September 16, 2019

Dear Friends, As you are probably aware, our Board of Education is currently considering school boundary changes , proposed by Superintendent Michael Martirano.   I am appreciative of Superintendent Martirano's intent to address the pressing issue of school overcrowding, and I am confident that through respectful dialogue and a transparent, inclusive process a plan will be produced that values the importance of socioeconomic diversity while keeping communities together, to the extent possible. We need thoughtful, comprehensive redistricting that will help foster the best teaching and learning environment for our children and educators.   I recognize this is a sensitive matter that may impact families in many different ways and it’s important that all residents have a chance to lend their voices to this important conversation and speak directly to the Board of Education as they continue with their deliberations. Find out how to make your voice heard here .   As any decisions regarding redistricting are solely within the purview of the Board of Education, neither I nor any other elected official who is not on the Board of Education has an opportunity to vote on Dr. Martirano's school redistricting plan. Given its overall impact on our County, and as a father with two daughters in our public schools, please know I will continue to closely monitor the process.   For more information on how you can testify at one of the hearings, please, refer to Education News.

This Week in HoCo

Howard County Night at Camden Yards On September 20th, we are celebrating ‘Howard County Night’ at Camden Yards to cheer on the O’s side-by-side with our neighbors. I'm excited to get our whole community together to support our home team and have some fun. I encourage everyone in Howard County to join us at the game and enjoy the best ballpark in baseball. Buy your tickets today!

Collaboration Roundtable I recently joined  Maryland Department of Commerce   Secretary  Kelly Schulz , for the Collaboration Roundtable at the Gateway Innovation Center. At this meeting, we discussed the opportunities and challenges of our economy, our shared vision for commerce, and partnerships with other the counties and local economic development organizations.   Thank you to  Howard County Economic Development Authority ,  Howard County Chamber of Commerce , and all elected officials who joined to discuss the state of Howard County's economic development.

Congratulations to the 'Autism-Friendly' Award Winners Last week I joined our Howard County Autism Society , recently named 2019 Affiliate of the Year, to honor those in our community who are dedicated to improving the lives of all individuals affected by autism. Congratulations to Robinson Nature Center ,  Howard County Library System ,  HowardTech ,  The Children's SPOT Inc. , and  Verbal Beginnings  for being recognized and for helping to make Howard County a more inclusive and welcoming community for all our citizens and visitors. To our Autistic friends: We see you, we support you, and you are loved in our community.

Remembering Those We Lost Eighteen years ago, our world was forever changed by the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001. To honor those who sadly perished that day, I joined command members from our Police and Fire Departments, Office of the Sheriff, and my fellow elected officials for a brief remembrance ceremony. We continue to pay tribute to the loved ones we lost on that tragic day and honor those who live on with the belief that hope will always triumph over despair. Today, and every day, I am profoundly grateful for the service of our first responders. Through tragedy or triumph, we will always depend on one another to become our best selves.

Glenelg High Back to School Visit As our students, educators, and administrators are getting back into their school routines, I was excited to stop by  Glenelg High School to thank our educators for their hard work as they start the new school year. I'm positive our Gladiators are ready to overcome any challenge they may face! During my visit at Glenelg High, I also met up with Ms. Carole Doermann who was recently accepted into the Honeywell Educators at the Space Academy Program. Congratulations Ms. Doermann, who is not only a phenomenal educator, but is also a wonderful community leader!

Head Start Bus Dedication Early education is critical to helping our young children from low-income families become school-ready. Children enrolled in Head Start are 31% less likely to be held back a grade, and they have a higher likelihood of graduating high school and attending college.   In partnership with the  Community Action Council of Howard County  (CAC) and Ellicott City-Columbia Lions Club, we funded a new bus to serve our Head Start families. This transportation will ensure access to early education and help all our students receive the opportunity they deserve.

Project Search Orientation We recently welcomed our  Project SEARCH of Howard County  interns at their orientation as they begin their journey with  Howard County Government . Project SEARCH is a one-year transition program from school to work for young adults with disabilities in their last year of high school. Recently, I signed a three-year commitment, along with our partners, to ensure these bright individuals have a meaningful experience. WJZ did a story on the Project Search orientation. The video can be viewed HERE .   I wish them the best of luck as they start this new endeavor!

Free Bikes for Kids Our HCDFRS fire stations have partnered with Free Bikes 4 KIDZ (FB4K) to serve as drop off points on October 5 th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to collect donated new/or gently used bikes, particularly little riders, striders, balance bikes and tricycles, for kids who can’t afford them; look for the FB4K canopy. A nonprofit organization, 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.

Hispanic Heritage Month  Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month this September 29 th with myself and our Office of Human Rights from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. at the North Laurel Community Center. I invite you to join us for this family friendly celebration of Hispanic and Latino American culture, heritage and contributions, featuring performances, crafts, information presentations, food and more. As space is limited, please email OHRoutreach@howardcountymd.gov by no later than September 24th to reserve your family’s spot today. Celébrese el Mes de la Herencia Hispana esta 29 de Septiembre conmigo y nuestra Oficina de los Derechos Humanos desde 3:00 a 5:00 en el centro comunitario de North Laurel. Los invito a unirse a nosotros para esta celebración familiar de las culturas hispanas y latino-americanas. Habrá actuaciones, las artesanías, presentaciónes informativas, comida y más. El espacio es limitado. Por favor, reserven sus espacios por correo electrónico a OHRoutreach@howardcountymd.gov a mas tardar 24 de Septiembre.

HoCo Brew Hive Opens in Howard County I am excited to welcome HoCo Brew Hive to Howard County. Located at 4910 Waterloo Road in Ellicott City, HoCo Brew Hive is a Maryland inspired restaurant and bar, whose menu features creative and innovative cuisine and beverages using local honeys & beer. In fact, owners Josh Butts and Scott Sciandra have partnered with the Howard County Beekeepers Association to source as much honey as possible locally. If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to stop in for a bite to eat and experience firsthand what all the buzz is about.

Wilde Lake Community Association’s Annual Picnic I had a great time this Saturday at Wilde Lake Community Association’s 7 th annual Old-Fashioned Family Picnic, meeting community neighbors, listening to fabulous music and more. Thank you so much for letting me join in on the fun. A special thanks to Wilde Lake High School, Wilde Lake Boosters and all our WildeCats who worked so hard to put on this amazing event for the Wilde Lake community.

Miss FIT GRAND REOPENING! Saturday’s weather might have been a tad bit gloomy, but it was SMILES all around as I helped officially welcome back Miss FIT to Old Ellicott City. Located at 8225 Main Street, Miss FIT’s new two-story studio is once again offering women a supportive, fun, safe and judgment-free fitness space to get their sweat on. If you are in search of phenomenal fitness community and want to get a jump start on your 2020 New Year’s fitness resolution, I encourage you to check Miss FIT’s out today.

Howard County Arts Council Annual Grant Awards Presentation This past Friday, I jointed the Howard County Arts Council for its Annual Meeting and Fiscal Year 2019 Grant Awards Ceremony. This annual grant awards ceremony recognizes the important contributions that the arts bring to our community. It was a pleasure to join the Arts Council President Julie Hughes Jenkins, Arts Council members, my fellow elected officials and all who attended as we gathered to recognize and celebrate our county’s vibrant arts community.

Visit Howard County’s Annual Meeting Our residents, visitors and community workers can all attest that Howard County is a great place to live, work and play. This is due in part to our county’s tourism and hospitality industry, which are a huge part of our community and have a huge impact on our local economy and quality of life.   This past Friday, I was fortunate to join Visit Howard County for its 38 th Annual Meeting. Thank you Visit Howard County and The Howard Hughes Corporation for your positive impact on our local economy, and again congratulations to all Visit Howard County’s industry award winners.

Education News

The Board of Education will be holding three public hearings on the redistricting proposal, so that they may hear from the public. All public hearings will be held at the Department of Education (10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City) with satellite rooms available for overflow. Pre-registration is required and may be done by phone (410-313-7346, 1584, or 7194) or in person. Please note that there will be no online pre-registration and no registration will be permitted on site at the hearing. If you have not done so already, please mark your calendars and plan to testify at the appropriate public hearing: Public Hearing, Tuesday, September 17 th at 7 p.m. Region I (Only families currently zoned for Centennial HS, Howard HS, Mt. Hebron HS, Oakland Mills HS and feeders) Pre-registration open August 27, 8 a.m. – September 16, 4 p.m. Public Hearing, Tuesday, September 24 th at 7 p.m. Region II (Only families currently zoned for at Atholton HS, Hammond HS, Long Reach HS, Wilde Lake HS and feeders) Pre-registration open September 3, 8 a.m. – September 23, 4 p.m. Public Hearing, Thursday, September 26 th at 7 p.m. Region III (Only families currently zoned for at Glenelg HS, Marriotts Ridge HS, Reservoir HS, River Hill HS and feeders) Pre-registration open September 5, 8 a.m. – September 25, 4 p.m Testimony can also be provided by emailing redistricting@hcpss.org<mailto:redistricting@hcpss.org. More information is available online: https://www.hcpss.org/school-planning/boundary-review/public-hearings/

Departmental News

Department of Community Resources and Services September is National Senior Center Month, a great time to discover the keys to aging well at Howard County's 50+ Centers. Our Centers bring the staff and services of our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence to communities throughout the County, offering health, wellness and fitness programs for older adults, plus lifelong learning opportunities, nutrition education, shared meals, socialization and more. To learn more, check out September issue of The 50+ Connection. Do you knit or crochet? If yes, “Handmade with Love,” a Howard County initiative coordinated by our Office of Veterans and Military Families’ needs your help. Now through Friday, November 8, the Office 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. Every 11 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency room for a fall-related injury. Each year, Falls Prevention Awareness Day (FPAD) is celebrated on September 23 rd – the first day of fall – to raise awareness about the fact that many fall-related injuries are preventable. Build confidence and reduce falls by “ SteppingON ” with DCRS’s Office of Aging and Independence. Held Thursdays from October 10 th to November 21 st from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Elkridge 50+ Center, this seven-week, evidence-based program is designed to help reduce falls and increase confidence, strength and balance. The program's small group setting encourages active discussion, decision-making and behavior changes. The cost for the seven-week workshop, plus educational materials is $28. For more information and/or to register, contact Malarie Burgess at 410-313-6073 or email mburgess@howardcountymd.gov . DCRS’ next Getting Ahead session starts tonight, September 16 th at 6:00 p.m. at Laurel Woods Elementary School in North Laurel. Now through November 20 th , groups meet twice (Mondays and Wednesdays) a week for 16, two-hour sessions to explore the causes of poverty and what changes it; identify where you are now and what you want your life to be in the future; work with a team to make concrete plans for economic security; and learn to solve problems and be in control of your life. Getting Ahead group members receive $25 per session ($400 for all sessions) plus assistance with child care and transportation.   Get ahead of your current situation by registering today. To register contact DCRS’ Getting Ahead Program Coordinator Marchelle LeBlanc at 410-313-0225 or email mleblanc@howardcountymd.gov . Join DCRS’s Office on Aging and Independence on Saturday, October 19 th for the debut its Master Aging: Engage, Educate, Inspire. A re-imagination of the our 50+EXPO, Howard County’s premier event for older adults for 20 years. This conference-style event will feature all day seminars and workshops, covering lifelong learning and leisure, technology, exercise and a showcase of activities at Howard County 50+ centers, as well as 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 . 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 Be prepared, not scared. Here are just some of the facts and tips you’ll see on the Howard County Government Facebook page and Twitter handle this September as part of National Preparedness Month.   Seniors, when developing your emergency plan, be sure to create a personal support network that can check in with you and provide assistance in an emergency. Ideally, your network should identify a minimum of three people at each location where you regularly spend time. For more disaster preparedness for seniors, check out the American Red Cross' “Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors.” When developing your basic emergency supply kit, keep in mind the unique needs of each of your family members, particularly babies, young children and seniors. Make sure you have enough supplies to meet each of their unique needs for as long as the disaster could possibly last. For infants make sure you have: diapers, bottles, formula, moist towelettes and diaper cream. For disasters that provide ample warning, make sure to fill all your necessary prescriptions ahead of time and ask your doctor about the proper storage of medications. Disaster can strike at any time. It does not care if you are at home, at work, out running errands or at school. To make sure your family knows what to do in an emergency, develop your family emergency plan today. Your plan should address how your family will get to a safe place, communicate with one another, how your family will get back together, and what you will do in different situations. Up to 40 percent of businesses affected by a natural or human-caused disaster never reopen. Whether we are at home or work, hazards like floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and widespread serious illness affect us all. For useful tips on creating your company's preparedness plan and program to ensure the safety for you and your employees during an emergency, visit www.ready.gov/business.   Also be sure to follow our Office of Emergency Management’s (OEM) Facebook page and Twitter handle , as well as check out the Federal Emergency Management Agency's website, www.ready.gov , for preparedness information. I encourage you to follow along to learn all that you can to make sure you and your family are prepared if disaster strikes. Preparedness begins with understanding your local hazards. A hazard is any potential source of harm or difficulty and may be natural or manmade. Howard County's risk assessment includes 26 distinct hazard types, including drought, earthquake, flood, hurricane, nuclear blast and dam failure. To learn more about these and other local hazards that could affect our area and how to prepare for them, check out on OEM’s “ReadyHoCo” website .   Test your disaster preparedness knowledge every Tuesday this September with OEM’s “Trivia Tuesday.” Follow OEM’s Facebook page to play along for your chance to win some useful and excellent emergency preparedness prizes. Often, "conducting an insurance check-up" is not including on our disaster preparedness checklist. However, having the right type and amount of insurance is a crucial component of disaster preparedness, and the best way to maintain a healthy financial future following a disaster. To make sure you and your family are ready, OEM, in partnership with the Maryland Insurance Administration, is bringing back its popular “Disaster Insurance” presentation this Tuesday, September 17 th . Participants will learn what to do to prepare for a disaster, what insurance will and will not cover and what resources are available to help. For more information and/or to register for this FREE event, click HERE .   Not able to make it? No worries. The Maryland Insurance Administration has put together this video on disaster preparedness and your insurance policy. While fall steps up to the plate, winter is right on its tail, entering the on-deck circle. It’s never too early to learn more about the winter weather hazards that can affect our area. Join OEM and the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) on Tuesday, September 24 th for the next SKYWARN ® class. NWS’s September's course will focus on Winter Storms. Participants will receive an in-depth training of winter weather hazards and the role of spotters (citizen volunteers) during these events. To register for this FREE course, click HERE .   While the SKYWARN® Winter Storm course is intended for all levels of expertise, having attended a Basic class (visit the NWS website to find a class near you) is mandatory to attend.   SKYWARN® is a volunteer program with between 350,000 and 400,000 trained severe weather spotters. These volunteers help keep their local communities’ safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services Our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is teaming up with United Way of Central Maryland to join the Baltimore Ravens’ “Huddle for 100: Caw for Action!” Join us on September 23 rd for a two-hour long Hands-Only CPR class starting at 10:00 a.m. Participants will learn the importance of performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on all ages, as well as how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and how to provide choking relief on an adult, child and infant. Learn how to save a life, by registering today. Donate a car, help train a firefighter.   HCDFRS is looking for unwanted vehicles, used to help our firefighters train and prepare for incidents involving motor vehicles. If you have a vehicle you’d be willing to donate, please email cardonations@howardcountymd.gov .   In addition to providing an invaluable training opportunity for HCDFRS, your vehicle donation is tax deductible and we will tow it away for free! Good luck to HCDFRS Trainee Class (TC) 32 who starts the County’s Fire Academy today. Over the next six months, TC32’s 45 trainees will learn how to put out a fire, administer emergency medical services, extricate a victim from a vehicle and so much more. I wish you all the best of luck and look forward to seeing you at your graduation in April 2020.

Department of Planning and Zoning This Thursday, September 19 th , our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) 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:   ZRA 189—David Yungmann  – To amend Section 131.0.O.1.b to eliminate the 75-foot setback between properties under common ownership and to allow the Hearing Authority to reduce the 75-foot setback to no less than 25 feet if the use is screened from neighboring properties by landscaping and a fence/wall. PB 445—(SP-19-002) Lawyers Hill Overlook / Land Design & Development LLC – Continuation of approval of Preliminary Equivalent Sketch Plan, SP-19-002, for Lawyers Hill Overlook, a 17 lot and one open space lot subdivision, consistent with Section 107.0.F. of the Howard County Zoning Regulations. Development in the R-ED District requiring a Preliminary Equivalent Sketch Plan must be approved by the Planning Board, applying Section 1.105 of their Rules of Procedure. PB 435—Downtown Columbia, Lake front Core Neighborhood, Phase 1— Revisory Power of the Board- Letter Requesting Revisory Action for PB 435—Downtown Lakefront Core Neighborhood Phase I (FDP-DC-L-1) – To hear arguments from both parties regarding the alleged Case of Fraud, Mistake or Irregularity.   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 . Over the summer, DPZ was fortunate to host two outstanding interns, Brandon Matthews and Chase Louden. A recent graduate of Wilde Lake High School, Brandon interned with DPZ’s Public Service and Zoning Administration Division. He participated in the Division’s day-to-day operations and helped create a database of all Board of Appeals cases from 1980 to 2000. This database will contribute to a GIS layer of all Board of Appeals cases, which will assist DPZ reviewers in processing zoning petitions, plans and permits.   Chase, a rising sophomore at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, spent the majority of his internship with DPZ’s Division of Land Development. Through his internship, Chase learned how to apply codes and regulations to the development review process and the general processes and procedures of the Land Development Division.   Thank you Brandon and Chase for your contributions this summer to DPZ and we wish you both nothing but success in your future academic and career endeavors.

Police Department The goal of our Howard County Police Department’s (HCPD) Neighborhood Community Resource Officer (NCRO) section is to improve the quality of life in the seven areas in Columbia the officers operate in. Our NCRO’s work to build relationships with residents, business owners, faith-based organizations and others to solve quality-of-life issues. They also use a data-based approach to allocate resources to the areas that need the most attention. For all that they do, this outstanding team were recently awarded the Maryland Retailers Association "Law Enforcement Officer of the Year" award. Congratulations to Sgt. James Zammillo and his team on this well-deserved recognition.   To learn more about our NCRO’s, check out this video HCPD put together. HCPD continues to be recognized for its greatness, with officers taking home the Medal of Honor and Exceptional Performance Award at last week’s Maryland Chiefs of Police Association’s annual conference.   The association’s highest honor, PFC Robert Hedrick was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery shown during the 2018 Ellicott City flood. PFC Hedrick was patrolling in the Ellicott City area when he responded to Historic Main Street. Risking his own life, he walked through rising waters to divert vehicles from the flooded streets to safety. Shortly after, he responded to a nearby building where several people were trapped, helping evacuate all occupants as a strong odor of gas filled the building. I think we can all agree, PFC Hedrick undoubtedly saved lives that day, all while putting his own life on the line.   Awarded the association’s Exceptional Performance Award, PFC Elijah Cortez is an NCRO working in the Owen Brown village. He takes community policing to heart, building trust and strong relationships with residents, business owners and those who work in the neighborhood. As an NCRO, PFC Cortez has helped officers close several large-scale investigations in Owen Brown and has helped improve quality-of-life issues. Not only does the association think he’s great, but so do his fellow officers. In 2018, PF Cortez was named HCPD’s Officer of the Year.   CONGRATULATIONS on this well-deserved recognition and honor. NOW HIRING! Do you want to be an integral part of Howard County's public safety operation? HCPD is testing for 911 dispatchers September 20 th , 21 st , 24 th , 25 th and 26 th .    To be considered for employment, applicants must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen, have no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions, and possess a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must complete a typing test with a 30 NET words-per-minute score. Passing applications will be scheduled for a video test in October.   To learn more and for a list of September typing test times and location, click HERE . Applicants are testing on a first-come, first-served for each test time. To test, you simply need to bring a valid photo ID. Join HCPD’s Community Outreach Division TOMORROW, September 17 th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Renata's Tasty Bites 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 Our Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold a public meeting on Thursday, September 26 th at 7:00 p.m. in the Patapsco Room of the Charles E. Miller Branch to provide an update on the Valley Mede and Chatham neighborhood flood mitigation efforts in the Plumtree Branch Watershed.   In addition to my EC Safe and Sound plan, this is one of many projects we have happening in Plumtree Branch Watershed aimed at better preparing and keeping the watershed safe from flooding. This proposed project in particular will help improve drainage on our roadways in order to protect against flash floods in Valley Mede and Chatham neighborhoods. To learn more about this project’s design and to add your voice to the conversation, I encourage you to attend this public meeting. 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 9, 2019  newsletter. Ellicott City Historic Ellicott City’s St. Luke AME Church Retaining Wall Repair Project (Capital Project C-0052) – Project to repair and replace the stacked stone retaining wall aside St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church, located at the intersection of Main Street and Ellicott Mills Drive, that was damaged by the 2016 and 2018 floods. The project is not expected to impact the flow of traffic; however, the sidewalk and shoulder adjacent to the project will remain closed during construction. Flagging operations will be in place to allow construction vehicles and equipment to enter and exit the work site as needed during construction hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late November.   Past Project Updates – Completion Date Change   Clarksville Heritage Heights Water and Sewer Extension (Capital Project W-8332) – Project to extend public water and sewer to Thompson Drive and Tulane Drive. Originally expected to be completed by late July, weather permitting, this project is now expected to be completed by late early October   Past Project Updates – Projects Completed   Columbia Stevens Forest Road, Nightstreet Hill, Farewell Road Intersection Improvements (Capital Project T-7106) – Project to install a mini-roundabout at the intersection of Stevens Forest Road, Nightstreet Hill and Farewell Road.   Ellicott City Ellicott City Culvert and Storm Drain Enhancement (Capital Project D-1165) – Project to conduct test pits and soil borings near 8600 Main Street. The test pits and borings will identify underground utilities for future culvert and storm drain replacement at the site. Maryland Avenue Culvert (Capital Project C-0337) –To identify subsurface soil conditions in the project area, soil borings were conducted near the intersection of Maryland Avenue and Main Street. Borings occurred adjacent to the CSX railroad and the County’s Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum. The results of the borings will assist in developing the final design of the Maryland Avenue Culvert project. 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 began last week. 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, starting tomorrow, September 17 th , 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 SAVE THE DATES: DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services will host not one, but 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 CONGRATS to our Department of Recreation and Parks'  Robinson Nature Center , who was honored Wednesday night by the Howard County Autism Society as a local autism-friendly organization!   A local leader in environmental education, the Robinson Nature Center recently launched “Sensory-Friendly Sundays." Designed for families with kids, teens and adults with sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities, "Sensory-Friendly Sundays" allow visitors the opportunity to explore the Nature Center’s exhibits, Discovery Room, nature trails and outdoor NaturePlace play area in a calm and relaxing environment. Held the second Sunday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., "Sensory-Friendly Sundays" was developed in partnership with a team of Leadership Howard graduates as part of their Community Impact Project. To learn more about sensory-friendly visits to the Robinson Nature Center, visit  www.howardcountymd.gov/RNC/sensoryfriendlyvisit .   The Nature Center was one of five local organizations honored at the Autism Society's 2nd Annual Donor Appreciation Event. Click HERE to read more about this announcement. Trees, trees, trees, come and get your free trees! In honor of my 44 th birthday , I’m looking for your help to achieve by goal of planting 44,000 native trees in Howard County this year. This October, we will be giving away 2,000 native trees, one tree per household, for Howard County residents to plant outside their home. Native species generally live longer and require less care. 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.   You can sign-up for your free tree now at https://livegreenhoward.com/treegiveaway/ . Public Archaeology Dig Day. Recreation & Parks’ Living Farm Heritage team and the Howard County Archaeology Program will be holding a Dig Day at the Living Farm Heritage Museum this Sunday, September 22 nd from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Open to all, participants will have the opportunity to help investigate the possible site of the first African-American tenant farm in Howard County, which dates back to the late 19 th or early 20 th century. This is a fantastic opportunity to examine once-lost structural remains and artifacts from Howard County’s history. To sign up, contact Kelly Palich at 410-313-0423 or email kpalich@howardcountymd.gov by this Friday, September 20 th . EMPLOYMENT opportunity. Do you enjoy working with children? Our Department of Recreation & Parks is seeking a Director for its Rockburn Elementary Before and After-School Childcare program. This rewarding Recreational Licensed Childcare position allows you to give back as you positively impact Howard County youth with fun and educational activities. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.; part-time benefits may be available. For questions and/or additional information, contact Stephanie Wise at 410-313-4712 or email swise@howardcountymd.gov . To apply, click HERE Get your spook on this October with Recreation & Parks’ Ghostly Guides at the Patapsco Female Institute (PFI). Hosted by the Department’s Living History and Heritage Program, all – that is those 16 and up, are invited to gather around the campfire to hear accounts of PFI’s ghostly tales, before exploring the 182-year-old ruins after-hours for supernatural activity. If you’re not too scared, click HERE to learn more. Mark your calendars. Join our Department of Recreation & Parks on October 2 nd to celebrate “Active Aging Week” with 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 .

Upcoming Events and Meetings

September 17 - Coffee with a Cop Join Howard County Police Department (HCPD) for its monthly Coffee with a Cop on Tuesday, September 17 th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Renata’s Tasty Bites, 9350-G Snowden River Parkway 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.

September 17 - Disaster Insurance Presentation Having the right type and amount of insurance is a crucial component of disaster preparedness, and the best way to maintain a healthy financial future following a disaster. Join OEM and the Maryland Insurance Administration on September 17 th 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. for a “Disaster Insurance” presentation. Participants will learn what to do to prepare for a disaster, what insurance will and will not cover and what resources are available to help. Click HERE to learn more about and/or to register for this FREE event.

September 19 - Charter Review Commission Public Hearing Under the County’s Charter, the County Council is required to establish a Charter Review Commission every eight years. Comprised of 15 county residents, the Commission is tasked with reviewing and making recommendations concerning the Howard County Charter. This past March, the Council approved Resolution No. 18-2019 appointing the 2019 Charter Review Commission. As part of its review, the Commission will host public hearings to gather public input. The Commission’s next public hearing is scheduled for September 19 th at 7:00 p.m. at the North Laurel Community Center . There will be signup sheets available for members of the public to use when they arrive at a public hearing. If possible, those planning to testify are asked to bring 20 copies of written testimony for distribution at the public hearing/ Please note, any testimony submitted to charterreviewcommission@howardcountymd.gov 48 hours prior to a public hearing will be forwarded to the Commission members. For more information and upcoming meeting dates, click HERE or call 410-313-2001.

September 19 - Patapsco Valley Innovators Discover the innovators of the Patapsco River Valley with Maryland History Tours on September 19 th from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Dive into the contributions of individuals such as Charles Carroll, the Ellicotts, the Latrobes and more, and see how their efforts still affect our lives today. Click HERE to learn more.

September 20 - “Howard County Night” at Oriole Park at Camden Yards The County has partnered with the Baltimore Orioles for “Howard County Night” at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Friday, September 20 th . The 7:05 p.m. game against the Seattle Mariners will feature discounted individual ticket prices for all Howard County residents. For ticket details for “Howard County Night,” click HERE .

September 21 - Howard County County's Farm-City Celebration The Howard County Farm-City Celebration is 16 days of fun for families, learning experiences for kids of all ages and an opportunity to appreciate the contributions our farms make to the quality of life for all Howard County residents. From September 21 st  through October 6 th , our local farms will be opening their doors to visitors, offering fall harvest festivals and more. The Howard County Library System will also be hosting a number of agricultural-centered events during this time. To learn more about this year’s Farm-City Celebration and for a complete schedule of events, visit  www.farmheritage.org/farm-city-a.html .

September 21 - Howard County General Hospital Community Companion Information Session Howard County General Hospital (HCGH) is currently seeking Community Companion volunteers to provide nonmedical support, such as transportation and companionship, to patients. Patients are often older adults who live alone, experience functional impairment and have multiple chronic conditions, such as lung disease or cancer. Community Companion volunteers receive training and are paired with patients based on schedule and need. Interested persons, age 18 or older, are invited to join HCGH at one of three upcoming Community Companion information sessions – September 21 st , October 12 th , and November 16 th , held from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Trellis Center, 10760 Hickory Ridge Road, Suite 206 in Columbia. For more information, For more information, visit HCGH.org/j2bhvolunteer , call 410-720-8788 or email hcgh-j2bh@jhmi.edu .

September 21 - 42nd Annual Korean Festival Come enjoy this multi-generational celebration of Korean culture, featuring senior line dancing, a traditional Korean cultural performance, taekwondo/martial arts, a Korean calligraphy demonstration and more. Located att the Howard County Fairground from 10:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m. For information, visit http://www.koreanmd.org/en/ .

September 21 - 7th Annual Main Street Music Fest Ellicott City’s 7 th Annual Main Street Music Fest is back September 21 st from 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Inspired by the desire to support and celebrate the best indie artist talent the Mid-Atlantic has to offer, this year’s full day FREE festival will feature three outdoor stages, seven indoor stages, 45+ bands, craft beer and boutique wine gardens, and family friendly activities throughout the historic district. To learn more about this year’s event, click HERE .

September 21 - The Longest Table Hosted by the Howard County Library System, there’s a place at the table for you! Come mix, mingle and meet new friends at this fun, uplifting community gathering. Share a meal, explore common topics and add your voice to this unique communal experience. Social hour with music, games, a pop-up library and interactive art will begin at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. To learn more about this event and/or to purchase your ticket, visit http://hclibrary.org/classes-events/longesttable/ .

September 22 - Robinson Nature Center’s 8th Anniversary Open House Come celebrate the Robinson Nature Center ’s 8th birthday on September 22 nd  from noon to 5:00 p.m. with all-day complimentary admission. Come explore the Nature Center’s newly replanted green roof, 2019 ARTsites installation, Nature Place additions and more. Attendees will enjoy live animal demonstrations, guided nature walks, face-painting and shows in the Nature Center’s planetarium. This event is free and open to all ages; however, children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. As on-site parking is limited, attendees are encouraged to carpool. A free shuttle service will also be offered from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab. For more information, including parking details, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/RobinsonAnniversary .

September 26 - Valley Mede, Chatham Stormwater Management Projects Public Meeting Our Department of Public Works will hold a public meeting on Thursday, September 26 th at 7:00 p.m. in the Patapsco Room of the Charles E. Miller Branch to provide an update on the Valley Mede and Chatham neighborhood flood mitigation efforts in the Plumtree Branch Watershed. To learn more about this meeting, click HERE .

September 28 - Howard County’s NAACP Elder Empowerment Summit On the 28 th from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.. hosted by the County’s Department of Community Resources and Services, Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition and NAACP Howard County Branch #7020, participants will learn that taking care of yourself is a critically important part of taking care of others. Participant will learn how to exercise wisely, to better health and successfully over the age of 50, learn where to access valuable resources when caring for loved ones either at home or in a program and more. To register for this FREE event, click HERE .

September 28 - Howard County Walk to End Alzheimer’s On the 28 th , starting at 9:00 a.m., the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. So grab your tennis shoes, friends and family, and help lead the way to Alzheimer’s first survivor. To learn more about the walk in Ellicott City, click HERE .

September 28 - AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk Each year, suicide claims more lives than war, murder and natural disasters combined. Yet suicide prevention doesn't receive anywhere near the funding as other leading causes of death. Join a quarter of a million people from cities across all 50 states for the American Foundation (AFSP) for Suicide Prevention’s annual “Out of the Darkness” from 10:00 am -1:00 p.m. Walk to raise awareness and funds, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss. To learn more about this event, click HERE .

September 28 - Owen Brown Community Carnival Enjoy a moon bounce, games, music, food, mechanical bull ride, water balloon toss & more! Fun for all ages, join the Owen Brown Community on September 28 th from 2:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m. for this annual event. To learn more, click HERE . All proceeds will support Cradlerock and Lake Elkhorn PTA.

September 29 - Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration All are invited to join myself and our Office of Human Rights for a family- friendly celebration of Hispanic and Latino American culture, heritage and contributions on September 29 th from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. at the North Laurel Community Center. The event will feature performances, crafts, information presentations, food and more. To reserve your spot, email OHRoutreach@howardcountymd.gov by September 24 th .

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