December 9, 2019

Dear Friends, For four years,  Howard County Toys for Tots has provided free toys to thousands of children in Howard County. We are grateful for our Marines who started this important initiative to help every child feel special this holiday season. This week, I encourage everyone, who is able, to donate a toy at one of the drop-off locations below. George Howard Building lobby, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD DPW - Engineering Building lobby, 7125 Riverwood Drive, Columbia, MD DCRS Building lobby, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD HCPD Headquarters, 3410 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD HCPD Southern District, 11226 Scaggsville Road, Laurel, MD HCPD Community Outreach, 10741 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD Bain 50+ Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia, MD East Columbia 50+ Center, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD Elkridge 50+ Center, 6540 Washington Boulevard, Elkridge, MD Ellicott City 50+ Center, 9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, MD Longwood 50+ Center, 6150 Foreland Garth, Columbia, MD Glenwood 50+ Center, 2400 Route 97, Cooksville, MD North Laurel 50+ Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel, MD The Multiservice Center, 9900 Washington Blvd, Suite I, Laurel, MD Together, we will create a merrier and joyful holiday for our children and families in need.

This Week in HoCo

MACo Winter Conference I was excited to start off my second year as Howard County Executive at the  Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Winter Conference. It has been an honor to "Build for the Future" by serving on the MACo Board of Directors over the past year as Treasurer and now, as Secretary for the upcoming year. I appreciate the leadership and partnership of outgoing President, Harford County Executive  Barry Glassman, and I express my sincerest congratulations to our newly installed President,  Sharon Green Middleton, Vice Chair of the Baltimore City Council. I'm also proud of my friend and mentor,  Senator Guy Guzzone, for being recognized by MACo for his strong leadership in the Maryland General Assembly and for all Marylanders. I look forward to continuing my service to MACo, our community, and continued bipartisan collaboration with the best and brightest in Maryland.

Columbia Named Safest City in America! It is an incredible honor for Howard County and Columbia to be named “Safest City in America” by WalletHub for the second consecutive year. This accolade is a testament to the excellent quality of life we cherish in Howard County. However, we must and we will continue to do better and make sure every community in Howard County is the safest it can be. Read more about this accolade here.

Bollman Bridge Lighting Ceremony I had a great time kicking off the holiday season at the 7th Annual Bollman Bridge Lighting in Savage. Thank you the Savage Volunteer Fire Department, Savage Community Association,  Historic Savage Mill, the  Carroll Baldwin Memorial Institute, and the  Hammond High School band for providing fun for our entire community. Wishing everyone a happy holiday!

Age-Friendly Community Building an Age-Friendly Howard County is a long-term effort which will require a new way of working together. I was proud to launch Howard County's Age-Friendly initiative with  Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services and  AARP Maryland. We are dedicated to serving our older adults through education opportunities, affordable living, a culture of wellness, and all the services you need and desire. The future of our community will be age-friendly, building on our strengths to provide the highest quality resources that enrich lives. To learn more about this initiative, for program updates, events and more check out the Age-Friendly Howard County website .

Hatitude Fundraiser It was my pleasure to join the ladies of Columbia (MD) Alumni Chapter of  Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc for their Hatitude fundraiser to support essential youth & community programs, such as D-STEM and Delta Scholars. Thank you for your continued dedication in serving the residents of Howard County.

The Pearl Foundation I had the honor of joining the Pearl Foundation, Inc. and the ladies of  The Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for their Precious Pearls Junior Debutante Cotillion. This event is a culmination of sociocultural, educational and service related activities. Thank you for inspiring our future leaders.

Yingling-Ridgely VFW Holiday Party I had a wonderful time visiting old friends and meeting new ones at the  Yingling-Ridgely VFW & Auxiliary Post 7472 Holiday Celebration. During the holidays, it is important to gather as a community and support our veterans, service members and military families. Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season.

Housing Survey Are you a County resident struggling with housing costs? The  Howard County Housing & Community Development is setting budget and funding strategies to prepare for the County’s next 5-year Consolidated Plan to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It’s important that we hear directly from residents like you! I encourage you to fill out this quick survey with your thoughts today. All responses to this survey remain anonymous.

Midnight Madness It was a beautiful night in Ellicott City for Midnight Madness. As we prepare for the holidays, some of the best places to get gifts and other fun items is at our wonderful shops in Historic Ellicott City. I encourage everyone to visit the many stores where you can find something for everyone. Classic Interiors Discoveries Flower Barn Gramp's Attic Books Jaxon Edwin Main Street Oriental Rugs Oriental Art Collection Park Ridge Trading Co. LLC Precious Gifts Primitive Beginnings Southwest Connection/Silver Arrow Fudge Shop Sweet Elizabeth Jane The Wine Bin Taylor's Collective: Antiques, Arts, Artisans Su Casa Park Ridge Trading Co. Shoemaker Country ForgetMeNotFactory B Boutique Thank you to  Ellicott City Partnership and  Visit Howard County for coordinating this annual event. Wishing you all a beautiful start of the holiday season!

Improved Transportation Since the County Council unanimously passed my Complete Streets Resolution, I've worked with the Department of Public Works and the Office of Transportation to prioritize transportation projects in communities with vulnerable populations, require transparent decision making and reporting, enhance coordination among public and private agencies, and provide for a data-driven project selection process. I want to thank the Councilmembers, including previous Council Chair  Christiana Mercer Rigby, for working with us to accelerate key projects such as the traffic circle at Washington and Foundry Streets in Savage. Providing safer, more efficient streets in Howard County is a top priority of my Administration, as we work to ensure Howard County is a place for individuals of all backgrounds to travel freely, safely, and comfortably.

Giving Tuesday Our community is only strong because of the support we give to one another. To celebrate  #GivingTuesday, we stopped by the food pantries at  Hopeworks and  Howard Community College to donate important resources for those in need. Not only on Giving Tuesday, but everyday, I encourage us all to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity.

Little Free Pantry I'm grateful for the grassroots efforts by our community who decided they needed to do something to help. Columbia Town Center’s Little Free Pantry is aimed to help our neighbors in need, as well as those who want to help. Together, we can ensure every member of our community has food to eat. Read more about this initiative in a Baltimore Sun article here.

Giving a Neighbor a Ride Over the last 15 years,  Neighbor Ride has provided more than 175,000 rides. Volunteer drivers help connect Howard County seniors to the people and things that matter most. On  #GivingTuesday, I had the pleasure of giving a ride to a long time Neighbor Ride client. I thank Neighbor Ride for your continued service to our community and I encourage those who are able, to consider volunteering with Neighbor Ride to help our seniors.

Departmental News

Department of Community Resources and Services Recognizing that the holidays can be a stressful time of year for direct care providers, DCRS’ Office on Aging and Independence’s Health and Wellness Division will present a seminar, “Stress Response and Resilience,” on December 13 th . Offered in partnership with the Local Health Improvement Coalition, Professor of Psychology and Chair of the Departments of Psychology and Criminology at Notre Dame of Maryland University, Maria Mouratidis, PsyD, will address the components of trauma and the process of recovery. To register for this event – cost is $15 per person and Board-Approved Social Work CEU's are available, visit https://hocostressresponse.eventbrite.com . CONGRATS to our Ellicott City 50+ Fitness Center and Michelle Rosenfeld for their Howard Magazine ’s “ 2019 Best of Howard County ” wins. Ellicott City 50+ Fitness Center was named “Best Gym in Howard County,” while Michelle was named “Best Personal Trainer!” This is a true testament to the hard working staff we have at our Ellicott City 50+ Fitness Center who make ‘living longer and staying stronger’ the best experience in Howard County!

Health Department The 2019-2020 flu season is here. Have you gotten your flu shot yet? This December, the Howard County Health Department will be hosting a number of FREE walk-in flu clinic’s at various Howard County Library System branches. For dates and times, visit the Health Department’s “Seasonal Flu Information” website . No appointment is necessary and participants must be older than six months of age to receive a vaccine. Enrolling in health insurance can seem overwhelming. However, did you know that the Howard County Health Department, in addition to the Maryland Health Connection , offers free, in-person help as you search for the best plan for your family. Call 410-313-5845 or go to www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/find-help/ to find help near you and get covered. You have until December 15 th , when this open enrollment period ends.

Department of Housing and Community Development If you are looking to buy a home this coming new year, I encourage you to consider attending our Department of Housing and Community Development's final Homebuyer Education Workshop on Saturday, December 14 th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. The workshop’s curriculum focuses on: assessing home readiness, budgeting and credit usage, financing a home, selecting a house, and maintaining a home and post-purchase finances. To register for this workshop, email the department at homebuyerclass@howardcountymd.gov .

Department of Planning and Zoning This Thursday, December 12 th , the Department of Planning and Zoning’s Planning Board will be holding a meeting in the George Howard Building’s Columbia/Ellicott City Room starting at 7:00 p.m. to hear the following items: SDP-20-002 Mangione Enterprises of Turf Valley – Site Development plan approval for 30 single family detached homes and 25 townhome units on 8.04 acres. The property is zoned PGCC (Planned Golf Course Community). Planning Board approval is required only for the single-family attached townhome unit, as reserved on the FDP. 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 .

Police Department HCPD is reminding shoppers to be careful, prepared and alert this holiday season. Here are just a few safety tips to keep in mind: When shopping, travel with a group or in pairs, and schedule shopping trips during the day; Avoid carrying too many packages, and leave one hand free to access keys or a phone quickly. Park in a well-lit parking space, and select an area where there are other cars and foot traffic. Don’t leave cell phones, purses or other valuables in a parked car – especially in plain view.   Stay tuned to HCPD’s Facebook page for more holiday shopping safety tips.   HCPD will be increasing its presence in shopping areas, neighborhoods and on roadways to ensure residents stay safe this holiday season. The increased police presence aims to deter robberies, shoplifting, theft and associated crimes at malls and shopping centers, as well as package thefts from residences. PREVENTING PACKAGE THEFTS all season long. As online purchases increase this time of year, in turn, meaning more package deliveries, HCPD is offering up these tips to help you prevent the theft of your packages:   Track shipments and try to be home when they are scheduled to arrive. If you won’t be home, have the shipment delivered to your work if permitted. Or, ask a trusted neighbor to take the package inside until you get home. Be aware of suspicious people and vehicles. If you notice suspicious behavior, call 911 immediately. Make note of any vehicle’s make, model, tag number and direction of travel. Report any thefts by calling 410-313-2200. BONUS TIP: Many of your neighbors may have doorbell cameras, even if you don’t. Residents can keep track of crime happening in their neighborhood with the Neighbors app. Download the FREE, anonymous doorbell video sharing app by texting HCPD to 555888. Join HCPD’s Community Outreach Division this Wednesday, December 11 th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Eggspectation in Columbia for its monthly “ Coffee with a Cop .” This community outreach program offers county residents an opportunity to meet face-to-face with our police personnel in a neutral environment to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know our officers one cup of coffee at a time. As always, coffee and conversation are on the house!

Department of Public Works Howard County’s Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold being holding an informational public meeting tomorrow, December 10 th at 7:00 p.m. at Howard County Library System's East Columbia branch , to present plans for a project to rehabilitate approximately 300 linear feet of an unnamed tributary to the Little Patuxent River in Recreation and Parks' Centennial Park North Area. This project is expected to begin in late January 2020. To learn more about this project and/or meeting, click HERE . This Thursday, December 12 th , DPW will hold an informational public meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. in the Marvin Thomas Meeting Room at Howard County Library System’s East Columbia branch , to present the plans for a nearby pond improvement project. The project will replace the existing corrugated metal riser structure and spillway pipe with reinforced concrete at the stormwater management pond near 9865 Gerwig Lane. The interior of the facility will also be modified and lowered to provide water quality treatment and channel protection volume for the entire drainage area. This pond will remain a wet pond. The project is expected to begin in late January 2020. To learn more about this project and/or meeting, click HERE . Next Thursday, December 18 th , DPW will be holding a public meeting at 6:00 p.m. at Fulton Elementary School , to discuss the first phase of planned improvements to Lime Kiln Road. Phase I will include realignment of a 650-foot section of roadway, relocation of utilities and improvements to existing culvert between 11957 and 12185 Lime Kiln Road. The project is expected to begin in summer 2021. To learn more about this project and/or meeting, click HERE . 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  November 25, 2019  newsletter. Ellicott City Autumn Manor Pond (Capital Project D-1159) – Project to improve the stormwater retention pond at Fall Chill Court and Autumn Rust Road in Ellicott City is scheduled to begin on or about Monday, January 13, 2020. While the project is not expected to impact the flow of vehicular traffic, the sidewalk along Autumn Rust Road adjacent to the pond will be closed during the project. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late April 2020. To learn more about DPW Capital Projects currently underway, visit  https://bit.ly/2V6K5B6 . Searchable by project category and street name, from this site you’ll find additional project details, including news releases about the project. You can also contact DPW’s Customer Service Office at 410-313-3440 or email  publicworks@howardcountymd.gov  for further assistance. If you have questions or are interested in finding out about a State road (numbered roadway) project in your area, visit the Maryland State Highway Administration’s  website  and search by “County” to learn more about State road projects in Howard County. Also, be sure to follow the County’s  Facebook  and  Twitter  pages every Monday morning for upcoming maintenance projects happening that week, weather permitting. On these social media pages, you’ll also find information regarding the county’s  street sweeping  schedule, which generally begin in the months of January, April, July and September. Department of Public Works' Bureau of Environmental Services Don’t forget, the upcoming Christmas Day and New Year’s Day holidays are two of the six holidays that affects the County’s curbside trash, recycling, food scrap and yard trim collection program. As there will be no curbside collection on Wednesday, December 25 th and Wednesday, January 1 st , the county’s holiday slide schedule will be in effect the remainder of that holiday week; i.e. Wednesday pick-up will slide to Thursday, Thursday to Friday, Friday to Saturday and Saturday on Saturday (no that last one is not a typo). Wondering what the other four holidays might be that affect curbside collection? They are Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving Day. To learn more about the holiday slide schedule, click HERE .  Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off days at the Alpha Ridge Landfill have ended for 2019 and while the program won’t resume until April, our Bureau of Environmental Services will be holding three SPECIAL drop-off events this winter. Those dates are: Saturday, January 4 th , Saturday, February 1 st and Saturday, March 7 th . To learn about the County’s HHW program and what items are and are not accepted, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/HHW .  Department of Public Works' Bureau of Environmental Services As I previously announced , over the next three years, our Bureau of Utilities will be replacing 45,000 water meters located inside county homes as part of its water meter replacement program. To help us with this major system upgrade, we have contracted with KEYSTONE UTILITY SYSTEMS. Prior to KEYSTONE arriving to your neighborhood, residents will receive a notification letter in the mail from KEYSTONE. As these water meters are located indoors, residents will need to schedule an appointment with KEYSTONE. This notification letter will include a phone number for KEYSTONE for you to call to schedule your appointment, available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or Saturday's, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be aware, if a response is not received to this initial letter, residents will receive a second postcard from KEYSTONE, followed by a phone call or email (pending what contact information is on file with one's water and sewer bill) reminding you to call to schedule your appointment. To learn more about our replacement program and/or if you have any questions, check out the Bureau's program website at  http://bit.ly/HoCoWaterMeterReplacement  or give them a call at 410-313-4900.

Department of Recreation & Parks In case you missed it, Recreation & Parks’ 2020 Winter Activity Guide is now online and Howard County residents can expect to find a print copy in their mail boxes later this month. These seasonal guides are an essential resource for finding before and after school programs, classes, sports leagues, 55+ plus programs and other activities offered throughout the County. Registration is open now. Recreation and Parks’ Advisory Board will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, December 11 th at 7:00 p.m. to consider the department’s draft FY2021 Capital Budget and draft FY2021-2030 Capital Improvement Program for the acquisition and development of park and recreation lands. Residents interested in speaking at the hearing, may sign-up online to speak at the hearing (click on “Public Comment”) and/or provide online testimony, as well as view the draft FY2021 Capital Budget online . You can also request a copy of the draft be mailed to you by calling 410-313-4685. Residents are reminded that internet testimony is considered public information and is subject to the Maryland Public Information Act .   Residents who do not wish to sign up online to speak at the hearing, may sign-up in person the night of the hearing starting at 6:30 p.m. Join our Department of Recreation & Parks, Santa, Buddy the Elf, Elsa, Olaf, the Gingerbread Man and myself this Saturday, December 14 th for the County’s annual Christmas in the Park festivities at Centennial Park . This free event runs from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. and will feature a tree lighting ceremony, caroling by the Recreational Licensed Child Care Choir, refreshments and more. PARK GATE CLOSURE: Starting December 1 st , the gates to Cedar Lane Park’s east area , located off MD 108, will be CLOSED for sports field renovations. While the gate to the east area will be closed, park goers may still utilize the playground, basketball court and tennis courts, accessible from pathway from the park’s west area. Weather permitting, the work is expected to be completed and east area gates reopened on or about March 15, 2020.

Upcoming Events and Meetings

November 30 to December 22 - Ice and Fire; A Winter Wonderland Ice and Fire: A Winter Wonderland will take place in Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods on Saturday and Sunday evenings from November 30 to December 22, 2019, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The event features lighted holiday displays, fire pits & fire arts, performances, greetings with characters (the Snow Queen, elves, and more), Santa photos, ice sculptors, and more! Get your ticket today!

November 27 to January 1 - Merriweather Symphony of Lights Howard County's time-honored holiday tradition is back for another year. Made up of more than 300,000 bulbs, this family-oriented spectacular is a dazzling display of larger-than-life animated and stationary holiday light creations. For more information about this year’s dazzling event, visit www.merriweatherlights.com/ .

November 29 through January 5 - Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum Train Garden This holiday season, the model trains are returning to the Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum. Free for all ages, LEGO® trains, plus N gauge and O gauge models, will be on display. Open during museum operating hours, click HERE for more information.

November 30 to January 1 - Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department Open House and Annual Holiday Train Garden Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department ’s annual holiday train garden event is back for its 22 nd year. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. The Department will also collect new, unwrapped toys for needy children November 30 th through December 20 th . Toys can be dropped off at the Train Garden or any Howard County Fire Station . For dates and times, visit www.ellicottcityvfa.com/content/train/ .

December 10 - Howard County Health Department Flu Shot Clinic Health Department to host a FREE walk-in flu shot clinic at the Glenwood branch library from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary and participants must be older than six months of age to receive a vaccine.

December 11 - Health Education Class: Brain Health and Aging Join Howard County Health Department for its Winter 2019-2020 Health Education Classes at Howard County Library. At this class, participants will learn about keeping your brain healthy as you age with evidence-based strategies to strengthen and protect your brain health through exercise, nutrition and staying active. All are welcome, especially caregivers, young adults, and older adults. To learn more and/or to register, click HERE .

December 11 - Coffee with a Cop Join Howard County Police Department (HCPD) for its monthly Coffee with a Cop at Eggspectation in Columbia. Come meet face-to-face with HCPD's Community Outreach Officers in an informal and neutral space to discuss issues, ask questions and build relationships one cup of coffee at a time. As always, coffee and conversation are on the house. For more information and/or questions, contact HCPD's Community Outreach Division at 410-313-2207.

December 11 - Department of Housing and Community Development Grants Public Hearing The County’s Department of Housing and Community Development to hold a public meeting on December 11 th at 6:00 p.m. to obtain your comments regarding the development of the Budget and Funding Strategy for the Fiscal Year 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan/FY2020 Annual Action Plan. The Consolidated Plan is the five-year plan required by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development that outlines broad goals and objectives designed to meet the County’s major housing and community development needs. The Annual Action Plan is the County’s yearly application for funding under the Community Development Block Grant Program and the Home Investment Partnerships Program.

December 11 - Recreation and Parks’ Advisory Board Public Hearing Recreation and Park’s Advisory Board will hold a public hearing the evening of Wednesday, December 11 th at 7:00 p.m. to consider the department’s draft FY2021 Capital Budget and draft FY2021-2030 Capital Improvement Program for the acquisition and development of park and recreation lands. Visit www.howardcountymd.gov/advisoryboard to view the draft budget, to sign-up to speak at the hearing or provide online testimony.

December 12 - Howard County Health Department Flu Shot Clinic Health Department to host a FREE walk-in flu shot clinic at the Miller branch library from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary and participants must be older than six months of age to receive a vaccine.

December 14 - Homebuyer Education Workshop The Department of Housing and Community Development's final Homebuyer Education Workshop of 2019. The workshop’s curriculum focuses on: assessing home readiness, budgeting and credit usage, financing a home, selecting a house, and maintaining a home and post-purchase finances. To register, email homebuyerclass@howardcountymd.gov .

December 14 - Howard County General Hospital Community Companion Volunteer Information Session Howard County General Hospital is seeking Community Companion volunteers to provide nonmedical support, such as transportation and companionship, to patients. Community Companions receive training and provide care support to patients in the Member Care Support Network. Patients are often older adults who live alone, experience functional impairment and have multiple chronic conditions, such as lung disease or cancer. For more information, visit HCGH.org/j2bhvolunteer, call 410-720-8788 or email hcgh-j2bh@jhmi.edu.

December 14 - Christmas in the Park Come kick-off this holiday season with Santa, Buddy the Elf, Elsa, Olaf, the Gingerbread Man and myself at this year’s Christmas in the Park. There will be caroling brought to us by the Recreational Licensed Child Care Choir, a tree lighting ceremony, refreshments and more. For more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/christmasinthepark .

December 15 - Belmont Manor Holiday Open House Join Belmont Manor and the Howard County Conservancy as they take a step back in time to celebrate the holidays with this open house event . Enjoy period music and colonial re-enactors as you stroll through the manor adorned for the holiday season with greens and other period decorations. Pick up a holiday gift at the Manor’s gift shop, say hello to Belle the Eastern Screech Owl or take a history tour of the property led by Belmont historian Fred Dorsey.

December 18 - Lime Kiln Road Improvement Project Public Meeting DPW public meeting to discuss the first phase of planned improvements to Lime Kiln Road. Phase I will include realignment of a 650-foot section of roadway, relocation of utilities and improvements to existing culvert between 11957 and 12185 Lime Kiln Road. The project is expected to begin in summer 2021. To learn more about this project and/or meeting, click HERE .

December 19 - Health Department Rabies Vaccine Clinic Howard County Health Department, in cooperation with the Animal Control and Adoption Center, to host its monthly local vaccination clinic to protect your pet from the rabies virus. County residents are invited to bring their dog, cat or ferret for a discounted vaccination the 3 rd Thursday of each month. Click HERE to learn more.

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