Dear Friends, 

Howard County is the first county in the nation to receive a LEED Platinum certification under the current version! This is the highest designation possible, under the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED for Cities and Communities certification program. 

This recognition is an acknowledgement of efforts we have undertaken to become the most sustainable community in the nation, such as dedicating ourselves to solar power, transit and electric vehicles, and building infrastructure to make walking and bike-riding easier.

We have held ourselves accountable; we have a road map for moving forward and we will continue to identify new places to lead and to make positive change for all. 

Read more here. 

Advocating for Our Students

Our work to fully address Howard County school capacity issues must go beyond funding shovel-ready projects. It requires planning for new schools that we must advance in the school construction pipeline. 

After reviewing Howard County Public School System Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano's Proposed Attendance Area Adjustment Plan for High School #13, we have sincere concerns that the proposed plan neglects to account for the years of groundwork that has been laid to advance the critical High School #14 project in Elkridge. We must continue to work together to ensure that Elkridge’s High School #14 remains in our future school construction plan, and that this critical project is taken into account in attendance decisions for High School #13.  

Please read the full letter sent by me and Councilman Opel Jones, County Council Chair, to the superintendent.

Welcoming Clarks to Columbia

For over 175 years, Clarks Ace Hardware has provided our community with exceptional services. It is one of the oldest same family-owned hardware store in America, and I’m excited to see its continued expansion. We’re so excited to welcome their second store to Columbia, which will add 20 jobs and is an investment of $2 million.

Please continue to support our small, local businesses.

Celebrating Our Falcons

Happy Birthday 50th Phelps Luck Elementary School! 

We’re so blessed to be home to spectacular educational facilities where our students can reach their full potential. I was thrilled to join Alum and former County Executive Ken Ulman, Howard County Public School System Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano, and the Phelps Luck Elementary PTA to commemorate 50 years of our school. Thank you to Principal Leader and PTA President Ann Wacha for your continuous dedication to our Falcons and their families. 

I look forward to another 50 years and beyond!

A Maryland Classic 

Since 1974, The Snowball Stand in Woodstock has been serving delicious cold treats to our community. I was so pleased to stop by to visit and show appreciation for their efforts to serve our community. At the Snowball Stand, they have perfected the art of serving snowballs with the right amount of syrup and ice.

I encourage residents to stop by 1970 Woodstock Rd, Woodstock, MD 21163 to try one of their 101 variety of flavors, including their contemporary concoctions.

Being Ready for Success

With the start of a new school year, together, we remain committed to ensuring excellent education for all. That’s why in the past year, we have provided resources to add 80 pre-K teaching positions, including 35 pre-K special education positions, to firmly establish Howard County as the best school system for students of all abilities. 

Our commitment is reaffirmed through our investment of more than $1 billion to public education in Howard County, the highest amount ever, to make sure we have the best public education system in the nation. We are pleased that our youngest students will have more resources to be ready for success.

Expanding Cricket in Howard County

Cricket’s popularity has grown dramatically in recent years in Howard County and throughout our nation. This new pitch at Lake Elkhorn Middle School is foundational for the growth of our youth cricket league. We have some of the best sports fields and engagement in our state, and we look forward to expanding Howard County’s national reputation as the place to play cricket.

Thank you to Howard County Recreation and Parks, Howard County Public School System, and Howard County Cricket League for your partnership in supporting our cricket community.

Being College and Career Ready

We are thrilled to have funded 26 new positions for college and career readiness this year – making sure our students are ready to thrive. Our commitment is reaffirmed through our investment of more than $1 billion to public education in Howard County, the highest amount ever, to make sure we have the best public education system in the nation.

Leaving No One Behind

Last week, we lit the George Howard Building purple and silver to remember those we have lost to an overdose and to acknowledge the grief of the family and friends they left behind.  

Over the past five years, Howard County has experienced a 61% decrease in fatal overdoses. In addition, for the last four years we have opened the first halfway house for men, opened the first Crisis Stabilization Center, and have distributed nearly 3,300 Narcan kits since the beginning of 2019. 

Howard County will continue to provide our communities with the resources they need to prevent overdoses and support organizations like the Opioid Crisis Community Council who shed a light on the people who have suffered. I applaud the residents of Howard House and Hilda’s Place, whom I’ve had the privilege of breaking bread with, for their tireless fight on the path to recovery.”

Thank you to all of our partners for their dedication to the cause of ending overdoses. Together, we remain hopeful, determined, and resolute in our commitment to prevent overdoses and deaths, and to bring an end to this crisis.

Supporting Our Students' Mental Health

It’s important for us to provide adequate mental health resources to ensure our students have the ability to remain successful throughout the school year. As part of our record investment of more than $1 billion in public education this year, we provided funding for 19 new positions to address the behavioral health needs of our students.

This investment comes on top of a $2.1 million commitment to expand school-based mental health services program to all 77 Howard County public schools and subsidize mental health resources for vulnerable youth. We must support our students and families as they face mental health challenges related to the pandemic, and caused by other factors.

Talk to Someone

Seeking help when needed is a sign of strength — not a weakness. It’s okay to not be okay. Speaking with trained mental health professional can make a difference. 

You are not alone. Talk to someone today by calling or texting the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988.

Supporting Teacher Salaries 

In Howard County, we will continue working to provide our educators with the compensation that reflects their skill and value. As part of our record investment of more than $1 billion in public education this year, our educators are receiving the salary increase they deserve, and we are committed to reaching the compensation levels that will foster the best teaching and learning environment in the nation.

Scam Alert - Online Sales 

Scams can happen in a variety of ways, and it's important for our Veterans to be aware of the various forms. Scammers claim to be a deploying service member or the spouse of a deceased service member, and they post non-existent items online at discounts. They demand up-front payments and never deliver. 

Know the signs. Learn more about how to avoid scams here.  

Supporting Special Education

As a new school year begins, we are making sure some of Howard County’s most vulnerable students have the resources they need. Over the past four years, we have increased funding for special education by nearly $47 million, more than double the increase of the prior four-year period. 

This year, we provided full funding for all requested positions supporting special education, allowing the addition of over 150 new special educators to firmly establish Howard County as the best school system for students of all abilities. We will continue working to ensure all our students will have the resources they need to thrive and reach their full potential.

Help Keep Others Warm by Donating Cold Weather Gear Today

Howard County's MultiService Center (MSC) is collecting new or gently used winter coats, gloves, mitten, and scarves in sizes infant to adult for its annual cold weather gear distribution in October. Now through October 3^rd, donations may be dropped off at MSC, located at 9900 Washington Boulevard, Suite I, in Laurel on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Volunteers are also needed to help sort and organize collected items for the distribution, which will be held on Saturday, October 22^nd from 10:00 am to noon at the North Laurel Community Center. For more information about this program or to sign-up to volunteer, call 410-313-0220. 

Free Support Programs for Caregivers and Older adults with Chronic Conditions



 Living Well is a free, six-week chronic disease self-management program (CDSMP) that can help you manage chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Small groups meet weekly to discuss topics like nutrition, exercise, communication with family and health care providers, feelings of frustration, and more. 

"A class like this is a great benefit for anyone diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes,” says Mayme Grant, a recent participant. "I feel more confident now in planning for my diabetic treatment."

Now you can attend Living Well from the comfort of your own home, via Webex.The virtual workshop series will be held on six Wednesdays, September 14 through October 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Caregivers are encouraged to attend, too. To register, contact Akasha Dotson at 410-313-3507 (voice/relay) or email ADotson@howardcountymd.gov. Living Well programs are a collaboration of the Howard County Health Department, Howard County Office on Aging and Independence, and Howard County General Hospital.

Power Tools for Caregivers



Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) presents topics and self-care tools to help caregivers reduce personal stress; change negative self-talk; communicate more effectively in challenging situations; manage emotions; make tough caregiving decisions; and better understand dementia. Whether you choose to attend in person at the Ellicott City 50+ Center starting September 14 at 6:00 p.m., or participate online via Webex, starting October 17, don't miss the opportunity to improve your relaxation and exercise habits, boost your physical and mental well-being, and enjoy the support and company of other caregivers. For more information or to register, contact Kathy Wehr, caregiver support program manager, at 410-313-5955 (voice/relay) or kwehr@howardcountymd.gov.

Protect Yourself from Scams with Help from the Office of Consumer Protection

Learn about the latest scams and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim! Join Tracy Rezvani, administrator of the Howard County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) for two informative presentations in September: "How to Safely Use Cash Apps" - think Venmo, PayPal, Zelle – at the Glenwood 50+ Center, 2400 Rt. 97 in Cooksville, on Tuesday, September 13 at 10:00 a.m. and "Sneaky Scams" at the North Laurel 50+ Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road in Laurel, on Friday, September 30 at 11:00 a.m. To attend, sign up at the centers' front desk. For more information, or assistance with a consumer issue, contact OCP at 410-313-6420 (voice/relay) or consumer@howardcountymd.gov.

Do you knit or crochet? Handmade with Love, a Howard County Initiative of Operation Gratitude needs your support!



The Howard County Office of Veterans and Military Families is collecting homemade SCARVES and HATS for currently deployed military members. Drop off your handmade items no later than Friday, November 4, at one of the locations listed on the flier. 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. Our soldiers are deeply touched by the care and effort when they receive gifts, especially handmade items from supportive fellow Americans. Scarves should be 4” to 6” wide x 48” to 50” 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. For more information, contact Lisa Terry at 410-313-0821 (voice/relay) or email veterans@howardcountymd.gov.

Office of Emergency Management

National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month and all month long our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will be providing helpful tips, tricks and facts to make sure you, your family, your business and more are prepared in case disaster strikes. So be sure to follow OEM on Facebook, Twitter and to check out their ReadyHoCo website to find out more.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services and Police Department

September 11^th Remembrance Ceremony

I invite all to join myself, command members from both our Department of Fire and Rescue Services and Police Department, and fellow elected officials this Sunday, September 11^th as we mark the 21^st anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and honor and pay tribute to the 2,977 victims (including four Howard County residents) who lost their lives that tragic day. The ceremony will take place at 8:46 a.m. at Centennial Park’s “Garden of Hope,” located in the park's south side (10000 MD 108 entrance) across from the white amphitheater.

Please note, Howard County Police Foundation’s Police Pace will also be taking place that morning at 9:00 a.m. in the park’s south side. 

Pop Up Food Pantry

If you or someone you know is in need of fresh produce and non-perishables, I encourage you to stop by the Ridgely Run Community Center, located at 8400 Mission Road in Jessup, this coming Monday, September 12^th for a pop-up food pantry. Open from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., this pop-up pantry is being hosted by the Howard County Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission and the Harriet Tubman Foundation of Howard County. Registration is not required to attend.

For those interested in volunteering to help with food distribution, the Commission and Foundation ask that you please arrive by 8:30 a.m. on the 12^th.

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

#HumansofHowardCounty Highlights Hispanic Heritage Month

Join our Office of Human Rights & Equity (OHRE) as it kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month with its #HumansofHowardCounty series. This month, ORHE’s Kathy Morales will be interviewing County Government’s Hispanic and Latino employees, spotlighting their stories and experiences. This month’s series will be shared lived on OHRE’s Facebook page next Wednesday, September 14^th at noon.

Benevolent Borders: How Citizenship & Immigration Status Became Protected Classes in Howard County   

Did you know that citizenship and immigration status were added to the Howard County Human Rights Law as protected classes this year? Join OHRE’s Community Outreach Supervisor Claudia Allen and a variety of special guests on Thursday, September 15^th at 6:30 p.m. at the County’s Roger Carter Community Center, as Claudia shares how they became protected classes and what this means for Howard County residents. Participants will learn more about the kinds of discrimination individuals face surrounding their citizenship and immigration status and what legal protections are available to them in Howard County. Participants will also have the opportunity to discuss with legal professionals and experts to further understand the historical, cultural and legal ramifications of this new legislative change.

To register, click HERE or contact Tessa Hurd at 410-313-7311 or thurd@howardcountymd.gov for questions and/or more information about this event.

Reading Human Rights: The Undocumented Americans

Reading Human Rights is an award-winning monthly book discussion group hosted by OHRE and the Howard County Library System (HCLS) that encourages literary exploration and community dialogue around a variety of human rights concerns.

For its September book discussion, OHRE and HCLS will discuss Karla Cornejo Villavicencio’s novel, The Undocumented Americans. One of the first undocumented immigrants to graduate from Harvard, Karla reveals the hidden lives of her fellow undocumented Americans in this deeply personal and groundbreaking portrait of a nation.

To secure your seat for this event, set to take place Thursday, September 29^th at 6:30 p.m. at HCLS’ East Columbia branch, click HERE to register for the English session and HERE for the Spanish session.

Police Department

Applicants Sought for the Police Accountability Board Administrative Charging Committee

I and the County’s Police Accountability Board are seeking applicants interested in serving on the Administrative Charging Committee. Administrative Charging Committee members are responsible for: reviewing the findings of each law enforcement agency's investigation forwarded to the Committee; reviewing any relevant information regarding the complaint; authorizing a police officer to appear before the committee accompanied by a representative to give testimony; determining whether a police officer should be administratively charged; recommending discipline in accordance with Discipline Matrix; and issuing written findings and provide them to the head of the relevant law enforcement agency.

The Committee shall meet at least once per month, and appointees will be expected to attend all meetings of their respective boards. All residents interested in volunteering their time should complete the application available on the County’s website and attach a resume. Also, note there is 40-hour training requirement for members of the Committee. Candidates will also be asked to complete a background check and complete a disclosure statement. The deadline to apply is September 16, 2022.

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

• Old Montgomery Road/Tamar Drive Intersection Improvements (Capital Project T-7106) – Project to install a roundabout at the intersection of Old Montgomery Road and Tamar Drive near Jeffers Hill Elementary School in. Signs and flagging operations will be in place to direct traffic as needed during construction hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., as lane shifts and temporary lane closures are expected. A temporary pedestrian detour will also be provided. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late November 2022.  

Ellicott City

• Ducks Foot Lane Stream Restoration Project (Capital Project D-1158/D-1176) – Project to stabilize a significantly eroded stream near 3951 and 3959 Ducks Foot. The project is not expected to impact traffic flow and weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late November 2022.

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.

Bureau of Environmental Services

Holiday Slide Schedule in Effect this Week

REMINDER: The County's holiday slide schedule is in effect this week as there was no curbside trash, recycling, yard trim or food scraps collection yesterday, September 5^th due to the Labor Day holiday. Monday collection is therefore taking place today, Tuesday, September 6th, Tuesday pickup slide to Wednesday, Wednesday to Thursday, and so forth. To learn more about the holiday slide schedule, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule.

Annual Native Tree Giveaway Launches Sept. &

Starting tomorrow, September 7^th our Department of Recreation & Parks will launch another round of our annual native tree giveaway program. New this year, residents will have the opportunity to register for a tree at two different times, with half the trees available at 2:00 p.m. and the second half available at 7:00 p.m. At these times, the link to reserve a tree – limited to one tree per household, will be posted on Recreation & Parks Natural Resources website under the “Annual Tree Giveaway” dropdown. 

Residents will have nine tree species to choose from: Black Gum, Red Maple, Flowering Dogwood, Eastern Redbud, Hornbeam, River Birch, Common Persimmon, White Oak, and Sweetbay Magnolia. Each tree is native to Maryland, meaning that it is acclimated to this climate and provides benefits to local pollinators and wildlife. Trees are limited to one per household and residents will be responsible for picking up, planting and caring for their tree.

Pickup dates are Wednesday, September 21^st from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. (time is tentative), Thursday, September 22^nd from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 24^th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Each of these days will have two locations running simultaneously: one at West Friendship Park another at Rockburn Branch Park West. All trees come in a five-gallon container and are anywhere from three-to-10-feet tall, depending on the species, so please plan accordingly.

For tips on how to properly plant a trip, check out this instructional video from Recreation & Parks. For further information about the 2022 annual tree giveaway, including the registration link, descriptions of the trees and details on the pickup locations, visit Recreation & Parks Natural Resources website and click on the “Annual Tree Giveaway” dropdown.

Turf to Trees

In addition to our annual native tree giveaway, Recreation & Parks’ Turf to Trees Program is also looking for applicants. This program provides trees and planting services to Howard County property owners with lots of one-and-a-half to 10 acres in size, free of cost.

To qualify for the program, property owners must commit to receiving and maintaining a minimum of 50 trees. The property owner must care for the trees provided by the County including, but not limited to, watering, shelter maintenance and removal, protecting trees from deer and other pests, as well as invasive species remediation. The County will assess each property to determine eligibility. A planting plan, including planting boundaries and a tree species list, will be created in collaboration with the property owner. An emphasis will be given to creating a contiguous planting, in which the trees are grouped together. However, non-contiguous plantings will be considered to address specific environmental concerns. Perimeter planting (one row of trees around a property) will not be accepted.

To learn more about this program, visit Recreation & Parks Natural Resources website and click on the “Turf to Tree Program” dropdown or email trees@HowardCountymd.gov.

Nite Bite Fishing 

Nite Bite fishing is back at Centennial Lake. Join our Department of Recreation & Parks this Friday, September 9^th at the Centennial Park South Boat Launch for a unique opportunity to fish the lake after hours (from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m.). Bring your own fishing pole, bait, tackle, bug repellant, flashlight or lantern, chair, or boat, and take part if this one-of-a-kind experience. All ages are welcome; however, anglers under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

On-site registration only, but participants are asked to please RSVP HERE for any of the Nite Bite Fishing dates. Please keep in mind, all anglers must check in on site by no later than 7:00 p.m. 

For complete boating and fishing regulations for Centennial Lake, click HERE.

Truck or Treat 

Tickets are now on sale for the annual Recreation & Parks Truck or Treat. A “wheely fun” way to celebrate fall and community, come dressed in your favorite costume to trick-or-treat at all of the trucks, tractors, emergency vehicles and more, while meeting some of your hometown heroes. Tickets are $5 per child ages two and older (under two are free); however, please note, a limited number of tickets are available for each 75-minute time slot. To register for this Spooktacular event, click HERE. 

Office of Transportation

RTA Fixed Route Service Free Rides for 60+ Population and Persons with a Disability

Did you know residents 60 years of age and older or persons with a disability can take the Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland’s (RTA) fixed route service for free? Individuals just need to complete a RTA Certified FREE Ride Card Application and submit it either via email or mailed or dropped off in person at the RTA’s Administrative Office. Once received, applications will be reviewed within 48 hours and the applicant will be contacted to have their picture taken for their RTA Certified Bus Rider ID, completed weekdays, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30p.m. The ID can be processed in five minutes while rider waits in the lobby or it can be mailed.

To learn more about this free ride program, contact RTA Mobility at 1-800-270-9553, press option 3, then option 6.

Fare Free this September and October & Return of RTA Bus Pass Program for Students

As I recently shared, this September and October, all RTA fixed-route and ADA paratransit service will be FARE FREE. In addition, the County is renewing its RTA Bus Pass Program for all Howard County Public School System high school and middle school students this school year, as well as expanding the service to include Howard Community College students. To learn more, visit www.transitRTA.com.