Happy Mother’s Day! Paraphrasing Newman, the mailman on the ever-popular “Seinfeld” show, “It’s the biggest day for mail delivery in the whole year.” And of course it’s a lot more than that. I’d bet it’s also the biggest brunch day of the year, as well as the reason phones ring off the hook that day. And the florists are happy too. There are many ways to honor the mothers in your life, and many venues around town are here to make it easy for you.

Today, join the fun with brunch and hayrides! The White Oak Tavern, at 10030 Baltimore National Pike, will offer brunch from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and dinner from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring live music. Reservations are encouraged. Call 410-680-8951. Alexandra’s at the Turf Valley Resort and Conference Center will have brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The buffet is $64 for adults, $28 for children ages 4 to 11 and free for those ages 3 and under. Reservations are required and can be made at turfvalley.com. And if Mom is ready for some fresh air, Clark’s Elioak Farm, at 10500 Clarksville Pike, will be open that day from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. All moms and grandmoms accompanied by a kid can get a free hayride.

In other news around town, sadly, the Duchess Variety Store on Old Columbia Pike has closed its doors. A neighborhood institution for the past few decades, many of us will miss the homey but delicious sandwiches and milkshakes. Also, the Jesus Tabernacle is holding a thrift sale on May 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 10176 Baltimore National Pike, featuring clothes, furniture and books.

Also on May 17, there will be a Children’s Bike Rodeo at Dunloggin Middle School, 9129 Northfield Drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a free event promoting bike safety.

“Night Bite Fishing” at Centennial Park is back, starting on May 23. The event is open to all ages, at $5 per person. It’s on-site registration only, starting at 6 pm. The event runs until 11 p.m. and meets at the Centennial Park South Boat Launch, and will be repeated regularly through October 24. Visit howardcountymd.gov/recreation-parks/nite-bite-fishing-all-ages-8 for details. The current exhibit at the Artists Gallery, 8197 Main St., is “Kaleidoscope,” featuring mixed media by Amanda Millena and kiln-formed glass by Karen Wallace. The exhibit will run through June 9. Call 443-325-5936 for more information.

The Howard County Department of Public Works has announced that Parking Lot B, located on the west bank of the Patapsco River at the base of Main Street, has been closed to allow for the construction of the outfall structure to the North Tunnel for flood mitigation. As a result, the two-hour parking limit on Maryland Avenue has been lifted until the project’s completion, expected to be in 2027.

Send information about Ellicott City people and events at least two weeks in advance to janetkusterer21042@gmail.com