Volume V | Issue XIII | Spring 2024
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 Friday, March 29th, in observance of Good Friday.

The County Council offices will resume regular business hours on Monday, April 1st, at 8 AM.
Community Events
Recreation & Parks' 2024 Summer Camp Guide

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. 
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
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
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).  

To learn more about this year’s Kid’s Fest and/or to register, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/kids-fest
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. 
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
To watch the County Executive's presentation to the
Howard County Council, click here.
Long Reach
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!

For more information contact, Tina Addo, Village Manager at info@longreach.org.
Oakland Mills
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.

For more information contact, Brigitta Warren, Village Manager at manager@oaklandmills.org.
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!
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

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.
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 Avenue, (443) 492-9209
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 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
District Two Schools
PTA-Bingo - Friday, March 8th, 6 – 8:30 PM 
Math Night - Thursday, March 14th, 6 – 8 PM 
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.
Community members are invited to meet informally with Board of Education members on Thursday, March 14th at 7:30 PM

Register by emailing boardoffice@hcpss.org.
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
Multicultural Night:
Friday, April 12th from 6 - 8 PM
Location: PLES Cafeteria


Sign up to be a Country Ambassador: https://www.signupgenius.com/.../60B054AAEAB28ABF85...  

Donate to help fund Multicultural Night performances: https://phelpsluckpta.memberhub.com/store/items/992025 
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 
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.
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.

PTACHC is asking that you submit questions you or your membership would like the candidates to answer to the Google Form link: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSe8VS6iKUA1al.../viewform 

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.
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 
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.
Monday, March 18th (All Day)  

Spring Picture Day - Spring pictures will be taken by Strawbridge Studios

For more information, click here.
For showtimes and ticket information, click here.
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.

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.
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
 
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.

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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