HCPSS Rainbow Conference will be held Saturday, May 6th from 9 AM - 5 PM.
The conference will be hybrid with opportunities for both virtual and in-person participation.
For more information scan the QR code on the Rainbow Conference Flier.
To register, please click here.
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HCPSS Summer Programs Preview
The 2023 Summer Programs Preview, which contains descriptions of HCPSS’ four summer programs and enrollment information, is available to view and download from the Summer Programs.
Online enrollment requests for currently enrolled HCPSS students is open for the following programs:
- Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) Summer Institute
- Gifted and Talented Summer Institutes for Talent Development
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Innovative Pathways High School Math and Science courses only
- Summer Math Scholars Program
Contact the individual program offices with additional questions.
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Register Now for 2023-2024 Bus Service
Through June 1st, families whose students are eligible for bus transportation are required to register through HCPSS Connect Synergy to receive service for the 2023-2024 school year.
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Bellows Spring Elementary School |
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PTA Little Mermaid, Jr. Play Performance
Thursday, May 11th, 6 – 9 PM
Friday, May 12th, 6 – 9 PM
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Deep Run Elementary School
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May 6th - Community Resource Fair at Deep Run ES
May 8th - Teacher Appreciation Week
May 12th - Baseball Cap or Hat Day
May 16th - Coffee and Conversation with Administrators 6:30 PM
May 16th - PTA Meeting 7 PM
May 18th - Field Day
May 19th - No School for Students
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Deep Run Mobile Science Lab Coming May 22nd - 26th
The Food, Fiber & You Mobile Science Lab from the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation is returning to Deep Run. All students in K-5 will participate. The mobile science lab will be at Deep Run the week of May 22nd.
A teacher from the Foundation will be with the lab, along with the classroom teacher, but parent/grandparent volunteers are needed as well.
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3rd Grade Strings performs for second grade in cafeteria -
Thursday, May 18, 2:30 – 3:30 PM
2nd Grade Writer's Showcase - Sunday, May 21st, 10:15 – 11:00 AM
Field Day - Thursday, May 25th
Summer Reading Presentation in Library - Friday, June 2nd
4th and 5th Grade Band/Orchestra/Chorus Spring Concert for Families -
Tuesday, June 6th, 6 - 7 PM
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May 6th - PTA 5K/1 Mile Fun Run at LRHS
May 9th - Class Picture Day
May 10th - 5:30-8 PM English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Library Night
May 11th - 4-6 PM On the Road to Kindergarten Event
May 12th - Grade 5 Simulated Congressional Hearings
May 17th - 6-7:30 PM GT Enrichment Fair
May 18th - 6-7:15 PM Food Pantry
May 19th - No School - 7:05 PM PLES Night at Bowie Baysox Game
May 23rd - 6 PM Incoming Kindergarten Orientation
May 31st - 7 PM Spring Concert at HHS
June 3rd - Girls on the Run 5K
June 6th - 9:15 AM Kindergarten Celebration
June 7th - 3 Hour Early Dismissal at 12:20 PM
June 12th - 3 Hour Early Dismissal at 12:20 PM
June 13th - 3 Hour Early Dismissal at 12:20 PM
June 14th - Last Day of School - 3 Hour Early Dismissal at 12:20 PM
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PTA Meeting
Monday, May 8th, 7 – 8:3 PM
Spring Math and Reading Night
Tuesday, May 9th, 6 – 7 PM
2023 Simulated Congressional Hearings (SCH)
Thursday, May 25th
Spring Band, String, Chorus Concert
Tuesday, June 6th, 6 – 8 PM
College & Career Readiness Day
Thursday, June 8th (All Day)
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Talbott Springs Elementary School
May 8th - 12th, Staff Appreciation Week
Tuesday, May 16th, TSES Spring Music Conference at OMHS at 6:30 PM
May 13th, 10 AM - 12 PM - TSES Garden Workday
With support from the Nourishing Gardens Program of the Columbia Ecology Institute, participants will prepare the garden and planting vegetables. Let TSES know if your family is interested in participating by completing the TSES Garden Workday form.
June 5th - The Dentist is Coming to TSES: If you are interested in your child seeing a dentist at Talbott Springs Elementary School on June 5th, you can sign up online at www.MySchoolDentist.com or reach out to the school nurse, Ms. Lindsey Squillario (lindsey_squillario@hcpss.org) and she can send a sign-up form home with your child.
If you have any questions, please call the health room at (410) 313-6918.
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Saturday, May 6th
Blessings in a Backpack Fundraiser
The Blessing in a Backpack program needs your support through donations to ensure that every student receives the nourishment they need to learn and grow.
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Thunder Hill Elementary School |
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Band Concert
Thursday, May 18th, 6 – 7 PM
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Waterloo
Elementary School
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Orchestra and Band Spring Concert - Beginner
Tuesday, May 16th, 6 – 8 PM
Orchestra and Band Spring Concert - Advanced
Wednesday, May 17th, 6 – 8 PM
Waterloo Pride Day
Friday, June 2nd
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Mayfield Woods Middle School |
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Saturday, May 20th, 12 - 4:30 PM
MayFest is back!
This annual community music event features bands, orchestras, and choral groups from Mayfield Woods MS, and surrounding elementary and high schools. In addition to the music, the festival will feature food trucks, raffles, and prizes.
If you can volunteer your time for the event or have any questions, please reach out to Janine at jnp404@yahoo.com
8th Grade Dance - Friday, June 2nd
The PTA will host a dance for MWMS 8th grade class on the evening of Friday, June 2. Tickets will be sold during 8th grade lunch in mid-May. Permission slips with all relevant information will be available as well.
Opportunities for Summer
G/T Summer Institutes for Talent Development invites all HCPSS students entering grades 1-8 to register for over 30 enrichment offerings in the Arts, English Language Arts, History, Math, Music, Science, and Technology!
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8th Grade Parents: Save The Date for these exciting end-of-year events! Keep a lookout for emails and Facebook posts with further details!
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PTSA Restaurant Night at Coal Fire Pizza
Pizza for dinner is always a hit! Please make sure to mention and show a copy of the flyer when placing and picking up your dine-in, carry-out, and catering order(s).
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Fundraiser for Howard High School PTSA
Mark your calendars for May 5th - 8th!
The popular @TaharkaBros Ice Cream home delivery Fundraiser is back.
Order May 5th - 8th and it will be delivered to your home on Thursday, May 11th.
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Guitar Concert
Monday, May 8th, 7 – 7:30 PM
Orchestra Concert
Tuesday, May 9th, 7 – 7:30 PM
Band Concert
Wednesday, May 10th, 7 – 7:30 PM
Choir Concert
Thursday, May 11th, 7 – 7:30 PM
Senior Awards Ceremony
Wednesday, May 17th, 6:30 – 7 PM
Senior Spotlight
Thursday, May 18th, 7 – 7:30 PM
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Oakland Mills
High School
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Spring Dance Concert
Friday, May 5th, 7 – 7 PM
Spring Dance Concert
Saturday, May 6th, 7 – 7 PM
Spring Showcase
Wednesday, May 10th, 7 – 7 PM
Oakland Mills High School
Music Banquet
Wednesday, May 17th, 6 – 7:30 PM
Oakland Mills High School
Senior Night
Tuesday, May 23rd, 6 – 6 PM
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Howard County Youth Behavioral Health Road Map
To determine where your child is on the road to health and well-being, Howard County's OLCB created the Youth Behavioral Health Road Map. Available in English and Spanish, it enables families, health practitioners, school-based professionals, service providers and others to better navigate youth behavioral health supports in Howard County.
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Applications Open for Green Seeds Internship
The 8-week Summer Session
June 20th - August 10th
4-hour sessions twice a week
Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 AM - 2 PM
Community Ecology Institute is pleased to announce 8-week Green Seeds Summer internship program sessions for local high school students.
The goals of the internship are to:
- Provide an immersive experience where participants can explore their relationship with the environment in which we live
- Create a welcoming, inspiring, and collaborative social space for all students
- Learn about the benefits of a rich connection to nature for individuals, families and friends, and communities
- Develop transferable skills in the areas of ecology, art, community development, agriculture, and advocacy
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Upcoming Meetings
The OMCA Board meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 7 PM. Meetings will continue to be held virtually until further notice.
Upcoming OMCA Board Meeting
OMCA staff is working a hybrid schedule. Before you visit The Other Barn, please contact OMCA by email or phone to leave a message and schedule an appointment.
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Plant Sale: Saturday, May 6th from 9 AM – 1 PM
Also taking place during the plant sale: Yards Alive! Native Plant and Vegetable Share, in front of The Other Barn.
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Jazz in the Mills 2023 Presents Hazel Mitchell-Bell
Sunday, June 11th · 5 - 7:30 PM
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Join the Oakland Mills cOMmunity on Sunday, June 11th, for Jazz in the Mills, featuring Hazel Mitchell-Bell, at the Other Barn in Oakland Mills, Columbia. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. No outside food or beverages are allowed.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online and at The Other Barn. Advance tickets only. Must have ticket. No Exceptions, No Refunds or Replacements. Jazz in the Mills is sponsored by Ms. Lavenia Nesmith and the Oakland Mills Community Association.
The concert venue, the Other Barn, is handicap accessible with the concert on the 2nd floor of the venue and restrooms on the 1st floor. We have a handicap lift for guests.
Masks are encouraged for all guests.
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Rent The Other Barn!
The Other Barn is currently booking events through 2023. To view venue photos and information, please click on the link below. Tours are by appointment only.
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OMHS Food Pantry Donations
at The Other Barn
Monday through Thursday between the hours of 10 AM - 3 PM
The OMHS Food Pantry is taking donations at The Other Barn.
Click here to see a list of items needed.
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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 May 16th at 7:30 PM.
More information is available here.
Stonehouse is open by appointment only.
Legal documents/Resale Packets are available for purchase. Information regarding upcoming Board and RAC meetings will be posted on our website. Please feel free to contact our staff for assistance or to schedule an appointment.
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Saturday, May 20th, starting at 8 AM
The village will post on their Facebook page, website, and send out an email newsletter listing participating street names.
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Camp Oasis is a summer day camp in Columbia, Maryland for children age 5 - 13.
At Camp Oasis campers are grouped by age for engaging activities ranging from sports & games to arts & crafts. Participants will visit the Phelps Luck Pool nearly every day for swimming.
Each camper receives a free t-shirt! On days that they can’t make it to the pool, special events like DJ dance parties, and more are coordinated. Every session is different and there’s always fun to be had!
While providing a safe, caring, structured environment, Camp Oasis still believes in the magic of summer!
Camp Oasis also offer extended camp hours in the morning and afternoon, for your convenience.
Camp Oasis is operated by the Long Reach Community Association
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May 2023 Parent Workshops
View the full descriptions of the May workshops online.
Navigate your child’s mental health journey
May 8th, 7 - 8 PM / Virtual Workshop / Register
Learn about the stages of mental health and local resources, serves and supports to help your child.
Help children be proud of who they are!
May 9th, 7 - 8 PM / Virtual Workshop / Register
Gender identity is complicated and often misunderstood. Join us to gain an understanding of gender identity development from infancy to age five.
Develop your child’s emotional intelligence
May 17th, 7 - 8 PM / Virtual Workshop / Register
Emotional intelligence fosters good listening and problem-solving skills and helps children learn to accept criticism and develop empathy. Get the tools to support your child’s social-emotional development. Learn more.
Discuss your child’s mental health with your primary care provider (PCP)
May 18th, 7 - 8 PM / Virtual Workshop / Register
Dr. Jessica Winkles will discuss the importance of treating a child's behavioral health and physical health. Review typical vs. concerning behaviors and how your PCP can be a great resource when questions arise.
Eat, learn, grow for families – Early learning literacy in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
May 24th, 7 - 8 PM / Virtual Workshop / Register
Young children have a natural curiosity about the world around them; STEM encourages them to explore their environment. This workshop highlights STEM-focused children’s literature and creative daily activities.
Nothing I do works: A parent’s guide to challenging behaviors
May 31st, 6:30 - 8 PM / 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia 21046 / In person workshop / Register
Using the Pyramid Model to consider factors which influence a child's behavior and impact the family, learn how to decrease negative behaviors and what to do if they occur. For parents of children age two to eight.
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HopeWorks’ Self-Care & Social Justice Project is excited to host a free 6-session workshop series. Hosted in-person, activities are centered on using arts and humanities to explore revolution and oppression for LGBTQ+ folks through poetry, music, visual arts, literature, theatre, history, ethnography, and philosophy. This free program is open to the general public.
Click here for more information or to register for this workshop.
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This year’s annual Bike to Work Central Maryland week celebration will take place Monday, May 15th through Sunday, May 21st with Howard County’s in-person event the morning of Friday, May 19th in Downtown Columbia.
Participating riders qualify for free t-shirts (limited to the first 1,500 riders), giveaways and prizes, all while discovering the advantages of a cleaner, healthier commuting option — and your ride doesn’t have to been your commute!
Join the community at Azlon Plaza from 7 - 9 AM to celebrate cycling as a healthy, green and FUN commute mode! We’ll have shirts, swag, prizes, and more.
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The Arc of Howard County
The Virtual Celebration of Excellence
Will Be Held Wednesday, May 17th
The Arc of Howard County’s mission statement is: “Achieving full community life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities – one person at a time.” This year, The Arc of Howard County will recognize individuals and groups who put this mission statement into practice at the 2023 Virtual Celebration of Excellence!
The Arc of Howard County's 2023 Virtual Celebration of Excellence will be held on Wednesday, May 17th, 6:30 - 8 PM via Zoom.
Award winners will be announced at the event!
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HopeWorks Commemorates
45 Years
HopeWorks has been helping survivors in Howard County move from crisis to recovery since 1978.
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Heroes in Health Care, will be held at Merriweather Post Pavilion Monday, June 12th, 6 - 9:30 PM
Click here to purchase tickets!
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