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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Juneteenth National Freedom Day Holiday Closings
Juneteenth National Freedom Day celebrates the end of slavery in the United States, marking June 19th, 1865, when the news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached slaves in Galveston Texas, more than two years after it was signed.
Howard County Government offices, 50+ centers, courts and animal shelter will be closed in observance of Juneteenth National Freedom Day on Wednesday, June 19th. However, regular trash, recycling and food scrap/yard trim services will be in effect and the Alpha Ridge Landfill will be open.
While county parks, Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers, Meadowbrook Athletic Complex will be open on the 19th, Kiwanis-Wallas Hall, Belmont Manor and Historic Park, Firehouse Museum and the Patapsco Female Institute will be closed. The Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum and the Robinson Nature Center will be open.
The Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) will operate on a regular weekday schedule; for more information on RTA, call (800) 270-9553 or visit www.transitrta.com. All parking regulations and fees will be in effect.
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, call (410) 313-2200.
County operations will resume on Thursday, June 20th, at regular business hours.
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Howard County’s July 4th Fireworks
Join in the County’s July 4th annual fireworks celebration. The event features live entertainment. Bring a picnic or purchase food from on-site vendors.
The event is free for all ages and parking is free.
Fireworks start between 9:10 PM and 9:20 PM (Weather Permitting)
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Plant Sales Every Saturday
June events are here! All farm stand events are completely free!
June 8th Plant Sale + Flower Pressing
June 15th Plant Sale + Build a Bouquet
June 22nd Plant Sale + Upcycled Art
June 29th Plant Sale + Food Preservation
Every purchase supports local farms, local pantries, and food assistance programs.
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Saturday, June 8th: Juneteenth for Kids and Adults at Elkridge
Hands-on activities will help kids learn about the history and significance of Juneteenth, a Federal holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
For more information click here.
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Oakland Mills Interfaith eARTh Art Show, Meet the Artists Reception
Sunday, June 9th from 2 – 4:30 PM
The Oakland Mills Interfaith Green Team is hosting a sustainability-themed art exhibition through July 13th, at The Meeting House Gallery in the Oakland Mills Interfaith Center.
The reception will feature a native plant giveaway, live music, a scavenger hunt, an art marketplace, and light refreshments.
Click here to register for the exhibition and reception.
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Maintaining Your Mental Health: One Piece of the Elder Abuse Puzzle
Friday, June 14th from 10 AM – 3:30 PM at the East Columbia 50+ Center
CONTACT: Katy Lee, Manager, Ombudsman Program at (410) 313-6423 for more information
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Friday, June 14th – Sunday, June 16th
Columbia Festival of the Arts returns to the Downtown Columbia Lakefront with its FREE LakeFest Weekend featuring three days of live music, an invitational fine arts/crafts show, a variety of activities for all ages, and fabulous festival foods.
This year’s LakeFest theme is Community, Culture, and Connections!
Click here for more information.
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Join Howard County for a Men’s Health Month Expo on Saturday, June 15th, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the North Laurel Community Center, in recognition of Men's Health Month.
This event is dedicated to promoting men’s health and wellness through informative workshops, engaging classes, and essential health screenings. Let's make our health a priority and celebrate Men's Health Month together!
Click here to register and for more information.
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Lakefront Live Summer 2024
Cozy up under the stars at the FREE movie nights hosted by Mr. B, get your groove on for Dancin' Under the People Tree, led by Columbia Association's talented fitness instructors, and jam to live performances.
There's something for everyone, so grab your friends and join the community at the Lakefront!
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Outstanding FREE concerts are scheduled for Glen Mar’s 2024 Summer Concert Series.
All concerts will be held at Glen Mar Church - 4701 New Cut Road, Ellicott City.
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Ken & Brad Kolodner Quartet - Friday, June 21st, 7 – 8 PM
(Followed by a jam session – bring your instruments)
The Ken & Brad Kolodner Quartet brings a unique spin to old music by weaving the hammered dulcimer and clawhammer sounds together to make American folk music. The quartet will play traditional and original music.
Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a hot dog bar and beverages starting at 5 PM.
Suggested donation is $10
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The Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band – Friday, July 19th 7 – 8 PM
The Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band will present “America the Beautiful,” a musical celebration of our beloved nation. Travel across breathtaking natural landscapes and meet the warm and hospitable people who are the fabric of the United States of America.
Through exciting music and stunning visuals, be inspired by the beauty and diversity of this great nation while honoring the veterans who answered the call to defend it.
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Tuesday, June 25th: Beaded Pride Bracelets for Teens and Adults
Enjoy a fun evening of crafting and celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month by making Pride inspired bracelets to keep or give as gifts.
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Sunday, June 30th from Noon - 5 PM
Color Burst Park
6000 Merriweather Drive, Columbia
Indulge in delicious flavors from a selection of food trucks, featuring a variety of authentic cuisines. Groove to the island beats and enjoy live music and dance performances.
Explore the rich heritage of the Caribbean through interactive activities, including traditional crafts, exhibits, and cultural displays. Browse the vendor marketplace, where you can find souvenirs, jewelry, and more to take home.
Admission is FREE, so mark your calendars for an unforgettable celebration of Caribbean culture and heritage!
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Monday’s July 1st, July 15th, July 29th
Drop in anytime between 10 AM – 2 PM
Sponsored by: Howard County Police Department's (HCPD) Youth Division
Meet with School Resource Officers (SROs) over summer break to toss a football, go fishing, or even play video games.
Activities vary but can include basketball, baseball, flag football, floor hockey, tennis, board games, and video games.
All school aged children encouraged and welcomed to participate.
CAP will be located at Talbot Springs Pool Parking Lot. The Columbia Association will provide FREE open swim from NOON – 2 PM.
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Summer Concerts begin in July!
Centennial Park Amphitheater
10000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City
Concerts are Wednesday nights starting at 7 PM and FREE for all ages.
Bring a blanket and a picnic while enjoying the musical sounds of summer.
* Note: July 31st concert will be at Rockburn Branch Park (5400 Landing Road, Elkridge)
Click here for a full list of summer concerts.
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Saturday, July 28th
10 AM - 2 PM
Blandair Regional Park North Area
5685 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia
Celebrate equity and inclusion of all!
This event promotes disability awareness by providing an opportunity for children, adults, their families, and the community to come to enjoy a day at the park.
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Upcoming Meetings
Board of Directors
The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 18th at 7:30 PM (In-person)
For more information click here.
Stonehouse is open by appointment only!
U N D E R C O N S T R U C T I O N!
Village Office Move
Stonehouse is currently undergoing building renovations through Fall 2024. During this time, the village office has temporarily moved to office space located in the Long Reach Village Center.
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Save the Date! The Long Reach Hooked on Fishing event is scheduled for Wednesday, July 31st.
More information will be provided in the Long Reach June edition of the "Reach Out" and weekly e-newsletters.
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Long Reach Community Association (LRCA) Cul-de-sac Landscaping Grants
LRCA can provide residents with a grant, up to $200 (if your plan is approved) for the purchase of plant materials.
To be eligible, you must live on a county dedicated road with a cul-de-sac island. You and your neighbors must agree to develop, plant, and maintain the landscaping plan.
The grants are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are available at longreach.org.
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Upcoming Meetings
The next Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 11th 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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Market Dates: Now thru Sunday, November 3rd
Market Hours: 9 AM - 1 PM
Address of Market: 5851 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia
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Join the Oakland Mills community on Sunday, June 23rd, for Jazz in the Mills. The featured artist is Alison Crockett.
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Howard County Resident Services
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Resources and social services for residents living in Howard County: Resident Services
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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
Call (410) 313-6440 or visit www.cac-hc.org for support or to get involved.
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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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Congratulations again to the Class of 2024! Even though the big day has come to a close, graduates and families you can relive those moments!
Long Reach High School
Rebroadcast Date: Wednesday, June 12th at 9 AM
Howard High School
Rebroadcast Date: Thursday, June 13th at 9 AM
Oakland Mills High School
Rebroadcast Date: Friday, June 14th at 9 AM
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2024 FREE Summer Meals Program
Weekdays, Monday, June 24th through Friday, August 2nd from 12:30-2:00 PM
Please Note: There will be no meal service Thursday, July 4th
Meals will be served only on days schools are open and there will be no meal service Thursday, July 4th.
There are no applications, enrollment or fees to participate in this program, however, children must be present to receive free meals.
Meals will be provided at no cost to any HCPSS students, as well as any children aged 18 and under. In addition, free meals will be provided to all students participating in HCPSS summer programs.
Meal sites and pickup times are subject to change. Any changes will be noted on the HCPSS website.
Summer Meal Sites:
Atholton High School, 6520 Freetown Road, Columbia
Bollman Bridge Elementary School, 8200 Savage-Guilford Road, Savage
Ducketts Lane Elementary School, 6501 Ducketts Lane, Elkridge
Ellicott Mills Middle School, 4445 Montgomery Road, Ellicott City
Hammond High School, 8800 Guilford Road, Columbia
Howard High School, 8700 Old Annapolis Rd., Ellicott City
Lake Elkhorn Middle School, 6680 Cradlerock Way, Columbia
Oakland Mills Middle School, 9540 Kilimanjaro Rd., Columbia
Swansfield Elementary School, 5610 Cedar Lane, Columbia
Wilde Lake Middle School, 10481 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia
Howard County Library System East Columbia Branch, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia
Howard County Library System Elkridge Branch, 6540 Washington Blvd, Elkridge
Click here for more information.
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