Oakland Mills Community Association

Important news & info about the community in which we live.

Board News

Upcoming OMCA Board Meetings

• January 13
• January 27

For meeting agendas and past board meeting minutes, click HERE. 

To contact the OM Board click here.

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

OMCA Open Space Advisory Committee

For community members who are interested in the current and future use of CA's open space.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 14th, 7:00 p.m. at The Other Barn

OMCA Housing Committee

Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 7th, 7:00 p.m. at The Other Barn

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.

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

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: January 8

Info/list of applications will be posted three days in advance of the meeting HERE.

applications@oaklandmills.org

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

All Hands on Deck!

The Oakland Mills Resident Architecture Committee Seeks New Members!

What Is The RAC?

The Resident Architecture Committee (RAC) is a volunteer committee comprised of Oakland Mills residents. The RAC reviews Exterior Alteration Applications and recommends what action should be taken regarding the applications. The RAC is a recommending body only. All recommendations are forwarded to the Oakland Mills Architecture committee for final decisions.

When Does the RAC Meet?

The RAC meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Meetings average about 2 hours. The RAC currently meet virtually over zoom and find this to be an easy and inclusive way to meet. Those interested in joining the RAC should be available on both of these meeting nights.

The time commitment for RAC members is to attend the two monthly meetings AND to make site visits prior to the meeting. Site visits are visits to the properties that have submitted applications. Site visits can take about one hour in the week prior to the meeting. Each RAC member is allowed (by nature of the covenants) to enter onto the exterior of a property in Oakland Mills for the purpose of a RAC site visit. RAC members have a photo badge to carry with them. Site visits do not need to be scheduled in advance and RAC members can make visits when their schedule permits. All exterior alterations are on the outside of the residence and property only.

What Experience is Necessary to be on the RAC?

Contrary to popular belief there is no experience necessary to be a member of the RAC.

However, this is an important volunteer position and we are looking for residents who have a willingness to become familiar with Oakland Mills legal documents which include the Architectural Guidelines and Architectural Covenants as well as the Exterior Alteration Application process.  

RAC members must be openminded and view each application on its merits based on covenants and guidelines. RAC members need to put personal opinions aside when serving on this committee. We understand that this can be a challenge when making decision in in our own cOMmunity but it is important to point out.

Who Leads the RAC

Currently the RAC has three members and we would like to expand to five. The committee is lead by a committee chairperson and organized by the Oakland Mills Covenant Advisor for Applications. Each member of the RAC is a voting member when making recommendations.  

What the RAC Does NOT Do

The RAC does not get involved in any covenant violation issues. Those are handled by our Covenant Advisor for Property Concerns and Architecture Committee.  

RAC members do not need to be the "architectural spokesperson" for issues relating to exterior alterations or covenant related issues. These issues are handled by our Architecture committee, Board of Directors, and Oakland Mills staff.

I'm Interested in the RAC! How Can I Get More Information?

Those interested should start by contacting Michael Vaughn, Covenant Advisor for Applications at applications@oaklandmills.org 

Prior to becoming covenant advisor, Mike was chair of the RAC for 20 years and can provide a great overview of what the volunteer job entails.  

All prospective RAC member must attend three RAC meeting and make site visits with a current RAC member for all three meetings. Prospective members meet with the RAC and Covenant Advisor and the RAC then makes a recommendation to the Oakland Mills Board. The OMCA Board will either approve or disapprove of the membership.

Oakland Mills Community Association

oaklandmills.org

410-730-4610

See updates from our Columbia Council Representative, Karin Emery. Click the button below to see her newsletter archives.

The State of Maryland and Howard County have brought new legislation involving Accessory Dwelling Units. The issue is concerning since such legislation would affect density in Columbia villages and could possibly conflict with village covenants. The subject is also being addressed by the New Town Taskforce, with proposed changes to New Town zoning. Read the OMCA Board's letter regarding the New Town Zoning taskforce and OM's Columbia Council Representative Karin Emery's explanation in her recent November newsletter.

The County will host a webinar on ADUs in January. If you'd like to learn more about current ADU regulations, recent or proposed changes to the law, and what these proposed changes may mean for homeowners and neighborhoods, attend the County's ADU Webinar on January 12 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Following the informational session, DPZ staff will host a question-and-answer session; attendees are asked to submit their questions in advance to DPZ to planning@howardcountymd.gov by no later than Thursday, January 8th.

Register for the ADU Webinar

Howard County's ADU Info Webpage

Merriweather Symphony of Lights

Now through January 3, 2026

Merriweather Post Pavilion

10475 Little Patuxent Parkway

More info

Howard County Holiday Lights Map

Want to see some holiday lights but don't know where to find them? See the HoCo Holiday Lights map. Owners who would like to list their own light shows can also submit their properties to the map.

HoCo 2025 Kwanzaa Celebration

December 27, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Harriet Tubman Cultural Center

8045 Harriet Tubman Lane, Columbia

Come experience the richness of Kwanzaa's traditions through family-friendly activities, inspirational speakers, live performances, cultural performances, refreshments, and engaging community discussions in a joyful atmosphere. Registration is required and ends soon. More info & registration

Howard County Community Seed Library - Pick up seeds for your garden

December 27, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Miller Library Branch

9421 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City

More info 

HoCo Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration

January 18, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Howard Community College

Horowitz Center Smith Theatre

Campus Drive, Columbia

This family-friendly celebration will include performances by diverse community groups, and recognition of the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Living the Dream” award recipients and student essay, oratory, and poster contest winners. Reserve your spot

Cookie Decorating Workshop

January 23, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Stonehouse (Long Reach Community Association)

6110 Foreland Garth, Columbia

$40 per person. More info & tickets

Howard County Child Care Fair

January 24, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

East Columbia 50+ Center

6610 Cradlerock Way, Columbia

This event brings together early care program staff and community resources, giving Howard County parents a convenient opportunity to explore preschools, child care options, and local support services—all in one location. View the flier in English or Spanish for more information. Register now to attend.

Howard County Seed Drive

January 24, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Miller Library Branch

9421 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City

Learn, share, and take part in free demonstrations and workshops:

• Backyard Composting demonstration
• Winter Seed Sowing demonstration
• Tool Swap
• Ask-a-Master Gardener
• Bay-Wise sustainable gardening
• Workshops 

The Seed Drive is in partnership with: University of Maryland Extension - Master Gardeners, Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services, Community Ecology Institute @ Freetown Farm, Yards Alive! More info

Community Ecology Institute Programs Registration

Registration is open for seasonal and yearlong memberships for the following CEI programs:

• Families in Nature
• Green Seeds Internship
• Nourishing Gardens

Howard County Recreation & Parks

Find info on upcoming events, activities, sports, and more. Recreation & Parks' 2025 Fall Activities Guide is now available ONLINE. Online registration is open now.

Spot a Pothole? Tell HoCo!

If you notice a pothole, damaged sign, or other roadway issue after a storm, report it on Tell HoCo. Your report helps our crews respond quickly and keep our roads clear and safe all season long.

Snow Removal & Emergency Vehicles/Snow Plow Road Access

It’s that time of year again to prepare for wintry precipitation and make sure that you have all the tools that you may need to get through a snowy day. When snow falls, it is the responsibility of the property owners for clearing all sidewalks that abut their property.

Please refrain from parking on streets after snowfall, especially on a cul-de-sac because it makes snow removal nearly impossible for highway crews. Parking in one’s driveway allows police officers, firefighters, and paramedics to respond quickly to public safety tasks while driving in treacherous conditions and leads to quick and complete clearing of the roads.

The Bureau of Highways provides access for emergency vehicles during life-threatening individual emergencies such as birth, illness, death, fuel deliveries, or fire upon the request of either the Police Department or the Department of Fire and Rescue Services. If you are experiencing an emergency situation during a snow event, call 911 immediately.

CA is offering free "Salt Smart" mugs to help you know how much salt to use on your sidewalk/driveway:

• Columbia Ice Rink: Monday, December 29 from 12-2pm
• Supreme Sports Club: Tuesday, December 30 from 9-11am
• Columbia Athletic Club: Monday, January 5 from 9-11am

Here are some useful links for more information:

CA's Tips for Salting Your Sidewalk/Driveway

Bureau of Highways Snow Removal Guide

Howard County School Closings

Space Heaters

According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), two in five deaths in space heater fires involve portable electric heaters. With space heaters contributing the most to home heating equipment fires and colder temperatures here, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) is reminding residents to NEVER use an extension cord to power a space heater, instead ALWAYS plug it directly into a socket. Also, be sure to keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from the heating source. For more information about space heater safety, visit the NFPA's “Electric Portable Space Heater Safety” website or contact DFRS at 410-313-6000.

Hydrate Live Christmas Trees

According to the NFPA, between 2019 and 2023, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 145 home fires per year that started with Christmas trees. While Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are much more likely to be serious. To protect your family and property this holiday, DFRS is reminding residents to water your Christmas tree DAILY and offering up these Christmas Tree Safety tips.

Keep Pipes from Freezing

With winter underway and below freezing temperatures already making themselves known, DPW’s Bureau of Utilities is offering residents tips on how to keep pipes from freezing and potentially bursting. These tips are especially important for water pipes located in a crawlspace or on an outside wall, or garage, attic or any other unheated building, which are subject to sub-freezing temperatures. 

If your pipes do freeze, the Bureau recommends opening the cold-water faucet nearest the frozen pipe to relieve pressure. Then, use a gentle heat source, such as a light bulb or hair dryer, to thaw the pipe. DO NOT use an open flame.  

To learn more, check out Utilities’ “Water Pipes - Cold Weather Best Practices” website.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
(Including Veterans Crisis Line and Spanish language help)

The holidays can be joyful, but they can also feel isolating for many people. If you or someone you love is feeling lonely, overwhelmed, or in crisis this season, you’re not alone. Help is available 24/7.

Marylanders experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can call or text 988 to connect with trained counselors. Veterans and their loved ones can call 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.

Press 2 for Spanish. Wait times vary. More information can be found on 988's What to Expect and FAQ pages.

Volunteer with Luminus: Standby Guardianship Clinics Launching Soon

Luminus is excited to announce the upcoming launch of our Standby Guardianship Drafting Clinics along with some amazing community partners, starting in December 2025. These clinics will help immigrant families prepare essential legal plans to protect their children in times of crisis, such as detention or deportation. Learn more at https://standbyguardian.org/ 

Volunteers Needed! You do not need to be an attorney. Anyone with compassion and a willingness to help can volunteer and no legal background is required! We also welcome attorneys and legal professionals to join us. All volunteers will receive virtual training prior to the clinics, so you'll be well-prepared to make a difference. Sign up: https://l.ead.me/luminusvolunteer.

Can't volunteer? Donate!

Need Housing Help?

The Howard County Department of Housing & Community Development plays a vital role in helping residents overcome housing barriers. From connecting families to housing options to supporting case managers, the Housing Navigators in DHCD ensure that residents facing homelessness or housing instability have a path forward.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a housing crisis, complete a Housing Assessment through the Grassroots Hotline by calling 410-531-6677 or reach out to DHCD for resources and solutions by emailing housing@howardcountymd.gov. 

OMHS Food Pantry

Next distribution day: January 28, 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.

CA Headquarters & Member Services Office

6310 Hillside Court

Columbia, MD 21046

CA main number: 410-715-3000

Member Services number: 410-730-1801

Columbia Association Website

Columbia Association's Facebook Page

Secure your summer job now with CA Aquatics. Poolside work, flexible hours, great people and free training. Apply at ColumbiaAssociation.org/careers.

South Entrance Trail Easement Request
Public Pathway & Utility Easement

Howard County is requesting an easement to facilitate construction of the South Entrance Trail, as shown in the Downtown Columbia Plan, aimed at enhancing pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. The project involves the construction of a new trail segment that will improve access and mobility in the area, particularly supporting active transportation options like walking and biking.

You can view the presentation given by Howard County during the public meeting for the South Entrance Trail Easement Request that was held last week. If you would like to submit questions, comments, or letters of support for the easement request, please click here. All substantive comments will receive written responses, and the full set of public input will be included in the Board of Directors' meeting documents, which is posted publicly on CA's website prior to the Board's vote. Updates related to this easement request can be found by visiting the South Entrance Trail Update Page.

Updates related to all projects taking place in the open space by visiting the Project and Access Dashboard.

CA FY27 Budget Process

Throughout the entire process, residents and members are welcome to participate in Resident Speakout, which happens at the start of every Board meeting. Those meetings are also live streamed and recorded on YouTube.

Columbia Ice Rink

Visit the Ice Rink's webpage to learn about lessons, hockey, public skate sessions, and more!

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. 

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.

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.

AI: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

From the HoCo Office of Consumer Protection

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing many aspects of daily life. Unfortunately, AI is turbocharging the scam industry, making scams more personalized and harder to detect. The evolution of AI means that traditional red flags are disappearing, making human vigilance and advanced detection tools more crucial than ever. 

The Good:

• Comparison shopping for best deals.
• Chat bots to help with FAQs and avoid phone trees and hold times
• Efficiency or decision-making support
• Automation

The Bad:

AI can be used to mimic and imitate legitimate businesses, celebrities, or your family members.

• Create websites that look, feel and operate like real businesses; but without the products they claim to sell.
• Create copycat websites for major brands, sometimes as a pop up “injection scam."
• Remove common red flags of scams like grammar, syntax, or poor connection excuses for no video calls.
• Data used to build AI could result in biased results or hallucinations.
• Dependency risks and negative impacts to mental health and education.

The Ugly:

With AI organized crime syndicates can:

• Create social engineering scams tailor made for YOU using your online presence.
• Use apps to change the voice or appearance of the speaker to look like anyone (even celebrities) or sound like your family member to get money or information.
• Turbocharge the ability to operate multiple scams at once, or to create new ones using the news cycle.

For more information: AARP Fraud Prevention Network offers educational material and trainings to help people recognize scams.

How to Protect Yourself in an AI World 

• Don’t click on links in unexpected emails or texts.  
• Be wary if you are directed to an encrypted messaging platform like WhatsApp, WeChat, etc.
• Study the website address closely to be sure it’s not imitation. This is harder to do on mobile devices.
• Don’t “close the deal” on unexpected phone calls, especially if they don’t let you hang up. That is still a red flag of a scam.
• Remember three words: Pause, Question, and Protect (your money and information).

HoCo Reinvest Renovate Restore: Help with Urgent Home Repairs

Howard County has enhanced the transformational Reinvest Renovate Restore (RRR) Program to better serve residents with urgent home repair needs.

RRR offers financial assistance to help Howard County residents make critical home repairs that improve safety, health, and accessibility. This could include fixing broken plumbing, installing new windows, or replacing outdated electrical systems.

Through the Opportunities for Wealth Building Now (OWN) initiative announced in 2024, RRR's program has been enhanced to expand access by:

• Lowering interest rates (0–2%, based on income)
• Increasing award maximums up to $50,000
• Establishing flexible repayment terms up to 30 years
• Offering loan forgiveness options for qualifying households

These changes are already making a difference. In FY2025 alone, the RRR program helped nearly as many homeowners as in the previous eight years combined.

To learn more or apply, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/DHCD-RRR.

Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services

No curbside collections December 25 & January 1. Holiday slide schedules in effect. Alpha Ridge landfill closed.

How to Recycle Holiday Lights

Not sure what to do with those broken or working holidays lights that just you don't want anymore? Check out these quick tips from our Department of Public Works' Bureau of Environmental Services about how to donate your working holiday lights and how to recycle your broken strands through these drop-off and mail-in programs. 

Please keep in mind, holiday lights should NOT be placed in your curbside recycling as these "tanglers" get wrapped around recycling equipment and jam the screens at the processor.

These items DO NOT go in your recycling bin:

• Ribbons and bows from packages
• Styrofoam
• Plastic packaging
• Foil-type gift wrap (do the tear test! If it doesn't tear easily, it is not recyclable)
• String lights (here are options for light recycling)
• Holiday cards with batteries - batteries must be properly disposed

Merry Mulch Holiday Tree Recycling

December 26 through January 17

More info

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. 

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

Howard County Department of Public Works Construction Projects Map: Click HERE.

Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administrations Project Portal: Click HERE.

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

2025 Parent’s Guide Now Available

Inside the 2025 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.

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.

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.

Howard County Public Library

Visit the Howard County Public Library website to access virtual educational resources & events and more.

Little Free Library at The Other Barn

The Little Free is now open! Take a book, leave a book. Happy reading!

Need help getting fast, reliable internet?

Visit Consumer Action's fact sheets to learn about discounted internet and phone service:

• Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program: Discounted phone and internet for low-income households
• Getting Up to Speed: Broadband internet for low-income households
• Low-income Broadband Plans

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!

• 7-Eleven 410-730-3520
• HipHop Fish & Chicken 443-542-2082
• Lucky's China Inn 410-997-5454
• Oakland Mills Liquor Store 410-97-0932
• Metro PCS
• Pizzaman 410-992-9553
• Sams Mart 410-992-0300
• LA Mart 443-864-4244
• Dunkin' 443-715-1389
• Talento Latino Salon 443-545-5067
• El Gran Sabor 443-258-9975
• Laundry Force Laundromat 443-545-506
• Philly's Best Pizza & Subs 410-715-9595
• Bamyan Halal Meat & Grocery 410-801-5664

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

Donations always needed! To support HCDrugFree's mission, please visit hcdrugfree.org/donate or mail a check to: HC DrugFree, 5305 Village Center Drive, Suite 206, Columbia, MD 21044

A candle is a small thing. But one candle can light another. And see how its own light increases, as a candle gives its flame to the other. You are such a light.

— Moshe Davis