Dear Friends, 

I am thrilled to announce a $13 million investment to ARL for a renovation and expansion that will increase access to world-class Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs, tackling a long-standing waitlist, and preparing students for the future. The funding is part of the $35 million in state pass-through grant funding that was awarded to Howard County by the Maryland General Assembly in 2022.

With this investment, we will expand capacity at ARL and ensure that more of our students can take part in these educational opportunities and build brighter futures.

Read more here.

Innovative Food Connections

Every resident in Howard County should have the means to locate healthy and low-cost food resources no matter their socioeconomic status. We know that with inflation driving up food prices, more of our neighbors are struggling with food insecurity. 

Through the development of our innovative interactive Food Connection Map, we’re ensuring that our residents have the means of finding healthy and low-cost, accessible food and nutrition resources in the County. Together, we will continue to provide our residents with easy access to a variety of resources and the Food Connection Map is one innovative way to make that vision a reality.

Visit the map here.

Pretty in Pink!

It was such a great time joining Blossoms of Hope for their 14th Annual Pretty in Pink event. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, and the benefits from this event help support the Claudia Mayer/Tina Broccolino Cancer Resource Center. I enjoyed hearing the heartfelt stories from our models, some who courageously fought cancer and our healthcare heroes. I was especially pleased to cheer on my favorite model, my wife Shani, as she took the stage in recognition of her work as a healthcare professional.

Preserving Mt. Ida

I joined Howard County Economic Development Authority to cut the ribbon on the newly-renovated The Inn at Mt Ida. This historic home was built in 1828 and sits on the hills overlooking Historic Ellicott City. With these renovations, Mt. Ida will continue to be preserved and appreciated for decades to come.

I want to thank Kimberly Kepnes and Nathan Sowers for investing in this historic resource, our local economy, and historic Ellicott City through the Inn at Mt. Ida. Learn more about Mt. Ida here.

Caring for Our Overall Health

The COVID-19 pandemic exemplified the value of taking care of our health and wellness. I’m so thankful for the efforts of the Continentals Sehl Chapter for hosting a community health fair and blood drive in North Laurel. This event helped remind us the importance of overall wellness and caring for the mind, body, and soul. Thank you to all the event organizers who helped put this vital event for our community together!

Going Savage with Softball

I had such a wonderful time joining the Savage Boys & Girls Club for their softball opening day! Team sports provide a unique opportunity for our young people to have fun and learn more about teamwork and perseverance. Thank you Joe, Dennis, Lisa and Holly for your ongoing efforts to support our young people. I wish the best for a successful season!

Hair and There

In the midst of a global pandemic, Nina Osborne took a giant leap and opened Dimensional Hair Studio in Columbia. I had a wonderful time joining Nina for the grand opening of her new, expanded location. She continues to thrive and provide beautiful services to residents across the state. 

Congratulations, and I wish your ongoing success! Please continue to support our small, local businesses. Learn more about them here.

Finding Your opportunity

I had a great time joining our Office of Workforce Development and community partners for a job fair dedicated to our young people. This event provides our young people with the ability to network with local community resources, volunteer, internship, and employment opportunities.

Find what opportunities are waiting for you here.

Full Spectrum Housing

In Howard County, we remain committed to building wealth through homeownership and a full spectrum of accessible housing affordability. April is Fair Housing Month and a time to celebrate the Fair Housing Act of 1968. I was thrilled to be joined by the HCAR - Howard County Association of Realtors to proclaim April as Fair Housing Month in Howard County. Together, we will continue our work to advance equal housing opportunities for all.

90 Days of Progress

Congratulations to our dedicated members of the Maryland General Assembly on a very successful Session! Over the last 90 days, our Howard County Delegation worked hard to secure millions in funding for critical county projects, such as our comprehensive Ellicott City Safe & Sound plan and efforts to keep our parks accessible for all. 

Together, with the Moore-Miller Administration, we are moving Maryland forward in making transportation more accessible, securing protections for victims of trafficking, strengthening firefighting recruitment efforts, studying the impacts of aviation, protecting the right to reproductive freedom, and providing more resources for businesses and entrepreneurs.

While the general assembly may be over, I look forward to our continued efforts to ensure Howard County, and Maryland, remains the best place to live, work, play, grow, and thrive for all.

Bold Budget: Mathematics & Athletics Complex

Community colleges continue to play a vital role in our region making education and career training accessible for all. The much needed and long-awaited Mathematics and Athletic Facility at Howard Community College is making incredible progress. This project breaks down barriers that sometimes may exist between math and athletics, serving as more than a brick-and-mortar building. 

That is why I provided $13.3 million in my proposed FY24 Capital Budget for this innovative project. See the updates in this video.

Calling for Help

During emergencies, before the police, firefighters, or paramedics arrive, we all rely on the people at the very beginning of an emergency response. Our 911 dispatchers are invaluable public safety leaders. These dedicated and hardworking individuals are vital to ensuring every member of our community can be and feel safe, especially during an emergency.

To kick off National Public Safety Telecommunications Week last week, I joined Howard County Department of Police Chief Gregory Der to show our thanks and appreciation for their relentless perseverance. We also congratulated our 2022 Dispatcher of the Year, Amber DeBow, for her tenacity in helping our community. Please, joining me in thanking these critical public servants.

Thank you, HCPD!

For the past five years, Columbia has been ranked as the safest city in America. Beyond Columbia, Howard County is acknowledged as a safe and thriving community in which to live, work, play, and grow and that is due in large part to the tenacious efforts of the Howard County Police Department. It was such a pleasure to join Chief Der and many in our community to celebrate our officers during the annual HCPD awards ceremony. Thank you to every person, and their families, who makes our community’s safety a priority. 

Thank You, HCDFRS!

Our first responders are truly heroes in our community. They are the ones who help our residents and neighbors during a crisis and in ultimate times of need. It was wonderful to join Chief Winston and many community members to celebrate the hard work of our Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services to celebrate the many accomplishments over the last year. Thank you for all you do to keep us all happy, safe, and secure. 

Making it a Family Affair

Financial Literacy Month is the perfect time to enhance our financial understanding. One money matters tip to help bolster financial understanding is to make the budgeting process fun for the entire family. Each household handles money differently and you should follow the best process for your household. No matter who handles the home finances, all contributors should be aware of what the expenses are and where the money is going. 

Involving children in age-appropriate ways gives them a chance to have a voice in the spending and teaches them great financial responsibility at an early age. Being on the same page and working toward the same financial goals is fundamental to being successful with your budget.

Join My Team!

My office is currently looking to fill several vacant positions. To learn more and apply, please click the respective link below.

• 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.
• Quality Assurance Officer - Under general supervision, coordinates the collection, evaluation, and dissemination of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) performance data relative to specified quality assurance and quality improvement (QA/QI) programs within the Emergency Services Bureau (ESB) and the Office of the Medical Director (OMD).
• Graphic Designer with DRP - The Graphic Designer is part of the Department’s Marketing Team and will assist the Marketing Group in all marketing team initiatives. This position works on a variety of marketing projects simultaneously, including posting daily updates to the website and social media sites and editing the four seasonal activity guides that have strict deadlines. 
• Engineering Specialist - Performs professional level engineering and/or architectural work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. 

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

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) is hosting a number of free workshops this month geared towards teaching financial literacy and how to be money smart. This week, OCP’s workshops will be focus on saving for college and being prepared for when disaster strikes.

Tomorrow, April 18^th from noon to 1:00 p.m., OCP will be joined by Cash Campaign of Maryland to host a virtual workshop on the Save4College State Contribution Program. With increasing costs of higher education and day-to-day expenses, it can be hard to save for college; however, the Save4College State Contribution Program can help. This workshop will provide participants with more information about the program, how it works, eligibility requirements and how to apply. To register to participate in this workshop, simply click HERE.

This Thursday, April 20^th, I invite you to join OCP, the County’s Office of Emergency Management, CCCSMD and the Maryland Insurance Administration for a virtual “Disaster Preparedness for Consumers: What Can You Do Today?” workshop. Set to take place from noon to 1:00 p.m., during this workshop, participants will learn about the importance of preparing for a disaster and steps one can take today to protect their identity and their finances in the aftermath of an emergency. To register for this FREE workshop, click HERE today.

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.

This Wednesday, 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, this Thursday, 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 next Tuesday, 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

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 this 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 visiting HERE.

Veterans, Need Help Filing VA Claims or Applying for Health Care?

Howard County Veterans, DCRS’s Office on Aging and Independence and Office of Veterans and Military Families invites you to stop by the Ten Oaks Ballroom in Clarksville on Wednesday May 3^rd for a PACT Act Veterans Claims Clinic & VA Health Care Eligibility Fair.

The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA benefits and health care for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. It is one of the largest expansions in VA’s history and could impact generations of Veterans and their survivors. If you served during the Vietnam, Gulf War or Post-9/11 eras, I encourage you to register for this free event to find out how the PACT Act affects you. Even if you have been denied VA benefits or health care in the past, you may now qualify under this new law.

To learn more information about this event and/or to schedule an appointment to meet one-on-one with a VA claims processor to file or follow up on a claim or to get help applying for VA health care if you are new to the VA health system, click HERE.

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

Our Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Moderate Income 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.

If you missed DHCD’s MIHU Homeownership informational workshop, held this past Thursday, April 13^th, no fret, you can 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 on DHCD’s “Open Enrollment” website. If you have questions about any of these presentations, eligibility requirements or application process, contact DHCD at moderateincomehousing@howardcountymd.gov.   

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. 

Office of Human Resources

Howard County Government Open House

Calling all utility workers, motor/heavy equipment operators, wastewater operators, mechanics and correctional officers, our Departments of Public Works and Corrections are currently hiring! If you are interested in one of these jobs with Howard County Government, I encourage you to stop by our Open House event next Wednesday, April 26^th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 8250 Old Montgomery Road in Columbia. Representatives from both departments will be on hand to speak with attendees about the various positions, answer any questions and assist with the application process.

To learn more or for questions about this Open House event, contact Ms. Elexis Lawson at 410-313-1072 or email elawson@howardcountymd.gov. You can also learn more about career opportunities with the County by visiting www.howardcountymd.gov/careers.

Office of Human Rights and Equity

Neighborhood Narratives Workshop

Join our Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) this 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.

High School and College Student Applicants Sought for Office of Human Rights and Equity Commissions 

OHRE’s Human Rights Commission and Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission are currently seeking high school students interested in applying to be a part of either of these commission. To be eligible, you must be Howard County residents under the age of 18 and able to serve a one-year term from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. 

In addition, OHRE’s La Alianza Latina Commission, LGBTQIA+ Commission and Asian American & Pacific Islander Commission are seeking also high school students, as well as college students, to serve on these commissions. For high school students, to be eligible, again, you must be a Howard County resident under the age of 18 and able to serve a one-year term from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. For college applicants, must live in Howard County, attend a college/university and be able to serve a one-year term from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. 

Those interested in applying should email Paul Thompson at ApplyBC@howardcountymd.gov with the name of the Commission, their home address and contact information. Included with the email, applicants should attach their resume and a brief letter explaining why they want to serve on the commission. Applicants are asked not to include their contact information, i.e., home address, phone number(s) and email address, on their resume and cover letter. The names of eligible applicants will be submitted to the County Executive for consideration. If approved, the appointment will be forwarded to the County Council for confirmation.

The DEADLINE to apply is this Friday, April 21^st.

Commissioners Sought for Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission

In addition to student applications, OHRE’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission is also seeking Howard County residents aged 18 and older to serve on the Commission. Established in 1985, the Commission encourages and coordinates appropriate activities and ceremonies throughout Howard County to honor the birthday, ideals and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Commission also aids local government and private organizations with respect to the observance of the holiday honoring the birthday of the late Dr. King.

Those interested in applying should email Paul Thompson at ApplyBC@howardcountymd.gov with the name of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission, their home address and contact information. Included with the email, applicants should attach their resume and a brief letter explaining why they want to serve on the commission. Applicants are asked not to include their contact information, i.e., home address, phone number(s) and email address, on their resume and cover letter. The names of eligible applicants will be submitted to the County Executive for consideration. If approved, the appointment will be forwarded to the County Council for confirmation.

The DEADLINE to apply is this Friday, April 21^st.

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 this 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 next 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 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, starting at 7:00 p.m. this Thursday, April 20^th, to hear the following agenda item:

• SDP-22-042—Howard Hughes Corporation – Request to construct one apartment building and two mixed-use residential-retail buildings for a total of 701 dwelling units and 19,013 square feet of retail.

To register to testify, click HERE. Registration must be completed prior to 7:00 pm the night before, April 19^th, the scheduled meeting to participate. If you do not wish to testify, but simply want 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.

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 DPZ’s Community Planners Kate Bolinger at kbolinger@howardcountymd.gov or Sarah Latimer at slatimer@howardcountymd.gov.

Police Department

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 has resumed. 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.

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

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

Elkridge

• Mayfield Avenue Water Main Replacement (Capital Project W-8602) – Project to replace the existing eight-inch water main along Mayfield Avenue from Grassy Garth to Homeplace Lane. Flagging operations will be in place to direct traffic as needed and signs will be posted to alert residents and motorists of the construction, as temporary lane shifts will occur during construction hours, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Additionally, a recorded message at 410-313-4400 will carry details and updates. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late June 2023.

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.

Archaeology Fest at PFI 

Celebrate Maryland Archaeology Month with our Department of Recreation & Parks this Saturday, April 22^nd by exploring the archaeology of the Patapsco 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.

What to Do When Schools Are Out

We all understand the challenge of keeping your little one busy when schools are closed, but our team at Recreation & Parks has you covered. With schools closed this Friday, April 21^st, Recreation & Parks has a range of activities available to keep your child active, entertained and learning. From art (with Abrakadoodle Art, KidzArt or Pinot’s Palette), to Chess, Circus Stars, Drama with DLC, LEGO® (with Bricks4Kidz or Play-Well Tek), Junior Sports, Sports and Swim, Sports Medicine, Science with Club SciKidz, Learn Now Music and more, there is something for everyone! With spots filling fast, be sure to secure your child’s seat by registering them today.

Oh, and don’t forget, Howard County public schools are also closed on Friday, May 19^th, so here's your chance to plan ahead now. 

New Cultural Arts Showcase

Join us next Friday, April 28^th from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the County’s Harriet Tubman Cultural Center for a cultural arts showcase, celebrating our county’s cultural diversity through the arts. The event will feature traditional performances, interactive art galleries, food, music, vendors and more. Registration is required to attend and children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $5 per person; however, those five and under are free. To register to attend this new event, click HERE today.

To learn more about this year’s performers, be sure to follow Recreation & Parks’ Facebook “The Cultural Arts Showcase at Harriet Tubman Cultural Center” event page.

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.