Local news covering the North Laurel and Scaggsville areas
The Novel Refuge: A Bookstore with a Mission
Less than one month after its official October 2024 opening, the Novel Refuge bookstore was able to cover its first month’s rent, according to owner Kathy Bittinger. The Novel Refuge mission statement reads: Our mission is to support local refugees and asylum-seekers by selling books, games, puzzles, and other literary-related items. Through our bookstore, we promote literacy in our community and keep books in circulation and out of landfills, thus reducing waste and the environmental impact of these products. The current recipient of Bittinger’s sales after expenses is the Maryland International Rescue Committee, located in Silver Spring. The store is located in the Cherry Tree Center, 11200 Scaggsville, Rd., Suite 127, Laurel, MD 20723. Visit Novelrefuge.org for more information and to watch an informative video about those being helped by Bittinger’s efforts.
HoCo Bureau of Environmental Services’ 2024 Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection at Alpha Ridge Landfill ended November 30th. There will be three special collection days this winter: January 4, February 1, and March 1, with regular HHW collection resuming the first Saturday in April. To learn more, visit howardcountymd.gov/HHW.
Rebuilding Together Howard County transformed the lives of nearly 100 local families by making critical home repairs possible for low- and moderate-income homeowners in FY24. Grant funding of more than $500,000 from the Howard County Government has allowed Rebuilding Together to install handrails, wheelchair ramps, stair glides, and more to make homes safer and more accessible. Learn more about Rebuilding Together Howard County at rebuildingtogetherhowardcounty.org.
HoCo Active App. In partnership with the Office on Aging and Independence, Recreation & Parks is introducing the HoCo Active App, which offers:
A digital membership on your mobile phone, pad, or tablet to be scanned at all Howard County Community and 50+ Centers
Check-in with quick, easy, and contactless access
Up-to-date notifications
Easy registration for programs and activities
Fitness challenges that integrate with Apple’s HealthKit
The app is available on both Apple and Android devices. Apple App Store or Google Play: HoCo Active.
Rental Licenses are Required in Howard County! Did you know that every rental property in Howard County must be licensed? This ensures that properties meet safety and health standards. Always check if your rental is licensed. For more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/consumer-protection/landlord-tenant-information or https://tinyurl.com/HocoLandlordTenantGuide.
North Laurel 50+ Center News
Welcome CASA-HC! The North Laurel 50+ Center is partnering with the Chinese American Senior Association in Howard County (CASA-HC), which was officially founded on February 20, 2024. A non-profit, non-religious, and non-political organization, CASA-HC is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment. This new partnership will bring exciting new activities to North Laurel, including Tai Chi, Chinese Calligraphy, card games, Go (Wei Qi), and Mah Jong. Look for future seminars on topics such as aging, health, gardening, and flower arranging. All North Laurel 50+ members are invited to join in these enriching experiences.
Help Your Neighbors. Do you want to make a difference in your community? Join an upcoming Community Ambassador session at the North Laurel Community Center! Becoming a Community Ambassador is a fantastic way to foster communication and collaboration and to connect neighbors with essential county resources. Community Ambassadors are dedicated to helping others and guiding them to valuable services that impact quality of life in Howard County. Learn about topics like safety, housing, human services, transportation, and more—all while participating in impactful outreach community events. Visit the Howard County Recreation and Parks website for more information.
The League of Women Voters of Maryland has set its legislative priorities for 2024. Their website lists the priorities, based on feedback from the local League level: (1) Making Democracy Work: Protecting voting rights, local election accountability & reform, and enhancing transparency & public access; (2) Social & Economic Justice: Promoting affordable housing, equity & accountability in education, expanding behavioral health services, equity in criminal justice, and juvenile justice reform; and (3) Protecting the Environment: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, advancing the renewable energy transition, and promoting environmental justice. Visit lwvmd.org for more information about this organization and to learn how to get involved.
Angie Latham Kozlowski is a staff writer and member of the Board of Directors for the Laurel History Boys. In addition to her investigative reporting, her articles frequently spotlight Howard County.
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