MLK Day 2017 in Columbia: What's Open/Closed and Where to Volunteer

Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of January. It celebrates the life and achievements of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. County, state and federal offices will be closed in observance of the holiday, while retail stores and most other businesses will be open.

Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman will deliver opening remarks for the MLK Day of Service. A welcome and ceremony will take place at 8 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 16, at the Howard County Government Office Building, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia. See a list of organizations that are accepting volunteers for the day, posted at the end of the article. Among them are the Columbia Association, Howard County Fire and Rescue and the Community Action Council of Howard County, among others.

In Howard County, most recreation centers will be open; but not all are affected, so check the list below. Curbside collections will proceed as usual.

OPEN

• Trash, recycling and food scrap services
• Alpha Ridge Landfill
• Community centers
• County parks
• Cedar Lane Activity Room
• Ellicott City Colored School
• Schooley Mill Activity Room
• Meadowbrook Athletic Complex
• RTA regular weekday schedule
• Retail stores
• Grocery stores

All parking regulations and fees will be in effect.

CLOSED

• Howard County offices
• Howard County Public School System
• Howard County Public Libraries
• Howard Community College
• Howard County animal shelter
• Howard County senior centers
• Robinson Nature Center
• Historic sites, except Ellicott City Colored School
• Banks
• Post offices

From the Volunteer Center serving Howard County:

A county-wide Day of Service to honor Dr. King's life and legacy will take place as part of the Howard County Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission's annual celebration in partnership with the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County and community organizations across Howard County.
Opening ceremonies and several activities will take place at the Howard County Government Office Building, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, Md 21046.

Welcome and opening remarks are scheduled for 8 a.m. by County Executive Kittleman.

A number of organizations will have on-site volunteer opportunities and activities for individuals and families. Several off-site opportunities are also available.

Volunteer for Howard County's 2017 MLK Day of Service:

• Be You
• Columbia Association Art Center
• Community Action Council of Howard County
• Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Inc.
• Glen Mar Church
• Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake ReStore
• Howard County Fire & Rescue
• Howard County Office on Aging and Independence

• Neighbor Ride

Pictured, Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial, courtesy of National Park Service.