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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Indigenous Peoples' Day - Monday, October 9th
Howard County Government offices, courts, animal shelter, 50+ centers and the Robinson Nature Center will be closed in observance of the Indigenous Peoples' Day on Monday, October 9th.The Alpha Ridge Landfill will be open and the regular trash, recycling, yard trim, and food scrap services will be in effect.
The Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) will operate on a regular weekday schedule; for more information on RTA, call 1-800-270-9553 or visit www.transitrta.com. All parking regulations and fees will be in effect on Indigenous Peoples' Day.
The 9-1-1 Center, Police and Fire departments remain staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For emergencies, call 9-1-1. For non-emergencies, please call (410) 313-2200.
County operations will resume on Tuesday, October 10th at regular business hours.
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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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Howard County's Housing Repair Program
If you own a home in Howard County and need repairs, check out this program!
The housing repair loan program can help income eligible Howard County homeowners make necessary repairs to their homes. The housing repairs can be done to meet local housing codes for health and safety conditions. Cosmetic upgrade items may also be eligible.
Repairs may include, but are not limited to:
- Heating and air systems
- Electrical wiring
- Plumbing
- Roofs
- Windows
- Doors
- Painting
- Landscaping
This program can help homeowners stay in their homes, address outstanding maintenance and repair items and improve overall neighborhood appearance.
Click here to learn more about Howard County's RRR Program
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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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Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) Presents the following topics to assist caregivers:
- Reduce personal stress
- Change negative self-talk
- Communicate more effectively in challenging situations
- Manage emotions
- Make tough caregiving decisions and better understand dementia
Whether you choose to attend in person or participate online, don't miss this opportunity to improve your relaxation and exercise habits, boost your physical and mental well-being, and enjoy the support and company of other caregivers.
For more information or to register, contact Kathy Wehr, Caregiver Support Program Manager, at (410) 313-5955 (voice/relay) or kwehr@howardcountymd.gov.
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Need Assistance Finding and Paying for Child Care?
LOCATE: Child Care is a free personalized service that helps parents find child care. The service provides referrals and counseling to help parents choose high quality child care to meet their needs.
LOCATE: Child Care also offers an Enhanced Service for parents of children with special needs and those who need to speak with a Referral Specialist in Spanish.
Another available resource for families, is the Child Care Scholarship Program. If you’re working, in school or participating in an approved job training program you may be eligible for the Child Care Scholarship Program. The Child Care Scholarship Program (formerly known as the Child Care Subsidy Program) provides financial assistance with child care costs to eligible working families.
For more information on LOCATE: Child Care or the Child Care Scholarship Program please contact the CARE Line at (410) 313-2273 (voice/relay) or email children@howardcountymd.gov.
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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.
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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 Prekindergarten 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.
Families who may qualify should visit www.CAC-HC.org or call (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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Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center
Call: (410) 531-6677 or (410) 531-6006
24 Hour Hotline: Dial 211
Grassroots will hold an OPEN HOUSE at 8990 Old Annapolis Road, Suite A,
on Wednesday, October 25th from 3-6 PM.
Crisis services will begin Monday, October 9th.
While the Grassroots Emergency Shelter will remain at its current location at 6700 Freetown Road in Columbia, crisis walk-in services for people anticipating or experiencing homelessness will be conducted at the new facility on Old Annapolis Road to help determine housing options and access various resources. Grassroots remains open to the possible expansion of its much-needed emergency shelter services.
The Grassroots Day Resource Center at 10390 Guilford Road, Suite A, in Jessup, serves lower income residents and those who are chronically homeless by providing connections to homeless services, case management and a range of supports, including hot meals, showers, and laundry, as well as access to food and clothing pantries. Faith communities, civic groups, other organizations and individuals donate meals and food items to Grassroots and volunteer throughout the agency.
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.
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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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Bellows Spring Elementary School
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Deep Run Elementary School
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DRES Spirit Day
Friday, October 6th
PTA Virtual Meeting
Tuesday, October 17th 7 – 8 PM
PTA Trunk or Treat
Thursday, October 26th 6 – 7:30 PM
PTA Bingo
Thursday, November 9th 6:30 – 8:30 PM
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October 10th - Back to School Night for Kindergarten Families, 6 PM
October 13th - Check your child's Friday Folder (K-5) for their DIBELS Screener Home Connect Report
October 17th - Tech Talk sponsored by the JHES PTA, virtual, 7 PM
November 3rd - 17th - JHES PTA Read-A-Thon Fundraiser
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October
11th - PTA Meeting (Hybrid)
12th - First Food Pantry Night, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
12th - ESOL Parent Information Night, 6:00 PM
16th - Flu Clinic
19th - Field Day
19th - Watch D.O.G.S. Kick-off
20th - Schools closed for students - Professional Learning Day
24th - Picture Day for Individual Student Pictures
26th - PTA Trunk or Treat
PLES FIELD DAY OCTOBER 19th!!!
If you wish to volunteer on Field Day you must complete this course:
K, 1st, and 2nd Grade will participate in Field Day from 9 AM - Noon
3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade will participate in Field Day from Noon - 3:15 PM
Join the PLES PTA in the Howard High School Homecoming Parade
PTA Meeting Wednesday October 11th, 7 PM
Chipotle Dine-Out Night - Tuesday, October 17th
Eat at Chipotle 4 - 8 PM and support the school! Order in-store using the flyer or order online for pick-up using code TBFDBWZ.
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PTA Meeting
Monday, October 23rd, 7– 8 PM
Flu Clinic
Friday, October 27th, 2023
PTA Trunk or Treat
Friday, October 27th, 6 – 8 PM
Family Game Night
Monday, November 13th, 6– 7 PM
Book Fair
Thursday, November 16th – Wednesday, November 22nd
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Talbott Springs Elementary School
PTA Meeting
Thursday, October 19th, 6 PM
PTA Trunk or Treat
Friday, October 27th, 6 PM
Trot for Talbott
Saturday, November 11th (TBD)
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Thunder Hill Elementary School
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PTA RNO Phillies Best
Tuesday, October 17th, 5 – 8 PM
THES Fall Festival
Thursday, October 19th, 5:30 – 7 PM
PTA Yard Sale and Craft Fair
Saturday, November 11th, 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
PTA RNO Chipotle
Wednesday, November 15th, 5 – 9 PM
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Waterloo
Elementary School
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Read a Thon
October 16th – 25th
Book Fair
October 26th – November 3rd
Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 9th
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Mayfield Woods Middle School
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ESOL Family Outreach Night
Wednesday, October 11th
5:30 - 6:30 PM
MWMS Flu Shot Clinic
8:45 -11 AM
Thursday, October 26th
Picture Day
Wednesday, November 1st
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OMMS Parent Information Night
On October 18th, 6 - 8 PM representatives from the Howard County Health Department and the Howard County Government Department of Human Resources and Services Office of the Local Children's Board, providing parents/guardians with information about two, very relevant and important topics: Social Media and Nicotine Products and Vaping. Please click this link to RSVP.
OMMS PTSA Famous Dave's Fundraiser
October 26th, 12 - 8 PM
6201 Columbia Crossing Circle
You can participate in this fundraiser by placing an order!
Place your order by calling Famous Dave's at (410) 290-0091 and mention Oakland Mills Middle School PTSA.
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We All Scream for Ice Cream!!
Taharka Ice cream delivered to your door!
Ordering window opens Friday, October 6th, 6 AM and closes Monday, October 9th,11 PM
Delivery: Thursday, October 12th, 3:30-8:30 PM
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Homecoming Events on Saturday, October 7th:
10 AM - Parade
Noon - Powder Puff
7 PM - Dance
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BSAP College and Career Opportunities Night
The HCPSS Black Student Achievement Program invites you to attend the upcoming BSAP College and Career Opportunities Night on Thursday, October 12th, at Long Reach High School.
This College and Career Opportunities Night invites scholars in 8th - 12th grade countywide to network with working professionals, colleges/universities, explore post-secondary opportunities, and learn more about HCPSS pathways.
The evening will highlight a variety of colleges and universities as well as local businesses and organizations.
Schedule of Events:
4 - 5:30 PM
HCPSS-Focused Workshops
6 - 8:00 PM
Networking Café with Colleges/Universities, Businesses/Organizations
College and Career Workshops
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Oakland Mills High School
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Oakland Mills High School turns 50 this year!
Please join the school for the start of their year-long celebration during Homecoming Week, October 10th - October 14th.
Save the dates and stay tuned for more information about these events.
Wednesday, October 11th
7 PM - Junior vs. Senior Girls Flag Football Game
Friday, October 13th
4:30 PM - JV Football Game at OMHS
Saturday, October 14th
9 - 11 AM
Pancake Breakfast ($5 per person)
Community Festival
11 AM - Outdoor Classroom Ribbon Cutting
1 PM- Homecoming Game
4 PM- Post-Game Tailgating at OMMS
OMHS Food Pantry
Wednesday, October 25th 3:30 – 5:30 PM
OMHS Food Pantry
Wednesday, November 15th 3:30 – 5:30 PM
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SIGN-UP EXTENDED UNTIL SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7TH, 11:59 PM
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Sign up for Leadership in Action
A premier and free student leadership program for Howard County students in grades 8-12
Leadership in Action is a transformative program designed to nurture and develop the leadership potential of young individuals. This comprehensive curriculum blends education, mentorship, and community engagement to cultivate well-rounded leaders ready to make a positive impact in Howard County and beyond.
This is a FREE program open to students in grades 8-12! There are no fees or tuition needed to participate!
During your programming, you will receive the traditional classroom experience of furthering and developing your leadership skills and experience through seminars, guest speakers, and personalized tools. You will also be assigned a College Mentor to guide you through this process.
During in person programming, you will be learning hands on, applying the knowledge you learned from your cohorts to design, create, and implement a service-learning project that positively impacts Howard County!
Learn more about the program and sign up here today!
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Free Homework Help from Howard County Library System
Howard County Library System (HCLS) connects families to Brainfuse, an online tutoring system available every day from 2 PM - Midnight.
This interactive service is designed to help students from kindergarten through 12th grade by immediately connecting them to a qualified tutor in a specific subject matter such as math, reading, science, social studies, writing and english/language arts.
Watch a video to learn how to use the online tutoring service. If you already have a Brainfuse account, log in now.
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Howard County's Family Support Center opens this fall
The Family Support Center (FSC) offers comprehensive, family-centered, community-based preventive programs for parents and caregivers of children from birth to age five.
The FSC will promote the full development and wellbeing of children, enhance the quality of parent and child interactions, and link families to services to enhance self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Program highlights include child development, parent education and health information programs, plus resources and referrals.
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission Student Contest
Honor Dr. King's Legacy & Win Cash Prizes!
Elementary, Middle & High School Poster Contest: “Show how Howard County can be more welcoming to people of all backgrounds.”
High School & Middle School Essay Contest: Dr. King dedicated his life towards fighting for a better and more just society. Write about what makes your community great and how you’ve contributed towards its wellbeing.
High School & Middle School Oratory Contest: Share a story about a time where you fought for humanity or equal rights. How did it make you feel and why did you do it?
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Entries must be received by Wednesday, October 18th, 5 PM
Mail: Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity
9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 237 Columbia, MD 21046
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Upcoming Meetings
The OMCA Board meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 7 PM. Meetings will continue to be held virtually until further notice.
Upcoming OMCA Board Meeting
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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Oakland Mills Annual Fall Festival
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Mark your calendars for Lively Arts 2023-2024!
Oakland Mills will welcome Rocknocers, Mr. Jon & Friends, and Pam the Kindersinger!
Tickets available on Eventbrite or day-of at the door
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New Resident Open House
The Other Barn
Sunday, November 12th, 3 – 5 PM
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Rent The Other Barn!
The Other Barn is currently booking events through 2023. To view venue photos and information, please click the link below. Tours by appointment only.
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OMHS Food Pantry Donations
at The Other Barn
Monday through Thursday between the hours of 10 AM - 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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Oakland Mills Online
Visit OMO! One click opens the door to become engaged in a community-based, multi-generational social learning environment.
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Oakland Mills United
Oakland Mills United is a community organization in Howard County led by OMHS graduates. This organization advocates for the betterment of schools within the Oakland Mills community.
Oakland Mills United addresses four core issues:
- Changing the stigma
- Closing the opportunity gap
- Maintenance of school buildings
- Redistricting
For more information click here.
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Upcoming Meetings
Board of Directors
The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 17th, 7:30 PM.
For more information, click here
Stonehouse is open by appointment only!
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Saturday, October 7th, 8 AM
The start time is 8 AM – there is no set an end time.
Participating street names will be on the Long Reach Facebook page, website, and sent out via email newsletter.
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Walktober Walks – October 2023
Did you know that walking is the official state exercise in Maryland? Join your neighbors in Long Reach to celebrate Walktober, a statewide initiative to promote walking and all of its health and wellbeing benefits.
This is one of the best times of the year to appreciate how much beautiful space we have in our community.
Special guests will guide you on a one-hour walk in three different neighborhoods in Long Reach:
Thursday, October 5th, 10 AM – Kendall Ridge Pool for a walk with a member of Long Reach CARES (Community Action and Resources for Environmental Stewardship)
Thursday, October 19th, 10 AM – Jackson Pond for a walk with John McCoy, CA Watershed Manager
Advance registration is appreciated. This event is free and open to all ages. Participants will receive a free gift! Register at LRCA.Eventbrite.com
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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 Events:
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Saturday, October 7th
9 - 11 AM
Tot Lot Off Stonecutter Road Hopefully Pull (stiltgrass!) & Plant
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Saturday, November 4th
9 - 11 AM
Joe Pye Weed Spot (park off Lambskin Lane) – Mainly Vine Cutting
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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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Saturday, October 28th, 10:30 AM – Noon
Stonehouse: Long Reach Village Center
Join Long Reach for spooky family fun! Enjoy pumpkin decorating, a magic show, and sweet treats!
No registration required for this free event!
Costumes encouraged! Intended for children 10 and under. Adult supervision required.
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Saturday, November 11th 9 AM – Noon
Safely and securely dispose of sensitive information at Stonehouse.
FREE for all Long Reach residents (ID Required)
$10 for all others.
Limit 3 grocery bags/banker boxes per household. Please do not pack boxes or paper bags heavier than you can safely lift and carry from your vehicle without assistance. This is not a drive-thru event and assistance is not available.
First come, first served. The event is over once the truck is full.
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Accepted Items: Don’t shred unnecessarily. Only shred documents that include (account numbers, passwords, PINs, signatures, Social Security numbers, date of birth):
Federal and State Tax documents
Credit card and other household bills
Medical records
Pay stubs
Mortgage documents
Insurance bills
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Items Not Accepted:
Non-sensitive or non-recyclable materials such as magazines, flyers, newspapers, binders, x-rays.
File folders
Binder Clips
Spiral Notebooks
Manila folders
Junk mail
Schoolwork
Event programs
Coloring books
Brochures
Advertising
Magazines
Calendars, etc.
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The Nutcracker
Join the BCV Dance Center for The Columbia Chamber Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker on Sunday, December 10th, 4 PM at Stonehouse.
Ticket Prices:
General Admission Ticket – $15.00
Long Reach Village Resident Ticket – $10.00. Must be purchased in-person at Stonehouse at this discounted rate. Proof of residency required.
Ticket Sale Dates:
Long Reach Resident Pre-sale starts on Tuesday, October 10th, 9 AM. Tickets are available in-person only at Stonehouse. Proof of residency is required, so please bring your photo ID with your Long Reach address on it.
General Online Only Ticket Sales begin Monday, October 23rd, 9 AM.
All tickets are General Admission (Tickets are non-refundable)
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Welcome to the Purple Challenge 2023!
Every October in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), HopeWorks kicks off a virtual fundraising campaign to raise awareness and support for those affected by intimate partner violence in the community.
About The Purple Challenge
The Purple Challenge is a virtual, peer-to-peer fundraising campaign that started on October 1st and will run the entire month of October. Individuals and teams create personal fundraising pages to collect donations from their friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. 100% of the funds raised during The Purple Challenge go to HopeWorks’ comprehensive intervention services, outreach and prevention education for survivors and our community.
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Howard County Hispanic Heritage Festival
Saturday, October 14th
Noon - 5 PM
The Chrysalis
Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods
10431 Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, Maryland 21044
County Executive Calvin Ball, in partnership with the Inner Arbor Trust, presents Howard County's First Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival, a FREE, family-friendly celebration of music, food, and community!
Interested in being a vendor or performer at the Hispanic Heritage Festival? Please complete an application as soon as possible!
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Howard County Pride
Sunday, October 15th
11 AM - 4 PM
Merriweather Park
at Symphony Woods
10431 Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, MD 21044
PFLAG of Howard County is proud to present this year's HoCo Pride Festival on Sunday, October 15th.
Join PLAG of Howard County and other agencies in Symphony Woods at Merriweather Park for amazing fun, festivities, and entertainment!
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Saturday, November 4th, 6-10 PM
The 26th Annual Celebration of the Arts
Horowitz Visual & Performing Arts Center at Howard Community College
Celebration 2023 will kick off with a 2-hour reception where guests will have the opportunity to bid on artwork from the Art Auction and indulge in the delicious creations of some of Howard County’s best Culinary Artists. At 8 PM, guests will take their seats in the Smith Theatre where they will enjoy the Rising Star Competition which will feature Howard County’s best performing artists and applaud the significant contributions of Howie Award honorees who create, teach, and support the arts in our community.
At the end of the evening, our audience will cast their vote for this year’s winner of the $5,000 cash prize!
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