George Howard Building | 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: (410) 313-2001 | Email: ojones@howardcountymd.gov
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It is with great enthusiasm and pride I was elected to be your Councilmember representing the viewpoints of the amazing people of the Second District of Howard County. I am honored to serve as your Councilmember and looking forward to following in the steps of your prior leaders by continuing their fine legacy of leadership. My focus is on enhancing education, assuring public and personal safety, and championing community vibrancy.
While these are our primary focus areas, my team and I are committed to partnering with you on so many different topics to make District Two the absolute best place to work and live! Working together, we can accomplish a lot and that means listening to your ideas, addressing your concerns, and building on your feedback. I look forward to our journey together!
In service and partnership,
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Howard County Holiday Information
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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.
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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.
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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:
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For a complete list of programs and activities across Howard County visit:
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For more information and to get your tickets click here
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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.
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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.
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Breakfast Snacks with Santa | Saturday, December 2nd
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Gingerbread House Decorating | Wednesday, December 13th
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Holiday Lights in the Courtyard | Saturday, December 16th
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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.
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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!
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Weed Warriors Plant Clean-Up | Saturday, December 2nd
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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.
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Upcoming Weed Warrior Event:
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Saturday, December 2nd
9 - 11 AM
Open Space Area between Blue pool & Flamepool (park on Flamepool- meet by star on map) – Mainly Vine Cutting
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Gingerbread House Decorating Event
Wednesday, December 13th from 2 - 4 PM
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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)
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"Trashy Hour" | Sunday, December 17th
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Howard County Resident Services
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Resources and social services for residents living in Howard County:
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Report Traffic Concerns
There’s an easier way to report traffic violations in #HoCoMD!
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
(410) 313-6440 for more details.
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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
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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 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.
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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.
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County Updates & Resources
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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.
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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)
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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."
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.
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December 13th - JHES PTA Meeting via Zoom from 6 - 7:30 PM
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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.
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Give the card to Mrs. Moe by December 8th.
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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
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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
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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
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Talbott Springs Elementary School Winter Music Concert at OMHS
Monday, December 18th, 6:30 PM, 9410 Kilimanjaro Rd, Columbia
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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
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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.
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
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For more information click here
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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