Volume V | Issue XII | December 2023
George Howard Building | 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: (410) 313-2001 | Email: ojones@howardcountymd.gov
Howard County Holiday Information
Please be advised that the County Council offices will be closed on Monday, December 25th, in observance of the Christmas holiday. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, December 26th, starting from 8:00 AM.
Please be advised that the County Council offices will be closed on Monday, January 1st, in observance of the New Year holiday. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, January 2nd starting from 8:00 AM.
Community Events
Howard County Holiday Lights Map: Residents and visitors can continue the beloved holiday tradition to walk or drive around neighborhoods and view the festive holiday lights.


Those wanting to share their display are encouraged to register as early as possible.

To put your home, business, or community holiday lights display on the map, click here

If you have any questions or issues registering your holiday display, please contact:
For a complete list of programs and activities across Howard County visit:
For more information and to get your tickets click here
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball will hold his first Residents’ Budget Hearing for the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget cycle on Monday, December 11th at 6 PM. This year’s budget hearing will be held virtually and can be watched live from the Howard County Council’s streaming website: https://cc.howardcountymd.gov/watch-us.

Residents wanting to speak at the hearing, can sign-up ONLINE at www.howardcountymd.gov/budgettestimony. Speakers must sign-up individually, and one person may not sign-up for several testifiers.

Additionally, individual testimony is limited to three minutes and group testimony is limited to five. Speakers who have a document or record they wish to submit with their testimony are asked to email the file to budgettestimony@howardcountymd.gov, with “BUDGET TESTIMONY” in the subject line.

From the same link above, residents can also submit online budget testimony. Please keep in mind, internet testimony is considered public information and, as such, is subject to the Maryland Public Information Act.
Oakland Mills
Upcoming Meetings 

The next Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday December 12th, 7 PM (Hybrid)

For more information, click here

OMCA staff is working a hybrid schedule. Before you visit The Other Barn, please contact OMCA by email or phone to leave a message and schedule an appointment.

For more information contact, Brigitta Warren, Village Manager at manager@oaklandmills.org 
Breakfast Snacks with Santa | Saturday, December 2nd
Gingerbread House Decorating | Wednesday, December 13th
Holiday Lights in the Courtyard | Saturday, December 16th
OMHS Food Pantry Donations
at The Other Barn 

Monday - Thursday between the hours from 10 AM to 3 PM

The OMHS Food Pantry is taking donations at The Other Barn.

Click here to see a list of items needed. 
Long Reach
Upcoming Meetings
  
Board of Directors
The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 5th at 7:30 PM.

For more information, click here

Stonehouse is open by appointment only!

For more information contact, Tina Addo, Village Manager at info@longreach.org
Weed Warriors Plant Clean-Up | Saturday, December 2nd
Weed Warriors Invasive Plant Clean-Ups 
 
Meet up to pull invasive plants and weeds from an area in the Long Reach Village. 

Know before you go: 
  • Wear long pants and long sleeves
  • Bug repellent recommended
  • Bring your favorite gardening gloves and pruners or loppers 
  • Masks will be required during interactions

Please sign in with a Weed Warrior Leader in a yellow vest when you arrive. 

REGISTRATION - Click here

Organized by the Long Reach Watershed Advisory Committee and the Long Reach Community Association. 
Upcoming Weed Warrior Event:
Saturday, December 2nd
9 - 11 AM
Open Space Area between Blue pool & Flamepool (park on Flamepool- meet by star on map) – Mainly Vine Cutting 
Gingerbread House Decorating Event
Wednesday, December 13th from 2 - 4 PM
Join Long Reach for a fun afternoon of holiday cheer! Enjoy decorating gingerbread houses but leave the planning, preparing, and cleaning to the Long Reach team!

Each registration (up to four people) receives one gingerbread house to decorate with all the needed supplies. This activity is great for all ages – families, couples, friends, or just you! All children must be accompanied by an adult. Unfortunately, due to the nature of this program, we are unable to accommodate food allergies.

$20/house (up to 4 people per house)
For tickets, visit LRCA.Eventbrite.com
"Trashy Hour" | Sunday, December 17th
Howard County Resident Services
Resources and social services for residents living in Howard County:
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.
Help Is Available – 988

Many members of our community struggle with mental health. It's important to remember that you’re not alone. The first step can be the hardest, but each of us can be a lifeline to those facing struggles. Our actions, as individuals and collectively, can make a difference and save lives.

988 is the new national mental health crisis helpline. Whenever you call this number, you are guaranteed quality and safe care for mental health and substance use emergencies. No need to look up any national toll-free number.

Simply call or text 988 and you will get free, immediate, and confidential help from a trained counselor.

For more information click here
Community Action Council Assistance 
Community Action Council offers housing assistance, energy assistance, food assistance, and early childhood education.

Howard County Food Bank Location and Hours:

Tuesdays, 1 - 4:30 PM
Wednesdays, 11 AM - 7 PM
Thursdays, 1 - 4:30 PM

Laurel MultiService Center*

Wednesdays, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursdays, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Visit www.cac-hc.org to learn more. Get support or get involved by calling
(410) 313-6440. 
Early Childhood Education
CAC’s Early Childhood Education program will open Head Start and PreK slots for the 2024 school year, children must be 3 - 5 years of age for the program. All program services are free to enrolled eligible families.

Rental Assistance
CAC provides housing assistance and eviction prevention to Howard County residents who have fallen behind in their rent but are not yet facing eviction. Renters should contact CAC immediately when they are first unable to pay their rent.

Residents may apply via the CAC website, GET HELP – Community Action Council of Howard County (cac-hc.org), by emailing clientassistance@cac-hc.org, or by calling (410) 313-6440. They may also visit CAC’s Howard County Food Bank and or the Multiservice Center located at the North Laurel Community Center to meet with a CAC Community Worker.
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. 
The Elkridge Food Pantry and Garden

The pantry serves all residents of Elkridge in both temporary and long-term need. The pantry is open the second and fourth Friday of each month from 4 - 8 PM.

Service Area: Elkridge, Hanover, and Jessup

Elkridge Food Pantry - Good Samaritan Outreach Center 5646 Furnace Ave
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.
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 years 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. 
Report water main breaks, broken street signs, and more on Howard County's mobile app and website Tell HoCo. Residents can report non-emergency issues which the county will assign to the responsible department.

Download the TellHoCoApp on your mobile phone or visit howardcountymd.gov/Tell-HoCo.
County Updates & Resources
HCEDA's Minority Business Directory is a helpful resource. This directory not only offers a list of local enterprises but also promotes economic diversity, fosters community integration, and helps in identifying potential partnerships and collaborations. By tapping into this directory, businesses and individuals can ensure they're engaging with a wide spectrum of local talent.

For minority-owned businesses aiming to enhance their visibility and join this expanding network, we invite you to list your enterprise in the directory by clicking here
District Two Schools

Commit to Eat in support of Bellows Spring ES PTA at Honeygrow on Thursday, December 7th.

For more information click here

Monday, December 11th: Coal Fire (See Flyer Here)
Thursday, December 14th: Jersey Mike's (All Day)
Thursday, January 4th: Honey Grow Arundel Mills
December 8th - Young Authors' Contest

The Howard County Literacy Association invites students in grades 1-5 to submit their original poems and/or short stories to the annual writing contest called, "The Young Authors' Contest."

Please see the attached Young Authors’ Guideline for information about the rules and guidelines.
All entries must have a completed YAC Cover Sheet sent as a PDF. Submissions may be emailed to jill_reynolds@hcpss.orgRenee_sanudo@hcpss.org, or Robin_barrett@hcpss.org by December 8, 2023.

Contact Mrs. Sanudo, Mrs. Barrett, or Mrs. Reynolds with any questions. All Young Authors’ Contest information can be found on the HCLA website.  

Howard County Literacy Association welcomes parents as members. Visit the HCLA Welcome Page for information.  
December 13th - JHES PTA Meeting via Zoom from 6 - 7:30 PM
Join the JHES community in assisting needy families. This year will be a more holistic approach by sharing gift cards for families so that they can meet their needs on a more ongoing basis.

If you would like to assist families in this way:

  • Please purchase a gift card worth $10 or more from Walmart, Target, Giant, or a gas station.
  • Be sure to indicate the amount of the gift card and/or attach a gift receipt. 
  • Give the card to Mrs. Moe by December 8th.
Inclusive Schools Week: Monday, December 4th

Vision and Hearing Screening: Monday, December 4th

PTA Meeting (Hybrid): Wednesday, December 6th from 7 – 8 PM

Dental Clinic Days: Tuesday, December 12th - Thursday, December 14th
Girls on the Run 5k
Saturday, December 2nd, 8:15 – 9:30 AM
7150 Columbia Gateway Drive Columbia
Jason's Deli Restaurant Night, Tuesday, December 5th, 5 – 9 PM
8874 McGaw Road, Columbia

Kindergarten Field Trip to East Columbia Library
Thursday, December 7th, Noon – 1:30 PM
6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia
PreK Trip to National Aquarium, Baltimore
Monday, December 18th 10:25 AM – 2:15 PM
501 East Pratt Street, Baltimore
PTA Meeting
Monday, December 18th, 7 – 8 PM
 
Cozy Reading Night at the HCPL East Columbia Branch
Wednesday, December 20th, 6:30 – 8 PM
HCLS East Columbia Branch, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia
Talbott Springs Elementary School Winter Music Concert at OMHS
Monday, December 18th, 6:30 PM, 9410 Kilimanjaro Rd, Columbia
Join the Thunder Hill Elementary School PTA Shop to Give Program

For more information click here

Automatically power donations when you shop or dine—at no cost to you!

When you sign up for the Shop to Give program through Givebacks, you’ll power donations to us every time you shop or dine at over 25,000 participating merchants.

THES will receive a $5 bonus donation after your first qualifying purchase!

Simply sign up, link your card for in-store offers, and add the desktop.

For more information click here
With the Holiday Season approaching, please consider supporting the THES PTA by using RaiseRight!!

RaiseRight is a gift card fundraiser!! Buy a gift card, use it instantly, and automatically earns fundraising donations for the THES PTA!!

There are some pretty amazing offers on the RaiseRight website to support the PTA.



Get started by downloading the RaiseRight app on your phone or go to RaiseRight.com on your computer. For step by step instructions visit RaiseRight.com/m/StartEarning.

When ordering a physical gift card please select ship to home option to have the gift card sent to your home address.

THES PTA enrollment code: J77AQSBNQDUP

Now through December 8th. Bonuses up to 20%, plus daily surprise flash bonuses, on physical gift cards and eGift cards. Shop 75+ bonuses: https://bit.ly/RRbonuses
For more information click here
MWMS/LRHS Joint Winter Concert (Orchestra)
Tuesday, December 5th - 6th, 7 PM at Long Reach HS
MWMS Fall Theatre Production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Thursday, December 7th - 8th, 7- 9 PM
MWMS Spelling Bee
Tuesday, December 12th
MWMS Winter Chorus Concert
Thursday, December 14th, 7 - 9 PM at
Long Reach HS
PTSA Meeting
Monday, December 18th, 6:30 PM

Orchestra - Winter Concert (OMHS)
Tuesday, December 19th, 6:30 PM
 
Band - Winter Concert (OMHS)
Wednesday, December 20th, 6:30 PM
 
Chorus - Winter Concert (OMHS)
Thursday, December 21st, 6:30 PM
Dance Concert
Friday, December 1st, 7 – 10 PM
Auditorium
 
Band Concert
Tuesday, December 12th, 7 – 9 PM
Auditorium
  
PTSA Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, December 12th, 7 – 8 PM
Media Center
 
Orchestra Concert
Thursday, December 14th, 7 – 9 PM
Auditorium
Choir Concert
Monday, December 18th, 7 – 9 PM
Auditorium
 
Band Boosters
Tuesday, December 19th, 7 – 8:30 PM
Band Room
 
Best Buddies Monthly Event
Wednesday, December 20th, 4:30 – 7:30 PM
Cafeteria
 
Winterfest
Friday, December 22nd
Guitar Concert
Monday, December 4th, 7 – 7:30 PM

Orchestra Concert
Tuesday, December 5th, 7 – 7:30 PM

LRHS Charity Event
Sunday, December 10th, 10 – 10:30 AM

Holiday Hangout
Friday, December 15th, 3 – 3:30 PM
WBAL Concert for Kids Family Matinee
Saturday, December 2nd, 1 PM and 7 PM

Guitar & Piano Recital
Wednesday, December 6th, 7 PM

High School Advanced Research Program Information Night
Monday, December 11th, 7 – 7:45 PM
To register in advance, click here

Career Academy Information Session
Tuesday, December 12th, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Applications and Research Laboratory, 10920 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City
For more information click here
Dance Concert
Friday, December 15th - 16th, 7 PM

Orchestra Concert
Tuesday, December 19th, 7 PM

Band Concert
Wednesday, December 20th, 7 PM

Choir Concert
Thursday, December 21st, 7 PM
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