July 15, 2019

Dear Friends, On Saturday, our nation will mark the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 landing, when humans first walked on the moon.  As we reflect on this American accomplishment, I am reminded of the famous words by President Kennedy, “We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” Here in Howard County, those words have renewed meaning today. NASA recently announced that our very own Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) will lead the upcoming Dragonfly mission to explore Saturn’s moon, Titan. I congratulate everyone at APL for taking on this visionary project and for reminding all of us to look to the stars and take on life’s hard challenges.

This Week in HoCo

Congratulations Maureen Evans Arthurs Please, join me in congratulating all the winners of The Daily Records 40 Under 40 - 2019. I am honored to be friends with many of those who made this list and am especially proud of my Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships,  Maureen Evans Arthurs, for making this list. Congratulations to all these amazing leaders!

African Cultural Experience in Savage It was an honor to join the festivities of the African Cultural Experience in Savage this past Saturday. This remarkable multicultural festival showcased unique African arts and crafts, music, food, games, storytelling and much more. Thank you to everyone who helped bring this experience to our community!

FAA to Reconsider Airport Noise Case! Previous changes to BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) flight patterns, made without proper notice or environmental consideration, led to terrible noise pollution in some neighborhoods. We received consistent feedback from our residents that the situation was insufferable. In response, we filed multiple legal petitions against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and worked with our state partners to help alleviate the noise issues.   After local and state officials continued to fight for our residents, last week the FAA filed a motion signaling it will reconsider its position. This news moves us closer to a permanent solution and we will continue working to make things right.

Supporting Our Youth This past Saturday, I joined NAACP Howard County MD for their bake sale and fish fry to support our youth in the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) program. Thank you Howard County Branch NAACP #7020 for your activism to support our community!

New Business Incubator  Since the start of my administration, we have made it a priority to promote small businesses, restore support to our Innovation Center, and breathe new life into this incredible project by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the  Howard County Economic Development Authority .   We are proud to announce that the first phase of the new business incubator is now complete. With this hub for entrepreneurs we will continue to grow our culture of forward-thinking business and secure long-term economic success in Howard County. Read more here .

Congratulations Dr. Opel Jones Please, join me in congratulating our Vice Chair of the County Council, an amazing community leader, and my good friend, Dr.  Opel Jones on successfully defending his doctoral dissertation in mathematics. Dr. Jones has been working hard toward this degree and I couldn’t be prouder of his success.

Supporting the Smith Family When our friends are in need, we come together to support them. Recently, Derek Smith of  Matcha Time Cafe  in Ellicott City suffered from a serious heart attack while attending his father-in-law's funeral abroad. We are praying for a speedy and healthy recovery for the Smith family. Read more here .

Historic Ellicott City Clean-Out Progress The Department of Public Works (DPW) has completed interior clean-out on most County owned buildings affected by flooding, with the exception of 8111-8113 and 8125. Work on these buildings is scheduled to start within the next two weeks.   The clean-out activities included removing contents left behind by previous occupants, including food and other debris. Additionally, the side of 8059 Main Street (old Bean Hollow) has been patched with plywood, to ensure rodents are not entering the building. Additional repairs were completed at the front of 8085 (Portallis), including re-installation of the previous front door. As previously noted, each of the County owned buildings has been added to a preventative maintenance contract for pest management.

Attention Artists! Are you an artist who lives, works, or studies in Howard County?  Howard County Arts Council  is currently looking to highlight local artists for Art Howard County 2019 - a biennial juried exhibit showcasing the impressive depth of artistic talent right here in our community. I highly encourage you to apply today !

DPZ On-Line Open House The Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) will soon be launching an online open house for the Ellicott City Watershed Master Plan. Want to be among the first notified when the online open house is available? Take a moment to join the master plan email list here .

Sgt. Eddison Alexander Hermond Hospitality Award Nominations Open  Visit Howard County has opened nominations for its 2019 “Sgt. Eddison Alexander Hermond – Hospitality Employee of the Year Award.”   Now in its second year, this honorable award is named after Sgt. Eddison Alexander Hermond who tragically lost his life in an attempt to help others during the May 27, 2018 Ellicott City flood. Sgt. Hermond served in the U.S. National Guard and worked 11 years for the Victoria Restaurant Group where he was known and loved by many. He will forever be remembered as a true hero. To be eligible the nominee must: be directly affiliated with nominating company/organization; directly serve visitors in Howard County on a regular basis; display consistently outstanding service; project a positive image about his/her present company, property, attraction or event and Howard County; and have worked for his/her present organization on a regular basis for at least one year prior to this nomination.   Front-line or back-of-the-house staff that go above and beyond in the performance of their duties are eligible. Nominations are due by August 1, 2019, at 11:59 p.m. Click HERE to nominate.

Immigration  Across the nation, there is growing concern about potential raids this past weekend by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that may target undocumented immigrant communities for mass deportation. As of now, Howard County Government has not received any reports of ICE raids in Howard County, but we encourage all undocumented people to be aware of their rights. More information and resources can be found here in English and Español. I want to reiterate our continued position: Howard County Police Department does not and will not assist ICE in the enforcement of civil violations of federal immigration laws. Officers in Howard County do not ask residents about their immigration status, nor do they contact ICE if they learn of a civil violation of federal immigration laws. Howard County is fortunate to be filled with residents from all over the world. More than one-fifth of our residents were born in another country. In our schools, you can hear 82 different languages being spoken. We are the best county in the nation, not in spite of these facts, but because of them. Our government remains dedicated to our shared values and to promoting public safety for all. Standing together, we can hold strong against forces that would tear us apart, united by our common humanity. Howard County Department of Corrections Director Jack Kavanagh reminds our community: "In the Department of Corrections, we are responsible for management of the Central Booking Facility and the Detention Center. All our staff are dedicated professionals committed to implementing best practices in the corrections profession and to serving the community by enhancing public safety. We process all individuals arrested in Howard County by various State and local law enforcement agencies and detain those committed for trial, as well as those sentenced up to 18 months. In addition, we also house ICE detainees who have been convicted of and/or charged with crimes and completed intake processing by ICE. However, when ICE makes an arrest, they do not bring them to our detention center or central booking facility to be processed. They come to us after they intake process them or they have been released from a State or Federal prison after completing a sentence for a crime and have a deportation order as the result of that conviction. It is the policy of the Howard County Department of Corrections to only accept detainees from ICE who are criminally involved. This includes: Those convicted of crimes Those charged with jail-able offenses Those who are members of criminal gangs Those who are deported criminal felons who have illegally reentered the United States Howard County does not and will not assist ICE in detaining people who are being charged with civil violation of federal immigration laws. Our focus will continue to be furthering the administration of justice and ensuring public safety in Howard County." To access this information in Spanish, click here .

Legislative News

The next Howard County Council Legislative Work Session is June 22nd, at 10:00am at the George Howard Building. You can find more information about the meeting here.

Departmental News

Department of Community Resources and Services In Howard County, our goal is always to be a model community that provides the best quality of life for everyone. We owe a great debt to the hardworking individuals and groups who serve our residents with disabilities and their families, and those who promote disability rights in our community. Help us honor these individuals and groups by nominating them today for Howard County’s Commission on Disabilities 2019 awards program. This annual awards program recognizes outstanding efforts by individuals, businesses and community organizations that advance full participation in community life for all residents, while promoting the spirit and intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability rights laws. To be eligible, nominees must live, work or conduct business in Howard County. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, August 14, 2019. Click HERE to learn more. Last week, our Department of Community Resources and Services' honored the outstanding achievements of graduates of the County’s “Getting Ahead” program and presented five local businesses with a 2019 “HIRE Power” Award. The “ Getting Ahead ” program helps individuals in poverty build resources for a more prosperous life for themselves, their families, and their communities. The awards program honors county residents who successfully achieve their goal of attaining economic self-sufficiency and helped others do the same. Our “HIRE Power” Awards are presented annually to county businesses that promote programs and practices to develop the local workforce through innovative job support, inclusive hiring strategies and community outreach efforts.   Congratulations to this year's graduates and award winners, and thank you for all that you do to expand opportunity and create local jobs. To read more about our winners, click HERE . In case you missed it, our Department of Community Resources and Services is offering FREE “Weekend Warrior Snack Packs” this summer to Howard County youth, ages 18 and younger. Through August 21, Snack Packs can be picked up on Fridays at the following locations: Swansfield Elementary School (11:30 a.m. to noon) Oakland Mills Middle School (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) Ducketts Lane Elementary School (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) Deep Run Elementary School (1:00 to 2:00 p.m.) East Columbia Branch Library (1:00 to 2:00 p.m.)   For more information, contact James Zoller at 443-745-1058 or email jzoller@howardcountymd.gov . D oes your child love to cook? Do they have the makings to be the next great Food Network star? If yes, I encourage you to sign them up today for our Department of Community Resources and Services’ Office of the Local Children's Board FREE summer cooking classes. Geared towards kids, ages eight to 17, participants will learn how to make: white bean hummus (July 17); veggie sushi (July 24); veggie tuna salad and edible cookie dough (July 31); unicorn French toast (August 7); acai bowl (August 14) and veggie pasta (August 21). Classes are hosted by Healthy Little Cooks and are held in partnership with our Department of Community Resources and Services and East Columbia 50+ Center.   To register your child/teen and/or for more information, email alex@healthylittlecooks.com . Note, a parent or guardian must sign a waiver for kids to participate.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services Effective immediately, the County’s Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) has increased three more engine companies to a minimum staffing of four firefighters. The National Fire Protection Association ( NFPA 1710 ) recommends a minimum of four personnel assigned to each engine company. This increase was implemented after the findings and suggestions from the Fire Department Emergency Services Staffing Joint Study Group . Additionally, this increase marks an important step forward in promoting public safety in Howard County and supporting our first responders. Thank you to DFRS for its help and continued dedication to keeping our community safe. Always practicing, always preparing. Last week, members of our Special Operations Swift Water team took advantage of the high water on the Potomac to get some training in. Our Special Operations Team seeks to become the premier public safety hazardous materials and specialty rescue team in the Mid-Atlantic region, and opportunities like this helps the team attain this goal. While located just below the Great Falls, the team was treated to a special fly over by the US Park Police Eagle One. Drowning can be sudden and silent. Stay safe this summer while hanging out at the pool, the beach or on the open water with these safety tips: Learn life-saving skills. Everyone should know the basics of swimming (floating, moving through the water) and CPR (click HERE for upcoming FREE Hands-Only CPR trainking dates offered by DFRS). Fence it off. Install a four-sided isolation fence, with self-closing and self-latching gates around backyard swimming pools. This can help keep children away from the area when they aren’t supposed to be swimming. Pool fences should completely separate the house and play area from the pool. Make life jackets a must. Make sure kids wear life jackets in and around natural bodies of water, such as lakes or the ocean, even if they know how to swim. Life jackets can be used in and around pools for weaker swimmers too. Be on the look out. When kis are in or near water (including bathtubs), closely supervise them at all times. Because drowning happens quickly and quietly, adults watching kids in or near water should avoid distracting activities like talking/texting on or browsing their cell phone, reading a book or using alcohol or drugs.   For more information on keeping yourself and your family safe this summer around the water, check out the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention “ Drowning, Injury & Sun Protection ” website .

Health Department Beat the heat on those hot summer days with these safety tips from the Howard County Health Department : Wear light-colored, light-weight, loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sunscreen. Stay hydrated. Drink water and caffeine-free liquids. Alcoholic beverages will not keep you hydrated. Stay out of the sun during the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Take frequent rest breaks in air conditioned or shaded environments. Find a cool place to shelter, such as one of the County’s 50+ Center, Recreation & Parks community center or Howard County Library System branch. Be aware of the symptoms of heat related illness: extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, headache, possible vomiting or fainting, dry red skin. If you encounter a heat related emergency, call 911.   For more tips on how to keep cool in this summer, visit the CDC’s “ Extreme Heat” website .

Department of Housing and Community Development With the month of July half-way over, there is still time to apply for County’s Department of Housing and Community Development’s current Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program enrollment period. An inclusionary zoning program, MIHU requires developers of new housing in certain zoning districts to sell or rent a percentage of the new dwelling units to households of moderate income. If you are looking to call our great county home, I encourage you to attend one of the two final workshops Housing is hosting this July ( 17 th and 25 th) to learn more about the program’s eligibility requirements and application process. The workshops are free and open to the public; however, registration is required. For more information about the MIHU program, click HERE . Applications for this quarters MIHU open enrollment period are due by Wednesday, July 31 st .

Office of Human Rights Reminder, our Office of Human Rights is seeking applicants over the age of 18 (DEADLINE Friday, August 2, 2019), as well as students (DEADLINE this Friday, July 19, 2019), interested in serving on the County's Human Rights Commission. Established in 1969, the Commission’s duties include recommending a civil rights policy to the County Executive and the County Council; the authority to conduct surveys and studies concerning human rights conditions and problems; and the authority to file a complaint when there is reason to believe a pattern or practice of discrimination exists. Note, applicants over the age of 18 are applying for a five-year term, whereas the Student Commissioner serves a one-year term from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020.

Department of Planning and Zoning Two weeks ago, Howard County hosted a second round of public workshops for the R oute 1 Corridor Master Plan to update the community on the progress made since Fall 2018.   The first half of the June 25 th and 27 th workshops included a presentation that covered: key points heard from both public and virtual open houses in late 2018 and early 2019; existing conditions in the Route 1 Corridor; preliminary “character area” or node concepts and visions for each and preliminary considerations for strategies to advance Plan goals and objectives   Given the overwhelming response to the Phase I Virtual Open House DPZ held earlier this winter, we've opened up another online workshop for Phase II, which replicates the workshop's presentation, stations and survey to get your input for refining the Plan. We hope with this virtual workshop to learn more about what residents know about the corridor and their ideas on how it can be improved.   Now through July 31 st , I encourage you to visit our virtual workshop to learn more about what was presented at the June workshops and share your perspectives and ideas on how the Route 1 Corridor can be improved.   For questions about the Master Plan and/or assistance with viewing the site, contact Peter Conrad, DPZ's Deputy Director at 410-313-2350 or email pconrad@howardcountymd.gov .

Police Department Following Thursdays traffic incident involving a County police patrol car, Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is reminding motorists of Maryland’s 'Move Over' law . The law requires drivers approaching (from the rear) an emergency, transportation, service or utility vehicle, as well as waste and recycling trucks, with red, yellow or amber flashing lights that is stopped, standing or parked along the highway to, when possible, move over a lane. This movement should only be done if another lane in the same direction is available and the move can be made safely and without impeding other traffic. If the driver is unable to make a lane change, the law requires drivers to slow to a reasonable and prudent speed that is safe for existing conditions while passing the emergency or service vehicles. Failure to move over can result in a fine of $110 and one point against the driver’s license. If the violation contributes to a crash, the fine is $150 and three points against the driver’s license.   I am happy to report that Police Officer First Class Michael Marino, a 13-year veteran of the department, has been released from the hospital.   Together, we can help ensure a safer work environment for our police officers, fire fighters, emergency rescue personnel, tow service operators, public works personnel and others while working along Maryland roadways. Mark your calendars! HCPD is pleased to announce an upcoming recruitment fair specifically geared towards women seeking a career in law enforcement. Set for 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, the event will include 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 . Looking for a part-time job? HCPD is now hiring school crossing guards for the 2019-2020 school year. This PAID part-time position requires 10 to 20 hours of work per week during the school year and pays $14 an hour. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and pass a background investigation. No experience needed.   For this coming school year, crossing guards are needed at the following schools:  Bollman Bridge Elementary (Jessup) Fulton Elementary (Laurel) Hanover Hills Elementary (Hanover) Hollifield Station Elementary (Ellicott City) Jeffers Hill Elementary (Columbia) Laurel Woods Elementary (Laurel) Talbott Springs Elementary (Columbia)   For more information and/or to apply, click HERE . Weekdays, now through August 16 th (except the week of August 5 th to the 9 th ), Howard County Police Department’s (HCPD) Community Athletic Programs’ Mobile Rec Center will be stopping by the locations listed below, with HCPD school resource officers onboard ready to play basketball, baseball, flag football, 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 The County’s Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, July 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the Columbia/Ellicott City Room at the George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City, to present plans to enhance the culvert crossing in the vicinity of 8600 Main Street and to increase capacity. This culvert and storm drain enhancement project will improve the conveyance of water from the roadway into the stream. Construction is anticipated to begin in Fiscal Year 2020. For more information about this meeting and project (Capital Project D-1165), click HERE .  On Tuesday, July 23, DPW will hold a public meeting from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Ellicott Room at Howard County Library System’s Miller branch to discuss a drainage improvement project near 3013 Greenway Drive in Ellicott City. Currently under design, project improvements include new inlets, new storm drain pipes and repairs to the outfall channel to increase the efficiency of drainage during storm events and reduce downstream erosion. While a start date has not yet been set, the project is expected to begin this Fiscal Year 2020. To learn more about this meeting and/or project (Capital Project D-1175), click HERE . DPW will hold an onsite public meeting on Wednesday, July 31 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the storm drain between 9696 Riverside Circle and 9690 Gwynn Park Drive in the Gwynn Acres neighborhood of Ellicott City to discuss an upcoming outfall stabilization project. Currently under design, project improvements to the site will include the repair of approximately 425 linear feet of a severely eroded storm drain outfall channel to reduce erosion and sedimentation in the Little Patuxent River. Please note, for this meeting, onsite seating will not be provided. For more information about this meeting and/or project (Capital Project D-1158), 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 8, 2019 newsletter .   Columbia Sewells Orchard Sewer Main Project (Capital Project S-6232) – Project to rehabilitate a portion of the public sewers in the Sewells Orchard neighborhood. Disruptions to nearby residential water service are expected during installation. Residents will be notified by the contractor with door hangers at least 48 hours prior to any disruption. Additionally, while the project is not expected to impact the flow of traffic, residents can expect to see foot traffic and small equipment on properties where manholes are located as the contractor will install the liner through existing manholes. Set to begin on or about Monday, July 22, this project is expected to be completed by mid-August, weather permitting.   Past Project Updates – Projects Completed   Columbia Cedar Lane Water Transmission Main (Capital Project W-8328) – Project to install a water transmission main along Cedar Lane between Hilltop Lane and Cedar Wood Drive .   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 Recreation & Parks Howard County Recreation & Parks’ 2019 Fall Activity Guide is officially available online ! Complimentary hard copies will be available at Recreation & Parks headquarters starting this Wednesday, July 17. Online registration for Howard County residents begins July 31 st at 6:00 p.m., with all other forms (mail-in, phone and walk-in) starting the following day. Registration for non-Howard County residents begins the following week. CONGRATS to our Recreation & Parks’ Active Aging Programs and Adventure/Outdoors teams, whose short essay was chosen as one of two June winners for National Recreation and Park Association's “ How Do You Promote Health Aging in Parks?” contest ! The essay submitted by our Recreations & Parks staff details how our new Encore Adventures program encourages adults ages 55 and up to explore exciting recreation opportunities in and around Howard County. Activities offered by Encore Adventures include kayaking, archery, fishing and more. To read the team’s essay, click HERE . In celebration of National Park and Recreation Month, the County’s Department of Recreation & Parks is proud to bring you this week’s events to help encourage you to get your “Game On” this July. Events this week include River Romp at the Robins Nature Center, movie night at Belmont Manor, Public Star Party at Alpha Ridge Park and Stop to Play Saturday at Roger Carter Community Center. For a full list of activities, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/recandparksmonth .  The Department of Recreation & Parks’ 2019 Summer Concerts Series is underway! Now through August 7, swing on by Centennial Park south for the Department’s Sunset Serenades, held Wednesdays nights at 7:00 p.m., and enjoy a beautiful evening of music by the lake. The Department’s Traveling Bands mobile bus is also back this summer, making its first pit stop this Saturday, July 13 morning, 10 a.m., at The Chrysalis in Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods in Downtown Columbia. The Department will hosts is second Lakeside Movies @ Centennial Park night on August 28 (TBD: people’s choice).   For more information and a full concert schedule, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/sunsetserenades .

Upcoming Events and Meetings

July 16 - Main Street Culvert, Storm Drain Enhancement Project Public Meeting On July 16, there is a public meeting to present plans for a project (Capital Project D-1165) to enhance the culvert crossing in the vicinity of 8600 Main Street to increase capacity. Storm drain improvements will improve the conveyance of water from roadway into the stream. The informal meeting will include a presentation of the project design and related details. County staff, including the project manager and the design team, will be on hand to answer any questions. For meeting details, click HERE .

July 17 - Sunset Serenades Concert: Jenee & Black Butterfly (R&B) July 24 - Sunset Serenades Concert: Sonic Daze (Modern Rock) Join our Department of Recreation & Parks' for its first Sunset Serenades concert of the 2019 summer concert season. Held Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m. at Centennial Park South, this year's Sunset Serenades concert series will run from July 10 to August 7. So grab a blanket or lawn chair, bring your family and friends, and come enjoy a picnic dinner while listening to the sounds of summer by the lake! For a complete concert schedule and more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/summerconcerts . While the concerts are free, attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Howard County Food Bank.

July 17 - MIHU HOMEOWNERSHIP Information Workshop July 25 - MIHU HOMEOWNERSHIP Information Workshop Individuals interested in purchasing an MIHU home are encouraged to register for this FREE information session on July 17 th or July 25 th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Room 211 at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. Attendees will become knowledgeable of program requirements and the application and selection processes. We will address the importance of credit and how it impacts the home buying process.

July 18 - Bain 50+ Center Project Public Meeting Public meeting to discuss the planned renovation of the 50+ Center. The project (Capital Project C-0335-417) will include the renovation of the multipurpose and meeting spaces, classrooms, lounge, game rooms, offices and existing bathrooms, as well as the addition of two new ADA accessible bathrooms and a state-of-the-art fitness and exercise room. For meeting details, click HERE .

July 18 & July 25 - Community Blood Drive Help save a life by participating in this community blood drive. Scheduled for Thursday, July 18 and Thursday, July 25 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. both days at Bethany United Methodist Church, 2875 Bethany Lane in Ellicott City, you can schedule your appointment today by visiting www.redcrossblood.org (sponsor code: TROOP 944) or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

July 20 - Archaeology Lab Day For every hour spent doing fieldwork, archaeologists spend at least two hours in the lab washing, labeling and cataloging artifacts. Join members of the Upper Patuxent Archaeology Group from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on July 20 th at the Heritage Program Office, 9944 MD 108 in Ellicott City, to work with collections from different sites in Howard County. Bring your own artifacts in for identification or come with questions! For information about this FREE event, contact Kelly Palich at 410-313-0423 or email kpalich@howardcountymd.gov .

July 20 and July 21 - 26th Annual Howard County American Indian Pow-Wow Sponsored by American Indian owned and operated company Pow-Wow, the 26 th annual Howard County Pow-Wow/American Indian Show and Festival is an opportunity for the public to interact with American Indian dancers, singers, drummers, artists and crafts persons. The event also strives to educate the public about American Indians, past and present, through the arts. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, but the event will officially kick-off with a parade of nations (grand entry) at noon. To learn more, click HERE .

July 21 and July 28- 26th - SuGO Sundays Delve into the world of science and technology with fun, competitive play with LEGO Sumo Wrestling Robots. Build your toughest SuGO robot and compete in an exhilarating tournament against other teams! Youth of all ages are encouraged to participate in this unique robotics competition! To learn more, visit http://sugobot.com/ .

July 23 - Greenway Drive Drainage Improvement Project Public Meeting There will be a public meeting, July 23 rd , to discuss drainage improvement project near 3013 Greenway Drive in the Valley Mede neighborhood of Ellicott City. Currently under design, project improvements will include new inlets, new storm drain pipes and repairs to the outfall channel to increase the efficiency of drainage during storm events and reduce downstream erosion. While a start date has not yet been set, the project is expected to begin this Fiscal Year 2020. For meeting details, click HERE .

July 25 - 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 headquarters. Simply show up and the Health Department will teach you how to administer Narcan, the opioid reversing medicine. Click HERE to learn more.

July 26 - Traveling Bands Concert: Panama Rex (Buffet Tribute Band) Our Department of Recreation & Parks' Traveling Bands showmobile will be making a pit stop July 26 th , 7:00 p.m., at Schooley Mill Park in Highland. So come on out with your family and friends, bring a blanket and/or lawn chair and come enjoy the sounds of summer! For a complete concert schedule and more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/summerconcerts .

July 26 & July 27 - Lakefront Film Fest 2019 The Lakefront Film Fest is a celebration of multi-cultural independent film that will bring the artistry and excitement that only cinema can bring. With the beautiful area of Downtown Columbia as the backdrop, film enthusiasts will have the opportunity to experience over 40 new independent multicultural narrative features, documentaries, animation, web-series, short films and studio preview screenings. Be a part of the Lakefront Film Fest from the first scene until the final credits!

July 28 - NAMIWalks Maryland Join NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) Maryland for their FINAL walk event of the season at Hammond Park. Hear fun stories from successful team captains, drop off last-minute donations, make a sundae masterpiece, win raffle prizes and so much more. To learn more, click HERE .

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