Oct. 23, 2014
Harper's Choice Voice
The e-Newsletter for the Village of Harper's Choice

Keeping You Informed
This weekly e-newsletter serves as a recap of news and events we share with our community throughout the week via other social media channels. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter to receive more regular announcements and information from us.
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Early Voting
October 23 - 30 at Select Polling Locations
Vote
Early voting for the November 4 General Election is October 23 - 30 at select polling locations. Visit the Howard County Board of Elections website to find early voting polling sites and to get deadlines for requesting absentee ballots.

In Howard County, we will elect a new County Executive and four members to the Board of Education. In the State of MD, we will elect a new Governor.

Whether you vote by absentee ballot, cast your ballot during the early voting period, or visit your polling location on November 4, we encourage you to exercise your right to vote.

Clothing Drive
Teen Youth Center is Holding a Clothing Drive
Collection boxes will be placed around Columbia for Columbia Association's (CA) 6th annual clothing drive organized by CA's Youth and Teen Center and its Teen Outreach Committee.

Collection boxes have been stationed at:
  • all 10 village community association buildings
  • Columbia Art Center (located at 6100 Foreland Garth in the Long Reach Village Center)
  • Youth and Teen Center @ The Barn (located at 5853 Robert Oliver Place in the Oakland Mills Village Center)
  • Eggspectation restaurant (6010 University Blvd., Ellicott City)
The collection boxes will remain at these facilities through Sunday, Nov. 30. Those donating can bring in new and gently used clothes, shoes and accessories, including but not limited to, ties, belts, hosiery, hats, gloves, pocketbooks and jewelry. Also important are coats and socks, children's clothes, and career clothes for both men and women.

These donated items will then be distributed to community members in need on Saturday, Jan. 17, from 9AM - 2PM, and on Sunday, Jan. 18, from 11AM - 2:30PM. Both distribution days will be held at The Barn, which is located at 5853 Robert Oliver Place in the Oakland Mills Village Center. Last year's clothing drive served more than 500 families.

Volunteering opportunities are not limited solely to the youth community. CA welcomes community members and organizations wishing to participate in the project.
Those who are interested in earning community service hours by assisting with the collection, sorting, set-up and distribution should contact Safire Windley at [email protected] or 410-992-3726.

The Youth and Teen Center (YTC) at The Barn is a fun, safe way for teens and pre-teens to socialize and participate in recreational and educational programs. Columbia and Howard County kids ages 9 to18 are welcomed year round with after-school, summertime and some weekend activities and programs that are designed to promote self-esteem and to develop life skills. The YTC is located at 5853 Robert Oliver Place in the Oakland Mills Village Center.

Did You Know...
The Teal Pumpkin Project Keeps Kids With Food Allergies Safe?
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) works on behalf of the 15 million Americans who have food allergies, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. This Halloween, FARE is encouraging food allergy families to start a new tradition: painting a pumpkin teal and placing it on your porch as a sign to other families managing food allergies that you have non-food treats available at your home. Your teal pumpkin is also a way to raise awareness in your neighborhood about food allergies!

The Teal Pumpkin Project is designed to promote safety, inclusion and respect of individuals managing food allergies - and to keep Halloween a fun, positive experience for all.

HoCo Offers Oyster Recycling at Alpha Ridge Landfill?
Howard County's Department of Recreation & Parks' Robinson Nature Center has joined forces with the Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP) in an innovative recycling effort geared towards rejuvenating oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay with the help of County residents.

County residents now have the ability to drop off old oyster shells, leftover from mealtime, at a bin located at the far end of Robinson Nature Center's parking lot. The collected shells will be transported to the Horn Point Laboratory Oyster Hatchery in Cambridge, MD where they will be treated and used to help young oysters grow to maturity.

Click here for more information.

Covenant Corner
Animal Control Concerns

Residents often call the Village Office for animal complaints. They are handled by the Howard County Animal Control Division. Below is a summary of some of the most common violations and who to call if a violation is observed:

 

Howard County Animal Control Laws

All animal owners in Columbia are subject to the Howard County Animal Control Laws.  

 

Here are a few summarized requirements under Section 17.300 of the Howard County Animal Control Law:

  • A pet must be on a leash and under control when not on an owner's property.
  • Owners are responsible for removing pet defecation when off their own property.
  • Owners must remove an accumulation of pet defecation from their property to prevent annoying odors and rodent infestation. (Animal feces is a food source for rats.)

Residents who have concerns about animal behavior or the care and control of animals are urged to call Animal Control for more information: 410-313-2780. 


Not To Miss Events!
Halloween Magic at Hickory Ridge Village Center
Kimco Realty wants to "treat" the kids to a pre-Halloween event on Wednesday, October 29 from 5PM - 8PM at the Hickory Ridge Village Center at Cedar Lane and Freetown Road.

Enjoy a magic show by Mr. Dave of D's Magic from 5PM - 6PM, followed by trick-or-treating at the village center shops.

Wear your costume and bring your treat bag; there will be magic "tricks" and tasty "treats" for everyone. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required, just come to the courtyard in front of Giant Food and join the fun!

Longfellow Nursery School Holiday Open House Fundraiser
When: Saturday November 8, 2014

Time: 10AM - 1PM

Where: Longfellow Nursery School at 5267 Eliots Oak RD, Columbia.

What: Shop for your friends and loved ones with your favorite consultants, including representatives from Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple, Thirty-One, Premier Designs, and Party Lite! Maybe even pick up something for yourself! Tis' the season to shop and raise money for a wonderful cooperative preschool! Don't forget to sign-up for the awesome door prizes.  
Looking Ahead
Pizza with Santa
Our annual Pizza with Santa event is scheduled for Saturday, December 20 at 11AM at Kahler Hall. This favorite holiday tradition is planned especially for Harper's Choice residents. Space is limited and reservations are required. Please visit Kahler Hall beginning November 10 to RSVP and pick up your free tickets.

We encourage attendees to bring one non-perishable food item for the food bank per ticket. Items collected will be given to the Howard County Food Bank.




Jazz in the Mills Presents a Holiday Jazz Extravaganza

Jazz in the Mills at The Other Barn in Columbia, MD presents its Annual Holiday Jazz Extravaganza on Sunday, December 7, 2014 featuring the melodious sounds of Davey Yarborough and Esther Williams.

 

Showtime is 5PM - 8PM. Soft drinks, wine and snacks will be available for sale. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $15 at The Other Barn and are available online. Tickets will be available at the door for $20.

 

Jazz in the Mills is sponsored by Lavenia Nesmith and the Oakland Mills Community Association.

 

For more information, please contact Lavenia Nesmith at [email protected] or call 301-596-5128 or 410-730-4610.

Upcoming Meetings
Architectural Committee Meetings
Changes made to the exterior of homes in Harper's Choice require the approval of the Village Architectural Committee. The AC meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:30 PM to review applications. The deadline to submit applications for approval is two weeks prior to the next meeting date. Upcoming meetings are scheduled for:
10/28, 11/11, 11/25. 


Village Board Meetings
The next meeting of the Village Board is scheduled for November 11 at 7PM. Agendas and Meeting Minutes can be found on our website.

Stay Connected
Village Manager
Cathy Murphy
Facility Manager
Covenant Advisor

Community Outreach Coordinator

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5440 Old Tucker Row  Columbia, MD 21044  410-730-0770  [email protected]