Dear Friends, 

Are you 65 and older?

Have you lived in the same dwelling for the last 30 years?

You may qualify for our Aging in Place senior tax credit. 

As your County Executive, I’ve had the pleasure of signing this into law twice!

In May 2021, we established the Aging in Place tax credit. For those 65 and older who had lived in the same dwelling for the last 40 years, they were eligible for 5 consecutive years with only one application required! The 20 percent tax credit was applied to assessed property values up to $500,000. 

The most recent, this month expanded the maximum amount of qualifying assessed property value to $650,000. 

Lowered the amount of years required to live in the same dwelling to 30 years and extended the tax credit for 8 years!

To check your eligibility, please visit our website or call 410-313-4076

Make Your Plan to Vote

The 2022 Gubernatorial election is just corner. Early Voting runs from October 27th through November 3rd, when the polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

On Election Day, the polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. To ensure your entire ballot counts, you must always vote at your assigned polling place. Find your polling place here. 

The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is November 1st. To request your ballot and learn more about voting by mail, please click here. 

Improving Public Safety

The new Waterloo Fire Station is the result of historic investments during the last four years to maintain and grow our public safety infrastructure. After years of back and forth negotiations, we worked on a plan and acquired the property from the state in 2019. We then expedited construction to help our fire and safety personnel improve emergency response times in Elkridge, Jessup, East Columbia, and surrounding communities. 

This project represents our bipartisan partnerships and collective efforts with Governor Larry Hogan to deliver resources for our first responders and our community. It is second newly established fire station to open since 2019, building on our efforts to make sure Howard County remains the best place to live, work, play, and grow for all.

Expanding School Based Wellness

We know that the pandemic underscored several needs specifically around the well-being of our children and uncovered many barriers for sick children and their families. In this year's school budget, we added seven health assistants, two nurses, and one health specialist who will be integral into the expansion. 

We want to be able to treat illness and prevent chronic disease, asthma, and obesity so kids can stay in school. By investing in our children's health, we can change the trajectory of their lives—so they can stay active and engaged in school, work, and play.

Antoine & Me: a Sound-Design Photo Narration

Pamela Woolford is a Howard County resident who has made a name for herself in the arts community worldwide. In honor of Black Fine Arts month, I was glad to visit her in her studio in the Long Reach Village Center and have a chance to experience one of her newest projects, “Antoine and Me”, which is in a new artform she created called sound-design photo narrations. 

In the project Pamela models as a character who is in love with the photographer taking the photographs, as well as voices the characters describing the photographs. Set in an ambiguous time period with elements of the past and, perhaps, an alternate present or an imagined future, “Antoine and Me”, creates a new form of Afrofuturism.” 

To find out more about Pamela and her innovative work, you can check out her website at pamelawoolford.com

Blue Jeans & Bow Ties

Since 1997, the Ulman Foundation has been a source of support for our young adults and their families impacted by cancer. Their efforts have provided thousands of families with a safe space to learn, grieve, wonder, rage, rejoice, and hope together.

I was honored to join Doug Ulman, Brock Yetso, Ashley Hinson WBAL, and many others to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Ulman Foundation. Congratulations, and I wish you many more years of success!

Celebrating Diwali

I had a wonderful time joining IONHoCo for their annual Diwali Mela at Meadowbrook Athletic Center in Ellicott City. Diwali is the festival of lights, which is celebrated by millions around the world. May this festival of lights bring you and your family continuous light, happiness, and prosperity. May your diya always shine bright!

Tricks and Treats

There was a spooky event taking place in Glenwood!

I had a wonderful time joining Howard County Recreation and Parks for the annual Trunk or Treat event at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center. I was so amazed by the many inspiring, adorable, and creative costumes. This event showcased a safe, fun, and engaging community trick-or-treating event!

Helping Our Community Stay Warm

As the weather gets colder, it’s important that every resident has the resources they need to be warm. It was a pleasure to join our Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services at their annual coat drive where we provided hundreds of our residents and their families with coats. This year’s coat drive was partnered by Grace Community Church who also provided clothing for all our residents. 

Together, we will ensure every resident can live their best lives.

Promoting Visual Representation 

October is Black Fine Arts Month, and the perfect time to highlight some of our phenomenal black fine artists in Howard County. I had the pleasure of meeting Temi Wynston Edun. His current body of work focuses on identity and self-worth through what he terms as “African-ness”. He uses abstract portraiture to address the question of “what does an African look like?”  

I was honored to be able to visit him in his studio in Columbia to take a look at a few of his amazing pieces, as he prepares for an upcoming show in Paris. For more information on Temi and to see some of his other work, you can check out his website here.

Preparing Our Young Adults

Project SEARCH of Howard County does an phenomenal job preparing our young adults with disabilities with the education and skills training they need to transition from a structured school environment into the workforce. I’ve been honored to support our interns over the years, signing the County’s first ever three-year partnership with Project SEARCH in 2019. 

We recently renewed our collaboration for another three years, and I was thrilled to surprise our interns earlier to learn more about their internships with our County departments, and how the County can do better in support of them.

2 Odd Ravens

This Black Fine Arts Month, I have been thrilled to visit with a few Black artists throughout the county to celebrate them and their amazing work. One such artist I had the opportunity to visit is Johnny Quid, who runs 2 Odd Ravens Creative Services along with his wife, Andrea Hunt. 

Their studio is one of the many in the Long Reach Village Center, which Johnny gave me a tour of and showed some of his and his wife’s amazing photography, illustration, and graphic design services. Check out their website here.

Helping Local Businesses

Howard County remains an innovative county that looks for ways to support local businesses and entrepreneurs of all sizes in our projects. This is evidenced in increases to our certified Local Business Initiative to nearly 350 firms, which is up from 100 in 2018.  

I had the pleasure of joining representatives from our Office of Procurement, Department of Public Works and Department of Recreation & Parks for our Open House focused on Architectural and Engineering Firms, with approximately 50 businesses participating. Through our collaborative efforts, we’ll continue ensuring that every business has the ability and opportunity to thrive.

Improving Route 1

The Route 1 Tax Credit Program has created positive change along this vibrant corridor, with five improvement projects receiving funding this past fiscal year alone along a 1,000-foot stretch of Route 1. 

One recipient of the credit, Patapsco Bike Shop, used the resources to replace windows, repair the roof, install new shingles, and add a ramp with stairs to a former abandoned flower shop. These efforts help them now serve Elkridge’s vibrant cyclist community.

Love Should NEVER Hurt

According to the CDC, domestic violence harms at least a third of women and 20% of our children. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and an opportunity to celebrate the stories of survivors, bring together advocates who work to end the cycle of violence, and to mourn those we've lost. In honor of Purple Thursday to raise awareness for domestic violence, we lit the George Howard Building purple. Love does not, and should not, hurt.

Prevention can only happen when we work together to challenge and change the beliefs, attitudes, and culture which allows them to exist. To learn more about domestic violence, what you can do to help, or if you wish to seek help, call the 24/7 Hopeworks hotline at (410) 997-2272.

Become an Older Adult Community Ambassador!

Interested in becoming an Ambassador for Older Adults?

We are always on a quest to have a more age-friendly community here in Howard County. That’s why are latest Community Ambassador session will focus on how to connect older Howard County residents with the resources we have available.

Through this session, learn about older adults in Howard County and the services and resources available that make it possible to age well in your community. 

Join us this Thursday, October 27th from 6-8 PM at the Ellicott City 50+ Center. Register today here. 

Wearing Pink for Breast Cancer

Did you know that one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime? 

Like most of our residents, I have people in my life who have been affected by cancer. On ‘Wear Pink Day’ to raise awareness for breast cancer, we lit the George Howard Building pink.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s time to rise to the challenge and ensure all the women in our lives have the resources and access to get tested and the preventative care they need. We must continue to advocate for early detection, those living with cancer and more research to find a cure.

Handmade with Love



If you knit or crochet, DCRS’s Office of Veterans and Military Families (OVMF) initiative, Handmade with Love, needs your support. OVMF is currently collecting homemade scarves and hats to send to currently deployed military members. Scarves should be four to six inches wide by 48 to 50 inches long (no fringe), while hats should fit an adult-size head. Materials can be wool, acrylic or non-flammable fleece in subtle shades of blue, brown, olive, gray, maroon and black. Red/white/blue combinations are also acceptable.

Handmade items should be dropped off by no later than Friday, November 4^th at one of designated locations listed on the flier. Please be sure to pin a note to each scarf or hat with the yarn fiber contents listed, and feel free to include a personal note for the recipient if you would like. As you can imagine, our soldiers are deeply touched by the care and effort when they receive gifts, especially handmade items from supportive fellow Americans.

For more information, contact Lisa Terry at 410-313-0821 (voice/relay) or email veterans@howardcountymd.gov.

Champions of Change Conference

On Saturday, November 19^th, DCRS’s Office of Children and Families and Office of the Local Children's Board will host its 2022 Champions of Change Conference, "Cultivating Change to Advance Equity for All”. Champions of Change focuses on increasing capacity and collaboration among early educators, human service providers, community members and youth. Champions of Change concentrates on the interconnectedness of racial equity, mental health and trauma, social and emotional well-being, child/youth development and collective impact. We believe that by increasing our knowledge, awareness and attention on the unconscious, we can begin to create change within ourselves, our organizations and in our collective communities.

This year’s event will take place at the Turf Valley Conference Center in Ellicott City from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will feature two engaging keynote speakers, 16 educational break-out sessions and a vendor resource fair. Those interested in attending are encourage to register now to take advantage of the early bird registration discounted price of $75.00, which ends October 15^th. After the 15^th, the registration cost goes up to $60.

In addition to Saturday’s main event, a bonus pre-conference workshop and happy hour will be offered Friday, November 18^th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Turf Valley.

For more information about this event and/or to register, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/champions or call 410-313-6400.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

Halloween Fire Safety Tips

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) decorations are the first thing to ignite in 800 reported home fires each year. More than one-third of these fires were started by a candle.

Keep your little ghouls and goblins and home safe this Halloween with these tips from our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS):

• Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick inside your jack-o-lantern instead of an open flame;
• Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters;
• Choose costumes that don’t have long trailing fabric;
• Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them; and
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.

Howard County Health Department

Walktober

This October, I encourage you to get up and move with the Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition and local partners for Walktober. This month-long walk/move event celebrates Maryland’s official state exercise and promotes walking for improved health for residents of all ages and abilities. To find out what Waltober inclusive events and walkinars are scheduled in Howard County this October, as well as a list of walking maps to help keep you moving around the county all year long, click HERE.

Let's Walk, Roll, Ride and Move HoCo!

Have You Gotten Your Flu Shot Yet?

HCHD is encouraging people of all ages to get a seasonal flu shot from a healthcare provider, local pharmacy, retailer or big box store. The flu vaccine can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits and missed work and school (even virtual school) due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths, and is particularly important for people with a chronic medical condition who are most vulnerable to developing serious complications from the flu. According to the CDC, nine out of 10 adults hospitalized last flu season with the flu, had at least one reported underlying medical condition.

If you or someone you know is still in need of their flu vaccine, visit HCHD’s "Seasonal Flu" website today for details regarding its flu vaccination clinics.

Department of Housing and Community Development

Applications Now Being Accepted for MIHU October Open Enrollment Period

Our Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) continues to accept applications for its Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program October open enrollment period. Held quarterly, DHCD’s MIHU is an inclusionary zoning program that offers quality new homes at reduced sale prices and rents to income eligible families.

To purchase an MIHU home, individuals must apply to DHCD during an open enrollment period to be placed in the database. To qualify, an applicant’s household income may not exceed 80 percent of Howard County’s median income (example: maximum $96,928 for a four-person household to as much as $127,945 for an eight-person household). Applicants must meet credit score requirements and household income must be sufficient to qualify for a mortgage based on industry standards. Sale prices for available MIHU homes, currently range from $254,985 for a new condominium to $384,916 for a new townhouse. Actual sale prices may vary depending on the size and amenities of the unit. More details regarding our MIHU homeownership program will be available HERE or contact DHCD at 410-313-6318 (select option two) or email housing@howardcountymd.gov.

To rent an MIHU unit, a qualified applicant’s household income may not exceed 60 percent of the Howard County median income (example: maximum $50,887 for a one-person household and $72,696 for a four-person household). MIHUs are rented on a first-come, first-served basis, are interspersed throughout each community and residents enjoy the same amenities of community life as market rate tenants. Visit DHCD’s MIHU rental website for more information.

MIHU homeownership applications are now available online and completed applications can be either submitted online, mailed to 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia, MD, 21046, or dropped off at DHCD’s Patuxent Woods Drive office by appointment only. Applications are being accepted through 4:00 p.m., Monday, October 31^st.

Members Sought for Housing and Community Development Board

I am currently seeking applicants – particularly members of our realtor community, to fill two vacancies on our Housing and Community Development Board. Members serve three-year terms and the Board meetings six times a year (currently virtually). Interested applicants should send a resume and brief letter explaining why they want to serve on the Board to Kimberly Pruim, either by email to kpruim@howardcountymd.gov or by mail to: Howard County Government, Office of the County Executive, Attn: Kimberly Pruim, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. The names of eligible applicants will be submitted to the County Executive for approval and then to the County Council for confirmation.

For more information on the Board, contact DHCD at 410-313-6318 or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/DHCD-Board.

 OHRE Listening Sessions

Throughout the month of October, our Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE)  is hosting a series of listening session in an effort to offer residents the opportunity to share how OHRE can better serve the people of our great county. Responsible for protecting and promoting the human rights of all people, it is important to us that we hear from people of all backgrounds, lifestyles and belief systems as your voice matters in creating an equitable and inclusive community.

With its first listening session under its belt, I invite you to join OHRE for one of its upcoming listening sessions scheduled for this week and next (click on a date to register):

• Thursday, October 27^th at 6:00 at the Roger Carter Community Center;
•  Friday, October 28^th at noon at the North Laurel Community Center; and
• Monday, October 31^st from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center.

For questions and/or more information about these listening sessions, contact OHRE at 410-313-6430 or email ohre@howardcountymd.gov.

Department of Planning and Zoning

First Issue of the DPZ Digest Now Available

Our Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) recently launched its new quarterly newsletter, the DPZ Digest, which allows readers to learn more about the department’s work in the community, as well as receive timely information about DPZ’s programs and initiatives. To ensure you are among the first to hear about DPZ’s latest news, I encourage you to subscribe today to receive the DPZ Digest straight to your inbox.

Police Department

Crime Trend

In recent months, our Howard County Police Department (HCPD) has seen an increase in vehicle thefts, specifically 2016-2021 Hyundai and 2011-2021 Kia models that are started by a key, all part of a national trend occurring across the U.S.

HCPD is urging these vehicle owners to consider taking the following preventive measures:

• Purchase a steering wheel lock or club. These are relatively inexpensive and are an excellent visual deterrent to thieves.
• Purchase a security kit recently released by Hyundai. Contact a local dealership for more information. 
• Practice standard vehicle theft safety measures such as parking in a secured access lot or personal garage if you have one.

HCPD Is actively investigating these thefts and believe a majority are being committed by a small number of people, mostly juveniles and young adults. If you have any information, please contact HCPD at 410-313-STOP or HCPDCrimeTips@howardcountymd.gov.

Halloween Safety Tips

On average, twice as many child pedestrians are killed while walking on Halloween compared to any other day of the year.

While HCPD will be out and about in full force next Monday evening to help ensure a safe and fun Halloween for all, HCPD is encouraging parents to take a moment to go over these Halloween safety tips with their superheroes, pirates, firefighters and princesses before heading out for an evening to trick-or-treat.

• Children under 12 should trick-or-treat and cross streets with an adult.
• Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the side as possible.
• Remind children not to take shortcuts through backyards, alleys or playing fields.
• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Parents should remind children to watch for cars that are turning or backing up.
• Encourage children to trick-or-treat with a group, and before dark. After dark, an adult chaperone should carry a flashlight and choose well-lighted streets.
• Wear costumes that are short, snug and flame retardant. Flowing sleeves, capes and skirts can be a tripping hazard and can catch fire if they brush against candle flames. Also be sure to wear light colors or reflective tape and avoid masks that can obstruct your vision.
• Teach children they should NEVER go into a stranger’s home or car.
• Remind children not to eat treats before they have been inspected by parents. NEVER eat candy that has been opened.
• Remind children not to take shortcuts through backyards, alleys or playing fields.
• Leave porch or other outside lights on to make clear that trick-or-treaters are welcome. Do NOT let children approach homes that are dark.
• Remove objects from your yard that might present a hazard to visitors.
• Drivers, please drive slowly all evening – you never know when a trick-or-treater may dart into the street.

Officers will be on the lookout for vandalism, theft and destruction of property, as well as speeding and drunk or impaired drivers to help ensure everyone has a safe and fun evening.

Properly Disposing of Unwanted Medication All Year Long

While this Saturday, October 29^th is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, with HC Drug Free hosting its annual event from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Wilde Lake Village Center parking lot (near the Swim Center), did you know you can properly dispose of unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications ALL YEAR LONG thanks to four permanent drop-off locations set up by HCPD. You can find drop-off boxes inside the front doors of the following four County locations:

• Northern District, 3410 Court House Drive, Ellicott City
• Southern District, 11226 Scaggsville Road, Laurel
• Community Outreach Building, 10741 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia
• Gary J. Arthur Community Center, 2400 MD 97, Cooksville (business hours only)

By properly disposing of medication you no longer need, you are helping us in the fight against the opioid crisis in our area.

If you are looking to properly and safely dispose of medical sharps (needles, syringes, EpiPens) throughout the year, please visit our Bureau of Environmental Services website for details on how to do so.

Preventing Package Theft this Holiday Season

With some big retailers already starting their holiday sales, HCPD is taking this opportunity to remind residents when online shopping, be sure to plan ahead to avoid becoming a victim of package theft. Here are some helpful tips from HCPD to follow:

• Always order from reputable/secure websites.
• Request that the delivery service leave the package in a less-obvious location, like a side or back door, that cannot be seen from the sidewalk.
• Track your shipments and try to be home when they are scheduled to arrive. If you won’t be home, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take the package inside until you get home, or use an alternative delivery option like Amazon lockers.
• If you are home, bring them inside right after delivery.
• Look out for your neighbors. Report suspicious activity on your street by calling 911 or the non-emergency number at 410-313-2200. One call could help your neighbors from being victimized.

Maryland’s Move Over Law Expands

REMINDER: Maryland’s expanded Move Over Law is now IN EFFECT, requiring all motorists to make a lane change or slow down when approaching ANY stopped, standing or parked vehicle displaying warning signals – including hazard warning lights, road flares, or other caution signals including traffic cones, caution signs, or non-vehicular warning signs. The expanded law is in place to protect law enforcement, emergency responders and any motorist that may encounter a roadside emergency and must stop near travel lanes.

To learn more about Maryland's Move Over Law, visit the State’s Zero Deaths Maryland website.

C.A.T. Program is Back!

After a more than two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, HCPD’s Collision Avoidance Training (C.A.T.) program is finally back and ready to teach our young drivers (age 16 to 20) once again how to better handle their vehicles in various situations. Developed by the National Traffic Safety Academy and adapted from law enforcement training, to participate in this one-day, defensive driving and vehicle control course, drivers must possess a valid Maryland "Class C" driver’s license (no learner's permit) and have a registered vehicle to drive during the practical exercises. Howard County residency is NOT a requirement.

While its November and December classes quickly filled, I strongly encourage parents and guardians of teen drivers to keep an eye on HCPD’s “Youth Programs” website for its 2023 C.A.T. program dates. Note, the cost to participate is $95; however, scholarship opportunities are available.

For questions and/or more information about this program, email HCPD's C.A.T. program at catprogram@howardcountymd.gov.

Coffee with a Cop

Come meet face-to-face with HCPD's Community Outreach Officers on Tuesday, November 15^th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Decadent, located at11710 E Market Place in Fulton, to discuss issues, ask questions and build relationships one cup of coffee (or other beverage) at a time. For more information and/or questions, contact HCPD's Community Outreach Division at 410-313-2207.

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.

Laurel

• Cardinal Forest Stormwater Pond (Capital Project D-1177) – Project to repair and improve a stormwater management pond adjacent to 8825 Cardinal Forest. While the project is not expected to impact traffic flow, a temporary lane closure along Cardinal Forest Circle in the vicinity of the project may be required during material deliveries. Additionally, a portion of the sidewalk adjacent to the work site between 8833 and 8825 Cardinal Forest Circle will be closed to pedestrians for the duration of the project. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late February 2023.

To learn about our 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.

Bureau of Environmental Services

Upcoming Document Shredding Events

The County’s DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services will host its final document shredding event of 2022 this Saturday, October 29^th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (OR until the trucks are full) at the Long Gate Park & Ride, located off MD 100 Exit 1A in Ellicott City. The event will take place rain or shine and will allow Howard County residents the opportunity to bring up to three bags or boxes of paper to be shredded onsite. Please note, residents are asked to ONLY bring items that contain personal information. Junk mail, catalogs and office paper can be recycled with your curbside recycling collection.

For more information and/or questions about these events, please contact the Bureau at 410-313-6444 or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/documentshredding.

Know Before You Dispose of Those Leaves

With autumn officially underway and the leaves getting ready to change colors, our Department of Public Works is reminding residents to keep the following in mind when dealing with those fallen leaves.

Do not blow or rake leaves into the roadway in hope that they will be swept up by County street sweepers. Our sweepers are NOT designed to pick up leaves as large quantities of them will clog the sweeper's filters and result in the leaves being spread over a large area. Sweeper operators will in fact avoid areas of curb containing an excessive number of leaves.

Also, while Howard County crews work hard to maintain storm drains along more than 1,000 miles of County owned roadways, there are some simple approaches residents can take to help keep our storm drains free of debris to prevent roadway flooding and harmful nutrients from reaching the Chesapeake Bay:

• Rake and collect your leaves in paper bags or reusable containers for yard trim curbside collection.
• Mulch your leaves with your mower; they can help nourish your lawn.
• Mix your leaves with grass clippings and vegetable refuse to make compost.
• Participate in the Rake-and-Take program where “rakers” (residents who rake and bag leaves and grass) are matched with “takers” (people who want leaves and grass for composting).
• When rain is in the forecast, check nearby storm drain grates and clear them of debris.

Our Department of Fire and Rescue Services is also reminding residents the burning of leaves, trash, yard waste, refuse and building materials is NOT PERMITTED in Howard County.

The Haunted Experience and Happy Haunted Hayride 

Whether you choose fright or fun, a memorable experience awaits for you at Recreation & Parks’ Rockburn Branch Park West this October. If you’re up for a fright, an ink black night sets the stage for a spooky Haunted Experience hayride through the eerie trails of Rockburn to a ghostly dwelling deep in the woods. Awaiting you there are tales of ghosts and goblins and horror that will tingle your spine. Geared towards ages seven and older, Recreation & Parks’ Haunter Experience is set to run Friday, October 21^st and Friday, October 28^th from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 22^nd and Saturday, October 29^th from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. Cost is $10 (cash only) per person at the game.

For our younger ghosts and goblins, age two to six, Recreation & Parks has a happy haunted hayride that’s cute, friendly and not so scary. Set to run Sunday, October 23^rd and Sunday, October 30^th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., the cost to ride $5 (cash only) per person at gate.

Attendees are reminded to use the Rockburn Branch Park’s entrance off Montgomery Road to access the hayrides. In case of inclement weather, call 410-313-4451 to check the status of the rides. 

Halloween Tricks, Treats and Trees 

In addition to its Truck or Treat and haunted and not so scary hayride events, Recreation & Parks’ staff at the Robinson Nature Center has also gotten into the Halloween spirit this spooky season for a “Halloween Tricks, Treats and Trees” event. Join our Robinson Nature Center staff this Saturday, October 29^th and Sunday, October 30^th (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day) as nature’s “tricks” are revealed at stations set up among the trees. Make a potion with a witch and delight in Halloween-inspired puppet shows, take part in tot-friendly challenges, meet live animals and more.

The cost to participate is $10 for children (under one are free) and $5 for adults. To register for your trail time, call 410-313-0400. Mobility-friendly time slot offered on Sunday afternoon.

School’s Out this November

Our Department of Recreation & Parks has you covered this coming November when schools dismiss early or are closed. Whether it’s sports, art, chess or magic, there’s plenty of programs to choose from to make sure your young ones are staying active on that day off from school. Check out the offerings on some of our upcoming days:

• November 2 (early dismissal)
• November 8
• November 21 (early dismissal)
• November 22 (early dismissal)
• November 23
• November 25

Great Outdoors Initiative

I encourage you to challenge yourself to get out and get active for at least 15 minutes each day this October through our Department of Recreation & Parks Great Outdoors initiative. Hike a trail in one of our County parks, take a walk along a local pathway, go kayaking or try something new like fishing, kite flying or geocaching. By signing up to participate in this free month-long initiative, you’ll be eligible to participate in random prize drawings at the end of the month. Sign-up today and be sure to download the .pdf log to track your progress.

Now Hiring!

If you are or someone you know is looking for a job, 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): 

• Registration Technician/Admin Support Tech II/Recreation & Parks Registration Customer Service Team (closed October 28^th at 11:59 p.m.) 

Recreation & Parks is also seeking energetic, talented, active and positive staff for its Before and After School Child Care Programs located throughout the county at local elementary schools. If you like being active, working with school-aged kids, making a positive impact in your community and are an early bird or need a flexible work schedule, then this employment opportunity might be just for you!

Work hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 to 9:30 a.m. and/or 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. It is preferable that potential candidates be available for morning AND afternoon shifts. However, if not, interested candidates must be available every morning OR afternoon for program consistency. To apply, click HERE.

Office of Transportation

Public Comment Sought on Shared Electric Scooter Pilot

As the pilot period for our shared electric scooters in Downtown Columbia comes to an end, our Office of Transportation is seeking public feedback on the program. I invite you to join our Multimodal Transportation Board during its meeting next Tuesday, October 25^th at 7:00 p.m., to be held virtually via WebEx, to present testimony on the program. Those interested in providing comment during the meeting are asked to email transportation@howardcountymd.gov by 9:00 a.m. on the 25^th to sign-up to speak.

Following the meeting, a survey will also be available on Transportation’s Shared Electric Scooter Pilot webpage.

Downtown Columbia Walkability Assessment

Our Office of Transportation has partnered with the Downtown Columbia Partnership to assess walkability in Downtown Columbia, and the two want to hear from you. Ahead of on-site evaluations of existing pedestrian conditions, the project team has created a short survey and interactive map to allow residents the opportunity to share existing issues and concerns in Downtown Columbia. Your feedback will help the project team identify walking routes for their on-site visits and refine a set of short-term and long-term recommendations for improving pedestrian comfort and safety in the area. To complete the survey, click HERE today.

A final report of recommendations will be developed with the goal of improving safety and access for people walking, biking, scooting and taking transit.