Dear Friends,
After taking office as your County Executive, I made it a priority for Howard County to lead with bold, forward-thinking ideas and statistical analysis. While, we’ve made many steps together over the past nine months, we now made a giant leap forward for Howard County.
HoCoDASH is an innovative, groundbreaking initiative that will improve the effectiveness of services to residents, businesses, visitors, and future generations. Through a focus on data development, collection, analysis, and evaluation, our system will look deeper than we have before and glean important insight into county performance and community issues. Visit the new HoCoDASH website
here.
Along with the launch of HoCoDASH, I'm also proud to announce Howard County’s first “Innovation Fund” that consists of $225,000 in grant funding for projects that utilize innovation to improve the quality of life for Howard County residents. With our Innovation Grants we are looking to support the next great idea that will improve our quality of life and serve the public good.
To find out more information on how you can apply for a grant, visit
our website.
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The Opioid Prevention and Intervention Toolkit (OPIT) app
Howard County remains committed to helping individuals struggling with substance abuse disorders. The Opioid Prevention and Intervention Toolkit (OPIT) app is a pertinent self-assessment tool to assist those in our community, who struggle with opioid use disorder, and their families as they walk the road to recovery.
To beat this crisis, we are going to have to work together as one community and the launch of this app is a great step forward. Download the OPIT app on the Apple Store or Google Play Store today! Watch the launch of this app
here.
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Welcome Breezy Willow Farm Country Market
Baked goods are some of the best goods! I was so excited to join
Breezy Willow Farm Country Market for the grand-opening of their new Bake Shop where you can find amazing pies, cakes, desserts, and more! All items in their store are farm fresh including seasonal fruits, produce, meats and other handmade offerings.
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Free Tree Giveaway
Reserve your tree
here today!
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Join My Team
Are you interested in joining my team? The Office of Public Information is looking for a communications professional to assist in crafting important messages for a variety of platforms that we use to reach our residents. Interested applicants should apply
here today.
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Complete Streets' Resolution
After making the largest single year investment in bike infrastructure during the most recent budget cycle, I am pleased to continue to deliver on that promise. This policy ensures that Howard County streets will be designed, built, maintained and operated with everyone in mind, for the good of the community.
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Local Farmer's Markets
Howard County has an incredibly rich agriculture. One of my favorite things to do is to visit our local farmers markets and stores. Read a Baltimore Sun article about our farmers markets
here. If you haven't yet experienced our amazing local produce, I encourage you to visit your local farmer's Market before the season ends:
Miller Branch - Wednesdays until Nov. 20, 2-6:00pm
East Columbia Branch - Thursdays until Nov. 14, 12-6:00pm
Howard County also has farm stores that are around all-year, I encourage you to also stop by their shops. Visit their individual pages to find out more information!
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Congratulations Melissa Goldmeier
Please join me in congratulating Melissa Goldmeier, a member of the County's Office of Law, who was recently named one of
The Daily Record's “2019 Leading Women.” This annual awards ceremony, now in its 10th year, recognizes women 40 or younger for the accomplishments they’ve made thus far professionally, in their community and for their commitment to inspiring change.
Thank you Melissa for all that you do for
Howard County Government and for our community. We are lucky to call you one of our own. My sincerest congratulations to all our winners!
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Calling All Artists!
Howard County Library System
is now accepting applications for the consideration of art to be included in its Art Education Collection housed at the Central Branch. The arts help maintain our quality of life. I encourage you to submit your work
here
today!
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International Day of the Girl
7 in 10 girls believe they are not good enough or do not measure up in some way, including their appearance, performance in school, and relationships with family and friends.
On Friday, we celebrated International Day of the Girl; a stellar reminder of the needs and challenges girls face due to gender inequality. Organizations, like
Girls on the Run of Central Maryland
, are important to ensuring every girl knows and activates their limitless potential. We need to ensure everyone can be free to boldly pursue their dreams.
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Mini Maker Faire
The Mini Maker Faire is a celebration of all things creative and innovative - a celebration of science, technology, engineering. I was pleased to join a wonderful gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do.
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More Than Pink
Like most community members, I have people in my life who have been affected by cancer. We are a county that wants to do more for early detection, those living with cancer and more research to find a cure.
I was glad to join
Susan G. Komen Maryland
for the “More Than Pink” walk. Let’s go beyond just wearing pink to show our support and raise awareness, let’s get out there and make a difference.
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Women in Fire
This
#FirePreventionWeek
, I was pleased to stop by the Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department for their open house as they demonstrated how to prevent fires and maintain them. It was also a great opportunity to discuss helpful tips with our youth on what they can do in the event of a fire.
This is a great opportunity to learn in a supportive environment & network with women from surrounding jurisdictions!
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MD International School
It’s important that every student is able to achieve academic success, while preparing them for challenge of becoming the next generation of community leaders.
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Welcome Pivot!
It’s always exciting to see new businesses opening in Ellicott City.
Pivot Work Spaces
held their grand opening in Ellicott City last week. Pivot is an amazing shared office space with all the amenities and productivity tools needed to be successful. Visit their
website
for more information.
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Join My Team!
Are you interested in joining my team? The
Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services
Office of Consumer Protection is currently looking for an Administrator. The office is looking for a leader with strong leadership and problem-solving skills, who is an innovative and creative thinker with the ability to set and articulate a vision for the office. If you're interested, apply
here
today.
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Department of
Community Resources and Services
Join our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) this Saturday, October 19
th
for its
Master Aging: Engage, Educate, Inspire
.
Hosted by DCRS’
Office on Aging and Independence,
this conference-style event is
a
reimagination of the County’s 50+EXPO
. The event will feature all day seminars and workshops covering lifelong learning and leisure, technology, exercise and more, vendors, a keynote address by
Kerry Hannon
, one of the nation’s top experts on careers for older adults, 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
.
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Do you or your child need a winter coat? DCRS’s
MultiService Center
is holding a fall and winter clothing giveaway on Saturday, October 26
th
from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road in Laurel. FREE coats and clothing for all ages, infant to adult, will be available. All are welcome. For questions and/or more information, contact the MultiService Center 410-313-0220.
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Did you know that 85 percent of a person’s brain is developed by the time they are FIVE years old? Early brain development has a lasting impact on a child’s ability to learn and succeed in school and life. Join DCRS’ Office of Children and Families on Saturday, November 16
th
from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the
North Laurel Community Center
for “Thrive by Five,” a
Family Institute
essential parent conference. The event will feature early childhood experts, including a keynote by Frank Kros, resources, prizes, breakfast and lunch, and child care for ages two and up (spaces are limited, so registration is required for child care). Admission is free, but
pre-registration is requested
.
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Now through Friday, November 8
th
, our Office of Veterans and Military Families is collecting homemade scarves and hats for our military members. Scarves should be four to six inches wide and 48 to 50 inches long (no fringe please), and hats should fit an adult-size head. Items can be dropped off at DCRS’s main office, located at 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia, at one of the County’s
50+ Centers
or at
Postal Xpress N More
. Send some love to our service men and women this season with a handmade scarf or hat.
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Help a family in need, by donating a package of diapers to
The Howard County Diaper Project
today. DCRS’s Office of Children and Families and
Community Action Council of Howard County
are seeking larger size diapers, specifically sizes four, five and six for the Howard County Food Bank. Unopened or opened packages (opened packages are okay as long as the size is clearly marked) can be dropped off at the Food Bank, located 9385 Gerwig Lane, Suite J in Columbia, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Or, you can order from the Diaper Project's
Amazon wish list
.
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Department of Fire and Rescue Services
While cooking brings family and friends together, especially around the holidays, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. On average, fire departments across the U.S. respond to 166,100 home fires a year which involve cooking equipment. Ranges or cook-tops account for almost three out of every five reported home fires involving cooking equipment. The contributing factor? Unattended cooking, it is the cause behind a-third of home fires related to cooking equipment. Ten percent of cooking fires are caused by something that could catch fire being too close to the equipment.
Keep your family safe while cooking, with these simple tips from our Department of Fire and Rescue Services:
- Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
- If you are simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
- Keep anything that can catch fire – oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains – away from your stove-top.
- Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stove-top.
- If cooking with your kids, create a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried. Keep in mind, children under five are more likely to be hurt by touching hot cooking equipment or scalded by hot liquids than by actual fire.
For more cooking fire and safety information, check out the National Fire Protection Association’s “Cooking”
website
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Health Department
The 2019-2020 flu season is here. Have you gotten your flu shot yet? Join the Howard County Health Department this coming Sunday, October 20
th
for a FREE
public flu vaccination clinic
at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, located at 10431 Twin Rivers Road in Columbia, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (OR until all vaccines are gone). No appointment is necessary and participants must be older than six months of age to receive a vaccine. For additional clinic dates and tips on additional ways you can protect you and your loved ones this flu season, check out the Health Department’s “Seasonal Flu Information”
website
.
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My vision for Howard County is to be a model community in which behavioral health wellness is accessible for all who live, work and visit here. Howard County Health Department's Local Behavioral Health Authority Board is helping us attain my vision by addressing the social determinants of health, fostering innovation and initiating improvements. If you are interested in helping us achieve the highest quality of life for all, I encourage you to apply today for the Board. For details on how to do so and eligibility requirements, click
HERE
. The DEADLINE to apply is this Friday, October 18
th
.
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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 a Health Department employee will teach you how to administer Narcan, the opioid reversing medicine. To learn more on how you can get trained, click
HERE
.
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Department of Housing and Community Development
Our Department of Housing and Community Development’s October open enrollment period for its Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program is well underway. An inclusionary zoning program, MIHU offers quality new homes at reduced sale prices and rents to income eligible families. During this open enrollment period, Housing will host four MIHU workshops to explain the program’s eligibility requirements and the application process. While its “MIHU Renters Information Workshop” has passed, Housing has one “MIHU Home-ownership Information Workshop” scheduled for
tomorrow, October 16
th, with two additional home-ownership workshops next week. The workshops are free and open to the public; however, registration is required. Applications will be accepted through Thursday, October 31, 2019.
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Department of Planning and Zoning
The County’s Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ)
Design Advisory Panel
(DAP) will hold a
meeting
this Wednesday, October 16
th
starting at 7:00 p.m. in the George Howard Building’s Columbia/Ellicott City Room to hear the following item:
The DAP process encourages excellence in project architecture and site design to improve design compatibility with surrounding development, to promote revitalization and to enhance property values. For DAP’s Rules of Procedure, click
HERE
. For questions and/or more information about DAP, contact the DPZ at 410-313-2350 or email
dap@howardcountymd.gov
.
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This Thursday, October 17
th
, DPZ’s Planning Board will be holding a meeting in the George Howard Building’s Banneker Room starting at 7:00 p.m. to hear the following items:
- SDP-18-005 Howard Research and Development Company – To review a revised Site Development Plan for Downtown Revitalization, Downtown Columbia, Crescent Neighborhood, Phase 1, Area 3- Phase 2. The plan replaces a proposed retail building with a 250- room hotel and increases residential units within a previously approved mixed-use building from 423 to 436 units. It also alters the amount of ground-floor retail space.
As 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
.
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Police Department
Recognize this suspect
? Our Police Department (HCPD) is seeking the public’s help to identify the suspect in a September 24
th
residential burglary in the 5200 block of Hesperus Drive in Columbia. The suspect entered the residence through a possibly unlocked rear door and was seen in the home on a security camera, which he stole, but not before he provided us with two nice
close-ups of his face. The suspect also stole cash, jewelry and electronics from the residence. He is described as a black male, 18-21 years old with short black hair and a mustache, wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt. Anyone with information is asked to please contact HCPD at 410-313-STOP or email
HCPDCrimeTips@howardcountymd.gov
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Last week, PFC Sham made some new friends while at The Mall in Columbia. As a little girl, Layne, and her family were leaving the Mall, they stopped to say to “hi” to PFC Sham. PFC Sham graciously and patiently responded to all the little girl’s questions and even showed her the lights and sirens on her cruiser. A great time and experience was had by all.
PFC Sham, thank you for all that you do for our County and for being a strong female role model to all young girls everywhere.
Since here meet-and-greet, Layne can now be found cruising around in her Power Wheels police car responding to “calls” with the help of dad. Check out
HCPD’s Instagram page
for a picture.
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Earlier last week, HCPD’s Animal Control Division
charged
a Woodbine couple with over a hundred counts each of animal cruelty after finding 54 animals living in poor conditions inside their home.
Last month, Animal Control seized 50 dogs, three turtles and a parrot from the residence, after receiving a tip from a concerned citizen about unsanitary conditions in a puppy mill being run out of the couple’s basement. Animal Control had previously seized eight miniature horses and a donkey suffering from severe malnutrition from the couple back in August.
Many of the seized animals have already received veterinary evaluations and care and are available for adoption, with some already having been adopted. The farm animals seized in August were placed with Days End Horse Farm.
If you are interested in providing these animals with a loving home and/or looking a way to make a donation, visit Animal Control’s
website
.
Animal cruelty comes in many forms. Typical examples include:
- Animals outside without a proper shelter to protect it from the elements.
- Animals that appear underweight, hair loss or other obvious medical conditions. The law requires veterinarians to report suspected animal cruelty.
- People housing a large number of animals, who may not want you coming to the property without an appointment.
- Hitting or beating an animal.
If you suspect animal cruelty, please call
Animal Control
at 410-313-2780 during normal business hours or the County’s non-emergency number, 410-313-2929 after hours. Animal Control officers are on-call and do respond after hours to emergency situations. Reporting people are kept anonymous.
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Department of Public Works
Over the next three years, our Department of Public Works' (DPW) Bureau of Utilities will be
replacing 45,000 water meters
located inside county homes as part of its planned water meter replacement initiative. These old units are reaching the end of their useful lives and replacing these meters are essential for ensuring accurate and timely water usage data is obtained. The County has contracted with KEYSTONE UTILITY SYSTEMS to support us with this major system upgrade. As these water meters are located indoors, access to your home by appointment will be needed. Residents will receive a notification letter in the mail prior to meter installers arriving in their neighborhood. This notification will include a phone number 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.
For more information about our Water Meter Replacement Program, check out the Bureau's
website
.
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Managing storm water is a critical piece of our plan to mitigate dangerous flooding in Ellicott City. Next Wednesday, October 23
rd
, DPW will be holding a
public meeting
to present plans for the construction of a flood mitigation facility (Pond H-7) that is part of my
EC Safe and Sound
plan. DPW plans to construct a pond within the northeast loop ramp of the interchange of US 29 and US 40 in Ellicott City. The objective of the new pond is to capture stormwater runoff from the upper parts of the Hudson Branch Watershed and then detaining the stormwater for longer periods to reduce the peak discharge for extreme rainfall events. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2020.
The informal meeting will include a brief overview of the project and draft construction drawings will be available for viewing. County staff and the project’s design consultant team, Century Engineering, will be on hand to answer any questions. Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions should contact Mr. Avinash Dewani with the DPW’s Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6417 or email
adewani@howardcountymd.gov
.
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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
October 7, 2019
newsletter.
Jessup
- Brentwood Manor Stream Restoration (Capital Project D-1158) – Project to restore and stabilize approximately 2,450 linear feet of a stream located south of Gatewood Drive. This unnamed tributary of Dorsey Run has been heavily impacted by stormwater and as a result, has eroded significantly. While signs have been posted near the project area to advise motorists and pedestrians of the construction, the project is not expected to impact the flow of vehicular traffic or impact sidewalks and pathways. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late February 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.
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Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Environmental Services
The County’s holiday slide schedule for curbside collection is NOT in effect this week despite today’s Columbus Day holiday as Columbus Day is NOT one of the six holidays that affects curbside collection. There will be regular curbside trash, recycling, food scrap and yard trim collection the week of October 14
th
through October 19
th
.
The six holidays that do affect curbside collection are: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. To learn more about the County's holiday slide schedule, check out
www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule
.
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This Saturday, October 19
th
, DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services will host its second fall County-sponsored paper shredding event. The event will take place at the Long Gate Park & Ride, 5000 Meadowbrook Lane in Ellicott City, rain or shine, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (OR UNTIL the trucks are full). 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
.
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Department of Recreation & Parks
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Today is your last day to reserve your FREE tree for pick-up this Thursday, October 17
th
or Saturday, October 19
th
. Limited to one tree per household, each tree is approximately five to eight feet in height, comes in a five-gallon container and includes planting instructions. Residents are responsible for loading the tree into their vehicle at pickup and for planting and caring for the tree. Help me reach my
44
th
birthday goal
of planting 44,000 native trees in Howard County this year, by reserving your FREE tree today at
https://livegreenhoward.com/treegiveaway/
.
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REMINDER, the Oakland Mills pedestrian tunnel between Dasher Court and Downdale Place is currently
CLOSED
as Recreation and Parks’ crews make drainage repairs to the tunnel. During construction hours, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the tunnel will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists. Informational signage and
detour maps
will be posted and available south of Summer Rambo Court on the pathway and north of the tunnel entrance on Oakland Mills Road by the sidewalk. Weather permitting, this project is expected to be completed by mid-October.
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This Wednesday, October 16
th
, the
Recreation & Parks Advisory Board
will hold a public hearing to gather public comment regarding Recreation & Parks’ plans to create pickleball courts in place of the current handball court at
Atholton Park
, the current skate spot at
Centennial Park
and the east basketball court at
Rockburn Branch Park
. The hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m. at Recreation & Parks headquarters, 7120 Oakland Mills Road in Columbia. Residents interested in speaking at the hearing, may sign-up to do so at
www.howardcountymd.gov/advisoryboard
; scroll down to the “Public Comment” tab. From the same link, residents will have the option to provide online testimony. Residents are reminded that internet testimony is considered public information and is subject to the
Maryland Public Information Act
.
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On or about Monday, October, 21
st
, the
red steel bridge at Centennial Park will be CLOSED
to park visitors as Recreation and Parks crews replace the steel structure with a new, low maintenance, environmentally friendly fiberglass one. As the bridge site will be closed during construction, detour signs will be in place to guide park visitors around the site so they may continue walking the lake loop. Weather permitting, the project is expected to take three to four weeks to complete
For questions or concerns about the project, please contact Project Manager Jeff Hull with Recreation & Parks’ Capital Projects, Park Planning and Construction Division at 410-313-4631 or email
jhull@howardcountymd.gov
. For more information on Centennial Park, check out its
website
.
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Looking for some spooky (or not-so-spooky) Halloween fun this October? Check out some of the great activities our Recreation & Parks is offering throughout the month. Little ones can
build a creative scarecrow
using a baby footed pajama outfit at the North Laurel Community Center (October 19
th
), try out nature-oriented activities at Robinson Nature Center’s
Halloween Tricks, Treats and Trees
(October 21
st
and 22
nd
), enjoy a
Happy Haunted Hayride
at Rockburn Branch Park (October 20
th
and 27
th
) or take part in a “wheely” fun trick-or-treating experience at
Truck or Treat
(October 26
th
). Looking for something more adult-oriented? There are the
Ghostly Guides
tour at the Patapsco Female Institute (October 11
th
and 18
th
), a very
haunted hayride
through Rockburn Branch Park (October 18
th
through 26
th
), a visit to Edgar Allan Poe’s Baltimore home-turned-museum (October 17
th
) and a spooktacular evening at Belmont Manor & Historic Park featuring
dinner and “The Monster Mash Murders”
(October 30
th
). Or, gather up the whole family for a FREE free double feature showing of
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
and the original
Ghostbusters
by the lake at Centennial Park (October 17
th
).
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The Office of Transportation has conducted a complete streets corridor study for the segment of Tamar Drive from Flamepool Way to Snowden River Parkway.
To present concepts developed from the
Tamar Drive Complete Streets Study
, the Office will
hold an open-house style community meeting in the Tamar Room of Stonehouse, 8775 Cloudleap Court in Columbia, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. this Thursday, October 17
th
. Interested attendees may drop in at any time during the meeting; however, a 15-minute presentation summarizing the process and concepts will be given at both 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. For those who cannot attend the meeting, exhibits will be posted on Transportation's
website
the day after the meeting and an opportunity to comment via
email
or by calling 410-313-4360 will be open until October 31
st
. A final report on the study should be available by late fall.
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Our Office of Transportation is currently conducting a county-wide bicycle network study to improve bicycle wayfinding signage. The goal of this project is to help people to better understand and use Howard County’s bicycle network and make it easier to connect with destinations. The survey will help identify destinations and origins that people are already biking to and from, identify destinations that people would like to bike to and identify popular place that people bike from. Available through this Sunday, October, 20
th
, to access the survey and corresponding wiki map, click
HERE
. For more information on our countywide bicycle wayfinding project, check out Transportation’s website
HERE
.
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Upcoming Events and Meetings
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Now through November 30 - Historic Savage Mill Ghost Tours
Fridays and Saturdays, now through November 30
th
, come brave an hour-long ghost tour of Historic Savage Mill in your date with costumed tour guide and mill historian Marty Schoppert. Created for fans of history and the paranormal, this tour is not for the faint of heart. For more information or to book tour, click
HERE
. Cost is $15.00 per person.
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September through October - Ye Haunted History of Olde Ellicott City Ghost Tours
I double dare you to walk the streets and learn more about the past inhabitants of Historic Ellicott City, one of the oldest and most haunted locales in America, with Howard County Historical Society. The lady in white of Tonge Row, the Civil War soldier who stalks the lower end of Main Street, the vigilant firefighter of Station 2, the Oak Lawn "Cooking Ghost" and the Girl Ghosts of the Ruins of the Patapsco Female Institute invite you to hear their stories during our frightfully fun ghost tours. Tours are held Fridays and Saturdays through the end of October and are not recommended for children under 6. Reservations are required, as space is limited. To learn more, visit
http://hchsmd.org/events-tours/
.
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October 14 - Columbus Day Office Closures
Howard County Government offices, courts, animal shelter, 50+ centers and the Robinson Nature Center will be closed in observance of the Columbus Day holiday on Monday, October 14
th
. The Alpha Ridge Landfill will however be open and there will be regular Monday trash, recycling, yard trim and food scrap collection on the 14
th
. For a full list of what’s open and closed on Columbus Day, click
HERE
.
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October 15 - Ellicott City Watershed Master Plan Public Workshop
The County's Department of Planning and Zoning will hold its FINAL
Ellicott City Watershed Master Plan
public workshop featuring new and refined concepts and scenarios. This is your FINAL chance to review concepts before a draft plan is prepared for public review early next year. The meeting will take place in the Banneker Room of the George Howard Building at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the presentation beginning at 7:00 p.m. For those unable to attend, the meeting will be live streamed on the
Howard County Government Facebook page
. To RSVP for this public workshop, please
email
Kate Bolinger with DPZ
.
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October 16 - MIHU Homeownership Information Workshop Session #1
Prospective buyers are ENCOURAGED to
register
to attend this FREE information session. Attendees will become knowledgeable of Housing’s Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program requirements and the application and selection processes. Housing will address the importance of credit and how it impacts the home buying process. The workshop begins at 6:00 p.m. and on time arrival is strongly suggested. For questions and/or more information, contact Housing at 410-313-6318 and select option two.
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October 16 - Breast Cancer Awareness Tree of Hope Ribbon Pinning
Howard County Health Department will host a tree pinning ceremony in its lobby, located at 8930 Stanford Boulevard in Columbia, at 11:00 a.m. to remember those who have battled breast cancer and those who have lost their battle with the disease during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
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October 16 - Recreation & Parks Advisory Board Public Hearing
Recreation & Parks Advisory Board will hold a public hearing to gather public comment regarding Recreation and Parks’ plans to create pickleball courts in place of the current handball court at
Atholton Park
, the current skate spot at
Centennial Park
and the east basketball court at
Rockburn Branch Park
. The hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m. at Recreation & Parks headquarters, 7120 Oakland Mills Road in Columbia. To learn about signing up to speak, providing online testimony and more, visit
www.howardcountymd.gov/advisoryboard
and scroll down to the “Public Comment” tab.
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October 17 - November 14 - Howard County General Hospital’s Cancer Self-Management
This six-week workshop (Thursdays, October 10
th
to November 14
th
) that provides information and practical tools to help individuals self-manage symptoms, challenges and day-to-day tasks in a small, supportive group setting. Participants include those living with cancer, those who have been affected by cancer and caregivers. To register, click
HERE
.
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October 17 - Tamar Drive Complete Streets Study Public Meeting
The Office of Transportation has conducted a complete streets corridor study for the segment of Tamar Drive from Flamepool Way to Snowden River Parkway.
To present concepts developed through the
Tamar Drive Complete Streets Study
, the Office will
hold an open-house style community meeting in the Tamar Room of Stonehouse, 8775 Cloudleap Court in Columbia, starting at 6:30 p.m.
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October 18 - Howard County General Hospital’s Youth Mental Health First Aid
Youth Mental Health First Aid will teach parents, teachers, school staff, neighbors, health and human services workers and other citizens in a daylong course how to help adolescents ages 12 to 18 experiencing mental health challenges, addictions and crises. To register, click
HERE
.
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October 18 & 19 - The Haunted Experience
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October 19 - County-Sponsored Shredding Event
Held rain or shine, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (OR until the trucks are full) at the Long Gate Park & Ride, 5000 Meadowbrook Lane in Ellicott City, Howard County residents may bring up to three bags or boxes of paper to be shredded onsite
.
For more information, contact the Bureau of Environmental Services at 410-313-6444 or check out the Bureau’s “Paper Shredding”
website
.
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October 19 - Master Aging: Engage, Educate and Inspire
A reimagination of the County’s 50+EXPO, this conference-style event will feature all day seminars and workshops covering lifelong learning and leisure, technology, exercise and more, vendors and a performance by the always popular Capitol Steps. Presented by the Office on Aging and Independence, the event will kick off with a free keynote address by Kerry Hannon, one of the nation’s top experts on careers for older adults. For an event schedule or more information about Master Aging, visit
www.howardcountymd.gov/MasterAging
.
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October 20 - Flu Vaccination Clinic
The Howard County Health Department will hold a
public flu vaccination clinic
at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, located at 10431 Twin Rivers Road in Columbia, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (OR until all vaccines are gone) on the 20
th
. The vaccine is FREE and no appointment is necessary; however, participants must be older than six months in age. For questions and/or more information, contact the Health Department at 410-313-6300.
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October 20 - The Made Marketplace: Elkridge Fall Festival
Cluster & Vine, the Town of Elkridge and Visit Howard County are proud to showcase Maryland at the 2
nd
annual “
Made Marketplace: Fall Festival in Elkridge
.” The event welcomes people of all ages to come celebrate Maryland products and will feature an open-air market, artisan, crafts, fine arts, live music and food.
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October 20 - Happy Haunted Hayride
It’s cute, it’s friendly and not so scary, this hayride is for fun and not fright. Hosted by our Department of Recreation & Parks, this year’s
Happy Haunted Hayride
at Rockburn Branch Park will feature fire prevention demonstrations, fire trucks and a chance to meet first responders from HCDFRS (October 20
th
only). Geared to children, ages two to seven, the cost is $5.00 per person at the gate (cash only).
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October 21 - MIHU Homeownership Information Workshop Session #2
Prospective buyers are ENCOURAGED to
register
to attend this FREE information session. Attendees will become knowledgeable of Housing’s Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program requirements and the application and selection processes. Housing will address the importance of credit and how it impacts the home buying process. The workshop begins at 6:00 p.m. and on time arrival is strongly suggested. For questions and/or more information, contact Housing at 410-313-6318 and select option two.
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October 23 - Mental Health Film Festival
Join the Horizon Foundation for the
2019 Mental Health Film Festival
, an event to build awareness and compassion for members of our community living with mental health challenges. Attend one of four film screenings, each followed by a time for attendees to reflect, ask questions and connect with others. This event is FREE; however, registration is required. Interested participants are asked to register for ONLY one film as each film will run at the same time and space is limited. Click on the link above for more information and/or tickets.
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October 24 - MIHU Homeownership Information Workshop Session #3
Prospective buyers are ENCOURAGED to
register
to attend this FREE information session. Attendees will become knowledgeable of Housing’s Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program requirements and the application and selection processes. Housing will address the importance of credit and how it impacts the home buying process. The workshop begins at 6:00 p.m. and on time arrival is strongly suggested. For questions and/or more information, contact Housing at 410-313-6318 and select option two.
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October 24 - 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
Gary J. Arthur 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.
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October 25 & 26 - HallowRead
Bringing authors and readers together for a hauntingly good time, Hallowread is an annual book festival for authors and fans of paranormal, urban fantasy, steampunk and horror. This year’s festival will feature writing workshops, ghost tours, authors tea and panels, book signings and paranormal investigations. For tickets, attending authors and more information about HallowRead, visit
www.hallowread.com
.
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October 26 - Truck or Treat
Get in gear for a "wheely fun" day with our Department of Recreation & Parks to celebrate Halloween at this year’s “Truck or Treat.” Kids of all ages, come dressed in your favorite costume to trick-or-treat at trucks, tractors, emergency vehicles and more. Enjoy live music, hayrides, face painting, children's activities, giveaways, story time provided by the Glenwood Branch Library and more fall fun. Cost is $2.00 for ages 2 and up; however, the event is free for kids under 2. Tickets on sale now; visit
www.mt.cm/truck-or-treat-1
to get your tickets today.
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October 27 - Happy Haunted Hayride
It’s cute, it’s friendly and not so scary, this
Happy Haunted Hayride
is for fun and not fright. Hosted by our Department of Recreation & Parks, the hayride will take place at Rockburn Branch Park and is geared towards children, ages two to seven. The cost is $5.00 per person at the gate (cash only).
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