Oakland Mills eNews
July 19, 2022
Upcoming Events
CALL AHEAD or CHECK EMAILS and FACEBOOK to find out the status of meetings and events.

Our weekday hours at The Other Barn are Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Staff members work a hybrid schedule. Please call before stopping by.

Please note that the July 26, 2022 OMCA board meeting has been cancelled. We will return on August 9th.
July 21st, 7:00 p.m.

August 8th, 6:30 p.m.
OM Pool Party

August 4th, 7:00 p.m.

August 9th, 7:00 p.m.

SOLD OUT - The September Jazz in the Mills Concert featuring Ms. Lavenia Nesmith has sold out.
MASK POLICY - Masks are optional inside The Other Barn.
Contact Us!
OMCA staff is working a hybrid schedule. Before you visit The Other Barn, please contact us by email or phone to leave a message and schedule an appointment.
 
Sandy Cederbaum, Village Manager
 
Brigitta Warren, Facility and Event Coordinator 
 
Amy Carpenter, Administrative Assistant 
 
Carrie Wenholz, Covenant Advisor for Letters of Compliance

Michael Vaughn, Covenant Advisor for Exterior Alteration Applications

Karina Caico, Covenant Advisor for Property Concerns

Contact Board Members HERE.

The Other Barn Phone: 410-730-4610
(Messages only)
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.
Celebrate in our amazing space!
Rent The Other Barn!
The Other Barn is currently booking events through 2023. To view venue photos and info, please click on the button below. Tours are by appointment only.
For further questions, contact Brigitta Warren at [email protected]. Follow The Other Barn on Facebook!
Other Important Community Contact Info
Howard County Police
For emergencies, call 911
Non-emergencies: 410-313-2200
OM Community Resource Officer:
PFC Matthew Paul
Non-emergency phone: 410-313-2614
Howard County Government Website
  • Howard County Assistance page (Covid-19 emergency assistance & resources) 
  • Covid-19 County Updates HERE
Howard County Council
Oakland Mills is located in Council District 2 and represented by Opel Jones. 
  • District 1 - Liz Walsh Website 
  • District 2 - Opel Jones Website 
  • District 3 - Christiana Mercer Rigby Website 
  • District 4 - Deb Jung Website 
  • District 5 - David Yungmann Website 
New to the neighborhood? Welcome hOMto Oakland Mills! We'd love to virtually welcome you to OM. Email [email protected] and we'll send you all of the great info you need to feel right at hOMe!
ATTENTION!
Columbia Association will be doing repairs and painting to the Whiteacre and Mirrorlight tunnels beginning July 18th. The tunnels will be closed during the repairs. Signs have been posted. Thank you for your understanding!
CA will be doing drainage and pipe repairs behind the Stevens Forest Pool and Clearsmoke Court in the next few weeks.
Oakland Mills Board of Directors
Board News

Welcome Back Lynn Engelke!
We are pleased to announce that the OMCA Board voted unanimously for Lynn-Steven Engelke to rejoin the Board. Lynn will be serving as Architectural Committee Chair. Welcome back, Lynn!

The OMCA Board meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 7:00 p.m. Meetings will continue to be held virtually until further notice. (Click date for link.)

Upcoming OMCA Board Meetings

Agendas for upcoming board meetings are posted four days prior on this page. Past board meeting minutes can also be found on this page. 
 
To contact the OM Board click here.
OMCA Committees
OMCA Education Committee
Meets virtually on Zoom the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m.
Next meeting: August 23rd (no July meeting)

OMCA Public Space Committee
Meets virtually on Zoom the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Next meeting: August 16th (no July meeting)
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: July 21st

Info/list of applications will be posted three days in advance of the meeting HERE.
Architectural Covenant Processes
For 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 $25 at The Other Barn Monday through Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Property Concerns
If you have a concern about your property or another in Oakland Mills, please email Karina Caico, Covenant Advisor for Property Concerns, at: [email protected].

CA's Rain Garden Cost Share Program is up and running again. Click HERE for more info.
Oakland Mills Pool Party
OM Pool Party
Monday, August 8th
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Tickets available starting July 11th

Tickets are free! Email [email protected] to reserve. Tickets will not be available at The Other Barn. Advanced tickets only.

Anyone ages 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. More info.
Prepare for Success School Supply Donation Drive
Howard County Bike Lane Project Update and Survey
A virtual public meeting was held on July 13th to review potential bike lane additions on these road segments as they are resurfaced in fiscal year 2023:
  • Thunder Hill Rd from Lightning View Rd to MD 108
  • Hickory Ridge Rd from Little Patuxent Pkwy to Cedar Ln
  • Old Montgomery Rd from MD 108 to University Blvd
  • Twin Rivers Rd from Harpers Farm Rd to Jason Ln

Click the button below to view a recording of the meeting as well as materials from the presentation. There is also a link to the survey, which is open until July 27th if you'd like to provide input.
Oakland Mills Farmers Market
Howard County Farmers Market in Oakland Mills
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Oakland Mills Village Center

A variety of products available, including fresh produce, baked items, and more. Come enjoy both the shopping and seeing your OM neighbors!
OMHS Food Pantry Donations at The Other Barn
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.
County & Statewide Vaccination Info
Need to replace, print, or view your Covid-19 vaccination card? Visit the Maryland Department of Health’s “Maryland MyIR” website.
Summer News from OM Schools
A Message from TSES Principal Nancy Thompson
July 13, 2022

Thank you to the residents of Thunder Hill Road, Whiteacre Road and Basket Ring Road for your patience as the process of demolishing the former Talbott Springs Elementary School building and the work of milling the front and sides of the school continues. 

The new Talbott Springs Elementary School will open in August 2022 as a well deserved beautiful new school building in our neighborhood. I appreciate the support of the Oakland Mills Village Association Board of Directors during this moment of challenge and hope.

Have a safe and enjoyable summer!
Nancy Thompson, Principal
Talbott Springs Elementary School
Available at Oakland Mills Middle School and other locations
Weekdays, June 27th through August 12th*
12:30 to 2:00 p.m.
Free for any child age 18 and under.
No applications, enrollment, or fees required.
*Closed on non-school days, including July 4th and July 19th

Effective Monday, July 18, 2022, the following changes have been made to the HCPSS Free Summer Meal Service:
  • All summer meals can be eaten off site.
  • Parents/guardians are allowed to collect meals to go for their children.
  • Children need not be present to receive summer meals
  • Multiple meals can be collected on Mondays for 3 days and on Thursdays for 2 days for pick up only at all locations except the Howard County Library System East Columbia Branch.
  • Hot meals will continue to be served daily at all open site locations.

Reminder! There will be no meal service when schools are closed on Tuesday, July 19th for the primary elections.
Community Events
Wilde Lake Children’s Nursery: Lead Teacher/Director Needed
Seeking an experienced, self-motivated, full time Lead Teacher/Director for the 2022-2023 school year. WLCN is a dynamic co-op learning environment that focuses on play-based learning, parent involvement, and small class sizes for children ages 2-4 years. Please email [email protected] for the full list of responsibilities and requirements, and to submit resumes.
Hooked on Fishing
July 27th, 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Jackson Pond in Long Reach
The Long Reach Community Association and CA are teaming up with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to provide a free fishing tutorial geared for children ages 8-15. Find out more HERE.
2022 National Night Out: August 2nd
Kick-off event at Long Reach High School
August 2nd, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
More info. Register your community for a block event HERE (priority deadline has now passed).
The Meeting House Gallery Exhibit: Emergence
Now through July 30th
Gallery Hours: Monday through Friday,
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Hours vary on weekends
5885 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia
Bernice Kish Gallery - Coming Soon:
"The Promise" by COL, Alfred Biegel, USA (Retired)
Exhibit: Now through August 12th
Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House 
2022 Lakefront Activities and Performances
Visit the CA section below to learn more about this year's Lakefront Fest. Lots of fun to be had!
Live Events at The Chrysalis
Click HERE.
Candlelight Concert Series
Click HERE.
Howard County Community College Concert Series
Click HERE.
Rep Stage Professional Theatre
Click HERE.
Slayton House Summer Camps
Find out more and register your child HERE.
St. Louis Church Concert Series
Click HERE.
Workshops & Activities for Families
Visit the Howard County Office of Children & Families' newsletter to find out about upcoming workshops and activities as well as parenting tips.
Services & Volunteer Opportunities
Gilchrist Volunteer Training
August 24th & 31st
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Gilchrist Center, Howard County
6336 Cedar Lane, Columbia
See flier for more info. Gilchrist website.
Howard County Now Accepting Moderate Income Housing Unit Applications
Deadline: July 29th, 4:00 p.m.
Find out more HERE.
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. July Newsletter
Howard County Office on Aging & Independence July Newsletter
OMHS Food Pantry
Next Distribution Date:
July 27th, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
For pick up procedures and info on donating, click HERE. Donations can also be dropped of at The Other Barn Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. More info.
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 ProgramFor more information and step-by-step instructions to complete an application click HERE or contact the CARE Line at 410-313-2273 or [email protected].
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.
Columbia Community Care
Free food and goods for those in need. Volunteers and donations welcome.
The distribution site has returned to Oakland Mills Middle School for the summer (Saturday 10 a.m. to noon). Other locations are also available. Please visit the CCC website for details. For more info, click HERE.
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.
Howard County Residents Assistance
Info on Covid-19 resources, food assistance, housing help, social services, and more. HERE
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 [email protected] or call 410-740-7601.
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.
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.
More info: EnglishSpanish
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.
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center
6700 Freetown Road, Columbia
Call: 410-531-6677 or 410-531-6006 
24 Hour Hotline: Dial 211 
Telephone counseling, free walk-in counseling, emergency shelter for the homeless, a 24-hour suicide hotline, Mobile Crisis Team, and a Runaway Teen Program that provides crisis intervention for runaway youth and their families. All services are free. Marylanders with mental health or substance use issues are encouraged to "Call 211 and Press One" to reach help.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace Beds for Children in Need
Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a charity that builds beds for kids who don't have their own. If your child or a child you know is sleeping on the floor, a sofa, an air mattress, or with other siblings or parents, you can request a bed by visiting www.shpbeds.org/request-bed or emailing [email protected]. SHP delivers the bunks/single beds along with new mattresses, pillows, sheets, and comforters.
Columbia Association News & Events
CA Headquarters & Member Services Office
Please call or email. Most CA staff work remotely and the CA Member Service Center is accessible by phone.  
6310 Hillside Court
Columbia, MD 21046
CA main number: 410-715-3000
Member Services number: 410-730-1801

CA Pool News
All CA pools are now open!
Guide to CA Pools
Find out more about what's happening at CA pools with Your Guide to CA Pools.
Come out to Lakefront Live! 

CA is bringing back all of your favorites – like movies, local music acts and Dancin’ Under The People Tree. Plus, you’re invited to a new series of internationally-recognized acts produced by the Columbia Festival of the Arts, celebrating the incredible diversity we enjoy here in Columbia. Plus, some of your favorite local restaurants are curating food and drink menus curated exclusively for these headline events. Visit LakefrontLive.org for a full schedule.
Spotlight on Columbia
CA now has a monthly newsletter about developmental projects in Columbia. July newsletter.
Columbia Conversations
The team at Columbia Association wants to talk to you about what you love about Columbia, what you don't, why you're here, and what you'd like to see.

Learn more at ColumbiaConversation.org.
CA Yards Alive
Yards Alive! is an exciting program established to educate by CA's Climate & Sustainability Committee and Oakland Mills residents about more sustainable landscaping practices. Oakland Mills is the location of the first pilot program. Visit the Yards Alive! Blog to learn more about the program and about ways you can improve your little square of paradise. The Yards Alive! blog has articles written by your Oakland Mills neighbors.
house-fence.jpg
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: [email protected].
Youth and Teen Center @ The Barn
Phone: 410-992-3726
Teen Center Director: Rene Buckmon, [email protected]
Other Resources/Info
Howard County Recycling
Backyard Composting Demonstrations
University of Maryland Extension offers several composting demonstrations throughout the year. Click HERE to see the full schedule.
County Water Main Break Notifications
Click HERE to find how to receive notifications.
Need help getting fast, reliable internet?
Visit Consumer Action's fact sheets to learn about discounted internet and phone service:
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.
Visit OMO!
One CLICK opens the door to become engaged in a community-based, multi-generational social learning environment.
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. 
Howard County Public Library
The Howard County Library System is open for in-person services!

Visit the Howard County Public Library website to access virtual educational resources & events and more.
Little Free Library at The Other Barn
While we are away...
The free little library is open to the public. While our OM librarian is away please feel free to continue 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.
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! 

Oakland Mills Merchants ~ Our merchants are all open and appreciate your patronage!

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 website
Please remember to pick up after your pet! More folks than ever are using our beautiful paths. Please don't leave anything behind.