2nd Year in a Row

April 10, 2023

Dear Friends,

Earlier this month, I submitted my proposed Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Capital Improvement Plan. Our bold, yet prudent investments will advance critical projects to deliver an excellent quality of life for all to live, work, play, and grow.

My proposed FY24 Capital Budget fully funds the Board of Education’s request for the second consecutive year. It totals nearly $68 million, which includes County funding of $51.6 million and State aid of $16.1 million. From Guilford Park High school and Oakland Mills and Dunloggin Middle Schools to Systemic Renovations and IT investments, we are creating the best teaching and learning environment for all our students and educators.

Read more here.

Breaking Fast

Ramadan is a time of unity, reflection, and renewed dedication to one’s self, our community, and our world. It was a pleasure to host our vibrant Howard County Muslim community for our annual iftar dinner. It is refreshing to gather with our community to celebrate the most anticipated month in the Islamic calendar. As our Muslim community continues to observe Ramadan, I wish for peace, prosperity, and health for all.

A special thank you to Comptroller of Maryland Brooke Lierman, Maryland DGS Secretary Atif Chaudry, and many of our local and regional leaders for joining us. A special thanks to Fahim and his entire team at ZiZa Kabob for catering.

Bold Budget: Dunloggin Middle School

Within my proposed FY24 Capital Budget for our schools, which funds 100% of the Board of Education’s request for the second year in a row, is $4.5 million for the expansion of education program spaces with 233 new classroom spaces at Dunloggin Middle School. In addition, this funding will support further renovations for our children, families and educators at DMS.

Chag Pesach Sameach!

As we continue to celebrate Passover, I wish a peaceful and restful celebration. Passover is a celebration of love, peace, unity, and renewal. It’s a time to reflect upon the struggle for freedom and religious liberty which teaches us the value of spiritual freedom.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy Passover filled with peace, joy, and love. May this holiday bring you strength and hope for a brighter future. Chag Pesach Sameach!

Bold Budget: Guilford Park High School

Guilford Park High School, formally known as High School #13, will help address years of overcrowding and will provide capacity for nearly 1,700 students. My proposed FY24 Capital Budget includes a $7 million investment to complete construction to ensure this new school is ready for occupancy in the upcoming school year. Through our diligent and collaborative efforts, we will ensure every student and educator has the best teaching and learning environment for all

Happy Arab American Month

April is Arab American Heritage Month, and an important time to recognize and honor the contributions of Arab Americans in Howard County and throughout our state. Arab Americans have contributed to all aspects of modern American society including medicine, law, business, education, technology, government, military service and culture. During Arab American Heritage Month, we honor and celebrate the rich heritage of our Arab American community in Howard County and their numerous contributions to our county, our state, and our nation.

Congrats, Robyn!

Please join me in congratulating my friend and nominee, Robyn Scates, for earning unanimous approval from the County Council on her appointment to the Howard County Board of Education for District 1. I’m thankful for our entire Howard County Council for confirming her nomination.

I know that Robyn is a dedicated advocate in the power of public education. As a member of the Board of Education, she will be a strong champion for students of all ages, incomes, and abilities. I look forward to partnering with Robyn and the entire Board of Education as we continue to work together to deliver an excellent public education environment for our students, educators, and families.

A Part of History

The Columbia Flier Building was an innovative part of Howard County’s history, and we are focused on making it a critical part of our next Howard County chapter. Last week, I announced the release of an updated Request for Proposal (RFP) for the purchase of the Former Columbia Flier Building and property located at 10750 Little Patuxent Parkway, in Columbia.

As we prepared for this RFP, we have engaged, collaborated, and listened to residents and community stakeholders about their concerns and desires for future use of this site. We will continue working with the community throughout this process to ensure this site becomes a vibrant epicenter in our county once again.

Learn more about submitted a RFP here.

Youth Opportunity Fair

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

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

A Camp Plus Aide

Don’t have summer plans?

Are you at least 16 years old?

Howard County Recreation and Parks is looking for active, engaging, and responsible staff to work aftercare for a variety of summer camps. Under the immediate direction of a Camp Director, Camp Plus Aide’s assist with the organization and supervision of participants at our day camps. This is a great opportunity to work alongside our youngest residents, and grow in your work experience!

Learn more here.

Become a Teen Leader!

Are you at least 18 years old?

Howard County Recreation and Parks is currently looking for Community Outreach & Teen Leaders this summer! This position provides support to the Recreation Services Supervisor/Manager for community outreach, teen programs, camps, and special events. You will have the opportunity to earn while serving our community and getting good professional experience.

I encourage our teenagers and young adults to apply today 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.

Director of DPZ - This position performs executive level planning and zoning work under executive direction. Work includes directing the general operation of the Department of Planning and Zoning, advising the County Executive and County Council on related issues, and developing and monitoring the department and related capital budget program.
Administrator of OCS - This position manages the Office of Community Sustainability which has attained the distinction of becoming the first county in the U.S. to be designated LEED Platinum under LEED v4.1 for Cities and Communities. The Administrator coordinates energy conservation, energy efficiency, renewable and alternative energy, and climate policies and programs.

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

Government Updates

Department of Community Resources and Services

Applicants Sought for Commission on Disabilities

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

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

Money Matters Month Offers Financial Literacy Activities for All Ages

In recognition of Money Matters Month, our Department of Community Resources and Service’s (DCRS) Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) will be hosting a number of free workshops geared towards teaching financial literacy and how to be money smart. Workshops include:

Beginners Guide to FinTech Products at noon tomorrow, April 11^th, during which representatives from the Cash Campaign of Maryland will discuss financial apps, such as CashApp and Chime, which millions of people use to manage their money each day. With new apps popping up and the space of financial technology, a.k.a. “FinTech,” continuing to grow, it can be hard to keep up with new consumer trends. During this virtual workshop, participants will get insight into the types of FinTech products that exist, the problems they seek to solve and how to protect yourself when navigating this space. To register, click HERE.
This Wednesday, April 12^th at 11:00 a.m., OCP will host Play SCAMO: Protect Yourself From Scams and Fraud at the County’s Glenwood 50+ Center. Through this Bingo-style game, participants will learn about common types of scams and fraud they could encounter online, by mail or via email or text messages. To register to participate, simple give our Glenwood 50+ Center a call at 410-313-5440.

April Children and Families Workshops Offered for Parents

This month, DCRS’s Office of Children and Families (OCF) will offer the following free in-person and virtual workshops focused on “Grow with Baby! Hatchlings: In the Nest,” “Eat, Learn Grow for Families – Social Emotional Development,” “Early Intervention: Finding the Help your Child Needs” and “Parenting with Empathy.”

Grow with Baby! Hatchlings: In the Nest is an informative and fun early literacy program featuring songs and engaging activities for parents of babies six months and younger. This four-week program will take place from 11:00 a.m. to noon on Mondays from April 17^th through May 8^th at DCRS’s offices at 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. Participants are encouraged to attend each session of this program and will receive a free take-home gift each week. To sign-up to participate, click HERE.

On April 19^th, OCF will host a virtual Eat, Learn Grow for Families – Social Emotional Development workshop geared towards helping parents/guardians better understand the social emotional development and skills children need to manage emotions and build relationships. Participants will explore children’s literature and activities to promote problem-solving and conflict resolution, manage stress and ways to support social emotional development at home. Set to take place from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on the 19^th, to register for this workshop, click HERE.

It has been proven that early intervention is the best approach to helping children. If you are worried your child may be falling behind or developmentally delayed, I encourage you to check out OCF’s virtual workshop, Early Intervention: Finding the Help your Child Needs, on April 20^th at 7:00 p.m. Participants will learn about the free steps for assessment and evaluation with early childhood early intervention programs and options for eligible children and families. Please note, this workshop is for families of children birth to age five. To register for this workshop, click HERE.

Finally, OCF will wrap-up April with its Parenting with Empathy workshop on April 25^th at 7:00 p.m. Empathy is the ability to recognize and understand the feelings of others. Geared towards caregivers of children birth to five years old, this virtual workshop will explore empathy and discuss ways you can spark empathy in your child through everyday interactions. To register to participate in this workshop, click HERE.

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

Month of the Young Child and Month of the Military Child

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Office of Community Sustainability

Celebrate Earth Month with a 20 Minute Cleanup

This Earth Month, take part in the County’s annual spring “20 Minute Cleanup” project. Participating is easy, simply grab your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues or classmates, pick a location, date and time, and head outside to pick-up litter to see what a difference just 20 minutes can make in beautifying our environment. Once you’ve completed your cleanup, be sure to email our Office of Community Sustainability (OCS) at ocs@howardcountymd.gov with the number of people who participated and how many bags of trash and recycling were collected. Pictures are always encouraged and appreciated too.

To learn more about our 20 Minute Cleanup, visit https://livegreenhoward.com/recycling-waste/litter-cleanups/ or contact OCS at 410-313-0700 or email ocs@howardcountymd.gov.

Howard County Health Department

Interactive Food Connection Map

According to the Howard County Health Department’s (HCHD) 2021 Howard County Health Assessment Survey, nearly one in six Howard County residents reported concern about running out of food before they could afford more. As a result, HCHD’s Local Health Improvement Coalition (LHIC) and Epidemiology teams created an interactive food resources map – Howard Food Connection Map. Created as part of the Howard County Food Security Committee's goal to increase access to and awareness of culturally appropriate, accessible, affordable and nutritious food to decrease food and nutrition insecurity among Howard County residents, this map assists users with finding the locations of local food pantries, farmers markets and more throughout the county.

Department of Housing and Community Development

Moderate Income Housing Unit Applications Now Being Accepted

Housing Unit (MIHU) program April open enrollment period for homeownership is currently underway. Held quarterly throughout the year, this inclusionary zoning program provides individuals and families the opportunity to purchase quality new homes at reduced sale prices and rents to those eligible. Applications are now available online and completed applications can be submitted either 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. The DEADLINE to apply is 4:00 p.m. Friday, April 28^th.

As part of its April MIHU open enrollment period, DHCD will be hosting an IN-PERSON MIHU Homeownership informational workshop this Thursday, April 13^th at 6:00 at its office’s at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. For questions/details about the workshop and/or to register email moderateincomehousing@howardcountymd.gov. Additionally, from DHCD’s “Open Enrollment” website, visitors can also find presentations from previous homeownership and rental informational workshops, as well as frequently asked questions and answers explaining the program’s eligibility requirements and application process.

Please keep in mind, if you are interested in DHCD’s MIHU rental program, prospective renters may apply directly to a participating rental community at any time during the year. For more information on the MIHU rental program, including a list of participating communities, visit DHCD’s MIHU rental website.

For questions and/or more information about the MIHU program, contact DHCD’s Housing Opportunities Programs Division at 410-313-6318 and select option two, email moderateincomehousing@howardcountymd.gov or visit DHCD’s open enrollment website.

Proposals Sought from Community Partners for Housing Opportunities Trust Fund

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

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

Office of Human Rights and Equity

Neighborhood Narratives Workshop

Next Thursday, April 20^th at 6:30 p.m. at the County’s North Laurel Community Center for its Neighborhood Narratives Workshop. This workshop is for anyone who is interested in exploring themes of race in literature, stretching their understanding of history, growing in their knowledge of the neuro-psychology behind bias, and most importantly, for anyone who wants to accept the challenge of writing new narratives about the everyday lives of those they come in contact with – their neighbors. To reserve your spot for this in-person session, click HERE today.

For questions and/or more information about this workshop, contact Tessa Hurd at 410-313-7311 or email thurd@howardcountymd.gov.

Seeking Fertile Ground: Agricultural Justice & Earth Stewardship for ALL! Earth Day Celebration

This Earth Day, I have partnered with OHRE and various community organizations to host, “Seeking Fertile Ground: Agricultural Justice & Earth Stewardship for ALL!”

Set to take place next Sunday, April 23^rd from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the County’s newly opened Harriet Tubman Cultural Center in Columbia, this event will feature food and agricultural presentations, a food distribution to help those in need, local food trucks and an opportunity to learn more about County resources that ensure land and food justice for all. To take part in this wonderful opportunity to learn, connect and serve our beloved Mother Earth and one another, click HERE to register today.

Reading Human Rights: The Other Black Girl

Reading Human Rights is an award-winning monthly book discussion group hosted by 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 April book discussion – to be held in person at HCLS Miller branch in Ellicott City on Tuesday, April 25^th at 6:30 p.m., OHRE and HCLS will discuss Zakiya Dalila Harris’ The Other Black Girl. The Other Black Girl explores a young African American woman’s experience with workplace discrimination, microaggressions and inter-racial relations. Harris’ novel is described as “the perfect read for anyone who has ever felt manipulated, threatened, or overlooked in the workplace.”

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

Department of Planning and Zoning

Planning Board Unanimously Approves HoCo By Design

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

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

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

Planning Board Meeting

DPZ’s Planning Board will be holding a hybrid meeting, in person at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City and virtually via WebEx, starting at 7:00 p.m. tomorrow, April 11^th, to hear the following agenda item:

PB 455 FDP-DC-L-2A Howard Research and Development – An amended Final Development Plan (FDP), Neighborhood Concept Plan (NCP), Neighborhood Design Guidelines (NDG), and Neighborhood Implementation Plan (NIP) for Phase 1 of the Lakefront Neighborhood. The request for the amended FDP proposes 775 dwelling units, and 85,000 SF of retail (a reduction of 44,088 SF of office and 65,000 SF of retail from the existing density approved with FDP-DC-L-1; there is no change to the number of dwelling units). Additionally, the request includes an adjustment to the Downtown Revitalization Phasing Chart to increase the maximum number of dwelling units to be constructed within Phase 1 and an adjustment to the maximum permitted building height.

To register to testify, click HERE. Registration must be completed prior to 7:00 pm the night (April 10, 2023) before the scheduled meeting to participate. If you do not wish to testify, but simply 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.

Police Department

Howard County Police Department Youth Summer Camps and Programs

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday Adoption Hours are Back!

In case you missed it, Howard County Police Department has announced that Saturday adoptions hours at its Animal Control and Adoption Center are BACK! The Center is now open for adoptions from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each Saturday. A special thanks to all the Center’s dedicated volunteers who helped make this happen. For adoption information and a list of currently adoptable animals looking for their furever home, click HERE.

Department of Public Works

Bureau of Environmental Services

Yard Trim Collection Has Resumed

In case you missed it, our Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Bureau of Environmental Services new curbside yard trim collection season resumed last Monday, April 3^rd. For instructions on how to prepare your yard trim items for collection, what is and is not accepted, and/or to check your collection day, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/curbsidecollections. Keep in mind, curbside recycling and yard trim collection occur on the same day; however, they are collected by separate trucks that may arrive anytime between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on your designated day.

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

Saturday Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Resumes

In addition, the Bureau’s 2023 Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Saturday season at the County’s Alpha Ridge Landfill is back. Now through November 26^th, Howard County residents can properly dispose of corrosive, flammable, reactive and toxic products, typically found in most homes, garages and workshops, in the Landfill’s HHW area. For a full list of what items are and are not accepted and how to prepare your HHW items for proper disposal, visit the Bureau’s HHW website today.

Document Shredding Dates Announced

This Saturday, April 15^th, at the County’s 16^th annual GreenFest celebration, our Bureau of Environmental Services will host its first of four County-sponsored document shredding events. Held rain or shine, Saturday’s document shredding event will take place in Parking Lot A at Howard Community College from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (OR UNTIL the trucks are full, which may occur before the designated ending time). County residents may bring up to three bags or boxes of paper to be shredded.

Residents are asked to ONLY bring documents that include account numbers, passwords, PINs, signatures, Social Security numbers and date of birth, such as Federal and State Tax documents, credit card and other household bills, medical records, pay stubs, mortgage documents and insurance bills, to shred. Be sure to review your items carefully and remove all items that do not fall into one of the categories listed above before attending Saturday’s event. Junk mail, catalogs and office paper should be recycled with your curbside recycling collection. Also, please do not pack boxes or paper bags heavier than you can safely lift and carry to your vehicle without assistance.

For more information about Saturday’s County-sponsored document shredding event and/or shredding event dates, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/documentshredding. For questions, please contact the Bureau at 410-313-6444 or email help@howardcountyrecycles.org.

GreenFest is Back for its 16^th Year

As noted above, the County’s 16^th annual GreenFest celebration returns to Howard Community College (HCC) this Saturday, April 15^th. Held in HCC’s Science, Engineering and Technology Building, this year’s event will host more than 80 vendors, including solar companies, environmental nonprofits and government agencies, and the popular native plant sale. There will be informational workshops on topics such as supporting pollinators, the County’s butterfly survey results, the benefits of rain barrels and other learning opportunities. Attendees can also learn about local wildlife, including up close experiences with live birds, reptiles and other animals in the Wildlife Room.

This year the Repair Café is also back on site. Visitors can bring in broken items from home, such as toasters, lamps, clothes, bicycles, toys or electronics. Volunteer repair specialists will evaluate the items and fix as many as they can for free and can also provide advice about items too large to bring along. To register beforehand to let the Repair Café gurus know what items you plan to bring, visit www.hcgreenfest.org.

In Parking Lot B, in addition to native plant sales, Level the Playing Field will be collecting used sports equipment to be donated to disadvantaged youth. Items like baseball bats, sports balls of all types, tennis rackets, lacrosse sticks, helmets, and other sports related gear and accessories will be accepted.

Attendees are encouraged to think green with their means of transportation to this year’s event to help reduce the event footprint. Consider walking, carpooling, biking or using public transportation. Bike HoCo will set up a corral for bike parking and Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) will be running its normal route from Columbia Town Center to HCC throughout the day. For RTA route information and schedule, call its customer service line at 1-800-270-9553 or visit www.transitrta.com.

For more information and the day’s event schedule, visit www.hcgreenfest.org or contact Alan Wilcom, GreenFest Co-chair, at 410-313-6444 or email awilcom@howardcountymd.gov.

Bureau of Highways

Caution, WET PAINT!

Every spring and summer, as weather permits, the County's Department of Public Works (DPW) refreshes lane line marking paint to ensure that street markings are highly visible and our roadways are safe.

As DPW gets ready to launch its 2023 painting season this month, 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.

Department of Public Works Construction Report

To learn about Department of Public Works (DPW) projects currently underway, click HERE. Searchable by project category and street name, from this site you’ll find additional project details, including news releases about the project. You can also contact DPW’s Customer Service Office at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov for further assistance.

If you have questions or are interested in finding out about a State road (numbered roadway) project in your area, visit the Maryland State Highway Administration’s (SHA) “Project Portal” website.

Department of Recreation and Parks

Schooley Mill Park Closure Alert

The equestrian ring at our Department of Recreation & Parks’ Schooley Mill Park in Highland is currently CLOSED for renovations. In addition to improvements to the ring, including better drainage, grading and general maintenance, the parking lot will also be renovated to help assist horse trailers and cars. Weather permitting, the work is expected to be completed by June.

Rockburn Branch Park West Tennis Courts Closure

In addition to Schooley Mill Park’s equestrian ring, the tennis courts at Recreation & Parks' Rockburn Branch Park West in Elkridge are also currently CLOSED for renovations. Weather permitting, Recreation & Parks estimates it will take a month for the courts and fencing to be replaced, with the courts ideally reopening early May.

In the meantime, if you are looking to play a pick-up game of tennis, visit Recreation & Parks’ “Parks, Playgrounds & Trails” website, to find information regarding other County parks that have courts.

Community Sports Hall of Fame Nominations Now Being Accepted!

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

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

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

Archaeology Fest at PFI

Celebrate Maryland Archaeology Month with Recreation & Parks this April 22^nd by exploring the archaeology of the P atapsco Female Institute in Ellicott City. Participants will take part in an archaeological dig to look for and catalog artifacts from this time period, as well as take a guided tour of the school ruins and participate in hands-on experimental activities associated with the Victorian Era school. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Cost to participate is $20; children under five are free. When registering, please keep in mind this is an all-day event from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Wine in the Woods Tickets are NOW on Sale!

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

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

Howard County Sheriff's Office

SCAM ALERT!

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

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

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

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

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

Office of Workforce Development

Summer Youth Employment Program

Calling all Howard County youth and young adults, age 14 to 24, applications are now being accepted for our Office of Workforce Development's Summer Youth Employment Program. This six-week PAID program allows young people to explore interests, gain mentorship and establish a professional network, while learning and developing practical job readiness skills.

Participants will have the opportunity to work up to 25 hours per work as either a contingent employee with County Government or a private sector business in Howard County, all while earning a competitive wage. To learn more about this program, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/youth-services today.

Please note, while the application deadline is Friday, May 19^th, due to limited positions, those interested in participating in this program are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.