Columbia BikeAbout Set for Sept. 17: Volunteers Still Needed

Columbia Association’s (CA) annual BikeAbout will be held Saturday, Sept. 17, with riders setting off from the Downtown Columbia Lakefront. The free, fun and informative tour presents Columbia’s history and showcases the connectivity of its pathway system.

Preregistration is not required, but is encouraged, via ColumbiaAssociation.org/bikeabout. Columbia BikeAbout will begin at 9:30 a.m. with riders able to start up until 10 a.m. They are expected to complete the ride by 1 p.m.

CA also is seeking volunteers who will assist with traffic control, directions, registration, and acting as guides at places of interest along the route. Flexible shifts are available between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Training and a free T-shirt will be provided. For more information, email [email protected] or call 410-715-6781.

Central American, Mexican Musicians, Dancers, Exhibitors and Food Vendors Needed for Culture Fest

Columbia Association (CA) is seeking Central American and Mexican musicians, dancers, exhibitors and food vendors for the upcoming Central America and Mexico Culture Fest to be hosted this October by CA and the Howard County Library System.

This free family event will be held Sunday, Oct. 16, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Howard County Library System’s Miller Branch, 9421 Frederick Road in Ellicott City. The date follows National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

Representatives from Mexico and all of the countries that make up Central America — Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama — are invited to participate and show the Howard County community what makes their countries and cultures unique. Interested parties should contact Laura Smit by calling 410-715-3162 or emailing [email protected].

Schuh Announces $820K Investment in Brooklyn Park Senior Center

Keeping with his commitment to improving the quality of life of all county residents, Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh announced $820,000 in planned improvements to the Brooklyn Park Senior Center on Hammonds Lane.

“The flagship [of] our senior center network lays here at the Brooklyn Park Senior Center,” said Schuh. “This proposed revitalization and refurbishment will improve the quality of life for our seniors.”

The increased investment will fund essential upgrades like an additional activity room to accommodate more classes, and installing a vestibule to put reception and check-in in a separate room than the main lobby area. The Department of Aging has met with officials from the Department of Public Works to begin the planning on the improvements. Funding for the project was part of the fiscal 2017 capital budget, which went into effect July 1.

Veteran Health Services Is Ready for Some Football, Fundraising at Kelsey’s

Veteran Health Services will join Kelsey’s Irish Pub on Thursday, Sept. 15, to kick off the season of Thursday Night Football while raising money to help veterans in need. Kelsey’s Give 5 Drive Community Day will commence with happy hour from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at the restaurant, 8480 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, and continue throughout the evening as the Buffalo Bills take on their AFC East rivals, the New York Jets, at 8:25 p.m.

Kelsey’s will be donating a portion of all proceeds on Sept. 15 to Veteran Health Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit company dedicated to offering mental and behavioral health, substance abuse and trauma-related care to veterans and their families, regardless of their level of service connection or ability to pay, or a third party’s concept of “medical necessity.”

The nonprofit company recently launched its nationwide “Give 5 Drive,” a social media and crowdfunding initiative that seeks to elicit donations of $5 from millions of supporters, 100% of which will go toward the development, launch and clinical operations for the organization while laying the foundation for future clinic locations.

Admission to Kelsey’s Give 5 Drive Community Day is free, but donations to the Give 5 Drive are encouraged. A portion of Kelsey’s sales for the entire day on Sept. 15 will be donated to Veteran Health Services. For more information on Veteran Health Services Inc. and how it intends to help America’s struggling veterans, visit www.veteranhealthservices.org.

Annapolis Council Amends APF Ordinance

Annapolis Mayor Michael Pantelides announced the amended Adequate Public Facilities (APF) Ordinance, which proposes that school capacity become one of the public facilities that is tested at the time of Adequate Public Facility Review, passed during a recent city council meeting.

“Promises made; promises kept,” Pantelides said. “I told Annapolitans when I was campaigning for office that I would address overcrowding in area schools, and this bill ensures that a school capacity test is included in our development application process for the first time in the city’s history.”

The goal of this ordinance is to ensure that the capacity of the elementary, middle and high schools can support additional students before an application is approved. The bill was sponsored by Pantelides, Ward Five Alderman Jared Littmann and Ward Eight Alderman Ross Arnett. A number of amendments were discussed, including capacity standards. A conditional review process will allow projects in restricted areas to continue through the review process contingent upon capacity becoming available or after a six-year waiting period.

The amended ordinance calls for two testing periods; the first will occur after July 1, when the Educational Facilities Master Plan is approved by the Board of Education, and again on Jan. 1.

BWI Marshall Holds Summer Youth Initiative

The BWI Business Partnership, with industry partners including the Maryland Aviation Administration, participated in the second annual “Capture the Imagination” event that reached out to 50 Baltimore City youths between 10 and 15 years of age to take them inside of two airports and a maritime education center.

During the week of Aug. 15–19, these youth experienced the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of potential career opportunities in the world of aviation, maritime, engineering, military and more. They experienced flying at Martin State Airport, being at the helm of a large ship in the simulator at the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies, observed flight operations at BWI Marshall Airport and drove snow removal equipment, to name a few activities.

Discover Downtown Columbia 5K, 1-Mile Fun Run Set for Oct. 2

The Downtown Columbia Partnership and Howard County Library System are hosting the third annual Discover Downtown Columbia 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run on Sunday, Oct. 2, starting at 9 a.m. at The Plaza at The Mall in Columbia.

The course takes runners past and through some of Downtown Columbia’s iconic landmarks, including The Mall in Columbia, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Howard County Library System’s Central Branch, Toby’s Dinner Theatre, the former Rouse Company building (now home to Whole Foods) and ends at the People Tree at the Downtown Lakefront.

Registration fees are $40 for the 5K; the Fun Run costs $10. Runners and walkers are welcome. Proceeds benefit the Downtown Columbia Partnership and Howard County Library System. Register at discoverdowntown5k.com.

Third Annual HCC 5K Challenge Race Promotes Wellness, Scholarships

More than 400 employees from more than 40 area businesses will run, climb and crawl to the finish line on Oct. 30 for the third annual Howard Community College (HCC) 5K Challenge Race, a wellness and teambuilding event that raises funds for student scholarships. The race takes place on the HCC campus and features a celebration village and awards ceremony for participating teams.

The Howard Community College Educational Foundation has partnered with Columbia Association and the American Heart Association for the event, which focuses on corporate health and wellness programs for small and large organizations in the community.

The HCC Educational Foundation, expects to raise more than $100,000 for student scholarships through the event. Individuals wishing to form community teams should contact [email protected]; for more information, visit howardcc.edu/hccchallenge or contact at the HCC Educational Foundation at 443-518-1970.

Tee It Up for The Arc

The Tee It Up for The Arc annual golf tournament is slated for Monday, Sept. 12. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., followed by a 9 a.m. shotgun start at Waverly Woods Golf Club, 2100 Warwick Way, Marriottsville. The event will include 18 holes of golf, cart rental, breakfast and lunch, course beverages, prizes, sponsor gifts, a raffle and silent auction. The tournament honors the memory of Gary Arthur, who was Howard County director of recreation and parks.

Sponsorships are available with recognition and other benefits. Registration is available at www.archoward.org/events/golf. For information, contact Keyanna Turner, [email protected].

MakingChange Offers Free Financial Workshops

MakingChange, a local nonprofit that is changing lives by empowering individuals and families to achieve financial stability, will facilitate a free financial workshop on “Understanding Credit, Credit Reports and Scores,” on Tuesday, Sept. 13, from noon–1:30 p.m. and at 6–7:30 p.m., at the Howard County MultiService Center, 9900 Washington Blvd., Suite 1, Laurel.

Other free workshops, also held on Tuesdays, from noon–1:30 p.m. and from 6–7:30 p.m., include “Basics of Investing” on Oct. 11, “Your Money and Your Job” on Nov. 15, “Identity Theft” on Dec. 13 and “Retirement Planning on Jan. 10, 2017. Reserve your space by contacting [email protected], by calling 410-313-0220 or by visiting www.makingchangecenter.org.

Senators Announce Award to Howard Fire & Rescue

U.S. Sens. Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) announced that the Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services has been awarded $201,524 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Fire Prevention and Safety Grant program as part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

The Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services will use this federal funding to initiate “Remembering When,” a countywide assessment of county residents age 65 and over to reduce preventable injuries and deaths. The program will identify aging communities, educate the aging population, and conduct home inspections and a follow-up evaluation. The home inspection will provide an assessment for falls and a working smoke alarm.

CFHoCo Garners $92K Donation

The Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHoCo), which partners with donors to reach their philanthropic goals, and raises, manages and distributes funds to support Howard County nonprofits, received $92,000 from The Kahlert Foundation, a private family foundation based in Maryland.

CFHoCo will distribute $60,000 of the donation to Howard County nonprofit organizations and use $32,000 for improvements to the foundation’s operations; of the $32,000 supporting the foundation, $25,000 will fund new scholarship and grant-making software, which will streamline application processes. Scholarship application software will remove the paperwork burden from school guidance counselors and help students track their applications.

HCAC to Host Evening for the Arts

On Sept. 16, the Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) will host its annual meeting and fiscal 2017 Grant Awards Ceremony from 6–8 p.m. at the Howard County Center for the Arts.

Opening remarks by HCAC President Buzz Barlett will be followed by the presentation of grant awards by Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman. Local and state public officials, as well as leaders in the arts community, will be on hand to recognize and celebrate Howard County’s commitment to the arts.

In addition to the presentation of grant awards, the evening will feature a reception for two new exhibits, “The Value of Three” and “Ceramics: Trisha Kyner & Christina McCleary.” The Center for the Arts’ resident artists will also open their studios to visitors from 7–8 p.m. To learn more about the event and other HCAC programs, call 410-313-ARTS (2787) or visit hocoarts.org.

Arundel Agencies, BikeAAA Announce Nonprofit Partners for Lifeline 100

Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh, the Anne Arundel County Police Department, the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and the nonprofit Bicycle Advocates for Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (BikeAAA) have announced three charities as partners for the third annual Anne Arundel County Lifeline 100 Bicycle Event.

The Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter, Susan G. Komen Maryland and Phoenix Patriot Foundation will each recruit riders who will raise funds for their respective organizations. The Phoenix Patriot Foundation participants will ride in memory of Patrick Feeks, a local Navy SEAL who loved biking. He was killed in action in 2012.

The Anne Arundel County Lifeline 100 Century Ride will offer a great experience for cyclists of all levels with 100-, 65-, 30- and 15-mile route options, as well as a free Children’s Bike Rodeo and Family Fun Ride and Community Health Fair. For more information about registration, sponsorship and volunteering and great photos from the 2015 ride, visit www.lifeline100.com.

Maryland MEP Celebrates Completion of Summer Internships

Maryland MEP (MD MEP), a nonprofit committed to growing and strengthening Maryland manufacturing, announced that 11 interns have completed internships, and gained experience and soft-skills training through MD MEP’s 2016 Manufacturing Summer Internship Program.

Eleven students were selected to participate in the program, and each was paired a state-based manufacturing company, such as Bowles Fluidics, Canam Steel Corp., C-Care, Lyon Distilling, Maryland Department of the Environment, Mobern Lighting, Pixelligent Technologies, Pompeian Inc., Salazon Chocolate Co., Tenax Corp. and MD MEP.

A-OK (Assist Our Kids) Mentoring-Tutoring Seeks Volunteers

Help enhance the academic and social development of identified students in schools near you through a consistent, supportive relationship with a child as a mentor-tutor.

Volunteers must be available weekday, daytime hours to meet one-on-one with an assigned student during the school day or with students in small groups in after-school programs. Learn more about A-OK’s volunteer opportunities at an Information Session, on Sept. 21, at 1 p.m., at the Hawthorne Center, 6175 Sunny Spring, Columbia. Sign up at www.aokmentor.org.

Sandy Springs Supports Success In Style

Sandy Spring Bank recently held Flip-Flop Friday at its branches for anyone donating a pair of professional shoes in good condition, which were given to Success in Style. The nonprofit assists women and men in crisis in becoming employed and self-sufficient by promoting professionalism through appropriate business attire, practical fashion advice and interview counseling.

Bank employees and board members created the special event and have also discussed other ideas, such as planning a suit drive to support Success In Style.

Kirsh Studio ‘Patricia’s Carrots’ Wins ARTsites 2016 Competition, Exhibit

A sculpture, “Patricia’s Carrots,” has been selected as a winner of the Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) ARTsites 2016 Competition. The sculpture was installed in late August at the Howard County Center for the Arts, which is located at 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City, and will remain on display through July 2017.

Jan Kirsh’s “Patricia’s Carrots” and “Pear” were chosen as the sculptures for ARTsites 2016, among 55 sculptures submitted. “Pear” will be installed in early September for display at the Howard County Government’s main administrative campus at the George Howard Building. A selection of Kirsh’s sculpture will be featured during her RIPE! Fruit and Vegetable Perspectives solo exhibition, which will be held at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Annapolis, from Sept. 10–Oct. 29. For more information, visit http://jankirsh.com/janlanding/index.html.

Athelas Charity Golf Tournament Set for Sept. 26

Athelas Institute, a nonprofit human service organization providing housing, employment and support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will host its 23rd Annual Athelas Charity Golf Tournament at Willow Springs Golf Club, West Friendship, on Monday, Sept. 26, starting at 8 a.m.

A continental breakfast and full lunch will be served at Willow Springs after the tournament. To register to play or learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Jeff Callahan at 410-964-1241, ext. 107, or [email protected], Pat Owens at 410-964-1241, ext. 128, or [email protected], or John Contreras at 410-964-1241, ext. 134, or [email protected]. For more information, visit www.athelasinstitute.org.