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Dear Friends,
I’m thrilled that Howard County received national recognition for having the best Complete Streets Policy in the country by Smart Growth America, making us the first jurisdiction in the nation to receive a perfect 100 percent score. This national recognition is the result of collaboration, hard work and a truly inclusive process.
Complete Streets allow our children and students to walk and bike safely to schools and parks. It ensures that our neighbors with disabilities can access transit and other transportation modes. It provides unlimited opportunities for connections between our neighbors and neighborhoods, growing and strengthening our sense of community.
With a world-class Complete Streets policy now in place, we must continue our efforts to invest in and expand multimodal transportation infrastructure in Howard County. That is why I proposed a record $13.2 million in my Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 budget. This is an increase of $5 million over last year’s transportation budget and a total increase of 300 percent from when I first took office five years ago. With this record funding, we will work to advance needed bicycle, pedestrian, transit and Complete Streets projects in every corner of our county, from Elkridge to Ellicott City, Laurel to Jessup, Columbia to Clarksville, and beyond.
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100 Years of Resurrection-St. Paul School
It was wonderful to join our Resurrection-St. Paul School family in Ellicott City to recognize and commemorate its 100th Anniversary! For the past century, Resurrection-St. Paul School has provided a strong academic foundation for thousands of young students from all backgrounds. Originally opened in 1922 with only 75 students, the school has grown over the years and now has nearly 500 students enrolled.
Thank you to the leaders, educators, staff, and families who are part of the school’s commitment to learning, faith-based education, and community service for our future generations and leaders. I also want to recognize and thank Principal Ryan Hellem, who was recently highlighted by Howard Magazine as the Best Howard County Principal of 2022, for his leadership and vision for this school community.
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Howard County Farmers’ Markets are Back
Five markets are open across the county, serving farm fresh fruits, vegetables, and baked goods. I encourage residents to support our local farms and businesses by visiting one of our farmer's markets this season.
For more information, visit farmer's markets.
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Working with Annapolis for a Better Howard County
During the 2023 legislative session our Maryland General Assembly considered thousands of bills, which included expanding access to health insurance for young people, supporting the retention and recruitment of our first responders, establishing further protections for survivors of human trafficking, increasing access to funding for small businesses, and so much more.
It was such a pleasure to join Governor Wes Moore, Senate President Bill Ferguson, House Speaker Adrienne Jones, and many other leaders to celebrate the passage of many of our collective legislative priorities.
As your Howard County Executive, President of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo), and Chairman of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), I was honored to work with the Governor’s team, our Delegation, and many others. We worked to help ensure representation of all jurisdictions in legislative priorities across Maryland and collaborated around legislation that will improve the quality of life of our residents and expand opportunity for all.
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Glenelg High School Alum Lets it Go
The cold doesn’t bother our residents in Howard County who continue to excel in their careers. I’m so proud that Caroline Bowman, a Glenelg High School Alum, will be starring as Princess Elsa in Disney’s “Frozen: The Musical.” Whether its Kinky Boots, Wicked, or Grease, Caroline has showcased her incredible talent across the nation! Please, join me in wishing her the best as she embraces Arendelle this season.
Read more here.
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Keeping Our Buildings Safe
Modern and consistent building codes help safeguard the safety and resilience of our homes, workplaces, community facilities and public infrastructure. Maintaining best practices to promote energy efficiency, water conservation, fire prevention and sustainability strengthens our community and protects people from harm.
May is Building Safety Month and the perfect time to celebrate our building inspectors for their efforts to ensure everyone is safe, no matter where they are. Please, join me in especially thanking our team at the Department of Inspections, Licensing, and Permits who work incredibly hard to uphold the high standards of our building code.
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Remembering Our Fallen Heroes
Gone, but never forgotten.
Howard County remembers our seven fallen heroes who we lost in service. No matter how many years have passed, whether we’re appreciating peace or enmeshed by conflict, we will never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice performing their professional duties.
We remember those we have lost, knowing that their memory will never fade, but remain in the hearts of all of us. Please join me in taking a moment to remember our Fallen Heroes and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you to all of our brave officers who serve us today.
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Inspiring Young Athletes
Our scholar athletes excel across the state and region because they know the importance of putting in the work and practicing. I had a great time recently engaging with some of these athletes during a Youth Football Camp in Fulton. Nearly 500 young people came out to learn more about excelling in the sport.
Thank you to former Baltimore Ravens Jameel McClain, the 53 Families Foundation Inc., Laurel Boys and Girls Club, Inc., Columbia Ravens-Football and the Baltimore Ravens for your efforts to ensure all our young athletes are successful both on and off the field!
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Blueprint Resources Planning Workgroup Established, One of Maryland’s First!
We are fully committed to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future to enhance the excellence of our public education system. While doing so, we must establish responsible and transparent fiscal priorities. The County’s Blueprint Resources Planning Workgroup will help dismantle silos, improve collaboration among educational entities and establish a coordinated strategy to successfully achieve the goals set forth in the Blueprint, while respecting the use of taxpayer dollars.
To learn more about this new workgroup, click HERE.
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Riding the Rising Tide
I recently stopped by Rising Tide Academy’s new location in Hanover of its grand opening celebration. It was exciting to see firsthand all that this martial arts school has to offer, including self-defense and Brazilian jiu-jitzu. Since the Academy’s launch in 2022, this school has helped students of all ages achieve their martial arts and fitness goals.
Congratulations to Naqi, Anton and Ted on this new location, and here's to your ongoing success!
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Happy Birthday Freddie the Falcon
In case you missed it, Fulton Elementary School (FES) celebrated its 25th birthday this past week! For a quarter of a century, Fulton Elementary School has been the place where our students of today are inspired to empower the students of tomorrow.
Thank you again to Principal Tanisha Burks, our FES PTA and Freddie the Falcon for allowing me to join in the celebration. I know that our Falcon’s will continue to soar the rest of this school year, and I wish FES and its Falcon community another 25 years of great success and achievement!
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Crabby Fresh Crustaceans
Just last year, the Middleton twins, RaeShawn and LaShone, opened R&L Crab Co., bringing delicious steamed and live blue crabs, as well as seafood, straight to our front doors. It is thanks to local businesses like R&L Crab Co. that help strengthen our local economy, while providing us with one of Maryland’s favorite staples along the way.
To learn more about this dynamic duo or to order yourself a bushel of Maryland’s finest official state crustacean, visit R&L Crab Co.’s website today.
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"Rock" Solid Students at Cradlerock
Howard County Public School System’s annual Simulated Congressional Hearings provide our 5th grade students the opportunity to showcase their knowledge on our U.S. Constitution and the role of government in their daily lives. It continues to be one of my favorite events of the year, and I was honored to recently join our governmental experts at Cradlerock Elementary School to see all they have learned. These students are “rock” solid, and I know they will make exceptional future leaders!
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Find Your Ride
This past week was Bike to Work Week in Howard County. Over the past five years, we have dedicated a record $22 million toward transformational bicycle, pedestrian and Complete Streets projects throughout our community. For this coming FY24, we are continuing our strong commitment to multimodal transportation with a historic single-year investment of $13.2 million in our FY24 budget. This investment will help expand the County’s Complete Streets infrastructure to every corner of the county, while growing and maintaining the more than 65 miles of county bike lanes and pathways that connect neighborhoods and destinations across our great county.
If you were unable to participate in Bike to Work Week, I encourage you to give cycling a try and see what a difference this healthy, fun and environmentally-friendly mode of transportation can make in your everyday life.
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Happy Birthday Gordy Gator!
In addition to Fulton Elementary School, Gorman Crossing Elementary School also recently celebrated its quarter-century birthday too! I had a phenomenal time joining Principal Deborah Holmes, all our administrators and PTA to celebrate Gorman Crossing Elementary School turning the big 2-5. For 25 years, Gorman Crossing has successfully helped our students embrace their skills, knowledge and inspire confidence to help them become positive members of our community.
I remain confident that our students will continue to excel at Gorman, and I wish them success for another 25 years and beyond!
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Welcoming Tea Horse Sichuan Bistro to the Community
Howard County is home to an incredible array of Asian American and Pacific Islander restaurants and organizations. One such restaurant is Ping Wu’s Tea Horse Sichuan Bistro in Ellicott City. I recently had an incredible time joining Ms. Wu, Maryland Secretary of State Susan Lee and other local elected officials and community leaders to celebrate the grand opening of this fine food establishment. This new restaurant aims to provide a dining experience as legendary as its name.
Again, I extended my deepest congratulations to Ms. Wu on her new restaurant and wish her and her staff great and ongoing success!
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Join My Team!
My office is currently looking to fill several vacant positions. To learn more and apply, please click the respective link below.
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Deputy HR Administrator - The deputy to the Human Resources Administrator assists with carrying out strategic priorities. The position is expected to develop well-designed and innovative programs to attract and retain a talented workforce and to implement County-wide initiatives and policies that reflect best practices and promote a workplace of excellence.
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Technical Services Support - This position includes support for the new technology for the Body Worn Camera Division as well as overall technical operations of the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office and support for trial prep. Work will include reviewing, selecting, testing, launching and maintaining needed software.
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Deputy Purchasing Administrator - Oversees technical operation of the County Purchasing system, SAP interface, electronic bidding platforms, and other software or applications as needed.
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Continuum of Care Manager - This position serves as Manager of the HUD mandated Continuum of Care (CoC) for homeless services in Howard County. The Manager ensures that the Office of Community Partnerships fulfills its responsibilities as the lead agency for the CoC and provides staff support to the CoC Board and its committees.
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Superintendent, Park Renovations & Building Maintenance -Leads, manages and directs the operations of department-wide Park Construction Renovations and Heritage Conservation to all parks and facilities, along with management of Building/Facility Maintenance and Security of all Recreation and Park buildings and sites.
I encourage interested persons to apply today! To find a full listing of available positions, please click here.
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Memorial Day Holiday Closing
Next Monday, May 29th, Howard County Government offices, courts, animal shelter, 50+ centers and Alpha Ridge Landfill will be closed in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. As there will be no Monday curbside trash, recycling, yard trim or food scrap collection on Memorial Day, the County’s holiday "slide” schedule will be in effect next week.
While county parks and the Roger Carter Community Center (note, the center closes early at 5:00 p.m.) will be open on the 29th, our Department of Recreation & Parks’ Cedar Lane and Schooley Mill Activity Rooms, Gary J. Arthur and North Laurel Community Centers, Kiwanis-Wallas Hall, Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, Robinson Nature Center and county historic sites will be closed. The Meadowbrook Athletic Complex will be open for planned programs only.
The Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) will operate on a “Sunday” schedule on Memorial Day. For more information on RTA, call 1-800-270-9553 or visit www.transitrta.com. All parking regulations and fees will be enforced on Monday, May 29th.
The 9-1-1 Center, Police and Fire departments remain staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For emergencies, call 9-1-1; for non-emergencies, please call 410-313-2200.
County operations will resume on Tuesday, May 30th, at regular business hours.
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Department of Community Resources and Services | |
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Explore Aging Unbound During Older Americans Month this May
May is Older Americans Month and all month long, our Department of Community Resources and Service’s (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) has been celebrating this year’s theme, "Aging Unbound," with activities, workshops, music and more. With a little more than a week left in May, there is still time for county residents, especially those age 50 and older, to join in on the celebration and fun by stopping by any of our 50+ Centers to pick up your Older Americans Month Passport Challenge card. Attend six events before the month is over, being sure to collect a passport stamp at each event, and be entered to win a handful of great prizes.
To find out more about what activities are taking place now through May 31st click here. To learn more about Older Americans Months, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/aging/OAM23. Lastly, learn what Older Americans Month means to our residents and how they are embracing their longevity and “aging unbound” in their current chapter of life by checking out this video.
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Mental Health Awareness Month
In addition to May being Older Americans Month, May is also Mental Health Awareness Month. This month, DCRS’s Office of Veterans and Military Families (OVMF) has joined the VA to highlight the positive outcomes Veterans have experienced who have addressed their mental health concerns. Hear what made the difference in their mental health journey and how treatment has changed their life and outlook on life. With the support of loved ones, communities and care teams, countless Veterans across our country have learned to manage their symptoms and thrive, and you can too.
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Workshops Geared Towards Our Children’s Mental Health
This Mental Health Awareness Month, DCRS’ Office of Children and Families’ (OCF) continues its focus on raising awareness and supporting our children’s mental health in recognition of the month and the State’s Children’s Mental Health Matters! campaign. This statewide initiative is aimed at raising public awareness of the importance of children’s mental health and substance use, reducing the stigma of mental health, and connecting children and families with resources to prevent and support mental health conditions.
To close out the month, OCF will host two FREE workshops: “Eat, Learn and Grow for Families – STEM” and “Nothing I Do Works: A Parent’s Guide to Challenging Behaviors” to help parents/guardians learn how they can support their child’s mental health.
This Wednesday, May 24th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., OCF will host “Eat, Learn, Grow for Families –STEM.” Young children have a natural curiosity about the world around them and through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) exploration, children begin to wonder, explore and investigate their environment. During this virtual workshop, participants will gain skills and knowledge to explore STEM topics at home with their children. This workshop will also highlight STEM-focused children’s literature and explore ways to incorporate creative and fun STEM activities into everyday life. To register to participate in this workshop, click HERE.
Finally, next Wednesday, May 31st from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., OCF will host a “Nothing I Do Works: A Parent’s Guide to Challenging Behavior” workshop in person at 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. Participants will learn about the Pyramid Model, a comprehensive, research-based approach that considers all the factors that impact a child, family and influence a child's behavior. Geared towards parents/guardians with children ages two to eight, this workshop will teach participants how to decrease negative behaviors from happening and/or what to do when they do occur. To register to participate in this workshop, click HERE.
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Honoring our Fallen Heroes this Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a time to honor those who died while serving in our U.S. military. This upcoming Memorial Day weekend, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect upon the sacrifices of our military personnel who did not make it home, by visiting our Fallen Heroes Tribute webpage. Created by OVMF and the Commission for Veterans and Military Families, this site honors Howard County residents who died while in service to our country.
This Memorial Day weekend, you can also pay your respects in person by attending one of the following events:
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Saturday, May 27th at 12:30 p.m., the VFW Post 7472 will host a ceremony at the Old Ellicott City Courthouse located at 3725 Park Avenue.
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Sunday, May 28th at 12:30 p.m., the American Legion Post 156 will host a ceremony at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 9120 Frederick Road in Ellicott City
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Monday, May 29th at 8:00 a.m., the Marine Corps League will host a ceremony at the County’s Harriet Tubman Cultural Center in Columbia.
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Office of Emergency Management | |
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National Wildfire Awareness Month
Wildfires are the “silent killers” of natural disasters because they often begin unnoticed. They are often caused by humans or lightning, can happen at any time and anywhere, and can quickly spread and ignite brush, trees and homes. In Maryland, wildfires occur in every month; however, they peak in the spring and fall. This National Wildfire Awareness Month, be sure to follow our Office of Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter, as it shares wildfire preparation and prevention tips, which are especially important to keep in mind when a Fire Weather Watch or Red Flag Warning is issued.
Remember, as Smokey Bear says, “Only YOU can prevent wildfires.”
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Department of Fire and Rescue Services | |
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Swimming Safety Tips
May is National Water Safety Month and with the start of the summer pool season less than a week away, our Department of Fire and Rescue Services’ (DFRS) is reminding parents/guardians to always keep an eye on kids in and around bodies of water. Drowning can be quick and silent.
For more water safety tips, check out the American Red Cross's “Water Safety” website.
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Trainee Class 37 Applications
If you are interested in becoming a firefighter with DFRS, mark your calendars! The department will begin accepting applications for its Trainee Class 38 at 8:00 a.m. on July 31st and will accept applications until 5:00 p.m. on August 4th. During this time, the link to apply will be available at https://governmentjobs.com/careers/howardcounty.
In the meantime, to learn more about a firefighter career with DFRS, check out the department’s “Recruitment” website.
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Office of Human Rights and Equity | |
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Nominees Sought for Human Rights Commission’s 2023 Awards
If you know an individual or community organization who has made significant contributions to human and civil rights in Howard County, I encourage you to nominate them today for our Human Rights Commission's 2023 James E. Henson, Sr. and Jean W. Toomer Individual, Dr. Murray Simon Student and Colette Roberts Organization awards. To learn more about these awards and/or for a nomination form, visit HERE.
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Reading Human Rights: Interior Chinatown
Reading Human Rights is an award-winning monthly book discussion group hosted by our Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) and Howard County Library System (HCLS) that encourages literary exploration and community dialogue around a variety of human rights concerns. It explores works of fiction and non-fiction to teach community members the various ways individuals, cultures and communities celebrate their identities and combat injustice.
For its May book discussion – to be held in person at HCLS Miller branch in Ellicott City next Tuesday, May 30th at 6:30 p.m., OHRE and HCLS will discuss Charles Yu’s Interior Chinatown. Winner of the 2020 National Book Award, Interior Chinatown explores race, pop culture, immigration, assimilation and escaping the roles we are forced to play.
To secure your seat for this month’s event, click HERE today to register.
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Unleashing the Activist Within
Launched this past February, join OHRE next Wednesday May 31st at 5:00 p.m. for its second “Unleashing the Activist Within” workshop. Held quarterly, this three-hour virtual workshop allows participants to explore the history, culture and tools of activism from 1950 to the present. Attendees will participate in activities that will break their barriers toward engagement, learn tools that promote self-care, gain insights on how to collaborate and organize for greater impact, and brainstorm approaches to substantively engaging in the human or civil rights concerns they are most passionate about.
To register for “Unleashing the Activist Within” training to learn how you can help make a positive change that protects and promotes the human rights of all in our community, click HERE today register.
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2023 Collision Avoidance Training Program Schedule Announced
HCPD’s Collision Avoidance Training (C.A.T.) program is an advanced defensive driving and vehicle control program geared towards licensed teenage drivers, age 16 to 20 years old. This one-day program is designed to provide young drivers with the knowledge and understanding of vehicle dynamics, as well as practical exercises that demonstrate how one’s vehicle responds in a given situation and how to regain control of the vehicle.
To participate, students must possess a valid Class C driver’s license (not a permit) and have a car they can use for the driving portion of the program. C.A.T. classes are scheduled for: June 10th, July 15th, August 19th, September 9th, October 14th, November 4th and December 9th.
The cost of the program is $95 and advance registration is required. For more information and/or to register, click HERE. For questions, contact the C.A.T. Program at 410-313-2207 or email CATProgram@howardcountymd.gov.
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Office of Procurement and Contract Administration | |
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Gateway Innovation District Master Plan
In case you missed it, I have issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a Master Plan that will guide the transformation of the Gateway Business Park into the premier “Innovation District” on the east coast. The County’s pending General Plan Update, HoCo By Design, calls for a bold redevelopment of the 1,000+ acre industrial and office park into a major hub for employment, entertainment and innovation. The EOI seeks a multi-disciplinary consultant team experienced with master planning efforts of this magnitude.
Interested parties may review the Expression of Interest here under the “documents” tab. Proposals are due on Wednesday, July 5th before 10:59 a.m. A virtual Pre-Submittal Meeting will occur next Wednesday, May 31st at 3:00 p.m. Questions about this solicitation should be directed to Jennie Rittenhouse, buyer with the Howard County Office of Procurement, at jrittenhouse@howardcountymd.gov. All additional information about the pre-submittal meeting and proposal submission instructions, can be found on the County’s website here.
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Department of Public Works | |
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Rogers Avenue Improvement Project Public Meeting
Our Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Transportation and Special Projects Division will hold a public meeting next Thursday, June 1st at 5:00 p.m. in the Oella Room at the County’s Roger Carter Community Center in Ellicott City, to present plans for a multi-modal travel improvement project along Rogers Avenue between US 40 and Courthouse Drive. This project will include the widening of Rogers Avenue and the installation of new storm water management facilities, a landscaped median, a center turn lane, crosswalks at Oak West Drive and Linwood Drive, and curb, gutter, sidewalks and bikes along both sides of the roadway. Improvements will also be made to the storm drain system in the area and an existing culvert will be replaced with a new twin culvert to pass a 100-year storm. Finally, utilities in the area will also be relocated to accommodate the work being done. Weather permitting and pending final land acquisition, the project is expected to begin this summer and take 24 months to complete.
To learn more about this public meeting and what to do if you cannot make it, click HERE.
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Bureau of Environmental Services
Memorial Day Holiday Slide Schedule
QUICK REMINDER, DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services' "holiday slide schedule" will be in effect next week as next Monday’s Memorial Day holiday is one of the six holidays that affects the County's trash, recycling, food scrap and yard trim curbside collection schedule. As there will be NO curbside collection on May 29th, Monday's pickup will slide to Tuesday, Tuesday to Wednesday and so forth.
To learn more, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule or contact the Bureau at 410-313-6444 or email help@howardcountyrecycles.org for questions.
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Caution, WET PAINT!
Every spring and summer, as weather permits, DPW refreshes lane line marking paint to ensure that street markings are highly visible and our roadways are safe.
With DPW’s 2023 painting season underway, 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.
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Residential Water Meter Replacement Program Resumes
EFFECITVE IMMEDIATELY, DPW’s Bureau of Utilities has resumed its residential water meter replacement program. As existing water meters in the system are approaching their useful life, with some already failing resulting in the need to estimate water bills, it is vital these meters (at no cost to county water customers) be replaced to ensure accurate and timely water usage data is obtained.
To complete the water meter replacement program in a timely manner, the County has contracted with Vanguard Utility Service for assistance. Residents will receive notification in the mail prior to meter installers arriving in their neighborhood. This notification will include contact information for Vanguard Utility Service so residents can schedule their water meter replacement appointment. Appointments are currently available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday appointments will also be available, but on a first come, first-served basis. Appointments should last no more than 20 to 30 minutes.
To learn more about this program and what to expect, click HERE.
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Department of Public Works Construction Report | |
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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.
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Maryland State Highway Administration | |
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Reminder, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun overnight work to improve the road surface on US 1 between Whiskey Bottom Road and the bridge over the Patuxent River, north of Gorman Road in Laurel. During the overnight work hours of Sundays through Thursdays, 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., with occasional daytime work of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., motorists can expect single-lane closures guided by a flagging operation in the work zone.
Following these improvements to US 1, which SHA expects to complete in June, weather permitting, SHA will begin improvement work to the southbound lanes on MD 32 between I-70 and MD 144 in West Friendship. This overnight work on MD 32 will also take place from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., Sundays through Thursdays, and will require a single-lane closure on southbound MD 32 and the closure and detour of the eastbound I-70 ramp to southbound MD 32. The detour includes eastbound I-70 to northbound MD 32, with a U-turn to access southbound MD 32.
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. Drive like you work here and slow down in construction zones.
For more information about these projects, click HERE or contact SHA at 410-545-0303.
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Department of Recreation and Parks | |
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Pool Maintenance Scheduled at Roger Carter Community Center
Just a friendly heads up as summer quickly approaches. The pool at the County’s Roger Carter Community Center in Ellicott City is currently CLOSED and will remain closed through this Thursday, May 25th for its annual maintenance. The pool projected to reopen to the public this Friday, May 26th. For updates, please contact the center at 410-313-2764, extension 3.
We thank you in advance for your patience as our Recreation & Parks team works hard to ensure our Roger Carter Community Center pool is in tip-top shape and ready for the summer pool season.
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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 May when schools are closed. Click HERE to find out what activities are available next Monday, May 29th when schools are closed for the Memorial Day holiday.
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Women's 6-on-6 Lacrosse Starting Soon
Launched last summer, Recreation & Parks’ “Sixes” women’s lacrosse league is back. A new style of lacrosse set to be on display at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Sixes is a fast-paced, six versus six style of lacrosse featuring five field players and one goalie and played on a shortened field for high tempo play.
Starting June 12th, teams will play an eight-game regular season (all are eligible for playoffs), with games on Monday nights and teams playing two games per night. The cost is $50 for individual registration or $375 per team. Geared toward players 18 and older, rosters will be limited to 12 players per team. To register for this coming Sixes season, click HERE. For questions and/or more information, contact Ricky DuBois at rdubois@howardcountymd.gov.
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Making Memories at Summer Camp
With summer camp season right around the corner, Recreation & Parks remains at the ready to keep your camper’s mind and body active, entertained and learning all summer long. While Recreation & Parks has experienced record enrollment numbers for its summer camps thus far, there are still plenty of opportunities to keep your child moving, learning and making new friends this summer. To check out this summer camp offerings, click HERE.
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Night Fishing at Centennial
Have you ever wanted to fish Centennial Lake at night? If yes, be sure to sign-up to join Recreation & Parks this Friday night (May 26th) from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. for its upcoming Nite Bite Fishing event. Offered various days throughout the late spring, summer and fall, this unique opportunity offers novice and expert anglers the chance to fish the lake after hours. Participants will need to bring their own fishing pole, bait, tackle, bug repellant, flashlight or lantern and chair or boat.
Anglers under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult. Cost to attend is $5; this includes fishing and non-fishing individuals remaining in the park after hours. All anglers must be checked in at the Centennial Park South boat launch/ramp by 7:00 p.m. on the 26th; all other park gates will close and lock at sunset.
For complete details on this event, visit www.tinyurl.com/HCRPNiteBiteFishing.
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Summer Solstice Maker’s Mart
Join Recreation & Parks’ Robinson Nature Center on Sunday, June 11th from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for a Summer Solstice Maker’s Mart event. Residents and visitors of all ages are invited to come meet local artisans and shop their handmade and sustainable wares. While in attendance, be sure to also check out Robinson Nature Center’s own gift shop, where members will receive 15 percent off in-shop purchases and non-members, a 10 percent discount during this special event.
Oh, and did I mention that admission to the Robinson Nature Center will be FREE during this entire event. For a full list of participating artisans, click HERE.
If you are interested in being a vendor at this year’s event, check out this online form for additional information on set-up, clean-up and fees, and how to apply.
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Now Hiring!
If you are or someone you know is looking for a job or interested in a career change, I encourage you to check out our Recreation & Parks’ current full-time job opportunities (click the link/title below for more information and to apply):
All Recreation & Parks job listings can be found HERE.
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Department of Social Services | |
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Members Sought for Adult Public Guardianship Review Board
Our Adult Public Guardianship Review Board advocates to ensure vulnerable adults have a voice concerning their day-to-day affairs as guardianship is determined. If you are an attorney, a lay person, a person with a physical disability or a physician who is not a psychiatrist and are interested in playing a pivotal role in maximizing our county’s vulnerable adult’s strengths and advancing their quality of life, I encourage you to apply today for Howard County’s Adult Public Guardianship Review Board. Details on how to apply, including complete eligibility requirements, can be found HERE. Please note, the deadline to apply is this Friday, May 26th.
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