Volume VII | Issue 2 | Spring 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,
| | Thank you to River Hill’s Diversity Association for inviting me to speak at your Spring DEI Conference. It was genuinely a privilege to participate in such an uplifting event. | | |
Luminus Workshop: Monday, April 21st
The Howard County Library System, in collaboration with the Luminus Network, Inc., presents "Know Your Rights!"
Universal Translation will be available for workshop attendees.
For more information click, here.
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Talking to Children About Disabilities
April 23rd at 6 PM/ Virtual / Register
Learn age-appropriate ways to talk to your children about disabilities. Gain strategies to start the discussion using sample scripts to respond responding to difficult questions. Help your children learn to view all people with dignity and respect.
If you have questions or need more information, email Lisa Rhodes or call the CARE Line for assistance at (410) 313-2273 (Voice/Relay).
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Thursday, May 1st, join a FREE Howard County Virtual 50+ Employment Expo sponsored by the Howard County Office on Aging & Independence (OAI) and the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA) of Greater Washington.
The virtual employment expo is Open to ALL APPLICANTS who are at least 50 years of age.
Registration is required.
To learn more about the employment expo, visit our FAQ page at HoCoExpos.AccessJCA.org/FAQ Howard County, MD, Virtual 50+ Employment Expo
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May the 4th Family Fun Parade
Register Here
Join a pet-friendly, family-themed Star Wars invasion.
The parade starts at the Log House in downtown Ellicott City and finishes at the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum.
Stop by specially marked stores to collect raffle tickets for your chance to win prizes! After the parade, enjoy light refreshments at our Admiral Ackbar snack bar and participate in the costume contest.
Pre-registration is required.
Information: Daneisha Nicholas, (410) 313-4625 or dnicholas@howardcountymd.gov.
This event is FREE for all ages.
*** If there is inclement weather, please call the status line before leaving for the event: (410) 313-4451, option #2 (Events)
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Green Spring Fling
Sunday, May 4th
12:30 - 4 PM
Join the Oakland Mills Interfaith Green Team for environmental fun for the whole family!
Registrants receive a free native plant on the day of the event.
Electric Vehicle (EV) enthusiasts who would like to showcase their vehicle can email Hans Plugge.
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Join Grassroots for the First Annual Trivia Night, a fundraising event full of questions and prizes!
Bring your friends and your brain power for an unforgettable night of trivia.
Tickets are priced at $25 per person, which includes a complimentary welcome drink courtesy of Sapwood Cellars. The trivia event is hosted by Cap City Trivia.
Additional food and beverages from Sapwood Cellars will be offered at an extra charge.
Teams of any size are welcome. Sign up for a team at registration or arrive early to get seating for your group. Doors open at 6:30 PM, trivia starts at 7 PM.
Purchase your tickets here before they sell out!
All proceeds support Grassroots’ programs providing free 24-hour crisis, mental health, substance use, homelessness, suicide prevention, and related support to those who are in need.
Sponsorship opportunities with promotion are available.
Contact Anna Katz at anna@grassrootscrisis.org or (410) 531-6006 x1770 for more information.
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Nurses Week 5K Fun Run/Walk
Join us Saturday, May 10th at 8:30 AM for the Inaugural Nurses Week 5K, supporting our amazing nurses!
Proceeds will benefit the Nurse Excellence Fund, providing nursing scholarships, training, and professional development opportunities.
Register for the 2025 Nurses Week 5K Today
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Saturday, May 10th from 1-5 PM
Join the Office of Community Sustainability at the Healthy Homes Fair to explore the products, services, and incentives available to use in your homes to combat climate change.
The fair will feature more than 100 exhibitors, an appliance “petting zoo,” an e-bike “tasting party,” food trucks, and more!
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Wine in the Woods is the largest wine festival in Maryland and has been voted Best Festival in Howard County.
Enjoy a glass of wine or a bottle to share with friends from Maryland's finest wineries.
At this two-day event, enjoy great food, shopping, music, wine, and beer! Bring your picnic blanket and dancing shoes as live bands play each day.
Premium Pass Area: The wristband includes everything a ticket provides PLUS exclusive access to a premium, curated selection of Maryland-grown wine.
Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged.
This event is held rain or shine. A free, souvenir wine glass is given to all attendees 21 yrs or older upon entrance.
For more information click here .
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Visit Rockburn Branch Park for a night of FREE music, entertainment, lawn games, food, and fun! Learn about local resources for service members, veterans, and their families.
Presenting Live Fire, the rock band of the 229th Maryland Army National Guard!
Join the community at Rockburn Branch Park (West) on June 5th (Rain Date: June 6th)
from 6 - 8 PM.
For more information, click here.
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Community Yard Sale and Block Party
Harriet Tubman Cultural Arts Center
Saturday, June 21st
Vendor registration is required, and space is limited. Vendors are given a six-foot space with one table and two chairs.
For more information, click here or call (410) 313-0860.
| | Howard County Resident Services | |
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.
| | 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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HCPSS Registration is now OPEN!
Registration for kindergarteners or new students is open for all Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) elementary schools.
Visit the HCPSS enroll page to confirm your child's school.
For more information, call HCPSS Public Information Office at (410) 313-6600.
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Student volunteers needed for LakeFest 2025!
The Columbia Festival of the Arts (CFA) would like to invite your middle and high school students to support the artists and the festivalgoers at LakeFest 2025.
Students must be at least 13 years old and, if under 16, must be accompanied by a parent.
Volunteers may help visual artists
load/unload their art and set up their booths.
For more information, click here.
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Upcoming Meetings
The upcoming Board of Directors Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6th, 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 their website. Please feel free to contact their staff for assistance or to schedule an appointment.
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
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Feed the Green Bin
Howard County is expanding its food scrap collection in Long Reach beginning April 2025.
Keep an eye on your mailbox for a postcard to sign up.
For more information, click here.
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LRVC Concept Planning Workshop
Tuesday, April 22nd
7- 9 PM at Stonehouse
Columbia Concepts, Inc., the developer of the proposed Long Reach Village Center Redevelopment, will hold a Concept Planning Workshop for the community.
1. The purpose of the Village Center Concept Planning Workshop is to facilitate a collaborative planning discussion, which may include but is not limited to the following:
a. Village Center boundaries;
b. Any community redevelopment visions or existing Village Center Community Plans;
c. Planning and design concepts; and
d. Appropriate uses.
Long Reach residents are strongly encouraged to attend this interactive and collaborative planning discussion.
For more information about the Redevelopment Plan and the Workshop, please visit destinationlr.com.
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Saturday, April 26th at 8 AM
All ages are welcome. Wear comfortable shoes and bring binoculars, if you have them. Participants will meet at the Kendall Ridge Pool (8245 Tamar Drive) parking lot and walk on foot through Columbia paths from there.
The event is FREE! Register at LRCA.eventbrite.com
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Paper Shredding
Saturday, April 26th
9 AM – 12 PM at Stonehouse
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 (Exact Change Only)
- 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 12 PM or once the truck is full!
Stonehouse lower-level parking lot (6110 Foreland Garth).
Visit longreach.org for more details.
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Columbia Art Center Ceramics Sale
Saturday, April 26th
10 AM – 1 PM
Columbia Art Center
The Columbia Art Center is having a ceramics sale with pottery made by local MD artists.
The event will be at the new Main Entrance located at the lower-level parking lot behind the Art Center and Stonehouse.
For more information about the Columbia Art Center, visit columbiaassociation.org or call (410) 730-0075.
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Join the Long Reach community for an afternoon of engaging conversation with neighbors and friends while dining on a delicious meal. Enjoy entertainment by Rearview Mirror, an oldies variety cover duo.
The event is free for Long Reach residents. The fee for non-residents is $10.
Register in advance by April 23rd – no ticket sales at the door. You must be 50 years or older to attend.
For more information, click here.
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Saturday, May 17th at 8 AM
Have a sale in your own yard this spring, and Long Reach will take care of the advertising!
Here are a few things you may want to know:
- The start time is 8 AM – There is no set end time.
- Long Reach will post on the Facebook page and website and send out an email newsletter listing participating street names.
To be included in these lists, residents must sign up by noon on Monday, May 12th.
If you have further questions, please email events@longreach.org.
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CARES “Trashy Hour” Days
Long Reach CARES hosts “Trashy Hours.” Residents may volunteer to pick up trash in selected areas in Long Reach Village.
All supplies are provided.
Upcoming Date: Tuesday, May 20th, 5 - 6 PM at Phelps Luck Neighborhood Center
Trashy Hour will be canceled in the event of inclement weather.
Please contact cares@longreach.org for updates or questions.
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Wills & Trusts Seminar
Tuesday, June 10th
5 - 6 PM at Stonehouse
Attend an informative presentation about Wills & Trusts with Attorney Andrew Swanekamp, owner of Swanekamp Legal, LLC. Andrew will give an in-depth 40-minute presentation followed by a Q&A session.
Topics include:
- Wills as a baseline to distribute Assets and establish Guardianship of children.
- Trusts as a vehicle to simplify distribution of assets after your death as well as to protect them during your life.
- Powers of attorney as documents that empower your trusted family and friends to make decisions when you cannot and how to incorporate them into your larger estate plan.
For more information, click here or call (410) 730-8113.
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OMCA Board Meeting
For meeting dates, agendas, and past board meeting minutes, click here.
Oakland Mills is taking donations for the OMHS food pantry at The Other Barn. Drop off items Monday through Thursday between the hours of 10 AM and 3 PM.
Click here to see a list of items needed.
For more information, contact Brigitta Warren, Village Manager at manager@oaklandmills.org.
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Jazz in the Mills 2025 Presents Warren Wolf
Join Warren Wolf at The Other Barn on Sunday, June 22nd for Jazz in the Mills.
Warren Wolf is a multi-instrumentalist from Baltimore, Maryland. Warren is an international touring musician.
Warren has made ten recordings, most notably for Mack Ave Records. Warren is a member of the SFJAZZ Collective and Christian McBride & “Inside Straight”.
ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online and at The Other Barn.
Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.
Jazz in the Mills is sponsored by Ms. Lavenia Nesmith and the Oakland Mills Community Association.
The concert venue, The Other Barn, is handicap accessible with the concert on the 2nd floor of the venue. There is a handicap lift for guests and a bathroom on the 2nd floor.
Masks are encouraged for all guests.
For more information, click here or email manager@oaklandmills.org.
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Beginner Band/Strings Concert: Tuesday, May 6th, 6:30 - 8 PM
Clothes Swap Fair for Families: Wednesday, May 7th, 1:30 - 4 PM
Advanced Band/Strings Concert: Tuesday, May 20th, 6:30 - 8 PM
Middle School Transition Night: Thursday, May 22nd, 6 - 7:30 PM
| | Jeffers Hill Elementary School opened its doors in 1974! Please save the date for their 50th Celebration on May 9th. | | For more information, click here. | | |
SFES Judy Center
Coming Soon to Stevens Forest | HCPSS Judy Center Early Learning Hub
The SFES Judy Center will be housed within existing SFES facilities and is expected to officially begin serving families in fall 2025. In the months leading up to the SFES Judy Center’s opening, HCPSS will work with SFES to hire staff, begin to establish relationships with partners and stakeholder groups, and conduct outreach to families to help them understand the programs and services the Judy Center will offer.
Once it is open, the SFES Judy Center will offer a range of services, including adult education and parenting classes.
“As educators, we know how essential early learning is to students’ success in kindergarten and beyond. At the Judy Center, we aim to build awareness and understanding of the importance of early learning among our parents and caregivers, enlist them as partners, and teach them ways to help their child be ‘school ready,’” explains Carter.
The SFES Judy Center also will provide case management services, helping to connect families with programs and services needed to improve their overall well-being.
“Howard County has a wide range of services available to help families, but they are not always easy for families to navigate. By providing case management, the SFES Judy Center will help to ensure that families know where to go and how to access the services they need,” La Marca Lessner says.
In addition, SFES’s Judy Center will host weekly multigenerational playgroups, guided by evidence-based practices that align to the Maryland Early Learning Standards and help prepare children for kindergarten. Parents and caregivers of the participating children will have the opportunity to participate in family education events, where they may learn about such topics as the importance of school attendance and the role play has in building skills needed in school.
SFES also will partner with a variety of groups and organizations to provide early intervention identification, developmental and health screenings, parenting classes, and other services that support students and families.
The establishment of SFES’ Judy Center supports HCPSS’ efforts to fulfill the requirements of Pillar 1 of Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which calls for investment in high-quality early childhood education and learning experiences, and more specifically, for the expansion of Judy Centers.
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The Family Tree – Monday, April 28th
For more information, email: jackson21582@yahoo.com
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TSES Restaurant Night at Chipotle - 9851 Broken Land Parkway, Columbia
May 14th from 5 - 9 PM
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Taharka Brothers Ice Cream Fundraiser
April 21st – 23rd
Coupon Code is THUNDER
THUNDER Fundraiser - Taharka Brothers
Ice Cream will be delivered on April 25th to your residence after 4:30 PM
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Thunder Hill will host a career day on May 30th!
Community members are invited to share their career experiences with THES students!
Please complete this google form if you are interested in participating: https://forms.gle/E3yNqp9i9jwk9Sjj9
For questions contact, Ms. LaTia Douglas, latia_douglas@hcpss.org.
| | Mark your calendars for the annual Spring Carnival on Saturday, April 26th from 2-6 PM. This fun-filled community event is rain or shine! | | |
May 8th: Beginning band/strings concert at 6:30 PM
May 15th: 5th Grade Simulated Congressional Hearings
May 21st: Chorus concert at 6 PM
May 22nd: The STEAM Fair at 6 PM
May 28th: Advanced band/strings concert at 6:30 PM
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Mayfest: Saturday, May 17th from Noon – 5 PM
MWMS Spring Chorus Concert: Tuesday, June 3rd at 7 PM
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Choir Spring Concert: Monday, May 12th from 6:30 - 8 PM
Band and Orchestra Spring Concert: Wednesday, May 14th from 6:30 - 8 PM
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Shreadfest: HS Guitar Festival - Wednesday, April 23rd from 7 - 9:30 PM
Spring Dance Concert: Auditorium - Friday, May 2nd from 7 - 10 PM
Engineering Design and Development EXPO (Cafeteria and Atrium): Saturday, May 3rd from 7 AM – 1 PM
Dinner Theater Performance (Auditorium): Friday, May 9th from 7 - 10 PM
HoHS Food Pantry: Thursday, May 15th, 5 - 7 PM and Thursday, June 5th, 5 - 7 PM
All families should go to the back of the building and enter through the rear doors that are located by the Handicap Parking Spaces.
Additional signage will be displayed.
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Guitar Concert: Tuesday, April 29th from 7 - 7:30 PM
Band Concert: Wednesday, April 30th from 7 - 7:30 PM
Choir Concert: Thursday, May 1st from 7 - 7:30 PM
Orchestra Concert: Monday, May 5th from 7 - 7:30 PM
Dance Concert: Thursday, May 8th and Friday. May 9th from 7 - 7:30 PM
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After Prom Donation Drive
Last Day to Donate: Thursday, May 15th
The PTSA is collecting college-ready items for door prizes such as dorm essentials, school supplies, tech gadgets, and gift cards.
Make a monetary donation that will go towards purchasing items or purchase items yourself and drop them off at the front desk at OMHS.
Please email ptsapresident.omhs@gmail.com to inform the PTSA of the items you will donate.
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TIME: Dinner at 5 PM and Full Program begins at 6 PM
WHERE: Centennial High School
COST: FREE
REGISTRATION will remain open until Friday, April 18th
HCPSS Pride - Reimagine the Rainbow
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OMHS Food Pantry
April 30th from 3:30 - 5:30 PM at OMHS (Front Parking Lot)
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HCPSS Spring College Fair
Wednesday, April 30th from 6 - 8 PM
Howard Community College Academic Commons Galleria
HCPSS, Howard Community College, and the Potomac & Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling (PCACAC) are partnering to host a College Fair on April 30th with more than 80 colleges and universities.
Students in grades 10-11 are encouraged to attend for the opportunity to:
- Meet with college admissions representatives from institutions across the country
- Learn about programs and majors from various institutions
For more information, click here.
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