I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes. Senator Sarbanes lived an incredible life and left a proud legacy that will live on for generations of Marylanders. Born to Greek immigrants, he lived the American dream and rose to serve our state and the residents of Howard County for more than three decades in the United States Senate. 

As a passionate environmentalist, he championed innovative ways to create a cleaner and more sustainable environment, including protecting our treasured Chesapeake Bay. He also helped fight against corruption and advocate for consumer protection on behalf of all Americans.

Senator Sarbanes was a fierce advocate for our state and nation and served as an incredible model for our young people looking towards public service. As a lifelong Marylander, I grew up with Senator Sarbanes as a role model - a man dedicated to service who thoughtfully worked with his colleagues to establish policy and impacts we still benefit from now. 

Today, we mourn the loss of a champion for Maryland and exemplary public servant. My sincerest condolences go out to his family, including my friend Congressman John Sarbanes, friends, and former colleagues during this difficult time.

Today marks the 79th Anniversary of the bombing at Pearl Harbor - a solemn moment for us to recognize and honor the more than 2,400 brave Americans who lost their lives this very day and the approximate 1,000 who were wounded. 

This surprise attack rocked our nation, propelled us into WWII and will forever “live in infamy.” While the deliberate acts of that day were devastating, our American contribution to the war over the next four years proved our country was strong and resilient. 

This remains true today, especially given recent events. Let us never forget.

The holiday cheer is bright and merry in Savage! I was thrilled to join our Savage community for a wonderful night sharing the holiday spirit; first at the lighting of Bollman Bridge with Jay Winer and Historic Savage Mill, then lighting the tree with Susan Garber and the Savage Community Association. Watch the bridge lighting here.

Although our annual celebrations may look a little different this year, it's important to maintain our holiday traditions and spread positive vibes, especially during this difficult time. Wishing our Savage community a very warm, happy holidays.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant public health crisis, the effects of which are widespread. I was so pleased to join the NAACP Youth Council of Howard County for its annual Fight Against Hunger event at the Leola Dorsey Resource Center.

As we near nine months of this pandemic and as it gets colder, it's vital that every member of our community receives the support they need to thrive. Thank you to Bessie Bordenave and the NAACP Youth Council for their efforts and support during this crucial time.

The holiday spirit is shining bright in Ellicott City! I was so glad to join the Ellicott City Partnership, Delegate Courtney Watson, Senator Katie Fry Hester, and Howard County Council Member Liz Walsh for its annual Midnight Madness event where we lit the Christmas tree. Watch the tree lighting here.

Although this event looks different this year, the resilience and joy of our Ellicott City businesses remains the same. Please continue to shop local and support our small businesses, who need our help now more than ever.

One of the most critical first steps towards a more age-friendly Howard County is community engagement. We are so proud to mark our first anniversary of our Age-Friendly Howard County initiative.  

The current public health crisis has only highlighted the urgent need of creating a community that is age-friendly and increases the quality of life for all our residents. Achieving this designation requires focused efforts to create a ‘livable’ community and ensure Howard County continues to evolve as a great place to grow up and to grow older.

To learn more, please click here.

As we continue to see a rise in COVID-19 cases, it’s extremely vital that every resident has access to adequate health insurance. 

If you or someone you know is without health insurance due to recent job loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage you to enroll today for one of Maryland Health Connection's private health plans. The DEADLINE to enroll in a health plan for 2021 through MCH's special enrollment period is Tuesday, December 15th. 

To learn more and/or to enroll, click here.

Amid our economic challenges, food insecurity has become more substantial for many of our residents. In coordination with the Howard Soil Conservation District and Howard County Economic Development Authority, we’re establishing a program to provide venison to our local food bank. The deer will be donated by local hunters, processed by three local businesses, and then delivered to the Howard County Food Bank by The Roving Radish. This new program and partnership helps us provide quality food to our local families in need.

Special thank you to Senator Katie Fry Hester for her partnership through this challenging winter. Since 2004, our Howard County Recreation and Parks have also donated 100% of deer and venison to our food bank through their deer management programs. 

For more information about this new program, please click here.

I’m so proud that Columbia has been named the Safest City in America by WalletHub for the third year in a row! This accolade is a testament to the excellent quality of life we cherish in Howard County. For many of us, home is somewhere you feel secure and part of an inclusive community. 

We all want to be and feel safe in our neighborhoods. I want to thank our police officers, firefighters and paramedics, social workers, community advocates, and engaged residents for working together to achieve this honor for our community once again. Public safety and keeping our community safe remains a top priority of mine.

I recognize that we still have work to do and will continue to do better and make sure every community in Howard County is and feels the safest it can be.

As we approach the holiday season, I'm reminded of our family members, friends, and neighbors who may be struggling right now, especially with the additional financial burden COVID-19 has presented. This year, I encourage residents, who are able and willing, to please donate a toy to help a local child in need for our 5th annual Toys for Tots Distribution.

Unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at any of our six Toys for Tots box locations. Together, we will create a brighter, merrier holiday for our children and families in need.

At this point there is widespread community transmission of COVID-19, and every individual action we take is vital to controlling and limiting the further spread of this virus. Now in effect, all indoor social gatherings must be limited to 10 people or fewer and all outdoor social gatherings must be limited to 25 people or fewer.

Social gathering limits includes weddings, recreational sports and programs, and social/fraternal organizations and association clubs. Additionally, the Department of Recreation & Parks has canceled all upcoming tournaments, and any other programs subject to change will be posted online here.

As we continue to see a rise in COVID-19 cases in Howard County, we are also seeing rise of residents who are getting tested or have questions about testing. The two drive-thru COVID-19 testing locations set up in the parking lots at the Elkridge and Savage fire stations are NOT being operated by the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, but are operated by Quality First Urgent Care.

Our volunteer fire stations in Savage and Elkridge are being inundated with questions regarding testing. If you have any questions regarding testing at either location, please call the Howard County Health Department’s Coronavirus Information Line at (410) 313-6284. We all have a responsibility to do all we can to reverse our concerning trends. For more information, please visit HChealth.org.

In response to rising COVID-19 cases, Howard County Recreation & Parks indoor programs and rentals will be limited to 10 people or less.

All outdoor sports facilities, athletic fields, playgrounds, courts and skate parks are limited to 25 people or less. For sports participants, only one parent or guardian is allowed to be in attendance. Each parent or guardian must wear a mask and may not enter the playing field. All players and coaches must wear a mask when entering and exiting the park and field.

All sports tournaments have been cancelled.

The Worthington Dog Park will be limited to 25 visitors per field (the park has two fields). All visitors to the park must wear a mask at all times.

Our RecZone child care program and school-related services will operate with a 15 person limit per room and will follow strict COVID-19 guidelines from the CDC and Howard County Office of Child Care.

Please note that our parks and facilities will remain open at this time. All programs subject to change will be posted online here.

This year has been unprecedented in many ways and our upcoming budget season will be no exception. The ongoing pandemic has caused serious economic consequences and challenges for our fiscal outlook and as we prepare for our upcoming fiscal year, it is vital that we hear from you, learn your concerns and gather your input regarding Howard County’s spending priorities. I invite you to join members of my administration and I this Wednesday, December 9^th at 6:00 p.m. for my first Resident’s Budget Hearing for our Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) budget cycle, which runs from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. This year’s budget hearing will be held virtually, as you might have guessed, and can be watched live from the Howard County Council’s streaming website; see “Upcoming Events.”

If you would like to speak at the hearing, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/budgettestimony to sign-up. Speakers must sign-up individually and one person may not sign-up for several testifiers. When preparing your testimony, please keep in mind, individual testimony is limited to three minutes and group testimony is limited to five. If you have a supporting document(s) you wish to submit with your testimony, please email it to budgettestimony@howardcountymd.gov, with “BUDGET TESTIMONY” in the subject line.

Additionally, budget testimony can also be submitted online from our budget testimony webpage. Remember, internet testimony is considered public information and, as such, is subject to the Maryland Public Information Act.

Today (December 7^th) is your LAST DAY to donate to our Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) 2020 Project Holiday gift drive. Help DCRS brighten the holidays for our low-income seniors and families with children ages 0 to 5 years old in need by dropping off a new, unwrapped gift at one of three convenient locations we’ve set up throughout the county. This year’s wish list includes: body lotion, body wash, books (ages 0-5), deodorant, hair brushes, hair conditioner, scarves, shampoo, shaving cream, slipper socks, socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toiletry gift sets, throw blankets and toys (ages 0-5). Financial donations are also being accepted.

We thank you in advance for your generosity and kindness as we work to spread holiday cheer this holiday season. For more information, click HERE.

Donate a car, help train a firefighter. If you have an unwanted car that you are looking to donate? If yes, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) would love to take it off your hands. With a Trainee Class currently in the Academy and regular, ongoing departmental training, HCDFRS is in need of unwanted vehicles to help our firefighters train and prepare for incidents involving motor vehicles. If you have a vehicle to donate, please email cardonations@howardcountymd.gov.

This holiday season, HCDFRS is reminding residents of the importance of watering your Christmas tree DAILY. According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 200 home fires each year start with a Christmas tree. While Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are much more likely to be deadly than most other fires. In fact, on average, one out of every 32 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in a death, compared to an average of one death per 143 reported home fires. Protect your family and property this holiday, with these Christmas Tree Safety tips.

When the Christmas is over, or your tree is dry, be sure to recycle it through our Bureau of Environmental Services’ Merry Mulch program. Stay tuned to www.howardcountymd.gov/merrymulch for this year’s program details.

Our Office of Human Rights (OHR) invites you to join them this Thursday, December 10^th at 7:00 a.m. as it joins the Maryland Coalition Opposed to Violence and Extremism’s (COVE) and other human right agencies to celebrate the 72^nd anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In this time of global uncertainty and unrest, remembering the birth of this critical document and how it continues to shape and provide protections is particularly important. OHR Administrator Yolanda Sonnier will lead the celebration as the event moderator, which will also feature special guest Sasha Butler, Executive Director at Changing Destinations: Journey to Excellence, Inc. Butler will discuss the importance of this global legislation, its enduring legacy and how we all can take action to preserve the protection of human rights for all.

To register for this free event, visit http://tinyurl.com/MDCove today.

Today (December 7^th) is the last day to participate in our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) HoCo By Design Community Ideas Exchange Workshop. Our next General Plan, HoCo By Design is a comprehensive long-range plan that establishes the policies on how and where the County will develop and grow in response to evolving economic, environmental and social conditions. This 3-D, interactive virtual Community Ideas Exchange Workshop allows participants to learn about, provide feedback and share their ideas on different planning themes, development choices, design considerations and more. Unlike an in-person workshop, that has a set start and end time, this virtual workshop allows visitors 24/7 access, so you can "stop by" anytime. To participate in the workshop, visit www.hocobydesign.com/ciew-homepage before the end of the day today.

Also, next week, DPZ will be hosting two topic-focused, virtual public meetings with its HoCo By Design project team to unveil a series of physical assessments. DPZ’s consultants with present high-level existing conditions, top trends and findings. The first of the two public meetings will take place next Monday, December 14^th at 7:00 p.m. and will cover land use, community character and supporting infrastructure; click HERE to register for the 14^th. The following day, Tuesday, December 15^th, DPZ will host its second public meeting, again starting at 7:00 p.m.; click HERE to register for the 15^th. The second public meeting will discuss market, transportation, agriculture and environment. Both meetings will be livestreamed (December 14^th livestream and December 15^th livestream) and recorded.

For more information about HoCo By Design, how to become involved and/or to sign-up to receive updates, visit www.hocobydesign.com and/or follow the HoCo By Design Facebook page. Finally, if you have any questions about our next General Plan, please feel free to contact DPZ community planners Kate Bolinger at kbolinger@howardcountymd.gov or Sarah Latimer at slatimer@howardcountymd.gov.

Next Tuesday, December 15^th at 6:00 p.m., our Department of Public Works (DPW) will be holding a virtual public meeting to discuss plans to stabilize a significantly eroded stream (an unnamed tributary to the Little Patuxent River) located behind 3951-3959 Ducks Foot Lane. The project is expected to begin in summer 2021.

The informal meeting will include an overview of the design followed by an open discussion. County staff and the project’s design consultant will be on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments. To participate in the meeting by computer, go to www.webex.com and click “join;” the meeting number is 126 719 7053, and “Stormwater” is the password. To participate by phone, call 1-650-479-3207 (note, fees may apply) and enter the access code 126 719 7053.

Those unable to participate in the virtual meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions regarding Capital Project D-1158, should contact Mr. Avinash Dewani with DPW’s Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6417 or email adewani@howardcountymd.gov.  

Construction Report

To learn 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 (SHA) website and search by “County” to learn more about State road projects in Howard County.

Department of Public Works – Bureau of Environmental Services

DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services is REMINDING residents, when visiting our Alpha Ridge Landfill, face coverings MUST BE worn at ALL TIMES and a physical distancing for at least six feet maintained. Also, the Landfill is only accepting credit card payments at this time; no cash, check or debit cards.

While the Bureau of Environmental Service’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Saturdays at the Landfill have ended for the season, the Bureau will be hosting three SPECIAL HHW collection days this winter: Saturday, January 2^nd, Saturday, February 6^th and Saturday, March 6^th. On these three days, county residents may properly dispose of HHW items at the Landfill. For more information on this program and what is accepted/not accepted, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/HHW.

REMINDER: The upcoming Christmas Day holiday is one of the six holidays that does affect the County’s curbside trash, recycling, food scrap and yard trim collection programs. As there will be no curbside collection on Friday, December 25^th, the County’s holiday slide schedule will be in effect and Friday collection will slide to Saturday, December 26^th. Residents who normally have Friday collection are reminded to have their items out after 6:00 p.m. the day before collection or before 6:00 a.m. the day of collection.

For questions, concerns and/or more information about the County’s holiday schedule, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule or contact feel free to contact the Bureau of Environmental Services at 410-313-6444 or email help@howardcountyrecycles.org.

Registration is NOW open for Howard County residents for our Department of Recreation & Parks 2021 Winter Activity Guide. From family-friendly special events and programs to sports leagues and enriching classes for active adults, Recreation & Parks is offering something for everyone virtually and in-person this winter season. NOTE: out-of-county online registration begins this Wednesday, December 9^th at 6:00 p.m. For registration and/or more information, click HERE. 

This week, Recreation & Parks is kicking off its “12 Days of Encore Recreation.” Throughout December, Recreation & Parks will be offering 12 FREE 55+ classes via Zoom. Class topics include fitness, yoga, dance, arts and crafts, travel and more! Each class will take place from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. and those interested must register at least 24 hours ahead of the class date to participate. For a full list of free “12 Days of Encore Recreation” classes, check out https://tinyurl.com/12DaysEncoreRec.

Last week, I, along with Town of Sykesville Mayor Ian Shaw and Recreation & Parks Director Raul Delerme announced that the newest improvements to South Branch Park are now complete! This third phase of improvements helped improve parking, sidewalks, stormwater management controls and other amenities at the park, making this outdoor space more accessible to all who visit.

Located at 350 West Friendship Road in Sykesville and running along the South Branch of the Patapsco River, this 7.5-acre park is the historic site of early mills and canning industries in Howard County. In fact, several of the properties historic structures remain in the park and are currently undergoing a restoration. The park features a skatepark, children’s playground, walkways, benches and a picnic shelter. For more information about South Branch Park, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/southbranchpark.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this past Saturday’s live, virtual Holiday Mart event! If you missed the event, no worries, our Department of Recreation & Parks has got you covered. Through January, shoppers can still shop or handmade holiday gifts and décor from Holiday Mart participating crafters and artisans by visiting www.howardcountymd.gov/holidaymart.