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August 5, 2019
Dear Friends,

It was a beautiful day at the Howard County Fair yesterday! My family and I were so honored to walk in the opening parade.

Our fair is a good reminder that we have a responsibility to sustain Howard County’s historical legacy of agriculture. Earlier this year, I announced the re-opening of the Agricultural Land Preservation Program (ALPP) to protect county farmland and support our local farmers. We must be environmental leaders who protect and preserve agricultural lands, as well as those who live and work there.

The 74th Annual Howard County Fair runs until Saturday, August 10. I urge all of you to come out and share in the tradition of family-oriented fun, education, and entertainment. Find more information here.
This Week in HoCo
"Best of Howard" Nominations

Nominations are now open for  Howard Magazine’s Best of Howard readers’. Make sure your voice is heard and nominate your favorites from around the county. Nominations close at 5:00pm on August 16th. Nominate them here.
Summer Restaurant Weeks Ends

Today, we have reached the end of Howard County's Summer Restaurant Weeks. However, our restaurants continue to have delicious meals throughout the year. My team and I enjoyed a final, delightful meal together from  Ranazul Tapas Wine Bistro.


For Summer Restaurant Weeks this year, my team and I visited:
  • AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar
  • The Ale House – Columbia
  • Cured Table & Tap | 18th & 21st
  • Food Plenty
  • Kelsey's Restaurant & Spirits
  • The Kings Contrivance Restaurant
  • Mad Chef Kitchen & Bar
  • Manor Hill Tavern
  • Ranazul
  • The Turn House
  • Victoria Gastro Pub
  • The Walrus Oyster & Ale House

Thank you to all the restaurants who participated.  #HoCoEats
It's Okay to Ask

Howard County faces a public health emergency, as suicide was the leading cause of death for our youth ages 15-19 in Howard County between 2014-2016. We have a shared responsibility to eliminate the stigma associated with speaking up, so that anyone who needs help feels comfortable asking for it. Together, we can eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and spread the message that it’s okay to ask. Watch WJZ-13’s report on it here.
Welcome Unusual Company

There’s something “unusually” new to Main Street, Ellicott City. It was an honor to join the Crowe Family at the grand opening for  liveunusually. I encourage you and your friends to check out their unusual experiences at 8137 Main Street. Ellicott City, MD 21043.
Statement on Woodstock 50

Earlier this month, the promoters of Woodstock 50 reached out to Howard County and Merriweather Post Pavilion about bringing their festival to our venue this summer. Knowing the cultural significance of this commemorative event, we were eager to help make it happen any way we could. Unfortunately, the festival promoters were unable to fulfill their obligation and Woodstock 50 will no longer be taking place at Merriweather Post Pavilion.

Initially, when this festival was in search of a new home, we saw an opportunity to bring a piece of American history to our storied stage. Howard County is used to hosting big concerts, from Virgin FreeFest to Sweetlife to Jazzfest and more. We had the experience, the infrastructure, and the passion to make this happen. Howard County and Merriweather were fully prepared to put on a world-class concert, if the festival promoters could secure the acts.

I share in the disappointment of everyone who hoped to celebrate the anniversary of ‘Peace & Music’ with a festival this summer. While Woodstock 50 will not be coming to Howard County, we continue to offer tremendous cultural events at Merriweather Post Pavilion and beyond.

In the past year we have welcomed nearly 3 million visitors and our tourism industry supports almost 11,000 full-time jobs. In the future, Howard County will continue to support the arts, host great music, and welcome new visitors to our community.
2016 Flood Anniversary Date

On Tuesday, we marked three years since a devastating flood impacted Ellicott City. The water destroyed businesses, homes and took the lives of Jessica Watsula and Joseph Blevins. Our town will never forget what we lost that day and we know that we will never be the same. But on the anniversary, Ellicott City is a community united.

Since 2016, Ellicott City has been reborn. Our town has worked together to rebuild businesses and grow new ones. We have taken big steps to improve our safety and plan for the future. Three years later, we are still here.
Out of tragedy, we continue to build a brighter future, together.
Thank You, Ryan Rappaport

Constituent Services continues to be a priority for my Administration. I want to take a moment to spotlight the great work of Ryan Rappaport, a dedicated employee of our  Howard County Health Department, Bureau of Environmental Health.

After receiving two calls from Elkridge residents, and in collaboration with  Howard County Council Member Liz Walsh’s office regarding illegal dumping at a nearby CSX site, Ryan quickly answered the call and coordinated with CSX not only for the removal of materials, but followed up to ensure CSX secured the site with a fence to prevent future dumping.

I am grateful for Ryan and our Health Department for their commitment to quickly addressing constituent issues as they arise,  Kimberly Pruim, my Director of Constituent Services and Community Partnerships, and  Karina Fisher, Special Assistant to Councilwoman Liz Walsh’s for our collaboration on this important issue.
National Night Out

Tomorrow (August 6) night is National Night Out (NNO). An annual community-building campaign, NNO promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live. I encourage you to join Howard County Police Department (HCPD), myself and the thousands of communities across America who are supporting this crime prevention effort by turning on your outside lights and stepping outside tomorrow night to take part in neighborhood events and block parties. HCPD will be kicking off the night with a party at Long Reach Village Center, 8775 Cloudleap Court in Columbia from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. To find a NNO out party near you, click HERE.
 
Unable to attend a NNO block party? No problem! You can still do your part in sending a message to criminals that our communities are banding together to fight crime by turning on your outside lights and, if able, spending at least one hour in front of your home this evening.
 
Together, we can build a safer Howard County.
Apprenticeship Programs

Expanding career opportunity through apprenticeship is one of my priorities. Our Office of Workforce Development and the partners at the Columbia Workforce Center hosted an Apprenticeship I nformation S ession for individuals interested in work and learn career opportunities .  The Apprenticeship “learn while you earn” career pathway allows job seekers to gain valuable hands-on, paid employment in a real work environment. At this event, participants learned how to earn a competitive wage while acquiring industry-recognized credentials. The following are some examples of the various types of registered apprenticeships programs: HVAC/R, Electrician, Information Technology, Emergency Management and more. This is the first event of many to come.
Departmental News
Department of Community Resources and Service
Calling all Seniors! Tomorrow, August 6 is Senior Day at the 74th Howard County Fair ! Come on out and take advantage of all-day FREE admission, entertainment and exercise demonstrations. Be sure to swing on by the 4-H Activities Building from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., to speak with folks with our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence to learn about the County’s healthy aging program, play some bingo, earn some prizes and more. 
With more than 20,000 veterans and their families calling Howard County home, we have a duty to meet their needs and give thanks for their sacrifices. If you are interested in giving back to those who have served and given up so much to ensure our freedom, I encourage you to apply today for the County’s Commission for Veterans and Military Families. Established in 2011, the purpose of the Commission is to assure that the issues of our county’s veterans and military families are addressed effectively and efficiently, and needs met. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and how to apply, click HERE . Deadline to submit your application is Friday, August 23, 2019.
In this week’s FREE summer cooking class, participants will learn how to make Unicorn French Toast . Geared towards kids age 8 to 17, participants learn healthy cooking basics. Hosted by Healthy Little Cooks and held in partnership with Department of Community Resources and Services and the East Columbia 50+ Center, classes are held every Wednesday (through August 21) from noon to 2:00 p.m.at the East Columbia 50+ Center in Columbia. With three weeks left, there is still time to register your child/teen for the final classes. To register and/or find more information, email alex@healthylittlecooks.com . Note, a parent or guardian must sign a waiver for kids to participate.
Together, we can promote healthy eating habits one dish at a time.
Howard County youth, ages 18 and younger, don’t forget to grab your FREE “Weekend Warrior Snack Packs.” They are available at the following locations every Friday through August 23 rd :

 
For more information, contact James Zoller at 443-745-1058 or email jzoller@howardcountymd.gov .
Department of Fire and Rescue Services
This August, our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) will welcome 25 new recruits to the Department, as Fire Academy Class 31 is set to graduate on August 16 th at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Community Church in Fulton. Three days later, the Department will officially open Station 14, Howard County’s newest fire station. Located at 6025 Symphony Woods Way in Downtown Columbia’s Merriweather district, Station 14 will rightfully be known as the Merriweather Station. Located at the bottom of a parking garage, the Merriweather Station will be the County’s smallest station and will house an engine and ambulance. I hope you’ll join me for the grand opening of our 13th fire station on August 19 at 11:00 a.m.
This past week, members from HCDFRS served as camp counselors at the Mid-Atlantic Burn Camp in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Established in 1989, the Mid-Atlantic Burn Camp strives to assist young burn survivors and their families with their adjustment to injury by providing an annual therapeutic residential summer camp (and other year-round activities) that support their physical, psychological and social needs. HCDFRS has a long history of supporting the camp, as camp counselors and with logistical support. Thank you Captain Josh Zulick, Lieutenant Trish Harris, Firefighter/Paramedic Kristin Walthall and Firefighter Buddy Laque for volunteering your time at this year’s camp. We are lucky to have such wonderful individuals serving our residents and all who work and play here.
Department of Fire and Rescue Services Office of Emergency Management

Comprised of representatives from local government, private businesses, non-profit organizations and residents, the County’s Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) strives to enhance Howard County’s preparedness and response to hazardous material incidents by working together to plan and prepare for such scenarios. The LEPC generally meets quarterly to provide updates related to the County’s emergency management and preparedness, and discuss topics of interest to the preparedness community. This month’s meeting (August 15 th ) will focus on Critical Incident Stress Management and discuss strategies for building personal resilience, as well as ways of responding to the psychological needs of those impacted by an event. To learn more about this month’s meeting and/or to RSVP, visit https://augustLEPC2019.eventbrite.com .
Department of Fire and Rescue Services and Police Department

To date, there have been 25 child hot car deaths in the United States. That’s 25 too many. Our Department of Fire and Rescue Services and Police Department are once again reminding residents to ALWAYS look before you lock and NEVER leave a child or pet alone in a car, not even for a minute. On an 85-degree day, it only takes 10 minutes for the inside of your car to reach 102 degrees. And leaving your window(s) cracked an inch or two or parking in a shady spot, do little to prevent your car from overheating. REMEMBER, a child's body temperature can rise up to five times faster than an adult's and a body temperature of 107 degrees is fatal. Your furry friend, it takes just 15 minutes for them to sustain organ damage or even die from heatstroke. AGAIN, ALWAYS look before you lock.
Health Department

Between 2014 and 2016, suicide was the LEADING CAUSE of death among youth, ages 15 to 19, in Howard County. In fact, one in five middle schoolers has seriously contemplated suicide, while one in seven high schoolers has made a plan. To address this public health emergency, Howard County Health Department has launched a new program to eliminate youth suicide and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
 
Starting this Friday, August 9 and running through September 5, all Howard County movie theaters will be running a suicide prevention PSA produced by the County. Together, we can spread the message that it’s okay to ask for help and ask others if they are okay.
 
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or contemplating suicide, please contact the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center at 410-531-6677 and/or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.  
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 Department staff 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

As part of the County’s Ellicott City Watershed Master Plan process, our Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) has launched an Online Open House to provide information and gather feedback about the Plan. Paused after the 2018 flood, I have restarted the Ellicott City Watershed Master Plan to develop a comprehensive, community-driven vision for rebuilding a stronger and more resilient Ellicott City. The Online Open House focuses on several key downtown areas where significant changes to previously-proposed master plan ideas are likely, given the flood mitigation work under my EC Safe and Sound plan . The Open House is available now through Sunday, August 11, 2019. If you have questions or any technical difficulties with the surveys or Online Open House, please feel free to email planning@howardcountymd.gov .
Police Department
In case you missed it, HCPD will host its first Women in Law Enforcement career fair on Saturday, August 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the County’s Public Safety Training Center, 2200 Scott Wheeler Drive in Marriottsville. Geared towards women seeking a career in law enforcement, the event will feature police training demonstrations, a panel discussion, tours of the Training Center and more. In addition to HCPD, personnel from Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Montgomery County, Baltimore City, Mount Rainier and University of Maryland police departments, Charles, Frederick and Howard County sheriff offices, Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Maryland State Police and Maryland Transportation Authority Police will also be in attendance. For questions and/or more information about this FREE event, contact HCPD recruitment at 410-313-4273 or email recruitment@howardcountymd.gov .
Attention golfers, join Howard County Police Foundation on August 26 th at Turf Valley Resort for its first-ever Howard County Police Officer’s Charitable Golf Tournament. Held in partnership by three unions representing HCPD officers and in collaboration with the Howard County Branch NAACP #7020 , the tournament affirms the cooperative relationship between HCPD officers and the NAACP. In today’s world, where division is becoming more and more prevalent, strong relationships are crucial to counter the forces that divide.
 
Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Police Foundation and youth initiatives of the Howard County Branch NAACP. To learn more, click HERE .
While HCPD’s Community Athletic Programs’ Mobile Rec Center won’t be making its usual stops this week (August 5 th to the 9 th ), the Mobile Rec Center will return next week for its final spin around the County. Get your game on one last time with HCPD school resource officers this summer. Shoot some hoops, join in a game of baseball or flag football, play some Xbox or just hang.
  • Mondays – East Columbia Library, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia
  • Tuesdays – Talbott Springs Pool, 9660 Basket Ring Road, Columbia
  • Wednesdays – Blandair Park, 5750 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia
  • Thursdays – Oakland Mills Middle School, 9540 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia and Mayfied Woods Middle School, 7950 Red Barn Way, Elkridge
  • Fridays – North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel
 
No need to register in advance. Just show up for some good, old fashion fun.
Department of Public Works

REMINDER: DPW hold a public meeting on Tuesday, August 13 at 7:00 p.m. at Howard County Library System’s Elkridge branch , to present the plans for a repair project at the Calvert Ridge stormwater management pond, located adjacent to 7078 Calvert Drive in Elkridge. The project will improve water quality treatment of stormwater and to improve the functionality and maintainability of the stormwater management system. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2020. To learn more about this project (Capital Project D-1177) and this meeting, click HERE .
Department of Public Works Construction Report

Below are details regarding new Capital Projects and maintenance projects. For a full list of previously announced projects, please refer to the July 29, 2019 newsletter.
 
Ellicott City
  • Old Mill Road Sewer Repair – Urgent project to repair the sewer near 9955 Old Mill Road. During the project, a portion of Old Mill Road just south of Hidden Haven Court will be closed to thru traffic. Motorists will follow a clearly marked detour using Gudel Drive, Old Frederick Road and McKenzie Road. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 10.
 
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 August, with final paving by late September.                                   
 
Columbia

 
Past Project Updates – Projects Completed
 
Ellicott City

Glenmar Pond Repair (Capital Project D-1159) – Project to repair a storm water management pond located between Debbie Court and Mitzy Lane.
 
Mt. Airy

 
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
 
In case you missed the announcement in my newsletter last week, the County’s curbside food scrap collection program is expanding to the eastern edge (see outlined portion of map) this fall! Residents in this area of the County who receive curbside trash and recycling curbside collection provided by our Bureau of Environmental Services, will soon be able to participate in the our “Feed the Green Bin” program. If you have not already, you should be receiving a mailer from the Bureau soon with details about the program and how you can sign-up. In the meantime, to learn more about our Feed the Green Bin, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/feedthegreenbin or call the Bureau at 410-313-6444.
Go GREEN this school year with these tips from our Bureau of Environmental Services:

  • Rethink how you purchase school supplies and reuse what you can from last year. It is pretty awesome to start the school year off with all new stuff, such as clothing, binders, folders, pens and pencils, but do you really need to? All that new stuff uses the earth’s resources: trees, water, energy, etc.
  • Don’t brown bag it. Invest in a lunchbox, reusable plastic containers, cloth napkins and a thermos. Also, avoid buying individually packaged foods. This adds up to a lot of trash and is usually more expensive.
  • Ditch disposable water bottles. Save the planet and save money by using filtered tap water and stainless steel insulated sports water bottles. They can help keep your water cooler for longer.
  • Reduce your greenhouse gas emissions. Ride the bus when possible to lessen individual vehicle emissions. If the bus is not an option, set up a carpool with neighbors or arrange for a chaperoned “walkpool.” You’ll save gas and get some exercise in the process!
  • Recycle as much as you can. Parents set the example. Are you and your family recycling the right items? Check out the Bureau’s “Do You Know Before You Throw” online game to see how you're doing and to brush up on your recycling skills.
Department of Recreation & Parks
This past Wednesday was World Ranger Day. Like their counterparts around the globe, our Department of Recreation & Parks’ Park Rangers are on the front line in the fight to protect our natural heritage. The help keep our parks clean and safe, and even assist with leading our Junior Ranger camps. They also know how to have a little fun, as this photo shows. Next time you’re spending time in one of our parks, be sure to thank a park ranger for all they do when you see one.
County residents, in case you missed it, registration is NOW OPEN for our Recreation & Parks’ 2019 Fall Activity Guide . Online registration for non-Howard County residents begins this Wednesday, August 7 at 6:00 p.m., followed by all other forms of registration (walk-in, phone and mail-in) the next day.
 
From sports leagues, programs and trips, to a number of fun activities to get you in to the Halloween spirit, there is something for everyone in this year’s Fall Activity Guide.
Cast your vote for which movie ( Top Gun , E.T. , The Wizard of Oz OR Marvel’s The Avengers ) you want shown at Recreation & Parks’ next Lakeside Movies @ Centennial Park. Interested attendees have until this Friday, August 9 th to share their thoughts with Recreation & Parks via its Facebook page or Twitter handle. The chosen movie will be shown on Wednesday, August 28 at 8:15 p.m. (approximate start time) in the lawn area of Centennial Park South. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and carpool if possible, as these events typically draw large crowds. Also, don’t forget your flashlight to help you navigate your way to your seats and car. The Adventure Shack Concessions will also be open until the end of the movie, serving movie night food and refreshment specials. For more information, call 410-313-4700. In the case of inclement weather, call 410-313-4451 after 5:00 p.m. the night of the movie .
Recreation & Parks’ will wrap up the musical porition of its Summer Concert Series this week, with two performances. The first, as part of the Department’s Sunser Serenades, will take place this Wednesday, August 7 at 7:00 p.m. at Centennial Park South and will feature 60’s rock band, GrooveQuest . Then, the Department’s Traveling Bands showmobile will make its final pit stop of the summer at the North Laurel Community Center on Friday, August 9 at 7:00 p.m., accompanied by Trinidad & Tobago Baltimore Steel Orchestra . Since 1971, this world-famous orchestra has been providing the finest authentic Caribbean steel drum music.
 
So, grab your lawn chair or blanket, picnic basket and family and friends, and come enjoy the sounds of summer with Recreation & Parks. In the case of inclement weather, call 410-313-4451 after 5:00 p.m. the night of the musical performance to check on the concert’s status.
Department of Social Services

Connecting our most vulnerable residents with the services they need is a critical duty of our government. For our families who are working hard to put food on the table, our children in need of a nurturing home and for all people in crisis, our Board of Social Services is so important to key programs in Howard County. I encourage anyone who is interested in helping support these efforts to apply for our Board of Social Services. For details on how to do so and eligibility requirements, click HERE . The DEADLINE to apply is Thursday, August 29, 2019.
Upcoming Events and Meetings
August 3 - 10 - 74 th Howard County Fair

Now in its 74 th year, nothing compares to the Howard County Fair . From amusement rides and games, great food, livestock and agricultural events galore, musical entertainment and more, there is something for everyone at this year’s Fair.
August 6 - 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 a opioid overdose. The first Tuesday and last Thursday of each month, 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 Depertment headquarters. Simply show up and Health will teach you how to administer Narcan, the opioid reversing medicine. Click HERE to learn more.
August 6 - Senior Day at the Fair

Fairgoers, age 62 and older are invited to come take advantage for FREE admission, all part of this year’s Senior Day at the 74 th Howard County Fair ! Swing on by the 4-H Activities Building from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., to speak with folks from the County’s Office on Aging and Independence to learn about the County’s healthy aging program, take part in exercise demonstrations, play some bingo, earn some prizes and more. 
August 6 - Public Safety Day at the Fair

Hosted by the 74 th Howard County Fair , our Department of Fire and Rescue Services will present a fire demonstration and members of the community outreach section will be there to talk to attendees from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
August 6 - National Night Out

Howard County Police Department has once again teamed up with National Town Watch Association to sponsor this year’s National Night Out (NNO). This annual community-building campaign promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. HCPD will host this year's kick-off party at Long Reach Village Center in Columbia. The party starts at 6:00 p.m. and all Long Reach residents and those nearby are encouraged to attend. To find a NNO out party near you, click HERE .
August 7 - Sunset Serenades Concert: GrooveQuest (60’s Rock)

Join our Department of Recreation & Parks' for its FINAL Sunset Serenades concert of the 2019 Summer Concert Series . The music begins at 7:00 p.m., so grab a blanket or lawn chair, a picnic dinner and your family and friends, and come enjoy the sounds of summer by the lake! While the concerts are free, attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Howard County Food Bank.
August 9 - Ellicott City 50+ Center Wii Bowling Tournament Practice Round

Test your virtual bowling skills by competing in the Ellicott City 50+ Center’s Wii Bowling Tournament. Swing by Center at 10:30 a.m. on the 9 th to take part in a practice round before the tournament on August 16 th . The top three finishers on the 16 th will receive a medal. Space is limited, so sign-up today by calling 410-313-1400.
August 9 - Traveling Bands Concert: Trinidad & Tobago Baltimore Steel Orchestra (Caribbean) 

Our Department of Recreation & Parks' Traveling Bands showmobile will be making its FINAL pit stop of the 2019 Summer Concert Series this evening at 7:00 p.m. at North Laurel Community Center . Grab your family and friends, a blanket and/or lawn chair and picnic dinner, and come enjoy this world-famous group playing the finest authentic Caribbean music.
August 10 - Chrysalis Kids – Beat Bugs: A Musical Adventure  

The Drama Learning Center’s Teaching Young Artists program brings its second production to “Chrysalis Kids.” Based on the Netflix animated series and inspired by music made famous by The Beatles, Beat Bugs: A Musical Adventure hits the Chrysalis stage this August 10 th . For more information and tickets to this free event, click HERE . Chrysalis Kids is part of Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods’ spring, summer and fall series of outdoor, free performances and other arts events.
August 10 thru September 14 - Living Well: Diabetes Self-Management (formerly Living Well with Diabetes)

A community-based workshop to help adults manage Type 2 diabetes or for those who are pre-diabetic. Held Saturdays from August 10 through September from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Elkridge 50+ Center , to register for this FREE workshop, visit hcgh.org/events or contact Nicole Becerra at 410-313-3506 for more information.
August 16 - Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services Trainee Class 31 Graduation

Join Department of Fire Rescue Services Chief Christine Uhlhorn and members of the Howard County Council as 35 recruits of Fire Academy Class 31 are sworn in as Department of Fire and Rescue Recruits. All members of Academy Class 31 will work in Howard County. The ceremony will take place on the 16 th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Grace Community Church in Fulton.
August 18 - The Music of Puerto Rico with Cultura Plenara

Part of the free Community Concerts at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods’ Chrysalis, celebrate Maryland Traditions Heritage Awards with Culutura Planara for Music of Puerto Rico. Cultura Plenera is a non-profit organization dedicated to community building through the traditional Puerto Rican musical styles of Bomba and Plena. Bomba is a Puerto Rican musical genre that dates back more than 300 years, has heavy African influences and expresses the sentiments of Puerto Ricans. While Plena, another Puerto Rican musical genre that dates back more than 100 years, narrates stories of the Puerto Rican. For more information and tickets to this free event, click HERE .