Proceeds Will Support Programs & Services for Howard County Families Living With Autism

The Howard County Autism Society (HCAS), a trusted resource to hundreds of individuals and families living with autism in Howard County, MD and the surrounding area, will hold its 11th Annual One Step Closer Walk and 5K Run on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at Centennial Park in Ellicott City, MD. Proceeds from the event will support HCAS' programs and services for individuals on the autism spectrum, their families and the local community.

This annual event brings together those touched by the autism spectrum disorder in a supportive, energizing and fun environment. HCAS provides a place where the local community can benefit from families' collective experience and expertise, helping others navigate the path they themselves have traveled on this journey. All proceeds from the event stay in Howard County and directly impact the lives of children and adults with autism.

The event will feature a timed 5K run around Centennial Lake, a "Lake Walk" of the same distance, and a shorter three-quarter mile "Piece of Cake Walk." We have runners and walkers who participate individually as well as in teams to harness their fundraising power and make this a spirited, hands-on experience! There will be children's activities, including face painting, Star Wars costumed performers, a moon bounce and other inflatable games. The event also features a variety of exhibitor tables for local businesses, organizations and health & human service agencies. Microbusiness owned and operated by those on the autism spectrum will again be highlighted.

Online registration is available at www.howard-autism.kintera.org/onestepcloser2017 through October 4th. Race day registration is available on-site.

Event timeline is as follows: 

9am Registration and packet pick-up, complimentary breakfast for runners, walkers, sponsors. 9:40am Welcome and introductions 

10am Starting time for 5K race participants

10:10am Starting time for walk participants 

11:15am Awards and closing remarks.

BACK TO SCHOOL

School will be back in session soon and there will be a lot of foot traffic along the sidewalks in the community. For the safety of our children and to reduce your liability, assess the condition of the sidewalks all around your home, prune back overhanging hedges or bushes, edge those sidewalks, and limb up the tree branches to a height of at least seven feet. Sidewalks adjacent to one's home in the public right-of-way are the homeowner's responsibility to maintain. Please keep an eye out for stopped school buses, children crossing streets, and children playing on cul'de sacs.

LID THOSE CANS!

When trash is being stored in cans, be sure to have tight-fitting lids to discourage crows, rodents, and other pests from getting into the trash and making a mess. If you take out your trash in bags, be sure to tie the bag tightly and place out no earlier than 6 p.m. the evening prior to your collection day. Any trash left behind by the collection crew must be cleaned up by the residents.

Longfellow - Trash day is Monday, recycling is Thursday.

Swansfield - Trash day is Friday, recycling is Wednesday.

Most of Hobbit's Glen* - Trash day is Monday, recycling is Thursday.

*Hobbit's Glen addresses off Route 108 - Trash day is Tuesday, recycling is Friday.

HURRICANE SEASON IS HEATING UP

Don't wait for trouble; now is the time to assess the trees on your lot for dead limbs or branches that may need pruning. Also, look at the storm drains near your home. Are they free of trash and debris? If blocked, this could cause street flooding in a severe storm. If you are aware of a storm drain that may be blocked, please contact the Dept. of Public Works at 410-313-7450.

The Athletic Club will be closed this summer and will re-open Monday, August 28.