Welcome to the first "Deb's District Update." I'm excited and honored to be your council representative and am looking forward to serving you for the next four years. I have enjoyed meeting many of you at your homes, community meetings, events, and forums, and I hope to continue our conversations about what matters to you and our community. This newsletter will feature information about what's happening in District 4, from construction projects and zoning requests to the many musical, theatrical, and family-oriented events that take place every weekend. Please continue to share your dreams, concerns, and wishes with me during these next four years as we continue to shape Howard County's future.
Let’s be in touch!
Deb
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Our Shared Vision
We are consistently ranked one of the best places to live in the country. As your council member, I will work with you to ensure that the values and traditions that brought us here will continue to be in the forefront. Centered on the many important conversations I have had with you along the way, I've begun working on an ambitious agenda. Below are a few of the matters that require attention:
Community Improvements:
We are a walkable and bikable area but Cedar Lane, our primary access route to schools and recreation needs important safety improvements.
Housing Accessibility
: Our seniors and disabled community need housing options and I am passionate about this issue.
Environmental Sustainability:
As we grow, we need to ensure adequate stormwater management, green space, connectivity to parks and recreation, and balanced development.
School Excellence:
Our schools must have appropriate funding, resources, and capital investment in order to continue educating young minds and achieve the high standards expected by Howard County residents.
I hope you will participate in the upcoming legislative and budget sessions and continue to be actively engaged in the course of this process.
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There are three District 4-specific pre-submission and public hearings scheduled for January: Erickson at Limestone Valley, The Howard Research & Development Corp., and Enterprise Homes. Visit the county's interactive
Development Plans
tool for meeting dates and descriptions.
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Below are some of the events and meetings I have recently attended. Let us know about your Community Activities so I can stop by, if possible.
12.6 - Sierra Club Potluck Dinner
12.7 Legislative Breakfast with the Autism Society & The ARC of Howard County
12.7 - Christmas Tree Lighting and Reception
12.7 - Downtown Columbia Festive Friday Cocktail Crawl
12.12 HCPSS School Health Council Meeting
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I am proud to announce that I will be serving in the following leadership positions:
- Zoning Board, Vice Chair
- Liquor Board, Chair
- Maryland Association of Counties (MACo), Delegate.
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This Month's
Non-Profit Spotlight
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The Arc of Howard County is a private nonprofit organization that began as a parent support group in 1961.
Its initial grassroots support has grown into a multi-service agency that serves nearly 300 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Program areas include residential, community integration services (day, supported retirement, and community development), supported employment, personal supports, ISS and respite.
Click
here
to learn more.
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Voices of the Villages & HOAs
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Potholes Be Gone
Got potholes and other repair requests? Report the problem and track the solution through
SeeClickFix
. Create a login, set your location, and rest assured that the county is working for you.
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Festive Friday
Family Fun
December 14
6pm- 8pm
Downtown Columbia Lakefront
A live ice sculptor, holiday-themed photo booth, cookies and hot chocolate, arts and crafts, strolling characters, music and dance will be featured Dec. 14, from 6-8 p.m., at the Lakefront. Admission is free, but RSVP through
Evenbrite
.
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Click
here
for more information.
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Singular Sensations Annual Holiday Art Show 2018
NOW thru December 16th, 9:30am - 9pm
Columbia Art Center, 6100 Foreland Garth, Columbia
This annual show features a wide selection of art for sale at $200 or less. Ideal for holiday shopping and home decorating!
For more information please call 410-730-0075 or
email
.
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Beary Merry at The Mall in Columbia
NOW thru December 31st
10am - 9pm
The Mall in Columbia
10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 1600, Management Office, Columbia
Scavenger Hunt & Sweepstakes
Beary Merry Scavenger Hunt:
Simply follow the map to find bears that are hiding throughout The Mall in Columbia and check off where you saw them.
When you find at least seven, head over to Gymboree for a beary special gift*.
Call 410-730-3300 if you have questions.
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Winter Break Meals
Lunches for Howard County children will be served from 11:30am to 1pm, December 27-28 at the following locations:
- The Bain 50+ Center – 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia
- Howard County Library System East Columbia Branch – 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia
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