🍦Clarksville Picnic is 147 Years Old?

Good morning, Columbia.

In today’s Columbia Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Michelle Sinclair

A “perfect storm” of speeding, glare, exit congestion, and distracted driving has turned I‑70 between Mount Airy and Ellicott City into a danger zone. Four fatal crashes already this year—one shy of 2024’s total—signal a likely 60% surge in deaths. Frustrated locals demand lower speed limits, signage, and stricter enforcement. ($)

Looking for a real estate agent who listens, strategizes, and delivers? Meet Mike Sloan of Northrop Realty, a seasoned professional with over 18 years of full-time experience, 1,200+ homes sold, and $500 million+ in sales. Named one of The Wall Street Journal’s Top Agents, Mike’s a competitor who thrives on challenges and relationships. A Howard County native and family man, Mike’s ready to put his expertise to work for you. Reach out to Mike to see how he can help.

Reservoir’s Abbie Frisvold capped off her four-year career with sky-high stats, nonstop energy, and serious leadership. The UMBC-bound catcher hit .689 with 44 RBIs and never stopped cheering—earning her 2025 Howard County Softball Player of the Year. ($)

Howard County just unveiled the Gateway Innovation District Public Draft Master Plan—now open for review through July 8. This bold 1,100‑acre strategic redevelopment invites public feedback to shape a mixed‑use, job‑rich innovation hub. Community input will directly influence the final plan heading to the County Council this fall.

Howard County residents dealt with sweltering conditions June 23–24, with highs close to 100 and heat indexes up to 110°F. Residents were urged to stay hydrated, avoid peak sun hours, check on vulnerable loved ones and make use of Columbia’s 20+ CA pools. That water was very refreshing!

Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.

📸 @Bigbaldman313 | 📍Site of the Former Browns Motel, soon to be “The Residences @ Patapsco Place”

Tag @ColumbiaScoop to get your photos in the Scoop!

Tucked inside a Carroll Motor Fuels station along Baltimore National Pike, Jalsa Indian Cuisine dazzles with Gujarati street food, dosas, chaats and thalis. Pratik Patel’s vegetarian-only menu—featuring Jain and Swaminarayan options—delivers bold, authentic spices like tender pakoras and addictive taro‑leaf patra. Jalsa may be nestled behind a gas pump, but its flavors fuel one of the most unforgettable meals in Howard County.

Named BEST Pet Daycare and Groomer in the Baltimore Sun’s Readers’ Choice 2025 poll, Wagging Lounge shines in Columbia. With nearly 10 years of luxury pet care—think glass villas, spa grooming, self-wash stations, and daily enrichment—it’s no wonder local dog lovers voted it number one! ($)

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

Founded by two proud Columbia residents, Remedy Columbia is your neighborhood dispensary offering premium cannabis products and a personalized shopping experience. Whether you're seeking relief, relaxation, or inspiration, our curated selection and knowledgeable team are here to help. At Remedy, we believe in supporting our community, celebrating local culture, and making every visit feel like coming home. Visit Remedy Columbia—Where Healing Meets Home.

This week’s featured event. . . 147th Annual Clarksville Picnic, Saturday at the St. Louis Catholic Church

One of HoCo’s oldest (147 years!!) traditions is back! Think food trucks, toe-tappin’ tunes, carnival games, and the legendary White Elephant Sale. It’s all happening Saturday, June 28, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. at 12500 Clarksville Pike. Come for the deals, stay for the vibes!

AMPED in the Park-Sons of Mystro
AMPED in the Park heats up June 26 with Sons of Mystro at Color Burst Park! The violin duo blends reggae, pop, and originals—plus food, drinks, and giveaways starting at 6:30 PM.

Good Kid-Izen 2025 at Color Burst Park
Head to Color Burst Park Saturday, June 28 at 10 a.m. for Good Kid-izens—a free morning of games, crafts, and kindness celebrating what makes every kid unique.

Downtown Columbia Makers Faire
🎨🔬✨ Curious minds, unite! Maker Faire returns to Merriweather Park in Symphony Woods Sunday, June 29 for a day of family-friendly workshops, demos, and hands-on fun—from robotics to painting and everything in between.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

Grace Kubofcik, a fixture in Howard County politics and community action since the 1980s, died June 9 at 83. Known for her tenacity and sharp insight, she shaped policy on housing, the environment, and transit—earning respect across party lines in Ellicott City and beyond. ($)

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball lands at Toronto Tech Week June 23–27, ready to charm Canadian startups with promises of seamless U.S. expansion, agritech synergies and cyber‑sector growth—all straight from Howard County. ($)

Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.

90 🌡️ 74 | ⛈️ | 50% | 💨 S 3-11 mph

81 🌡️ 72 | ⛈️ | 65% | 💨 W 4-15 mph

90 🌡️ 71 | ⛈️ | 55% | 💨 N-NE 2-14 mph

88 🌡️ 72 | ⛈️ | 50% | 💨 E-SE 2-14 mph

Walkers | Mike Mallick 6pm
The Morgan Inn | Kyler Ray 6pm
Collective Encore | Dueling Pianos 7pm
Cured 1821 | Joe DeCara 6pm

Smashing Grapes | Grayson Moon 8pm
Blackwell | Brandt Dunn 9pm
The Morgan Inn | Sidewalk Soul Band 8pm
Looneys Maple Lawn | Love Hate Mixtape 9pm
Bare Bones | Don’t Stop 8pm
Sonoma’s | Rich Whiting 430pm
Collective Encore | Madisun Bailey and Grayson Moon 7pm
Cured 1821 | Aiden Interrante 6pm
Reckless Shepherd | The Betty White Stripes 9pm

Smashing Grapes | Bryan Mills 8pm
Blackwell | Mark Scott 9pm
The Morgan Inn | Olds Cool Band 8pm
Looneys Maple Lawn | Vertigo Red 9pm
Bare Bones | Four Pocket Band 8pm
Sonoma’s | 8-Ball Deluxe 7pm
Collective Encore | SoulTET 8pm
Cured 1821 | Damon Forman 6pm
Reckless Shepherd | Be’La Dona 9pm

Blackwell | Madisun Bailey 11am
The Morgan Inn | Soul Family Band 2pm
Manor Hill Brewery | Drew Cline 2pm
Collective Encore | 80’s Bingo Brunch w/ Atomic Mingo 11am
Cured 1821 | Sara Jones 5pm

Thanks for reading Columbia Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who loves Gujarati Indian food.