Hello Columbia! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Free summer swim access, a grand o-PAWning celebration, and summer camp days + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Summer swim access opens: CCBC’s pools at three campuses are open for free community swimming now through Aug. 20, with lifeguards on duty. An online waiver and CCBC OneCard are required for entry -- learn how to get in.
County road maintenance underway: Expect slowdowns in Howard County as road crews apply surface treatment this week, including today, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with no road closures but delays likely -- read the full details.
Local tech gets the nod: Howard County Economic Development Authority selected homegrown tech company App Beacon to power engagement across HCEDA and Maryland Innovation Center, centralizing resources, funding opportunities, and events for businesses and entrepreneurs -- read how the platform works.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
You've traveled abroad without being able to speak the local language. You can change that in just 10 minutes a day. Most people are holding real conversations within three weeks. In fact, 92% of users improved their proficiency in just two months, with 25 million subscriptions sold -- take 55% off.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Quick kiddo reset: Playground is your reminder that Columbia Association’s neighborhood play areas are sprinkled through the paths and cul-de-sacs you already roam. On your next walk, pop by one, let the little humans climb out the wiggles while you catch a few quiet sips of coffee.
Green your week: Second Chance Plants is a pop-up garden center bringing a surprisingly robust mix of annuals, veggies, perennials and shrubs to Columbia. Perfect if your porch pots need rescuing or you’re finally tackling that bare patch, this spot makes refreshing your space simple, local, and fun.
Level up your party: This week, outsource the fun to Snap Entertainment, the Columbia crew that rolls in with arcade games, LED crowd-pleasers, photobooths, even VR. Perfect for office shindigs, mitzvahs, or backyard birthdays... you just supply the snacks, they bring the buttons to mash.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Makeup for skin that's changed, now up to 65% off: Laura Geller has built its following on formulas made for mature skin, led by the baked foundations women over 40 keep coming back to. Right now, new email subscribers get up to 65% off plus an extra 22%. Enter your email on the page and the discount activates. *See the VIP pricing →
Need cash but can't take on another monthly payment? This gets you a lump sum from your home's equity with no monthly bill and no interest, because it isn't a loan. Use the funds for anything, whether that's home improvements, paying off debt, or a large purchase, and pay it back by the end of your 30-year term. Checking your offer is easy, fully online, and won't affect your credit score. *See your cash offer →
Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
Wish you had someone to talk to right now? The quiet hours are the hardest, especially when you just want someone to talk to. That's exactly what this is built for: real conversations, real matches, real people. Not endless swiping, but actual chats with singles who want to connect as much as you do. Someone to talk to could be a message away. *Join now and start chatting → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🍦 sweetFrog Laurel Fundraiser @ sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt (Corridor Marketplace) | Wednesday (6/24) at 12:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to pile on the gummy bears, this is it. sweetFrog in Laurel is donating to Forest Ridge Elementary PTA, so your swirl, sprinkles, and shameless second cup actually do some good. Local sugar rush, local kids win.
🏕 Summer Camp Days @ My Gym | Wednesday (6/24) at 1:00 PM – Summer Camp Days is giving you three blissful hours while kids burn off energy with games, relay races, and a new theme each week. Pick and choose the days that fit your chaos, and save when you stack a few. Enjoy coffee while it’s hot.
👶 Tiny Tots (2-4yo) @ Maryland Speech and Feeding | Thursday (6/25) at 10:00 AM – Pediatric SLPs and OTs lead a play-based class where your two to four year old builds communication, sensory, and motor skills through purposeful play. You get real tips, a little adult conversation, and the sweet relief of watching them burn energy while actually learning.
🐾 Grand O-PAWning Celebration and Ribbon Cutting @ Hounds Town | Thursday (6/25) at 3:00 PM – Whether you have a dog, borrow the neighbor's, or just like free stuff, this grand opening and ribbon cutting delivers. Local vendors, giveaways, and a sea of happy pups, plus an easy way to see half the neighborhood without pretending you jog together.
🛒 Columbia Community Market - Summer Edition @ Owen Brown Interfaith Center | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Owen Brown Interfaith Center turns into Columbia’s living room for the Summer Vibes market, with local makers, tasty food, and music you can shop to. Free entry and raffle giveaways, because adulthood deserves little wins. Easy family wandering, plus smug glow of supporting the neighborhood.
👨 June Family Time Make and Take @ Board & Brush Creative Studio | Saturday (6/27) at 2:30 PM – Skip the craft-store chaos and pop into a summer make and take where they supply the materials, the guidance, and the patience. Bring the kids, a friend, or your inner third grader, then leave with a finished project and zero glitter in your carpet.
⚽ CSD Xelaju MC vs Westchester FC Partido Amistoso @ Howard High School | Saturday (6/27) at 6:00 PM – Big-league footwork lands on our humble Howard High pitch in Ellicott City as CSD Xelajú MC takes on Westchester FC in a friendly, emphasis on friendly. Expect lively chants, sharp passes, and the sweet smell of nachos, not flares, just neighbors enjoying proper fútbol.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Columbia report Weather forecastToday — High: 81°F — Low: 61°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 81. Northwest wind around 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 61. West wind 2 to 7 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 86°F — Low: 66°F — Precip: 5%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. South wind 3 to 12 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. This house is wildThis beautifully remodeled 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath home sits on a landscaped corner lot in a highly sought-after location. Bright, light-filled rooms set the tone, while the main level adds an in-law suite, breakfast bar, and granite countertops. The primary suite brings dual walk-in closets, a luxe bath, and sitting room, plus hardwood floors, fresh paint, and updated landscaping.
Take a peek inside → |
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