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The One Where We Get Caught Up With The News

 


I’d like to give a shoutout to reader Chris Bachmann who came through with all sorts of cool information - - and maps! - - in response to my call for background information about the Columbia Hills neighborhood. You can see his comments here. It’s a lot of fun for me to be able to put a question out there via the blog and receive information from the community. Keep it coming!

In case you’re already making plans for the weekend, don’t forget the Holiday Market Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm at Clarksville Commons. Want more info? Look at the event page on Facebook. They’re billing it as “food, crafts, and a farmers market.” Dress warmly and don’t forget you can duck into the Common Kitchen to warm up and have a late breakfast or even lunch. The won ton soup at Anh Mazing Banh Mi is magical. 



In the land of unexpected news, I was momentarily startled to see what I thought was Superintendent Martirano’s announcement that he’s going to be pursuing a career in music.



Howard County leaders discuss remedying bus issues, superintendent search, Miana Massey, CBS Baltimore

It has been suggested to me that the word the reporter was looking for was “tenure.” Well, that certainly makes more sense but I prefer my mental image of a musical Martirano.

On the Martirano front, I’ve learned the following from Jennifer Van Kirk of the Bright Minds Foundation: 

In terms of sock donations, we will have collection bins available for new sock donations in the lobbies of all HCLS library locations starting next Tuesday. Socks can also be dropped off at the HCPSS Department of Education building (10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City) or Applications & Research Laboratory (ARL) building (10920 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City) during business hours.




You may have already seen the County’s crowdsourced holiday lights map. I think it’s pretty cool. 



A personal recommendation: Stevens Forest Road in Oakland Mills is the most “lit up” I have ever seen in all the years I’ve lived here. I don’t know if this was a coordinated effort or, it just turned out that way, but, it’s impressive. The holiday spirit is strong over here in OM. There’s even a Winter Parade this Saturday which will start at Stevens Forest Elementary and end at Oakland Mills High School. 



After that? How about Holiday Lights in the Courtyard? 

 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

The Other Barn Courtyard

5851 Robert Oliver Place

Columbia

MD 21045

COST: Free


Here are a few local makers I forgot to mention in my earlier post. Brian Donoughe of 7th State Designs makes “custom, hand-painted barn stars with a local flair.” 


Image: 7th State Editions


And it looks like Monica Rodgers Williams of From Momma’s Kitchen is coming out of hibernation for the holidays! You can order one (or several) of her fabulous Holiday Treat Boxes here. 


Image: From Momma’s Kitchen 


I asked a question about locally made hot sauce on the popular Howard County Eats Facebook page and was deluged with responses! Look for a dedicated blog post soon based on their spicy recommendations.

Have a great Thursday - - the weekend is in sight!



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