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Oakland Mills Community Association | Important news & info about the community in which we live. | |
Note: due to the busy holiday schedule and winter break, OM School Happenings will also take a break and be back in January. | |
Upcoming Events
CALL AHEAD or CHECK EMAILS and FACEBOOK to find out the status of meetings and events.
| The OMCA offices and The Other Barn will be closed Tuesday, December 24 through Wednesday, January 1 and will reopen Thursday, January 2 at 10:00 a.m. | |
December 19, 7:00 p.m.
RAC Meeting
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January 2, 7:00 p.m.
RAC Meeting
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January 14, 7:00 p.m.
OMCA Board Meeting
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January 16, 7:00 p.m.
RAC Meeting
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January 21, 7:00 p.m.
Tenant Committee Meeting
Public Space Committee Meeting
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Save the Date! March 16, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Jazz in the Mills: Antonio Parker Group, featuring Sendy Brown
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Office Hours:
The OMCA offices and The Other Barn will be closed Tuesday, December 24 through Wednesday, January 1 and will reopen Thursday, January 2 at 10:00 a.m.
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 2026. 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
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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.
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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.
Howard County Holiday Closings
For a complete of closings, click 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 | |
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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 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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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: January 21 (no meeting in December)
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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: January 21
If you'd like to register to attend online, click HERE.
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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: December 19
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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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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Jazz in the Mills: Antonio Parker Group, Featuring Sendy Brown | |
OMHS Food Pantry Donations | |
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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 | |
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Seasonal Flu Vaccine
Flu season is upon us! 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 | |
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2024 HoCo Holiday Lights Map
Want to know where to find the most festive holiday light displays in Howard County? Visit the interactive map to find out locations and info . Or register your own light display.
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Columbia Housing Center Neighborhood Poster Reprints
Artist Gail Holliday was hired by James Rouse in 1967 to create art for Columbia as it was developed. Holliday created the 25 "Poster Trees" that sit along Lake Kittamuqundi. In partnership with the artist, Columbia Housing Center has created reprints of these iconic designs that are now available for purchase and are on sale through 12/31! Visit https://bit.ly/chcstorefront and use discount code TENOFFGH to get 10% off your reprint purchase! Local pickup or delivery is available as late as 12/24/24 for holiday gifts!
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Howard County Office of Children and Families Child Care Fair
January 25, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
East Columbia 50+ Center
6610 Cradlerock Way, Columbia
Parents of young children have an opportunity to learn about preschools, child care programs, and community resources in a single location. More info & registration
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Howard County Recreation & Parks
Find info on upcoming events, camps, activities, sports, and more.
Winter Activity Guide Now Available
If you haven’t heard, Recreation & Parks’ 2025 Winter Activity Guide is now available online! With hundreds of great programs, activities and events to choose from, there is something for everyone to help chase those winter blues away.
Remember, online registration for Howard County residents begins this Wednesday, December 4th at 6:00 p.m., with in-person, over-the-phone and mail-in beginning the following day at 8:00 a.m.
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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
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Services & Volunteer Opportunities | |
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Donate Blood!
December 23, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Kahler Hall Ballroom
Old Tucker Row, Columbia
More info and signup
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Howard County Office of Consumer Protection
Have a consumer question or need assistance? Contact the Howard County Office of Consumer Protection at 410-313-6420 (voice/relay) or email consumer@howardcountymd.gov. For assistance in Korean, Chinese or Spanish, call 410-313-3820. If you have a consumer issue or landlord-tenant dispute that you cannot solve on your own, file a complaint online in English, Korean, Mandarin or Spanish. Toward the bottom of the website, you can also subscribe to the office's e-newsletters for helpful tips on consumer issues, including avoiding scams.
December 2024 Newsletter
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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
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 | | |
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Festive Fridays
One more Festive Friday left! The next one is the Cocktail Crawl (for adults ages 21+).
December 20, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Downtown Columbia Lakefront
10275 Wincopin Circle, Columbia
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Adventure Day for Kids & Teens
December 23, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
CA KidSpace at CA Fitness Facilities
When schools are out, join us for a day of games, arts and crafts, swimming, roller skating (SSC only), and hours of fun active play! You don't have to be a CA or KidSpace member to join!
Pizza lunch is also included.
Register online today at your local CA fitness club.
Adventure Day not always offered at every CA fitness club location at each day. Please check the Adventure Day home page for pricing and locations.
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Lifeguard Water Screening
Ready to dive into a new opportunity? Applications are now open for new lifeguards, lesson instructors and assistant coaches!
The first step in the process is to submit an online application.
The second step is to pass a water screening. Preregister by calling the Aquatics Office at 410-312-6332. Water screenings will take place at the Columbia Swim Center and include a 200-yard swim (8 lengths), retrieving a 10-pound brick from the diving well (feet first) and treading water for two minutes. Successful candidates will be invited to a group interview.
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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.
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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.
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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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Winter Home Safety Tips
It's wintertime, which means increased risk for fires and other hazards inside homes. Here are a some tips to help keep your home safe:
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Space heaters: make sure space heaters are plugged directly into wall electrical outlets, and DO NOT use an extension cord. Ensure that items are kept at least three feet away from space heaters (this rule also applies to fireplaces, wood stoves, and radiators). Plug only ONE heat-producing appliance into an electrical outlet at a time (including space heaters). Download the Electric Portable Space Heater Safety Flyer for more info.
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Christmas trees: if you have a real (live) tree, remember to water your tree. Dry trees are highly combustible. Watch the video and find out more.
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Generators: keep portable generators outside and far away from your home and windows.
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Carbon Monoxide Alarms: make sure you have at least one in your house, and test all CO alarms ONCE A MONTH.
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Chimneys and Vents: have qualified professional check chimneys and vents every year.
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Ashes: Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container, and keep it outside at least 10 feet from your home and any nearby buildings.
See more info at the National Fire Protection Association website.
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Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services
No Curbside Pickup for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-Ion batteries and any device that contains a lithium-ion battery should NEVER be placed out for curbside trash or recycling collection. These batteries and devices are considered hazardous and have unfortunately contributed to fires at the County’s Alpha Ridge Landfill and inside our curbside collection trucks.
Help keep our workers safe by correctly and properly disposing of your lithium-ion batteries and devices containing them. To learn how, check out the Bureau’s "Battery Recycling" poster or contact the office at 410-313-6444 or email help@howardcountyrecycles.org.
There will be NO CURBSIDE COLLECTIONS on December 25 and January 1. Curbside collections will slide those weeks and be made one day later. Saturday collections will not slide.
Recycle your broken holiday lights
Have you started pulling out holiday decorations and noticed some broken lights? Don't toss them! There are drop-off and mail-in recycling opportunities for these broken lights:
Drop-off Recycling
Mail-in Recycling
HolidayLED.com offers a mail-in recycling program and coupons for new lights!
Merry Mulch Free Holiday Tree Recycling Program: December 26 through January 18. More info
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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. | |
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 currently under construction. We hope to have it up and ready for use by the spring.
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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 | | | | |
