| | Oakland Mills Community Association | Important news & info about the community in which we live. | |
Upcoming Events
CALL AHEAD or CHECK EMAILS and FACEBOOK to find out the status of meetings and events.
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August 3, 6:30 p.m.
OM Pool Party - tickets on sale until 11 a.m. Monday, August 3
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August 6, 7:00 p.m.
RAC Meeting
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August 11, 7:00 p.m.
Board Meeting CANCELLED
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August 20, 7:00 p.m.
RAC Meeting
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August 25, 7:00 p.m.
Board Meeting
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September 20, 5:00 p.m.
NEW! 2nd Concert: Jazz in the Mills 20th Anniversary Celebration with Lavenia Nesmith
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Save the Date - October 3, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
OM Fall Festival - now accepting vendor applications! (Details below.)
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Office Hours:
Monday through Thursday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday
9:00 a.m. to Noon
Saturday
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Before you visit The Other Barn, please contact us by email or phone to schedule an appointment.
Brigitta Warren, Village Manager
manager@oaklandmills.org
Ellen Gallagher Roberts
Facility & Rental Coordinator
events@oaklandmills.org
Amy Carpenter, Events & Administrative Coordinator
office@oaklandmills.org
Carrie Wenholz, Covenant Advisor for Letters of Compliance
loc@oaklandmills.org
Michael Vaughn, Covenant Advisor for Exterior Alteration Applications (in office Tues/Thurs)
applications@oaklandmills.org
Karina Caico, Covenant Advisor for Property Concerns (in office Mon/Wed)
propertyconcerns@oaklandmills.org
Contact Board Members HERE.
The Other Barn Phone: 410-730-4610
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Celebrate in our amazing space!
Rent The Other Barn!
The Other Barn is currently booking events into 2027. To view The Other Barn venue photos and info, please click on the button below. Tours are by appointment only. For further questions, contact Ellen Gallagher Roberts, Facility and Rental Coordinator 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
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Traffic non-emergency: email hcpdtraffic@howardcountymd.gov
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Traffic emergencies: call 911.
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File a traffic complaint HERE.
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Traffic & Engineering Division (info on street calming, community speed control program, etc.) HERE.
Oakland Mills Community Resource Officer:
PFC Sean Pepper
spepper@howardcounty.gov
410-313-3685
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Howard County Government Website
Need guidance on County programs, local events, or services? AskHoCo is here to help! Email at ask@howardcountymd.gov, and our team will make sure you’re informed and connected. We’re dedicated to being your first stop for County information.
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Howard County Council
Oakland Mills is located in Council District 2 and represented by Opel Jones.
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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 hOMe to Oakland Mills! We'd love to 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
Upcoming OMCA Board Meetings
For meeting agendas and past board meeting minutes, click HERE.
To contact the OM Board click here.
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OMCA Committees
OMCA has several committees that are always ready to welcome new members. If you would like information or would like to find out about serving on a committee, please email Brigitta Warren manager@oaklandmills.org.
OMCA Education Committee
Meetings are hybrid, held as needed at The Other Barn and on Zoom.
Next Meeting: TBD
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OMCA Open Space Advisory Committee
For community members who are interested in the current and future use of CA's open space.
Next Meeting: September 16, 7:00 p.m., The Other Barn
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OMCA Housing Committee
Next meeting: September 2, 7 p.m., The Other Barn
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OMCA Public Space Committee
For residents interested in the uses of Howard County's public spaces and roadways. Meets the third Tuesday of each month.
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OMCA Tenant Committee
For residents of Columbia Pointe, Autumn Crest, Forest Ridge, and The Verona. Meetings are hybrid, held at The Other Barn and on Zoom.
Next meeting: TBD
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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: August 6
Info/list of applications will be posted three days in advance of the meeting HERE.
applications@oaklandmills.org
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Architectural Covenant Processes
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 during regular business hours.
Covenant Complaint Form
Click HERE
| | Cul-de-sac & Block Party Funds Available from OMCA | Passed by the Village Board at the May 12, 2026, funds are now available for cul-de-sac beautification projects and block parties held by Oakland Mills residents. These are funded by the Oakland Mills Community Association using proceeds from our annual plant sale that was held on May 2nd. | Board Notes from Karin Emery, OM Columbia Council Rep | | | | See updates from our Columbia Council Representative, Karin Emery. Click the button below to see her newsletter archives. | | CA's Natural Resource Stewardship Plan:
Public Comment Period | Columbia Association has developed a Natural Resource Stewardship Plan to guide the long-term stewardship of our community’s natural areas, including forests, streams, open spaces, and wildlife habitats. Learn more about the plan and provide feedback by clicking the button below. | New Town Taskforce Recommendations |
New Town Task Force Publishes Final Report
After 14 months of study, discussion, and community input, the New Town Task Force has released its final report, completing a comprehensive review of the zoning framework that guides development throughout much of Columbia.
Appointed by the Executive and County Council, the 22-member Task Force was charged with evaluating and making recommendations on how the current New Town zoning structure can continue to support Columbia’s long-term vision, as defined by the 2023 General Plan, HoCo By Design, while providing a clear, consistent path for future growth and development.
The Task Force examined the New Town district’s character-defining elements, development review processes, planning frameworks, and Section 125 regulations. Members also reviewed public feedback and studied comparable planned communities—including Greenbelt, Maryland; Reston, Virginia; and Montgomery Village, Maryland—to better understand how similar zoning models have adapted over time.
Based on its findings, the Task Force approved 27 recommendations aimed at strengthening and modernizing the New Town framework. The recommendations address a range of topics, including final development plans, preservation of open space, housing diversity, and design guidance.
The final report, which details the Task Force’s guiding assumptions, analytical approach, findings, and recommendations, is available for public review on the New Town Task Force website.
Oakland Mills residents should be aware of the recommended changes as some of those changes (such as changes to density) will directly involve the covenants and property deeds. Public hearings will be held on the recommendations, giving residents an opportunity to provide feedback. We will send out info on these hearings as soon as we receive news of them.
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All attendees age 3 and up must have a ticket.
UPDATE: Tickets available for purchase until 11 a.m. August 3.
| Prepare for Success School Supply Donation Drive | OM Fall Festival: Call for Vendors | |
CRAFT AND COMMUNITY VENDORS NEEDED
for the Oakland Mills Fall Festival!
Contact office@oaklandmills.org for an application. Include information about your business or organizations (website, social media, pictures, etc.).
| 2nd Concert! Jazz in the Mills 20th Anniversary Celebration |
Back by popular demand!
The first Jazz in the Mills 20th Anniversary Celebration concert sold out fast, so we added another concert! Get your tickets by clicking the button below!
| | Community Events & Opportunities | | |
Transition Repair Cafe
Have your items fixed, instead of replaced!
Better for your wallet and the environment.
August 8, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at East Columbia 50+ Center
September 12, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Freetown Farm
October 10, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Freetown Farm
November 14, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Freetown Farm
The Community Ecology Institute's Freetown Farm is located at
8000 Harriet Tubman Lane in Columbia, MD.
More information about the Repair Cafe
Check out these repair guides too.
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Now Hiring Crossing Guards
With the start of the 2026-2027 school year just around the corner, Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is looking for individuals interested in becoming a crossing guard. This is a part-time, contingent, non-benefitted position for 10 to 20 hours a week and paying $18 an hour. No experience needed and uniforms are provided.
Possible openings include (locations are subject to change):
- Mayfield Woods Middle
- Jeffers Hill Elementary
- Laurel Woods Elementary
- Bollman Bridge Elementary
- Centennial Lane Elementary
- Hollifield Station Elementary
- Pointers Run Elementary
If you would like to help HCPD keep our kids safe this school year, visit the job listing on HCPD's “Career Pages.”
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HC DrugFree Looking for New Executive Director
HC DrugFree is looking for the ideal candidate to bring strategic vision, nonprofit leadership with grant writing/fundraising experience, and a passion for advancing the organization's mission and impact. Please visit HC DrugFree's website to apply or contact the board at: Board@hcdrugfree.org.
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PlanHoward Academy Applications Open Now
Deadline: August 2
PlanHoward Academy is a 5-week course that meets one night a week for five weeks. The Academy educates County residents on land use and growth policies, the legal planning framework and zoning regulations, the subdivision and land development process, and growth management. Apply now
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Toby's Dinner & Show: Mean Girls
Now through August 23
More info & tickets
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Howard County Parks & Rec Summer Concert Series
Wednesdays, Now through August 5, 7:00 p.m.
Centennial Park South Amphitheater
10000 Clarksville Pk, Ellicott City
More Info
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East Columbia 50+ Center Art Exhibit: "Nishita Jain and Her Students"
Now through September 25
6610 Cradlerock Way, Columbia
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Howard County Unity in the Community Resource Fair
August 1, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Long Reach Village Center
8775 Cloudleap Court, Columbia
Free admission. Family services & community resources, DJ music, moon bounce, food giveaways, arts & crafts, raffles & prizes, fun for the whole family. View the flier in English or Spanish.
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Carribbean American Heritage Month Celebration
August 8, 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods
10431 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia
This family-friendly event will showcase traditional Caribbean dances, children's activities, live music performances, interactive exercise classes, vendors, and delicious Caribbean cuisine. More Info
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Blood Drive
August 10, 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Kahler Hall
5440 Old Tucker Row, Columbia
More Info
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Horizon Foundation's Renter Town Hall Presents: Building a Better Housing System in Howard County
August 12, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Association of Community Services
9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia
Info & registration
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Columbia Maryland Film Festival
September 7 through 13
Showings, tickets, & info
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Howard County Conservancy Events
The Conservancy offers public environmental education for all ages, including bird walks, a pollinator festival, guided hikes, field trips and other student programming. Visit the event page to see upcoming opportunities.
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Amped in the Park Concert Series
Sponsored by Merriweather Arts & Culture Center
See dates and Info
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Community Ecology Institute Programs Registration
Registration is open for seasonal and yearlong memberships for the following CEI programs:
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Howard County Recreation & Parks
Find info on upcoming events, activities, sports, and more. Recreation & Parks' Camp Guide Summer 2026 NOW available online. Online registration is now open. If you’re looking to fill a particular week or weeks this summer, check out Recreation & Parks’, “2026 Camps By Weeks” website, which for your convenience, breaks down what camps are being offered each week.
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HCC Student Theatre Productions
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St. Louis Church Concert Series
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Howard Community College Concert Series
| | Community Resources & Volunteer Opportunities | | |
Sometimes life hits hard, and you just need a little help.
Click the button below to find organizations that can help with everything from mental health crises to food emergencies to home repairs and more.
| | Looking for ways to volunteer or donate?
Visit our Volunteer page to see how you can help! | | |
OMHS Food Pantry
Next distribution day: August 26, 3:30 p.m.
OMHS Parking Lot
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.
We appreciate all of the community donations to the Oakland Mills Food Pantry. Please be sure to check all expiration dates on donations prior to bringing them to The Other Barn. The pantry cannot distribute expired items. Thank you.
| | Columbia Association News & Events | | |
Go Swim!
CA’s 23 outdoor pools are open and waiting for you and your family to come swim! Check out CA’s interactive pool guide for real-time updates on pool capacity, available amenities, and more once pools are open.
| | Other CA News & Resources | | |
CA's Mapping & GIS Resources Page
Download maps, discover interactive apps and use the information provided to explore the Columbia community.
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Living Next to Open Space
Columbia Association now has a brochure for those living near Open Space. Read more.
Visit CA's Open Space page for more information.
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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.
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Youth and Teen Center @ The Barn
Website
Phone: 410-992-3726
Teen Center Director: Rene Buckmon, Rene.Buckmon@columbiaassociation.org
Drop-in Program
Is your child looking for a community of peers, great activities, and a whole lot of fun? Sign them up for the Drop-In program at the Youth and Teen Center! It has a range of educational, enrichment and recreational opportunities that support positive peer interaction, hands-on learning opportunities, decision-making, and development of life skills. September's calendar is full of fun activities including sports, trivia, art classes and more.
| | The Youth & Teen Center’s (YTC) Summer Teen Excursions offer a wide variety of educational, fun, broad, and exciting opportunities to experience much of what the surrounding area has to offer to young people. These field trips for youth in 6th-12th grade are meant to provide an opportunity to be in community with other youth and have experiences that will broaden their experiences and views of the world. | | |
Howard County Bureau of Environmental Service
Now through September 4, curbside collections will begin at 5:00 a.m.
Compost Demonstrations
What can you learn?
- How to compost kitchen scraps and yard trimmings in your backyard.
- How to troubleshoot backyard composting issues.
- How to improve your soil’s health by incorporating compost.
Find more info and demonstration dates HERE.
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Tell HoCo
Tell HoCo (formerly 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.
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Check Your Radon Levels!
Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Unless you test with a radon test kit, you can't tell whether your home has radon, because radon is a gas that has no smell, no color, and can't be seen. Visit the County's Radon website for more info on radon and how to get a test kit.
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EV Charger Checklist
To assist electric vehicle owners with the installation of a vehicle charger in a dedicated homeowners association parking spot, DPZ has put together this checklist, outlining the items you’ll need to submit your EV charger approval submission.
For questions and/or more information, contact DPZ’s Development Engineering Division via email at ded@howardcountymd.gov. You can also email Public Member of the Zero Emissions Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council of Maryland Paul Verchinski at verchinski@yahoo.com
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Maryland Community Solar
Maryland Community Solar's program allows residents to save up to 25% on their BGE bills without the need for installing solar panels. Instead, they receive the benefits directly from a local solar farm. Enrollment is simple — all that’s required is a current BGE bill. Credit scores are not a factor, and there is no cost to participate. Residents may cancel at any time if they choose. Find out more
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Civic Works Home Energy Programs & Solar Group Buy
The Howard County Office of Community Sustainability has joined forces with Civic Works, a nonprofit organization committed to helping homeowners and renters in Howard County save energy. Together, we’ve established an initiative aimed at helping Howard County residents go solar and upgrade their energy efficiency. Learn more.
Also taking customers through August 31 is Civic Works' Solar Group Buy program.
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BGE Natural Gas Info Pages
If you smell gas, call 911.
Learn how BGE responds to, assesses and repairs natural gas leaks HERE. | |
Howard County Department of Public Works Construction Projects Map: Click HERE.
Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administrations Project Portal: Click HERE.
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Lightbulb Exchange Program Expansion
Howard County residents can now visit any Howard County Library branch to exchange used incandescent and compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs for new, energy efficient LED bulbs (while supplies last). More info
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Howard County Public Library
Visit the Howard County Public Library website to access virtual educational resources & events and more.
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Little Free Library at The Other Barn
The Little Free is now open! Take a book, leave a book. Happy reading!
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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!
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Trees are the earth's endless effort to speak to the listening heaven.
—Rabindranath Tagore
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