Dear Friends,

Howard County is one of the healthiest communities in our nation, but we still have challenges to address. As we examined data related to maternal care in Howard County, we saw some clear opportunities.

In the most recent Howard County Community Health Needs assessment, the data showed that almost 12% of Hispanic mothers and 8% of Black mothers in Howard County received late prenatal care, or no prenatal care at all. 

Hispanic mothers in Howard County are four times more likely to receive insufficient prenatal care as white mothers, putting their health and the health of their babies at risk. That disparity is simply not acceptable.

My budget for the coming year includes $1.3 million for the Maternal Health Initiative to support underinsured and uninsured mothers to access quality prenatal care in Howard County, significantly reducing systemic barriers to care while also promoting favorable health outcomes for all mothers and babies.

With this investment we will be able to work with our partners at the Health Department, Howard County General Hospital, the Horizon Foundation, and others, to expand maternal and child healthcare to approximately 300 women annually. 

This is an important step in building a healthier community for all.

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is the time of year when we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families If you or someone you love needs support, there are resources right here in HoCo, including this list of providers who offer services in multiple languages. Please call 211 and Press 1, or call 410-531-6677.

Community Supported Agriculture

Are you signed up with one of our local CSA’s?

Get fresh and local produce every week by purchasing a growing-season subscription from one of Howard County's several Community Supported Agriculture operations, or CSAs. By supporting local farms you are not only supporting our local economy but also helping to fight climate change and improve our energy independence by reducing emissions from the transportation of food.

Sign up for a Summer CSA before it's too late!

National EMS Week

Today marks the beginning of EMS Week! Howard County’s extraordinary EMTs and paramedics provide truly life-saving service, keeping our residents safe and contributing to the health and well-being of our entire community. Be sure to follow along with the Department of Fire and Rescue Services as they highlight their incredible EMS work in our community this week. Please join me in celebrating and thanking our EMS heroes throughout this week, and beyond. 

Welcome Po Boy Jim to Columbia

I was excited to welcome Po Boy Jim Bar & Grill, which is located near the Mall in Columbia. This new restaurant serves New Orleans-themed dishes and adds even more diversity to Howard County’s culinary scene. Thank you, Ian Reid, for expanding your business to Howard County and I wish you much success!

Advantage Awards & Engraving

Since 2018, Advantage Awards and Engraving have been providing engraving, embroidery and printing services to our community. I had a wonderful time stopping by to thank them for their ongoing service to our community. Please, continue to support our small, local businesses. Thank you Steven Wampler for continuing to make Howard County your home.

Special Olympics Summer Games Softball Competition

This weekend, I greatly enjoyed spending time at Kiwanis Wallas Park with our Howard County law enforcement, family, friends, and supporters for the Maryland Special Olympics Summer Games Softball Competition.

In Howard County, we are always working to ensure that our residents of all ages and abilities have the best opportunity to play, grow, learn, and thrive. Thank you to all our wonderful players and organizers who continue to support Special Olympics Maryland and our 8,716 athletes across the state.

Farmers Markets are Back!

This week marked the beginning of Farmers Market season! Howard County is home to five phenomenal farmers markets and a variety of other farm and produce stands. By choosing to buy from a farmers market, you are not only supporting local farmers but also our local economy and environment.

This season, I encourage everyone to shop small, shop local, and support our farmers markets! 

New Student Member of the Board

Please join me in congratulating Abisola Ayoola, a Wilde Lake High School School sophomore, on her election as the 2022-23 Howard County Student Member of the Board. Abisola earned the support of her peers throughout the county, and will make sure the voices of our students are heard and represented on vital education matters.

I also commend her fellow Wildecat, Oliver Song, who was also a contender for this important position. Abisola is taking a big step into public service, and I am confident that her talents and experience will serve our community well.

Thank you to current Student Member of the Board, Peter Banyas, for his commitment and dedication over the last year, and we wish him well as he prepares to graduate from Howard High School.

Public Spaces Report Action Commission

Last week, I signed an Executive Order creating a Public Facilities and Spaces Report Evaluation and Action Commission. The Commission will utilize the Public Spaces Commission Report released last year to recommend if names of public facilities and spaces in Howard County should be changed after collecting community feedback.

With the Public Spaces Commission report, we now can contextualize the many namesakes of our buildings, parks, and other county-owned spaces. We need to face our history, learn from it, and move forward by ensuring the namesakes of our facilities and spaces reflect today’s values. I’m grateful to the many Commission members who are tackling this difficult issue and look forward to its recommendations.

ZiZa Kabob Opens in Jessup

I was excited to welcome Fahim and Rabeea, owners of ZiZa Kabob, to Jessup. They provide our community with authentic Afghan dishes in a vibrant, welcoming setting that’s inspired by the culture, art, and spirit of their home country. I’m thankful for their continued commitment to our community and wish them absolute success in the future.

Let’s continue to support our small local businesses!

Spring Blossoms with First Lady Yumi Hogan

I had a wonderful time at the Linwood Center where I once again joined my friend First Lady Yumi Hogan and our students to plant flowers as we welcome Spring. This community activity reminds us how important it is to celebrate the beauty all around us and to be connected to the earth while also providing for our friends and neighbors with developmental disabilities.

Thank you to Executive Director Bill Moss, Secretary Carol Beatty of the Maryland Department Aging and Disabilities, Senator Guzzone and the team of Linwood who ensure our community can truly blossom.

Panda Express Now in Columbia

During this AAPI Heritage Month, I enjoyed welcoming Panda Express, with our Howard County Chamber, to their newest location in the Dobbin Center.

I want to thank Cristina Hernandez, Area Coach of Operations as well as the Panda Express team for bringing this great food to our area! Thank you for choosing to expand in Howard County, and we wish you great success in all your future endeavors.

National Nurses Week

Last week we celebrated National Nurses Week. The past two years have vividly illustrated what many of us already knew: that nurses are the backbone of our health care system, providing care and compassion when we need it most. Nurses have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, and have consistently put the needs of others ahead of their own.

Our nurses have earned our respect and deserve our support. Join me in thanking these selfless heroes who work to keep our community healthy and well. Theirs is a noble profession, needed now more than ever.

Books In Bloom

It was an amazing day yesterday attending Books in Bloom at Color Burst Park in the Merriweather District. We heard from famed Watergate investigative journalist Carl Bernstein to discuss his latest memoir Chasing History: A Kid in the Newsroom. From readings and moderated discussions to family activities and poetry walls, Books in Bloom continues to be a celebrated tradition of our arts and culture.

Thank you to the Downtown Columbia Partnership, Howard Hughes, and event organizers for putting on this special event.

Special thank you to all of the authors that participated in the event.

For upcoming events in Downtown Columbia, please visit DestinationDowntown2022.com.

Evening in the Stacks

I had a great time supporting the Howard County Library System at Evening in the Stacks: Across Africa this weekend. All proceeds from the gala support the creation of teen spaces in the Library's branches. Thank you Tonya Aikens and her team for connecting our community and ensuring education for all.

Food Truck Thursdays

As the weather gets warmer, it’s the perfect time to gather with friends and enjoy the great tastes of Howard County. This week, we were so excited to launch Food Truck Thursdays at the Long Reach Village Center. Come out to support our local favorites every Thursday from 5-8 p.m. 

Food trucks will come to the village center every week, with a variety of vendors to satisfy our every craving. Be sure to check it out! #longreachrising

Quality of Life

We are conducting an online survey of County residents. We want everyone to have an opportunity to share their opinions with County Government on the services we provide. This survey is one way for us to assess how we are doing and identify areas for improvement. The survey will be open until 11:59 p.m. on May 31st.

The survey is available here.

COVID-19 Update

According to the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Howard County’s positivity rate today is 10.7% and our 7-day moving average case rate per 100k is 34.6. This steady increase is related to the BA2 subvariant which is highly transmissible.

Howard County's Community Level according to the CDC has increased from green to yellow. All residents, especially those at high risk for complications from COVID, should consider wearing a high-quality mask indoors. Residents with symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested and isolate if possible, per CDC guidelines. There are currently 4 COVID-19 patients in the ICU and Acute Care units at Howard County General Hospital. We’ve sadly lost 352 of our residents to COVID-19 and we continue to keep their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.

Howard County is a state leader with 91% of our residents 5+ fully vaccinated. However, 33% of our eligible residents have not yet received a booster or third shot. Being up to date with COVID vaccines is critical to reducing the severity of COVID-19 disease, including preventing hospitalization and death. Please get boosted to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination.

Viruses constantly change through mutation and sometimes these mutations result in a new dominant variant of the virus. As cases increase, it’s important to keep getting tested if you are displaying symptoms or have been exposed. Howard County has dozens of testing locations. Find one near you at https://www.howardcountymd.gov/health/covid-19-testing.

Getting vaccinated continues to be the best way to prevent severe illness and death from COVID-19. Please get vaccinated and boosted if you have not already. Find a vaccine near you at vaccine.howardcountymd.gov.

BINGO for Health and Fitness

Next week (May 23^rd to May 27^th) is National Senior Health & Fitness Week and OAI invites you to join them in recognition of the week by participating in its Health & Fitness BINGO! To participate, simply stop by any of OAI’s 50+ Centers between now and May 20^th to pick up your BINGO card and then begin marking your card on the May 23^rd for a chance to win prizes, including a raffle entry for a $25 center program credit.

While its FREE to play, you must join or already be a member of a Howard County 50+ Center to play. To learn more, call 410-313-6073 (voice/relay) or visit to find a center near you.

Children's Mental Health Matters Month

In addition to Older Americans Month, May is also Children's Mental Health Matters Month and this month, DCRS’s Office of Children and Families’ Family Institute will be hosting a variety of FREE virtual workshops geared towards the theme, such as:

• Tuesday, May 17, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., Q&A from 8:00 to 8:30 p.m. – Join Candace Ball from the Howard County Local Children’s Board and Leah Bulka from the Howard County Health Department for “Navigating Your Child’s Mental Health Journey”. Taking the first steps to navigating mental health supports can be a challenging and daunting task for parents. This workshop will cover the stages of a child's mental health and discuss local resources and supports to guide your understanding, provide you with choices and help you learn how to help your child, even in the early years. Participants will leave with tangible education and intervention tools and know where to go for assistance if you hit road blocks to services. To register for this workshop, click HERE. 
• Tuesday, May 24, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. – Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? Struggling to manage your family’s schedules and responsibilities? The Family Institute’s “How Parents Get Their Groove Back: Managing Your Family’s Stress Levels and Schedules” workshop can help! This workshop features tips and resources to help you manage your family’s activities and lower your stress. Learn how to prioritize, organize, and reshape your family’s routine, and leave feeling empowered. To register, click HERE.
• Thursday, May 26^th, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. – As can be expected, when siblings spend more time together, sibling rivalry can tend to increase. For parents who are experiencing challenges between their children, such as arguing, name calling and fighting, the Family Institute has just the “Sibling Rivalry” workshop for you. Participants will learn why sibling rivalry occurs and practical techniques parent’s can use to prevent and bring an end to these challenges. To register, click HERE. 

Office of Emergency Management

Get Prepared this Hurricane Preparedness Month

May is Hurricane Preparedness Month and all month long, our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is offering up helpful tips and information about emergency preparedness before, during and after a hurricane. Be sure to follow OEM on its Facebook page and/or Twitter handle to make sure you stay in the know, especially with the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season a little more than two weeks away, now is the time to make sure you and your family are prepared.

WATCH Versus WARNING, Do You Know the Difference?

It's important to understand weather alerts so you can take the appropriate action when you see them. Do you know the difference between a WATCH and a WARNING? 

• A WATCH means: "Ingredients" for severe weather are present! It may occur, so we're watching for it.
• A WARNING means: The threat of severe weather is imminent or already occurring. Take action now!

If it's still hard to remember the difference, try thinking about it in terms of cake! For a:

• CAKE WATCH: The ingredients for baking a cake are present, but no cake has been made yet.
• CAKE WARNING: The ingredients have formed a cake!

To learn more about emergency preparedness and local hazards, check out OEM’s “ReadyHoCo” website.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

May is Stroke Awareness Month

When it comes to a stroke, every second counts. Nearly two million brain cells die each minute a stroke remains untreated. Rapid access to medical treatment can often make a difference between full recovery and permanent disability from a stroke. This National Stroke Awareness Month, our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is reminding residents of the importance of knowing the warning signs of a stroke to act F.A.S.T.:

• F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• A – Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S – Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
• T – Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.

Help Train a Firefighter by Donating Your Car

If you are looking to get rid of an unwanted car, HCDFRS would love to take it off your hands. HCDFRS is currently seeking donations of unwanted cars to help its personnel train and prepare for incidents involving motor vehicles. If you have a vehicle you would like to donate, email HCDFRS at cardonations@howardcountymd.gov today.

In addition to providing an invaluable training opportunity for our firefighters, your vehicle donation is tax deductible and even better, if you live in county, HCDFRS will tow your vehicle away for free.

COVID-19 Update Letter, As County Moves into Yellow

As cases and outbreaks in the county have begun to rise, Howard County Health Department's (HCHD) Health Officer Dr. Maura Rossman issued a letter this past Wednesday to update the community on the status of COVID-19 in Howard County and what actions to take to stop the spread.

Following the issuance of Dr. Rossman’s letter, on Friday, HCHD announced that Howard County’s Community Level has gone from green (low) to yellow (medium). At this level, HCHD recommends that individuals wear a mask indoors when in public places, especially if you are at risk of complications from COVID-19 or interact with someone who is immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease. HCHD also recommends that you get vaccinated if you have not already done so, or if you need a booster, be sure you get boosted. Finally, if you have symptoms, please get tested to help stop the spread.

Student Member Sought for Human Rights Commission

I know many of our young residents are passionate about finding solutions that improve our community, address discrimination, reduce hate and protect and promote human rights and Howard County’s values of inclusion, equality and compassion for all. If you want to share your passion and perspective and are a Howard County high student, I encourage you to consider applying today for Howard County’s Human Rights Commission.

As a non-voting member, the Commission’s student member will serve a one-year term from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. Prescribed by law, the Commission’s duties and responsibilities include recommending a civil rights policy to the County Executive and the County Council; conducting surveys and studies concerning human rights conditions and problems; and filing a complaint when there is reason to believe a pattern or practice of discrimination exists.

For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply, click HERE. The deadline to apply is Sunday, May 22^nd. 

Survey Participation Sought for Second HoCo By Design Draft Theme Chapter

As part of its HoCo By Design development process, our Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) is seeking public feedback on the policies and implementing actions of its second draft theme chapter – “Quality By Design: Respecting and Prioritizing Community Character”. This draft chapter contains recommendations that aim to preserve character in future developments while adopting design standards that are context sensitive for different areas and development opportunities.

To share your feedback, I encourage you to participate in DPZ’s Quality By Design SURVEY, available now through 11:59 p.m., April 10^th. All responses are optional, so feel free to answer as few or as many questions as you like as we appreciate any and all feedback.

For more information on DPZ’s HoCo By Design’s Draft Chapter Release: Quality By Design, visit www.hocobydesign.com/dynamic-neighborhoods, or contact DPZ’s Community Planner’s Kate Bolinger at kbolinger@howardcountymd.gov or Sarah Latimer at slatimer@howardcountymd.gov.

Police Department

Tips to Help Prevent Auto Theft/Theft from Auto

Year-round, thieves target vehicles to either steal them or steal from them. These reports can increase when the weather warms, during holiday season or whenever an individual or group targets neighborhoods in Howard County. These crimes occur in a variety of neighborhoods, but thieves typically target high-density residential areas, typically during the overnight to early-morning hours. 

To help make yourself less likely to be victimized, HCPD is offering up these tips to prevent auto theft or theft from your automobile.

If you do fall victim to any theft from your vehicle, including if your vehicle has been tampered with but nothing has been stolen, HCPD encourages you to report this to police. This helps HCPD track trends and identify suspects. You can file a report online or call the County’s non-emergency number at 410-313-2200. However, for thefts in progress, please call 911. 

Department of Public Works

Public Works to Host Public Meeting on Centennial Park and South Meadow Court Pond Project

Our Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Stormwater Management Division will hold a public meeting this Wednesday, May 18^th at 6:30 p.m. in the Columbia/Ellicott City Room of the George Howard Building, located at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City, to present plans for a project to repair two ponds in Ellicott City.

Located upstream from Centennial Lake, the first part of the project will repair the Centennial Park sediment basin at the site and bring the pond into compliance with current Maryland Department of the Environment standards and regulations. Whereas the second pond’s (located at the end of South Meadow Court) inflow will be repaired and outfall stabilized. Weather permitting, this project is expected to begin in September 2022.

This informal meeting will include a brief overview of the project’s design, followed by an open discussion. County staff and the project’s design consultant will be on hand to answer any questions.

Those unable to attend this meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions should contact Mr. Avinash Dewani with the DPW’s Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6417 or email adewani@howardcountymd.gov.

Guilford Road Sidewalk Improvement Project Public Meeting

The following day, May 19^th, DPW’s Transportation and Special Projects Division will hold a public from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., in the cafeteria at Patuxent Valley Middle School at 9151 Vollmerhausen Road in Jessup, to present plans for a sidewalk improvement in Jessup. The proposed project includes installation of sidewalk, curb and gutter along the south side of Guilford Road between Winterbrook Lane and a point near US 1. This project is expected to begin in summer 2023.

While no formal presentation will be made, DPW staff will be on hand to explain the project, answer any questions and gather public comments.

Those unable to participate in this meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Marshall Davidson with DPW’s Transportation and Special Projects Division at 410-313-5806 or email mdavidson@howardcountymd.gov.

Caution, WET PAINT!

Every spring and summer, as weather permits, the County's Department of Public Works (DPW) refreshes lane line marking paint to ensure that street markings are highly visible and our roadways are safe.

As DPW gets ready to launch its 2022 painting season, the department is reminding motorists to show caution and patience when they come upon a paint truck convoy driving slowly in the roadway. To avoid wet paint:

• NEVER pass the paint truck or trail vehicle;
• NEVER change lanes behind the striping truck or trail vehicles;
• DO NOT swerve back and forth to see around the paint truck or trail vehicle; and
• If parked, wait five minutes before driving on the painted areas.

If you have questions and/or for more information, please contact DPW's Bureau of Highways at 410-313-7450 or email highways@howardcountymd.gov.

Department of Public Works - Construction Report

Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance project(s) that have been announced.

Columbia

• Hyla Brook Road Drainage Improvement (Capital Project D1124-40) – Project to improve a failed storm drain system near 10102 and 10106 Hyla Brook Road. Although the project is not expected to impact the general flow of traffic, lane shifts can be expected as the pipe construction crosses the roadway. The sidewalk within the project zone will be closed to pedestrians for a portion of the project. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by early June 2022.

Elkridge

• Nottingham Pond Improvement (Capital Project D-1177) – Project to repair and improve a stormwater management pond located adjacent to 6501 Huntshire Drive. This project will be completed in two consecutive phases. During Phase One, the sidewalk adjacent to the pond will be closed to pedestrians during this phase of the project. Whereas, during Phase Two, a portion of Huntshire Drive from 6501 to 6515 will be closed to through traffic in both directions; however, the entrance to the Meadowridge Landing Shopping Center will however remain open. Weather permitting, Phase One expected to be completed in early August 2022 and Phase Two by early December 2022.

Ellicott City

• Main Street Asphalt Patching – Project to patch the asphalt in the 8400 to 8600 block of Main Street from Ellicott Mills Drive to Klein Avenue starting today, May 16^th. While two-way traffic will be maintained at all times through the work zone via a flagging operation, motorists are asked to remain alert, reduce speed and move with caution through the work zone. Additionally, street parking along Main Street will be prohibited from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. while this work is underway. Residents are asked to please have their vehicles moved by no later than 8:00 a.m. to avoid delays. Weather permitting and all going to plan, this work is expected to be completed by the end of the day, May 17^th.

To learn about DPW projects currently underway, click HERE. Searchable by project category and street name, from this site you’ll find additional project details, including news releases about the project. You can also contact DPW’s Customer Service Office at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov for further assistance.

If you have questions or are interested in finding out about a State road (numbered roadway) project in your area, visit the Maryland State Highway Administration’s (SHA) “Project Portal” website.

Maryland State Highway Administration

MD 108 Road Improvement Project Underway

Now underway, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun a road improvement project on MD 108 between MD 32 and the Howard County and Montgomery County line, just past Wainwright Road. Crews will patch potholes to smooth out the road surface and add a new layer of asphalt on almost four miles of MD 108 near Clarksville.

During overnight work hours, Sunday nights through Friday mornings, 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., motorists can expect single lane closures and flagging operations. Signs, cones, electronic arrow boards and a truck-mounted attenuator will be used to alert and guide motorists through the work zone and promote safe operations.

Weather permitting, the work is expected to be completed in June.  

SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers. Motorists are reminded to stay alert, focus on driving and look for reduced speed limits, as well as other driving pattern changes, and asked to drive like you work here and slowdown in construction zones.

For more information about this work, click HERE or contact SHA at 410-545-0303.

MD 32 Guardrail Replacement Project Underway

In addition to work on MD 108, SHA has also begun a project to replace guardrails along MD 32 between US 1 and the Howard and Anne Arundel counties line, just south of Dorsey Run Road. The project calls for crews to replace the existing guardrails along 1.5 miles of roadway to ensure the system meets current standards.

During work hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., single-lane and shoulder closures in the area where crews are working can be expected. Electronic arrow boards, cones, barrels and a truck-mounted attenuator will be used to alert and guide motorists through the work zone and promote safe operations.

Weather permitting, the work is expected to be completed in June.

SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers. Motorists are reminded to stay alert, focus on driving and look for reduced speed limits, as well as other driving pattern changes, and asked to drive like you work here and slowdown in construction zones.

For more information about this work, visit HERE or contact SHA at 410-545-0303.

Holiday Slide Schedule in Effect Next Week

Don’t forget Howard County, the upcoming Memorial Day holiday is one of the six holidays that affects County provided curbside trash, recycling, food scraps and yard trim collection. As a result, there will be no Monday collection on May 30^th and the County's holiday "slide schedule" will be in effect the remainder of the week. That is, Monday's (5/30) pickup sliding to Tuesday (5/31), Tuesday (5/31) to Wednesday (6/1) and so forth.

Summer Camps are Near!

With the end of another school year fast approaching and the start of summer vacation right around the corner, it’s almost time for summer camps! If you are still looking for a camp to keep your kiddos busy this summer, be sure to check out what our Department of Recreation & Parks has to offer. From arts to sports to dance and science, there is a camp out there to help keep your kids active, having fun and learning all summer long. To learn more, click HERE. 

Hero Hustle

Calling all kids (ages three to 11), show off your inner superhero by taking on Recreation & Parks’ one-mile Hero Hustle training course this month. From May 14^th to May 28^th, participants can run fast like Dash, stretch like Elastigirl and crawl through the web like Spiderman as they take on this self-guided course starting from Gary J. Arthur Community Center and looping through Western Regional Park. Be sure to wear your favorite hero costume for some extra superhero power as you test your skills on this year’s course.

While this event is free and no registration is required, if you would like to partake in an optional treat bag addon, featuring prizes, a craft and snack, the cost per bag is $10 each and pre-registration is required. Treat bags can be picked up anytime from the Gary J. Arthur Community Center’s front desk during normal business hours.

For more information about the Hero Hustle and/or to register for a treat bag, click HERE.

Sensory-Friendly Sunday

Sensory-Friendly Sundays at our Robinson Nature Center are designed for families with kids, teens and adults with sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities. On May 29^th, the Robinson Nature Center will open early from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to provide visitors a calm environment.

Come explore the exhibits, Discovery Room, nature trails and/or outdoor NaturePlace play area, while enjoying a themed sensory pathway, scavenger hunt and themed craft. The planetarium will also be open between 11:00 a.m. to noon for Sensory-Friendly Sunday visitors as well. Sensory alert maps, sensory backpacks and quiet areas are available.

To register for this May 29^th Sensory-Friendly Sunday event, click HERE.

Last Call for Wine in the Woods

Have you purchased your tickets yet for Wine in the Woods? If not, our Department of Recreation & Parks has you covered as tickets are still available for this two-day event, set to run this weekend, May 21^st and May 22^nd, at Symphony Woods in Columbia.

Not only will this year’s event feature around 20 wineries, 22 specialty food vendors, 30 artisans/crafters and 12 musical acts, but NEW THIS YEAR, will also feature a selection of Maryland breweries on tap, including Oliver Brewing Co., Heavy Seas Beer, Pub Dog, Sapwood Cellars, and Hysteria Brewing Co. Beer will be available for purchase only, no samples. Also, when purchasing your ticket, be sure to check out Recreation & Parks special Explorer Tent pass, which gives passholders exclusive access to premium wine samples from wineries around the state.

To learn more about this year’s event and/or to purchase your tickets, visit www.wineinthewoods.com.

Department of Social Services

Start the Process to Becoming a Foster Parent this National Foster Care Month

Did you know, Maryland has more than 3,800 youth in Foster Care. This National Foster Care Month, the Maryland Department of Human Services’ Howard County Department of Social Services (DSS) is reminding residents about the important role Foster Parents play in providing a safe and stable home for children in need.

Though DSS remains dedicated to strengthening and supporting families in our community, sometimes children cannot remain safely in their homes and need to enter foster care temporarily while DSS works with the family to address safety concerns.

If you are interested in welcoming a child/children into your home, providing a child/children with a caring, committed and safe environment while working with DSS to support families in efforts to reunify them with their child/children, I encourage you to contact Dawn Moser today at 410-872-8839 or dawn.moser@maryland.gov to learn more about becoming a Foster Parent. Foster Parents are required to be licensed through DSS in order to start helping. The licensing process involves training, paperwork and a home study.

BikeAround Downtown RESCHEDULED for Weekend of May 28^th-29^th

Due to this past weekend’s forecasted weather, the third annual BikeAround Downtown has been rescheduled to Memorial Day week, May 28^th and 29^th. If you will be in town for the holiday weekend, I encourage you to join our Office of Transportation for this spectacular event, featuring a Block Party on the 28^th from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Color Burst Park in Downtown Columbia. Come learn how you can make cycling a bigger part of your transportation, fitness and recreation routine, while enjoying the trails and pathways of Columbia. Along with the Block Party, participants are also encouraged to check out this year’s BikeAround Downtown course, which takes riders from Color Burst Park, around Lake Kittamaqundi, through Oakland Mills and over to the County’s Blandair Regional Park, before circling back and joining the multi-use parkway back to Color Burst. Participants are encouraged to ride the course to and/or from the Block Party; the course will be open and marked from 9:00 a.m., Saturday, May 28^th to 6:00 p.m., May 29^th.

Registration and waiver completion are required for participation, with the first 300 registrants are guaranteed a BikeAround 2022 t-shirt and other great treats. For more information about this year’s event, click HERE.

Bike to Work Week is Back and Back in-Person

This year’s annual Bike to Work Central Maryland week celebration will take place this week, May 16^th through Sunday, May 23^rd, with our Office of Transportation’s in-person event this Friday, May 20^th from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Color Burst Park in Downtown Columbia. This year’s registered participants will qualify for free t-shirts (limited to the first 1,500 riders), giveaways and prizes, all while discovering the advantages of a cleaner and healthier commuting option. Participants may ride any time during the week to anywhere and pick up their event shirt at any participating bike shop (Patapsco Bicycles and Trek Bicycles) or our Office of Transportation’s pit stop on the 20^th. To register for this year’s event, click HERE.