Dear Friends,
As we approach Thanksgiving this week, I want to express my deep gratitude for all our friends, residents, and neighbors. Our community is only as strong as our members and I am thankful for every person who has reached out and advocated for the betterment of our community over the last year.
While we may not always agree, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect upon the progress we have already made and the blessings which we currently receive. I am reminded of the words once said by President John F. Kennedy: "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
Today, and every day, I encourage us all to live our appreciation to the fullest extent.
I wish safe travels to those who are on the road. Have a happy, and healthy, Thanksgiving!
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Historic Ellicott City Progress
Every day we are working with Ellicott City residents, businesses, and organizations to recover, protect, and build a resilient future for this historic town. The 26 businesses that have opened or re-opened since last December are a testament to our continued partnership to make the town more resilient than ever. Video of my progress update can be found
here and pictures can be found
here.
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Small Business Saturday
Howard County is a wonderful place for businesses to grow and thrive. On Small Business Saturday, I encourage everyone to shop local and show support for our small businesses. Whether its gifts for Christmas, or just because, our local shops have unique finds for everyone. #ShopSmall #BuyLocal
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NAACP Youth Fight Against Hunger
Thank you to the
NAACP Youth Council of Howard County for hosting the 9th Annual Fight Against Hunger event and special thank you to President
Willie Flowers and Bessie Bordenave for their leadership. Through your dedication and community support, we could provide dinner, clothing and blankets to residents in need. It's heartwarming when we work together to help our neighbors.
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Giving Tuesday
Our community is only strong because of the support we
give to one another. Giving Tuesday is a time when we express gratitude, do good for one another and help our community collectively grow. I encourage everyone to find a local non-profit whose mission you believe in and give back to them next Tuesday. Whether you come together with your family, friends or an organization, it’s important to find a way to give back to our community.
For a full list of all Howard County non-profits, please, click
here.
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Working Against Food Insecurity
In Howard County, more than 20,000 residents experience food insecurity.
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Congratulations Marco Platino
It is always exciting to see our students make remarkable strides in our community. Please join me in congratulating Marco Platino, student at
Clemens Crossing Elementary School, for receiving a State award for growing this massive cabbage. I am certain he will have a bright future. Read more about him
here.
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Congratulations Senator Guy Guzzone
Please join me in congratulating my colleague and good friend
Senator Guy Guzzone for being named the new Chair of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. Senator Guzzone and I first worked together on the County Council, then again during his leadership in Annapolis as Delegate and Senator.
Throughout our work together, he has shown immense leadership for our community and I am certain he will continue his advocacy for the betterment of our State in this new role.
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Women's Hall of Fame
Howard County is home to many remarkable community leaders who help contribute to a better quality of life for others. Each year, the Howard County Commission for Women honors the women in our community who have made a significant impact.
I encourage all county residents to nominate a leading woman in their lives who deserves recognition for their positive influence in our community. Deadline has been extended to 5:00 p.m. on December 6
th.
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Congratulations Principal Cosentino!
Principal Ed Cosentino is a wonderful educator who cultivates a positive academic environment for our students and addresses the broader needs of families through community engagement.
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Toys for Tots 2019
For four years strong, I have been honored to partner with
Howard County Toys for Tots to provide free toys to thousands of children in Howard County. We are grateful for our Marines who started this important initiative to help every child feel special this holiday season. I encourage everyone who is able to please donate toys at the locations listed in the flyer.
Together, we will create a brighter, merrier holiday for our children and families in need.
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Budget Office
I will hold my first Citizens’ Budget Hearing for the FY2021 budget cycle on Monday, December 9
th
at 7:00 p.m. in the Banneker Room of the George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City. Starting today, residents may sign-up
ONLINE
to speak at the hearing. From this same
link
, you may also provide online budget testimony; however, residents are reminded that internet testimony is considered public information and, as such, is subject to the
Maryland Public Information Act
. Residents who do not wish to sign-up online will still be able to sign-up in person on the night of the public hearing beginning at 6:00 p.m. Speakers must sign-up individually, and one person may not sign-up for several testifiers.
An interpreter for people who are deaf or hard of hearing will be available if requested seven working days prior to the Hearing. Please call the Budget Office at 410-313-2077 (voice) or use Relay at 7-1-1, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you need additional accommodations to attend the Hearing or for more information, contact the Budget Office.
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Department of
Community Resources and Services
What makes a community age-friendly? A community that respects everyone, no matter their age or stage of life. This December, we are undertaking an exciting new initiative – “Age-Friendly Howard County” – to ensure that Howard County is not only a great place for people to grow older, but also a great place to grow up. I
invite you
to join our Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS), Office on Aging and Independence and myself next Tuesday, December 3
rd
as we launch of this new, game-changing initiative.
Building an “Age-Friendly Howard County” is a long-term program that will require a new way of thinking and working together. It will require collaboration among residents of all ages, businesses, non-profit organizations, government agencies, civic organizations, philanthropic groups and anyone else who is interested in making the community a better place for all to live, work and play. Following next Tuesday’s launch, updates on the initiative, surveys and corresponding events will be posted on our
Age-Friendly Howard County website
.
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Join DCRS next week for its second annual “
Champions of Change
” conference. Hosted by DCRS’ Office of the Local Children’s Board, this two-day event will feature a cocktail reception, networking and a panel discussion, “Courage in Leadership” on December 4
th
and workshops on community engagement, equity, mental health and capacity building and more on December 5
th
. The Howard County Department of Social Services will also be on hand, co-sponsoring the training activities and providing social work CEU's to those who qualify. Cost is $89 per person; to register for this event, click
HERE
.
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This holiday season, DCRS’s Office of Aging and Independence and Office of Children and Families are collecting new, unwrapped donated items for low-income seniors and families in need with children ages birth to five year’s old as part of its 2019 Project Holiday. To view this year’s wish list for the children and adults, click
HERE
. Donations are being accepted now through 5:00 p.m., December 9
th
and should be dropped off at 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia.
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Recognizing that the holidays can be a stressful time of year for direct care providers, DCRS’ Office on Aging and Independence’s Health and Wellness Division will present a seminar, “Stress Response and Resilience,” on December 13. Offered in partnership with the Local Health Improvement Coalition, Professor of Psychology and Chair of the Departments of Psychology and Criminology at Notre Dame of Maryland University, Maria Mouratidis, PsyD, will address the components of trauma and the process of recovery. To register for this event – cost is $15 per person and Board-Approved Social Work CEU's are available, visit
https://hocostressresponse.eventbrite.com
.
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Department of Fire and Rescue Services
With Thanksgiving just three days away, please keep the following in mind from our
Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS)
: Thanksgiving is the
leading day for home fires
involving cooking equipment, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. Keep your family, friends and home safe this holiday while preparing your feast, with these simple
Thanksgiving safety tips
from the
National Fire Protection Association
.
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I always like to hear of the great deeds our employees are doing, especially when its PAWesome news like this one. Thanks to HCDFRS’ Special Operations crew and Station 13, Jasmine, a 17-year-old black lab, is safely back home with her family. Last week, crews rescued Jasmine from a 24-inch storm drain pipe where she was found 70 to 80 feet down in the drain. Miraculously and thankfully, Jasmine escape the whole ordeal unharmed!
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Recently, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health undertook two large studies focused on firefighter cancer. These studies concluded that firefighters face a nine percent increase in cancer diagnoses and a 14 percent increase in cancer-related deaths compared to the general U.S. population. To protect our members from cancerous carcinogens, HCDFRS launched its Carcinogen Reduction Plan in February 2018. Part of this plan are the inclusion of clean cab engines to the department’s fleet. Clean cab engines are designed to store firefighter and paramedic turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatuses in outside compartments, reducing the spread of carcinogens – which are found in smoke and burned material – inside the cab and, ultimately, from person to person.
Last week, HCDFRS added its second clean cab to its fleet, with the addition of Engine 91 to Long Reach Station 9.
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REMINDER: HCDFRS’ Special Operations team will be conducting a lost person search exercise in the area of
Triadelphia Reservoir’s Pig Tail Recreation Area
this Wednesday, November 27
th
from 2:00 to 11:00 p.m. each day (rain, shine or darkness). Our Special Operations Team assists local law enforcement agencies with lost person search and rescue missions in and around Howard County. This training will allow the team to practice working with partner agencies to search and locate missing persons within the watershed property.
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If interested in joining HCDFRS, I encourage you to SAVE THIS DATE! Beginning 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 5
th
, HCDFRS will begin accepting applications for Trainee Class 33. Applications will ONLY be accepted until 9:00 p.m., Friday, December 6
th
. HCDRS
suggests
creating an account and becoming familiar with the County’s
job opportunities website
before the application goes live on the 5
th
to save you time. Best of luck!
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Health Department
Have family visiting for the holidays? The
Howard County Health Department is reminding residents
, especially grandparents, to take a moment to make sure your medications are secure before your loved ones arrive this holiday season. Many who report misuse of prescription opioids started by getting them from friends and family. Protect your family and always, mind your meds.
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The 2019-2020 flu season is here. Have you gotten your flu shot yet? This December, the Howard County Health Department will be hosting a number of FREE walk-in flu clinic’s at various Howard County Library System branches. For dates and times, visit the Health Department’s “Seasonal Flu Information”
website
. No appointment is necessary and participants must be older than six months of age to receive a vaccine.
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Enrolling in health insurance can seem overwhelming. However, did you know that the Howard County Health Department, in addition to the
Maryland Health Connection
, offers free, in-person help as you search for the best plan for your family. Call 410-313-5845 or go to
www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/find-help/
to find help near you and get covered. You have until December 15
th
, when this open enrollment period ends.
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Department of Housing and Community Development
If you are looking to buy a home this coming new year, I encourage you to consider attending our Department of Housing and Community Development's final
Homebuyer Education Workshop
on Saturday, December 14
th
from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. The workshop’s curriculum focuses on: assessing home readiness, budgeting and credit usage, financing a home, selecting a house, and maintaining a home and post-purchase finances. To register for this workshop, email the department at
homebuyerclass@howardcountymd.gov
.
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Department of Planning and Zoning
This past Tuesday marked the final night of our Department of Planning and Zoning’s fourth
PlanHoward Academy
. Over the course of the five-week Academy, participants learned about planning and the land development process through in-class instruction, hands-on learning exercises and take-home materials.
Recognized as an innovative, effective county government program that strengthen services for residents, PlanHoward Academy seeks to give residents a better understanding of how local planning works, along with information about current planning efforts. The program eceived the 2019 Civic Education and Public Information Award from the National Association of Counties.
If interested in receiving updates about a future PlanHoward Academy seeks session, I encourage you to sign up
HERE
.
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Police Department
Did you know, Howard County Police Department (HCPD) was one of the
first agencies in the nation
to use dogs for patrol work. In fact, 60 years ago this month, HCPD’s first K-9s, Rickey and Prince, hit the Howard County streets! Today, the department has nine dogs and eight full-time handlers. To mark this anniversary, HCPD rounded up its K-9s for a quick little
photo shoot
(one not pictured). Pictured from left to right, top to bottom, meet: Zey, Diego, Gaston, Perla, Sven, Zari, Blade and Popeye.
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Known as “Blackout Wednesday,” Thanksgiving Eve is the biggest drinking night of the year. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2017, more than one out of every three traffic fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday period involved an alcohol-impaired driver.
HCPD is reminding residents this holiday, if you plan on consuming alcoholic, please make good choices by designating a sober driver, calling a ride service or making other plans. Whatever you do, do not drink and drive, and do not ride in a vehicle with an intoxicated driver.
HCPD will be out in force, keeping an eye out for drivers who may have had one too many pumpkin beers. If you know someone who is about to drive impaired, please step in and help. Take their keys and find them a safe ride home. If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 9-1-1. Remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving.
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Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travels time of the years as millions of Americans hit the road, eager to visit family and friends. Unfortunately, with more drivers on the road, means the potential for more vehicular crashes. HCPD is reminding drivers of the importance of buckling up – every trip, every time, before turning on your car. It’s especially important at night. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, over the 2017 Thanksgiving weekend, 57 percent of passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes at night were unbuckled, compared to 40 percent during the day. It’s our greatest hope that everyone make it to their Thanksgiving destinations as safely as possible.
Remember, buckling up is quick, it’s easy, and it’s the best way to prevent injury to you or a loved one.
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In case you missed it in last week’s newsletter, to help ensure a safe and convenient shopping season for everyone, Howard County Police Department (HCPD) has begun focusing on enforcement of no parking zones along Ellicott City's Main Street. Parking in these areas creates a safety issue for pedestrians and drivers, and police have recently seen increasing violations.
When visiting Main Street, be sure to park in legal areas only, and honor the two-hour parking limits to allow all visitors the opportunity to enjoy all Main Street has to offer. Remember, there are NO time limits on the free parking in the lettered parking lots! I hope to see you in Historic Ellicott City this holiday season!
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As Black Friday and Small Business Saturday approach, HCPD is reminding shoppers to be careful, prepared and alert this holiday season. Here are just a few safety tips to keep in mind:
- When shopping, travel with a group or in pairs, and schedule shopping trips during the day;
- Avoid carrying too many packages, and leave one hand free to access keys or a phone quickly.
- Park in a well-lit parking space, and select an area where there are other cars and foot traffic.
- Don’t leave cell phones, purses or other valuables in a parked car – especially in plain view.
Stay tuned to HCPD’s
Facebook page
for more holiday shopping safety tips.
HCPD will be increasing its presence in shopping areas, neighborhoods and on roadways to ensure residents stay safe this holiday season. The increased police presence aims to deter robberies, shoplifting, theft and associated crimes at malls and shopping centers, as well as package thefts from residences.
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PREVENTING PACKAGE THEFTS this Cyber Monday and all season long. As online purchases increase this time of year, in turn, meaning more package deliveries, HCPD is offering up these tips to help you prevent the theft of your packages:
- Track shipments and try to be home when they are scheduled to arrive. If you won’t be home, have the shipment delivered to your work if permitted.
- Or, ask a trusted neighbor to take the package inside until you get home.
- Be aware of suspicious people and vehicles. If you notice suspicious behavior, call 911 immediately. Make note of any vehicle’s make, model, tag number and direction of travel.
- Report any thefts by calling 410-313-2200.
- BONUS TIP: Many of your neighbors may have doorbell cameras, even if you don’t. Residents can keep track of crime happening in their neighborhood with the Neighbors app. Download the FREE, anonymous doorbell video sharing app by texting HCPD to 555888.
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Department of Public Works
Howard County’s Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold an informational public meeting on Thursday, December 12
th
at 7:00 p.m. in the Marvin Thomas Meeting Room at Howard County Library System’s
East Columbia branch
, to present the plans for a nearby pond improvement project. The project will replace the existing corrugated metal riser structure and spillway pipe with reinforced concrete at the stormwater management pond near 9865 Gerwig Lane. The interior of the facility will also be modified and lowered to provide water quality treatment and channel protection volume for the entire drainage area. This pond will remain a wet pond. The project is expected to begin in late January 2020.
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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
November 18, 2019
newsletter.
Ellicott City
- Ellicott City North Tunnel Project Site Investigation (Capital Project C-0337) – Project to conduct soil borings in Ellicott City’s Historic District. The findings from these soil boring will aid in developing the final design of North Tunnel, part of my “EC Safe and Sound” plan. At times, through traffic near the work sites at 3727 Church Road and 8382 Court Avenue may shift to one lane, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Also, portions of the Howard County Circuit Courthouse parking lot and Lots B and F may close briefly, as needed. Weather permitting, this investigation is expected to be completed by early February 2020.
Past Project Updates – Completion Date Change
Elkridge
- Old Lawyers Hill Road Water Main (Capital Project W-8327) – Project to replace a water main along the entire length of westbound Old Lawyers Hill Road. Originally expected to be completed by November, weather permitting, this project is now expected to be completed by late November.
Ellicott City
- Ellicott City Stream Restoration (Capital Project D-1158) – Phase II of a project to restore and stabilize a portion of the Little Patuxent River. Project includes restoration and stabilization of approximately 1,300 linear feet of the Little Patuxent River starting at Frederick Road and extending upstream. Originally expected to be completed by November, weather permitting, this project is now expected to be completed by late December
Laurel
- Whiskey Bottom Road Water Pump Station (Capital Project W-8320) – Project to construct a new water pump station at 9799 Whiskey Bottom Road. Originally expected to be completed by mid-July, weather permitting, this project is now expected to be completed by early December
Savage
- Foundry Street, Washington Street Intersection (Capital Project J-4248 – Project to install a mini-roundabout at the intersection of Foundry Street and Washington Streetand approximately 500 feet of pathway will be laid along southbound Foundry Street Originally expected to be completed by mid-November, weather permitting, this project is now expected to be completed by late November.
Past Project Updates – Projects Completed
Jessup
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 upcoming Thanksgiving Day holiday is one of the six holidays that affects the County’s curbside trash, recycling, food scrap and yard trim collection program. As there will be no curbside collection on Thursday, November 28
th
, the county’s holiday slide schedule will be in effect the remainder of that holiday week; i.e. Thursday pick-up will slide to Friday, Friday to Saturday and Saturday on Saturday (no that last one is not a typo). Wondering what the other five holidays might be that affect curbside collection? They are Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. To learn more about the holiday slide schedule, click
HERE
.
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Department of Recreation & Parks
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In case you missed it, Recreation & Parks’ 2020 Winter Activity Guide is now
online
and Howard County residents can expect to find a print copy in their mail boxes later this month. These seasonal guides are an essential resource for finding before and after school programs, classes, sports leagues, 55+ plus programs and other activities offered throughout the County. Online registration for County residents begins next Wednesday, December 4
th
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.
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Recreation and Parks’ Advisory Board
will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, December 11
th
at 7:00 p.m. to consider the department’s draft FY2021 Capital Budget and draft FY2021-2030 Capital Improvement Program for the acquisition and development of park and recreation lands. Residents interested in speaking at the hearing, may
sign-up online
to speak at the hearing (click on “Public Comment”) and/or provide online testimony, as well as view the draft FY2021 Capital Budget
online
. You can also request a copy of the draft be mailed to you by calling 410-313-4685. Residents are reminded that internet testimony is considered public information and is subject to the
Maryland Public Information Act
.
Residents who do not wish to sign up online to speak at the hearing, may sign-up in person the night of the hearing starting at 6:30 p.m.
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SAVE THE DATE for this year’s
Christmas in the Park
festivities, set to take place Saturday, December 14
th
at
Centennial Park
. This free event runs from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. and will feature a tree lighting ceremony, caroling by the Recreational Licensed Child Care Choir, refreshments and even a special visit from Santa Claus and some of his friends.
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PARK GATE CLOSURE: Starting December 1, the gates to
Cedar Lane Park’s east area
, located off MD 108, will be CLOSED for sports field renovations. While the gate to the east area will be closed, park goers may still utilize the playground, basketball court and tennis courts, accessible from pathway from the park’s west area. Weather permitting, the work is expected to be completed and east area gates reopened on or about March 15, 2020.
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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 on your date with a 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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November 26 - Discrimination 101
Hosted by the County’s Office of Human Rights, participants will learn about State and Federal Discrimination Laws, as well as the responsibilities of a Human Rights or Civil Rights Commissioner. Admission is free and this event is open to all Civil and Human Rights Commissioners in the state of Maryland. To register and/or for more information, click
HERE
.
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November 27 to January 1 - Merriweather Symphony of Lights
Howard County's time-honored holiday tradition is back for another year. Made up of more than 300,000 bulbs, this family-oriented spectacular is a dazzling display of larger-than-life animated and stationary holiday light creations. For more information about this year’s dazzling event, visit
www.merriweatherlights.com/
.
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November 28 and 29 - Thanksgiving Holiday Closings
County Government offices, courts, animal shelter, community and athletic centers, activity rooms, historic sites, 50+ centers and the Alpha Ridge Landfill will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 28
th
. There will be no trash, recycling, yard trim or food scrap pick-up on Thanksgiving Day; the County’s
holiday "slide” schedule
will be in effect. Additionally, while County park gates will be open, there will be no staff on duty on Thursday. The landfill and county parks will re-open on Friday, November 29
th
; however, County Government offices, courts, 50+ centers, historic sites and animal shelter will remain closed. While community and athletic centers and activity rooms will be closed on Friday to the general public, they will be open for scheduled special or permit-approved events.
RTA buses
will not run on the 28
th
, but will resume a regular weekday schedule on the 29
th
. While parking fees will not be enforced on the 28
th
, all parking fees will be in effect on the 29
th
.
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November 29 through January 5 - Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum Train Garden
This holiday season, the model trains are returning to the Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum. Free for all ages, LEGO® trains, plus N gauge and O gauge models, will be on display. Open during museum operating hours, click
HERE
for more information.
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December 2 - County Executive’s Transportation Forum
Join our Office of Transportation, Police Department, Department of Public Works, other leading transportation officials and myself for a
Transportation Forum
at the
Elkridge Volunteer Fire Station
to discuss the state of our transportation. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions to the panel about transportation around the county.
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December 2 through January 3 | Holiday Train Garden at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center
Visitors of all ages are invited to come enjoy an interactive exhibit of accessories and sounds provided by train enthusiast Dennis Moore. The layout features four continuously operating trains through an eight by eight-foot scenic garden. Train garden open during
center operating hours
.
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December 3 - Age-Friendly Howard County Initiative Launch
What makes a community age-friendly? A community that respects everyone, no matter their age or stage of life. This December, we are launching an exciting new initiative – “Age-Friendly Howard County” – to ensure that Howard County is not only a great place for people to grow older, but also a great place to grow up. See the Department of Community Resources and Services section above for more information about this kick-off event.
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December 3 - 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 an opioid overdose. The first Tuesday and last Thursday of each month, the 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 Health Department employee will teach you how to administer Narcan, the opioid reversing medicine. Click
HERE
to learn more.
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December 4 - Health Education Class: Emergency Preparedness
Join Howard County Health Department for its Winter 2019-2020 Health Education Classes at Howard County Library. At this class, participants will learn how to prepare for and respond during an emergency. Topics include general disaster and safety preparedness, as well as how to assemble an emergency kit. To learn more and/or to register, click
HERE
.
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December 4 and December 5 - Champions of Change
Department of Community Resources and Services’ Office of the Local Children’s Board, this two-day event will feature a cocktail reception, networking and a panel discussion, “Courage in Leadership” on December 4 and workshops on community engagement, equity, mental health and capacity building and more on December 5. Click
HERE
to learn more.
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December 6 - Midnight Madness
A tree lighting ceremony, strolling carolers, Santa, a Winter Holiday Market, live music, merriment, dining and shopping are what you’ll find at this year’s 41
st
annual
Midnight Madness event
in Old Ellicott City.
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December 7 - Holiday Mart
Come celebrate the 47th year of this annual event that features unique and unusual handcrafted items and home decor presented by 130 crafters. There will be door prizes, a children's craft corner, horse and carriage rides, food and a shuttle service running to and from Bushy Park Elementary School and Western Regional Park. For more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/HolidayMart.
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December 7 | Annual Lighting of the Historic Bollman Truss Railroad Bridge
and Carroll Baldwin Hall Commons Tree Lighting Ceremony
Kick off this holiday season with the
lighting of the County’s Bollman Truss Railroad Bridge
, an antique iron truss bridge and national historic landmark. Outfitted with more than 15,000 LED lights and a giant bow, the bridge will be lit for the season from December 7
th
through December 24
th
. After the bridge lighting, there will be a community tree-lighting celebration at the historic Carroll Baldwin Hall Commons.
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December 10 - Howard County Health Department Flu Shot Clinic
Health Department to host a FREE walk-in flu shot clinic at the
Glenwood branch
library from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary and participants must be older than six months of age to receive a vaccine.
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December 11 - Health Education Class: Brain Health and Aging
Join Howard County Health Department for its Winter 2019-2020 Health Education Classes at Howard County Library. At this class, participants will learn about keeping your brain healthy as you age with evidence-based strategies to strengthen and protect your brain health through exercise, nutrition and staying active. All are welcome, especially caregivers, young adults, and older adults. To learn more and/or to register, click
HERE
.
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December 11 - Coffee with a Cop
Join Howard County Police Department (HCPD) for its monthly
Coffee with a Cop
at Eggspectation in Columbia. Come meet face-to-face with HCPD's Community Outreach Officers in an informal and neutral space to discuss issues, ask questions and build relationships one cup of coffee at a time. As always, coffee and conversation are on the house. For more information and/or questions, contact HCPD's Community Outreach Division at 410-313-2207.
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December 11 - Department of Housing and Community Development Grants Public Hearing
The County’s Department of Housing and Community Development to hold a
public meeting
on December 11
th
at 6:00 p.m. to obtain your comments regarding the development of the Budget and Funding Strategy for the Fiscal Year 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan/FY2020 Annual Action Plan. The Consolidated Plan is the five-year plan required by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development that outlines broad goals and objectives designed to meet the County’s major housing and community development needs. The Annual Action Plan is the County’s yearly application for funding under the Community Development Block Grant Program and the Home Investment Partnerships Program.
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December 11 - Recreation and Parks’ Advisory Board Public Hearing
Recreation and Park’s Advisory Board will hold a
public hearing
the evening of Wednesday, December 11
th
at 7:00 p.m. to consider the department’s draft FY2021 Capital Budget and draft FY2021-2030 Capital Improvement Program for the acquisition and development of park and recreation lands. Visit
www.howardcountymd.gov/advisoryboard
to view the draft budget, to sign-up to speak at the hearing or provide online testimony.
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December 12 - Howard County Health Department Flu Shot Clinic
Health Department to host a FREE walk-in flu shot clinic at the
Miller branch
library from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary and participants must be older than six months of age to receive a vaccine.
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December 14 - Homebuyer Education Workshop
The
Department of Housing and Community Development's final
Homebuyer Education Workshop
of 2019. The workshop’s curriculum focuses on: assessing home readiness, budgeting and credit usage, financing a home, selecting a house, and maintaining a home and post-purchase finances. To register, email
homebuyerclass@howardcountymd.gov
.
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December 14 - Howard County General Hospital Community Companion Volunteer Information Session
Howard County General Hospital is seeking Community Companion volunteers to provide nonmedical support, such as transportation and companionship, to patients. Community Companions receive training and provide care support to patients in the Member Care Support Network. Patients are often older adults who live alone, experience functional impairment and have multiple chronic conditions, such as lung disease or cancer. For more information, visit HCGH.org/j2bhvolunteer, call 410-720-8788 or email hcgh-j2bh@jhmi.edu.
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December 14 - Christmas in the Park
Come kick-off this holiday season with Santa, Buddy the Elf, Elsa, Olaf, the Gingerbread Man and myself at this year’s Christmas in the Park. There will be caroling brought to us by the Recreational Licensed Child Care Choir, a tree lighting ceremony, refreshments and more. For more information, visit
www.howardcountymd.gov/christmasinthepark
.
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