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 Friday, March 29th, in observance of Good Friday.
The County Council offices will resume regular business hours on Monday, April 1st, at 8 AM.
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With online, over the phone, mail-in, and in-person registration underway, the Recreation & Parks' 2024 Summer Camp Guide, is now available. From cooking and fitness classes, to sports, lifelong learning, camping, dance, science, technology, LEGO and more, there is something to keep everyone in your family active this spring and summer!
To start your planning, check out a digital copy of Recreation & Parks’ Spring/Summer 2024 Activity Guide. Online registration for the guide started, Wednesday, March 6th for Howard County residents; with mail-in, over the phone and in-person starting the next morning.
For out-of-county residents, online registration begins Wednesday, March 13th at 6 PM, with all other registration forms available the following day.
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Apply to be the first Youth Poet Laureate!
The Youth Poet Laureate will act as an ambassador for literacy, arts, and youth expression in our community. They will demonstrate a passion for poetry and its power to connect our communities, through local public readings and participation in civic events.
Applications are open now through May 30th.
To learn more and apply, visit here.
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Light the Night 5K for Suicide Prevention
Join the County, March 22nd for the 3rd Annual Light the Night 5K for Suicide Prevention at Oakland Mills High School.
Together, Recreations & Parks, the Howard County Health Department, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Maryland Chapter, Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center and Bullseye Running, have partnered together to host this annual event that helps raise awareness for suicide and suicide prevention resources.
To learn more about this year’s race and/or to register, click here.
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Annual Kid's Fest!
Recreation & Parks' annual Kid’s Fest is back and ready to have a blast with your family and friends.
On March 30th, from 11 AM - 2 PM at Meadowbrook Park. This year’s event will feature sports instruction, games, inflatables, arts and crafts, food, an egg hunt, and so much more!
Online preregistration is encouraged (cost is $8 per child, ages 2 - 12 years old), cashless onsite registration will be available (day of the event cost is $10 per child, ages 2 - 12 years old).
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Trans Day of Visibility Celebration
Trans adults, trans teens, their families, and allies, are invited to join the Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) and the LGBTQIA+ Commission on Sunday, March 31st for the County’s first-ever Trans Day of Visibility Celebration.
This inspiring talent show aims to combine open mic performances, delicious food, and opportunities for community bonding.
The event seeks to unite our local transgender community to amplify transgender voices in a supportive atmosphere.
To sign up for this celebration, click here. If you're interested in performing click here for an application.
The deadline to apply to be a performer is Sunday, March 10th.
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Spring 2024 Internship: Green SEEDS
Green SEEDS is accepting applications from local high school students to participate in their Spring 2024 internship.
The 8-week program will run from April 10th - June 1st. Interns will participate in 2-hour sessions twice a week on Wednesdays (3:30 - 5:30 PM or sunset) and Saturdays (10 AM - Noon) at Freetown Farm, in Columbia, MD.
To learn about this amazing opportunity and how to submit your application, click here.
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To watch the County Executive's presentation to the
Howard County Council, click here.
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Upcoming Meetings
Board of Directors
The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19th at 7:30 PM (In-person)
For more information, click here.
Stonehouse is open by appointment only!
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Upcoming Meetings
The next Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 12th at 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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OMHS Food Pantry Donations
at The Other Barn
Monday - Thursday from 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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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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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
988 is the NEW National Mental Health Crisis Lifeline. 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 Avenue, (443) 492-9209
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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 identify potential partnerships and collaborations.
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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PTA-Bingo - Friday, March 8th, 6 – 8:30 PM
Math Night - Thursday, March 14th, 6 – 8 PM
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School Spirit Day- Comfy Cozy Day!
Friday, March 22nd:
Volunteer and celebrate the diversity at JHES! Sign-up using the QR Code below to host a cultural table for a country of your choice! You can also participate as a cultural performer.
For more information, click here.
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Community members are invited to meet informally with Board of Education members on Thursday, March 14th at 7:30 PM.
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March Dates:
13th - Early Dismissal (12:10 PM)
14th - School Spirit Day: Pi Day Wear Numbers
21st - EMPOWER: Family Engagement Reading Night, 6 PM at PLES
22nd - School Spirit Day - Decades Day
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Multicultural Night:
Friday, April 12th from 6 - 8 PM
Location: PLES Cafeteria
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PTA Harlem Wizards Event – Tuesday, March 12th, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
PTA Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics Night (STEAM)
Thursday, March 21st, 6 - 9 PM
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March 12th: Eagles’ Night Out at 6:15 - 8 PM (Formerly known as Boys’ and Girls’ Night Out!)
The theme will be “Spend an Evening with the adult in your life who is your “Hero!” The staff is busy planning activities like Minute to Win It, a dance party, and clay flower creating for the community garden mural. The evening will end with dessert for all in attendance.
March 13th: Early Dismissal (12:15 PM)
March 19th: Spring Book Mobile
March 21st: Family Engagement Team Meeting
March 21st: PTA Meeting at 6:15 PM
For more information, click here.
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Tuesday, March 12th, 4 – 8 PM
PTA RNO-BIBIBOP Asian Grill
Saturday, March 16th, NOON – 2 PM, the PTA Council of Howard County (PTACHC) will conduct a forum among HCPSS Board of Education Candidates at Howard High School's cafeteria.
The Deadline for submission of questions for the debate is March 11th. It is the intent to have as many of these questions as practicable for the candidates; however, PTACHC reserves the right to hold questions that it deems inappropriate for the organization.
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Thunder Hill ES PTA is thrilled to offer an After-School Program from the Drama Learning Center for High School Musical Jr.
Rehearsal Dates: March 15th, 22nd and April 5th, 12th, 19th, 23rd from 4 - 6 PM at THES
Tech Rehearsals: April 24th and 25th, 5:30 - 8 PM at THES
Show Date: April 26th 7 PM at THES
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The Scholastic Book Fair is Coming!
March 12th - Extended hours 9:30 AM - 7 PM
March 13th - Shortened hours 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
March 14th - During Family Game Night
6 - 7:30 PM
For more information, click here.
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Monday, March 18th (All Day)
Spring Picture Day - Spring pictures will be taken by Strawbridge Studios
For more information, click here.
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For showtimes and ticket information, click here.
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Coming up, March 21st!
Have your dinner catered by Lebanese Taverna! Order classic Eastern Mediterranean meals ahead of time and then on Thursday, March 21st, at 5:30 PM come to Howard High School to pick-up your meal!
Visit our fundraiser link to order!
All proceeds support PTSA Scholarship, After Prom, and other PTSA activities.
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Need Mulch?
You can support Howard High School's PTSA and beautify your world at the same time!
Pick-up at Howard High School on Saturday, April 13th.
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Golf Tournament Fundraiser!
Parents, faculty, and staff are invited to partake in this year's golf tournament. All proceeds will go to Long Reach High School.
Event Information:
Who: Long Reach High School Boosters Club
Where: 2024 Lightning Classic Golf Tournament
When: Saturday, April 13th
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CLASS OF 2024!
The sale of senior banners is still open! Purchase a banner for your graduating class of 2024. These banners will be displayed at the school before being sent home prior to the graduation ceremony. Each banner costs $35 plus tax.
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Spring Musical
Friday, March 8th: 7 PM
Saturday, March 9th: 2 PM and 7 PM
Wednesday, March 20th:
Guitar and Piano Concert at 7 PM
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