Good morning, Columbia. Did you know that it only takes about 2,400 people to have a pretty good chance that at least one has a birthday on every day of the year? But if you include just one more day, February 29, you need almost 7,000!
In today’s Columbia Scoop:
Wine in the Woods lineup
Old Ellicott City clock returns
Social studies teacher of the year
Let’s get to it.
— Michelle Sinclair
P.S. Today’s Scoop is a little late. Our server was taking its sweet time. All good now!
INFRASTRUCTURE
Another first for Howard County
County Executive Calvin Ball announced this week that Howard County will become the first community solar developer in the state of Maryland. The plan: five county-owned solar projects generating a combined five megawatts of electricity, with the power going directly to low- and moderate-income households at a serious discount — or free.
Free power, for real: Half the electricity from the Carrs Mill Landfill project will go to low-income households at zero cost. The other four projects — solar canopies at Blandair Regional Park, Cedar Lane Park, and Troy Park among them — will sell power to qualifying subscribers at a 25% discount.
The price tag: Ball proposed $14 million in the county's FY2027 capital budget to get this done, offset by $4.4 million in state grants from the Maryland Energy Administration. Projects are expected to wrap by end of 2027.
On top of all that, the county, HCPSS, and Howard Community College just inked a new solar power purchase agreement to produce another seven megawatts — projected to save all three institutions between $12 and $14 million, with no upfront cost to taxpayers. The county council passed the enabling legislation, CB19-2026, last week. Full details here.
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ARTS & CULTURE
Wine in the Woods lineup announced
For the uninitiated, Wine in the Woods is the largest wine festival in Maryland. It’s also one of Columbia’s most beloved annual events. And the entertainment lineup was just announced for the 32nd annual festival.
Who’s on stage: We already knew Secret Society was back headlining Saturday. But everyone else just got revealed. Saturday’s other performers include the Deb Callahan Band, The Sidleys, Kay K, Eric Scott & Kia Bennet. Sunday’s are Jah Works, Mama’s Black Sheep, Cherry Crush, Grayson Moon, Unified Jazz Ensemble, and Tom Lagana.
That’s a lot of talent so make sure to bring your dancing shoes.
Confirmed wineries include Broken Spire, Running Hare, Stone House, and 10 others. And don’t worry, beer drinkers. Manor Hill, Oliver, RavenBeer, and several others will be on hand as well.
Tickets start at just $35 and include a souvenir wine glass and samples. But you can go big with Premium Pass tickets that include access to a specially-curated section and food from Texas Roadhouse. There are also non-taster tickets if wine’s not your thing.
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REAL ESTATE
Answer: What’s it worth?
Usually, y’all guess pretty high on What’s it worth. Unfortunately this time, almost everyone guessed too low. 13531 Julia Manor Way in West Friendship is listed for $1.75 million.
That might sound high to you. But there’s a huge yard, no neighbors on either side, and this is a big house – almost 7,000 square feet. There’s even a theater room!
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EVENTS
Weekend preview
🎈 = family-friendly events
Friday
🥚 Adult Flashlight Egg Hunt - 21+ egg hunt with flashlights adds grown-up fun to the Easter tradition.
📚 An Evening with Claire Kingsley - Bestselling romance author discusses The Haven Brothers series with signing and book included.
🎶 MACC Bash 2026 - Merriweather Arts and Culture Center's annual fundraiser celebrating all the magic of MACC.
💕 Charm City Romanticon 2026 - A multi-day romance book convention at Turf Valley with panels, signings, and after-hours events. Runs Friday and Saturday.
Saturday
🎈⚙️ 2026 Children's Discovery Fair - Free hands-on STEAM experiences for kids 3-5 with interactive activities, games, and stories.
🎈🧩 Autism in the Park - Annual Autism Acceptance Month celebration at Blandair Park with first responders, entertainers, face painting, and food trucks. Free.
🎈🔦 Eggstreme Flashlight Egg Hunt - Ages 11-15 get their own nighttime egg hunt adventure with flashlights.
🎈🌱 GreenFest 2026 - Howard County's largest Earth Day celebration connecting residents with local environmental resources.
🌳 Hike to the Patapsco River - 4-mile guided hike with Howard County Conservancy naturalists and Mountain Club of Maryland. Free registration required.
🎶 Columbia Orchestra presents Cinematic Pops - From King Kong suspense to Star Wars epic themes celebrating decades of iconic film scores.
🎈🌱 Wellness Day at Manor Hill - Family-friendly day featuring yoga, fitness vendors, DJ music, healthy food options and farm-brewed beer.
Sunday
🎈❤️🩹 AAPI Health Fair - Howard County AAPI Commission event supporting the community with wellness resources, speakers, and activities.
🍽️ Breakfast Fundraiser - Elkridge firefighters and EMTs serve pancakes, eggs, bacon, and more to support the volunteer fire department.
🍽️ The Grub & Groove Experience - Food trucks, vendors, cash bar, DJ, and afternoon vibes at the FOP Lodge.
🎶 Second Sunday Sound Bath - Unwind and recharge with a unique sound bath experience. Free.
All weekend
🎈🎨 2026 Artists Open Studios Tour - Maryland's annual statewide open studios event. Visit working artists in their personal studios in Ellicott City and beyond.
🎨 Columbia Art Center Presents: Visionary Women 2026 - Powerful collection from 78 local female artists reflecting the theme "Reservoir of Strength."
🎈🎭 Toby's Dinner Theatre: The Wizard of Oz - Multiple performances of the beloved musical with dinner buffet. Sunday brunch shows available.
More
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In other news. . .
🍎 Top teacher: Running Brook Elementary 5th-grade teacher Beth Rosas was named Maryland's 2026 Elementary Social Studies Teacher of the Year by the Maryland Council for Social Studies.
🕰️ The clock is back: The iconic Old Ellicott City clock is making its return this Saturday, April 11 at 9:30 a.m. — head to the B&O Plaza for the unveiling and dedication ceremony, weather permitting.
🚧 Heads up, Ellicott City drivers: BGE is removing a tree that's contacting overhead power lines near 4013 New Cut Road, and the road will be closed in both directions between Hillsborough Road and College Avenue on April 15 from 8 AM to 4 PM. Detour signs will be posted.
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WEATHER
Thursday
61 🌡️ 39 | 🌥️ | 2% | 💨 SSE 9 mph
Friday
75 🌡️ 56 | ⛅ | 9% | 💨 S 10 mph
Saturday
69 🌡️ 54 | ☀️ | 5% | 💨 NNW 10 mph
Sunday
68 🌡️ 55 | ⛅| 2% | 💨 SE 11 mph
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
Thursday
Cured 1821 | Kevin Howard | 6 PM
Collective Encore | Junction w/ Caleb Stine | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Friday
Bare Bones | Firekite | 8 PM
Blackwall Barn & Lodge | Andy B | 8 PM
Collective Encore | REMnant | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Cured 1821 | Kevin Howard | 6 PM
Kelsey’s Restaurant & Irish Pub | Rod Sebastian | 6 PM
Looney’s Maple Lawn | Cover Up | 9 PM
The Morgan Inn | Timmy Mo | 6 PM
Oversea Distillery | Dan Ingham | 7 PM
Smashing Grapes | Jennifer Schimpf | 8 PM
Saturday
Bare Bones | Dead Eye Stare | 8 PM
Blackwall Barn & Lodge | Andrew Bell | 8 PM
Collective Encore | Carey Ziegler's Expensive Hobby | 8 PM | Tickets
Cured 1821 | Aiden Interrante | 6 PM
Kelsey’s Restaurant & Irish Pub | Brendan Pelan | 6 PM
Looney’s Maple Lawn | FKNA | 8 PM
The Morgan Inn | Streamline | 8 PM
Smashing Grapes | Levi Terrell | 8 PM
Sunday
Blackwall Barn & Lodge | Levi Stephens | 11 AM
Cured 1821 | Sidestreet Duo | 5 PM
Manor Hill Brewing | Ron Capurso | 2 PM
Oversea Distillery | Tom Starr & Friends | 7 PM
Smashing Grapes | Patrick Cooper | 11 AM
White Oak Tavern | Jazz Brunch | 10 AM
THANKS!
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