The Howard County Recreation & Parks Winter Guide is now available online. Therapeutic Recreation program listings can be found on pages 13-15. Winter registration opens online on Wednesday, December 6 at 6pm for in-county residents so mark your calendars!

Join us on Thursday, November 9 at 7:30pm at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center for our FREE Community Choir Performance! All ages are welcome to come and share in the joy of music.

All ages | Harriet Tubman Cultural Center

Nov 9 | 7:30pm | Th | Free

Save the Date for our free Holiday Sing-Along on Thursday, December 7 at 7:30pm at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center. Get into the holiday spirit as we sing our festive favorites.

Waitlists

If an activity has reached maximum capacity, it may still be possible to join the activity's waitlist. Should a space become available, the program staff will contact the waitlisted clients in the order they joined via the phone and email listed on the household. Please consider joining the waitlist as we frequently try to expand programs when possible.

Program Information Emails

It has come to our attention that program information emails have occasionally been blocked from inboxes. We suggest ensuring that the privacy settings in your email account have staff email addresses listed as “always allow” or a similar option that ensures emails can get through to you. We also encourage you to keep track of your program dates, times, and locations in case you do not receive a program information email. Finally, you can always send an email or call us if you feel like you should have received a program information email.

Painting Fall Wildflowers with Jennifer Eidson

A one-time art class with a fun, encouraging, and social environment. Our expert instructor guides us to capture the beautiful colors of the fall season, with friendly and helpful step-by-step instructions and guidance from staff.

18 yrs + | Cedar Lane Pk

RP4326.502 | Nov 4 | 3-5pm | Sa | $35

Ugly Holiday Sweater Dance

Wear your ugliest sweater! Teens and adults with developmental disabilities enjoy dancing, socializing, and listening to music from a DJ. If program is full, please consider joining the waitlist. Expanding program capacity may be possible.

13 yrs + | Harriet Tubman Cultural Ctr

RP4301.503 | Dec 8 | 6:30-9pm | Sa | $15

Mistletoe at Midday Makers Mart

Join us for a pleasant afternoon of handmade, nature-inspired and eco-friendly shopping both indoors and outdoors at the Robinson Nature Center. We are expecting 35+ vendors!

Event is free and for all ages. Doors open at 11am and event runs until 3pm. Admission to the Robinson Nature Center is free during event time. Planetarium shows at 11:30am, 12:30pm and 1:30pm for $5 per ticket.

All ages | Robinson Nature Ctr

Nov 18 | 11am-3pm | Sa | Free

51st Annual Holiday Mart

Find seasonal gifts and merchandise created by juried artisans. Shoppers know this is the place to find unique handcrafted items and home décor. You’re sure to find something for everyone on your list! (Vendors juried in advance.)

• Over 130 crafters
• Carriage rides
• Refreshments and lunch available for purchase
• Children’s craft corner
• Canvas painting sessions (limited availability)

All ages | Gary J. Arthur CC

Dec 2 | 9:30am-4:30pm | Sa | $4 in advance, $5 at the door

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced significant progress to building faith-based initiatives, expanding hospital capacity, creating workforce retention, and improving flood mitigation in Ellicott City. During his State of the County speech, County Executive Ball noted that the state of the county is “strong” based on educational, economic, and health and wellness progress.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and the Howard County Commission on Disabilities (CoD) celebrated the winners of their 2023 Disability Awards. The event, held at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, honored outstanding efforts of individuals and organizations that advance full participation in community life for all people and promote the spirit and intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other disability rights laws.

This year’s theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is “Advancing Access and Equity.” This year’s award winners were:

Employer Award: BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in Columbia, for its efforts to build an inclusive workforce for people with disabilities.

Service Awards: Lamont Edwards, a manager at Pete Pappas and Sons, Inc., for their efforts to empower individuals with disabilities to live self-directed, meaningful lives.

Tamara Layne, a speech/language pathologist in the Howard County Public Schools System, for their efforts to empower individuals with disabilities to live self-directed, meaningful lives.

Accessibility Awards: Howard County Department of Public Works, Bureau of Facilities, Design and Construction Division, for its efforts to provide accessible, user-friendly restrooms in County Government buildings.

Merriweather Post Pavilion, an outdoor entertainment venue in downtown Columbia, for its efforts to provide welcoming and accessible outdoor concert opportunities.

Individual Achievement Award – Youth: Alex Morales, a student at Oakland Mills High School, for their efforts to change attitudes regarding the capabilities of people with disabilities.



Individual Achievement Award – Adult: Regina Lee, an advocate and community leader, for their effort to change attitudes regarding the capabilities of people with disabilities.

Do you have program feedback and suggestions? Do you want to provide a testimonial about your experience or your family member's experience with Therapeutic Recreation programming? Fill out our survey!

Each newsletter contains a fun fact that you may find helpful during upcoming programs.

November's Fact:

Australia is wider than the moon. The moon is 2,113 miles in diameter, while Australia is about 2,485 miles wide from east to west.