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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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November 7, 7:00 p.m.
RAC Meeting
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November 12, 7:00 p.m.
OMCA Board Meeting
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November 15, 10:30 a.m.
Lively Arts: Mr. Jon
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November 19, 7:00 p.m.
Public Space Committee Meeting
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November 19, 7:00 p.m.
Tenant Committee Meeting
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November 21, 7:00 p.m.
RAC Meeting
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November 26, 7:00 p.m.
OMCA Board Meeting
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December 8, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Jazz in the Mills Holiday Extravaganza: James King Group
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Save the dates for upcoming holiday events!
- Breakfast Snacks with Santa: December 7, 9:00 & 9:45 a.m. seatings
- Gingerbread House Decorating: December 11, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
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Office Hours:
Monday through Thursday
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 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
Ashleigh Jacobs, 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 through 2025. To view The Other Barn venue photos and info, please click on the button below. Tours are by appointment only. For further questions, contact Ashleigh Jacobs at events@oaklandmills.org. Follow The Other Barn
on Facebook!
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Other Important Community Contact Info |
Howard County Police
- For emergencies, call 911
- Non-emergencies: 410-313-2200
- Traffic non-emergency: email hcpdtraffic@howardcountymd.gov
- Traffic emergencies: call 911.
- File a traffic complaint HERE.
- Traffic & Engineering Division (info on street calming, community speed control program, etc.) HERE.
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Howard County Government Website
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Covid-19 County Updates HERE
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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: January 28, 2025
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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.
Next meeting: November 19
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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: November 19
If you'd like to register to attend online, click HERE.
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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.
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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: November 7
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
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OMCA Election Monitoring Committee: WE NEED YOU! | |
OMCA is looking for residents who would like to be a part of the 2025 Election Monitoring Committee to oversee the Election Day process.
The Election Committee moderate Candidates’ Night, upholds the election rules and procedures, and counts the votes on Election Day, Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Election Committee members must be a member of Oakland Mills Community Association and be able to contribute a total of about 25 hours of their time during February, March, and April for any meetings, Candidates’ Night and Election Day.
Interested? Please send an email to manager@oaklandmills.org.
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Board Notes from Karin Emery, OM Columbia Council Rep | |
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See updates from our Columbia Council Representative, Karin Emery. Click the button below to see her most recent newsletter, or check out her newsletter archives.
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What to Do With All Those Leaves | |
From Howard County: Know Before You Dispose of Those Leaves
With autumn officially underway and the leaves getting ready to change colors, Howard County Department of Public Works is reminding residents to keep the following in mind when dealing with those fallen leaves.
Do not blow or rake leaves into the roadway hoping that they will be swept up by County street sweepers. The sweepers are NOT designed to pick up leaves, and large quantities of them will clog the sweeper's filters and result in the leaves being spread over a large area. Sweeper operators will avoid areas of curb containing an excessive number of leaves.
Also, while Howard County crews work hard to maintain storm drains along more than 1,000 miles of County owned roadways, there are some simple approaches residents can take to help keep storm drains free of debris to prevent roadway flooding and harmful nutrients from reaching the Chesapeake Bay:
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Rake and collect leaves in paper bags or reusable containers for yard trim curbside collection.
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Mulch leaves with a mower; mulched leaves can help nourish your lawn.
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Mix leaves with grass clippings and vegetable refuse to make compost.
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Participate in the Rake-and-Take program where “rakers” (residents who rake and bag leaves and grass) are matched with “takers” (people who want leaves and grass for composting).
- When rain is in the forecast, check nearby storm drain grates and clear them of debris.
The burning of leaves, trash, yard waste, refuse and building materials is NOT PERMITTED in Howard County.
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Lively Arts for Little Ones: Mr. Jon & Friends | |
Friday, November 15
10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
The Other Barn
Mr. Jon and Friends is back in Oakland Mills! Bring your little ones to dance and sing with Mr. Jon! Tickets $5 for everyone ages 2 and up, available on Eventbrite (fees apply) or at the door.
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Jazz in the Mills Holiday Extravaganza: James King Group | |
Holiday Events at The Other Barn | |
Oakland Mills Farmers Market | |
OMHS Food Pantry Donations | |
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.
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Updates from the Howard County Health Department | |
Seasonal Flu Vaccine
HCHD will be out in the community providing seasonal flu shots. Some clinics will offer a limited number of high-dose flu vaccine for those 65 and older. HCHD's current flu vaccine schedule is on its Seasonal Flu page. You can also visit vaccines.gov to find a flu vaccine provider near you.
COVID-19 Rapid Tests
HCHD has FREE rapid test kits available. Visit HCHD from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at the back of 8930 Stanford Blvd in Columbia. Individuals may pick up a total of 4 rapid test kits per day. You can also find kits and masks at most Howard County libraries and 50+ Centers. If you have any questions, please contact HCHD's COVID-19 line at 410-313-6284.
Urgent Care Centers
See a list of urgent care centers in Howard County and read about knowing when to visit an ER vs. an urgent care center HERE.
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Community Events & Opportunities | |
School Crossing Guards Needed
Crossing Guards are needed at many school locations, including Stevens Forest and Talbott Springs Elementary Schools. Crossing Guard positions are part-time (10 to 20 hours/week) and pay $18 an hour. No experience is needed and uniforms are provided. Apply here.
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HCDrugFree Medication & Sharps Disposal Day
October 26, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Wilde Lake Village Center Parking Lot
5305 Village Center Drive, Columbia
More info about the event and volunteer opportunities.
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Safe Firearm Storage Workshop
October 29, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Harriet Tubman Cultural Center
Sponsored by the Howard County Crisis Intercept Mapping Team. Free, no registration required. More info.
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Cranksgiving
November 2, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Plaza at the Mall in Columbia
Hosted by the Downtown Columbia
Partnership and the Howard County Office
of Transportation, Cranksgiving offers
residents a chance to engage in active
recreation while raising awareness about
Howard County’s bikeable pathways and
collecting food donations for individuals and
families in need. Info & registration
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TVIH Bull & Oyster Roast
November 9, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge
2832 Nine Mile Circle, Catonsville
Silent auction, 50/50 raffle, catering by Monaghans, and more. Tickets $80. Purchase HERE.
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Columbia Housing Center Gala
November 12, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
The Collective Encore
10221 Wincopin Cir, Columbia
Info & tickets
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Parents, Guardians, & Grandparents: Free Parenting Classes
November 12, 15, 19, 22 & December 3
Noon to 1:30 pm. on Zoom
Free! Adult or child must be a Howard County resident. Register HERE.
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Pumpkin Palooza
November 16, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Miller Branch Library
9421 Frederick Road
Enjoy games, activities, crafts, and food. Ask a Master Gardener about composting, growing gourds, and other harvesting tips. Don't forget to bring your "sunken pumpkins" and jack-o'-lanterns to be composted! More info
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WBAL Concert for Kids
December 7, 1:00 & 4:00 p.m.
OMHS Auditorium
The annual holiday Concert for Kids supports the community by raising funds and awareness for the WBAL Radio Kids Campaign. Buy tickets here.
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HCC Student Theatre Productions
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Howard Community College Concert Series
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St. Louis Church Concert Series
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Services & Volunteer Opportunities | |
Howard County Foreclosure Prevention Program
Must be a Howard County resident and at least three months behind on your mortgage. More info.
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Volunteer with the OMI Green Team!
Many opportunities available, including on the first and third Sundays. Email volunteeromigreenteam@gmail.com for more info.
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OMHS Community Food Pantry
See flyer above for summer distribution dates and locations.
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.
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Free Digital RTA Passes for HCPSS and HCC Students
Students can enjoy access to free bus passes right from their phone through the Transit app. More info
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Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center
8990 Old Annapolis Road, Suite A , Columbia
Call: 410-531-6677 or 410-531-6006
24 Hour Hotline: Dial 988
grassrootscrisis.org
Telephone counseling, free walk-in counseling, a 24-hour suicide hotline, Mobile Crisis Team, and a Runaway Teen Program that provides crisis intervention for runaway youth and their families. The emergency shelter will still be open at its location, 6700 Freetown Road. All services are free. Marylanders with mental health or substance use issues are encouraged to call 988 to reach help.
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988.
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Civic Works Home Energy Programs
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.
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Bike Hoco is doubling the number of Bike Corrals this year. Sign up to help support free bicycle parking at over ten Howard County events, including the Fireworks at the Lakefront, EC Springfest, HCC Greenfest, EC Music Fest, and Books in Bloom, to name a few.
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Dreaming of Home Ownership
Do you have dreams of owning your own home in Howard County but can’t cover the down payment? You may be eligible to participate in the County's Settlement Downpayment Loan Program (SDLP)! Howard County’s SDLP program provides families of eligible income with a low-interest loan that helps cover the down payment and closing costs for home purchases. Applications are accepted year-round by the Department of Housing and Community Development.
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A-OK Mentoring and Tutoring Volunteer Info Sessions
Would you like to be a volunteer mentor-tutor who supports Howard County, Maryland elementary and middle school students? Are you a trustworthy adult who can commit to one school year of service for a student? Attend a 30-minute info session to learn more. Register HERE. A-Ok Mentoring and Tutoring website
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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.
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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. To view TVIH's current Village Vibe newsletter, click HERE.
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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 now by calling 410-313-6440.
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CAREAPP
Find services for food, health, housing, transportation, education, employment assistance, and more. Click HERE for info.
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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.
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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.
| A Home Of Our Own Howard is a nonprofit organization that provides furniture and household items at no cost in a timely fashion to individuals, veterans, and families in Howard County Maryland who are transitioning from homelessness. Learn more about services or how to donate volunteer HERE. |
Columbia Community Care
Free food and goods for those in need. Volunteers and donations welcome.
For food distribution dates and location and other information please visit the CCC website for details.
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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.
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Howard County Food Connections Map
Interactive tool to help you find low-cost, accessible food and nutrition resources in the County. Also find transit routes/stops. Click HERE.
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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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Howard County Residents Assistance
Info on Covid-19 resources, food assistance, housing help, social services, and more. HERE
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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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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.
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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.
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OhanaHC
Empowering Students*Building Community
At OhanaHC, we value relationships and recognize that in order to better the outcomes for our students and the community, we must come together and show up for others. Supporting OhanaHC’s mission means you understand the value and work required to successfully empower students on their journey to self-defined success while strengthening community through diverse connections, intentional partnerships, and long-term mentorship. Help us reach our goal of building a culturally affirming and equitable community that everyone can thrive in.
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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
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CA Trunk or Treat
October 26, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Columbia Sports Park
5453 Harpers Farm Road, Columbia
More info. Free, no registration required. Want to reserve a free parking spot and hand out treats? Registration link on the info page.
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Color Columbia Plein Air
October 26, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Lake Kittamaqundi & Wilde Lake
Celebrate Walktober! 55 artists + 2 lakes + countless colors = one CA kind of day. Learn more.
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CA Climate Change & Sustainability Advisory Committee Is Seeking New Members
Everyone in Columbia has a shared responsibility to protect the environment for future generations, and that’s what the Climate Change & Sustainability Advisory Committee (CCSAC) is all about. The mission of CCSAC is to advise CA on matters related to climate change. We also work with citizen groups, the Village Community Associations, and CA to enhance public knowledge and engagement around climate change and facilitate the advancement of environmental sustainability in the community.
If you have experience or training in climate change, sustainability, and/or community engagement, you might be just the kind of person the Columbia Association (CA) is seeking to join the CCSAC.
If you would like to become part of this committee, please provide a cover letter and resume that summarizes your interests and experience by November 1, 2024 to: Danielle.Tyeryar@ColumbiaAssociation.org
For more information about the committee: https://columbiaassociation.org/engage/committees/climate/
Duties include participating in monthly Committee meetings on the second Wednesday of each month from 7-8:30 PM, and other scheduled sub-committee meetings. We appreciate thoughtful contribution to discussions and a willingness to help plan and participate in Committee projects, such as community engagement initiatives and other committee events.
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CA Upgrades Online Systems
On Tuesday, November 19th, CA will be launching its new CA Portal (accessed through the CA website), followed by a launch of associated apps (for iOS and Android) on Monday, November 25th. Both are designed to provide you with the most convenient way to interact with Columbia Association. This change will make it easier to manage your membership, sign up for programs, and stay connected. Find out more.
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CA FY26 Budget
CA has kicked off engagement efforts around the annual budget, and the team wants to know what matters most to YOU! This is a great chance to provide your input around investments in our community. You can learn more about the budget process at ColumbiaAssociation.org/budget and participate in the first of three online surveys here.
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Columbia Ice Rink
Located in the Oakland Mills Village Center (5876 Thunder Hill Rd)
Visit the Columbia Ice Rink website to register for lessons, see public skate hours, etc.
Halloween Skate
October 26, 9:30 to 11:00 p.m.
More info
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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.
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Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services
What to do with your pumpkin after Halloween
First, make sure to remove all candles, lights, decorations and plastic bags.
Residents in the Feed the Green Bin program can set out their pumpkins on their collection day.
Pumpkin collection for residents who want to have their "sunken pumpkins" composted:
Robinson Nature Center
6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia
November 1 to 15
Wednesday-Saturday (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), Sunday (12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Alpha Ridge Landfill, Residents' Convenience Center
2350 Marriottsville Rd, Marriottsville
Available all year, Monday-Saturday (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Composting Demonstrations
Held throughout the year at Howard County Library branches. Download the 2024 Schedule
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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.
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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.
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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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2024 Parent’s Guide Now Available
Inside the 2024 Parent’s Guide to Howard County, readers will find information about programs that support positive family engagement. For questions, more information about available service, or if your family needs additional assistance and support, please contact the Howard County Office of Children and Family's CARE Line at 410-313-2273 today.
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2024 Howard County Resource Guide On Aging & Independence Is Now Available
The Office of Aging and Independence's annual Howard County Resource Guide contains up-to-date information about health and wellness, financial planning, legal services, housing options and more to help county residents age well and plan for their future.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Visit OMO!
One CLICK opens the door to become engaged in a community-based, multi-generational social learning environment.
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The mission of the Oakland Mills Local Leadership Team is to mobilize residents of Oakland Mills Village to build an equitable and cohesive community that helps children, youth and families thrive.
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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 free little library is open to the public. Please feel free 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.
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Need help getting fast, reliable internet?
Visit Consumer Action's fact sheets to learn about discounted internet and phone service:
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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!
| 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 Current Events and Website | | | | |