Dear Friends,
Howard County has experienced an extraordinary 18 months of challenges, with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting every facet of our life. The repercussions of this public health crisis inevitably have an impact on the welfare of our residents and public safety.
I invite you to join me and Howard County public safety and human rights officials for a virtual status update and discussion on how we are creating and maintaining a safe and engaged community.
You can ask questions in advance by emailing TownHall@HowardCountymd.gov
Register to watch via WebEx here or watch live on here on my Facebook page. |
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Where is the Best Place to Live in Maryland?
Ellicott City was named the Best Place to Live in Maryland, ranking 10th on Money’s “Best Places to Live” list!
It is humbling to be the only place in Maryland to make the top of this list and is a testament to our continued investment in our quality of life. Ellicott City is such a special place, and it’s wonderful to see it receive well-deserved recognition as one of the best places to live.
From Old Ellicott City’s Main Street to the family-friendly Clark’s Elioak farm, we know that our town has something for everyone. Ellicott City truly embodies the idea of resiliency and community, and we are committed to ensuring it continues to be one of the very places to live, work, and grow. Read more here. |
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COVID-19 Status Update
To date, Howard County has had 21,733 cases of COVID-19 and 262 deaths. As of 9:00am, our 7-day average positivity rate is 2.96% and our 7-day average case rate per 100,000 of our population is 12.9. There are currently 9 COVID-19 patients in both ICU and Acute Care units. Since September 2, there has been an average 15% reduction in new cases.
According to the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), 92.4% of Howard County residents 12+ have received at least one vaccine dose and 86.1% of our eligible population is fully vaccinated. Our higher percentages this week reflect an adjustment by MDH to now include data of residents who were vaccinated in other states. Overall, we've made great progress in vaccinating our eligible residents.
As the delta variant continues to spread and we head towards cooler weather, it’s more important than ever to get vaccinated. We have an abundant supply of vaccine available. Getting vaccinated is the single most effective way to prevent hospitalization or death from COVID-19. If you haven't already received your shot - now's the time.
Getting vaccinated also protects those around you who are not yet eligible for the vaccine. While today Pfizer shared encouraging data on their vaccine trial for 5-11-year-olds, administration can only begin after FDA authorization.
Encourage your family and friends to visit vaccine.howardcountymd.gov to find a clinic nearby. Let’s protect ourselves and our loved ones and put this pandemic behind us once and for all. |
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Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
Every person who gets vaccinated is significantly less likely to get severely ill or die from COVID-19. Now we need your help to convince and support the remaining 38,000 of friends, family and neighbors who haven’t gotten their vaccine, to get one.
The Howard County Health Department is offering vaccine clinics across our county. For more information, and to register for an appointment, please click here.
Additionally, Howard County General Hospital is also offering vaccine clinics to residents. For more information on their efforts, please click here. |
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COVID-19 Testing
If you have:
- recently been to a large gathering or around someone who has attended a large gathering
- concerned that you've been exposed to COVID-19
- or are showing symptoms
I strongly encourage you to get tested as soon as possible. As we see the rise of the Delta variant, please remember that it is possible to have COVID-19 and not have any symptoms.
Additionally, in order to prevent further spread of COVID-19, it’s important that residents who have tested positive work cooperatively with our contact tracers to keep our community safe. We've slowed the spread before, and we can do it again by working together, and taking the precautions we know are effective.
For more information, please click here. |
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Saving Lives - Thank you Park Rangers!
Last week, we joined together to recognize two of our Park Rangers for saving two lives by administering Narcan during a medical emergency at Rockburn Park. This situation could have ended much differently if these two rangers had not been trained in our Overdose Response Program and how to administer Narcan.
In 2021, Narcan was administered in every case of a non-fatal overdose. During the pandemic, our Health Department continued to work with community partners and government departments to train more people in overdose response, including how to administer Narcan in an emergency. These efforts have resulted in real results and lives saved.
Thank you to Tabitha Kanagie and Ian Smith for their quick action, and to the many others who arrived on the scene to help saves lives that day. Please, join me in sending them a note of gratitude. Read more about their story here. |
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Happy Birthday to the Mall in Columbia!
The Mall in Columbia is a center of community life, a gathering spot where young parents bring their children, where teens meet their friends, where we shop, dine, and visit with one another. It’s a place that is the centerpiece of Jim Rouse’s vision of a planned a community – a place where people of all background can come together to cultivate relationships and support our local businesses.
Happy 50th birthday to the Mall in Columbia! We wish you another amazing 50 years and beyond.
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Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!
I was thrilled to join the Baltimore Marathi Mandal MD for their Maha Ganeshotsav 2021 festival in honor of Ganesh Chaturthi. Thank you to Rohit, Sameer, and all volunteers for putting together this important event. May all be blessed with happiness, prosperity, and peace.
Ganpathi Bappa, Morya!
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New Fire Building for Lisbon
For more than 75 years, the incredible Lisbon Volunteer Fire Company has served our western Howard County community, and throughout that time, the need and demand for their services only grew. I was proud to join them to dedicate this new and improved facility to the Lisbon Volunteer Fire Company. This new space will provide safer conditions for our volunteer firefighters, with an EMS decontamination room, negative pressure gear turnout storage, and vehicle emission reduction.
Please, join me in thanking all of those in service who volunteer their time to make our community the best and safest place for all.
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Celebrating Community with Music
The Main Street Music Fest is a wonderful celebration of the best indie artist talent the Mid Atlantic has to offer. I was so glad to stop by the festival to enjoy some great tunes and even better company. There were five outdoor stages and three indoor venues, which means there was something for everyone.
Special thank you to the Ellicott City Partnership and all our Main Street businesses and partners for their work to make this event amazing.
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Putting Food on the Table
In Howard County, 1 in 4 residents struggle to make ends meet. This is a simple way of saying they struggle to pay rent, buy food and pay their utility bills. September is Hunger Action Month, and it’s important that we are all doing our part to ensure all our residents have access to food, so no one goes to bed hungry.
Bita Dayhoff, and the entire Community Action Council of Howard County, are hard at work year round to ensure all our residents have the resources needed to live their best lives. This Hunger Awareness Month, take a moment to help our neighbors in need. Donate to the CAC here
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Welcome Back Facci Ristorante!
There's a new restaurant in Fulton!
I was thrilled to join Gino and Pilar for the grand re-opening of Facci Ristorante! They are dedicated to transporting your taste buds back to the streets of old Napoli for a truly authentic pizza experience.
Let's continue to support our small, local businesses! Learn more about them here. |
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Donate A Bike for Kidz
Free Bikes 4 Kidz Maryland wants to give away 1500 bikes to local children in need by year end. You can help by donating your unneeded bikes at any Howard County fire station from 9 AM to 2 PM on October 2. Volunteers will spend the next ten weeks refurbishing them so that they can be given away in mid-December.
Free Bikes 4 Kidz Maryland is a Howard County-based nonprofit organization geared toward helping all children ride into a happier, healthier childhood by providing bikes to those most in need. In the past two years, they have donated nearly 1500 bicycles to children identified by schools, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. For more information: fb4kmaryland.org
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Honoring our Armed Forces
It was a pleasure to attend the dedication ceremony for the Blue Star Memorial Marker to honor all the public servants who have served in our Nation’s Armed Forces. I’m so grateful for the Howard County Garden Club, Howard County Library System, Howard County Recreation and Parks - Horticulture & Land Management Division and the Joint Military Council of Howard County who made this memorial a reality at the Miller Branch Library. I’m especially grateful for our Maryland Chapter Chesapeake Blue Stars Mothers who helped spearhead this project.
Thank you to all our Veterans for their service to our community and country. With this memorial, their legacy can live on for generations.
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Bon Appetit!
Maryland Restaurant Weeks is officially underway! COVID-19 has significantly impacted our food industry, and many of our small, local restaurants are enduring its long-lasting effects.
The second Maryland Restaurant Weeks runs through September 26th, and there is no better time to show support for our local restaurants, and try something new!
Howard County has many amazing participating restaurants. Find the entire list here. |
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Grabbing a Tasty Empanada
Did you know you can get delicious Paraguayan food right here in Howard County? Thanks to Lourdes Karina Pinto and her love of cooking and culture, we have Tasty Empanadas here in our community!
Residents can enjoy empanadas, chipa, alfajores, and more at this restaurant in The Common Kitchen. Consider ordering take out or delivery today, and please, continue to support our local Latinx small businesses and restaurants throughout Hispanic Heritage month.
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Supporting our Local Stylists!
It was a pleasure to visit recipients of our HoCo RISE Business grants. Supporting our small, local businesses is vital to ensuring the economic vitality of our community, and I’m so grateful to these entrepreneurs for their invaluable talent. Thank you to David Roberts, Crystal Slack Kochis, Kelly Hoffacker, and massage therapist Michelle S Taylor Rmp.
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Have you applied for the Homeowners' Property Tax Credit?
The State of Maryland has developed a program which allows credits against a homeowner's property tax bill if the property taxes exceed a fixed percentage of the person's gross income. The deadline to apply is October 1st, 2021, but I strongly encourage you to apply today and share this with those who may benefit from this credit.
For more information and to apply, please click here. |
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Department of Community Resources and Services |
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The Human Touch Mosaic Project Big Reveal
Our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence and The American Visionary Art Museum invite residents to join them this Friday, September 24th at 10:30 a.m. for the big reveal of their newest collaborative Mosaic Project, “The Human Touch.” Located outside the North Laurel 50+ Center, Center members help create the mosaic’s individual tiles virtually from kits at home (due to the COVID-19 pandemic), which were then assembled into a stunning eight-panel mosaic. Those interested in participating in the event can either attend in-person or virtually via Webex (meeting #180 572 4997 and password: Summerfun50+). For more information and/or to RSVP if attending in-person, please call 410-313-0380.
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Howard County’s Landlord-Tenant Virtual Forum
On October 7th, DCRS’ Consumer Protection Advisory Board will be hosting a virtual forum, “Navigating the Landlord /Tenant Relationship,” to educate and inform those who own or rent properties in Howard County. The forum will feature a panel of experts from Howard County Government agencies and community partners, who will discuss landlord/tenant laws, eviction prevention, discriminatory practices, housing voucher programs and the responsibilities of both tenants and landlords. The forum will take place via Webex from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on the 7th and is free. To register to participate, click HERE and/or for more information, contact the Office of Consumer Protection at 410-313-6420 or email consumer@howardcountymd.gov.
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Howard County Fallen Heroes Tribute
As announced back in May, to honor Howard County residents who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, DCRS’ Office of Veteran and Military Families (OVMF) is launching a Fallen Heroes Tribute webpage. If you know a county resident whose story of valor you’d like to share on our new website, I encourage you to complete and submit OVMF’s Fallen Heroes Form today.
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Made with Love: Knit or Crochet Scarves and Hats for Deployed Soldiers
Now through Friday, November 5th, OVMF is collecting handmade scarves and hats to send with care packages to our deployed military members. Scarves should be four to six inches wide and 48 to 50 inches long without fringe and hats should fit an adult-size head, and can be made from wool, acrylic or non-flammable fleece, in shades of blues, browns, olive, grays, maroon, black or red/white/blue combinations. Please be sure to pin a note to each scarf or hat with the yarn fiber contents listed, and feel free to include a personal note for a military member as well. Handmade items can be dropped off at one of 10 locations in Howard County by the 5th at the latest.
For more information about this initiative, please contact Ms. Lisa Terry with OVMF at 410-313-0821 or lbterry@howardcountymd.gov.
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Grand Marshal Sought for Howard County’s 2021 Veterans Day Parade
The Howard County Veterans Foundation is NOW accepting nominations of Howard County first responders for the Howard County Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshal. This year’s Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshal theme is Veterans Supporting First Response. The Grand Marshal is an honorary title bestowed upon an individual who represents the values and moral fiber of what it means to be a member of the Howard County community of Veterans and military families. The Grand Marshal is recognized at the parade and lakefront ceremony and participates in the parade, whenever possible, riding or walking with the designated Grand Marshal float. To learn more about the qualifications and nomination process, click HERE.
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Office of Emergency Management |
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September is National Preparedness Month and all month long, our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will be sharing facts and helpful tips on its social media channels (Facebook and Twitter) on how you, your family and/or organization/business can "Prepare to Protect” in order to ensure you are ready when disaster strikes. You can also find preparedness tips and information about our local hazards on OEM's "Ready HoCo" website at readyhoco.com. So please, take the time this September to get involved, be informed, build a kit and make a plan.
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Howard County Health Department |
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Third Dose for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised
In case you missed it, the Howard County Health Department (HCHD) is now administering third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to those considered moderately to severely immunocompromised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at all of its COVID-19 vaccine clinics. While a complete list of those currently eligible for a third dose can be found on the CDC's website, individuals should still first talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition on whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them. Individuals identified as needing a third dose can make an appointment for any HCHD vaccine clinic online or by calling 410-313-6284.
For those that received the Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, as noted on HCHD's website, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and CDC have not yet authorized this vaccine for an additional dose as there is not enough data at this time to determine whether immunocompromised people who received this vaccine also have an improved antibody response following an additional dose of the same vaccine.
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Request COVID-19 Vaccination Records
Misplaced you COVID-19 Vaccination Card? Never fear! You can easily request your vaccination records the Maryland Department of Health’s “Maryland MyIR” website. Maryland MyIR is a free website service that allows residents to view and print copies of their official vaccination records directly from ImmuNet, Maryland's immunization information system. ImmuNet is used by healthcare providers to securely maintain vaccination records for Maryland residents of all ages.
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Office of Human Rights and Equity |
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¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month to our Hispanic, Latino/a, and Spanish speaking community members. This month-long celebration, which runs from September 15th to October 15th provides us with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and learn more about the cultural contributions and triumphs of Latin people across the diaspora, but particularly within the United States. I encourage all residents to take join our Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) this month to explore Hispanic and Latino history, music, art, food, literature and more. For a list of events and activities OHRE is offering this Hispanic Heritage Month, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/OHRE today. All month long, OHRE will also be sharing a variety of things on its social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and I invite you to follow them along!
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Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana a los miembros de nuestra comunidad hispana, latina y hispanohablante. Esta celebración de un mes, que se celebra del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre, nos da una maravillosa oportunidad para celebrar y aprender más sobre las contribuciones culturales y los triunfos de los latinos en todo el hemisferio, pero particularmente los dentro de los Estados Unidos. Aliento a todos los residentes a acompañar nuestra Oficina de Derechos Humanos y Equidad (OHRE) este mes para explorar la historia, la música, el arte, la gastronomía, la literatura hispana y latina y más. Para obtener una lista de eventos y actividades que ofrece la OHRE este Mes de la Herencia Hispana, visite www.howardcountymd.gov/OHRE. Durante todo el mes, la OHRE también compartirá una variedad de cosas en sus cuentas de redes sociales (Facebook, Twitter e Instagram) y les invito a seguirlas.
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Virtual Community Listening Session
OHRE wants to hear from you. I invite you to join the Office this Thursday, September 23rd from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. for its next Virtual Community Listening session to share your compliments, concerns and suggestions regarding how the Office can create a more equitable and inclusive community, important issues our community is facing regarding discrimination, equity and inclusion, and what services, programming and resources residents would like to see OHRE implement. To register for this event, click HERE and/or for more information, contact the Office at 410-313-6430 or email ohreoutreach@howardcountymd.gov.
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Amazing Race: A Trip to Latin America
I invite you to join OHRE this Friday, September 24th, as it takes a “trip” to Latin America to explore the different Latin American cultures that contribute to the beautiful mosaic that is Howard County. The event will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Miller Branch Library at 9421 Frederick Road in Ellicott City; please note, masks must be worn at all times. To register for this event, click HERE.
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Afro-Latino: Dual Ethnicity & The Experiences of Black Latinos in the U.S.
Mark your calendar for October 14th and join us OHRE a virtual lunch and learn that will explore the cultural diversity within Latin American cultures. Set to begin at noon, this hour-long event will include a presentation on the African roots of various Latin American cultures and conversation between Afro-Latinos about their experience within the United States as persons with dual ethnicities. To learn more and/or to register for this event, click HERE.
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Humanity Matters Dialogue Series is Back
OHRE’s Outreach Unit’s Humanity Matters Dialogue Series is set to return Wednesday, October 20th (please note this new start date from what was previously announced). Through this award-winning series, participants learn how to authentically interact with people from different races and cultures through the sharing of dialogue, historical and socio-economic data, all while gaining effective communication skills with the intention of creating a more inclusive and supportive community. To register for this five-part series, click HERE. For questions and/or more information about this or future workshops and training opportunities, please contact OHRE at 410-313-6430 or email OHRoutreach@howardcountymd.gov.
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#HoCoYouth Speaker Series
This Diversity Awareness Month, OHRE has partnered with Mount Hebron High School (MHHS) to put on a youth-led speaker series on diversity, inclusion and cultural awareness. The series will feature students of a variety of different racial, ethnic, gender and religious backgrounds from six of Howard County’s high schools. These students will tackle some of diversity and inclusion’s most difficult topics, such as the racialized experience of Asian Americans, the importance of diversity in the classroom, religious diversity and acceptance, and the liminality of race and the biracial experience. The event will take place Thursday, October 26th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at MHHS, located at 9440 Old Frederick Road in Ellicott City, and masks are required. For more information and/or register for this event, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/OHRE today.
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Department of Planning & Zoning |
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Design Advisory Panel Meeting
Our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Design Advisory Panel will be holding a VIRTUAL meeting this Wednesday, September 22nd at 7:00 p.m. to hear the following agenda items:
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Review of Plan No. 21-10, Southlake Medical Office Building in Columbia.
- Review and comment on submitted updates to the stairs and landscaping for the Cross Keys Inn addition.
To register in advance to participate in this meeting, click HERE. If you only want to listen to the meeting call 1-650-479-3207 at the meeting time. When prompted, enter 2311 679 5791 as the event access code.
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. You can use DPZ’s DAP interactive map to see which properties may be subject to DAP review. For DAP’s Rules of Procedure, click HERE. For questions and/or more information about DAP, contact the DPZ at 410-313-2350 or email dap@howardcountymd.gov.
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HoCo By Design Special Presentation on New Town
Join DPZ’s HoCo By Design team for a Draft Plan Workshop Series Special Presentation on New Town, highlighting the application of specific design concepts in the New Town/Columbia community. The virtual meeting will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 22nd and will explain how the designs have progressed since the May and July New Town/Columbia design sessions, prior to their incorporation into the draft plan document later this fall. To register to participate in this special presentation, click HERE: note, you must register by 9:00 a.m. on the 22nd. The special presentation will also be livestreamed.
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Planning Board Meeting
DPZ’s Planning Board will be holding a VIRTUAL meeting this Thursday, September 23rd at 7:00 p.m. to hear the following agenda items:
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SDP-21-030, Roslyn Rise, Village of Wilde Lake, Section 10, Area 4, Lot 2, Columbia – the Petitioner requests to approve the Site Development Plan for two apartment buildings with a total of 153 units and open space improvements
- Rules of Procedure
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. To register for Thursday’s virtual meeting, visit HERE prior to 7:00 p.m., tomorrow Wednesday, September 22nd.
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Notice for Those Who Recently Filed an Unemployment Insurance Fraud Claim
In case you missed it, HCPD’s Financial Crimes Unit is continuing to investigate hundreds of Unemployment Insurance fraud claims that have been received through its online reporting (Coplogic) system. Understandably, many of those reporting a fraud claim prefer not to provide certain personal information due to concerns of further identity theft. However, in order to track a person's claim, the Maryland Department of Labor requires certain information be provided. Those falling into this category will be receiving an email from HCPD with instructions on how to proceed, to include contact information for the investigating detective and how to provide their information directly to a uniformed HCPD officer, if preferred. Please DO NOT call 911 to provide the requested information. For questions and/or to speak to someone further regarding this matter, please contact HCPD directly at 410-313-3200.
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Department of Public Works
Informational Meeting to be Held Regarding Rogers Avenue Improvement Project
Our Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold an informational public meeting on Thursday, September 30th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Oella Room at Roger Carter Community Center, located at 3000 Milltowne Drive, in Ellicott City, to discuss the study, design and planned improvements to Rogers Avenue between US 40 and Court House Drive. DPW’s Transportation and Special Projects Division plans to modify Rogers Avenue to enable safe access to drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists by adding center turn lanes and crosswalks, as well as bike lanes and sidewalks along both sides of the roadway. The existing culvert will also be upgraded to meet current County criteria to pass a 100-year storm. This project is expected to begin in fall 2022 pending land acquisition.
While there will be no formal presentation, the design plans will be available for public viewing and staff members will be on hand to explain the proposed work, answer any questions and gather public comments. Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the proposed plans and/or have questions regarding the project should contact Mr. Thomas Auyeung with DPW’s Transportation and Special Projects Division at 410-313-6142 or email tauyeung@howardcountymd.gov.
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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.
Ellicott City
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Old Willow Way Stream Stabilization (Capital Project D-1158) – Project to stabilize a portion of stream near the Centennial Park North Area pedestrian. The project is not expected to impact the pedestrian trail or vehicular traffic in the project area and weather permitting, is expected to be completed by late December 2021.
Past Project Updates - Completed
Elkridge
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Anderson Avenue Water Main (Capital Project W-8303) – Project to replace approximately 1,000 feet of eight-inch water main with a new 12-inch main along Anderson Avenue between Mound Street and Hanover Road.
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Calvert Ridge Pond (Capital Project D-1177) – Project to repair and improve a storm water management pond adjacent to 7078 Calvert Drive.
To learn about DPW 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 (SHA) “Project Portal” website.
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Maryland State Highway Administration
SHA to Improve Roadway Surface on MD 32
The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun overnight work to improve the roadway surface on MD 32 between the Anne Arundel County line, south of Dorsey Run Road, and US 1 in the Savage area in Howard County. Crews will work overnight Sundays through Thursdays from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following morning, patching potholes and resurfacing both directions of MD 32. Electronic signs, cones and barrels will be in place to alert motorists about the work zone Weather permitting, the project is expected to be complete this fall.
SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers. Motorists are reminded to stay alert, focus on driving and look for reduced speed limits, as well as other driving pattern changes, and asked to drive like you work here and slowdown in construction zones.
For more information about this work, please contact SHA at 410-545-0303.
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MD 108 Improvement Project Underway
Additionally, an SHA roadway improvement project to patch potholes and resurface both directions of MD 108 between Linden Linthicum Lane in Clarksville and the Little Patuxent River bridge (east of Davidge Drive) in Columbia/Ellicott City is also currently underway. Crews will work overnight Sundays through Thursdays from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following morning. However, there may also be daytime work on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Flagging operations, electronic signs, cones and barrels will be in place to alert and guide motorists through the work zone. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed this fall.
Again, motorists are reminded to stay alert, focus on driving and look for reduced speed limits, as well as other driving pattern changes. Remembers to drive like you work here and slowdown in construction zones.
For more information about this work, please contact SHA at 410-545-0303.
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Department of Recreation and Parks |
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Public Input Sought for Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan
Every five years, our Department of Recreation and Parks (DRP) completes its Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan (LPPRP), a comprehensive plan that guides the Department on key issues, trends and plans for managing and enhancing its preserved public lands, facilities and programs. As we prepare our 2022 LPPRP, I, along with DRP and our Recreation & Parks Advisory Board, seek your input on the plan to ensure we continue to provide the best parks, facilities and recreation opportunities for everyone in our community. The LPPRP is the first step in receiving Program Open Space grants, which have funded many of Howard County’s largest and most popular parks, including the recently opened ‘Play-for-All’ playground at Blandair Park.
This Wednesday, September 22nd, during its monthly Recreation & Parks Advisory Board meeting, the County’s consultant will present its strategy and progress in developing the County’s 2022 LPPRP. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the plan and provide input on their personal experiences and needs as it relates to HCRP’s programs and facilities. The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will take place at the Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, located at 5001 Meadowbrook Lane in Ellicott City. Those unable to attend the meeting, can email questions and comments to HCRPBoard@howardcountymd.gov by no later than 9:00 a.m. tomorrow, September 21st.
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Financial Fitness for Women with Fran Makino
Beginning this Wednesday, September 22nd, join instructor Fran Makino for Financial Fitness for Women. A basic personal finance class, participants will learn about cash, stocks, bonds, mutual
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Monarch Butterfly StoryWalk
Now through Sunday, September 26th, take a “StoryWalk” with HCRP and the Howard County Library System along the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA). A StoryWalk is a deconstructed children’s book made into signs placed along a trail where visitors can stroll and follow the story from page to page. Come celebrate the fall Monarch butterfly migration this month as you read pages from local author and environmentalist Julie Dunlap’s new book, Janey Monarch Seed.
As part of the Monarch Butterfly StoryWalk, HCRP will also be hosting a book signing along with a Monarch tagging demonstration and milkweed seed packet craft activity on September 16th from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
The StoryWalk Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
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Advanced Bird ID
If you found a love for birdwatching during the pandemic, I invite you to join Park Ranger Erin – resident bird expert, on September 24th and/or October 16th to hone your bird identification skills as you explore different bird habitats in Howard County. Participants will learn to distinguish unique bird calls, predict identifications by habitat and behavior, and use their powers of observation to spot native bird species, and maybe a migrating avian friend or two. Recreation & Parks’ Advanced Bird ID programs are open to birders 13 years and older and will be held at Font Hill Park on the 24th and West Friendship Park on the 16th. For more information and/or to register for one of these two program dates, click HERE or call 410-313-4700.
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Little History Explorers Preschool Programs
Parents/guardians let your little ones embark on an adventure this fall with Recreation & Parks’ Little History Explorers preschool programs. This month, Recreation & Parks’ little history explorers became junior archaeologists. They explored the ruins at the Patapsco Female Institute through an ABC Scavenger Hunt, learned about the past through a trash pit excavation and studied plants and vegetables through Paleobotany. To learn more about this educational, interactive and fun program, including a list of upcoming Little History Explorers programs, visit https://tinyurl.com/LittleHistoryExplorersFall2021 or contact Kelly Palich at 410-313-0423 or email kpalich@howardcountymd.gov.
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Belmont Manor Now Accepting Wedding Reservations for Summer 2022
The County’s Belmont Manor is now accepting weddings for summer 2022. Enjoy in the rich history and breathtaking garden views of this historical gem and one of Howard County’s truly unique rental venues on your special day. For more information, call 410-313-0200 or email belmontmanormd@howardcountymd.gov.
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Gary J. Arthur Community Center Closed for Renovation Work
Howard County Recreation and Parks' (HCRP) Gary J. Arthur Community Center is currently closed due to ongoing gym floor renovation work. HCRP made the decision to temporarily close the facility due to the strong chemical odors from primer and finishes used during the project. Work permitting, the Department expects to reopen the Community Center this Saturday, September 25th. We thank you for your patience and understanding.
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Atholton Park Handball Courts Closed for Renovations
As shared last week, the handball courts at HCRP’s Atholton Park at 6875 Greenleigh Drive in Columbia, will be closed for approximately six weeks to allow for renovations. Improvements to the courts include resurfacing and painting of the interior walls along with access door replacements. During this project, the adjacent pickleball courts will also be briefly closed to allow for the resurfacing and painting of the shared wall between the handball and pickleball courts.
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Haunted Experience Volunteers
HCRP is seeking volunteers 16 years or older for its October Haunted Experience at Rockburn Branch Park. Event dates are October 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 30th. For more information and/or to apply, please email Melissa Byrne at mbyrne@howardcountymd.gov.
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Stay Up-to-Date with Recreation & Parks News By Joining Its Email List
Want the latest Department of Recreation & Parks events and activity news delivered straight to your inbox? Then I encourage you to sign up today for Recreation & Park’s mailing list by clicking HERE.
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Public Feedback Sought for Oakland Mills Road Complete Streets Project Draft Final Design
Oakland Mills Road Complete Streets project, which encompasses Oakland Mills Road from Old Montgomery Road to Snowden River Parkway. The Office conducted a Complete Streets corridor study of this segment of roadway, and based on further analysis, is advancing improvements from Dobbin Road to Old Montgomery Road. The final design plans and construction schedule are now available HERE and feedback and/or questions can be submitted by email to the Office at transportation@howardcountymd.gov by no later than September 28, 2021.
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Grab Your Bike and Join the Fun this Cycle September
Whether a novice or expert bike rider, our Office of Transportation is encouraging county residents to join riders from around the world as they take part this month in the global bike challenge, “Cycle September.” This fun, friendly competition challenges individuals, communities and businesses to see which can get the most family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to ride a bike during the month of September. Essentially, Cycle September is all about riding your bike and encouraging others to ride too, and the best part, participating is easy! All you need to do is ride for 10 minutes to get into the prize drawings and help your organization climb the leaderboard. You can ride anywhere, any time – i.e. it doesn’t have to be a commute to work to count. If you want to ride for more than 10 minutes, even better! To register for this FREE event and/or for more information, visit www.lovetoride.net/centralmd today.
Brought to use by the folks at Love to Ride, Love to Ride is a fun, free online platform that encourages and supports individuals, workplaces and communities to ride their bikes. It doesn't matter if you ride every day or if you have not ridden a bike in years, Love to Ride offers plenty of tools to help you get back on.
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Car Free Day
In addition to Cycle September, which encourages residents to hop on a bike throughout the month of September, this Wednesday, September 22nd is Car Free Day. Car Free Day is a worldwide event that encourages greener methods of travel, i.e. finding other ways to get around other than driving alone by car. Greener methods of travel include biking, walking and public, as well as carpooling, vanpooling and teleworking from home. By choosing to use more sustainable ways to get around, you are reducing your carbon footprint and helping reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion. Just think about it, the more people who travel using bicycles, buses, trains, carpools and vanpools, the fewer pollutants we are releasing into the atmosphere.
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