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September 9, 2019
Dear Friends,

Nearly 18 years ago, our world was forever changed by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. To honor those who sadly perished that day, I invite you to join me, command members from our Police and Fire Departments and Office of the Sheriff, and my fellow elected officials for a brief remembrance ceremony this coming Wednesday, September 11 in the courtyard of our George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City.
 
Our ceremony is set to begin promptly at 10:28 a.m., marking the time the North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed. We will pay tribute to the loved ones we lost on that tragic day and honor those who live on with the belief that hope will always triumph over despair. 
 
On this September 11 th and every day, I am profoundly grateful for the service of our first responders. On Wednesday, I look forward to joining them for our remembrance ceremony. Through tragedy or triumph, we will always depend on one another to become our best selves.
 
This Week in HoCo
Sensory-Friendly Sundays

I had a remarkable time visiting  Robinson Nature Center  for their Sensory-Friendly Sunday’s. This is a monthly event designed for families with kids, teen and adults with sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder, or developmental disabilities to enjoy a calm environment while exploring nature.
 
Thank you to  Howard County Autism Society  and  Howard County Recreation and Parks  for this event and ensuring all our residents have access to enjoy our wonderful center.
 
To learn more about this great event, I encourage you to visit www.howardcountymd.gov/RNC/sensoryfriendlyvisit .
Bee City USA

One in three bites of food we eat is the result of insect pollination. They are critical to our health and our entire ecosystem. Tragically, pollinators are in decline due to habitat loss, climate change, and the impacts of widespread pesticide use.
 
That is why Howard County will be one of the first counties in the nation to join the  Bee City USA   coalition and commit to reduce pesticide use and create sustainable habitats for pollinators! This work will align directly with our long-term work to combat climate change and build a safe, livable future for Howard County. Watch a video of the announcement here and read a WBAL article about Bee City here .
Howard County Night at Camden Yards

I’m excited to invite all our residents to join me for Howard County Night at Camden Yards! On Friday, September 20 th , Howard County residents can purchase discounted tickets to watch our Baltimore Orioles take on the Seattle Mariners.
 
Don’t miss out on the fun! Buy your tickets here.
Public Safety Forum

Strong community outreach, mental health awareness, and community collaboration remain critical tools in our effort to ensure public safety. Our public safety officials continue to play a vital role in ensuring those who live, work, and play in Howard County are safe.

Join Howard County Executive Calvin Ball at 7:00pm on Monday, September 23rd for a Public Safety Forum at the Wilde Lake Middle School cafeteria to discuss the state of our public safety. At the forum, residents will hear from leading public safety officials and will have the opportunity to ask questions to the panel about the state of our public safety. Together, we can support all our residents, because everyone deserves to be safe, and feel safe, in their neighborhood.
Complete Streets

In my State of the County address, I promised to make ‘Complete Streets’ a priority to promote our vision of a true multi-modal transportation system, for drivers, riders, bikers, and walkers.
 
Now, we have created a policy that ensures that Howard County streets will be designed, built, maintained, and operated with everyone in mind, for the good of the whole community. Read more about it here .
2020 Census

The Census count is critical to understanding the updated picture of our community, the needs of all our residents, and the future of our work to serve the public. To help with this initiative, I launched  #HoCoCounts to raise awareness for the United States 2020 Census.

Together, we can ensure every person is counted, and that Howard County is fully representative of the strength and diversity in our community. Learn more about why #HoCoCounts here.
Back to School

September 3rd was the first day of school in Howard County. It was a pleasure to join educators across the county to welcome students on their first day. Thank you Lt. Governor   Boyd Rutherford , Superintendent  Michael J. Martirano , Deputy Superintendent Karalee Turner-Little, Board of Education Chair  Mavis Ellis , and  Councilman Opel Jones  for joining me as we visited various schools.
 
If Tuesday was any indication, I'm more than certain our students will have a great school year filled with growth and success!
Tree Giveaway

Last week, I marked my 44th birthday. To celebrate, I want to plant 44,000 native trees around Howard County. Will you help me reach my goal and help make our world a healthier place by planting a tree outside your home?
 
2,000 trees will be given away, one tree per household . To reserve your FREE tree, click here . You must be a Howard County resident to participate.


PICKUP DATES/TIMES:

  • Thursday, October 17th from 4-7 pm
  • Saturday, October 19th, from 9 am-2 pm

PICKUP LOCATIONS:

There will be two pickup locations offered:
  • Recreation and Parks Headquarters, 7120 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia, MD 21046
  • West Friendship Park, 12985 MD-144, West Friendship, MD 21794
28th Annual Police Pace

The Howard County Police Department  is committed to improving public safety as well as the quality of life in Howard County. I was proud to support Howard County Police Foundation  this weekend at the 28th Annual Police Pace. Thank you to our public safety officials for all that you do for our residents, neighbors, and visitors!
First Festival of India

I was so excited to join Indian Cultural Association of Howard County for the first “Festival of India” in our county. This was a phenomenal celebration of Indian culture through performance, art, food, shopping, and more!
Departmental News
Department of Community Resources and Services

September is National Senior Center Month, a great time to discover the keys to aging well at Howard County's 50+ Centers. Centers bring the staff and services of our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence to communities throughout the County, offering health, wellness and fitness programs for older adults, plus lifelong learning opportunities, nutrition education, shared meals, socialization and more. To learn more, check out September issue of The 50+ Connection
Join DCRS this Thursday, September 12 at 6:00 p.m. for Howard County Community Forum on Alzheimer’s. At this community-focused listening session, attendees will learn about the basics of Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory loss and available local resources, services and programs. Bring a friend and share your thoughts about how the Alzheimer’s Association and the County’s Office of Aging and Independence can help support you in your journey. Light refreshments will be provided. To register for the forum, click HERE or call 1-800-272-3900.
Need to get ahead of your current situation? DCRS’ Getting Ahead groups meet twice a week for 16, two-hour sessions to explore the causes of poverty and what changes it; identify where you are now and what you want your life to be in the future; work with a team to make concrete plans for economic security; learn to solve problems and be in control of your life. Getting Ahead group members receive $25 per session ($400 for all sessions) plus assistance with child care and transportation.
 
The next session starts next Monday, September 16 th and runs through November 20 th . The session will be held Monday and Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Laurel Woods Elementary School in North Laurel.
 
To learn more about the program, click HERE or to register, contact DCRS’ Getting Ahead Program Coordinator Marchelle LeBlanc at 410-313-0225 or email mleblanc@howardcountymd.gov .
Here in Howard County, we are dedicated to serving our older adults through education opportunities, affordable living, a culture of wellness and all the services they need and desire to age comfortably in place.
 
Next month, DCRS’s Office on Aging and Independence will debut its event, Master Aging: Engage, Educate, Inspire, on Saturday, October 19 at Howard Community College. A reimagination of the our 50+EXPO (Howard County’s premier event for older adults for 20 years) this conference-style event will feature all day seminars and workshops covering lifelong learning and leisure, technology, exercise and a showcase of activities at Howard County 50+ centers, as well as vendors, a keynote address by Kerry Hannon , one of the nation’s top experts on careers for older adult, and a performance by the always popular Capitol Steps. Admission is $1.00 and free onsite parking is available. For more information about the event, check out DCRS’ Master Aging website or follow DCRS on Facebook .
With another school year underway, DCRS’ Family Institute has announced its Fall schedule of parenting workshops. Workshops include:

  • Behavior Basics is a workshop designed to help with tantrums, power struggles and misbehavior.
  • Family First Parenting Series offers workshops on topics such as child development, how to encourage self-esteem and good behavior, positive guidance and discipline, and how to keep children safe and healthy.
  • Parent Café teaches participants the five protective factors for families and how you can keep yourself, your children and your family strong. Meet new people and make new friends in an inviting atmosphere while sharing and learning new ideas.
 
For a full list of workshops, check out the September issue of the Parent Pages.
Office of Emergency Management

In recognition of National Preparedness Month, all September long we will be sharing facts and helpful tips on how you, your family and/or organization/business can prepare for a disaster or emergency on our governmental Facebook page and Twitter handle . We encourage you to also follow our Office of Emergency Management’s (OEM) Facebook page and Twitter handle , as well as check out the Federal Emergency Management Agency's website, www.ready.gov , for preparedness information. I encourage you to follow along to learn all that you can to make sure you and your family are prepared for when disaster strikes.
Preparedness begins with understanding your local hazards. A hazard is any potential source of harm or difficulty and may be natural or manmade. Howard County's risk assessment includes 26 distinct hazard types, including drought, earthquake, flood, hurricane, nuclear blast and dam failure. To learn more about these and other local hazards that could affect our area and how to prepare for them, check out on OEM’s “ReadyHoCo” website .  
As part of National Preparedness Month, OEM will be hosting its first-ever Emergency Preparedness Summit this Thursday, September 12 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Oakland Mills Interfaith Center in Columbia. The summit will feature our Department of Fire and Rescue Services' Hands-Only CPR and Stop the Bleed training's, as well as Howard County Health Department's Opioid Overdose Response (Narcan) training. OEM will also present on "Emergency Preparedness 101," the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) will discuss "Staying Safe from Weather Threats in Howard County" and our Police Department will give a presentation on "Active Assailant Awareness." OPEN to all, registration for this event is FREE. For questions and/or more information about this event, contact OEM at 410-313-6030 or email emergencymanagement@howardcountymd.gov .
Often, "conducting an insurance check-up" is not included on our disaster preparedness checklist. However, having the right type and amount of insurance is a crucial component of disaster preparedness, and the best way to maintain a healthy financial future following a disaster. To make sure you and your family are ready, OEM, in partnership with the Maryland Insurance Administration, is bringing back its popular “Disaster Insurance” presentation next Tuesday, September 17 th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at the George Howard Building located at 3430 Courthouse Drive Ellicott City in the Columbia/Ellicott City room. Participants will learn what to do to prepare for a disaster, what insurance will and will not cover and what resources are available to help. For more information and/or to register for this FREE event, click HERE .
Department of Fire and Rescue Services

We have the new Trainee Class (see below) coming up, several other training events and expos, and are in great need of unwanted vehicles to help our firefighters train and prepare for incidents involving motor vehicles.
 
If you have a vehicle to donate, please email cardonations@howardcountymd.gov . In addition to providing an invaluable training opportunity for our department, your vehicle donation is tax deductible and we will tow your vehicle away for free!
This past Thursday, HCDFRS Trainee Class (TC) 32 reported for its first assignment, orientation. TC32 is made up of 45 trainees from a variety of backgrounds. Of the 45, 18 percent are female, 33 percent are minorities, 20 percent are bilingual, 29 percent are veterans, 27 percent are paramedics and 36 percent have other Advanced Life Support certifications. We also have trainees who have completed some college credits and those who possess a doctorate degree. With a week to go until the Academy officially begins, I wish you all the best of luck and look forward to seeing you at your graduation in April 2020.
I am always grateful for the work our HCDFRS personnel are doing here at home and abroad. Last week, Firefighters (FF) Dain Yakich and Barry Griffin from HCDFRS’ River Park Station 10 in Columbia, along with our Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits Director Bob Frances, deployed to Florida as part of FEMA's Urban Search & Rescue team, Maryland Task Force 1 (MD-TF1) to assist with Hurricane Dorian's preparation and recovery efforts. Based out of Montgomery County, MD-TF1 is made up of members from fire departments in Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, as well as specialized civilian members. The team is trained in heavy concrete rescue, as well as lightweight collapse rescue. Both FF Yakich and FF Griffin firefighters are trained in advanced search and rescue operations.
 
In addition to FF Yakich and FF Griffin, Captain John Zour, a Special Ops Captain at Station 10, deployed last week to North Carolina with the Maryland Air National Guard Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team. The team will assist with rescuing those impacted by Hurricane Dorian. Traveling alongside Captain Zour are rescuers from Baltimore and Montgomery counties.
 
Thank you all for your service and good luck. We look forward to your safe return.
Our HCDFRS fire stations have partnered with Free Bikes 4 KIDZ (FB4K) to serve as drop off points for new/or gently used bikes for kids who can’t afford them. A nonprofit organization, FB4K is geared toward helping all kids ride into a happier, healthier childhood by providing bikes to those most in need. Each October, the organization collects bikes, then spends the next 10 weeks refurbishing them and then gives them away to kids in need in December.
 
FB4K will a canopy set up at participating locations (stay tuned to https://fb4kmaryland.org/ for details) on October 5 th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.to collect donated bikes.
Office of Human Rights
Parenting for Resilience and Inclusion is an upcoming 6-part workshop series that is sponsored and created by Kittamaqundi community church and the Howard County Office of Human Rights. In this workshop (the 4 th  workshop series created out of the Kittamaqundi/Howard County Gov Partnership) Parents, Grandparents, Guardians will be given concrete tools/training for establishing worthwhile and fruitful relationships with young adults. We aim to equip Parents, Guardians, and Grandparents with the framework and mindset needed to confront the tough realities that our young people have to face during their daily lives. This process is achieved by creating shared experiences, leaning into uncomfortable or often contentious topics (race and society, gender dynamics, mental health, allocation of resources, etc.), and unpack the implications they have on the way we interact and connect to each other.

Police Department
Interested in becoming a police officer, cadet or emergency communications operator? Join the Howard County Police Department (HCPD) TONIGHT, September 9 th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at our James N. Robey Public Safety Training Center for its next employment information session. Attendees will learn about HCPD’s hiring process, i.e. requirements, qualifications and disqualifications, and its physical ability test. HCPD will provide attendees with tips and suggested exercises to improve one’s performance on the test. No registration or application is needed to attend. For questions and/or more information, about the session, contact HCPD’s Recruitment Section at 410-313-HCPD.
Remember, STOP FOR THAT BUS! With the 2019-2020 school year underway, HCPD is reminding motorists that when following or approaching a school bus, to slow down when the yellow lights flash and stop when the red lights flash and the stop sign is extended. Motorists must stop in both directions unless you are on the opposite side of a roadway divided by a physical barrier. Officers will be following school buses to watch for drivers who fail to stop. In addition to points, the fine for this violation is $570.
 
Remember, children expect that you will obey the law. So, do your part to keep our roads safe for our children by stopping for stopped school buses.
Department of Public Works

Our Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold a public meeting on Thursday, September 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the Patapsco Room of the Charles E. Miller Branch to provide an update on the Valley Mede and Chatham neighborhood flood mitigation efforts in the Plumtree Branch Watershed.
 
In addition to my EC Safe and Sound plan, this is one of many projects we have happening in the Plumtree Branch Watershed aimed at keeping the watershed safe from flooding. This proposed project in particular will help improve drainage on our roadways in order to protect against flash floods in Valley Mede and Chatham neighborhoods. To learn more about this project’s design and to add your voice to the conversation, I encourage you to attend this public meeting.
Department of Public Works Construction Report

Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance projects. For a full list of previously announced projects, please refer to the  September 3, 2019  newsletter.
 
Elkridge

  • Old Lawyers Hill Road Water Main (Capital Project W-8327) – Project to replace the entire water main along westbound Old Lawyers Hill Road. Scheduled to begin on or about Wednesday, September 11th, temporary lane shifts and minor interruptions to the flow of traffic can be expected during construction hours, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Signs and flagging operations will be in place to direct traffic as needed, and signs will be posted to advise motorists of the construction. Interruptions to public water service in the area is not expected as a temporary water main will be installed to maintain service. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late November.
 
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 Public Works' Bureau of Environmental Services

DPW’s "Bag-It Days" are back! Now through this Saturday, September 14, residents can collect HoCoGro Compost, HoCoGro Mulch and Blended Topsoil from the County's Alpha Ridge Landfill, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. Cost is $1.00 per bag (bags may be no bigger than a burlap sack, i.e. each bag may hold no more than 15 gallons or two cubic feet) or $2.00 per storage tub or kitchen bin (qualifying tubs and bins should not exceed 20 gallons or four cubic feet in size). Residents are limited to no more than half a cubic yard (14 cubic feet) per day. Also, residents must bring their own container and shovel to collect material.
 
When considering what to bring, please keep in mind, a full storage tub of mulch weighs about 90 pounds, and both compost and topsoil are heavier. As residents must be able to lift their filled bag/tub unassisted into their vehicle, DPW discourages the use of larger containers.
 
For questions and/or more information about "Bag-It Days," contact DPW's Bureau of Environmental Services at 410-313-64444 or visit our HoCoGo website .
Department of Recreation & Parks
This fall, the Disc Golf Course at Rockburn Branch Park will undergo realignment and renovations, with the construction of three new holes and the removal or realignment of holes within environmentally sensitive areas. Holes one through six will remain in their current locations. All of the existing, re-aligned and new holes will be updated with new concrete tee boxes, signage and baskets.
Last weekend, the newly formed East Howard Jaguars kicked off their Mid-Maryland Youth Football and Cheerleading League season with a win by its 9U D1 team over Randallstown, the program's first ever victory! Originally two programs, the Elkridge Hurricanes and the Ellicott City Patriots merged last year to boost tackle football and cheer enrollment in Howard County. The East Howard Jaguars were formed in November by a team of experienced volunteer coaches and administrators. Congrats to the Jaguars team and staff on its first on-field victory in their inaugural season!
In case you missed it, our Department of Recreation & Parks’ has announced its managed hunt program for this fall and winter. Part of its deer management program, Recreation & Parks’ managed hunt program gives specially-screened, approved hunter’s daytime access to various parks with a combination of archery equipment or shotguns. Those parks included in this year's hunts will be closed on its scheduled managed hunt days for all other uses from dawn until noon. To learn more about our deer management program, including our ongoing tick control study with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and University of Maryland, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/wildlife or call 410-313-1675.
Mark your calendars and join our Department of Recreation & Parks on October 2 nd to celebrate “Active Aging Week” with our first-ever Encore Showcase at our Meadowbrook Athletic Complex . From 9:00 a.m. to noon, participants 55 years and up can try out FREE activities offered as part of the Department’s Encore programs . Enjoy fun mini fitness sessions, quick art projects, giveaways and more! To learn more, click HERE or contact Ruth Coleman at 410-313-7311 or email rucoleman@howardcountymd.gov .
Upcoming Events and Meetings
August 10 through September 14 - Living Well: Disabetes Self-Management (formerly Living Well with Diabetes)

A community-based workshop to help adults manage Type 2 diabetes or for those who are pre-diabetic. Held Saturdays from August 10 through September from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the  Elkridge 50+ Center  , to register for this FREE workshop, visit  hcgh.org/events  or contact Nicole Becerra at 410-313-3506 for more information.
September 11 - 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

Join myself, my fellow elected officials and members from HCPD, HCDFRS and Howard County Sheriff’s Office, as we will honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, including four victims from Howard County, with a remembrance wreath laying and flag raising ceremony. The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, September 11 at 10:28 a.m., marking the time the North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed, out front the County’s George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City.
September 12 - Howard County Community Forum on Alzheimer’s

Come learn about Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory loss at this community-focused listening session on September 12 th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the County’s George Howard Building. Hear about the basics of Alzheimer’s and available local resources, services and programs. Bring a friend and share your thoughts about how the Alzheimer’s Association and the County’s Office of Aging and Independence can help support you in your journey. Light refreshments will be provided. To register for the forum, click HERE or call 1-800-272-3900. To request ADA accommodations to participate, call 410-313-5955 one week in advance.
September 13 - Visit Howard County Annual Meeting

Visit Howard County will hold its 38 th Annual Meeting on September 13 th from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the new Tenable Building in the Merriweather District. The meeting will feature guest speaker Tom Riford, Assistant Secretary for Maryland Department of Commerce, and the 2019 Visit Howard County Tourism Industry Awards, honoring individuals and businesses for their contributions to Howard County's tourism industry. For tickets, click HERE .
September 14 - Hidden Howard County: African American Sites Tour

Join our Department of Recreation & Parks as they explore the hidden past and local legacy of African Americans through the lens of history and archaeology. On this guided tour, participants will visit some of Howard County’s most significant black history sites, showcasing stories of freedom and perseverance from the 18 th through 21 st centuries. Cost is $25. To register and/or for more information, contact Kelly Palich at 410-313-0423 or email kpalich@howardcountymd.gov .
September 17 - Coffee with a Cop

Join Howard County Police Department (HCPD) for its monthly Coffee with a Cop on Tuesday, September 17 th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Renata’s Tasty Bites, 9350-G Snowden River Parkway in Columbia. 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.
September 19 - Charter Review Commission Public Hearing

Under the County’s Charter, the County Council is required to establish a Charter Review Commission every eight years. Comprised of 15 th county residents, the Commission is tasked with reviewing and making recommendations concerning the Howard County Charter. This past March, the Council approved Resolution No. 18-2019 appointing the 2019 Charter Review Commission. As part of its review, the Commission will host public hearings to gather public input. The Commission’s next public hearing is scheduled for September 19 th at 7:00 p.m. at the North Laurel Community Center . There will be signup sheets available for members of the public to use when they arrive at a public hearing. If possible, those planning to testify are asked to bring 20 copies of written testimony for distribution at the public hearing/ Please note, any testimony submitted to charterreviewcommission@howardcountymd.gov 48 hours prior to a public hearing will be forwarded to the Commission members. For more information and upcoming meeting dates, click HERE or call 410-313-2001.
September 21 - Howard County County's Farm-City Celebration

 The Howard County Farm-City Celebration is 16 days of fun for families, learning experiences for kids of all ages and an opportunity to appreciate the contributions our farms make to the quality of life for all Howard County residents. From September 21 st  thru October 6 th , our local farms will be opening their doors to visitors, offering fall harvest festivals and more. The Howard County Library System will also be hosting a number of agricultural-centered events during this time. To learn more about this year’s Farm-City Celebration and for a complete schedule of events, visit  www.farmheritage.org/farm-city-a.html .
September 21 - Howard County General Hospital Community Companion Information Session

Howard County General Hospital (HCGH) is currently seeking Community Companion volunteers to provide nonmedical support, such as transportation and companionship, to patients. Patients are often older adults who live alone, experience functional impairment and have multiple chronic conditions, such as lung disease or cancer. Community Companion volunteers receive training and are paired with patients based on schedule and need. Interested persons, age 18 or older, are invited to join HCGH at one of three upcoming Community Companion information sessions – September 21stOctober 12 and November 16, held from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Trellis Center, 10760 Hickory Ridge Road, Suite 206 in Columbia. For more information, For more information, visit HCGH.org/j2bhvolunteer , call 410-720-8788 or email hcgh-j2bh@jhmi.edu .
September 21 - 42 nd Annual Korean Festival

Come enjoy this multi-generational celebration of Korean culture, featuring senior line dancing, a traditional Korean cultural performance, taekwondo/martial arts, a Korean calligraphy demonstration and more. For information, visit http://www.koreanmd.org/en/ .
September 21 - 7 th Annual Main Street Music Fest

Ellicott City’s 7 th Annual Main Street Music Fest is back. Inspired by the desire to support and celebrate the best indie artist talent the Mid-Atlantic has to offer, this year’s full day FREE festival will feature three outdoor stages, seven indoor stages, 45+ bands, craft beer and boutique wine gardens, and family friendly activities throughout the historic district. To learn more about this year’s event, click HERE .
September 21 - The Longest Table

Hosted by the Howard County Library System, there’s a place at the table for you! Come mix, mingle and meet new friends at this fun, uplifting community gathering. Share a meal, explore common topics and add your voice to this unique communal experience. Social hour with music, games, a pop-up library and interactive art will begin at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. To learn more about this event and/or to purchase your ticket, visit http://hclibrary.org/classes-events/longesttable/ .
September 22 - Robinson Nature Center’s 8 th Anniversary Open House

Come celebrate the Robinson Nature Center ’s 8th birthday on September 22 nd  with all-day complimentary admission. Come explore the Nature Center’s newly replanted green roof, 2019 ARTsites installation, Nature Place additions and more. Attendees will enjoy live animal demonstrations, guided nature walks, face-painting and shows in the Nature Center’s planetarium. This event is free and open to all ages; however, children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. As on-site parking is limited, attendees are encouraged to carpool. A free shuttle service will also be offered from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab. For more information, including parking details, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/RobinsonAnniversary .
September 29 - Celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month

September is Hispanic Heritage Month! Join the Office of Human Rights for a celebration of the wealth and richness that exists within the Howard County Latin American communities. For this celebration the focus will be on creating space for community members to enjoy the different cultural aspects of the many different Latin American cultures. The first half of the event will include music, dance, art, food, information and more from various Latin American cultures. The second half of the event will be devoted to panelist conveying information on different ways to access resources and recognize discriminatory practices.

3:00 PM -5:30 PM at North Laurel Community Center, North Laurel Community
Center9411 Whiskey Bottom RoadLaurel, MD 20723