September 30, 2019
Dear Friends,

To those celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, I hope this year brings happiness, health, and continued blessings for you and your loved ones!
 
As we reflect on the past year, let us come together as a community united by compassion for one another. Together, we can make all the days ahead kinder and brighter.
 
Shana tova!
This Week in HoCo
PlanHoward Academy Expansion
Achieving the continued prosperity of Howard County is going to take all of us working together. We are expanding our award-winning PlanHoward Academy to offer more residents interactive opportunities to learn about their community and their government.
 
I encourage you to apply if you are interested in becoming an informed community leader and passionate about shaping a brighter future for Howard County.
 
The free classes are held once a week over five consecutive weeks and are taught by a team of County staff from the Department of Planing and Zoning (DPZ) and Office of Law. The classes include interactive activities, group discussions and take-home exercises. Students who attend the classes receive a certificate at the conclusion of the Academy. Sign up here .
New Busboys and Poets
Last week, we broke ground on the “Busboys and Poets” coming to Howard County! Our community places value on inclusion, culture, learning, empowerment, and the arts, which will make us a perfect home for the flagship Busboys & Poets, as we continue to create a vibrant, fun, and walkable hub in Columbia.
 
Busboys & Poets is beloved across the DC-metro area for good food, wonderful books, and exciting arts and lecture events. We are thrilled to welcome them to our new Merriweather District, where they will join some of the nation’s the best entertainment amenities, innovative businesses, and natural beauty. The future of the best city in America continues to grow brighter. Watch the ground-breaking here .
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

This Hispanic Heritage Month, I joined Howard County Office of Human Rights to celebrate the vast Hispanic diversity in our community. Throughout the month, let us come together to honor the cultures of our Hispanic and Latino residents and renew the bonds of our common humanity.
Howard County Farm-City Celebration
The annual Howard County Farm-City Celebration is a special opportunity to bring together our rural and urban communities. From the abundance of our agriculture to the excitement of Downtown Columbia and Ellicott City, our county is fortunate to have an incredible diversity of communities. For a morning, I traded places with Caitlin Patrick from the MD Maple Dell farm.
 
While I was "Farmer Ball," Caitlin experienced what it's like to be County Executive for the day. As Farmer Ball, I fed calves, forked ground silage, and visited Sunflowers of Lisbon. As County Executive Patrick, Caitlin had the opportunity to learn more about our Howard County Police Department and Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services. I'm glad we were both able to experience our home county from a new perspective! Watch what my day was like here .
LGBTQ+ History Month

October marks LGBTQ+ History Month. It’s a time where we come together to celebrate gay rights, recognize the strides made by our LGBTQ+ community, and unite to do better. I had a wonderful time celebrating with PFLAG Howard County!
New Emergency Plan
Our new “County Comprehensive Emergency Response and Recovery Plan” (CERRP) ensures that Howard County is ready for any threat we might face. Thank you to our Howard County Office of Emergency Management for your vigilance to keep us all safe! The CERRP updates and replaces the 2015 Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and incorporates lessons learned from the 2016 and 2018 Ellicott City floods. The CERRP encompasses emergency preparedness, response, and recovery tasks, and guides a more seamless transition from response to recovery. The CERRP Base Plan can be viewed here: http://ow.ly/EzoW50wtqD2
Congrats Clarksville Middle!

Please, join me in congratulating Clarksville Middle for being named a 2019 Blue Ribbon School! They were selected for the Exemplary High Performing Schools category, which honors the state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Congratulations to all our Comets!
Mary’s Land Farm Goes Solar

To help kick off Mary's Land Farm's “Hive Vintage & Handmade Market” weekend, I stopped by to cut the ribbon on their new solar array. This project will offset all of the farm’s energy needs and save more than $750,000 over the life of the system. I am proud that Howard County is also increasing our use of solar power, in order to safeguard the future of our community. Thanks to Mary’s Land Farm and everyone who supports renewable energy!
22 Push Up Challenge

Every day, an estimated 22 veterans take their own lives. It’s important to raise awareness for our veterans, who served our country, and the mental challenges they may face. I was glad to join NAACP Howard County, along with Howard County Police Department and Howard County Sheriff's Office, to kick off the 22 Push Up Challenge. Together, we can raise awareness about mental health challenges, end the stigma around speaking up, and provide help to those in need.
Small Business Summit

Howard County spends an average of $220 million annually on various goods and services. Join me, along with Howard County Economic Development Authority and Howard County Chamber of Commerce, for my 2019 Small Business Summit to learn more about how to bid and win small business contracts.

The Summit is October 15th, from 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Columbia East. Register here today: https://bit.ly/2ynbpSe
Troop 944 visit

I was so glad to join Scout Troop 944 last week to celebrate the members who received First Class Ranking and talk about civic engagement. Out future depends on our education as citizens and our devotion to the principles set down in the Constitution. As our next voters, our next elected officials, and our next community leaders, I'm confident these scouts will help keep our republic in good hands.
Public Safety Forum

Howard County is consistently ranked one of the nation’s safest communities, thanks to the dedicated service of our public safety officials. Last week, we brought Police Chief Myers, Fire Chief Uhlhorn, State’s Attorney Gibson, Sheriff Harris, and Deputy Director of the Office of Emergency Management Michael Hinson together for a community forum on all safety-related issues. 

At this forum, we discussed the current opioid crisis, crime statistics for the County, and provided information on how each of our public safety officials can be of service. Thank you for joining us to discuss safety issues and help ensure that everyone can be safe, and feel safe, in their neighborhood.
Ravens Community Service

As a former Emergency Medical Technician, I understand the importance of learning to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on all ages. It is why I was so glad to join Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services to welcome United Way, and the Baltimore Ravens for the Huddle for 100: Caw to Action CPR training initiative. Special thank you to Gus Edwards, Tim Williams, and R.J. Prince for joining us in Howard County! Together, we can save more lives.
Bridges of HOPE Honorees

There are many members of our community who are suffering in the dark. I joined Bridges of HOPE for their Community Luncheon to recognize the individuals and organizations who help our friends in need. We need to expand the flame of opportunity and feed the fires of hope. This only happens when we work together to spread the light to those around us.
 
Congratulations to the honorees Nancy Adams Personnel, Community Foundation of Howard County, and Women's Giving Circle.
19th Annual BikeAbout

I was glad to join Columbia Archives and Columbia Association for the 19th Annual BikeAbout this weekend, and learn more about the rich history of Howard County! It is always a great opportunity to enjoy the pathways around the Long Reach Village.
WaKenya Picnic

Howard County is blessed to be home to a diverse array of cultures and backgrounds. It’s truly a privilege for the opportunity to commemorate them. I was excited to join WaKenya of Howard County for their annual picnic to celebrate Kenyan culture.
 
At the picnic, I was pleased to meet Naomi Mburu who recently graduated from UMBC with a Bachelors in Chemical Engineering. Naomi is the first Rhodes Scholar selected from UMBC. I’m excited to see what the future holds for her and wish her the best of luck as she pursues her studies!
Alpha Achievers Leadership Conference

There is nothing more rewarding than meeting our youth and inspiring them to find their respective unique paths. I was pleased to join Alpha Achievers at their leadership conference to encourage them to work hard for their goals and strive for nothing less than excellence.
Annual Elder Empowerment Summit

It’s important that all our residents are aware of and have access to pertinent resources and support services. Thank you to NAACP Howard County for informing our older residents at the Annual Elder Empowerment Summit. Together, we can build the best age-friendly community in our region.
Lifetime Achievement Award for Fred Dorsey

Fred Dorsey is a respected local historian whose research and preservation efforts allow us to share the county’s rich heritage. He has gained a lifetime of achievement connecting thousands of people with the places, facts, and personal stories of Howard County. Congratulations Fred, you are truly one of a kind! Read more about Fred here .
Phi Beta Sigma Benefit

Our community is grateful for the leadership of many organizations like Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc for their continued service for the betterment of our society. I was glad to join them at their Benefit Concert to recognize their culture for service as they raised funds for their Sigma Beta Club Youth mentoring program and community service projects.
Community Foundation of Howard County Accepting Applications
The Community Foundation of Howard County, which raises, manages and distributes funds to support Howard County nonprofits, is now accepting applications from nonprofits for community grants up to $15,000. Community grants support nonprofit organizational costs and fund special projects for organizations that deliver services to Howard County residents in the areas of human service, arts and culture, education, health, environment and community affairs. Applications are available online at www.cfhoco.org and are due by October 21, 2019. For questions and/or more information, contact the Community Foundation of Howard County at 410-730-7840 or email grants@cfhoco.org .
Donate a new/or gently used bike, particularly little riders, striders, balance bikes and tricycles, to a child who cannot afford one this Saturday, October 5 th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at one of our HCDFRS fire stations . Our Department of Fire and Rescue Services has partnered with Free Bikes 4 KIDZ (FB4K) in support of this nonprofit organizations worthy cause. 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, spends the next 10 weeks refurbishing and then gives them away to kids in need in December. If donating, look for the FB4K canopy at participating stations for your drop-off site.
Departmental News
Department of Community Resources and Services

This October, our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence’s will debut its Master Aging: Engage, Educate, Inspire on the 19 th . A reimagination of the County’s 50+EXPO, this conference-style event will feature all day seminars and workshops covering lifelong learning and leisure, technology, exercise and more, 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 .
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. In celebration of the month, I invite you to join us this Thursday, October 3 rd at 7:00 p.m. at our Roger Carter Community Center in Ellicott City, as we recognize this year’s Commission on Disabilities’ award winners ! I’d like to take this opportunity to again thank you for your outstanding efforts to advance full participation in community life for all people and promote the spirit and intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability rights laws, and for all that you do to raise awareness, promote empowerment and create opportunities of expansion to ensure all who want to work, can work.
Every 11 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency room for a fall-related injury. Our DCRS’ Office on Aging is looking to change this number through its seven-week “ SteppingON ” program. Geared towards older adults, this program teaches participants how to reduce falls and increase confidence, strength and balance. Held on Thursdays, the program runs from October 10 th to November 21 st from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Elkridge 50+ Center and the total cost is $28. For more information and/or to register, contact Malarie Burgess at 410-313-6073 or email mburgess@howardcountymd.gov .
Send our service men and women some love, with a handmade scarf or hat.
 
Now through Friday, November 8 th , our Office of Veterans and Military Families is collecting homemade scarves and hats for our military members. Scarves should be four to six inches wide and 48 to 50 inches long (no fringe please), and hats should fit an adult-size head. Items can be dropped off at DCRS’s main office, located at 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia, at one of the County’s 50+ Centers or at Postal Xpress N More . To learn more, click HERE , email veterans@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-0821.
SAVE THE DATE for DCRS’s Office on Aging and Independence’s annual “ Giving Thanks Luncheon and Dance .” Come celebrate Thanksgiving with blues, jazz and pop music by Sly 45 and a delicious Thanksgiving feast of turkey with all the trimmings. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at any County 50+ Center . For questions and/or more information, call 410-313-5440.
Office of Emergency Management

Although today is the last day of National Preparedness Month, our Office of Emergency Management and I encourage you to plan and drill for unexpected emergencies, human-made or natural, all year long as we do the same. If you have not done so already, check out our "ReadyHoCo" website for tips and tools on preparedness made easy, and to learn more about disasters that can affect our area. Also, take the time now to develop your family's emergency plan and disaster supply kit . Finally, if you haven’t done so already, visit the National Weather Service’s website, www.weather.gov/subscribe , for a list of weather alerts you can subscribe to receive straight to your email, phone or tablet.
Department of Fire and Rescue Services

This past Sunday, our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) held its annual remembrance event at Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens in the Garden of Valor to recognize career and volunteer fallen fire and rescue service members. These individuals have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our community safe. It is our duty to keep their memory alive and model ourselves after their example of dedication to protect and serve others. We are forever grateful.
Health Department

My vision for Howard County is to be a model community in which behavioral health wellness is accessible for all who live, work and visit here. Howard County Health Department's Local Behavioral Health Authority Board is helping us attain my vision by addressing the social determinants of health, fostering innovation and initiating improvements. If you are interested in helping us achieve the highest quality of life for all, I encourage you to apply today for the Board. For details on how to do so and eligibility requirements, click HERE . The deadline to apply is Friday, October 18, 2019.
Join in the fight against the opioid epidemic by learning how you can help save someone’s life from an opioid overdose. The first Tuesday and last Thursday of each month, the Howard County Health Department offers FREE Opioid Overdose Response Program (Narcan) trainings between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m., on a drop-in basis, at Department’s headquarters in Columbia. Simply show up and Health will teach you how to administer Narcan, the opioid reversing medicine. To learn more on how you can get trained, click HERE .
Department of Planning and Zoning

Our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Historic Preservation Commission does important work to protect our local landmarks that can teach us about our past and strengthen our communal sense of identity. If you have a passion for sharing our cultural heritage with current and future generations, then I encourage you to apply today for our Historic Preservation Commission. For details on how to do so and eligibility requirements, click HERE . The deadline to apply is Thursday, October 17, 2019.
This Thursday, October 3 rd , 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:
 
  • Howard County Public School System Capital Budget FY 2021 – To review the Howard County Public School System’s FY 2019 Capital Budget and five-year Capital Improvement Program as well as a ten-year long-range master plan for the Howard County Public School System for State funding priorities in conjunction with the General Plan.
  • PB 447—Clifton C. Link Property – To approve Final Plan (F-18-098) for a 9.36+ acre resubdivision that creates two buildable lots and associated site improvements.
 
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 .
Also this Thursday, October 3 rd , 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, flood-proofing 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.
Police Department

Hey Howard County students, interested in learning more about your School Resource Officer (SRO)? Since the start of this school year, our Howard County Police Department (HCPD) has been offering a “get to know you” throwback look at each of its SRO’s on its Facebook page . To date, we’ve met:

CONGRATS to HCPD’s PFCs Brian Tanhauser, Shawn Germain and John Salato (not pictured), who were honored last week at the Maryland Aggressive Driving Prevention awards luncheon for their efforts to keep Howard County roadways safe. Thank you for all that you do gentlemen!
 
Included in the picture, with PFR Tanhauser and PFR Germain, are Police Chief Lisa Myers, Rob Long from 105.7 The Fan, HCPD Traffic Division Corporal Jay Weber and Christine Nizer, Administrator with the Maryland Department of Transportation.
Department of Public Works
Our Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold a public meeting tomorrow, October 1 st at 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of Mayfield Woods Middle School , to present plans for two nearby capital projects: Capital Project D-1178, Woodcrest Drive Principal Spillway Replacement and Water Quality Retrofit Project and Capital Project D-1176, Woodcrest Drive Stream Rehabilitation Project. Capital Project D-1178 will repair an existing stormwater management facility and provide water quality treatment for stormwater entering the pond adjacent to 6340 Woodcrest Drive in Ellicott City, among other things, while Capital Project D-1176 will stabilize four tributaries: South Branch, North Branch, Headwater Tributary 1 and Headwater Tributary 2, to Deep Run.
 
The meeting will include a presentation and discussion of both project plans, followed by an open discussion. County and Howard County Public School System staff will be on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments. Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Ms. Michele Monde with DPW’s Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-0844 or email mmonde@howardcountymd.gov .
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 23, 2019  newsletter.
 
Ellicott City, Sykesville and West Friendship

  • Roadway Microsurfacing (Capital Project H-2011) – Project to extend the lifespan of some of the County’s roads is underway. Crews will seal roadway cracks and overlay existing roadways with a protective seal coat using microsurfacing materials. Signs and flagging operations will be in place to direct traffic as needed as lane shifts can be expected during construction hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late October.
 
Savage

  • Foundry Street, Washington Street Intersection Improvements (Capital Project J-4248) – Project to improve pedestrian access and safety, while providing vehicular traffic calming at the intersection of Foundry Street and Washington Street. At the intersection, a mini-roundabout will be installed and approximately 500 feet of pathway will be laid along southbound Foundry Street. As lane shifts and temporary lane closures are expected, signs and flagging operations will be in place to direct traffic as needed during construction hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by mid-November.
 
Past Project Updates – Completion Date Change
 
Columbia

  • Oakland Mills Complete Streets – Project to improve mobility, access and safety for vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic along Whiteacre Road, between Stevens Forest Road and Basket Ring Road, in Oakland Mills. Originally expected to be completed by late spring or early summer 2019, weather permitting, this project is now 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.
Maryland State Highway Administration Resurfacing Projects
 
A Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) project to resurface northbound and southbound I-95 between MD 100 and the Patapsco River Bridge (Baltimore/Howard County line) in Elkridge is currently underway. To enhance safety and improve ride quality, crews will be milling, patching and resurfacing the roadway, as well as adding new reflective pavement markers. Crews will start with the northbound lanes at MD 100, and once completed, will begin work along southbound I-95. Drivers can expect single and double lane closures during work hours, Sundays through Thursdays, 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Weather permitting, the project is expected to take approximately eight weeks to complete.
 
In addition, SHA will begin resurfacing three miles of MD 32 between Guilford Road and the Middle Patuxent River Bridge. Motorists can expect single lane closures during work hours, Sunday through Thursday, 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Weather permitting, this project is expected to be completed by late fall.
 
For a list of all major SHA projects, visit SHA's " Road Ready Projects " website. For questions, more information and/or to speak to someone further regarding these projects, contact SHA's Office of Communications at 410-545-0303.
Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Environmental Services
 
REMINDER! While Howard County Government offices will be CLOSED on Monday, October 14 th for the Columbus Day holiday, the County’s holiday slide schedule for curbside collection will NOT be in effect that week. There will be regular curbside trash, recycling, food scrap and yard trim collection the week of October 14 th through October 19 th . Columbus Day is NOT one of the six holidays that affects curbside collection. The six holidays that do affect curbside collection are: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. To learn more about the County's holiday slide schedule, check out www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule .
DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services is hosting TWO County-sponsored paper shredding events this fall. The first event will take place on October 12 th at Gary Arthur Community Center and the second a week later on October 19 th at the Long Gate Park & Ride, 5000 Meadowbrook Lane in Ellicott City. Both events will be held rain or shine from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (OR UNTIL the trucks are full). For each date, residents may bring up to three bags or boxes of paper to be shredded. Residents are asked to ONLY bring items that contain personal information. Junk mail, catalogs and office paper can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin. To learn more, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/papershredding .
Department of Recreation & Parks
Join our Department of Recreation & Parks this Wednesday, October 2 nd for its 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 .
Have you signed up for your FREE TREE yet! In honor of my 44 th birthday I have a goal to plant 44,000 native trees in Howard County this year, we are giving away 2,000 native trees to county residents, one tree per household. The trees will be available for pick-up October 17 th and October 19 th , will be approximately five to eight feet in height, will come in a five-gallon container and include planting instructions. Residents will be responsible for loading the trees into their vehicles at pickup and for planting and caring for the trees. To sign up to reserve your FREE TREE today, visit https://livegreenhoward.com/treegiveaway/ .
Oakland Mills pedestrian tunnel CLOSURE . Located under the roadway between Dasher Court and Downdale Place, the Oakland Mills pedestrian tunnel is currently CLOSED as Department of Recreation and Parks’ crews make drainage repairs. During construction hours, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the tunnel will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists. Informational signage and detour maps will be posted and available south of Summer Rambo Court on the pathway and north of the tunnel entrance on Oakland Mills Road by the sidewalk. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be complete by mid-October.
A wicked night in space at the Robinson Nature Center . Come explore space’s “wickedest” wonders at the Robinson Nature Center this Saturday, October 5 th from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Presented in cooperation with the Maryland Science Center, this family-friendly program brings mysterious space phenomena to life right before your eyes. See the birth of a comet, use virtual reality technology to walk on the surfaces of other plants, play with magnetic fields and more! Individual tickets are $8, a five-person family pack of tickets is $30; to purchase your ticket, click HERE . For questions and/or more information about this event, contact the Nature Center at 410-313-0400.
Get your outside gear on with our Department of Recreation & Parks this Sunday, October 6 th from noon to 4:00 p.m. at Centennial Park South . Whether you have clothing or equipment that’s taking up space in your closet or you need gear for your next outdoor adventure, this sale is for you. Shop and score great deals on gently-used items, while enjoying outdoor demos and entering for your chance to win a discount on next year’s Recreation & Parks summer camps. This event is for all ages and free for shoppers. To learn more, www.howardcountymd.gov/gearsale .
On Wednesday, October 16 th , the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board will hold a public hearing to gather public comment regarding Recreation and Parks’ plans to create pickleball courts in place of the current handball court at Atholton Park , the current skate spot at Centennial Park and the east basketball court at Rockburn Branch Park . The hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m. at Recreation and Parks’ headquarters, 7120 Oakland Mills Road in Columbia. Starting today, September 30 th , residents interested in speaking at the hearing, may sign-up to do so at www.howardcountymd.gov/advisoryboard ; scroll down to the “Public Comment” tab. From the same link, residents will have the option to provide online testimony. Residents are reminded that internet testimony is considered public information and is subject to the Maryland Public Information Act .
CORRECTION: In last week’s newletter, I congratulated former Recreation & Parks Director John Byrd on his receipt of Preservation Maryland’s “Preservationist of the Year” award. The award was in fact presented by Preservation Howard County and not by Preservation Maryland.
Office of Transportation
This Wednesday, September 25 th , our Office of Transportation will hold an open-house style community meeting to discuss its Columbia Road Traffic Operations Assessment and Complete Streets Study . The complete streets corridor study took a look at the segment of Columbia Road from Old Annapolis Road to a quarter mile east of Hemlock Cone Way. In conjunction with the complete streets planning project, the Office also assessed current traffic operations along Columbia Road between MD 108 and Old Annapolis Road.
 
At the meeting, which will take place from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Linden Hall, 4765 Dorsey Hall Drive in Ellicott City, the Office will present concepts developed through the assessment and study. While a 15-minute presentation summarizing the process and concepts will be given at both 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., interested attendees are invited to drop in at any time during the meeting. For those who cannot attend the meeting, exhibits will be posted at the Office of Transportation's website the day after the meeting and an opportunity to comment will be open until Sunday, October 13, 2019.
 
We anticipate a final report on the study by late fall.
Upcoming Events and Meetings
Now through November 30 - Historic Savage Mill Ghost Tours

Fridays and Saturdays, now through November 30 th , come brave an hour-long ghost tour of Historic Savage Mill in your date with costumed tour guide and mill historian Marty Schoppert. Created for fans of history and the paranormal, this tour is not for the faint of heart. For more information or to book tour, click HERE . Cost is $15.00 per person.
September through October - Ye Haunted History of Olde Ellicott City Ghost Tours

I double dare you to walk the streets and learn more about the past inhabitants of Historic Ellicott City, one of the oldest and most haunted locales in America, with Howard County Historical Society. The lady in white of Tonge Row, the Civil War soldier who stalks the lower end of Main Street, the vigilant firefighter of Station 2, the Oak Lawn "Cooking Ghost" and the Girl Ghosts of the Ruins of the Patapsco Female Institute invite you to hear their stories during our frightfully fun ghost tours. Tours are held Fridays and Saturdays through the end of October and are not recommended for children under 6. Reservations are required, as space is limited. To learn more, visit http://hchsmd.org/events-tours/ .
September 21 through October 8 - Howard County Farm-City Celebration

Sixteen days of farm fun, come learn and discover all that our farms have to offer. Now through October 6 th , local farms have opened their doors to visitors, offering fall harvest festivals, activities and more, while the Howard County Library System is also hosting a number of agricultural-centered events. To learn more about this year’s celebration and for a complete schedule of events, visit www.farmheritage.org/farm-city-a.html .
October 1 - Drop-In Opioid Overdose Response (Narcan) Training

Join in the fight against the opioid epidemic by learning how you can help save someone’s life from an opioid overdose. The first Tuesday and last Thursday of each month, the Howard County Health Department offers FREE Opioid Overdose Response Program (Narcan) trainings between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m., on a drop-in basis, at Health headquarters. Simply show up and Health department employees will teach you how to administer Narcan, the opioid reversing medicine. Click HERE to learn more.
October 1 - Woodcrest Drive Spillway Replacement, Stream Rehabilitation Project Public Meeting

The County’s Department of Public Works will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, October 1 st at 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of Mayfield Woods Middle School , to present plans for two nearby capital projects: Capital Project D-1178, Woodcrest Drive Principal Spillway Replacement and Water Quality Retrofit Project and Capital Project D-1176, Woodcrest Drive Stream Rehabilitation Project. Click HERE to learn more.
October 2 - Encore Showcase

Join our Department of Recreation & Parks for its first-ever Encore Showcase in celebration of “Active Aging Week.” Participants 55 years and up can try out FREE activities offered as part of the Department’s Encore programs, will enjoy fun mini fitness sessions, quick art projects, giveaways and more! For more information, click HERE or contact Ruth Coleman at 410-313-7311 or email rucoleman@howardcountymd.gov .
October 3 - Commission on Disabilities Annual Awards Program

Join myself and members of the Commission on Disabilities as we honor the achievements of Howard County residents with disabilities, their advocates, employers and service providers at the Commission’s 25 th annual awards program. This program honors the outstanding efforts of individuals and organizations that advance full participation in community life for all people and promote the spirit and intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability rights laws. To learn more, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/CDI .
October 4 - Family Fridays Under the Dome at Robinson Nature Center

Friday nights with your family should be stellar! Come enjoy unique shows at the Robinson Nature Center ’s NatureSphere planetarium the first Friday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Each program features a full-dome movie preceded by a family-friendly planetarium presentation where you discover what’s in the night sky that month. Cost is $6.00 per person; to get your ticket today, click HERE or call 410-313-0400.
October 4 - Friday Late Nights in the NatureSphere at Robinson Nature Center

You don’t have to leave Howard County for an out-of-this-world Friday night experience. Treat your partner or friends to top-notch astronomy and entertainment at the Robinson Nature Center . Held the first Friday of each month at 8:00 p.m., this program takes place in the Naturesphere planetarium and features a full-dome movie preceded by an adult-level planetarium presentation about current happenings in our night sky and space science. Cost is $6.00 per person; to get your ticket today, click HERE or call 401-313-0400.
October 5 - Lil’ Stars at the Robinson Nature Center

Give your child a special nighttime experience during the day at the Robinson Nature Center the first Saturday of each month. Let your little one discover outer space through views of the stars and planets, stories, crafts and hands-on activities. Each month the Center focuses on a different theme, from the colors of stars, to the stories behind a constellation, to the seasonal changes in the sky. Cost is $3.00 per ticket with admission or annual pass; to get your ticket today, click HERE or call 410-313-0400.
October 5 - Oakland Mills Fall Festival

Come enjoy live entertainment, craft vendors, children’s crafts, food, health screenings and more. Held rain or shine, to learn more about this free event, visit www.oaklandmills.org .
October 5 - Hops & Harvest Festival

With more than eighty breweries, wineries, distilleries and craft artisans, local food vendors, live entertainment, games and a play space for kids, come experience Howard County’s Hops & Harvest Festival at Merriweather Park at https://hopsandharvestfest.com .
October 5, October 12 and October 13 - National Fire Prevention Month Fire Station Open Houses

October is “National Fire Prevention Month.” In honor of the month, Howard County’s volunteer fire departments are hosting a number of open houses throughout the month. Dates and times are as follows:

  • Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department Open House, 6275 Old Washington Road, Elkridge, Saturday, October 5th, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Fifth District Volunteer Fire Department Open House, 5000 Signal Bell Lane, Clarksville, Saturday, October 5th, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Savage Volunteer Fire Company Open House, 8521 Corridor Road, Savage, Saturday, October 5th, 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
  • Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department Open House, 4150 Montgomery Road, Ellicott City, Saturday, October 12th, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
  • West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department Open House, 12535 Old Frederick Rd, Sykesville, Sunday, October 13th, noon to 4:00 p.m.
October 12 - County-Sponsored Shredding Event

Held rain or shine, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (OR until the trucks are full) at the Gary J Arthur Community Center , Howard County residents may bring up to three bags or boxes of paper to be shredded onsite . For more information, contact the Bureau of Environmental Services at 410-313-6444 or check out the B Bureau’s “Paper Shredding” website .
October 13 - 2019 Komen Maryland MORE THAN PINK WALK
Formally the Race for the Cure, the 2019 Komen Maryland MORE THAN PINK WALK is back with a new fresh look to communicate Komen’s work beyond breast cancer awareness. As a community of people who want to do more; more for our communities, more for those living with breast cancer and more for research to find the cures – We are MORE THAN PINK! For more information about this year’s event, click HERE .