North Laurel/Savage
Local news covering the North Laurel, Savage, and Scaggsville areas
Preakness Weekend at Laurel Park Contributed to Surge in Howard County Hotel Occupancy
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, in a late August message, touted strategic investments in local tourism and partnering with Visit Howard County, Maryland as contributing factors to an overall positive impact on the economy. He cited a jump in average daily visitor spending, from $43 to $75 year-over-year, as well as a 90% Howard County hotel occupancy rate for the weekend of May 16-17. Notably, the unusual running of Preakness 151 that weekend at Laurel Park was credited with contributing to the high hotel occupancy rate. Coinciding with the Preakness this year was Howard County’s 32nd Annual Wine in the Woods Festival, run by Howard County Recreation & Parks. That event annually draws visitors from around the region and contributes to hotel occupancy rates.
Procedural Changes at Howard County Public Schools Restrict Lunchtime Parent Visits
In late August, WMAR-2 News reported that Howard County Public Schools implemented new policies on parental visits. The following quote was pulled from a back-to-school email sent to families:
Parent lunch visits are no longer permitted at any HCPSS school. Limiting access during the school day ensures safe and secure school communities by removing unnecessary access to students and school buildings, reducing disruptions, supporting student routines, and minimizing non-essential traffic in student areas. Parents are encouraged to communicate with school staff to stay engaged in their child’s learning and seek opportunities to volunteer in an official capacity at the school.
Board of Education Chair Jennifer Mallo confirmed that the board had received communication from “a small number of parents” hoping to change the new procedure. However, she said, “I believe that most parents will want and understand the need for security and supervision.”
For information about visiting Howard County Public Schools, see: https://www.hcpss.org/schools/visitation/.
Laurel Woods Elementary Receives Big Back-to-School Donation
Laurel Woods Elementary School was one of three schools to receive a portion of Toyota’s Big Summer Giveback. Sheehy Toyota dealerships across the Mid-Atlantic, in partnership with the Kids In Need Foundation (KINF), donated $10,000 to the North Laurel elementary school to support students as they headed back to school.
Employees from the Sheehy Toyota of Laurel dealership joined the school’s Back to School Bash, a family fun day and carnival, to distribute school supplies and fully stocked backpacks to students as part of the partnership’s Big Summer Giveback donation.
Chesapeake Bay Trust Grants Support Native Street Tree Plantings
Howard County is a recipient of two Chesapeake Bay Trust grants that support native street tree plantings in urban, underserved, and heat-vulnerable areas. Together, these grants have funded 450 street tree plantings in Columbia, Laurel, Savage, and Jessup, in addition to the routine street tree plantings the county does each fall and spring.
Street trees provide many benefits in their urban environments, such as shade, beautification, and a reduction in air pollution. Native street trees also provide habitat and food sources for native species and are well-adapted to local conditions.
To request a street tree, report a tree issue, or make any other road-related request, download the TellHoCo app or visit the Tell HoCo website.
Carroll Baldwin Hall Hosts Community Volunteer Work Nights
Carroll Baldwin Hall in Savage hosts monthly Volunteer Work Nights every third Thursday from 6 to 9 pm. There are many projects for all skill levels, including cleaning, painting, and repair projects.
Food is provided, as is the opportunity to meet or catch up with your neighbors. Visit their website (carrollbaldwinhall.org) for more information.
Music in the Hall to Host Celtic Night Free Concert November 6th
Carrol Baldwin Hall’s seasonal music series, Music in the Hall, continues this November 6th featuring traditional and modern Celtic music with three local acts: Cúlra, the Celtic Music Club of Catonsville, and Murphy-Flanagan.
According to the Hall’s website, Cúlra is a new folk quintet erupting from Baltimore’s vibrant Trad scene formed by members of multiple award-winning Celtic bands. Their signature sound is a mix of original tunes and songs that draw influence from Irish, Scottish, and Scandinavian tradition. Their diverse instrumentation, infectious melodies, and contagious energy result in a live show that won’t be easily forgotten.
The opening and intermission act will be Murphy-Flanagan, a duet of primarily hammered dulcimer, mandolin, and ukulele, playing traditional Irish songs. The Celtic Music Club of Catonsville is a group of musicians dedicated to celebrating the music and culture from the Celtic nations, most notably Ireland and Scotland.
The concert is free, but a suggested $10 donation can be made at the door.
Big Shred Visited North Laurel Community Center
Howard County’s semi-annual “Big Shred” event was held on October 17 at four locations, including the North Laurel Community Center. The next one will occur in the spring. Visit the Howard County Document Shredding page for more information.
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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