Dear Friends, 

Our Summer Youth Employment Program is now accepting applications! This six-week PAID program aims to teach and develop practical workforce readiness skills for residents between the ages of 14 and 24.

This empowering program gives the tools and resources to be successful in work. Young people can explore interests, gain mentorship and establish a professional network. For the duration of the program, participants become contingent employees of Howard County Government or private sector businesses in Howard County, are offered competitive pay and may work up to 25 hours per week.

Learn more here.

Thank You, Vietnam War Veterans

This Wednesday is Vietnam War Veterans Day. I remain inspired by all our veterans for their bravery, sacrifice, and love for our country. To honor our Vietnam War Veterans, I encourage residents to join us for a flag raising ceremony at 11:00 a.m. at the George Howard Building this Wednesday, March 29th. 

Let’s show appreciation for our veterans who served during the Vietnam War for their fearless sacrifices and service to our country.

YEP! We Can

Young people from every corner of our county are working with us on exciting programs, activities, and places to be in community with each other. I remain committed to working alongside our young people for a safe community where everyone is welcomed, supported, and encouraged to be their best self. 

Help students like Gabrielle make that vision a reality, and apply for a YEP! grant today here.

Making a Difference

It was so inspiring to be in a room full of such incredible women at the Howard County Commission For Women's brunch in honor of Women’s History Month. Every day our mothers, sisters, friends, and colleagues are making a difference in our world, and today was a beautiful celebration of the phenomenal women in our community.

I was most proud to support my beautiful wife Shani who served as a panelist alongside, Councilwoman Christiana Rigby, and Lakey Boyd. Each of these panelists provided inspirational encouragement and words of wisdom. 

Congratulations to our student essay winners, and thank you to the Commission for Women for your outstanding efforts to celebrate women today and every day.

Serving Our Community

Congratulations to our Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services Training Class 36! I understand and greatly appreciate the efforts, dedication, and tenacity it takes to undergo this rigorous experience. I continue to be inspired by those who make the commitment and push through even the toughest of challenges, in order to serve others. 

Our new recruits not only made their families proud, but our entire community. Please join me in wishing them all the absolute best as they begin their new roles in our community.

ConGRADulations!

The time has arrived! 

The Howard County Public School System announced commencement dates for our phenomenal Class of 2023. All ceremonies will occur at Merriweather Post Pavilion, with the exception of the Cedar Lane School, which will be held at the school. 

For more information regarding 2023 commencements, please click here.

Park It Market

The creation of Glenelg United Methodist Church’s Mobile Food Pantry, affectionately nicknamed “Spirit,” grew out of the need to help feed more of our children who were going hungry over the weekends or when school is not in session. I had a wonderful time joining Lisbon Elementary School Principal Deb Anoff and the Food Ministries of Glenelg United Methodist Church in celebrating their first event to help feed families in Howard County with their new Park It Market van! 

The efforts of Lisa Dolce, Missy LePage, Jackie Benner, and the entire team at Glenelg UMC Food Ministry, go a long way in making the difference in the lives of many. Together, we can ensure every member of our community has a warm meal every day of the year.

What's Your Pitch?

Entrepreneurship is a critical building block of our economy, and it reminds us the importance of innovating, growing, and competing to encourage growth. I was excited to see innovation thrive at Howard County Economic Development Authority’s Pitch & Mingle. Innovation knows no bounds, and it was so thrilling to see the entrepreneurs invest in themselves and launch new ideas.

Through our work together, we will continue to advance our community by supporting our residents in making their dreams become reality. Congratulations to Revive Trinity, Celcy Technologies, and Nebulae Global Benefit Corporation for winning this year’s pitch!

Self Care is Vital Care

Self-care is so important. I was happy to visit Farashe The Day Spa to congratulate Ifedayo Abiola-Matthew & Renee Xie on the expansion in their business. Now, they offer even more services to residents and our entire region. Many of us may already know Farashe the Day Spa, and now the MedSpa is right next door!

This woman-owned business is a shining light of determination and hope. These women are driven to succeed! During this Women’s History Month and I am happy to salute these strong women as they expand in Howard County.

Celebrating Our Agriculture

Agriculture provides our community with almost everything we eat, use, and wear on a daily basis. On National Ag day, March 21st, we recognized and celebrated the abundance provided by our agriculture. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of National Ag Day, I visited Martha Clark and Nora Crist at Clark's Elioak Farm and joined the Marriner Family at Manor Hill Brewing to thank them for their ongoing contributions of the agricultural efforts in Howard County and our entire region! 

Let us continue to recognize and celebrate the contributions of all our local farmers, producers, and agriculture workers for all they do to support our community. Happy Ag day!

Money Matters Fair

April is Financial Literacy Month, and the perfect time to refresh ourselves on vital financial goals. Join us this Saturday, April 1st, at 10:00 a.m. to kick off Financial Literacy Month at our Money matters Fair.

Participants will have the opportunity to attend multiple workshops where they will learn how to make informed financial deicions. For more information, please click here.

Happy Maryland Day!

Happy Maryland Day! As a lifelong Marylander, I know what an incredible place it can be to call home. This year, we made incredible strides in electing incredible leaders in our first black Governor in Wes Moore and first woman and immigrant Lt. Governor in Aruna Miller.

To mark the 389th year of Maryland’s founding, I visited Jim and Lori at Decadent Dessert Bar Maple Lawn last week to pick up a delicious Smith Island Cake to celebrate with my hardworking team. Small businesses like decadent, who serve an amazing offering of our official state dessert, are an example of what Maryland has to offer. While we celebrate the strides we have taken, we aspire to reach even farther for all, together.

Recognizing Business Titans

Powerful women abound in Howard County, and I had the opportunity to catch up with two titans in the business world. Kashonna Marrow and Kimberly Prescott own and operate two firms that help professional enhance their operations and performance. Simply Kashonna works with individuals, groups, and organizations to inspire and guide them through change. While Prescott HR is a Human Resources group that manages regulatory compliance for corporate and non-profit clients.

I salute these two trailblazing women-owned businesses during Women’s History Month for their leadership and dedication to igniting change management.

Are you ready to go higher?

Applications for a fourth cohort of the highly successful “HoCo Higher” entrepreneur accelerator program are now open. This program is not only transformational for small businesses and entrepreneurs, but it provides critical support that is required in building more opportunities for underserved markets in Howard County.

Since the first meeting of our inaugural cohort in September 2021, we’ve now enabled more than 60 graduates to reach new heights, access capital, and build connections. I encourage small business owners to apply for this unique and exciting opportunity to learn best practices and set their business up for success.

Learn more and apply here.

Youth Opportunity Fair

The Youth Opportunity Fair is back! Join the Howard County Office of Workforce Development and community partners for a job fair dedicated to our young people on Saturday, April 15, 2023, from 11 am – 2pm at Oakland Mills High School. This event is centered around networking and directly connecting youth and young adults to local community resources, volunteer, internship, and employment opportunities. Help us spread the word and engage youth in the workforce.

Vendors are still being accepted for this event. If your organization or department is interested in participating in this event as a vendor, please sign up here.

Becoming Your Own Boss



I had a great time visiting AR Workshop in Elkridge with Amanda Hof of Visit Howard County. Cassie Kilcarr turned her dream of being her own boss into a reality. This charming boutique studio offers hands-on craft classes, group activities, private parties, and a curated selection of gifts and on-trend home décor. During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of businesses like this, and AR Workshop offers locally made products and creative classes that help to make your home beautiful. 

Congratulations Cassie on making your dream a reality! Learn more about them here.

Join the Police Accountability Board

Howard County is home to the safest city in America due to our efforts to prioritize public safety and reinforcing public trust. Our Police Accountability Board ensures transparency and helps us engage residents as partners in accountability. We are currently recruiting applicants from Councilmanic District 5 to serve a three-year term on the County’s Police Accountability Board.



I encourage residents from District Five who want to work with our Board to help ensure that we are safe and feel safe in Howard County to apply. The deadline to apply is THIS Friday, March 31st. Learn more here.

Join My Team!

My office is currently looking to fill several vacant positions. To learn more and apply, please click the respective link below.

• Deputy Chief Technology Officer with HCDFRS - This position provides computer technical services for the Fire & Rescue Department. 
• Energy Analyst with the Office of Community Sustainability - This role supports the County's energy management programs, energy and utility use and cost reduction efforts, and the processing and tracking of utility, energy, and fuel billing. 

I encourage interested persons to apply today! To find a full listing of available positions, please click here.

Applicants Sought for Commission on Disabilities

Our Commission on Disabilities plays a vital role in supporting the needs of persons with disabilities in Howard County by addressing challenges with housing, transportation, recreation, employment and more. If you are interested in taking part in our ongoing efforts to ensure that people of all ages and abilities feel welcome and empowered in our great county, I encourage you to apply today to join our Commission on Disabilities. At this time, we are specifically looking for those who have a disability, are relatives of a person with a disability or are members of the general public to serve on the Commission.

To learn more about Howard County’s Commission on Disabilities, including how to apply and eligibility requirements, please click HERE. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 14^th.

March Children and Families Workshops Offered for Parents

To wrap up the month of March, our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office of Children and Families (OCF) is offering the following free in-person and virtual workshops this week focused on “Understanding and Responding to Children Who Bite,” “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Storytime” and “Managing Parenting Anger and Frustration”.

Biting is a typical behavior often seen in infants, toddlers and two-year-olds. As children mature, gain self-control and develop problem-solving skills, they usually outgrow this behavior. But in the meantime, to help parents/guardians better understand why their child bites and how to prevent/address this challenging behavior, OCF is hosting a virtual workshop, “Understanding and Responding to Children Who Bite,” tomorrow, March 28^th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. To register for this workshop, click HERE.

Calling all hungry caterpillars ages two to five, I invite you to join OCF’s Parents as Teachers team this Wednesday, March 29^th at 10:30 a.m. at 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia, for a The Very Hungry Caterpillar Storytime event. In addition to reading this classic children’s book by Eric Carle, participants will also have the opportunity to enjoy a hands-on parent-child arts and crafts activity and a snack. To register for this event, click HERE.

Finally, OCF will wrap up the week with its “Managing Parenting Anger and Frustration” workshop this Thursday, March 30^th at 7:00 p.m. While parenting is an incredibly rewarding experience, that does not mean it does not come without its challenges, especially when children don’t listen or have meltdowns. Through this workshop, participants will learn tools to navigate their child’s anger and frustration, as well as coping strategies when feeling elevated. To learn more about and to register for this virtual workshop, click HERE.

For more information about these workshops and other programs being offered by OCF, check out OCF’s monthly Parent Pages publication today.

It’s National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month and a great time to discover how a balanced, healthy diet provides "Fuel for the Future" for older adults and others.

To ensure our older residents have access to nutrient-rich meals, DCRS’s Office on Aging & Independence’s (OAI) nutrition team offers a variety of meal options, including congregate meals and home delivered meals for homebound individuals. In 2022 alone, the team served more than 14,000 nutritious lunches to older county residents.

To learn more about OAI’s nutrition services, check out its "Health Promotion & Nutrition Services" website. On this site, visitors will find this month’s 50+ Center meal menus, as well as details about scheduling a free one-one consultation with a registered dietician.

April is Money Matters Month

April is Money Matters Month and this April 1^st, I invite you to join DRCS’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) and the Office of the Local Children’s Board’s Getting Ahead program for a kickoff event designed to teach all about financial literacy.

DCRS has partnered with MakingChange, Inc. and others to bring this informational and informative event to the County’s Harriet Tubman Cultural Center. Set to take place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the 1^st, this event will feature activities, as well as financial and consumer education workshops (advance registration is required for each), including: 

• Passport to Financial Literacy – Geared towards youth, Passport to Financial Literacy provides our youth the opportunity to engage in financial decision-making, while learning how their choices can impact them financially and how best to manage their money. To register for this event, click HERE.
• Budget 101 – Presented by MakingChange, Inc., Budget 101 stresses the importance of tracking expenses, assessing financial health and making spending adjustments. Attendees will learn one common budget style to consider when creating a monthly budget that makes sense for them and their family that can lead to financial success. To register for this event, click HERE.
• SCAMO – Presented by OCP, SCAMO is styled after everyone’s favorite game Bingo, with participants learning how to spot and avoid current scams and fraud. To register for this event, click HERE.

Month of the Young Child and Month of the Military Child

In addition to being Money Matters Month, April is also Month of The Young Child and Month of the Military Child.

To celebrate the Month of the Young Child, our Children’s Discovery Fair is set to return for its 19^th year on Saturday, April 22^nd from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at our North Laurel Community Center. Part of OCF’s “Launch into Learning” initiative – a Howard County Early Childhood Advisory Council campaign, this year’s FREE school readiness event takes us “Back to the Basics” by offering preschool age children (age three to five) fun, hands-on learning activities, while parents/caregivers learn about school readiness opportunities and community resources available to their family. To learn more about this year’s Fair, contact OCF at 410-313-1940, email children@howardcountymd.gov or stay tuned to the "Launch Into Learning, Howard County, MD" Facebook page.

• While the Month of the Young Child focuses on the needs of young children and their families and recognizes the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs, the Month of the Military Child calls upon us to recognize the important role military children play in our armed forces community. During the month of April, DCRS’s Office of Veterans and Military Families reminds us that military children serve right alongside their active-duty parents, and the importance of acknowledging and celebrating their sacrifices and service to our country too. If you know of a military family in your neighborhood or school, please reach out to them and help them feel connected to their community. You can also learn more about the resources available to our military children and families, by clicking HERE today.

AARP Income Tax Preparation Appointments Now Available at a 50+ Center Near You

Now through April 13^th, AARP and the IRS are offering FREE personal Federal and Maryland income tax preparation at our 50+ centers across the county. Offered by appointment only, this service is available to middle- and low-income taxpayers with special emphasis on those 60 and older. Self-employment returns with more than $5,000 in expenses and complex returns are not eligible for this service. Also, please keep in mind, each appointment is for one single or joint return.

Appointments will be available on the following days, times and 50+ center locations:

• Bain 50+ Center – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• East Columbia 50+ Center – Tuesday, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. and Thursday, 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.
• Elkridge 50+ Center – Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Ellicott City 50+ Center – Monday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Glenwood 50+ Center – Monday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• North Laurel 50+ Center – Tuesday and Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To schedule a tax prep appointment, please call 443-741-2373; do NOT call a 50+ center directly. To your appointment, participants will need to bring the Social Security card for anyone listed on their personal return, their 2021 state and federal tax returns, all 2022 tax records and the purchase cost of investment transactions during 2022 (if any).

All preparers and volunteers have received IRS-approved training and are certified in tax preparation.

Office of Emergency Management

Reminder, as previously announced, our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will host its final public meeting to gather community input and discuss the County’s Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan and Flood Mitigation Plan update virtually this Wednesday, March 29^th from noon to 1:00 p.m. These two plans define goals and actions that can be taken to mitigate impacts from a variety of hazards, including flooding, within the county. The County is required to update these plans every five years. To register for Wednesday’s meeting, click HERE.

A brief presentation will be presented at the start of each meeting by staff members from OEM and the County’s Department of Public Works (DPW), who will remain on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments. Meeting summaries will be posted on OEM’s “2024-2029 Howard County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update” website following the meetings.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

Brush Fire Prevention

Just as Smokey Bear says, “Remember... Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires,” our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) is reminding residents that “Only YOU can help prevent brush fires!” While wildfires occur in every month in Maryland, they tend to peak in the spring and fall. With spring underway, DFRS reminds us to:

• Make sure they discard of smoking materials properly in a deep, sturdy ash tray away from anything flammable;
• NEVER toss cigarette butts out of your car; and
• Always make sure that nothing is dragging from your vehicle as sparks from a vehicle can cause brush fires.

If you come upon a brush fire, move safely away from the area and then call 911 with your location and the location of the fire.

Department of Housing and Community Development

Proposals Sought from Community Partners for Housing Opportunities Trust Fund

As our Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and I shared the other week, we are currently seeking proposals from community partners for homeownership and neighborhood initiatives, as well as rehabilitation and multifamily rental housing projects, that are eligible for funding from the Housing Opportunities Trust Fund (HOTF) Notice of Funding Availability. The HOTF is the first financial tool to help implement the actions identified in the Housing Opportunities Master Plan and received an initial allocation of $5 million in my Fiscal Year 2023 budget. DHCD is seeking proposals for initiatives that are bold and impactful to help address Howard County’s affordable housing needs and gaps.

The application is available on DHCD’s website and is due by no later than 4:00 p.m., Friday, April 14^th.

Office of Human Rights and Equity

Howard County’s Unsung (S)Heroes

As we wrap up Women’s History Month, I invite you to join our Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) and Dr. Anita Pandey, Director of the Howard County Historical Society’s Howard County African American History Project, for a virtual presentation this Thursday, March 30^th honoring the voices and experiences of African American women in Howard County. During her presentation, Dr. Pandey will share her findings from her research, particularly stories of African American women in Howard County from the 1960s and earlier. Following Dr. Pandey’s presentation will be a short discussion and Q&A before OHRE wraps up this virtual event.

The event will take place from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. and will be livestreamed on the County’s YouTube channel. No registration is required.

Bystander Intervention and Cultural Awareness Training

Held quarterly, OHRE’s Bystander Intervention and Cultural Awareness (BICA) certification training helps participants learn how to protect and promote the humanity of those who are being targeted or harassed in their presence because of their race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender or sexual orientation. This quarter’s BICA training will take place virtually next Tuesday, April 4^th at 5:00 p.m. To reserve you spot before 5:00, click HERE.

MLK Pop Up Pantry

If you or someone you know is in need of fresh produce and/or non-perishable food items, I encourage you to stop by the Ridgely Run Community Center in Jessup from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 10^th for a pop-up food pantry. Hosted by the Howard County Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission and the Harriet Tubman Foundation of Howard County, this pop-up food pantry is open to all. Registration is not required to attend.

For those interested in volunteering to help with food distribution, the Commission and Foundation ask that you please arrive by 8:30 a.m. on the 10^th.

For questions and/or more information about this event, please call 443-386-0405 or 443-280-1935.

Department of Planning and Zoning

Planning Board Unanimously Approves HoCo By Design

The Howard County Planning Board has unanimously approved the County's new General Plan, HoCo By Design. HoCo By Design provides a long-term vision for how Howard County will develop and grow alongside our evolving economic, environmental and social conditions over the next 20 years. Many Board members recognized the importance of continued residential growth that complements the county’s neighborhood character and offers affordable housing options. The Planning Board's vote follows a thorough three-year process which yielded extensive community input and data analysis.

Following its vote, the Planning Board has submitted its recommendation to the Howard County Council for adoption. The Council will hold multiple work sessions on HoCo By Design – with the second one scheduled for this Wednesday, March 29^th (see the Council’s calendar for additional dates), before voting on the plan in the fall of 2023. All work sessions can be watched live here

For more information about HoCo By Design, visit www.hocobydesign.com or contact our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Community Planners Kate Bolinger at kbolinger@howardcountymd.gov or Sarah Latimer at slatimer@howardcountymd.gov.

Police Department

Join Howard County Police Department, Apply Today!

Interested in joining the ranks of Howard County Police Department (HCPD)? HCPD is currently recruiting lateral and entry-level officers with laterals able to test on their own personal schedules for a spring class and entry-level applicants who test by this Saturday, April 1^st, can be fast-tracked into HCPD's June academy!

To learn more about HCPD's application process, qualifications, pay and benefits (including a $10,000 hiring bonus), click HERE. To subscribe to receive text updates about testing dates and the hiring process, as well as the option to text with an HCPD recruiter, visit https://slkt.io/Xq8w today.

Again, please remember that next Saturday, April 1^st is the FINAL day to test for HCPD’s June entry-level academy; laterals are currently being accepted on an ongoing basis.

Howard County youth, HCPD is NOW accepting applications for its BEARTRAX, Youth Police Academy and P.L.E.D.G.E. (Pride, Leadership, Education, Diversity, Growth, Evaluation) Summer Leadership Camp programs.

Geared towards rising Howard County sixth graders, BEARTRAX is a FREE overnight camp featuring fishing, rock climbing, swimming, hiking, archery, zip lining and more, all while building leadership skills, confidence, team building, life skills and self-esteem.

HCPD's Youth Police Academy (YPA) offers 15 to18 years old a one-of-a-kind experience. Through this FREE one-week overnight-camp, campers train and learn like those in the police academy, while exploring career and leadership opportunities and building life skills.

Finally, HCPD's P.L.E.D.G.E. Summer Leadership Camp is for graduating 8th graders, helping participants develop leadership skills prior to entering high school this fall. During this FREE, one-week day-camp, campers will be challenged to make critical decisions, focus on core beliefs and values, recognize diversity and work toward a common goal.

To learn more about each of these camps, including summer camp dates and for an application, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/police/youth-programs. Applications are due by April 15^th.

Office of Procurement and Contract Administration

Local Minority Business Resource Workshop

Are you a local minority-, women- or disabled-owned business? If yes, I invite you to join our Office of Procurement and Contract Administration, the Howard County Economic Development Authority and myself as we host a Local Minority Business Resource Workshop next Thursday, April 6^th from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Kenneth S. Ulman Innovation Hub at 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia. The goal of this event is to connect local and minority businesses to valuable business development resources beneficial to their business growth. This workshop will provide attendees with a great opportunity to connect with various organizations and agencies that provide the tools and resources needed to assist you in growing your business, as well as meet with prime contractors to learn about subcontracting opportunities.

To attend this workshop, simply RSVP by emailing localoutreach@howardcountymd.gov.

Department of Public Works

Bureau of Environmental Services

Yard Trim Collection to Resume April 3^rd

Our Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Bureau of Environmental Services new curbside yard trim collection program season will begin next Monday, April 3^rd. Until the season reopens on the 3^rd, residents can drop their yard trim off at the County’s Alpha Ridge Landfill’s Wood Waste Area (open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) to be recycled into compost or set it out on their trash day for trash collection.

County residents who reside in a Feed The Green Bin area are reminded that they receive year-round yard trim collection with your food scrap collection.

For questions and/or more information about the County’s curbside trash, recycling, food scrap and yard trim collection programs, please contact DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services at 410-313-6444 or email help@howardcountyrecycles.org.

GreenFest is Back for its 16^th Year

Mark your calendars and be sure to join our Bureau of Environmental Services and Office of Community Sustainability on Saturday, April 15^th for the County’s 16^th annual GreenFest celebration at Howard Community College’s Science, Engineering and Technology Building. This year’s event will feature a compost bin demonstration and giveaways, native plant sale, recognition of this year’s Green awards winners, used sports equipment collection workshops and much more.

The event will also feature the County’s first County-sponsored document shredding event of 2023, held rain or shine in parking lot A from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (OR UNTIL the trucks are full). County residents may bring up to three bags or boxes of paper to be shredded and are asked to ONLY bring items that contain personal information. Junk mail, catalogs and office paper should be recycled with your curbside recycling collection.

Department of Public Works Construction Report

To learn about Department of Public Works (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.

Community Sports Hall of Fame Nominations Now Being Accepted!

Nomination forms are now being accepted for our Department of Recreation & Parks’ 2023 “Community Sports Hall of Fame.” If you know a coach, manager, league official, commissioner or even a behind-the-scene contributor who has gained prominence in or made substantial contributions to community recreational sports in Howard County, I encourage you to nominate them today. Keep in mind, nominees must be either residents of Howard County or their community sports contributions have been made primarily in Howard County. 

Available online, nominations are due (postmarked) by Saturday, April 15^th and can be submitted either via email to bwyman@howardcountymd.gov or mailed to Howard County Community Sports Hall of Fame, Attn: Brian Wyman, 7120 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, MD 21046. You can also request a nomination form be mailed to you by calling Recreation & Parks at 410-313-4711.

Individuals chosen for this year’s class will be inducted into the Community Sports Hall of Fame at the department’s annual Celebration of Sports banquet in October. Established in 2005, a list of past Howard County Community Sports Hall of Fame inductees can be found online.

Let’s Come Together to Celebrate World Autism Acceptance Day

All are invited to join our Recreation & Parks team this Saturday, April 1^st from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Blandair Regional Park North in Columbia as we celebrate World Autism Acceptance Day. Geared towards all ages, I encourage you to come learn more about our wonderful autism community while enjoying interactive play, entertainers, face painting, music and ice cream at this FREE event. First responders and elected representatives will also be on hand to say “hello!”

To check out photos from last year’s event, click HERE.

What to Do When School’s Out 

We all understand the challenge of keeping your little one busy when schools are closed, but our team at Recreation & Parks has you covered. Whether it’s sports, art, chess or music, there are plenty of programs to choose from to make sure your child is staying active this spring break. Many of Recreation & Parks programs offer individual-day and full-week registration options too! To learn more, click on the following dates: individual-day offerings (April 3^rd, April 4^th, April 5^th, April 6^th, April 7^th and April 10^th) or full-week offerings (April 3^rd through April 7^th).

Additionally, for qualifying Howard County residents, limited financial assistance is available through Recreation & Parks. To apply, click HERE for the online form in English and en Español, click HERE.

Egg Hunt at Roger Carter Pool

Celebrate spring by hunting for eggs in the indoor pool at our Roger Carter Community Center on Saturday, April 2^nd from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. (the hunt will begin 15 minutes after the event start time). Geared toward children aged two to 10, plastic eggs will be filled with surprises (no food or candy of course) will be let loose in the pool for children to hunt and collect. Please note, all children must be accompanied by an adult in the water and are to bring their own basket and swimwear.  

The cost is $10 for center members and $12 for non-members, and pre-registration is required. To register for this event, click HERE. 

Kid’s Fest

Come experience all that our Department of Recreation & Parks has to offer county youth at this year’s Kid's Fest at Meadowbrook Park in Ellicott City. Set to take place Saturday, April 8^th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., this exciting event features an egg hunt, sports instruction, games, activities, arts and crafts, food, and much more. Bring the whole family and enjoy fun for all ages. While pre-registration is encouraged, it is not required.

To register and/or to learn more about this year's event, check out www.howardcountymd.gov/kids-fest.

Light the Night 5K for Suicide Prevention

Join us on March 31^st at 6:00 p.m. (race to begin at 7:00 p.m.) for Howard County’s 2^nd Annual Light the Night 5K for Suicide Prevention. Recreation & Parks has partnered with the Howard County Health Department, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Maryland Chapter and Bullseye Running to help host this year’s event at Oakland Mills High School. This annual event more than just a race, it serves as a county-wide acknowledgment that we support and care for those impacted by suicide. Light the Night 5K for Suicide Prevention provides activities for non-runners, suicide prevention resource packets, and take-home items such as bracelets and keychains. Learn more and register HERE.  

Wine in the Woods Tickets are NOW on Sale!

Tickets for Recreation & Parks’ 2023 Wine in the Woods are NOW on sale! Set to return to Symphony Woods this May, the year’s two-day event (May 20^th and May 21^st) will feature a bigger and better Explorer Village. This year’s Maryland Wine Explored Village area features a curated selection of Maryland-grown wines and allows wine enthusiasts to enjoy fine, local wines in an exclusive section of the festival with a larger glass, food options for purchase, music and separate bathrooms. This year’s Maryland Wine Explorer Pass wristband (please note, there are a limited number of these tickets available), will include everything the Taster Ticket provides PLUS exclusive access to premium wine samples from wineries around the state.

PLEASE NOTE: Tickets are ONLY being sold at www.wineinthewoods.com and Recreation & Parks headquarters in Columbia. Any third-party sales are not authorized and are likely a scam.

Howard County Sheriff's Office

SCAM ALERT!

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is WARNING residents of a phone scam currently being investigated by HCPD, in which the caller pretends to be from HCSO, using the name of a REAL deputy and in recent cases, Sheriff Harris' name, to make the call seem more legitimate. Many of the reports received by HCPD are from older residents who say the caller told them there is a warrant out for their arrest for missed grand jury duty. Victims were told they must pay a fine over the phone and are directed to use Green Dot or ReLoadIt prepaid cards.

HCSO is REMINDING residents, its office, as well as HCPD, will NEVER demand payment over the phone. Similar scams have also involved impostors claiming to be with the IRS and BGE. Please keep in mind to ALWAYS be on guard if you don’t know the call, NEVER feel pressured to make a decision on the spot and NEVER, EVER give out personal or financial information over the phone.

If you believe you have been a victim of a telephone scam and lost money as a result of it, please contact HCPD’s non-emergency number at 410-313-2200 or visit HCPD’s website to file an online police report. You can also file a report with the FBI at www.ic3.gov.

If you provided any personal information as the result of a scam, visit the FTC’s Identity Theft website and follow the step-by-step instructions on what to do next.

To learn more about other scams targeting older residents and how to spot/avoid a scam, check out DCRS’s Office of Consumer Protection “Scam Alerts” website.