North Laurel

Local news covering the North Laurel and Scaggsville areas

Have you experienced a recent change in federal employment?

Howard County and state assistance programs can help.

In Howard County, the administration is hosting public forums and career fairs, expanding the services offered by the Office of Workforce Development, working to expand Department of Recreation & Parks before and after childcare offerings at elementary schools, and launching the hocohelp@howardcountymd.gov email address to better connect residents with local support programs and assistance.

In the state, the governor has announced increased efforts to support federal workers, including an expanded Maryland Public Servants Resource Website, a streamlined process for displaced workers to be recruited and hired, and additional recruiting initiatives and hiring fairs. For detailed information visit: https://response.maryland.gov/federalpublicservants.

Disabled Veterans in Howard County May Qualify for Property Tax Exemption

If you are a disabled veteran due to a service-connected condition, you may qualify for full property tax exemption on your primary residence. Visit: www.howardcountymd.gov/finance/tax-credits

Howard County Virtual 50+ Employment Expo

The Department of Community Resources and Service’s Office on Aging and Independence will hold a 50+ Virtual Employment Expo on Thursday, May 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The FREE expo, held via Zoom, will offer networking, workshops, and information about current job openings. Visit: https://howardexpo.accessjca.org/ for more information.

Food Assistance is Available

Terminated or furloughed (RIF) federal workers or contractors living in Howard County may be eligible to receive pre-bagged, shelf staples from the Community Action Council of Howard County’s (CAC) Food Bank for up to three months from your first visit. More information can be found at: https://cac-hc.org/food-assistance/

HoCo Rapid Ride Now Available

HoCo RapidRide is a new, on-demand, micro-transit service connecting Elkridge, Jessup, and Savage along the Route 1 Corridor. The innovative technology-enabled public transit service allows riders within the service zone to book a low-cost ride through its app, which is available through the Apple Store or Google Play, or by connecting via the QR Code below. All rides on HoCo RapidRide will be free through April 17, 2025.

RapidRide will make it easier for residents to commute to work, access shopping centers, and connect to regional transit. The service operates Monday–Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and costs $2 per trip. Seniors and HCPSS Students ride free! Visit: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/News031425b for details.

Childcare Providers Needed

Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks is seeking dedicated childcare professionals to expand its elementary before-care and after-care programs in its 23 Howard County Public School System school sites. Contact RLCchildcare@howardcountymd.gov to learn more about this opportunity and to apply.

Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services FREE Document Shredding Event

On Saturday, April 12, and Saturday, April 26, county residents can bring up to three bags or boxes of paper documents, such as tax documents, credit card and other household bills, medical records, pay stubs, mortgage documents and insurance bills (documents that include account numbers, passwords, PINs, signatures, Social Security numbers and date of birth), to these events to be shredded onsite. Visit: www.howardcountymd.gov/bureau-environmental-services/recycling/document-shredding

North Laurel Community Pool Update

The pool roof is under construction and the steel work is almost complete. Once it is finished, the interior construction will proceed on schedule. Keep an eye on this space for updates!

Upcycled Earth Day Community Clean up at Savage Mill

Upcycled will hold its annual Earth Day clean up at Savage Mill on April 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All supplies are provided. Bring your desire to keep our community debris- and trash-free!

North Laurel Community Center

Spring Community Yard Sale May 3, 2025: Time to clean out your basements, closets and garages for a day of selling and buying. Whether you’re making room for new purchases or hoping to sell some of your unused belongings, come out and join your neighbors for this annual event. Reservations are required and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is free for shoppers and $25 for a table for vendors. Your $25 vendor fee includes 2 spaces and 1 table. Contact Adam Sterner at 410-313-0457 or asterner@howardcountymd.gov for reservations and information.

31st Annual Wine in the Woods

Tickets for Howard County Recreation & Parks’ annual Wine in the Woods event are on sale now. This year’s event is set for May 17 and 18. Visit www.wineinthewoodscom to learn more. Tickets are only sold through Howard County Recreation & Parks.

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.