🍦What’s replacing Le Jardin Rosé?

Good morning, Columbia. On this day in 2005, YouTube co-founder Jawed Karim uploaded YT’s first ever video, Me at the zoo, a 19-second clip that now has 388 million views. Jawed never uploaded another video. Which is sad because he clearly had potential as a wildlife influencer.

In today’s Columbia Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Michelle Sinclair

Huge congratulations are in order for Samantha Mathis, Kacy Valentine, and Dan Notari.

HCPSS just announced them as this year’s principal and teachers of the year!

About Dan: Dan Notari has been principal at Craderock Elementary since 2024. Before that, he was the top dog at St. John’s Lane Elementary. HCPSS cites the most notable reasons for his win are “collaborative and supportive leadership.” Colleagues say he greets people by name with a smile, listens to students and staff and families, and closes every day with the same message, “Thank you for a great day here at Cradlerock. . . the BEST school in the whole entire world!” Makes me wish he was my elementary school principal. . .

About Samantha: Samantha started her teaching career at West Friendship Elementary 14 years ago and is still there. She was selected for her “exemplary pedagogy” (basically the theory of teaching), curricular expertise, and team spirit. Colleagues say she strikes the perfect balance of fun and structure – often taking kids outside (a surefire way to be a favorite teacher), making lessons hands-on, and taking the time to make all her students feel important.

About Kacy: Kacy’s a homegrown hero as an alum of Atholton Elementary, Clarksville Middle, and Hammond High. And 22 years ago, she started her career as an English Language Arts teacher at Lake Elkhorn Middle, the position she still holds today. HCPSS chose to honor Kacy for her exceptional content knowledge, collaborative spirit, and creative instruction. Colleagues say her belief in every student’s potential is truly inspiring to both students and staff alike.

Congratulations to Kacy, Samantha, and Dan and thank you for the important work you do!

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Earlier this year, County Executive Calvin Ball said fully funding HCPSS’ budget request would leave HoCo almost $70 million short in FY27. And yet, he found a way to get 99.3% of the way there ($871.5 million).

But even though schools are about 1/3 of the $2.5 billion budget, there’s a lot more inside. And don’t worry, there are no tax rate increases.

Three highlights that aren't the school system:

Also tucked in: $10.2 million for road resurfacing, more than $10 million in housing and homeownership programs, $2 million to break ground on Fire Station 15, and a 6.2 percent boost to the Howard County Library System.

The elephant in the room is DOGE. Eleven percent of HoCo residents work directly for federal agencies, and federal layoffs haven't fully hit local tax receipts yet. Ball set aside $1.5 million in reserve for whatever comes next.

What’s next? Public hearings on April 27 and May 7. The County Council votes on both the operating & capital budgets on May 20.

Want more? Check out the 69-page presentation powerpoint.

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🎈 = family-friendly events

🖋️ Blackbird Poetry Festival: Nightbird Reading - Featured poet Sarah Kay and Howard County Youth Poet Laureate Penelope Tofigh take the stage for readings, book signing, and celebration of the written word.

🎈🍽️ Food Truck Fridays @ EVFD - Multiple food trucks roll into Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department with drinks from the volunteers and parking on surrounding streets.

🍺 Bourbon 201 Tasting Class by Whiskey University - Deep dive into American whiskey with a Whiskey University instructor exploring why bourbon can only be made in the United States.

🎈🏠 New Homes for the Arts - Get updates on the Lakefront Bandshell, Performing Arts Center, and new Central Library from Downtown Columbia Partnership and Merriweather Arts & Culture Center.

🎨 🎈 Painting Life by Stacy Lund Levy - Watercolor artist's exhibition continues at Artists Gallery in Ellicott City, featuring scenes from everyday life captured through 117,173+ iPhone photos.

🎈🌱 Earth Day - Start with a bird walk at 8 AM, then join service projects at Howard County Conservancy including tree planting, invasive plant removal, and garden cleanup.

🎈🎶 MYFest: Merriweather Youth Festival - The first-ever teen arts festival by teens, for teens at Merriweather Post Pavilion with live music, maker village, workshops, and food trucks.

🎈🚗 April Meet: Mikey & Mel's Cruise In at Maple Lawn - All makes and models welcome at this free car show with food from Mikey and Mel's kitchen and Howard County Police on site.

🗳️ Columbia Votes - Village elections for your board and CA's Board of Directors happening at community centers across Columbia.

🎈🍂 Spring Fest & Yard Sale - Guildford Park High School hosts yard sale shopping, local vendors, and student-run booths to support the Math National Honor Society.

📖 Steven Gellman, live music and readings from Somewhere in Nowhere - Interactive evening combining readings from the author's new novel with live music performances, plus Q&A and signing session.

🎨 Block Printing Workshop with Virginia Warwick - Create your own original block print in this hands-on workshop at Bohemian House in Historic Ellicott City.

🎈🌍 AFRICA: East Meets West - Ethiopia & Nigeria Cultural Fundraiser - Vibrant cultural evening celebrating two nations with music, fashion, flavors, fellowship, and marketplace treasures.

🎈🌱 Belmont Manor & Historic Park Spring Open House & Venue Showcase - Stroll the majestic gardens, explore the manor house, and meet local wedding vendors at Elkridge's hidden historical gem.

🎈🎶 America 250: Through the Eyes of John Williams - Free outdoor concert by Maryland Winds celebrating America's 250th with iconic John Williams works including Liberty Fanfare and American Journey.

🎈🌱 Greener Goodbyes: A Family-Friendly Green Burial Community Fair - Learn about sustainable end-of-life planning with green burial cemeteries, eco-friendly businesses, and expert speakers at Centennial Park.

🍽️ 2026 Literary Dinner Series: Mark Twain Dinner - Immersive dining experience at Cured with live Twain readings woven throughout a four-course Southern-inspired menu.

🎈🎳 Rolling for a Reason - Bowling fundraiser supporting adoption journey at Lucky Strike Columbia with the motto "Throw a Strike. Take a Chance. Change a Life!"

🎷 Brencore Presents...Blues Brunch with Anthony "Swamp Dog" Clark - DC blues harp legend Swamp Dog Clark brings the blues to Sunday brunch at The Collective Encore.

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☕ What’s replacing Le Jardin Rosé? Luna Coffee Bar is taking over 8006 Main St in Old Ellicott City — the spot that briefly housed Le Jardin Rosé Bistro. Owner Kayla Draughn, 27, is targeting an early summer opening with a menu of coffee drinks, chai, matcha, and light bites. First-time hospitality entrepreneur. Big dreams. ($)

🍎 Rate your kid's school lunch: HCPSS just launched a customer satisfaction survey for its Food and Nutrition program — covering food quality, meal options, service, and the overall cafeteria experience. It's open online through May 15. If your kid's been complaining about the mac and cheese, now's your chance to make it official.

🌧️ Rain check on Charmed: Manor Hill Brewing has cancelled this year's Charmed Farm Festival (originally April 26) due to an uncooperative weather forecast. They want it done right or not at all — "it's not just another day on the farm."

🥙 Nigerian shawarma has landed: Laud Shawarma is officially open at Common Kitchen, bringing Nigerian-style shawarma and West African dishes to Howard County — think jollof rice, honey wings, and freshly baked vegan Agege bread.

🚌 Zūm is staying: Three years after stranding thousands of Howard County students on the first day of school, bus contractor Zūm has signed a new 5-year, $120 million deal with HCPSS — extending service through 2031. They run roughly 196 of the district's 560 routes. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, Zūm’s not going anywhere. ($)

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79 🌡️ 55 | ☀️ | 10% ☔ | 💨 NW 6 mph

51 | ⛈️ | 45% ☔ | 💨 E 6 mph

63 🌡️ 46 | 🌧️ | 76% ☔ | 💨 E 12 mph

63 🌡️ 45 | 🌧️ | 58% ☔ | 💨 NE 9 mph

69 🌡️ 50 | 🌧️ | 44% ☔ | 💨 E 9 mph

Bare Bones | Dan Ingham | 7 PM 
Cured 1821 | Dwayne Adell | 6 PM 
The Morgan Inn | Ginger & The Protest | 6 PM
Reckless Shepherd | Geck Dungeon | 9:30 PM

Bare Bones | Pineapple Band | 8 PM 
Blackwall Barn & Lodge | Mike Sharp | 8 PM 
Collective Encore | Technicolor Motor Home | 8 PM | Tickets 
Cured 1821 | Damon Foreman | 6 PM 
Kelsey’s Restaurant & Irish Pub | Crossin’ T’s | 6 PM 
Looney’s Maple Lawn | No Go Romeo | 9 PM 
The Morgan Inn | Blondie & The TalkingHead | 8 PM 
Oversea Distillery | Josh Pryor | 7 PM
Reckless Shepherd | Glamour Kitty | 9 PM
Smashing Grapes | Jennifer Schimpf | 8 PM 
White Oak Tavern | Soren 8 PM

Bare Bones | Escape Goat | 8 PM 
Blackwall Barn & Lodge | Mark Scott | 8 PM 
Collective Encore | Technicolor Motor Home | 8 PM | Tickets 
Cured 1821 | Tim Young | 6 PM 
Kelsey’s Restaurant & Irish Pub | Brandt Dunn | 6 PM 
Looney’s Maple Lawn | Red Dirt Revolution | 8 PM |
The Morgan Inn | Crackinbush | 8 PM 
Reckless Shepherd | Blackhole Sons | 9 PM
Smashing Grapes | Jordan Mills | 8 PM 
Sonoma’s | Ubiquitous Urgence | 7 PM
White Oak Tavern | Michael K | 8 PM

Blackwall Barn & Lodge | Stephen Henson | 11 AM 
Cured 1821 | Sidestreet | 5 PM 
Manor Hill Brewing | John Benjamin + Rainy Day Matinee | 2 PM 
Smashing Grapes | Junghoon Park| 11 AM 
White Oak Tavern | Jazz Brunch | 10 AM

Thanks for reading Columbia Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who’s heading to Annapolis for the sailboat show this weekend.