February 13, 2023

Dear Friends, 


Last week, we cut the ribbon on the new playground at Schooley Mill Park designed to be a model of inclusion and age-friendly for all. The 30-year-old playground received an entire facelift and the now includes features to accommodate cognitive, communicative, social/emotional and sensory disabilities.


Inclusion was a priority at every step of this project, from the parking lot to a wheelchair accessible merry-go-round. This new playground will inspire children of all ages and abilities to stay engaged and active while encouraging healthy social interaction with others.


Read more about the playground here.

Community Updates

A Giant Leap Forward


The completion of the Quaker Mill Pond marks another giant leap forward in our efforts to implement the transformational Ellicott City Safe and Sound flood mitigation plan. It is our second major retention project to mitigate flooding and will reduce peak flow rates from the site for the 100-year storm by approximately 30 percent. 


I’m deeply appreciative for all our local, state, and federal partners who continue to help us make significant progress on the safety of Ellicott City. I’m especially thankful for the efforts of Shaina Hernandez who previously served as my Senior Policy Advisor and now serves as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Wes Moore. She has had a tremendous impact on the efforts which led us here today. 


We continue to move with urgency, cooperation and resolve, to ensure that Ellicott City’s best days are ahead. Read more here.

Fiscally Responsible


I joined some of our regional leaders to meet with Comptroller Brooke Lierman where we discussed her vision for the office, expansion of services, and her goal of consistent engagement with constituents around the state. We also touched on the importance of fiscal transparency, financial literacy and upgrading antiquated software that will improve the efficiency and accuracy in managing tax-payer dollars. 


I’m excited to partner with Comptroller Lierman and my colleagues to expand opportunity for all, not only in Howard County but across our entire state.

Celebrating Black History


As we move through Black History Month, we continue to acknowledge and celebrate inspiring figures in the community, especially right here in Howard County. One of the most inspiring members of our community is Dr. C. Vernon Gray. He made history in 1982 when he was elected to the Howard County Council, where he served for 20 years, and Council Chair for five terms. 


Beyond serving on the Council, another way that Dr. Gray has inspired me, was through his service as President of Maryland Association of Counties. As I embark on the role as President of MACo this year, I hope to serve all of our counties and shared constituents well. 


A Columbia resident for over 47 years, he continues to serve Howard County diligently through its growth and changes, all the while prioritizing the needs of our most vulnerable community members. Most recently, I was honored to meet with him to discuss our progress and future of our county. This Black History Month, I am elated to celebrate my dear friend and Brother, Dr. C. Vernon Gray.

We're Still Listening


During our Listening Sessions over the last few weeks, we heard from over 300 people on issues important to them. My team is working through the feedback we received, which will help us shape the future of Howard County. If you missed joining us in person, you can still send us your thoughts via email at Future@howardCountymd.gov. 


Together, we will continue our work to create the best Howard County for all.

Skating to Victory


It was so great to be at the Columbia Ice Rink for the 2022-2023 Serio Cup Championship to drop the ceremonial puck! Getting to this championship game is no easy task, and I commend both our Glenelg High School Gladiators and Marriotts Ridge Ice Hockey Mustangs for making this far. 


I want to congratulate our County champions – the Gladiators. Congratulations on a great season, and I wish you ongoing success!

Strike a Pose


In Howard County, we are so grateful to have incredible black-owned businesses who contribute to our economy. One such businesses is Imiivo Photo Studios • Portrait Experience • MD • DMV, a full-service photography studio. They recently celebrated their grand opening at Savage Mill. Imiivo specializes in portrait and branding photography and also creates custom portrait artwork made for your wall and legacy prints that will last for generations. 


During Black History Month, let’s join to celebrate and recognize our black entrepreneurs who help our community thrive. Learn more about Imiivo’s full-service portrait services here.

The Safest City


We are a proud home to the Safest City in America. We have remained committed to creating the safest communities through inclusive outreach and comprehensive investments in public safety, while improving transparency and accountability. This accolade is a testament to the excellent quality of life we cherish in Howard County.


Read Columbia's feature in The Travel here.

The Catalyst Fund


Did you know about Howard County’s Catalyst Fund? This revolving funding source uses Maryland’s Video Lottery Terminal Small, Minority and Woman-Owned Business Account initiative monies to provide loans and capital local businesses. The fund targets small business owners and last year the program supported 30 new jobs, retained 103 positions, and leveraged $1,342,145 in private dollars to help Howard County businesses expand and grow.


For more information on the Catalyst Fund, please contact Darshni Patel, Director of Business Incentive Programs at 410-313-6512 or email her at dhpatel@hceda.org

PlanHoward Academy


Interested in learning about planning and development in Howard County and how you can improve your community’s future? 


The Academy is an award-winning planning course designed by the Department of Planning and Zoning that educates residents on how the planning and land development process works. A cohort of up to 35 residents will be selected from the pool of applicants. 


Apply to Howard County’s Spring 2023 PlanHoward Academy by February 26 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.


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

Staying Heart Healthy


Howard County is focused on Heart Health in February. We should all do our best to maintain a healthy weight. Those extra pounds put stress on your heart and blood vessels and can lead to permanent, chronic conditions. For some tips on how to assess your weight and enhance your healthy lifestyle, visit the CDC here.
Government Updates
Department of Community Resources and Services

Parent’s Guide, Your Guide to Finding Resources for Children in Howard County

 

If you were not able to join our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office of Children and Families (OCF) earlier this month for its annual Child Care Fair, where parents, guardians, grandparents and child care personnel were greeted with a “one stop shop” for information on child care, pre-school and summer programs, then I encourage you to check out OCF’s 2023 Parent’s Guide to Howard County. Like our Child Care Fair, this guide helps parents, grandparents and guardians identify local child care options, County services and family support programs to ensure that all children have what they need to succeed.

 

For questions about the 2023 Parent’s Guide to Howard County and/or to request a copy of the guide in an alternate format, contact OCF at 410-313-2273 or email children@howardcountymd.gov.

 

In addition to this guide, parents, guardians and grandparents can also find a variety of FREE virtual family workshops offered by OCF’s Family Institute. To view this month’s workshop schedule, click HERE. 

Resources Available to Help You Remain Independent

 

February is National Senior Independence Month and together with Maryland Access Point and the Community Living Program, DCRS’s Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) this month is hosting a new program, “Resources and Devices to Help you Remain Independent.” This program is designed to educate older residents about locally available resources to help them live a full and independent life. In addition to community resource information, the workshops will include hands-on demonstrations of devices, gadgets and durable medical equipment that can make activities of daily living easier as you age.

 

To register for one of these upcoming workshops, simply contact the 50+ Center listed below:

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

 

Now through April 13th, 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:

 

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.

Help Out Our Youngest Neighbors, Donate Today to Howard County’s Diaper Drive

 

No family should have to choose between paying for food or purchasing diapers for their child(ren). This February, DCRS’s OCF is encouraging county residents to support their fellow neighbors by donating today to the Howard County Diaper Project. By donating just one pack of diapers, you can help a Howard County family meet their diaper needs for the month.

 

Making a difference is easy. Simply:

  • Drop off diapers and/or wipes at any HCLS branch between now and February 28th;  
  • Drop off diapers and/or wipes at the Howard County Food Bank weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.;
  • Order diapers for direct delivery from the Diaper Project’s Amazon Wish List; or
  • Donate cash through the Community Action Council’s Virtual Diaper Drive.


2023 Howard County Resource Guide Now Available

 

DCRS’s 2023 Howard County Resource Guide for Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities is now available online. Produced by OAI, this annual guide features up-to-date information on healthy aging programs, aging-in-place resources and disability services available to our residents right here in Howard County.

 

In addition to the digital version, hardcopies of the guide are also available for pick-up at County Government buildings, 50+ centers and HCLS branches, or you can request to have a hardcopy mailed to you by calling our local Maryland Access Point office at 410-313-1234.  

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

Home Heating Safety Tips

 

With Punxsutawney Phil predicting six more weeks of winter, our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) is sharing these tips from the National Fire Protection Association on how to safely heat your home during the cold, winter months.

Five Hundred Percent Increase in Sign-Ups to Learn How to Save a Life

 

Since Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the football field, our DFRS’ community outreach team has seen a 500 percent increase in its community CPR class sign-up. To all who are stepping up to the sideline to learn this living saving technique, I command you for wanting to do your part should the situation arise.

 

If you want to learn how you too can be the difference between life and death when every second matters, I encourage you to sign up today for one of DFRS’ free CPR courses. For groups of 10 or more interested in learning CPR, submit a training class request for your group and DFRS’ community outreach team will contact you. The department can host classes in a county building or at a location of your choosing within Howard County.

 

According to the American Heart Association, nearly 45 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims survived when bystander CPR was administered. Sign up today and be the difference.

Howard County Health Department

Annual Report Now Available

 

Howard County Health Department's (HCHD) 2022 Annual Report is now available online at www.howardcountymd.gov/health/reports-data. This annual report outlines HCHD's renewed purpose and examines how priorities identified in the 2022-2024 Strategic Plan have been implemented to provide significant improvements to further the health and well-being of those in Howard County.

Office of Human Rights and Equity

Reading Human Rights: Black Ghost of Empire: The Long Death of Slavery and the Failure of Emancipation

 

Reading Human Rights is an award-winning monthly book discussion group hosted by Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) and the 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 February book discussion – to be held virtually on Tuesday, February 21st at 6:30 p.m., OHRE and HCLS will discuss Kris Manjapra’s book, Black Ghost of Empire: The Long Death of Slavery and the Failure of Emancipation. Manjapra focuses on emancipation and how its afterlife further codified the racial caste system—instead of obliterating it. His book suggests that in order to understand why the shadow of slavery still haunts us today, we must look closely at the way it ended. In honor of Black History Month, this month’s book discussion will be co-hosted and facilitated by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter of Columbia, MD.

 

To secure your “seat” for this month’s event, click HERE today to register.

Department of Planning and Zoning

Planning Board Meeting

 

Our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Planning Board will be holding a hybrid meeting, in person at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City and virtually via WebEx, this Thursday, February 16th to hear the following agenda items:

 


 

To watch the meeting, click HERE to watch.

 

A five-member board, the Planning Board makes recommendations to the Zoning Board or County Council on matters related to planning and zoning and renders a final decision on selected development proposals. Before recommendations or decisions are made, the Board holds a public meeting or hearing to provide interested persons the opportunity to provide comment. For details about procedures for testifying at a Planning Board meeting, click HERE.

 

To learn more about Howard County’s Planning Board and upcoming meeting dates, click HERE.

Applications Now Being Accepted for PlanHoward Academy

 

DPZ  continues to accept applications for its 2023 Spring PlanHoward Academy. Taught by professional planners and attorneys, this award-winning planning course provides residents with a thought provoking, interactive curriculum focused on the underpinnings of land development in Howard County. During this free, five-week course, residents will learn about the land use plans, policies and procedures that help shape and grow our county. The course includes in-class instruction, hands-on learning exercises and take-home materials.

 

DPZ’s 2023 Spring Academy will take place on Tuesdays from April 18th through May 16th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Howard Community College. Howard County residents with an interest in planning and improving their community’s future are encouraged to apply. Due by Sunday, February 26th, the application is available online or a paper application can be obtained by stopping by DPZ’s first floor service counter in the George Howard Building at 3430 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City. A cohort of up to 35 residents will be selected from the pool of applicants. 

 

For questions and/or more information about our PlanHoward Academy, contact Victoria Olivier at 410-313-2350 or email volivier@howardcountymd.gov.

Police Department

Coffee with a Cop

 

Come meet face-to-face with HCPD's Community Outreach Officers on Friday, March 3rd from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the McDonald's at 9303 Baltimore National Pike in Ellicott City, 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

Bureau of Environmental Services




Special Household Hazardous Waste Day Scheduled for Early 2023

 

While the County's Bureau of Environmental Services' regular Saturday Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) schedule is on hiatus until the first Saturday of April, the Bureau will be hostng SPECIAL winter HHW collection days during the offseason at the Alpha Ridge Landfill. The Bureau’s next and final SPECAL HHW event will take place on Saturday, March 4th. On the 4th, County residents will be able to properly dispose of HHW items at the Landfill. To learn more about this program and what is accepted/not accepted, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/HHW.

Nominees Sought for “Business Recycling and Waste Reduction” and “Green Community Leadership” Awards

 

Howard County businesses, community groups and organizations, our Bureau of Environmental Services is now accepting applications for its “Business Recycling and Waste Reduction” and “Green Community Leadership” awards program. This annual awards program recognizes businesses for their recycling and waste reduction efforts during the previous calendar year (2022) and recognizes community group and organizations who have demonstrated efforts, projects or programs that help protect Howard County’s natural environment and preserve its resources.

 

Nomination forms are available online at www.workgreenhoward.org and are by 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 24th. Nominations can either be delivered or postmarked to: Alan Wilcom, Recycling Division, 9801 Broken Land Parkway, Columbia, MD 21046, or emailed to awilcom@howardcountymd.gov (please note, email is preferred).

Vendors Sought for Howard County’s 16th Annual GreenFest

 

Back for its 16th year, vendor and sponsorship applications are now being accepted for Howard County’s annual GreenFest – set to take place Saturday, April 15th at Howard Community College in Columbia. Last year’s event drew hundreds of attendees and featured native plant vendors, compost bin give-a-ways and document shredding.

 

GreenFest is open to all vendors and exhibitors that highlight environmentally conscious products, services, activities and opportunities for community involvement; however, preference will be given to local businesses and organizations that promote environmentally friendly goods and services. Please note, there will be a limit of 50 indoor vendors/exhibitors for the event.

 

Each exhibit space includes a five-foot table and two chairs. Cost to all vendors is $35 per table, with an additional $10 late fee charged to those who apply after Friday, February 24th. Sponsorship opportunities for $100 are also available. Cost includes two tables and special mention in the GreenFest brochure and on the GreenFest website. 

 

To learn more about this year’ event and/or to apply, visit www.hcgreenfest.org; applications must be submitted electronically. 

Department of Public Works Construction Report

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

 

Columbia

  • Little Patuxent River Sewer Repair – Project to repair a sewer service pipe along the Little Patuxent River in the vicinity of 10005 Old Columbia Road, just south of eastbound MD 32. The existing sewer pipe will be stabilized utilizing rock and stone, and the river will be restored to its natural channel to protect the pipe. The project is not expected to impact vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the area and weather permitting, is expected to be completed by mid-April.

 

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.
Department of Recreation and Parks

Registration for Recreation & Parks’ Summer Camp Guide Now Open

 

Online, over-the-phone, in-peron and mail-in registration for Howard County and non-county residents is now open for Department of Recreation and Parks' 2023 Summer Camp Guide. From art, chess, Lego, magic and sports camps, there is something to keep your child’s mind and body active this summer.

Adult Football Leagues

 

Looking for a fast-action, low-contact version of touch football? Check out Recreation & Parks’ Men’s Run & Shoot Football or CoRec Football leagues this spring! Cost is $380 per team and includes eight-games, playoffs, awards, field rental and administration. All games are played at County parks on synthetic turf.

 

To register, click HERE; please note, for Men’s Run & Shoot Football, registration closes March 12th and for CoRec Football, registration closes on March 21st.


Save the Date: Kid’s Fest


Come experience what our Department of Recreation & Parks has to offer your child(ren) at this year’s annual Kid’s Fest at Meadowbrook Park! Geared towards the whole family, this year’s event will feature an egg hunt, sports instruction, games, activities, arts and crafts, food and much more. While pre-registration is encouraged, it is not required. The cost is $8 per child (ages two to 12 years old) if you pre-register and $10 on-site, cashless or online.

 

To learn more about this year’s Kid’s Fest or to pre-register, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/kids-fest. In the event of inclement weather, Kid’s Fest will be canceled and a full refund will be issued.


Spring/Summer Activity Guide Now Online

 

In addition to Recreation and Parks' 2023 Summer Camp Guide being online, residents can also now find Recreation & Parks’ 2023 Spring/Summer Activity Guide online too! With more than 500 programs, activities, classes, sports and more found inside of this year's Spring/Summer Activity Guide, there's something to help everyone "Get Up, Get Out, Get Active!” with Howard County in the coming warmer months.

 

Online registration for Howard County residents begins Wednesday, March 1st at 6:00 p.m., with mail-in, over-the-phone and in-person beginning the following morning, March 2nd at 8:00 a.m. For non-Howard County residents, online registration begins March 8th at 6:00 p.m., with all other registration methods beginning the following morning.

Wine in the Woods

 

Be sure to mark your calendars as Recreation & Parks’ annual Wine in the Woods event is set to return to Symphony Woods this year on May 20th and May 21st and will feature a bigger and better Explorer Village.

 

Featuring a curated selection of Maryland-grown wine, the Maryland Wine Explorer area 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 will include everything the Taster Ticket provides PLUS exclusive access to premium wine samples from wineries around the state.

 

To learn more about this year’s event and/to purchase your advance tickets (to go on sale starting in March), stay tuned to www.wineinthewoods.com/.


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): 

 

Howard County Sheriff's Office

Gun Locks Available

 

Thanks to Project Childsafe, the Howard County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has gun locks available FREE of charge to residents in need of one. Project ChildSafe’s Safety Kit includes a cable-style gun lock and safety instructions. This gun locking device renders a firearm inoperable and can be used in addition to locked storage. Ideally, the cable-style gun lock found in the Project ChildSafe Safety Kit, should be used in addition to primary storage system like a gun safe or vault.

 

To pick up your FREE cable-style gun lock, simply stop by the HCSO’s Command Center, located on the first floor of the Howard County Circuit Courthouse at 9250 Judicial Way in Ellicott City, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. No advance reservation required.

 

For questions and/or more information about this program, please Ms. Meaghan McKelvey with HCSO at 410-313-4201.

Office of Transportation

Opportunities for Public Input on the Transit Development Plan Continue

 

If you weren’t able to attend one of our Office of Transportation public meetings about its Transit Development Plan (TDP) update, you can still submit feedback through one of our three surveys: 1) Community, 2) RTA Fixed-Route Rider or (3) RTA Mobility Rider. Available now through March 15th, these surveys will help Transportation with updating its TDP, which is a short-term plan to guide transit system development and funding requests. The TDP process reviews and assesses current transit services, identifies unmet transit needs and develops a recommended plan for improvements (with phased implementation), including capital and operating budget projections, in the short‐range future, typically a five‐year horizon. Once completed, the TDP will serve as a guide for our local transit system, providing a roadmap for implementing service improvements, and/or potential expansion during the five‐year period. To learn more about this plan, click HERE.

Active Transportation Open House

 

Join our Office of Transportation next Tuesday February 21st at HCLS’s Elkridge branch as it hosts its third annual Active Transportation Open House. This year’s open house will focus on biking, walking, micromobility and Complete Streets. Held open house/expo style, residents are invited to stop by anytime between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. on the 21st to participate in the event. Transportation staff will be on hand to share updates on the County’s BikeHoward projects, the e-scooter pilot program and Complete Streets implementation activities.

 

To learn more about this year’s Active Transportation Open House, click HERE or for questions, email transportation@howardcountymd.gov.


Transportation Priorities Open House

 

In addition to its Active Transportation Open House this month, Transportation will also be hosting an Open House event next month on March 2nd at 6:00 p.m. at the County’s George Howard Building in Ellicott City, to gather input for the County’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2029 Priority Letter. Updated every year, this letter outlines Howard County’s transportation priorities for the Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Consolidated Transportation Program. The letter is developed with input from the public, County staff and elected and appointed officials, and sent to the Maryland Secretary of Transportation, along with project questionnaires.

 

Following receipt of the County’s Priority Letter, MDOT will evaluate the listed projects to assist the State in updating its Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP), a six-year capital budget for State transportation projects. The CTP includes capital projects that are generally new, expanded or significantly improved facility or service that may involve planning, environmental studies, design, right-of-way acquisition, construction or the purchase of essential equipment related to the facility or service.

 

To view past Priority Letters and/or for more about this year’s, check out www.howardcountymd.gov/transportation/priority-letter.
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