💐 Local Ideas for a Mother’s Day That Truly Honors Her

Good Morning, Neighbors!

It’s almost Mother’s Day, and this week’s issue is going to help you plan something special to celebrate her. Plus, see what’s new with Catonsville’s water system, learn how Ellicott City parking is shifting, and find dozens of ways to enjoy the week—from paint nights to plant sales and everything in between.

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In this week’s issue:

• Thoughtful, Local Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day

• Catonsville Water System Gets a Boost

• Things to do this week

• Local Parking Closure Notice

Thank you to our friends at Catonsville Comprehensive Dentistry for sponsoring this week’s newsletter:

Thoughtful Ways to Celebrate Mom This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day (this Sunday, May 11) is a time to reflect what makes the mother in your life feel truly seen. The goal isn’t to spend the most money or fill every minute—it’s to create a moment where she feels valued, known, and deeply appreciated. Below are a few simple local ideas—both free and paid—to help you plan a celebration that reflects who she is. Use these as a starting point, and be sure to check the Events section below for more happenings this week that might match her unique style.

1. Take a walk, share a moment.
Head to the Swinging Bridge trail in Patapsco Valley State Park. This easy, tree-lined path offers a peaceful backdrop for connecting. Bring a thermos of her favorite iced tea and prepare a few heartfelt sentences of appreciation—no need for fancy language. Something like:
“Mom, I still think about the way you used to sing to me when I couldn’t sleep. I felt so safe. Thank you for always making me feel loved.”

2. Visit the Catonsville Sunday Farmers Market (Sunday, May 11, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., 15 Mellor Ave).
Let each child choose something for her—a bunch of flowers, a jar of jam, a handmade soap—and offer it with specific words. For example:
“I picked this because it smells like the cookies you make in the winter. It makes me think of how cozy you make our home.”
Then bring your goodies home and serve her breakfast or lunch built around the market finds.

3. Add a creative keepsake.
Reserve spots ahead of time for the Mother’s Day Wine-Glass Painting event on Sunday, May 11 from 1–3:30 p.m. at The Catonsville Clubhouse. She’ll enjoy time with you and walk away with a one-of-a-kind glass painted by the people who love her most. [Reservations required. Link in events section below.]

4. Floral high‑tea escape
Prefer a refined vibe? Wild Flowers’ Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea sets up a garden‑themed high‑tea inside Centennial Park, Ellicott City (Sun May 11, mid‑day seating). Expect tiered trays of finger sandwiches, scones, and bottomless tea—no prep on your part. Seating is limited; reserve ahead (see link in Events).

5. End the day with heartfelt words.
Over dinner or dessert—whether it’s homemade or takeout—read her a short letter aloud. A few lines of genuine appreciation can become the most meaningful part of the day. Here's a simple example you can use or adapt:

More to Explore:
Want more ideas? Check the Events section below for concerts, workshops, and experiences happening all week long. Choose something that reflects what makes the mother in your life feel special. A celebration doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful—it just has to show her you know her.

P.S. A note for those with complicated or existent mother relationships this weekend:
Mother’s Day can bring up a lot. If your relationship with your mother is distant, difficult, or full of grief—know that you’re not alone. You still get to honor the mothering energy that’s shaped you—whether it came from a teacher, auntie, friend, neighbor, or even from within yourself.

Consider writing a note of appreciation to someone who’s nurtured you in any way. Or spend the day mothering yourself—gently, kindly, without judgment. You deserve to feel seen and cherished, too.

Behind-the-Scenes Upgrades: Catonsville’s Water and Sewer System Gets a Major Boost

Catonsville residents may not notice it day-to-day, but crews have been hard at work modernizing the area’s water and sewer infrastructure to ensure reliable service for years to come. These upgrades, now over 95% complete, include a $16.4 million renovation of the Catonsville Water Pumping Station and nearly $5 million in improvements to more than 73,000 feet of local sanitary sewer lines.

Why does this matter? The pumping station’s overhaul replaces aging pumps and electrical systems, reducing the risk of unexpected outages and keeping water flowing-even during storms or high demand. While you likely won’t taste or see a difference in your tap water, you’ll benefit from fewer disruptions and more consistent pressure, especially as Catonsville grows.

On the sewer side, crews are cleaning and lining pipes that can crack, leak, or clog over time. This proactive maintenance helps prevent backups, overflows, and costly emergency repairs-problems that can disrupt daily life and harm the environment.

Catonsville isn’t alone: similar projects are underway throughout Baltimore County, from Reisterstown Road to Pikesville and beyond, as part of a countywide push to upgrade aging infrastructure and protect public health.

These behind-the-scenes investments mean peace of mind for residents. You may not notice the changes, but you’ll enjoy more reliable water and sewer service-now and for the next generation.

For more information or to report issues, contact Baltimore County’s Bureau of Engineering at 410-887-3531 or [email protected].

_{Source: Baltimore County Government}

Happening This Week

Key: $ - Costs Money; R - Requires Registration; D - More Details

Monday – May 5

All the World’s a Stage Broadway Hits at Elkridge 50+ Center 2-3 pm R

Cash Bingo at Arbutus Volunteer Fire Hall  5 pm 

All-Star Band at La Palapa in Ellicott City 6-10 pm

Live Team Trivia at Stained Glass Pub in Elkridge  7 pm  

Family Game Night at sweetFrog in Catonsville 5‑9 pm

Irish Set Dance Lessons at Catonsville Clubhouse  7:30‑10 pm $ 

Tuesday – May 6

CCBC Catonsville Campus Tour  11 am‑12 pm R

Kids’ Mother’s Day Vase Decorating (kids eat free, reservations recommended) at Uno Pizzeria in Ellicott City 4-8 pm

Celtic Music Class & Session at Catonsville Clubhouse  6:30‑9:30 pm $

Dance Fitness: Zumba Tuesday at Revolve Wellness in Catonsville  7‑8 pm $

Open Mic Night at Shuffles Bar & Grill in Halethorpe 7‑10 pm

Karaoke at Bare Bones Grill in Ellicott City  7‑10 pm 

Open Mic Night w/ Tene & Paul at Shuffles Bar & Grill in Halethorpe 7-10 pm

Wednesday – May 7

Farmers Market at Christian Temple in Catonsville 10 am‑12 pm 

Christmas Parade Paint Night Fundraiser  at Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department 6‑8 pm $ 

Crushed Glass Craft Party at Daniels Restaurant in Elkridge 6-9 pm $
Open Mic Night at Catonsville Clubhouse 6:30-9:45 pm D

Live Trivia Night at Bare Bones Grill  in Ellicott City 7:30 pm 

New Music Ensemble  at UMBC’s Linehan Concert Hall  in Catonsville 7:30‑9:30 pm R

Open Mic at the Trolley Stop in Ellicott City  9 pm

Thursday – May 8

Mother’s Day Family Night at Chick-fil-A at Lansdowne Station 4:30-6:30 pm D
Food Truck Thursdays at Christian Temple in Catonsville  4‑8 pm 

Vibe & Paint Party at Arbutus Town Hall  7‑10 pm $ 

Swing Dance Night at CCBC Barn Theater in Catonsville 7-11 pm $ at the door

Existential Catastrophe & The Love of Humanity at UMBC’s Center for Ethics and Values in Catonsville 7 pm D

Beginner Salsa Lessons at Dance & Artistic Expression Studio in Catonsville 7:30-8:30 pm $

Bachata Fusion Class at Dance & Artistic Expression Studio in Catonsville 7:30-8:30 pm $

Friday – May 9

Treasure Sale at John Erickson Conference Center & Chesapeake Fireplace Lounge in Charlestown in Catonsville 9 am-12 pm

Food Truck Fridays at Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department  4:30‑7:30 pm 

Annual Plant Sale at Arbutus Elementary  4‑10 pm

Adult (any) Book Club at Growing Minds Bookstore in Catonsville 5:30 pm

Sam O’Hare (live music) at Alexandra’s Restaurant in Ellicott City  6‑9 pm 

Faith & Film Series: Departures at Salem Lutheran Church in Catonsville 7pm

Team Trivia Night at DePaola’s Pub in Arbutus 7-9 pm

Various Rock Bands at Morsbergers Tavern in Catonsville 7-11:30 pm $

Symphony & String Chamber Orchestra  at UMBC’s Linehan Concert Hall in Catonsville 7:30‑9:30 pm R

Karaoke with Lisa at Shuffles Bar & Grill  in Ellicott City 8 pm‑1 am 

Latin Date Night at Dance & Artistic Expression Studio in Catonsville 9-11 pm $

Saturday – May 10

Free Community Dumpster Day at Salem Lutheran Church in Catonsville 8-11 am

Treasure Sale at John Erickson Conference Center & Chesapeake Fireplace Lounge in Charlestown in Catonsville 9 am-12 pm

Family Day on the Trolley Trail in Oella/Ellicott City  10 am‑1 pm D 

Finger Paint Party at sweetFrog in Catonsville 11 am‑12 pm $

Wellness Fair Event at Morningside House in Ellicott City 11 am-1 pm RSVP at (410)715-0930

Craft Fair & Maker’s Market (plus live music) at Manor Hill Brewing in Ellicott City 12-6:30 pm

Student Composers Recital at UMBC’s Linehan Hall  in Catonsville 1‑2:30 pm D

Paws & Pals Social: Food, Fun & Furry Friends at Cville Junction 1-4 pm D

UMBC Percussion Ensemble  at UMBC’s Linehan Concert Hall  in Catonsville 7:30‑9:30 pm D 

Zydeco Jed (live music) at Morsbergers Tavern in Catonsville 7:30-11:30 pm

Sunday – May 11

Farmers Market  at 15 Mellor Ave Parking Lot in Catonsville 9 am‑12 pm 

Sunday Crafternoon at Better World Imaginarium in Catonsville 11 am-3 pm D

Work in Progress (live music) at Little Market Café  Outdoor Stage in Ellicott City 12‑3 pm 

Mother’s Day Wine Glass Painting at Catonsville Clubhouse 1-3:30 pm $

Zachary Johnson Junior Oboe Recital at UMBC’s Linehan Concert Hall  in Catonsville 2-3 pm D

Mother’s Day High Tea at Wildflower’s Cafe in Centennial Park in Ellicott City  - Two sittings; 9 am & 12 pm $ 

Bryan Lee Senior Oboe Recital at UMBC’s Linehan Concert Hall   in Catonsville 5-6 pm D

Opera Workshop at UMBC’s Linehan Concert Hall  in Catonsville 7:30‑9 pm D

Local Notice: Ellicott City’s Main Street Lot B Closes for Flood Mitigation Construction

Starting Monday, April 28, 2025, Historic Ellicott City’s Parking Lot B on Main Street will be closed for an extended period as part of the city’s Safe and Sound flood mitigation plan. The closure, expected to last until at least mid-2027, is necessary for construction of the North Tunnel-a major infrastructure project designed to reduce the risk of catastrophic flooding in the historic downtown area.

Throughout the closure, signs will be posted to alert both pedestrians and drivers of the new restrictions. To help offset the loss of parking, Howard County is temporarily lifting two-hour parking limits on Maryland Avenue for residents and business owners, making it easier for the community and visitors to access Main Street shops and restaurants.

The Safe and Sound Plan, and particularly the North Tunnel project, represent significant steps toward protecting Ellicott City from the devastating floods that have impacted the community in recent years.

That’s it for this week’s view. Please share this newsletter with your local friends and neighbors via this link. We’re stronger together.

Until next time,

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