AACC Snares Honor for National Outreach Efforts
Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) is the only community college in Maryland and one of only 20 community colleges in the nation to be chosen for the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Two other Maryland colleges also were chosen among the 361 institutions that hold the classification.
AACC was selected based on its commitment as an institution to community engagement. As part of the selection process, AACC submitted extensive documentation of ways that exemplary community engagement practices are an integral part of the entire college.
Those practices include a campus-wide coordination with the Sarbanes Center for Public and Community Service that engages more than 1,000 students annually in community-based learning experiences as service-learning volunteers, interns, researchers and consultants; and community-based learning activities that are integrated into curriculum to enhance student learning and to meet community needs, among others.
One of the many activities available for AACC students is volunteering with the AACC Environmental Center. The center has various projects underway, such as experimenting on which bay grasses grow best in certain parts of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, checking water quality and working with local organizations to help promote environmentally friendly habits.
Kittleman Schedules Four Meetings to Discuss Long Reach Village Center
Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman and the Long Reach Village Board have scheduled four meetings to seek input from residents about the revitalization of the Long Reach Village Center.
To begin development of an Urban Renewal Plan, sessions will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at Stonehouse in the Village Center on April 30, May 28, June 11 and Sept. 17. Tom Moriarity, of Retail & Development Strategies LLC, will discuss recently completed studies on the retail market at the first meeting. Each meeting will allow time for presentations as well as comments and questions from those attending.
Howard County Government acquired the majority of the Village Center property in October 2014 and purchased the former Safeway site in February 2015 with the intent of revitalizing the 40-year-old center, which has struggled in recent years. A dozen active businesses remain, as well as office space and a substation of the Howard County Police Department.
Residents unable to attend meetings who want to track the process or provide feedback can visit the Long Reach Village Center redevelopment page at www.howardcountymd.gov/LongReach. For more information, call Mark Thompson, director of downtown redevelopment, at 410-313-2350 or e-mail at [email protected].
Take a Hike With the Howard County Conservancy on April 11
Starting Saturday, April 11, at 10 a.m., the Howard County Conservancy will offer guided hikes and talks on the second Saturday of each month. On April 11, join the Conservancy to hike to the river, as the Conservancy’s property borders Patapsco State Park. Conservancy naturalists will lead the two-hour round-trip hike across meadows, tree lines and paths through the woods.
April and springtime typically mean emerging wildflowers, ferns and mosses, migrating birds, and trees and bushes that are leafing out and bursting their buds. The hike will include mainly easy-to-moderate walking, with some hilly and rocky areas of the trail. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water, and perhaps a walking stick. No pets are allowed. To pre-register and for more information, visit www.hcconservancy.org/upcoming-events.html.
Columbia Festival of the Arts 2015 Spring Festival: American Routes
Columbia Festival of the Arts’ 2015 Spring Festival: American Routes features an array of free and ticketed events including theater and concert performances, readings and visual arts activities from April 16–19.
The American Routes 2015 Spring Festival is a weekend full of intimate chamber performances in venues throughout Howard County. From full theatrical productions in Oliver’s Carriage House, a stone and timber structure built in the 1830s, to wide-ranging performances by renowned musicians, the artists of the American Routes Festival are at the intersection of American traditions and the ever-evolving American journey. You’ll find people and stories of shared history, some whose roots began here and others whose routes have brought them here.
The festival weekend begins with SPARK!, a kickoff benefit held at Belmont Manor with art, dance, music and drawing, complete with fare from Linwoods, that will be held on Thursday, April 16. For a complete 2015 Spring Festival schedule, visit columbiafestival.org.
CA’s Arts Center Presenting Exhibit Supporting Blossoms of Hope
For the sixth year, Columbia Association’s (CA) Columbia Art Center will be supporting cancer awareness by hosting an exhibit tied into the annual Blossoms of Hope celebration.
“Portraits and Profiles: Inspirations In My Life” is a juried theme exhibition featuring more than 50 artists and running from April 16 through May 3 at the center, which is located at 6100 Foreland Garth in the Long Reach Village Center. Some of the art being featured this year is in tribute to people who have dealt with various life and health challenges in a heroic manner, while other featured works celebrate people who served as positive role models.
A gala reception and awards ceremony will be held on Friday, April 17, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. The evening event will include a presentation for first-, second- and third-place prize winners and two honorable mentions, as well as a poetry reading and a vocal performance.
This ceremony and the exhibition are part of a series of events presented by Blossoms of Hope each spring during Howard County Cherrybration Days. The goal of the annual art exhibit is to help raise awareness about cancer and raise funds for the Claudia Mayer/Tina Broccolino Cancer Resource Center at Howard County General Hospital.
For more information on the Columbia Art Center, go to ColumbiaAssociation.org/ArtCenter, call 410-730-0075 or e-mail [email protected]. Learn more about Blossoms of Hope and the Cherrybration 2015 schedule of events at BlossomsOfHope.org.
CFHoCo Holds 33rd Annual Spring Party
The Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHoCo), which raises, manages and distributes funds to support Howard County nonprofits, will hold its 33rd annual Spring Party on Wednesday, May 20, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center at Howard Community College. Proceeds from the event benefit the foundation’s mission-based programs and services that promote local philanthropy and provide critical grant funding for nonprofit organizations serving Howard County.
The party includes a full buffet and open bar. Tickets cost $100. Parking will be available in the West Parking Garage and may only be accessed from the Hickory Ridge Road entrance to the Howard Community College campus. Sponsorships are still available. For more information and tickets, visit www.cfhoco.org or call Debbie Daskaloff at 410-730-7840.
Howard County Bain Center Reopens
The Howard County Department of Citizen Services has announced that the Bain Center reopened on March 23, following the rupture of a sprinkler head during extreme cold temperatures on Feb. 19 that resulted in approximately $120,000 in damages. The break resulted in more than two inches of water on the structure’s floor, causing significant damage that required new flooring for 75% of the building, drywall and painting repairs, and inspection and repair of the sprinkler system.
The center has resumed its weekday operating hours of Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. only, while final miscellaneous repair work is completed and center programming is phased back in. Evening and weekend hours are expected to begin again in early April.
For more information about the Bain Center or to find a senior center near you, call 410-313-6410, visit www.howardcountyaging.org or e-mail [email protected].
State Offers New Tax Credit
A new Maryland state tax credit, Endow Maryland, is providing an incentive for Marylanders to give back to their local communities in a meaningful and lasting way. Starting in 2015, Endow Maryland offers a 25% tax credit for gifts of at least $500 to qualified permanent endowment funds at eligible community foundations in Maryland.
At the Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHoCo), Endow Maryland will help build the Fund for the Common Good, a permanent, unrestricted endowment fund that allows the foundation to address Howard County’s most pressing needs through its community grants program.
Donations of $500 or more of cash or publicly traded securities to CFHoCo’s Fund for the Common Good may qualify for the tax credit on the 2015 tax return. Donors who establish new, named unrestricted endowment funds at CFHoCo with a minimum contribution of $10,000 may also be eligible to apply.
The supply of tax credits is limited and will be awarded to donors on a first-come, first-served basis. It is anticipated that the available tax credits will run out quickly; contact Debbie Daskaloff at [email protected] or call 410-730-7840 for more information.
‘Come Home to Howard County’ Fair Set for April 11
Howard County Housing will host its ninth annual “Come Home to Howard County” Housing Fair on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Wilde Lake High School, located at 5460 Trumpeter Road in Columbia. The event targets and showcases everything individuals and families need to know about buying or renting a home in Howard County.
This year’s housing fair will offer attendees the chance to talk one-on-one with 60 real estate professionals, mortgage lenders and housing specialists, as well as county staff, who will be on hand to answer questions about programs and services. It also will feature 30 educational sessions, free credit reports and consultations, and guided bus tours of rental and homeowner communities in Howard County.
In addition, the fair will host Housing’s annual housing lottery drawing, beginning at 1:40 p.m. The drawing will offer qualified applicants the opportunity to purchase a newly constructed home at a significantly reduced price in Howard County. Lottery applicants must be pre-qualified and present at the time of the drawing to participate.
The fair is free and open to the public. For more information about the housing fair/lottery houses, contact Howard County Housing’s Homeownership Division at 410-313-6318 (select option 4) or visit www.howardcountyhousing.com.
HCGH Introduces Walking Program in Laurel
Howard County General Hospital (HCGH) has introduced We Walk for Wellness, to be held every Saturday through Oct. 31, at North Laurel Community Center at 9411 Whisky Bottom Road, Laurel. Registration for new participants begins at 8:45 a.m. in the parking lot behind the center, followed by the program from 9 to 10 a.m.
The walking program consists of a warm-up, guided group walking and cool-down, including light aerobic activity, such as jumping jacks, marching in place and arm circles. Information about nutrition and exercise also will be available. HCGH is holding the program in partnership with health organizations Healthy Howard and We Promote Health. For more information, call 410-740-7601.
Police Host Community Outreach Program Coffee With a Cop
The Howard County Police Department has begun hosting a monthly community outreach event, Coffee with a Cop. The program will offer an opportunity for officers and community members to come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues and build relationships.
Coffee with a Cop will be held monthly on the first Thursday at locations throughout the county. Locations will be announced through the department’s Facebook (HowardCountyPoliceDepartment) and Twitter (@HCPDNews) pages and will be posted on HCPD.org. Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.
The Rotary Club of Columbia Announces Davidson Scholar Athlete Awards
The Rotary Club of Columbia has announced that applications for the 2015 Robert Davidson Scholar Athlete Awards are currently available. This scholarship opportunity is made to recognize the accomplishments of graduating seniors from high schools within Howard County. The Rotary Club of Columbia will award two scholarships of $2,000 and $1,000 each, which will be given to the top scholar athlete male and female applicants.
Any eligible senior is encouraged to apply, as there are no restrictions on the number of either entrants or winners who can come from any one high school. The deadline for receipt of application is Friday, May 1. For further information, contact Tom Glaser ([email protected]); to download information and a copy of the application, go to www.columbiarotary.org.
UCF Acquires The Ride Across Maryland Foundation
The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults (UCF) and the Ride Across Maryland Foundation are joining forces to better serve the cancer community. The Ride Across Maryland Foundation was founded in 2000 by Dick Gelfman, a local attorney and reporter for WJZ-TV in Baltimore, and his family.
Gelfman and a group of friends organized an annual motorcycle ride that would raise money for the fight against breast cancer. The first ride was in 2001, and since, the foundation has awarded more than $2.5 million to various organizations that assist patients and their families dealing with breast cancer.
The organization will continue to be known as the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, with offices in Columbia and Baltimore. To register for this year’s event, which will take place May 30–31, visit www.rideacrossmaryland.org.
In addition, the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults (UCF) recently released its updated guidebook — No Way, It Can’t Be: A Guidebook for Young Adults Facing Cancer. To date, more than 10,000 copies of No Way have been distributed to patients and families in all 50 states. A copy is available for download as a PDF via http://ulmanfund.org/gethelp-cancer-resource-directory/.
Woof! There It Is! CA’s Dog Day Afternoon Returns on May 2
Woof! There it is! Columbia Association (CA) will be hosting the ninth annual Dog Day Afternoon on Saturday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at a new location: Columbia DogPark, located at 5901 Rivendell Lane, adjacent to the Harper’s Choice Village Center in Columbia.
CA invites local canines — and their people — to a free afternoon of contests, treats, activities and lots of tail-wagging fun. In addition, CA will be collecting items to be donated, including canned cat and dog food, dry cat and dog food, soft treats and biscuit-type treats, new dog and cat toys, blankets and towels, etc.
Interested persons should call 410-423-1891 or e-mail [email protected] for a vendor application. A rain date has been set for Sunday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
HCPSS Nominated for National Green Ribbon District Award
The Maryland State Department of Education has nominated Howard County Public School System for the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools District Sustainability award for 2015. Howard County is the only Maryland system to be nominated for this year’s award.
The national award recognizes districts that save energy, reduce costs, feature environmentally sustainable learning spaces, protect health, foster wellness and offer environmental education to boost academic achievement and community engagement.
The nomination reflects the sustained efforts, achievements and commitment to the environment of students, staff and community partners throughout the school system.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will announce the national Green Ribbon awards on Earth Day, April 22. The announcement can be viewed online at 2 p.m. at www.youtube.com/user/usedgov.
Howard Board of Ed to Honor Friends of Education
The Howard County Board of Education will recognize Barbara Strominger and the Howard County Conservancy with the Friends of Education Award on April 9, at a 3:30 p.m. Both events will be held at the Howard County Department of Education, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City.
Talbot Springs Elementary School Principal Nancy Thompson nominated Strominger for her countless volunteer hours of care and effort on behalf of students and staff during the past eight years. Strominger has helped students, particularly in K–3 classrooms, master skills in reading, math and art. Her positive attitude and dedication has boosted student achievement. Her classroom support has immeasurable value to both students and staff.
Richard Loughlin of Howard County nominated the Howard County Conservancy for its support for the Howard County Public School System, Vision 2018, and the Howard County community. The Conservancy contributes to, and extends the education of, thousands of students each year through guided field trips and other activities that support the HCPSS curriculum, while also partnering with HCPSS staff on grants that benefit the school system and the community.
Get Into the Spring in Historic Ellicott City
Main Street in Historic Ellicott City will provide the backdrop for the Annual Spring Fest on Saturday, April 25, presented by the Ellicott City Partnership.
Bring the family for a day of live music, Earth Day crafts and activities, local food, and craft beer. The event, which runs from noon until 7:30 p.m., is free and offers complimentary shuttle service to free public parking. Outdoor music venues are in three locations, and children’s activities run from noon until 5 p.m. Featured bands throughout the day include Mark Whiskey & The Sours; Sean K. Preston & The Loaded Pistols; Highland Hill Boys; Bendt Fendyr; Dirty Secret; Soul Island Rebels; Tillers Prospect; and Radio Monkey. For more details, visit www.VisitEllicottCity.com.
Take a Run at the 5K Challenge
Lace up and race up the hills, down the valleys and around the winding streets through a quaint historic residential district and past 13 historic sites during the Hills of Milltown 5K Challenge, presented by the Ellicott City Partnership, at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, in Parking Lot F at the corner of Main Street and Ellicott Mills Road in Ellicott City.
Proceeds benefit the Beautification Fund of the Ellicott City Partnership, and up to $1,000 will be donated to Blossoms of Hope, The Howard County Cherry Tree Project, in support of the Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center at Howard County General Hospital. The Post-Race Party will be held on the Courtyards of Tonge Row at Lot D with the award presentation at 10 a.m.
To register online ($35, plus online fee) go to www.active.com/ellicott-city-md/running/races/hills-of-milltown-5k-challenge-2015. For more information, visit www.visitellicottcity.com.
Slow Art Day Comes to Laurel Museum
A history museum participating in an art event? Yes. Join the Laurel Historical Society, at 817 Main Street, for Slow Art Day — a worldwide event (only 150 other venues) with the simple aim of helping people discover the joy of looking at and loving art. It happens on Saturday, April 11, between 10 a.m. and noon.
Participants will look at five art objects from the organization’s collection —paintings, photographs and other items—for 10 minutes each. From 12–1 p.m., participants will come together over lunch to talk about their experience. Participation at the event, including lunch, is free. To attend, RSVP at [email protected] or at www.facebook.com/events/826215440785050. For more information on the international event, visit www.slowartday.com.
Laurel Historical Society Gala Honors McCeneys
Stop the Presses: An Evening Honoring Jim and Bobbi McCeney is the Laurel Historical Society’s (LHS) major fundraiser, and will be held at the Carriage Room at Laurel Park on Saturday, April 18. This is the first time since 2004 that the organization has recognized individuals’ contributions at its gala.
Jim McCeney’s family roots span more than 140 years in Laurel. Bobbi, his wife of 50 years, embraced the community as her own when they decided to return to Laurel in 2002 after restoring his family home at 4th and Main streets. Since returning, they’ve been involved in numerous LHS and Laurel community activities.
For tickets, contact the Laurel Historical Society at 301-725-7975 or [email protected]. They can also be purchased online at www.laurelhistoricalsociety.org.
Breathe Deep Columbia Set for April 25
On April 25, LUNGevity Foundation, the nation’s largest organization dedicated to research for the early detection and treatment of lung cancer, is hosting Breathe Deep Columbia, a 5K walk around Lake Kittamaqundi in Downtown Columbia. Participants will gather at Lakefront Plaza, with registration at 8:30 a.m., a brief program and warm-up at 9:30 a.m. and the walk at 10 a.m.
Breathe Deep Columbia is a grassroots event started by Michael Osborne, a Columbia resident and seven-year lung cancer survivor. Osborne is one of the fortunate few who have made it past the five-year survival mark. Although lung cancer is the No.1 cancer killer (the disease kills more people than colorectal, breast and pancreatic cancers combined), it receives about 6% of federal research funding.
The five-year survival rate is only 17%, versus 89% for breast cancer, 65% for colorectal cancer and 99% for prostate cancer. The donated funds from Breathe Deep Columbia will support the most promising research into early detection and more effective treatments.
Registration for the event costs $10–$25. For more information, visit www.lungevity.org/columbia or call 312-407-6100.
Iron Bridge Hosts Benefit for The Arc of Howard County
The Iron Bridge Wine Company is donating 10% of diners’ food and beverage sales during April to The Arc of Howard County. The popular restaurant is noted for its healthy, interesting menu, extensive wine collection, cozy ambiance and engagement with the community.
The intimate café is located on Route 108 across from Clark’s Elioak Farm. Diners are asked to tell their waiters they are there to benefit The Arc. Proceeds will benefit The Arc of Howard County’s vocational and residential supports and services, respite care and other programs and services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Rep Stage Closes 2014–15 Season With ‘Sunset Baby’
Rep Stage, the regional theater in residence at Howard Community College (HCC), ends its 22nd season with Dominique Morisseau’s “Sunset Baby,” directed by Joseph Ritsch. When a young woman’s father, a former black revolutionary, reappears to obtain a piece of her deceased mother’s legacy, he discovers that fatherhood might be the most challenging revolution of all.
“Sunset Baby” opens April 29, with a limited run through May 17, in the Smith Theatre of the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center on the campus of HCC. For tickets and additional information, visit www.repstage.org or call the box office at 443-518-1500.
Journey 2015 Still Accepting Applications for Summer Program
The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County has awarded a grant to Maryland Leadership Workshops (MLW) for the operation of Journey, its residential summer camp for girls, during the summer of 2015. The camp will include 25 girls who will be entering eighth or ninth grade in the fall of 2015.
Journey will run from Sunday, July 12 – Saturday, July 18, on the campus of Washington College in Chestertown, in Kent County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The girls will live in the college dorms, eat in the college cafeteria and experience a collegiate atmosphere during the week-long program.
The camp will be restricted to girls who live in Howard County. Applications are due May 15. For further information, contact the MLW office at 301-444-8623 or [email protected].
MakingChange Receives Grant From Foundation for Financial Planning
MakingChange, a Howard County nonprofit, has been awarded $25,000 from the Foundation for Financial Planning, an organization devoted to providing pro bono financial planning to the underserved, primarily by providing grants to connect those in need of financial guidance with financial planning professionals.
MakingChange provides group seminars and personal coaching to teach people to manage their money and change their lives. Its programs are offered in schools, human service agencies and businesses. It currently hosts seminars attended by approximately 350 people per year and meets with approximately 65 clients for personal financial coaching. For more information, visit makingchangecenter.org.
Boy Scouts Announces New Honor Guard Patch
The Boy Scouts of America has announced that a new Honor Guard Uniform Patch will be made available this spring for scouts who form Color Guards for community service.
The idea for an Honor Guard Patch was suggested by Troop 944 Senior Patrol Leader Dennis Howser-Doty, of Ellicott City, after the Scouts volunteered at Turf Valley’s Preakness Celebration Hot Air Balloon Festival last May. Soon after the event, Howser-Doty worked with Scoutmaster Chip Galloway to propose a patch be created to wear in formal procedures by Scout units. After a six-month review by BSA Headquarters, the new patch was approved.
WGC Annual Meeting Set for May 4
The Women’s Giving Circle (WGC) will host its Annual Meeting on Monday, May 4, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Kahler Hall in Columbia. Highlights will include a presentation from keynote speaker Jennifer Bodonsiek, president of Junior Achievement of Central Maryland, WGC’s 2015 Special Project Grant recipient; and special guest Cherise Petty, facilitator of the Women’s Relationship Group at The Arc of Howard County.
Light fare will be provided by Michelle’s Kitchen, with wine from The Wine Bin. For more information, call 410-730-0770.
Glen Mar Golf Classic to Benefit Grassroots
Registration is open for the 4th Annual Glen Mar Golf Classic, set for Monday, May 4, at the Timbers of Troy Golf Course in Elkridge. The event, hosted by Glen Mar United Methodist Church, will benefit Grassroots, Howard County’s 24-hour crisis intervention center.
The format is Captain’s Choice (scramble); all tee boxes will be permitted. Registration and breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 8:30. The tournament fee is $135 per player or $540 per foursome. Non-golfers may attend at $25 per person to join the luncheon and participate in the silent auction.
All proceeds from tournament sponsorships, fees and the silent auction will support operations at Grassroots, which aids local families in crises and individuals who have nowhere else to go. Golfers can register at www.glenmargolfclassic.com; sponsorship information is also available at the address.