Volume VIII| Issue 1 | Winter 2026 | | |
George Howard Building | 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: (410) 313-2001 | Email: ojones@howardcountymd.gov
| |
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,
| | |
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast
The Alpha Foundation of Howard County, Incorporated, in partnership with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter, hosted the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast. For over 51 years, the Alpha Foundation has united the community to celebrate and reflect on the legacy and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
| | |
123rd Korean American Day
On January 13th, we came together to celebrate and honor the 123rd Korean American Day, a significant occasion that marks the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States.
| | |
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration
On Sunday, January 18th, the Howard County Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission celebrated the enduring legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with its Annual Celebration. This event honored individuals, organizations, and students from Howard County who embodied his vision through outreach efforts, artwork, essays, and oratory performances.
| | |
NonProfit Collaborative Expansion
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball introduced legislation in partnership with the Howard County Council to extend the multi-year agreement between the Howard County Government, the Howard County Housing Commission, and the Association of Community Services of Howard County (ACS). This renewal of the NonProfit Collaborative (NPC) will last for another ten years.
For the first time in a decade, the new agreement will facilitate the expansion of the NPC, enabling at least twelve additional local human service-focused non-profits to establish their presence in the space.
| | |
Bill Signing for Council Bill 16-2026
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has officially enacted a law that bans the issuance of County permits for privately-owned detention centers. The Howard County Council passed this legislation unanimously, showcasing a bipartisan agreement. This bill modifies the Howard County Building Code to stipulate that only government agencies can apply for, obtain, or hold permits for the I-3 Use group.
| | |
Lunar New Year Celebration
It was a privilege to acknowledge the Howard County Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission as they celebrated the Lunar New Year. The Year of the Horse represents adventure, lively energy, and vitality.
| | |
High Ridge Center Grand Opening
It was truly a joy to be part of the grand opening of the High Ridge Center, backed wholeheartedly by every fraternity and sorority from the Divine Nine (D9). What began as an idea from County Executive Calvin Ball, fueled by the advocacy of countless D9 members in Howard County, and secured through funding approval as a Councilmember, has now come to life. This experience stands as one of the most memorable highlights of my 28 years with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Knowing that there is now a central hub for D9 members to gather, strategize, and uplift our communities for generations to come is genuinely heartwarming.
| | |
Second Residents’ Budget Hearing for Fiscal Year 2027
The Resident Budget Hearing is an opportunity for Howard County residents to share their input on the county’s upcoming fiscal year operating and capital budget.
Click here for more information
| | |
2026 Transportation Open House
Tuesday, March 3rd
4:30 - 7:30 PM
Howard County Library System's Miller Branch
9421 Frederick Road
The third annual Howard County Transportation Open House has been rescheduled to Tuesday, March 3rd from 4:30 - 7:30 PM at Howard County Library System's Miller Branch.
| | |
International Women’s Day
Out of This World - Girls Night In Space
Saturday, March 7th
6:30 - 8:15 PM
Robinson Nature Center
6692 Cedar Lane
All are welcome to celebrate International Women’s Day through hands-on learning about astronomy. Enjoy a night sky planetarium show, astronomy activities, and space-themed crafts. Meet women in space/science careers and hear about their journeys.
This event is for ages 6 years and up, children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Registration is $17 per person
Click here for more information or call (410) 313-0400
| | |
Commission for Women
Saturday, March 14th
5:30 – 7:30 PM
East Columbia 50+ Center
6610 Cradlerock Way
The Howard County Commission for Women (CFW) will celebrate Women's History Month at their annual gathering. The event will feature a dinner, the presentation of the 2026 Student Poster Contest awards, and a panel discussion with dynamic local women leaders.
Click here to register
| |
Crabs & Cornhole
Saturday, March 28th
4 - 6:30 PM
Harriet Tubman Cultural Center
8045 Harriet Tubman Lane
Enjoy music, games, food, and fun for the entire family. Wear your best Maryland-themed outfits and enter into a Maryland Day contest. Crabs and other food options will be available for purchase.
Preregistration requested but not required.
For more Information please dial (410) 313-0860 or click here to register
| | |
Document Shredding Event
Saturday, April 11th
10 AM – 2 PM
Howard Community College
Hickory Ridge Building
10650 Hickory Ridge Road
Residents may bring up to three bags or boxes of paper to shred.
Think before you shred--please ONLY bring items that contain personal information. Junk mail, catalogs, and office paper can be recycled with regular curbside recycling collection.
Click here for more information
| | |
GreenFest 2026
Saturday, April 11th
10 AM – 3 PM
Howard Community College, Academic Commons
10901 Little Patuxent Parkway
GreenFest is Howard County's largest celebration of Earth Day. The event aims to connect residents with resources from local businesses, non-profits, and government departments.
Interact with local green vendors, take home some native plants, attend a workshop or demonstration, and much more!
Click here for more information
| | Howard County Resident Services | |
Resources and social services for residents living in Howard County: Resident Services
| | |
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
Call (410) 313-6440 or visit www.cac-hc.org for support or to get involved.
| | |
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.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| | |
Report Non-Emergency Issues Online
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 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.
| | |
Now is the time to also start thinking about the department’s spring and summer activity, event, and program offerings! 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, click here to check out a copy of Recreation & Parks’ Spring/Summer 2026 Activity Guide online.
Online registration for the guide begins 6 PM this Wednesday, March 4th 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 for you on Wednesday, March 11th at 6 PM, with all other registration forms available the following day.
| | |
Upcoming Meetings
The upcoming Board of Directors Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3rd 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
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, Heather Cook: compliance@longreach.org
For rentals, Yasmeen Avery: rentals@longreach.org
For events/programs, Amanda Milliner: lrcaevents@longreach.org
| | |
The Zoning Board Administrative Meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday, March 11th, at 7 PM. The purpose of this meeting is for the zoning board to decide whether to hold the public hearing themselves or defer it to the Hearing Examiner.
This administrative meeting is not the public hearing, and the actual public hearing will be scheduled at a later date following advertisement. The meeting is hybrid, so you may attend in person or virtually.
For information about the meeting, visit howardcountymd.gov or call (410) 313-2001.
Click here to view the Meeting Notice from the County.
For information about the Redevelopment Plan, you may visit the Columbia Concepts website destinationlr.com. For information about the redevelopment process, you may contact the Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning.
| | |
50+ Lunch
Friday, April 17th
11:30 AM – 1 PM
Stonehouse
6110 Foreland Garth
Join the community for an afternoon filled with lively discussions alongside neighbors and friends while enjoying the musical performance by Hugo Keesing!
Cost: $5 Columbia Association (CA) residents; $10 non-residents. Photo ID required at the door to confirm residency on CA assessment paying property.
Register in advance by, Thursday, April 2nd. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
Registration is available online at LRCA.eventbrite.com or in person at Stonehouse. Tickets are limited, so please plan accordingly.
For additional inquiries, dial (410) 730-8113 or email lrcaevents@longreach.org.
| | |
Bird Watching Walk
Saturday, April 18th
8 AM
Kendall Ridge Pool
8245 Tamar Drive
Join Long Reach CARES (Community Action and Resources for Environmental Stewardship) for a delightful birding adventure around the Kendall Ridge neighborhood. Discover which birds are passing through the area during their spring migration.
All ages are welcome, the walk will last about an hour and participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring binoculars.
The event is FREE!
Register at LRCA.eventbrite.com
| | |
Village-Wide Yard Sale
Saturday, May 16th
8 AM
Click here for more information
| | |
The upcoming hybrid (in-person and virtual) Board of Directors Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10th at 7 PM.
For meeting 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
| | |
Wednesday, March 18th
6:30 - 8 PM
The Other Barn
Learn how to protect and distribute your assets during your life and beyond during this FREE presentation by local attorney Andrew Swanekamp.
Topics covered: Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Beneficiaries, and more!
Click here to reserve your ticket
| | Click here to reserve your ticket | | |
2026 HCPSS Family Academy Conference
HCPSS families are invited to save the date for the 2026 Family Academy Conference on Wednesday, March 4th from 6 – 8:30 PM at Long Reach High School.
Families can look forward to a light dinner, a community resource fair, and interactive workshops focused on academic achievement, well-being, and family engagement.
Workshop topics will include college and career readiness, special education supports, curriculum updates, hands-on learning strategies for use at home, and more.
For more information, visit HCPSS News
| | |
HCPSS will host a Special Education Resource Fair on Saturday, March 14th from 10 AM – 1 PM at the Cedar Lane School.
The FREE event will provide families with information from the community and HCPSS to support their students receiving special education and related services.
For more information, email FSRC@hcpss.org
Registration is not required
Special Education Resource Fair
| | Families are encouraged to review your child’s walking route together and reinforce safe decision-making. | | |
Walker Safety Reminders
Please encourage your child to:
- Walk with a buddy whenever possible
- Stay on familiar, well-traveled routes
- Avoid engaging with strangers or approaching unfamiliar vehicles
- Never accept rides, gifts, or invitations from anyone they do not know
- Trust their instincts. If something feels uncomfortable or unsafe, leave the area immediately
- Report any concerning situations to a trusted adult right away
| |
Clothing to Cash Recycling Program
Deep Run Clothing & Shoes Collection Center
Deep Run Clothing Bin accepts a variety of items. Deep Run gets paid for every bag of clothing, shoes and textiles placed in this bin.
The bin is located in the school parking lot.
| | |
Accepting New and Gently Used:
- Clothing - Women's, Men's and Children's Clothing, Coats, etc.
- Footwear - Shoes, Seakers, Boots, Cleats, etc.
- Textiles - Bedding, Sheets, Blankets, Towels
- Accessories - Handbags, Backpacks, Gloves, Scarves, Jewelry, Wallets
Items must be clean, dry, in bags, and tied closed.
The following items are not accepted:
- Mattresses
- Furniture
- Food
- Cushions
- Plastic or Glass items
- Carpets
- TVs
- Electronics
- Books
- Toys
Kindly refrain from placing any items outside of this bin.
| | |
Open PTA Meeting
Wednesday, March 11th at 6 PM
| | |
Arts and Crafts
Thursday, March 26th at 5 PM
| | |
What is RaiseRight?
This user-friendly program allows you to earn fundraising dollars from purchases you’re already making.
By buying e-gift cards from major retailers like Target, Amazon, Giant, Old Navy, Lowe's, and others, a portion of each sale goes back to the school as fundraising contributions.
Since each retailer provides a different percentage of cash back, be sure to visit the website for a complete list.
Click here to access the website and see the available options.
Click here for more information
| | |
School Counselors Support
If your student is facing challenges at home, struggling academically, or simply needs an adult connection, please don’t hesitate to fill out the form below.
HCPSS is dedicated to supporting students overcoming obstacles that may hinder their learning and help them become the best Falcon!
Once you submit the form, counselors will reach out to your student as their schedule allows.
Please feel free to contact Andrea Stremmel, School Counselor, at (410) 313-6886 or andrea_stremmel@hcpss.org with any questions or concerns.
School Counselor Support Form: https://forms.gle/5aN15LfPxvcfhQXu6
| | |
STEM MINI-MISSION: SAVE OUR CITY!
Where: Thunder Hill Elementary School Cafeteria
Date: March 11th
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Who: Kindergarten – 5th Grade Students
Cost: FREE
Students will work in teams to complete exciting STEM missions that restore clean water, rebuild bridges, crack secret codes, and program robots.
This interactive, escape-style STEM night encourages: Teamwork, Creativity, Problem-Solving, Engineering and Coding Thinking.
Click here to register
| | |
Thursday, March 19th: Restaurant Night Out at Panda Express locations nationwide (Online Orders Only). Apply Fundraiser Code 9011222 in the box at checkout.
20% goes to the THES PTA
| | |
Have you ordered your yearbook yet? Order by Friday, March 13th to receive discounted price!
Order Online at www.Strawbridge.net
| | |
Online Code: YB33686
1. Click Order Pictures and Yearbooks. Enter your Online Code.
2. Enter your name and email, then click Access Yearbook.
3. Enter your student's information, then click Submit Details.
4. Select your product and quantity.
Click "View Cart" to proceed to checkout:
Early Bird Rate until Friday, March 13th
Standard Rate until Friday, April 10th
| | |
Mayfield Woods Middle looks forward to further support from the parents for upcoming events. Thank you for being part of the school community and for all you do to make it thrive!
Click here to view the calendar of events
| | |
Next PTA Meeting:
Monday, March 9th at 6:30 PM
Get Involved! Click here to Join the PTA
| | |
Upcoming PTSA Meetings:
Monday, March 16th
Monday, April 20th
Monday, May 18th
All meetings are held at 6:30 PM in the OMMS Media Center
Not a Member Yet? Click here to join.
| | Click here to learn more about the program | | |
Save the Date!
Please join the Howard High School community on Monday, March 2nd at Chipotle on Dobbin from 4 – 8 PM. Show the flyer or order online using code: GQDFE3B.
| | |
Howard Theatre is excited to announce that tickets for CHICAGO are on sale!
Click here to purchase tickets
| | | | |
