Explore Columbia’s Natural Settings With CA’s Outdoor Walks

A series of outdoor walks hosted by Columbia Association (CA) will explore the lakes, streams, woodlands and wildlife of Columbia. “Exploring Columbia on Foot” will be led by award-winning environmental author Ned Tillman, who will guide discussions on the nature, history and future of these outdoor settings, including the plans for them and challenges they may face in the near future.

The walks will be held on four Thursdays through October, with a sixth date possible in November in case a walk is postponed due to weather. All walks will begin at 10 a.m. Registration is not required, but is encouraged by e-mailing [email protected] or calling CA’s Open Space Management Division at 410-312-6330.

The schedule of walks and meeting locations is as follows:

  • Sept. 10: Jackson Pond — nature connectivity and why we have so much wildlife. Meet at Phelps Luck Neighborhood Center, 5355 Phelps Luck Drive.
  • Sept. 24: Lake Kittamaqundi — enhancing human connectivity as Columbia grows. Meet by the People Tree down at the Lakefront Plaza, 10221 Wincopin Circle.
  • Oct. 15, Middle Patuxent Watershed — explore the streams and woodlands of River Hill. Meet at River Hill Pool, 6330 Trotter Road.
  • Oct. 29, Wilde Lake — urban ecology around our oldest village. Meet at the boathouse off Hyla Brook Road.

Kittleman Seeks Members for Howard’s Cable Advisory Committee

Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman is seeking applicants who are interested in serving a five-year term on the Cable Advisory Committee. The committee provides recommendations to the executive and county council on matters related to the cable television.

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be Howard County residents, 18 years of age or older, have an interest in cable and be able to attend the committee’s meetings, which are held quarterly on the second Tuesday in March, June, September and December, at 7 p.m. at the George Howard Building in Ellicott City. Additional meetings may be called for by the committee chairperson when necessary.

Applicants should send a résumé and a brief letter explaining why they want to serve on the committee to: Howard County Government, Office of the County Executive, Attn: David Lee, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. The deadline to apply is Friday, Sept. 4. For more information, call 410-313-3318.

NFRC to Host 11th Annual 5K for Families at the Columbia Lakefront

The Columbia-based National Family Resiliency Center (NFRC) is hosting its 11th annual 5K for Families event. It will start at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Columbia Lakefront, near Clyde’s and Whole Foods. All ages are invited to participate, with awards and trophies given out to winners in various age categories.

For more than 30 years, NFRC has committed to helping children and adults preserve a sense of family, foster healthy relationships and adjust constructively to change, especially during times of separation, divorce and other family transitions. The proceeds from the event will support NFRC’s sliding fee, advocacy and outreach training programs. NFRC has provided more than $90,000 in free counseling services to families in the community in recent years.

Community members who are interested in volunteering may e-mail [email protected]; for more information about the schedule of events and registering for the 5K race or 1K walk, visit www.facebook.com/events/1181598691867208.

Augustine to Speak at Joint Event of LHC, HCCC

Leadership Howard County (LHC) will present Norman Augustine, chair of Maryland Economic Development and Business Climate (or Augustine) Commission, as the guest speaker at its General Membership Kickoff Breakfast on Sept. 25, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., at the Sheraton Columbia.

The event will be co-hosted by the Howard County Chamber of Commerce (HCCC), in recognition of LHC’s 30th anniversary and its beginning as a chamber program. Tickets to the event will cost $30 for members and $300 for a table of 10. They can be purchased online at www.leadershiphc.org or by calling 410-730-4474, ext. 112.

Norman Augustine is the retired chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin Corp. and a former undersecretary of the U.S. Army. He will discuss the report presented to the 2015 Maryland General Assembly that was intended to improve Maryland’s business climate and spur economic development and job growth.

2015 Howie Award Nomination Forms Available

The Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) is seeking nominations for the 2015 Howie Awards, which honor individuals and businesses that have made significant contributions to the arts in the county. The awards will be presented at the Celebration of the Arts in Howard County on March 19, 2016, where members of its arts, education, government and business communities will gather. Winners will be notified in writing no later than Jan. 29, 2016.

Nomination forms are available online at www.hocoarts.org. Nominations must arrive at the HCAC office via mail, fax, e-mail or hand delivery no later than 5 p.m. on Oct. 28. For a nomination form or more information, visit www.hocoarts.org, call 410-313-ARTS (2787) or visit the Howard County Center for the Arts at 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City.

2016 Rising Star Guidelines Available

Application guidelines for the 2016 Rising Star Performing Artist Professional Development Award are available for download by visiting the “Celebration of the Arts” page at www.hocoarts.org.

The Rising Star Award competition is open to individuals and ensembles (with a maximum of four members), ages 18–35, who live, train, work or perform regularly in Howard County or have done so in the past. Up to 10 selected finalists will perform at the Howard County Arts Council’s (HCAC) annual benefit gala, Celebration of the Arts in Howard County, on March 19, 2016, at Howard Community College’s Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center, in Columbia.

Guidelines may also be requested from the HCAC at 410-313-2787 or via [email protected]. The early, no-fee application deadline is Oct. 1; applications submitted between Oct. 2 and the final deadline of Nov. 2 must be accompanied by a $10 fee. For more information and eligibility requirements, call 410-313-ARTS (2787) or visit www.hocoarts.org.

Johnson to Address Women of Excellence

On Thursday, Nov. 5, Network 2000 will host its annual Women of Excellence Luncheon at the Hilton Baltimore, located at 401 W. Pratt Street, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

This year’s speaker will be Sheila Johnson, entrepreneur, philanthropist and founding partner of Black Entertainment Television. She has served as executive producer of four documentary films and helped finance the Screen Actors Guild-nominated feature film, “The Butler.”

Johnson is vice chairman of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, in Washington, and president and managing partner of the WNBA’s Washington Mystics. She is the only African-American woman to have ownership in three professional sports teams, including the NBA’s Washington Wizards and the NHL’s Washington Capitals.

She is also CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts, a hospitality company she founded in 2005. Johnson oversees a growing portfolio of luxury properties. For more information, call 410-931-8100.

Creating Opportunities for Students, Employers at AACC

Nakia Barriteau, Anne Arundel Community College’s (AACC) new internship coordinator, is seeking businesses, nonprofit organizations and government agencies to participate in the college’s internship program.

Barriteau comes to AACC from the Covenant House, in Washington, D.C., where she was a senior employment development specialist. She also worked at the District of Columbia/Northern Virginia Transition Services Office of Job Corps, and the Family and Children’s Services of Central Maryland. To participate in AACC’s internship program, visit www.aacc.edu/internships.

Baltimore City’s Police Horse, Barney, Joins DEFHR

Days End Farm Horse Rescue (DEFHR) welcomed an 18-year-old Belgian draft horse named Barney to the farm on Aug. 12. Recently retired from the Baltimore Police Department’s Mounted Police Unit, Barney will be starting a new career as a DEFHR equine ambassador, helping to educate the public and raising awareness of equine abuse and neglect.

Because of DEFHR’s limited number of equine ambassador spots and the recent retirement its beloved equine ambassador, Tonto, a full circle moment for DEFHR has come about; for an organization whose primary mission is to serve law enforcement, it is a wonderfully unique opportunity to be the facility that will provide “Officer Barney” his new career as an equine educator.

Barney came from an Amish farm before beginning his career with the Baltimore Police Department in 2003 as a 6-year-old. During the past 12 years, he has been at every major event in Baltimore city, helping the mounted police sergeant perform patrol duties and respond to emergency situations.

As recently as the Freddie Gray protests last April, when rioting broke out, Barney and his sergeant were behind a line of riot police wearing helmets and body armor as they worked to control the protesters. They also worked alongside the National Guard to prevent violence and looting. Barney’s unflappable nature and large stature (he weighs about 2,200 pounds) made him perfect for this work.

HCAC to Host Award-Filled Evening for the Arts

On Sept. 18, the Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) will host its annual meeting and fiscal 2016 Grant Awards Ceremony from 6–8 p.m. at the Howard County Center for the Arts.

Opening remarks by HCAC President Mark Coates will be followed by the presentation of grant awards by Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman (who has been invited). Local and state public officials, as well as leaders in the arts community, will be on hand to recognize and celebrate Howard County’s commitment to the arts.

In addition to the presentation of fiscal 2016 HCAC grant awards, the evening will feature a reception for two new exhibits, “Vertex” and “Piece by Piece.” The Howard County Center for the Arts’ resident artists also will open their studios to visitors from 7–8 p.m. This event serves as the kick-off for Road the Arts, a weekend of receptions and special events at galleries throughout the county to launch Howard County’s 2015–16 gallery season.

To learn more about the awards ceremony, exhibits and other HCAC programs, call 410-313-ARTS (2787) or visit www.hocoarts.org.

22nd Annual Athelas Charity Golf Tournament

Athelas Institute, a nonprofit human service organization providing housing, employment and individual support to adults with intellectual disabilities, will be hosting its 22nd Annual Athelas Charity Tournament. It will take place at Willow Springs Golf Course, West Friendship, on Monday, Sept. 21.

This tournament features contests, prizes, giveaways and more. Breakfast and lunch will be served. For more information, to register to play or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Jeff Callahan at 410-964-1241, ext. 107, or [email protected]; Pat Owens at 410-964-1241, ext. 128, or [email protected]; or John Contreras at 410-964-1241, ext. 134, or [email protected]; or visit www.athelasinstitute.org.

Partnership Joins BWI Marshall for Summer Youth Program

The BWI Business Partnership joined BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport as it launched its first annual summer youth initiative program, “Capture the Imagination,” in mid-August, for Baltimore City youth.

For one week, 50 Baltimore City residents between the ages of 10 to 15 ventured inside the world of aviation, transportation, maritime and hospitality to gain behind-the-scenes, hands-on exposure to career opportunities in these fascinating industries.

The BWI Business Partnership, along with its members, hosted the youth on Aug. 13. “When we called on our members to help support this initiative, there was no shortage of business leaders that stepped up to lend their time as volunteers, chaperones and presenters,” said Linda Greene, executive director of the BWI Business Partnership. “Our members came forward to volunteer their time and experience to our youth by offering invaluable insight into fields that could possibly affect their career choices, and most importantly, inspire hope for their future.”

The Partnership teamed up with several different organizations to provide the full experience, including the Maritime Institute of Technology & Graduate Studies and Conference Center, Fort Meade, the American Society of Aviation Artists, Anne Arundel Community College and the Hilton BWI.

Chesapeake Conservancy Garners Award for Application of Geospatial Technology

The Chesapeake Conservancy, of Annapolis, was honored with a Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award at the 2015 Esri International User Conference in San Diego. This award acknowledges vision, leadership, hard work and innovative use of Esri’s geographic information system (GIS) technology.

The conservancy uses Esri ArcGIS technology for innovative conservation and restoration planning through data-driven, web-based applications. It works with local partners to identify their biggest challenges and develop the information and customized applications, to take advantage of the latest technology and to make informed decisions at the parcel scale.

For more information about the 2015 Special Achievement in GIS Award winners, including project information and photos, visit esri.com/sag.

AACVC Will Commemorate Sept. 11 Attacks Through Service

The Anne Arundel County Volunteer Center (CVC) will commemorate the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on America through service and volunteerism. On Saturday, Sept. 12, the center and its partners, including the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Naval Academy, Anne Arundel Recreation & Parks, Friends of Anne Arundel Trails, the Midshipman Action Group and the Ocean Conservancy will remember Sept. 11 with environmental projects starting at the Maryland World War II Memorial overlooking the Severn River and continuing to Jonas Green Park.

To commemorate Marylanders who have lost their lives in service to their country, including on 9/11, the day will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a brief ceremony at the Maryland World War II Memorial, located in the median at 1919–1920 Ritchie Highway (Route 450), Annapolis.

The keynote speaker will be Anne Arundel County Fire Department Division Chief Michael O’Connell, director of the county’s Office of Emergency Management. Annapolis High School NJROTC will provide a Color Guard and the U.S. Naval Academy Band will provide a vocalist for the ceremony.

Pre-registration is required. For more information, call 410-897-9207, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.aacvc.org/SpecialEvents.

Howard County Police Foundation Holds 24th Annual Police Pace 5K

The Howard County Police Foundation will hold its 24th annual Howard County Police Pace 5K race and 1-mile walk and run 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13, at Centennial Park in Ellicott City. Proceeds from the race will be used to support families of Howard County officers killed or injured in the line of duty, as well as to provide scholarships and support the department with funding for special needs not met through the annual budget process.

The Police Pace will offer 50 performance awards, food courtesy of Outback Steakhouse, children’s activities and a chance to win prizes. In addition, the Howard County Police will display police cars, motorcycles and a helicopter, as well as equipment from specialty units. Visit www.policepace.com to register.

Street Smarts Driving Academy Teams Up With BISM

Blind students and staff from Blind Industries and Services of Maryland’s (BISM) Comprehensive Orientation, Rehabilitation and Empowerment (CORE) training program recently hosted Street Smarts of Maryland Driving Academy to provide a unique driving experience for blind and visually impaired adults.

The event took place on Aug. 9 at BISM Baltimore headquarters on 3345 Washington Boulevard. The goal was to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience and make blind students more familiar with how a car operates.

Street Smarts of Maryland, which recently moved to Ellicott City, offers courses at 13 area high schools in Howard, Carroll, Baltimore and Queen Anne’s counties; its sister company, Driving Strategies, provides effective defensive driving strategies to corporate clients with both large and small fleets.

Horizon Foundation Opens Grant Applications

Continuing its long history of supporting community organizations working to improve health and wellness in Howard County, The Horizon Foundation is currently accepting Letters of Intent in the form of an online questionnaire from nonprofit and public entities serving Howard County for its Strategic Level III grant funding cycle. The awarded grants will support Horizon’s strategic priority areas of increasing access to healthcare and promoting healthy lifestyles.

The deadline to submit proposals is Sept. 20. Qualified applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal no later than Oct. 5. Grantees will be notified of approval during the first week of December. Visit www.thehorizonfoundation.org for more information, including eligibility criteria and step-by-step instructions on how to apply.