September 5, 2008
Ellicott City
Also seeInsider's Guide to Ellicott CityPublished: Oct. 28, 2007  Find Ellicott City photos Browse guides to communities in and around Baltimore: |
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Community Notes
The Howard County Arts Council will hold its annual meeting and fiscal 2009 Grant Award ceremony, with County Executive Ken Ulman, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 12 at Howard County Center for the Arts, 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City.
Way is clear for building renovation
The often-delayed plan to renovate the county government complex will get off the ground in earnest now that officials have found a temporary home for about 400 county employees while the project commences.
Landscaping with love for the Chesapeake Bay
Just east of the arched bridge on Main Street in Ellicott City, a left turn onto meandering Oella Avenue leads to a hairpin left onto Race Road, which dead-ends at Lisa and Tom Baum's driveway.
Sewing class scheduled for home-schoolers
The Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks will offer a sewing class for home-schoolers, ages 8 and older Thursday afternoons, starting Sept. 11, at the Ellicott City Colored School, Restored.
Howard Education Notes
The Chinese Language School of Columbia will begin its fall semester at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at Howard High School, 8700 Old Annapolis Road (Route 108), Ellicott City.
'Body Worlds' draws a record attendance
A lively display of dead bodies that ends its seven-month run at the Maryland Science Center on Monday has smashed local museum attendance records to become the most popular traveling exhibit in Baltimore history, drawing more than 300,000 visitors, including a few who were so impressed they've offered to donate their bodies for use in the show.
Religion Digest
Shepherd of the Glen Lutheran Church, 14551 Burntwoods Road, Glenwood, will hold its 13th book sale from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 5 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 6. A $5 bag sale is planned from noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 6.
It's back to school, this time as principal
Troy Todd has spent the summer moving, only to come right back where he started.
Get happy with exercise in Ellicott City
The Ellicott City Senior Center, 9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, will introduce "Get Happy Hour" programs next month for those ages 50 and older who are interested in exercises classes but are working during the day.
MOMS Club to meet
The MOMS Club of Ellicott City South will meet at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 2 at Glen Mar United Methodist Church, 8430 Glenmar Road, Ellicott City.
See Homewood Farm from Sept. 20 to Oct. 19
Two dozen local designers have decorated Homewood Farm, a mid-20th century home on 16 acres that once were part of historic Doughoregan Manor.
Amid the debate over slots, some unlikely alliances
The November referendum on whether to allow slot machine gambling in Maryland is producing some unlikely buddying up among Howard County's elected officials.
Korean hot spot Shin Chon sizzles with customers in Ellicott City
Sometimes when restaurants close for an extended period of time, they never quite recover when they reopen. This is not the case with Shin Chon. Since it reopened after major renovations, it's on its way to becoming the Korean equivalent of the Cheesecake Factory - at least as far as a lengthy wait for a table goes. OK, a slight exaggeration, but you know what I mean.
Rick Maese: Taking the field
It has taken a couple of tries now - the language barrier is proving to be quite the Great Wall - but the Chinese volunteers have a tight grip on the rain-slicked tarp and they're finally sprinting toward the outfield, revealing Murray Cook's diamond in the rough.
Community Notes
The Columbia Association will hold a KidsKorner Meet and Greet at 3 p.m. tomorrow at the east Columbia library, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia.
Diluting its 'adult' fare, shop triumphs
Howard County's 11-year zoning battle with the Pack Shack adult store is over, and even county officials concede that the store won.
Datebook
Best bet
Realism Rouse Company Foundation Gallery in Howard Community College's Horowitz Center will present an exhibition of work by young artists of the Taller de Grafica Popular, a workshop founded in the 1930s for printmakers whose work reflected issues facing Mexican society. The show, which features precursors of the aesthetic movement that yielded muralists Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Oroszco, David Alfaro Siqueiros and Elizabeth Catlett, will open Aug. 28. A reception is planned from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 13. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 410-772-4512.Fine day for culture
Two women sit on a bench and converse in Korean as their kids play nearby, scurrying down a curvy slide and running across a kiddie bridge at one of Centennial Park's playgrounds yesterday.
Book club at Elkridge
The Elkridge library, 6540 Washington Blvd., will hold a meeting of its Elks Parent-Teen Book Club for youngsters ages 11 to 17 and their parents from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Community Notes
The Red Cross is urging donors to help replenish Maryland's blood supply, which has dropped below what is considered safe and adequate.
Endangered historic treasures
In the eight years that Preservation Howard County has been compiling its list of the top 10 endangered historic sites, some places have been saved, some have been razed and some have seen little change at all.
A sign of the old days
The large signs adorning the Love Craft adult video store in the median of U.S. 1 in North Laurel make its contents very clear.
Ellicott City railroad crossing closing for maintenance
CSX Railroad will begin maintenance on the crossing at Old Frederick and Hollifield roads in Ellicott City this week. The project was originally scheduled to begin Aug. 4.
Prison for embezzler
When Jill Marie Moran had a back operation, her friends and employers Stephen and Rachel Rosa took her into their Ellicott City home and nursed her back to health. One year, they nearly doubled her annual salary with a $25,000 cash bonus. And once, they took her and her family on vacation to the British Virgin Islands.
Volunteer Notes
The Howard County Conservancy is seeking volunteer naturalists to serve as educators for school programs at the conservancy's headquarters at Mount Pleasant, 10520 Old Frederick Road, Woodstock.
Community Notes
Registration is open for the 25th anniversary Make-A-Wish Triathlon At Sea Colony in Bethany Beach, Del.
Storytime set for Saturday at bookstore
Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 4300 Montgomery Road in the Long Gate Shopping Center, Ellicott City, will sponsor a storytime at 11 a.m. Saturday with author Mona Kerby, who will read from and sign her latest book, Owney, the Mail-Pouch Pooch.
Community Notes
Talk to focus on energy conservation
The Green Building Institute will offer a talk by Thomas H. Marston of Energy Services Group on "Evaluating Your Family's Energy Profile" from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the institute's Enviro-Center, 7761 Waterloo Road, Jessup.Community Notes
Oh, You Must Live in Columbia, a history of the town's unusual street names and the people who chose them, is available at the offices of the Columbia Archives, the book's publisher, 10227 Wincopin Circle, Columbia.
Ex-Raven plays to his strengths, and yours
When the Baltimore Ravens opened their training camp last week, it was the first time in 10 years that Jeff Friday wasn't with the team. Friday was the Ravens' strength and conditioning coach under Brian Billick. When the team let Billick go, Friday went with him.
Volunteer Notes
Historic Ellicott City Inc. will present its 24th Decorator Show House at Homewood Farm from Sept. 20 to Oct. 19 and is seeking volunteers to help with the event.
Community Notes
Charity's Closet, a thrift shop for women and juniors operated by teens, is having a sale tomorrow. All items at the shop are $5 each. Those who buy a pair of sandals at this price will receive another pair free.
Howard Live Calendar
On Stage
Elite teens The CCTA Elite Teen Drama Program will present Phantom of the Opera at 7:30 p.m. today, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. tomorrow and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Reservoir High School in Fulton. The production is the culmination of the Teen Professional Theatre, a four-week summer workshop for young actors, ages 13 to 21, offered by Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts. Tickets are $10-$22.50 and are available at www.CCTArts.com. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. 410-381-0700.Dashing figure at Camden Yards
Mike Palulis paced the right field warning track, then stood with hands on hips, shifting from foot to foot as he looked out over his realm - a slowly filling Camden Yards. He seemed more antsy than nervous, like something inside needed to get out. He adjusted his uniform, took some practice swings with an imaginary bat; then he paced some more.
Volunteer Notes
The Volunteer Center Serving Howard County, in cooperation with the Community Emergency Response Network, is recruiting members of the community and referring them to local nonprofit and government agencies that need volunteers for disaster preparedness and recovery.
Sports & recreation calendar
Baseball
Seeking players Ponce de Leon Baseball League is seeking players ages 30 and older at all skill levels. Games are played in Howard, Carroll and Anne Arundel counties. Tom LaGrave, 410-531-9434.Helping farmers find their niche
The sight of a wooden table full of plump peaches, shiny red cherries and mounds of ripe blueberries at Harbin's farm stand in Ellicott City on Monday makes Kathy Zimmerman's efforts to turn people on to local produce seem easy.
Community Notes
The Maryland Woodland Stewards program (formerly the Coverts Program) is accepting applications.
Promising therapy for 'eye stroke'
At first, Christine Jablonski didn't worry about the blurry vision in her right eye. She dismissed it as a flake of morning mascara and went about her daily business in Ellicott City. But within two hours, the eye went dark.
Library offers art program
The Elkridge branch library, 6540 Washington Blvd., Elkridge, will offer a middle school art club from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 5. Participants can learn new techniques, get ideas, share art work and work on projects. Materials will be provided. Registration begins Tuesday.
Art teased from the river
Where the water quickens just before the bridge, a man is stacking stones.
Volunteer Notes
Docents and tour guides are needed at historic sites in Ellicott City. Volunteers can learn more about Howard County's history and guide visitors through the Fire House Museum, Thomas Isaac Log Cabin, Ellicott City Colored School, Restored, and Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park.
Religion Digest
The One World Coffeehouse will present a concert by guitarist and singer Miche Fambro at 7 p.m. July 26 at Owen Brown Interfaith Center, 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia.
Howard Live Calendar
On Stage
'Stuff' and 'Mousetrap' Olney Theatre Center is presenting Stuff Happens, David Hare's political drama about the run-up to the Iraq war, at the center's Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab through Sunday. Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap has been extended through Sunday on the center's New Mainstage. Tickets are $25-$48, with discounts available for groups, senior citizens and students. 301-924-3400.Community Notes
The Howard County Department of Housing and Community Development is accepting applications for the July enrollment period for the county's Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program.
Volunteer Notes
The Volunteer Center Serving Howard County, in cooperation with CERN (Community Emergency Response Network), is recruiting members of the community and referring them to local nonprofit and government agencies that need volunteers for disaster preparedness and recovery.
Sports & recreation calendar
Baseball
Seeking players Ponce de Leon Baseball League is seeking players ages 30 and older at all skill levels. Games are played in Howard, Carroll and Anne Arundel counties. Tom LaGrave, 410-531-9434.Community Notes
The first GreeNEWit FEST, a solar-powered concert and fundraiser presented by the Green Building Institute in Jessup, will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at Alpha Ridge Park Pavilion, 11699 Old Frederick Road, Marriottsville. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.
Stepping up to a famed plate
Hours before Major League Baseball's All-Stars compete in the Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium, Jackie LaPointe of Ellicott City will participate in a competition of her own.
Baseball camp to start July 28
The Centennial High School Boosters will sponsor Eagle Baseball School for boys ages 7-14. The camp, led by Centennial baseball coach Denis Ahearn, offers drills in throwing, hitting, fielding base-running, pitching, catching and strategy.
Daring students to reach higher
Seventeen-year-old Luis Pena has few doubts about his plans after high school.
Howard Live Calendar
On Stage
'Mousetrap' Olney Theatre Center is presenting Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap through July 6 on the center's New Mainstage. Stuff Happens, David Hare's political drama about the run-up to the Iraq war, will be at the center's Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab through July 20. Tickets are $25-$48, with discounts available for groups, senior citizens and students. 301-924-3400.Religion Digest
First Lutheran plans kids' carnival
First Lutheran Preschool will sponsor a Community Carnival for children ages 2-7 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 9 at the church, 3604 Chatham Road, Ellicott City.Community Notes
General Growth Properties will present "Vision in View: Columbia Town Center," a weeklong exhibit featuring key aspects and images of the draft Master Plan for Columbia's downtown.
U.S. 1 projects put on faster track
A measure to allow speedier approvals for revitalization projects along the U.S. 1 corridor won unanimous approval from the County Council, but only after several amendments sharply limiting the law's effect were added.
Community Notes
The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults will hold its annual golf tournament Aug. 18 at Waverly Woods Golf Course, 2100 Warwick Way, Marriottsville.
Correction
In an article published in Wednesday's Howard section about the Howard County Library Teen Idol competition, the school that Daniel Goldstein attends was incorrect. Goldstein is a rising eighth-grader at Ellicott Mills Middle.
Community Notes
July is Recreation and Parks Month
Howard County Executive Ken Ulman has announced that July will be "Recreation and Parks Month" in Howard County. The proclamation coincides with the National Recreation & Park Association's annual awareness campaign encouraging people to visit parks.Elementary students play time
A group of parents whose children will enter the Veterans Elementary School kindergarten program are arranging times for their children to play together and make new friends. The school's main playground, to the right of the school on the big blacktop, is available while school is not in session.
Sports & recreation calendar
Baseball
Seeking players Ponce de Leon Baseball League is seeking players ages 30 and older at all skill levels. Games are played in Howard, Carroll and Anne Arundel counties. Tom LaGrave, 410-531-9434.Volunteer Notes
Youth, adults needed at Fourth of July fest
Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks is accepting applications from youth ages 16 and older and adults interested in volunteering at the county's Fourth of July Festival.Wandering boy stirs camp concerns
Kristen Detwiler had just merged onto busy Route 100 in Ellicott City one afternoon last week when she saw a shocking sight: Her 7-year-old autistic son was running against traffic on the right shoulder.
Paperbacks redefining area adult bookstore
For 11 years, Howard County officials and some residents have fought to close the jurisdiction's only adult bookstore.
Sean Grace Band to play at Patapsco park July 18
Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks' "Travelin' Bands" series will present a free concert by the Sean Grace Band at 7 p.m. July 18 at the Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park, 3691 Sarah's Lane, Ellicott city.
Howard Live Calendar
On Stage
Columbia festival The Columbia Festival of the Arts concludes today and tomorrow with performances by Garth Fagan Dance at 8 p.m. today (tickets are $40-$55; $35-$50 for seniors and students) and the East Village Opera Company at 8 p.m. tomorrow (tickets are $30-$45; $25-$40 for seniors and students); both are at the Jim Rouse Theater for the Performing Arts at Wilde Lake High School, 5460 Trumpeter Road, Columbia. 410-715-3044 or visit www.columbiafestival.com.Volunteer Notes
Youths to help with festival
Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks is accepting applications from youths ages 16 and older and adults interested in volunteering at the county's Fourth of July Festival.Religion Digest
Bon Secours to sponsor retreat
Bon Secours Spiritual Center, a ministry of the Sisters of Bon Secours, will sponsor a conference retreat, "The Spirituality of Saint John's Gospel," presented by Michael Fonseca, from 5 p.m. July 13 to 10 a.m. July 19, or after Mass at 11 a.m.Auxiliary officer's cruiser struck
On Tuesday afternoon, Petrus Lucas was helping a stranded motorist on U.S. 40 in Howard County, a routine task for a police auxiliary officer.
Sports & recreation calendar
Baseball
Seeking players Ponce de Leon Baseball League is seeking players ages 30 and older at all skill levels. Games are played in Howard, Carroll and Anne Arundel counties. Tom LaGrave, 410-531-9434.On break, students take to the stage
County classrooms may be empty for the summer, but in the coming weeks the stages of several Howard County high schools will be bustling with young actors singing, dancing, conversing and emoting.
Summer reading at museum
The B&O Railroad Museum will hold its summer reading program at its Ellicott City and Baltimore locations, beginning today and running through the summer.
Howard Education Notes
The Columbia Association Teen Center, Howard County Library and Howard County Health Department will co-sponsor a discussion on preventing underage drinking and alcohol abuse from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the east Columbia library, 6600 Cradlerock Way.
Bicycle safety advocates step up county efforts
Rick Wilson's father taught him how to ride a bike.
Missing in recent debate: the notion of raising taxes
Requests for more public facilities was a theme for the County Council last week, at a public hearing and at a joint meeting with the school board. But one vital - and politically touchy - element was missing from the debate.