July 8, 2019
Dear Friends,

Happy National Park and Recreation Month! 

During the month of July, I encourage you all to pay a visit to one of our parks or recreation centers to enjoy our beautiful natural spaces and some of our countless programs, from outdoor movies to sports to ghost tours and more!

Howard County continues to be a leader in promoting healthy lifestyles and a great quality of life. Our Department of Recreation & Parks has something for everyone, regardless of age or ability, so take advantage of the opportunity to get your game on! Check out all our events here. 
This Week in HoCo
Guest Conducting the Columbia Orchestra

I recently had a phenomenal time guest conducting talented volunteers at the   Columbia Orchestra   for our residents and neighbors. Attendees were given a special treat by hearing Sola Fadiran, who grew up in Howard County and attended Glenelg High School.

Thanks again to  Howard County Recreation and Parks , Inner Arbor Trust, and  Nina Basu  for bringing this wonderful concert series to our community. Special thank you to Jason Love for his 20 years of dedication to leading the Columbia Orchestra. Read more about them here .
Howard County Arts Council Receives Award

The  Howard County Arts Council  recently received an arts appropriation of $890,000, 75% of which will be used for their numerous grant programs to allow artists to share their work with a broader audience. The funds also support their 32,000 square foot, multi-purpose Howard County Center for the Arts in Ellicott City. At the Center, the Arts Council sponsors year-round activities in the arts, including classes, visual art exhibits, and performances in the community black box theatre.
 
I want to thank our Arts Council, and all our local artists, for creating such a positive impact on our residents, especially our seniors and young students. In addition to making our lives more rich and vibrant, our arts grant recipients also boost our economy, generating $3.8 million in revenues last year. Read more about their award here.
Affordable Prescription Drugs For All

I am proud to celebrate an important step forward in our efforts to bring down the costs of prescription drugs. On July 1st, a Maryland state law took effect to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to set maximum costs for certain expensive medications.
 
I was honored to partner with State Legislators, other County Executives, and community leaders from across the state to advocate for a Prescription Drug Affordability Board. I will keep working with this tremendous coalition make sure our new Board will have the authority to make prescription drugs more affordable for Howard County and for all Marylanders. Drugs don’t work if people can’t afford them. Watch more here.
We want to hear from you!

Howard County residents deserve a user-friendly website that is more secure and makes it easy to find important information, access government services, and promote transparency. Help us improve our County site, www.HowardCountyMD.Gov , by completing a 2-minute survey, found here .
4th of July

Thank you to the Department of Recreation and Parks, the Howard County Police Department, and all our wonderful volunteers who helped pull off an amazing 4th of July celebration at the Columbia Lakefront on Thursday. See more pictures from the celebration here .
Join My Team!

Are you interested in joining my team? The  Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services, Office on Consumer Protection is looking for a dynamic, creative individual to lead its office. If you, or someone you know, is interested, encourage them to apply today.
Independence Day Parades!

This Fourth of July, I had a pleasure spreading the cheer with our neighbors at the River Hill, Longfellow, and Allview parades. Thank you to all our community volunteers who help pull off these amazing events!
Kauffman FastTrac ® Course

For the first time ever, the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) is bringing the popular Kauffman FastTrac® Course to the Howard County Innovation Center. An excellent opportunity for aspiring and early stage entrepreneurs, participants in this 10-week guided program will develop and refine a business concept, taking it through each step of the business planning process. Participants will also learn about identifying a business concept and matching it with a real market opportunity, setting realistic financial goals for your business, identifying a target market, determining steps to profitability along with potential funding sources and other important business skills. To learn more about this course and/or to register, visit kauffman-ft-bb.eventbrite.com .
Legislative News
In the County

The next Howard County Council meeting is June 15th, at 7:00pm at the George Howard Building. You can find more information about the meeting here.
Departmental News
Department of Community Resources and Services

Now and continuing every Wednesday through August 21, our Department of Community Resources and Services’ Office of the Local Children's Board will be offering FREE cooking classes for kids age 8 to 17 from noon to 2:00 p.m.at the East Columbia 50+ Center, located at 6600 Cradlerock Way in Columbia. Participants will learn how to make: chocolate apple muffin (July 10); white bean hummus (July 17); veggie sushi (July 24); veggie tuna salad and edible cookie dough (July 31); unicorn French toast (August 7); acai bowl (August 14) and veggie pasta (August 21).
 
All classes are hosted by Healthy Little Cooks and are held in partnership with our Department of Community Resources and Services and East Columbia 50+ Center. For more information and/or to register your child and/or teen for a class, email alex@healthylittlecooks.com . Note, a parent or guardian must sign a waiver for kids to participate.
Our Department of Community Resources and Services’ “Weekend Warrior Snack Packs” provides Howard County youth, ages 18 and younger, a FREE bag of snacks in order to provide nutrition over the weekend during the summer months. Pickup is on Fridays at:

 
For more information, contact James Zoller at 443-745-1058 or email jzoller@howardcountymd.gov .
Department of Finance

CONGRATS to our Department of Finance, who for the 43 rd year, has earned a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada. The County was honored for excellence in following generally accepted accounting principles in the “Comprehensive Annual Financial Report” (CAFR) submission for Fiscal Year 2018.
 
The CAFR is an official, financial statement of record issued by the county each fiscal year. It includes statements of special revenue, capital projects, enterprise, internal service and trust, agency and general funds. The CAFR offers transparency in government accounting for to make sure taxpayers know how their money is being spent.
 
Thank you to everyone on our Finance team for your hard work and continued award-winning excellence!
Department of Fire and Rescue Services

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), July is the peak month for grill fires. While you are enjoying cooking outdoors, I encourage everyone to stay safe all summer long with these safety tips:

  • Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should one be used outdoors.
  • The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
  • Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
  • Never leave your grill unattended.
  • Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
 
For more fire safety tips, check out the County’s Department of Fire and Rescue Services website or NFPA .
Last week, units with the County’s Department of Fire and Rescue Services were dispatched to Centennial Lake in Ellicott City for a reported overturned canoe with subjects in the water. Luckily, the individual was wearing proper safety gear and a life jacket, and was brought to shore and reported to be safe and sound, not requiring any medical attention. Following this incident, the Department would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to always wear safety gear while out on open water, and to heed any posted warnings. For additional important boating safety tips, check out www.safekids.org/tip/boating-safety-tips .
Department of Fire and Rescue Services and Police Department

Our Department of Fire and Rescue Services and Police Department are reminding residents to ALWAYS look before you lock. NEVER leave a child or pet alone in a car, not even for a minute. Heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children. A child's body temperature can rise up to five times faster than an adult's, and a body temperature of 107 degrees is fatal. Last year alone, 52 children died in vehicular heatstroke incidents according to the National Highways Traffic Safety Administration. REMEMBER, even when the outside temperature is cooler than 80 degrees, heatstroke fatalities can occur.
 
As for our furry friends, animals can sustain organ damage or even die from heatstroke in just 15 minutes. Also, beating the heat for dogs is extra tough because they can only cool themselves by panting and sweating through their paw pads. The County also requires that animals housed outside ALWAYS have access to appropriate shelter, bedding and a source of fresh drinking water. Dogs may not be tethered outside without direct supervision. Keep in mind, these requirements are the bare minimum. If it is too hot outside for you, it is probably too hot for your dog or cat. The Police Department’s Animal Control Division urges everyone to bring their companion animals inside.
 
To learn more about kids and heatstroke, visit www.safekids.org/heatstroke . For more information about keeping your pet’s safe in the heat, check out www.humanesociety.org/resources/keep-pets-safe-heat .
Health Department

Stay safe and beat the heat all summer long with these heat safety tips from the Howard County Health Department :

  • If you must be out in the heat wear light-colored, light-weight, loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sunscreen.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink water and caffeine-free liquids. Alcoholic beverages do not keep you hydrated.
  • Stay out of the sun during the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
  • Take frequent rest breaks in air conditioned or shaded environments.
  • Check on elderly friends, family and neighbors. Be aware of the symptoms of heat related illness: extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, headache, possible vomiting or fainting, dry red skin.
  • Residents should call 911 if they encounter a heat related emergency.

If you are in need of a cool place to shelter, stop by one of the County’s  50+ Center , Recreation & Parks community center or Howard County Library System  branch .
 
For more tips on how to keep cool in this summer, visit the CDC’s “ Extreme Heat” website .
Department of Housing and Community Development

Looking to call Howard County home? The County’s Department of Housing and Community Development is currently accepting applications for its Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program. As part of its MIHU open enrollment period, Housing will be hosting three MIHU workshops ( July 11 , July 17 and July 25 ) to explain the program’s eligibility requirements and the application process. The workshops are free and open to the public; however, registration is required. To learn more about this program, click HERE . Applications are due by Wednesday, July 31 st .
 
Open enrollment periods for the MIHU homeownership program are held quarterly throughout the year.
Office of Human Rights

Our Office of Human Rights is seeking applicants interested in serving on the County's Human Rights Commission. Established in 1969, the Commission’s duties include recommending a civil rights policy to the County Executive and the County Council; the authority to conduct surveys and studies concerning human rights conditions and problems; and the authority to file a complaint when there is reason to believe a pattern or practice of discrimination exists. To learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply, click HERE . The DEADLINE to apply is Friday, August 2, 2019.
We are also seeking Howard County students who have an interest in human and civil rights. The County’s Human Rights Commission is currently accepting applications for the position of Student Commissioner. The Student Commissioner serves a one-year term from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 as a non-voting member on the Commission. If you are looking to make our community a better place, I encourage you to apply today. For eligibility requirements and details on how to apply, click HERE . Applications are DUE by next Friday, July 19.
Department of Planning and Zoning

The Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board (CPAB) will hold a Board meeting this Tuesday, July 9 at 10:00 a.m. in the Ilchester Room, located on the 2 nd floor George Howard Building at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City. The purpose of this Board is to foster preservation of cemeteries and burial grounds in Howard County. The Board meets quarterly and for this quarters meeting, will be considering the following general topics: CPAB business; cemetery inventory updates; cemetery parcel scenarios; Adopt‐a‐Cemetery Program discussion and outreach. To view this month’s agenda and/or for more information on this Board, click HERE .
DPZ’s Design Advisory Panel (DAP) will hold a meeting this Wednesday, July 10 starting at 7:00 p.m. in the George Howard Building’s Columbia/Ellicott City Room to hear the following items:
 
 
The DAP process encourages excellence in project architecture and site design to improve design compatibility with surrounding development, to promote revitalization and to enhance property values. For DAP’s Rules of Procedure, click HERE . For questions and/or more information about DAP, contact the Departmetn of Planning and Zoning at 410-313-2350 or email dap@howardcountymd.gov .
On Thursday, July 11, DPZ’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) will hold a meeting in the George Howard Building’s Columbia/Ellicott Room starting at 7:00 p.m. The Commission’s meeting agenda typically consists of a variety of applications, including tax credits for restoration, floodproofing projects and County projects in Ellicott City. To view meeting agendas, applications, meeting schedules and historic district guidelines, visit the Commission’s website . 
 
A five-member board, the HPC makes recommendations to the Planning Board, Hearing Examiner and DPZ Director on matters related to historic resources, mainly historic structures being impacted by development proposals. The HPC also renders decisions for any exterior alterations to both historic districts, Ellicott City and Lawyers Hill.
Additionally, this coming Thursday, July 11, DPZ’s Planning Board will be holding a meeting in the George Howard Building’s Banneker Room starting at 7:00 p.m. to hear the following items:
 
 
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
NOW HIRING! Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is now hiring school crossing guards for the 2019-2020 school year. This PAID part-time position requires 10 to 20 hours of work per week during the school year and pays $14 an hour. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and pass a background investigation. No experience needed.
 
For the upcoming school year, crossing guards are needed at the following schools: 

  • Bollman Bridge Elementary (Jessup)
  • Fulton Elementary (Laurel)
  • Hanover Hills Elementary (Hanover)
  • Hollifield Station Elementary (Ellicott City)
  • Jeffers Hill Elementary (Columbia)
  • Laurel Woods Elementary (Laurel)
  • Talbott Springs Elementary (Columbia)
 
For more information and/or to apply, click HERE .
In human trafficking investigations, the cooperation of the victim is the most important part of the case. But often, the victims have experienced significant mental and physical trauma that can make it difficult for them to feel safe and be forthcoming with investigators. To help facilitate interviews and make victims of human trafficking feel as safe and as comfortable as possible, our Police Department has partnered with local non-profit Mission 14 to build a calming "soft" room in which to talk to victims. The room is not at a police station and features calming colors, comfortable furniture, artwork and books. Much of what is in the room was donated by local businesses and artists. To these businesses and individuals, we thank you.
 
If you suspect human trafficking, or you or someone you know is a victim:

A Jessup resident recently shared a video with our Police Department of an individual caught on video stealing a bicycle off their front porch. This video was shared with HCPD via the Neighbors app. Have you heard of it?

Whether or not you have a doorbell cam, you can join HCPD on this app for FREE! You can view videos posted by camera owners in your neighborhood and police, stay in the know about what's going on on your street while you're away, and maybe even help us ID suspects caught on video. You can download the doorbell video-sharing Neighbors app for FREE by texting “HCPD” to 555888.
Now through August 16 th (except the week of August 5 th to the 9 th ), Howard County Police Department’s (HCPD) Community Athletic Programs’ Mobile Rec Center will be stopping by the locations listed below, with HCPD school resource officers onboard ready to play basketball, baseball, flag football, Xbox or just hang.

  • Mondays – East Columbia Library, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia
  • Tuesdays – Talbott Springs Pool, 9660 Basket Ring Road, Columbia
  • Wednesdays – Blandair Park, 5750 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia
  • Thursdays – Oakland Mills Middle School, 9540 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia and Mayfied Woods Middle School, 7950 Red Barn Way, Elkridge
  • Fridays – North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel
 
No need to register in advance. Just show up for some good, old fashion fun.
Department of Public Works

REMINDER: The County’s Department of Public Works (DPW) is holding a public meeting tomorrow, July 9 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Worthington Elementary School cafeteria located at 4570 Roundhill Road, Ellicott City, to discuss the shutdown of the New Cut Landfill’s groundwater treatment system later this summer.
 
DPW originally installed the groundwater collection and treatment system in 2000 and coordinated closely with the Maryland Department of the Environment to develop the shutdown plan. Based on county corrective actions, all recovery and monitoring wells at the site have met drinking water standards for six years, so the treatment system is no longer necessary. Existing groundwater monitoring will continue for the foreseeable future and safeguards are in place to restart treatment if necessary. All residents living near the site (now referred to as Worthington Park) are on public water and this change does not impact any public water service or quality.
 
For more information on this project and meeting, click HERE .
Department of Public Works Construction Report

Below are details regarding new Capital Projects and maintenance projects. For a full list of previously announced projects, please refer to the July 1, 2019 newsletter .
 
Columbia

  • Snowden River Parkway and Midway Business Center Intersection Traffic Signal Activation – As part of a developer improvement project to the Midway Business Center located in the 9300 block of Snowden River Parkway in Columbia, a newly installed traffic signal at the intersection of Snowden River Parkway and the entrance to the business center was activated last week. To alert motorists of the new signal, the signal will be set to temporarily flash yellow and red until tomorrow, July 9 (weather permitting), when the flash operation will switch to full color.
 
Ellicott City

  • Continuation of Ellicott City Stream Restoration (Capital Project D-1158) – Phase II of a project to restore and stabilize approximately 1,300 linear feet of the Little Patuxent River starting at Frederick Road and extending upstream. The project is not expected to impact the flow of traffic in the area. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late November 2019.
 
Mount Airy

  • CSX Watersville Road Railroad Crossing Maintenance – CSX Railroad will begin maintenance on the railroad crossing at Watersville Road in Mount Airy on or about Wednesday, July 17 starting around 9:00 a.m. While the crossing is closed, traffic will be detoured via Flag Marsh Road, Newport Road, Woodbine Road, Old Frederick Road, East Watersville Road and West Watersville Road. A recorded message at 410-313-3638 will carry details and updates. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 19.
 
Past Project Updates – Completion Date Change
 
Columbia

  • Kings Contrivance Sewer Main Rehabilitation (Capital Project S-6232) – Phase II of a project to reline public sewer house connections along Kindler Road between Single Wheel Path and 1st League. Originally expected to be completed by early May, weather permitting, this project is now expected to be completed by late July 2019.
  • Stevens Forest Road, Nightstreet Hill, Farewell Road Intersection Improvements (Capital Project T-7106) – Project to install a mini-roundabout at the intersection of Stevens Forest Road, Nightstreet Hill and Farewell Road. The mini-roundabout will eliminate the intersection’s current two-way stop and will be constructed within the roadway’s existing curb lines. Originally expected to be completed by mid-July, weather permitting, this project is now expected to be completed by late July 2019.
 
Ellicott City

  • Diversified Lane Pond Repair (Capital Project D-1159) – Project to repair a storm water management pond near 9780 and 9792 Diversified Lane. Originally expected to be completed by late January, weather permitting, this project is now expected to be completed by mid-July 2019.
  • Spring Ridge Drainage Improvement (Capital Project D-1166) – Project to improve backyard stormwater drainage along Springway Road. Originally expected to be completed by early June, weather permitting, this project is now expected to be completed by mid-July 2019.
 
Past Project Updates – Projects Completed
 
Columbia

 
Ellicott City

  • Blue River Court Pond (Capital Project D-1159) – Project to repair a storm water management pond in the vicinity of 3914 Blue River Court.
  • Main Street Water Main Improvements (Capital Project W-8600) – Project to replace approximately 140 linear feet of six-inch ductile iron water main along eastbound and westbound Main Street in the vicinity of Merriman Street.
 
To learn more about DPW Capital Projects currently underway, visit https://bit.ly/2V6K5B6 . 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 website and search by “County” to learn more about State road projects in Howard County.
 
Also, be sure to follow the County’s Facebook and Twitter pages every Monday morning for upcoming maintenance projects happening that week, weather permitting. On these social media pages, you’ll also find information regarding the county’s street sweeping schedule, which generally begin in the months of January, April, July and September.
Department of Recreation & Parks
TRAIL CLOSURE UPDATE! The Patuxent Branch Trail has REOPENED! The trail from Savage Park to Columbia’s Lake Elkhorn had been closed following the second May tornado due to overhead hazardous conditions. We thank you for your patience and hope you enjoy the trail!
CONGRATS to Tim Arnett, Joe Dougherty, Doug Hamilton and Alex Pagnotta, the four newest inductees of Howard County Recreation and Parks' Community Sports Hall of Fame. To this year's induction class, we thank you for all you do for our youth and community sports in Howard County. To learn about Tim, Joe, Doug and Alex's contributions to county sports, click HERE .
Get your “Game On” with our Department of Recreation & Parks this July for Park and Recreation Month. The Department invites you to join them all month long for a variety of family-friendly activities. From a free Stop-to-Play event at the Roger Carter Community Center to the Robinson Nature Center’s popular Wild for Water Day, an outdoor screening of “The Lion King” at Belmont Manor and complimentary snow cones every Friday at the North Laurel Community Center, there is something for all ages and abilities. For a full list of activities, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/recandparksmonth .
The Department of Recreation & Parks’ 2019 Summer Concerts Series is underway! Now through August 7, swing on by Centennial Park south for the Department’s Sunset Serenades, held Wednesdays nights at 7:00 p.m., and enjoy a beautiful evening of music by the lake. The Department’s Traveling Bands mobile is also back this summer, making its first pit stop this Saturday, July 13 morning, 10 a.m., at The Chrysalis in Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods in Downtown Columbia. The Department will hosts is second Lakeside Movies @ Centennial Park night on August 28 (TBD: people’s choice).
 
For more information and a full concert schedule, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/sunsetserenades .
Solar Fest returns to the County’s Alpha Ridge Park this Saturday, July 13! Our Department of Recreation & Parks has once again teamed up with the Howard Astronomical League for a fun evening of science, engineering, arts, crafts, games, astronomy and much more. Fun for all ages, cost is $8 per participant between the ages of 5-11 years old (if you register by July 5) and $10 beginning July 6. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited. For more information about this event and/or how to register, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/solarfest . 
This Friday, July 12, Howard County Recreation & Parks’ 2019 Fall Activity Guide will officially be available online ; complimentary hard copies will be available at Recreation & Parks headquarters starting July 17. Online registration for Howard County residents will open at 6:00 p.m. on July 31, with all other forms (mail-in, phone and walk-in) starting the following day. Registration for non-Howard County residents begins the following week.
Office of Transportation

Our Office of Transportation is excited to announce a partnership between the County and Howard County Public School System to provide Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA) bus passes to students in the Innovative Pathways Program (IPP). IPP provides course offerings for students seeking course credit in support of individualized student goals centered around academic opportunity. For more information about IPP, click HERE . For questions about this partnership or RTA, feel free to contact our Office of Transportation at 410-313-4312.
Upcoming Events and Meetings
July 10 - Sunset Serenades Concert: Rhythm Nation (Funk/R&B/Soul)
July 17 - Sunset Serenades Concert: Jenee & Black Butterfly (R&B)

Join our Department of Recreation & Parks' for its first Sunset Serenades concert of the 2019 summer concert season. Held Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m. at Centennial Park South, this year's Sunset Serenades concert series will run from July 10 to August 7. So grab a blanket or lawn chair, bring your family and friends, and come enjoy a picnic dinner while listening to the sounds of summer by the lake! For a complete concert schedule and more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/summerconcerts . While the concerts are free, attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Howard County Food Bank.
July 11 - Coffee with a Cop

Join Howard County Police Department (HCPD) for its monthly Coffee with a Cop on Thursday, July 11 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at River Hill Village Center’s Claret Hall, 6020 Daybreak Circle in Clarksville. Come meet face-to-face with HCPD's Community Outreach Officers in an informal and neutral space to discuss issues, ask questions and build relationships one cup of coffee at a time. As always, coffee and conversation are on the house. For more information and/or questions, contact HCPD's Community Outreach Division at 410-313-2207.
July 11 - MIHU RENTERS Information Workshop

Individuals interested in participating in the MIHU renters program are invited to register to attend this FREE information session on July 11 th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 211 at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. Attendees will become knowledgeable of program requirements and participating communities. In addition, attendees will learn the importance of credit and how it impacts the renting process.
July 13 - Traveling Bands Concert: Barry Louis Polisar (Children’s Music)

Our Department of Recreation & Parks' Traveling Bands showmobile bus will be making a pit stop this evening at The Chrysalis in Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods in Downtown Columbia. So come on out with your family and friends, bring a blanket and/or lawn chair and come enjoy the sounds of summer! For a complete summer concert schedule, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/summerconcerts .
July 13 - African Cultural Experience: A Trip to Africa

African Cultural Experience presents “A Trip to Africa” at Carroll Baldwin Hall in Savage. This festival celebrates diversity in our community by showing the unique arts, music, fashion, food, games, dance and folktales from various countries. Grab your FREE tickets, bring your appetites and your dancing shoes, and come take part in this cultural experience! For more information, click HERE .
July 13 - Solar Fest

Our Department of Recreation & Parks has teamed up with the Howard Astronomical League for an evening of science, engineering, arts, crafts, games, demonstrations, astronomy and more. Come enjoy the many vendors providing interactive and dynamic STEAM activities geared towards kids 5 to 11 years old. The cost is $8 until July 5 and $10 after July 5 th and pre-registration is required. To register and/or for more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/solarfest .
July 13 and July 14 - Christmas in July Maryland

Held rain or shine, this annual craft fair at the Howard County Fairgrounds showcases a variety of vendors selling unique items for that perfect occasion. There will be raffles and giveaways, as well as a visit from Santa. Cost is $6.00 for and kids under 10 are free.
July 17 - MIHU HOMEOWNERSHIP Information Workshop

Individuals interested in purchasing an MIHU home are encouraged to register for this FREE information session on July 17 th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Room 211 at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. Attendees will become knowledgeable of program requirements and the application and selection processes. We will address the importance of credit and how it impacts the home buying process.
July 20 - Archaeology Lab Day

For every hour spent doing fieldwork, archaeologists spend at least two hours in the lab washing, labeling and cataloging artifacts. Join members of the Upper Patuxent Archaeology Group from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on July 20 th at the Heritage Program Office, 9944 MD 108 in Ellicott City, to work with collections from different sites in Howard County. Bring your own artifacts in for identification or come with questions! For information about this FREE event, contact Kelly Palich at 410-313-0423 or email kpalich@howardcountymd.gov .
July 20 and July 21- 26th Annual Howard County American Indian Pow-Wow

Sponsored by American Indian owned and operated company Pow-Wow, the 26 th annual Howard County Pow-Wow/American Indian Show and Festival is an opportunity for the public to interact with American Indian dancers, singers, drummers, artists and crafts persons. The event also strives to educate the public about American Indians, past and present, through the arts. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, but the event will officially kick-off with a parade of nations (grand entry) at noon. To learn more, click HERE .