Volume V | Issue X| May 2023
George Howard Building | 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: (410) 313-2001 | Email: ojones@howardcountymd.gov
Community News
Howard County Executive Dr. Ball Launches The County’s First Disparity Study Addressing Opportunity Gaps
It was a pleasure joining County Executive Ball highlighting the County’s first Disparity Study. During the height of the pandemic our small, minority, and women-owned businesses kept the county afloat by providing outstanding services and goods. I am very intrigued and excited to review the data the Disparity Study will provide as Howard County continues to support local businesses. 
Howard County Executive Dr. Ball Releases First Round of Youth Engagement Programming (YEP!) Grants
Many thanks to Howard County Executive Calvin Ball for his steadfast support and dedicated leadership ensuring that all students have an equal opportunity to excel and thrive. YEP! is an amazing grant opportunity and I am excited that many of the nonprofits will call the Oakland Mills Village Center home!
cOMmunity Tree Planting at Oakland Mills
On Monday, May 1st my staff joined County Executive Dr. Ball and the Department of Public Works (DPW)  at the Oakland Mills Village Center to replant trees and enhance our cOMmunity. We planted Shumard Oaks and Elms, both native to Maryland.

I can't wait to see these beautiful trees in full bloom!
Howard County Holiday Information
Memorial Day - Monday, May 29th

There will be no curbside collections on Monday, May 29th. The Alpha Ridge Landfill and County offices will be CLOSED on Monday, May 29th.

Curbside collections of recycling, yard trim, food scraps and trash will SLIDE and be made one day later that week.

Bulk item collection will slide with trash collection. Scrap metal collection will remain as scheduled and will not slide. 

Juneteenth National Freedom Day -
Monday, June 19th

Juneteenth National Freedom Day celebrates the end of slavery in the United States, when the Emancipation Proclamation reached slaves in Galveston Texas, more than two years after it was signed.

Howard County Government offices, 50+ centers and more will be closed in observance of Juneteenth National Freedom Day on Monday, June 19th and there will be regular Monday curbside trash, recycling, food scrap and yard trim collections.

County operations will resume on Tuesday, June 20th, at regular business hours. 
Independence Day - Tuesday, July 4th

Howard County Government offices and more will be closed in observance of the Independence Day holiday on Tuesday, July 4th.

As there will be no Tuesday curbside trash, recycling, yard trim or food scraps collection on the 4th, the County’s holiday slide schedule will be in effect for the remainder of the week.
Howard County Resident Services
Resources and social services for residents living in Howard County:

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
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.

Caregiver Support Program Manager

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.
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.
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, confidential help you need from a trained counselor.
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 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.

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.
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.
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
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. 
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center 
6700 Freetown Road, Columbia, MD 21044
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. 
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.
COVID-19: County Updates & Resources
Get Boosted!

Getting boosted is the best way to protect yourself and your family against severe disease, hospitalization and even death.


Find out if you’re eligible or schedule your shot now here.
COVID-19 Testing

The Howard County Health Department and private partners are continuing to offer COVID-19 tests across Howard County on a regular basis. If you would like to get tested, please visit the Health Department's website for a list of nearby testing clinics and locations.
HCPSS INFORMATION
HCPSS Rainbow Conference

Register Now!

The HCPSS Rainbow Conference will be held Saturday, May 6th from 9 AM - 5 PM.

The conference will be hybrid with opportunities for both virtual and in-person participation.

For more information scan the QR code on the Rainbow Conference Flier. 

To register, please click here.
HCPSS Summer Programs Preview
 
The 2023 Summer Programs Preview, which contains descriptions of HCPSS’ four summer programs and enrollment information, is available to view and download from the Summer Programs.

Online enrollment requests for currently enrolled HCPSS students is open for the following programs:

  • Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) Summer Institute
  • Gifted and Talented Summer Institutes for Talent Development
  • Innovative Pathways High School Math and Science courses only
  • Summer Math Scholars Program

Contact the individual program offices with additional questions.

For more information, visit: HCPSS News
Register Now for 2023-2024 Bus Service

Through June 1st, families whose students are eligible for bus transportation are required to register through HCPSS Connect Synergy to receive service for the 2023-2024 school year.

District Two Schools
Bellows Spring Elementary School

PTA Little Mermaid, Jr. Play Performance 
Thursday, May 11th, 6 – 9 PM
Friday, May 12th, 6 – 9 PM 
Deep Run Elementary School

May 6th - Community Resource Fair at Deep Run ES 
May 8th - Teacher Appreciation Week 
May 12th - Baseball Cap or Hat Day 
May 16th - Coffee and Conversation with Administrators 6:30 PM 
May 16th - PTA Meeting 7 PM 
May 18th - Field Day 
May 19th - No School for Students 
Deep Run Mobile Science Lab Coming May 22nd - 26th 
The Food, Fiber & You Mobile Science Lab from the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation is returning to Deep Run. All students in K-5 will participate. The mobile science lab will be at Deep Run the week of May 22nd.   

A teacher from the Foundation will be with the lab, along with the classroom teacher, but parent/grandparent volunteers are needed as well. 

Use the Sign Up Genius to volunteer for one or more time slots. 
  

3rd Grade Strings performs for second grade in cafeteria -
Thursday, May 18, 2:30 – 3:30 PM

2nd Grade Writer's Showcase - Sunday, May 21st, 10:15 – 11:00 AM

Field Day - Thursday, May 25th

Summer Reading Presentation in Library - Friday, June 2nd

4th and 5th Grade Band/Orchestra/Chorus Spring Concert for Families -
Tuesday, June 6th, 6 - 7 PM

May 6th - PTA 5K/1 Mile Fun Run at LRHS 
May 9th - Class Picture Day 
May 10th - 5:30-8 PM English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Library Night 
May 11th - 4-6 PM On the Road to Kindergarten Event 
May 12th - Grade 5 Simulated Congressional Hearings 
May 17th - 6-7:30 PM GT Enrichment Fair 
May 18th - 6-7:15 PM Food Pantry 
May 19th - No School - 7:05 PM PLES Night at Bowie Baysox Game 
May 23rd - 6 PM Incoming Kindergarten Orientation 
May 31st - 7 PM Spring Concert at HHS 
June 3rd - Girls on the Run 5K 
June 6th - 9:15 AM Kindergarten Celebration 
June 7th - 3 Hour Early Dismissal at 12:20 PM 
June 12th - 3 Hour Early Dismissal at 12:20 PM 
June 13th - 3 Hour Early Dismissal at 12:20 PM 
June 14th - Last Day of School - 3 Hour Early Dismissal at 12:20 PM 

PTA Meeting 
Monday, May 8th, 7 – 8:3 PM 
Spring Math and Reading Night 
Tuesday, May 9th, 6 – 7 PM 
2023 Simulated Congressional Hearings (SCH) 
Thursday, May 25th
Spring Band, String, Chorus Concert 
Tuesday, June 6th, 6 – 8 PM  
College & Career Readiness Day 
Thursday, June 8th (All Day) 
Talbott Springs Elementary School


May 8th - 12th, Staff Appreciation Week

Tuesday, May 16th, TSES Spring Music Conference at OMHS at 6:30 PM 

May 13th, 10 AM - 12 PM - TSES Garden Workday
With support from the Nourishing Gardens Program of the Columbia Ecology Institute, participants will prepare the garden and planting vegetables. Let TSES know if your family is interested in participating by completing the TSES Garden Workday form.

Questions? Contact Lois Bailey at Lois_bailey@hcpss.org.

June 5th - The Dentist is Coming to TSES: If you are interested in your child seeing a dentist at Talbott Springs Elementary School on June 5th, you can sign up online at www.MySchoolDentist.com or reach out to the school nurse, Ms. Lindsey Squillario (lindsey_squillario@hcpss.org) and she can send a sign-up form home with your child.
If you have any questions, please call the health room at (410) 313-6918. 
Saturday, May 6th
Blessings in a Backpack Fundraiser

The Blessing in a Backpack program needs your support through donations to ensure that every student receives the nourishment they need to learn and grow.

Click here to donate!   
Thunder Hill Elementary School

Band Concert 
Thursday, May 18th, 6 – 7 PM 
Waterloo
Elementary School

Orchestra and Band Spring Concert - Beginner 
Tuesday, May 16th, 6 – 8 PM 

Orchestra and Band Spring Concert - Advanced 
Wednesday, May 17th, 6 – 8 PM 

Waterloo Pride Day 
Friday, June 2nd
Mayfield Woods Middle School
Saturday, May 20th, 12 - 4:30 PM 
MayFest is back!

This annual community music event features bands, orchestras, and choral groups from Mayfield Woods MS, and surrounding elementary and high schools. In addition to the music, the festival will feature food trucks, raffles, and prizes.

If you can volunteer your time for the event or have any questions, please reach out to Janine at jnp404@yahoo.com 

 
8th Grade Dance - Friday, June 2nd 
The PTA will host a dance for MWMS 8th grade class on the evening of Friday, June 2. Tickets will be sold during 8th grade lunch in mid-May. Permission slips with all relevant information will be available as well.
 
Opportunities for Summer 
G/T Summer Institutes for Talent Development invites all HCPSS students entering grades 1-8 to register for over 30 enrichment offerings in the Arts, English Language Arts, History, Math, Music, Science, and Technology!

For more information, visit: PTA MWMS Newsletter April 2023 - Google Docs 


8th Grade Parents: Save The Date for these exciting end-of-year events! Keep a lookout for emails and Facebook posts with further details!
Howard High School
PTSA Restaurant Night at Coal Fire Pizza
Pizza for dinner is always a hit! Please make sure to mention and show a copy of the flyer when placing and picking up your dine-in, carry-out, and catering order(s).
Fundraiser for Howard High School PTSA

Mark your calendars for May 5th - 8th!

The popular @TaharkaBros Ice Cream home delivery Fundraiser is back.

Order May 5th - 8th and it will be delivered to your home on Thursday, May 11th.
Guitar Concert 
Monday, May 8th, 7 – 7:30 PM 
Orchestra Concert 
Tuesday, May 9th, 7 – 7:30 PM 
Band Concert 
Wednesday, May 10th, 7 – 7:30 PM 
Choir Concert 
Thursday, May 11th, 7 – 7:30 PM 
Senior Awards Ceremony 
Wednesday, May 17th, 6:30 – 7 PM 
Senior Spotlight 
Thursday, May 18th, 7 – 7:30 PM 
Oakland Mills
High School
Spring Dance Concert 
Friday, May 5th, 7 – 7 PM 
Spring Dance Concert 
Saturday, May 6th, 7 – 7 PM 
Spring Showcase 
Wednesday, May 10th, 7 – 7 PM 
Oakland Mills High School
Music Banquet 
Wednesday, May 17th, 6 – 7:30 PM 
Oakland Mills High School 
Senior Night 
Tuesday, May 23rd, 6 – 6 PM 
Youth Opportunities
Howard County Youth Behavioral Health Road Map

To determine where your child is on the road to health and well-being, Howard County's OLCB created the Youth Behavioral Health Road Map. Available in English and Spanish, it enables families, health practitioners, school-based professionals, service providers and others to better navigate youth behavioral health supports in Howard County.

Applications Open for Green Seeds Internship 

The 8-week Summer Session
June 20th - August 10th
4-hour sessions twice a week
Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 AM - 2 PM 

Community Ecology Institute is pleased to announce 8-week Green Seeds Summer internship program sessions for local high school students.

The goals of the internship are to: 
  • Provide an immersive experience where participants can explore their relationship with the environment in which we live
  • Create a welcoming, inspiring, and collaborative social space for all students
  • Learn about the benefits of a rich connection to nature for individuals, families and friends, and communities
  • Develop transferable skills in the areas of ecology, art, community development, agriculture, and advocacy 
 
To access the application and learn more click here. If you have any questions about the program, please contact Nicki Sanders, Internship Program Coordinator at nsanders@cei.earth
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

May 9th - Online

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 
Plant Sale: Saturday, May 6th from 9 AM – 1 PM 

Also taking place during the plant sale: Yards Alive! Native Plant and Vegetable Share, in front of The Other Barn.
Jazz in the Mills 2023 Presents Hazel Mitchell-Bell
Sunday, June 11th · 5 - 7:30 PM
Join the Oakland Mills cOMmunity on Sunday, June 11th, for Jazz in the Mills, featuring Hazel Mitchell-Bell, at the Other Barn in Oakland Mills, Columbia. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. No outside food or beverages are allowed. 

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online and at The Other Barn. Advance tickets only. Must have ticket. No Exceptions, No Refunds or Replacements. Jazz in the Mills is sponsored by Ms. Lavenia Nesmith and the Oakland Mills Community Association. 

Get your tickets here.

The concert venue, the Other Barn, is handicap accessible with the concert on the 2nd floor of the venue and restrooms on the 1st floor. We have a handicap lift for guests. 
Masks are encouraged for all guests. 

For more information, please email manager@oaklandmills.org
Rent The Other Barn!

The Other Barn is currently booking events through 2023. To view venue photos and information, please click on the link below. Tours are by appointment only.

For more information, contact Brigitta Warren at events@oaklandmills.org. Follow The Other Barn on Facebook!
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. 
Oakland Mills Online

Visit OMO! One click opens the door to become engaged in a community-based, multi-generational social learning environment.
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.
Upcoming Meetings
  
Board of Directors
The next board meeting is scheduled for May 16th at 7:30 PM.
More information is available here.

Stonehouse is open by appointment only.

Legal documents/Resale Packets are available for purchase. Information regarding upcoming Board and RAC meetings will be posted on our website. Please feel free to contact our staff for assistance or to schedule an appointment.

For more information contact the Village Manager, Tina Addo: info@longreach.org
Saturday, May 20th, starting at 8 AM 

The village will post on their Facebook page, website, and send out an email newsletter listing participating street names. 
Camp Oasis is a summer day camp in Columbia, Maryland for children age 5 - 13. 

At Camp Oasis campers are grouped by age for engaging activities ranging from sports & games to arts & crafts. Participants will visit the Phelps Luck Pool nearly every day for swimming.

Each camper receives a free t-shirt! On days that they can’t make it to the pool, special events like DJ dance parties, and more are coordinated. Every session is different and there’s always fun to be had! 
While providing a safe, caring, structured environment, Camp Oasis still believes in the magic of summer! 

Camp Oasis also offer extended camp hours in the morning and afternoon, for your convenience. 

Camp Oasis is operated by the Long Reach Community Association 
Community Events
May 2023 Parent Workshops
View the full descriptions of the May workshops online.

Navigate your child’s mental health journey
May 8th, 7 - 8 PM / Virtual Workshop / Register
Learn about the stages of mental health and local resources, serves and supports to help your child.

Help children be proud of who they are!
May 9th, 7 - 8 PM / Virtual Workshop / Register
Gender identity is complicated and often misunderstood. Join us to gain an understanding of gender identity development from infancy to age five.

Develop your child’s emotional intelligence
May 17th, 7 - 8 PM / Virtual Workshop / Register
Emotional intelligence fosters good listening and problem-solving skills and helps children learn to accept criticism and develop empathy. Get the tools to support your child’s social-emotional development. Learn more.

Discuss your child’s mental health with your primary care provider (PCP)
May 18th, 7 - 8 PM / Virtual Workshop / Register
Dr. Jessica Winkles will discuss the importance of treating a child's behavioral health and physical health. Review typical vs. concerning behaviors and how your PCP can be a great resource when questions arise.

Eat, learn, grow for families – Early learning literacy in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
May 24th, 7 - 8 PM / Virtual Workshop / Register 
Young children have a natural curiosity about the world around them; STEM encourages them to explore their environment. This workshop highlights STEM-focused children’s literature and creative daily activities.

Nothing I do works: A parent’s guide to challenging behaviors
May 31st, 6:30 - 8 PM / 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia 21046 / In person workshop / Register
Using the Pyramid Model to consider factors which influence a child's behavior and impact the family, learn how to decrease negative behaviors and what to do if they occur. For parents of children age two to eight.
HopeWorks’ Self-Care & Social Justice Project is excited to host a free 6-session workshop series. Hosted in-person, activities are centered on using arts and humanities to explore revolution and oppression for LGBTQ+ folks through poetry, music, visual arts, literature, theatre, history, ethnography, and philosophy. This free program is open to the general public. 

Click here for more information or to register for this workshop. 
This year’s annual Bike to Work Central Maryland week celebration will take place Monday, May 15th through Sunday, May 21st with Howard County’s in-person event the morning of Friday, May 19th in Downtown Columbia. 

Participating riders qualify for free t-shirts (limited to the first 1,500 riders), giveaways and prizes, all while discovering the advantages of a cleaner, healthier commuting option — and your ride doesn’t have to been your commute!

Join the community at Azlon Plaza from 7 - 9 AM to celebrate cycling as a healthy, green and FUN commute mode! We’ll have shirts, swag, prizes, and more. 

The Arc of Howard County
The Virtual Celebration of Excellence
Will Be Held Wednesday, May 17th

The Arc of Howard County’s mission statement is: “Achieving full community life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities – one person at a time.” This year, The Arc of Howard County will recognize individuals and groups who put this mission statement into practice at the 2023 Virtual Celebration of Excellence!

The Arc of Howard County's 2023 Virtual Celebration of Excellence will be held on Wednesday, May 17th, 6:30 - 8 PM via Zoom.


Award winners will be announced at the event!
HopeWorks Commemorates
45 Years 

HopeWorks has been helping survivors in Howard County move from crisis to recovery since 1978.

For more information about becoming a sponsor, please contact aadams@hopeworksofhc.org
Heroes in Health Care, will be held at Merriweather Post Pavilion Monday, June 12th, 6 - 9:30 PM

Click here to purchase tickets!