Volume VII | Issue 3 | Fall 2025 | | |
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,
| | Howard County Pride Flag Raising Ceremony | | 2025: Howard County Innovation Summit | | Howard County: 5th Annual STEM Awards | | Howard County National Night Out | | Howard County Caribbean American Heritage Celebration | | |
Welcome to Walktober 2025
The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and other partnering agencies host events and webinars spotlighting walking, our official state exercise.
Throughout the month you can learn about MDOT’s programs and initiatives that focus on Maryland pedestrians' safety, health, community connections, infrastructure, and commuting options.
WALKTOBER has four goals:
- Create a culture of safety, by addressing safety as a system and using the Safe System Approach for Safer People, Vehicles, Roads, Speeds, and Post Crash Care.
- Demonstrate leadership and share best practices for achieving walkability through investments.
- Coordinate with other Maryland State agencies to align policies and programs. Engage with stakeholder groups such as local governments, non-profits, and social organizations.
- Educate Marylanders about walkability while providing outlets to participate in civic processes and local events.
Join MDOT every Thursday during October from 10:30 AM - NOON at one of the free Walkinars:
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October 23rd- Education: Teaching Walking Safety from a Young Age - register here
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October 30th - Agency: Walking Across Maryland with the State Secretaries Roundtable - register here
There are opportunities for everyone!
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Harvest Gala 2025
Flannels, Florals, and Friends
Dig out your best flannel and floral attire to enjoy an evening of fall festivities at CEI's 3rd Annual Harvest Gala!
Join CEI on Thursday, October 16th at the Meeting House in Columbia from 6 - 8:30 PM for live music by Miss Moon Rising, flavorful fare from Koshary Corner, a sensational silent auction, and fun community building opportunities.
Get your tickets here!
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Spook-tacular is back
Friday, October 24th in Color Burst Park! Trick-or-treat, join the costume contest, pumpkin decorating, and enjoy photo ops, and family games.
Stay for live music, dancing, and the costume catwalk at 7:15 PM!
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The 28th Annual Celebration of the Arts in Howard County will be held on Saturday, October 25th at the Horowitz Visual & Performing Arts Center at Howard Community College.
Begin the best night of the year with a reception where 15 to 20 local culinary sponsors will showcase their finest foods.
At 8 PM, guests take their seats for the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition and the presentation of the Howie Awards.
Up to 10 talented, local finalists will vie for the audience vote for the $5,000 Rising Star award!
The 2025 Howie Awards will be presented to an Outstanding Artist, Arts Educator, and Community Supporter of the Arts in recognition of their contributions to the arts community in Howard County.
Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers will help with set-up, breakdown, hospitality, the bar, and so much more.
Volunteer shifts are:
- SET UP - Friday, October 24th, 4 -7 PM
- SET UP - Saturday, October 25th, 11 AM - 2:30 PM
- SET UP - Saturday, October 25th, 2 - 5:30 PM
- EVENT - Saturday, October 25th, 5 -11 PM
- USHERS - Saturday, October 25th, 6:45 -11 PM
Become a Celebration Volunteer | Howard County Arts Council
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Voices of Change: Embracing the Power of We: Thursday, October 30th
5:15 PM | Eventbrite (TICKETS)
Presented by the Howard County Office of the Local Children's Board, the 2025 Voices of Change: Embracing the Power of We live theatre presentation on October 30th addresses the impact of lived experiences to help navigate the challenges of today’s world.
Join the community in the Smith Theatre in the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center at Howard Community College, from 5:15 - 8 PM for a unique and engaging presentation of visual arts and multimedia storytelling directed by Grant Harvey, and an engaging keynote address by Dr. Kaye Whitehead.
FREE ADMISSION. The content is suitable for youth ages 13 and up. Refreshments will be served during the networking session from 5:15 - 6 PM.
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Beautify county parks, heritage sites, and Historic Ellicott City. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required here.
For all ages.
Locations, times, and details are available at www.HoCoVolunteer.org.
This event is FREE!
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Join Howard County for the 3rd Annual Pumpkin Palooza Celebration
Miller Branch Library
Saturday, November 22nd
11 AM - 2 PM
There will be games, composting demonstrations, food trucks, and more!
Bring your pumpkins and jack-'o-lanterns to be composted at Alpha Ridge Landfill. Carved, uncarved and painted pumpkins are acceptable (water-based paints are preferred), and all decorations, including candles, lights, plastic bags, etc. must be removed before collections can occur.
For more information, click here.
| | Howard County Resident Services | |
Resources and social services for residents living in Howard County: Resident Services
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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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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
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.
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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.
| | County Updates and 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.
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Upcoming Meetings
The upcoming Board of Directors Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21st at 7:30 PM.
The meeting location and information are available here. LRCA 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.
Executive Director/Village Manager, Tina Addo: info@longreach.org
Executive Director/Village Manager, Tina Addo: info@longreach.org
For resale packets and newsletter, Anne Kulesza: office@longreach.org
For architectural changes, Kristina Strakna: applications@longreach.org
For letters of compliance and property complaints, Lesley Ahmuty: compliance@longreach.org
For rentals, Yasmeen Avery: rentals@longreach.org
For events/programs, Amanda Milliner: lrcaevents@longreach.org
| | For more information about the Redevelopment Plan and the Workshop, please visit destinationlr.com. | | |
Guided Walks in Long Reach - October 30th
Join your friends and neighbors on one-hour walks that highlight pathways in three different neighborhoods in Long Reach: Jeffers Hill, Kendall Ridge, and Phelps Luck.
The walks are free and for all ages! You do not need to register. For more information, visit longreach.org
Track your steps using our easy-to-use app and join the group for your village: Dorseys Search, Harper’s Choice, Hickory Ridge, Kings Contrivance, Long Reach, Oakland Mills, Owen Brown Village, Town Center, Village of River Hill, or Wilde Lake.
How to Join:
- Click the link below to download the step-tracking app.
- Once the app is installed, return to this message and click the link again.
- You will be added automatically to your village’s group in the app.
- The village with the most steps at the end of October will be crowned the Howard County Village Walktober 2025 Champion! Don’t miss out—download the app today and start stepping for your village!
Long Reach 2025 Walktober Group: https://join.thestepupapp.com/TmpF
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Halloween Party
Saturday, October 25th from 10:30 AM - NOON
Stonehouse
Join the Long Reach community for spooky family fun! Enjoy pumpkin decorating, a magic show, treats, and snacks!
No registration is required for this FREE event. Costumes are encouraged!
The event is intended for children 10 years old and under; adult supervision is required.
The event is scheduled to take place outdoors, unless inclement weather occurs.
Visit longreach.org for more information.
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Long Reach Shredding Event
Saturday, November 8th
9 AM - NOON
Dispose of sensitive information safely and securely at the Long Reach Village Paper Shredding Event.
- FREE for Long Reach residents only (ID required)
- $15 for non Long Reach residents
- Limit 3 grocery bags/banker boxes per household
- Residential shredding only - No businesses
- Participants must be able to carry their shredding from their car to the truck
- First-come, first-served - the event is over at noon or once the truck is full
The event will be held in the Stonehouse lower-level parking lot (6110 Foreland Garth)
Visit longreach.org for more details.
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The upcoming Board of Directors Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28th at 7 PM.
For meeting agendas and past board meeting minutes, click here.
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Oakland Mills is now taking donations for the OMHS food pantry at The Other Barn. Drop off items Monday through Thursday between the hours of 10 AM - 3 PM.
Click here to see a list of items needed.
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Deep Run Elementary School's PTA Trunk or Treat!
Friday, October 24th from 6:30 - 7:30 PM
*Inclement Weather Date: Thursday, October 30th
Come and join the FUN!
| | Trunk or Treat – Thursday, October 30th, 6 – 8 PM | | |
Thunder Hill Elementary School PTA: 2nd Annual Holiday Market
Saturday, December 13th
10 AM - 2 PM
THES Cafeteria and Gymnasium
The PTA is currently seeking vendors for the Holiday Market! Are you a crafts person, and have one-of-a-kind items to sell? Do you have holiday-themed items that be great additions to festive décor, or items that would make for delightful gifts?
Looking for local artisans, artists, makers, crafters, bakers, food and beverage vendors/trucks.
| | For additional "Trunk or Treat" questions, please email Melissa Lean at melissa.h.lean@gmail.com. | |
Don’t forget to support the Book Fair!
The Book Fair will be open Friday, October 24th, from 4:30-7:00 PM in the Media Center.
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Howard Lions' Pride Athletic Boosters - Annual Craft Fair Fundraiser
Sunday, October 26th 10 AM - 3 PM
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Calling all 9-12th Grade Artists, Dancers, Filmmakers, Musicians, Photographers, and Writers!
PTA Reflections is a fun opportunity for you to showcase your talent.
For more information, please visit: https://howardptsa.givebacks.com/w/reflections
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