It was a lovely holiday season and as usual the merchants in the historic district went all out to decorate their businesses, competing in the Ellicott City Partnership‘s annual holiday window decorating contest.
The first-place winner for a small window display went to Made on Main, for its charming display of cardinals in the snow. Second place went to Attic Antiques ‘N Things, whose window featured old-time Santas. In the large window division, first place was awarded to Southwest Connection, which had a Native American theme and in second place went to Sweet Elizabeth Jane whose top hats looked toward New Year’s Eve celebrations. Congratulations to the winners and a salute to all who participated. The town looked great!
During the holidays the Ellicott City Rotary held a ceremony to dedicate a bench in Tiber Park to Fernand Tersiguel, the longtime restauranteur who died in 2020. Many Rotary members and family were in attendance. For many years the Rotary held their monthly meetings at Tersiguel’s French Country Restaurant and Fernand was a great supporter of the Ellicott City community.
Many of us make New Year’s resolutions to improve our health and the Ellicott City 50+ and Fitness Center, 9401 Frederick Road, is ready to help achieve that goal. On Jan. 14 from 11:30 to 12:30 people ages 50 and older are invited to a seminar, “New Year — New You” with personal trainer and occupational therapist Roxanne Hartman, who will create a fitness routine that works for you.
In addition to improving fitness, the new year is a good time to contribute to the community. The Glen Mar Church, at 4701 New Cut Road, is hosting the 11th annual MLK Day of Service Jan. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hosted in collaboration with Ames Memorial UMC and St. John Baptist Church, this event is “a celebration of community spirit, inclusivity, and collective impact,” according to the event bulletin. People of all ages can participate in a variety of volunteer service activities. Planned activities include packaging meals, sewing, decorating cookies and writing letters to seniors and service men and women. To register, visit www.glenmarumc.org/events/day-of-service/.
On Jan. 11 the Howard County Conservancy, at 10520 Old Frederick Road, is offering a program all about reptiles, featuring live turtles and snakes. The cost is $8, and free to kids 12 and younger who come with a paying adult. Sign up at howardnature.org/event/all-about-reptiles/.
The holiday train garden is over, but another good reason to visit the B&O Railroad Museum, Ellicott City Station is a special guided tour, scheduled for Jan. 11 from 2 to 3 p.m. The tour will feature information on the history of the station and why the first terminus of the railroad in America was located in Ellicott City. The cost is $8. For more information call 410-313-7275.
St. John’s Parish Day School, 9130 Frederick Road, is holding a family STEM Day and open house on Jan. 11 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Visit stjohnspds.org for more information.
Backwater Books, 8156 Main St., thinks everyone has a story to tell. They are offering a chance to do just that on Jan. 16, at 7 p.m. at the “Backwater Backstories Storytelling Event,” offering all who would like to participate an open mic. Call 410-696-2482 to sign up.
The Artists Gallery, 8197 Main St., is presenting “A Wonderland of Art 2025” from Jan. 17 to Feb. 23, featuring more than 20 artists. A reception will be held on Feb. 2 from 2 to 5 p.m. To learn more visit artistsgalleryec.com.
When you are ready to be out and about and break up those long cold winter days be sure to take advantage of the next Howard County Restaurant Weeks, coming up Jan. 20 to Feb. 2. Go to https://www.visithowardcounty.com/howard-county-restaurant-weeks/restaurants-menus/ for a complete list of participating restaurants and their special menus.
Send information about Ellicott City people and events at least two weeks in advance to [email protected].
