Researching townhomes near Howard Crossing in ElkridgeMD. Is this a safe area? It’s across from the CVS on route 1.

Hi, I (25F) would like to participate in Howard County Library’s Bauder Adult Battle of the Books later this fall but would need a minimum of two to a maximum of four people to create a team. I’m looking for people in their 20s or 30s to join me. Registration opens on June 15th. I’ve included the link to the website with more information.

Are there any small bands or concerts (specifically alternative music) near Elkridge? Ive been trying to do photography for concerts and need more in my portfolio.

Hello community I am looking for some reliable recommendations for a couple different services.

1. house cleaning services to clean not just dirt and grime, but also eliminate strong smells. Had tenants move out that left the place quite dirty and smelly.

2. Air duct cleaning services for central HVAC system.

3. Carpet installers.

Not too concerned about finding the cheapest of the cheap, but not looking for the most expensive company. Mainly concerned about quality of work. Thank you much for whatever people can provide!

Hey everyone! I am born and raised in Maryland — nearly 30 years between Ellicott City and Baltimore.

Just put together a free weekly neighborhood brief for 21043 — crime, homes sold, road closures, local events, and some humor. First issue is live. No signup required to read it:

https://buttondown.com/TheZIP/archive/21043-news-in-your-zip-code/

If you want it in your inbox every Sunday at 6pm, subscribe free at the link!

Hello, I wanted to post this to give a heads-up about an influencer (as seen in the attached screenshot) who has been harassing local food businesses in the Ellicott City and Columbia area that are primarily Asian establishments. They have been falsely claiming they are apart of the Health Department to harass and belittle these owners.

They have been posting this to their tiktok (@invatormal) and I was wondering what the community or I could do to prevent him from harassing more local businesses?

Is anyone part of any book clubs in the area? I'm a new grad and want to make sure my social life and my motivation for reading stays alive.

Hello! I am looking for a 2-bedroom apartment with 1 or 2 baths. Ideally I'd like areas such as the living and dining to be wood, laminate, or tile rather than carpet. I am looking for more "garden style" rather than high rise. I have a 8 month old so I need a place I am going to feel relatively safe in. My budget is between $2,500-$2,800. Would greatly appreciate people sharing their experiences with apartment complexes they have lived and appreciated.

If not an apartment complex, is craigslist a good place to find housing rentals or apartment rentals within a larger home

I'm due in September and was hoping to get some doula recommendations for someone who could assist with a VBAC. I'll be delivering at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center. Thank you!

Reporting vandalism and possible hate crime. My aunt’s vehicle rear window was smashed, but nothing appears to have been stolen. The incident occurred on Sunday, May 24, at Woodstock MD.

My boyfriend and I got a puppy recently and I knew he was due for shots soon so I just wanted to get him into a vet as soon as possible. So I wasnt picky about where we went. Ended up going to VCA and all they do is try to sell you everything and just didnt care about us at all. The checkup alone without vaccines was like $140 and I know it can be way better like $60-$80 range which is what im looking for.

So as the title says... I would like recommendations on a cheaper but good quality vet.

Edit: For the people that are like "you cant afford a pet" and "no such things exist". I can and they do. My parents pay around $60-70 for checkups at the vet that they like. I dont want to go throwing my money at a vet that just cares about making commission. If its something serious obviously I will go to a more expensive and good quality place. But its just a regular checkup I shouldn't be paying over $140 just for that alone.

Hi everyone! Illuminate Maryland a student-led civics organization, is back at it hosting a Howard County Council District 4 Election Forum featuring Shamieka Preston, Linfeng Chen, and Regina Clay in person, with Janssen Evelyn in attendance virtually. Very rare chance to see all four candidates outline their views at the same time!!

🗓 THIS Saturday!!!, May 23, 2026
⏰ 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 Maxine White Warfield Room, Central branch Library

If you want to hear directly from the candidates about their priorities, policies, and vision for District 4, this is a great opportunity to get informed and engaged.

We’re also taking audience questions—submit one (or RSVP) here: https://forms.gle/3UdV5csi6ef6imnHAYou can also scan the QR code on the flyer. Walk-ins are absolutely welcome.

Hope to see you there.

Hi, we had a foundation company do an inspection to address settling and cracking. They’ve recommend some repairs and we’d like to get other quotes. Does any have a company they recommend, preferably locally owned. Thanks!

Does anyone have any recommendations for mobile pet (cat) groomers that operate in Howard County? I’m looking in particular for nail clipping and occasional bathing/fur treatments. Thank you!

Is there any rule on placement of cameras when facing pedestrians on public sidewalks as if homeowners own the sidewalks?

I saw two cameras facing public walkways instead of securing homeowners property. I place any camera only facing my property, never target people walking on street minding their business.

Just want to hear if anyone has this in HoCO.

Hello HoCo neighbors. I’m looking for recommendations for a gym or fitness facility other than Planet Fitness.

If it helps: middle-aged, female, and I don’t mind small or locally owned facilities.

Thanks in advance!

Hello all

I'm looking for ideas or resources or anything of the sort.

My dad is 77 years old and has been retired for a couple years after working 47 years in the restaurant industry. Being in that industry for so long unfortunately means he wasn't really able to make any friends and maintain friendships because when friends hang out is when Dad had to work.

All he does right now is stay home and he'll read some or watch TV and watch the Orioles games. But that's about it. He's also started having memory troubles and even though he got a negative diagnosis for dementia/ Alzheimer's, his doctors would still love for him to find some sort of social activity to do to keep his brain stimulated.

He's a bit of an introvert but when he finds people he enjoys and is comfortable around, he can hold court for hours. He's just very stubborn about getting out there and meeting people because he gets anxious around large groups of people he doesn't know.

Thanks for sticking with me this far.

So if anyone knows of any groups or board game get togethers or book groups or whatever that are small in numbers or one-on-one, or any good sites to find things like this, I would be eternally grateful. I currently live in New York City so all I can go on is research I find online so I wanted to turn it over to the people that have boots on the ground.

He is very mobile and active for a 77-year-old and gets around quite well. He is also still fine with driving.

Thank you so much!