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Oakland Mills Community Association | Important news & info about the community in which we live. | |
Upcoming Events
CALL AHEAD or CHECK EMAILS and FACEBOOK to find out the status of meetings and events.
| The OMCA office and The Other Barn will be closed Thursday, July 4. | |
July 11, 7:00 p.m.
RAC Meeting
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July 16, 7:00 p.m.
Public Space Committee Meeting
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July 18, 7:00 p.m.
RAC Meeting
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July 23, 6:00 p.m.
OMCA Board Meeting
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Save the Date! OM Community Pool Party
August 5, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Tickets available on Eventbrite July 3.
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The OMCA office and The Other Barn will be closed Thursday, July 4. | |
Office Hours:
Monday through Thursday
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Before you visit The Other Barn, please contact us by email or phone to schedule an appointment.
Brigitta Warren, Village Manager
manager@oaklandmills.org
Ashleigh Jacobs, Facility & Rental Coordinator
events@oaklandmills.org
Amy Carpenter, Events & Administrative Coordinator
office@oaklandmills.org
Carrie Wenholz, Covenant Advisor for Letters of Compliance
loc@oaklandmills.org
Michael Vaughn, Covenant Advisor for Exterior Alteration Applications (in office Tues/Thurs)
applications@oaklandmills.org
Karina Caico, Covenant Advisor for Property Concerns (in office Mon/Wed)
propertyconcerns@oaklandmills.org
Contact Board Members HERE.
The Other Barn Phone: 410-730-4610
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Celebrate in our amazing space!
Rent The Other Barn!
The Other Barn is currently booking events through 2025.
To view The Other Barn venue photos and info, please click on the button below. Tours are by appointment only. For further questions, contact Ashleigh Jacobs at events@oaklandmills.org. Follow The Other Barn
on Facebook!
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Other Important Community Contact Info | |
Howard County Government Closings on July 4 & 5
The County government buildings will be closed, as well as the 50+ Centers. Alpha Ridge landfill will also be closed, and curbside collections will slide one day. County parks will be open. RTA bus service will run on a Sunday schedule.
Full list of closings and openings
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Howard County Police
- For emergencies, call 911
- Non-emergencies: 410-313-2200
- Traffic non-emergency: email hcpdtraffic@howardcountymd.gov
- Traffic emergencies: call 911.
- File a traffic complaint HERE.
- Traffic & Engineering Division (info on street calming, community speed control program, etc.) HERE.
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Howard County Government Website
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Covid-19 County Updates HERE
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Howard County Council
Oakland Mills is located in Council District 2 and represented by Opel Jones.
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Who handles what?
Want to know who handles what—CA, the Howard County Government, or the Columbia Village Community Associations? Click HERE to see a
simple breakdown.
| New to the neighborhood? Welcome hOMe to Oakland Mills! We'd love to welcome you to OM. Email manager@oaklandmills.org and we'll send you all of the great info you need to feel right at hOMe! | |
Oakland Mills Board of Directors | |
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Board News
Upcoming OMCA Board Meetings
For meeting agendas and past board meeting minutes, click HERE.
To contact the OM Board click here.
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OMCA Committees
OMCA has several committees that are always ready to welcome new members. If you would like information or would like to find out about serving on a committee, please email Brigitta Warren manager@oaklandmills.org.
OMCA Education Committee
Meetings are hybrid, held at The Other Barn and on Zoom on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Next meeting: TBD
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OMCA Public Space Committee
For residents interested in the uses of Howard County's public spaces and roadways. Meets the third Tuesday of each month.
Next meeting: July 16
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OMCA Open Space Advisory Committee
For community members who are interested in the current and future use of CA's open space.
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Resident Architectural Committee (RAC)
The RAC meets virtually on Zoom on the first & third Thursdays of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Next meeting: July 11
Info/list of applications will be posted three days in advance of the meeting HERE.
applications@oaklandmills.org
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Architectural Covenant Processes
Info on architectural covenant processes, visit the Covenant Tab on the Oakland Mills website.
Exterior Alterations Applications Info
Click HERE.
Request For Letter of Compliance
Click HERE
Resale Packet
Click HERE to download. Hard copies can also be purchased for $30 during regular business hours.
Covenant Complaint Form
Click HERE
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Board Notes from Karin Emery, OM Columbia Council Rep | | |
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See updates from our Columbia Council Representative, Karin Emery. Click the button below to see her most recent newsletter, or check out her newsletter archives. | |
Oakland Mills Farmers Market | |
OMHS Food Pantry Donations | |
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We are now taking donations for the OMHS food pantry at The Other Barn. Drop off items Monday through Thursday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Click HERE to see a list of items needed.
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Updates from the Howard County Health Department | |
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Summer Heat Wave—tips for staying safe in the heat:
- Drink plenty of liquids
- If possible stay out of the sun between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Wear loose, light-colored clothing
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NEVER leave children or pets in the car--even with the windows cracked
- Check on older relatives and neighbors
Call 911 if you are experiencing a heat-related emergency. For more information about staying safe in the heat got to: www.howardcountymd.gov/health/emergency-preparedness#additional-resources and click on Heat/Sun Safety Tips.
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Community Events & Opportunities | |
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Lakefront 4th of July Celebration
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Lakefront July 4th Celebration
Fireworks start at dusk (about 9:15 p.m.)
Blankets can be placed starting 3:00 p.m.
Schedule of Events:
- 5:00 to 9 p.m. - Food trucks available
- 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. - Music performances:
- 6:00 to 7:15 p.m. - Big Joe & The Dynaflows
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7:30 to 9:00 p.m - Quitapenas
- 9:15 p.m. - Fireworks
More info about parking, road closures, and more.
Bike HoCo Bike Corral at the Fireworks
Open from 1:00 p.m. until after the fireworks*
*Recommend arriving before 6 p.m. due to the crowds.
Location: Across from GrillMarx Steakhouse
Little Patuxent Parkway & Wincopin Circle
Beat the traffic and ride a bike to the Columbia Fireworks! Bike HoCo (a 401(c)3 nonprofit) offers free, supervised bike parking—no lock is required!
Special added bonus for parking your bike: park your bike at the bike corral, and you could win an e-bike! Raffle provided by Downtown Columbia Partnership.
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Friends of the Fourth Pavilion Seating/Picnic at the Fireworks
6:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Tickets $85/person
More info & tickets
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Good Vibes and Voices Concert and Event
June 27, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Rockburn Branch Park West
6105 Rockburn Branch Park Road, Elkridge
Double time it over to Rockburn Branch park for a night of FREE music, entertainment, healing conversations, lawn games, food, and fun! Learn about local resources for service members, veterans, and their families. Feel free to bring your own lawn chair or blanket. More info.
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Arts for All Survey
What kind of art would you like to see in our community spaces? Share your vision through the Arts for All survey and be part of Howard County's artistic transformation at https://form.typeform.com/to/MTjwb50G.
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Bernice Kish Gallery Exhibit: Another Time by Kevin Peddicord
Now through June 28
Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House
10400 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia
Reception and Gallery Talk:
May 5, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Gallery Website
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Summer Life Skills Workshops for Middle Schoolers by HC DrugFree
Mondays through Thursdays
July 15 to July 25
10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
On Zoom
Want your kids to avoid risky behaviors while learning how to keep their friends - and maybe become the leader of the group to guide their friends and siblings away from danger too? Register your HoCo kids for FREE Life Skills classes!
College students wanted to teach classes. High schoolers volunteers needed to assist. More Info
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Public Star Parties
June 13 & Aug 10 (start time varies)
Alpha Ridge Park
11685 Old Frederick Road, Marriottsville
Join members of the Howard Astronomical League (HAL) for a Public Star Party in and around their observatory. Free, no registration required. More info.
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HCPD Community Athletic Program Kickoff
July 1, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Talbott Springs Pool Parking Lot
9660 Basket Ring, Columbia
Residents of all ages are invited to meet up with HCPD School Resources Officers at locations throughout the county this summer to check out all the fun, FREE activities CAP's traveling trailer has to offer. Activities include basketball, baseball, flag football, floor hockey, tennis, board games, and video games. Learn more.
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HoCo Rec & Parks Summer Camp Spots Still Available
To learn more about what camps are available each week, click HERE. For a complete list, or to register for a summer camp, click HERE.
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HCC Student Theatre Productions
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Howard Community College Concert Series
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St. Louis Church Concert Series
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Services & Volunteer Opportunities | |
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Free Summer Meal Program
June 24 through August 2
Weekdays, 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.*
OMMS & other locations
For children 18 and under. No applications, enrollment or fees to participate in this program, however children must be present to receive free meals.
More Info (including additional locations).
*No meal July 4.
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OMHS Summer Food Pantry Schedule
Note: July 31 distribution will take place at Talbott Springs Elementary School!
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Howard County is Redesigning its Flag!
Submission deadline: June 30th
Do you have a great design idea for a new Howard County flag? If yes, click HERE to learn how you can submit up to three original designs to be considered for Howard County's new official flag. For questions, email flag@howardcountymd.gov.
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Roving Radish Mobile Market
The Roving Radish Mobile Market that connects the community with affordable, healthy and farm fresh food will make 12 stops weekly throughout the County beginning this Summer, Details may be found by visiting the Roving Radish Mobile Marketplace page.
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Volunteer with the OMI Green Team!
Many opportunities available, including on the first and third Sundays. Email volunteeromigreenteam@gmail.com for more info.
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OMHS Community Food Pantry
See flyer above for summer distribution dates and locations.
For pick up procedures and info on donating, click HERE. Donations can also be dropped off at The Other Barn Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. More info.
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Free Digital RTA Passes for HCPSS and HCC Students
Students can enjoy access to free bus passes right from their phone through the Transit app. More info
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Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center
8990 Old Annapolis Road, Suite A , Columbia
Call: 410-531-6677 or 410-531-6006
24 Hour Hotline: Dial 988
grassrootscrisis.org
Telephone counseling, free walk-in counseling, a 24-hour suicide hotline, Mobile Crisis Team, and a Runaway Teen Program that provides crisis intervention for runaway youth and their families. The emergency shelter will still be open at its location, 6700 Freetown Road. All services are free. Marylanders with mental health or substance use issues are encouraged to call 988 to reach help.
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988.
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Civic Works Home Energy Programs
The Howard County Office of Community Sustainability has joined forces with Civic Works, a nonprofit organization committed to helping homeowners and renters in Howard County save energy. Together, we’ve established an initiative aimed at helping Howard County residents go solar and upgrade their energy efficiency. Learn more.
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Bike Hoco is doubling the number of Bike Corrals this year. Sign up to help support free bicycle parking at over ten Howard County events, including the Fireworks at the Lakefront, EC Springfest, HCC Greenfest, EC Music Fest, and Books in Bloom, to name a few.
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Dreaming of Home Ownership
Do you have dreams of owning your own home in Howard County but can’t cover the down payment? You may be eligible to participate in the County's Settlement Downpayment Loan Program (SDLP)! Howard County’s SDLP program provides families of eligible income with a low-interest loan that helps cover the down payment and closing costs for home purchases. Applications are accepted year-round by the Department of Housing and Community Development.
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A-OK Mentoring and Tutoring Volunteer Info Sessions
Would you like to be a volunteer mentor-tutor who supports Howard County, Maryland elementary and middle school students? Are you a trustworthy adult who can commit to one school year of service for a student? Attend a 30-minute info session to learn more. Register HERE. A-Ok Mentoring and Tutoring website
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Free Bikes 4 Kidz
Got a bike to give away? Donate to Free Bikes 4 Kidz. The organization also has volunteer opportunities. More info HERE.
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The Village in Howard
The Village in Howard is a member-based community of Howard County residents 55 and older. Membership benefits enable members to actively age in place. To view TVIH's current Village Vibe newsletter, click HERE.
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Community Action Council Assistance
Community Action Council offers housing assistance, energy assistance, food assistance, and early childhood education. Visit www.cac-hc.org to learn more. Get support or get involved now by calling 410-313-6440.
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CAREAPP
Find services for food, health, housing, transportation, education, employment assistance, and more. Click HERE for info.
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Ride RTA for Free for those 60 Years+
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.
| A Home Of Our Own Howard is a nonprofit organization that provides furniture and household items at no cost in a timely fashion to individuals, veterans, and families in Howard County Maryland who are transitioning from homelessness. Learn more about services or how to donate volunteer HERE. |
Columbia Community Care
Free food and goods for those in need. Volunteers and donations welcome.
For food distribution dates and location and other information please visit the CCC website for details.
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The Loan Closet of Howard County
7125 Riverwood Drive, Suite D1, Columbia
Need medical equipment? Try The Loan Closet. Appointments are required for all services; call 410-313-0363 (voice/relay) to discuss your needs. More info.
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Howard County Multiservice Center Food Pantry
9900 Washington Blvd, Suite 1, Laurel
Mondays & Wednesdays, 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Third Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
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Howard County Food Connections Map
Interactive tool to help you find low-cost, accessible food and nutrition resources in the County. Also find transit routes/stops. Click HERE.
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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 Residents Assistance
Info on Covid-19 resources, food assistance, housing help, social services, and more. HERE
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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. Families who may qualify should visit www.CAC-HC.org or call 410-313-6440 for more details.
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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 or older and live or worship in Howard County. To enroll or for more information, email HCGH-J2BH@jhmi.edu or call 410-740-7601.
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Childcare Scholarship Program
If you’re a working parent, in school or participating in an approved training program you may be eligible for the Child Care Scholarship Program. For more information and step-by-step instructions to complete an application click HERE or contact the CARE Line at 410-313-2273 or children@howardcountymd.gov.
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OhanaHC
Empowering Students*Building Community
At OhanaHC, we value relationships and recognize that in order to better the outcomes for our students and the community, we must come together and show up for others. Supporting OhanaHC’s mission means you understand the value and work required to successfully empower students on their journey to self-defined success while strengthening community through diverse connections, intentional partnerships, and long-term mentorship. Help us reach our goal of building a culturally affirming and equitable community that everyone can thrive in.
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Columbia Association News & Events | |
CA Headquarters & Member Services Office
6310 Hillside Court
Columbia, MD 21046
CA main number: 410-715-3000
Member Services number: 410-730-1801
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Columbia Ice Rink
Located in the Oakland Mills Village Center (5876 Thunder Hill Rd)
Visit the Columbia Ice Rink website to register for lessons, see public skate hours, etc.
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CA Aquatics
Outdoor pools are now open! View schedules HERE.
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Lakefront Live is back for its 2024 season! Watch outdoor movies, dance under the People Tree, see fantastic live performances, and more! Click the button for more info, including the event schedule! | |
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CA OPEN SPACE
50/50 SURVEY PROGRAM
Does your land abut CA Open Space? Then you could qualify to have CA pay for half of your home's boundary survey!
To ensure accurate installation of exterior alterations within your property boundaries, a survey of your property can be done. In order to assist with that effort and to prevent encroachments onto CA Open Space, the 50/50 Survey Program was created. CA now offers a discounted survey for community members who own property adjacent to CA Open Space.
For more information and to take advantage of this program, email: RealEstateServices@ColumbiaAssoication.org.
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Youth and Teen Center @ The Barn
Website
Phone: 410-992-3726
Teen Center Director: Rene Buckmon, Rene.Buckmon@columbiaassociation.org
Drop-in Program
Is your child looking for a community of peers, great activities, and a whole lot of fun? Sign them up for the Drop-In program at the Youth and Teen Center! It has a range of educational, enrichment and recreational opportunities that support positive peer interaction, hands-on learning opportunities, decision-making, and development of life skills. September's calendar is full of fun activities including sports, trivia, art classes and more.
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Senior Tax Credit
Deadline: October 1, 2024
The Senior Tax Credit, a credit of 25% of the county property tax, is available to residents aged 65 and older with a combined household income of $102,200 or less and net assets under $500,000, not including the value of their home.
Applicants with income less than $60,000 are required to apply for the State of Maryland Homeowner Property Tax Credit.
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Aging in Place Tax Credit
Applications open March 1
Deadline: June 30, 2024
Eligibility for the tax credit requires a minimum age of 65 years old, and at least 30 years, as of June 30th preceding the tax year, residing in a dwelling with an assessed property value up to $650,000.
The number of years qualifying individuals may receive the credit is eight years. The credit will automatically renew unless the homeowner is no longer eligible.
Learn more about our tax credits at www.howardcountymd.gov/finance/tax-credits.
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Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services
July 4 Closings
There will be no curbside collections on July 4. Instead, collections on July 4 and 5 will slide one day. The Alpha Ridge landfill will also be closed.
Road Closure
Beginning June 17, Marriottsville Road will be closed from Resort Road to Rt. 40 (south of I-70), which may impact traffic to the Alpha Ridge Landfill. See detour map HERE.
Composting Demonstrations
Held throughout the year at Howard County Library branches. Download the 2024 Schedule
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Howard County Community Engagement Survey
Help improve Howard County communication and accessibility. Share your priorities for the environment and well-being. Click HERE to access the survey.
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EV Charger Checklist
To assist electric vehicle owners with the installation of a vehicle charger in a dedicated homeowners association parking spot, DPZ has put together this checklist, outlining the items you’ll need to submit your EV charger approval submission.
For questions and/or more information, contact DPZ’s Development Engineering Division via email at ded@howardcountymd.gov.
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BGE Natural Gas Info Pages
If you smell gas, call 911.
Learn how BGE responds to, assesses and repairs natural gas leaks HERE. | |
Howard County Department of Public Works Construction Projects Map: Click HERE.
Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administrations Project Portal: Click HERE.
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Lightbulb Exchange Program Expansion
Howard County residents can now visit any Howard County Library branch to exchange used incandescent and compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs for new, energy efficient LED bulbs (while supplies last). More info
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2024 Parent’s Guide Now Available
Inside the 2024 Parent’s Guide to Howard County, readers will find information about programs that support positive family engagement. For questions, more information about available service, or if your family needs additional assistance and support, please contact the Howard County Office of Children and Family's CARE Line at 410-313-2273 today.
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2024 Howard County Resource Guide On Aging & Independence Is Now Available
The Office of Aging and Independence's annual Howard County Resource Guide contains up-to-date information about health and wellness, financial planning, legal services, housing options and more to help county residents age well and plan for their future.
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The Family Institute Parenting Workshops & Newsletter
The Howard County Office of Children and Families offers free workshops through its Family Institute program. Check out the office's newsletter for more great resources.
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See Click Fix
See Click Fix is an interactive website for Howard County residents to report issues to the County. Issues include, but are not limited to, roadway issues, missing street signs or fallen street signs, street tree issues, potholes, cracked sidewalks, etc. THIS IS NOT a site for 911 emergencies or police or fire issues.
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Oakland Mills United is a community organization that advocates for Oakland Mills through education, empowerment, and demanding change. OMU empowers OM's students, schools, and community by providing programs to address the needs of students and families.
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Visit OMO!
One CLICK opens the door to become engaged in a community-based, multi-generational social learning environment.
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The mission of the Oakland Mills Local Leadership Team is to mobilize residents of Oakland Mills Village to build an equitable and cohesive community that helps children, youth and families thrive.
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Howard County Public Library
Visit the Howard County Public Library website to access virtual educational resources & events and more.
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Little Free Library at The Other Barn
The free little library is open to the public. Please feel free to leave a book and take a book so that OM can continue to enjoy reading and sharing.
Please remember that only books that you would find at the HoCo Library should be left in our library and be appropriate in nature.
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Need help getting fast, reliable internet?
Visit Consumer Action's fact sheets to learn about discounted internet and phone service:
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Support our OM Merchants
Visit the OM Website for a complete list of merchants and businesses. All Oakland Mills merchants are open and would love your support!
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HC DrugFree provides resources and education on prevention, treatment, recovery, and health and wellness to help Howard County residents develop knowledge and skills to understand and address behavioral health (substance use and mental health) disorders. HC DrugFree website
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