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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.
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April 4, 7:00 p.m.
RAC Meeting
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April 5, 10:30 a.m.
Lively Arts: Pam the Kindersinger
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April 9, 7:00 p.m.
OMCA Board Meeting
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April 18, 7:00 p.m.
RAC Meeting
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April 20, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
OMCA Earth Day Celebration
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April 21, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Jazz in the Mills: Thad Wilson Octet
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April 27, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Annual OMCA Plant Sale
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May 3, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Lively Arts: Mr. Boom Boom
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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 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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Howard County Assistance page (Covid-19 emergency assistance & resources)
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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 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: April 23
Jonathan Edelson, Chair
jledelson.omca@gmail.com
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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.
No meeting in April. Next meeting: May 21
Warren Wortman, Chair, wwortman.omca@gmail.com
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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.
Bill McCormack Jr., Chair
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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: April 4
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
Exterior Alterations Applications Info
Request For Letter of Compliance
Resale Packet
Click HERE to download. Hard copies can also be purchased for $30 during regular business hours.
Covenant Complaint Form
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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. | |
2024 Oakland Mills Village Elections | |
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"Meet the Candidates" Virtual Meeting
April 2, 7:00 p.m.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87415210833
This year's election is non-contested, which means no election will be held and all candidates are deemed elected beginning May 1, 2024. Come to this special virtual meeting to get to know the candidates and ask them questions on issues that are important to you.
Read candidate statements HERE. For more elections info, visit the Oakland Mills Village elections page.
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Lively Arts: Pam the Kindersinger | |
Jazz in the Mills: Thad Wilson Octet | |
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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Volunteer Veterinarian Still Needed!
The Health Department is looking for a graduate veterinarian (experienced, retired or new) to volunteer approximately two hours a month (several times a year) at the Howard County Animal Control & Adoption Center in Columbia to administer rabies vaccine to cats, dogs and ferrets. Supplies and an assistant are provided. More details.
Health Department Job Openings
Click HERE to view.
Howard County Urgent Care Centers
Howard County has put together a comprehensive list of available Urgent Care Centers in the County to use should you need non-emergency medical care when your healthcare provider is unavailable. Click on the Urgent Care List HERE.
Visit the Howard County Health Department webpage for info on Covid-19, flu, and RSV.
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Community Events & Opportunities | |
Due to high demand for shredding trucks, OMCA will not be holding a document shredding event this spring and will have a shredding event in September. In the meantime, take your documents to the Howard County Green Fest on April 13 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) for shredding (see graphic below). Visit the County's shredding website for more information. | |
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Howard County Kids Fest
March 30, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Meadowbrook Park
5001 Meadowbrook Lane, Ellicott City
Have a blast with the family at the annual Kid’s Fest. Enjoy sports instruction, games, activities, arts and crafts, food, and more. Registration, tickets, and more info.
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Trans Day of Visibility Celebration
March 31, 4:00 p.m.
Busboys and Poets
6521 Mango Tree Road, Columbia
Trans adults, trans teens, their families and allies are invited to the County’s first-ever Trans Day of Visibility Celebration. Featuring an all-inspiring talent show, open mic, great food and opportunities for community connection, this event aims to bring together the local trans community to elevate trans voices in an affirming environment. Sign up HERE.
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Try It Out Comedy: Irwin Loring (headlining)
April 1, 7:00 p.m.
(Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Busboys & Poets
6251 Mango Tree Road, Columbia
Tickets $25. Tickets & Info
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Financial Empowerment Fair
April 13, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Monteabaro Theatre
Howard Community College
Workshops on financial topics, speakers, and more. Registration and info.
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Autism in the Park at Blandair
April 13, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Blandair Park
Come enjoy interactive play, entertainers, face painting and demonstrations and visit with first responders, provider, and county resources. All ages are welcome to this free event. Hosted by Howard County Rec & Parks and the Autism Society of Maryland. To learn more: www.howardcountymd.gov/autism-park.
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Howard County Council for the Arts Grants
A number of grants are available for individuals, art organizations, and PTAs. Click HERE to learn more.
Info Sessions Schedule
Registration is required. Please click the link to register for an info session.
April 16, 7:00 p.m.: CAD Project Grant
April 17, 7:00 p.m.: AiE Grant
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Citizen's Police Academy, Apply Now!
Deadline: April 26
This free, interactive course offers Howard County residents the opportunity to experience an inside look into HCPD’s day-to-day operations and gain an understanding of the kind of training police officers receive in our county. The Academy is 12 weeks long, with classes taking place once a week from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. and taught by police instructors in a police academy setting. To learn more about this program, its eligibility requirements and how to apply, click HERE.
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HCC Fundraising Event: Vino Scholastico
April 26
6:00 p.m. VIP Reception
7:00 p.m. General Tasting
Howard Community College
Tickets and sponsorships are available now at www.howardcc.edu/vino.
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The Village in Howard 50/50 Raffle
Tickets go on sale March 18
Drawing held May 4
$50 per ticket; $200 for 5 tickets. Winner gets half of the total sold. More information.
Spring Gathering (held before the 50/50 Raffle drawing)
May 4
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
6061 Stevens Forest Road, Columbia
Entertainment (Tai Chi Demonstration & Music),
snacks, plant sales, and games. Register HERE.
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The Village in Howard Spring Meditation Series: "Thai Chi for the Soul"
Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. (April)
Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. (April through May 2)
Online
This 5-week zoom experience is open to the public and TVIH members. Register via the TVIH website calendar.
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OMI Green Team Spring Fling
May 5, 12:30 to 4:00 p.m.
Oakland Mills Interfaith Center
5885 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia
Free native perennial plants to the first 400 people age 2 and up who register. Lots of fun kids' activities. Electric car "frunk" show, food vendors, and more! Info & registration.
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Humanity Matters Social Justice Conference
May 6, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Turf Valley Resort
2700 Turf Valley Road, Ellicott City
Hosted by the Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity. Tickets $125. More info and tickets
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It’s Time to Register for Kindergarten!
Registration for new students or students entering public school kindergarten in fall 2024 begins the week of March 11, 2024 in all Howard County public elementary schools at times determined by individual schools.
Kindergarten is mandatory in Maryland. State law requires that children entering kindergarten in the fall of 2024 must be 5 years of age on or before September 1, 2024. Children entering first grade in the fall of 2024 must be 6 years old on or before September 1, 2024. For details about registration and enrollment, visit www.hcpss.org/enroll/.
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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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Battle of the Books Volunteers Needed
April 19
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Help Howard County Library System and the Howard County Public School System host a great Battle of the Books for our county’s kids! If you would like to signup to volunteer, click here.
High school students can earn service hours when they volunteer for the same shift with a supervising adult. Details (about parking, pizza and more!) will be sent to you via email. Contact katie.disalvo-thronson@hclibrary.org with any questions.
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Donate to the Friends and Foundation of Howard County Library System "Plant a Book, Grow a Reader" Fundraiser
Now through May 11
More info
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Diaper Giveaway
April 30, & May 28
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Howard County Health Department
Back Entrance
8930 Stanford Blvd.
HCHD's PEACE Project and MOMCares will be holding monthly diaper giveaways while supplies last. The PEACE Project team will be on-hand to answer questions and provide resources for other pregnancy needs.
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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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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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CAREAPP
Find services for food, health, housing, transportation, education, employment assistance, and more. Click HERE for info.
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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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OMHS Community Food Pantry
Next Distribution Date:
April 24, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
at Oakland Mills HS
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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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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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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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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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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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 Jobs
Enjoy flexible hours, a fun work environment, competitive pay and a free CA Fit&Play membership — including pools, gyms and so much more! Apply now!
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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.
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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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Livable Homes Tax Credit
Open now
Deadline: April 1, 2024 (for the 2024 tax year)
The Livable Homes tax credit is available for certain types of accessibility features installed in a principal residence. The feature must have been installed in an existing primary residence. The amount of the credit is equal to 100% of the eligible cost or $2500, whichever is less.
To learn more about how to apply for this credit, please visit www.howardcountymd.gov/finance/tax-credits.
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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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Trash, Bay, Watershed Protection Fee Hardship Tax Credit
Deadline: June 20, 2024
Homeowners with limited income may qualify for a 60 percent credit against the Trash Fee and Watershed Protection Fee and an exemption from the State Bay Fee.
A family of four may qualify with income up to $78,000 for tax year 2024. Renters may also qualify for an exemption from the State Bay Fee. Seniors who receive the Senior tax credit will receive the hardship credit.
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Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services
Curbside yard trim collections will resume the week of April 1.
Residents in the Feed The Green Bin area receive year-round food scrap and yard trim collection.
Until the season reopens in April, yard trim can be recycled at the Wood Waste Area at Alpha Ridge Landfill or set out with curbside trash.
More info
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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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Need help getting fast, reliable internet?
Visit Consumer Action's fact sheets to learn about discounted internet and phone service:
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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
Closed March 29 & 31 for Easter holiday.
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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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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