Our goal since adopting the Ellicott City Safe and Sound plan in December 2018 has been to keep our residents and visitors safe, reduce the amount and velocity of flood water in Historic Ellicott City, and preserve the historic nature of our town. I was honored to be joined by Senator Katie fry Hester and Delegate Courtney Watson to break ground on the Quaker Mill Flood Mitigation Pond, a critical Ellicott City Safe & Sound project.

The Quaker Mill Pond, our second retention and conveyance project this year alone, will help mitigate flooding under our Ellicott City Safe and Sound Plan and will reduce peak flow rates from the site for the 100-year storm by approximately 30 percent. 

Once complete, the Quaker Mill project will provide approximately 10-acre-feet of storage, which is the equivalent of nearly 3.3 million gallons of water or enough to fill a football field with 7.5ft of water. Construction on Quaker Mill Pond is anticipated to take approximately 15 months, weather dependent.

Read more about the project here.

Howard County recently won the prestigious 2021 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health award, becoming only one of only four communities in our Nation. This honor is a testament to the hard work of our team and community to positively impact the health and wellbeing of all residents. 

To commemorate this accomplishment, we joined together to raise the Culture of Health flag at the George Howard Building.

It is National Influenza Vaccine Week, and the perfect time to get your annual flu shot, if you haven’t already. 

Vaccination is particularly important for people who are most vulnerable to developing serious flu complications, including people with certain chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease. According to the CDC, during the last flu season 9 out of 10 adults hospitalized for flu had at least one reported underlying medical condition. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still prevalent and there is a rise of the Omicron variant. Getting the flu vaccine adds another important layer of protection. 

Don’t throw away your shot! Contact your healthcare provider today to schedule your visit.

For more information, please click here.

We want to hear from you! 

Join my Constituent Services team on Monday, December 13th, at 5:00 p.m. at Mutiny Pirate Bar and Grille in Elkridge. This is the perfect opportunity to discuss the issues most important to you and ways to enhance our community, all while supporting a local businesses. No RSVP required.

It’s hard to convey the retirement announcement of my dear friend and partner in public service, Delegate Shane Pendergrass. Shane has been a devoted representative of Howard County for decades: from a parent, community advocate and arts educator, to serving on the Howard County Council from 1986-1994 and subsequently elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1995.

For more than 25 years, she has served on a variety of committees and subcommittees and eventually became Chair of the House Health and Government Operations Committee. She has championed issues related to health disparities, advocated for the individual autonomy of ones healthcare choices and most recently, she was appointed by House Speaker Jones to serve on joint COVID-19 Response Legislative Work Group.

Shane has served her constituents and all of Howard County for nearly 40 years and we are better because of her effective leadership and commitment to our community. She has been a mentor, friend and an exceptional example of what it means to be public servant. While I am saddened by her departure, I look forward to continuing our partnership through the 2022 General Assembly legislative session and the duration of her term.

Our existing infrastructure served as a barrier that prevented people from enjoying all that Historic Savage Mill has to offer, with insufficient curbs, sidewalks and ADA accessibility in many parts of the area. So we got to work. 

Just last week, we cut the ribbon on our newly finished Complete Streets project in Savage. This nearly $2 million multi-phased project added 5,145 linear feet of curb and gutter, 3,635 linear feet of concrete sidewalk, 660 feet of pervious sidewalk and 44 new ADA ramps. Completing the Savage Complete Streets Project connects the Savage community by providing safe and accessible walkways for pedestrians around Historic Savage Mill. 

The project improved pedestrian access and safety, and installed traffic calming measures at several locations throughout Savage, including: a mini-roundabout at Foundry and Washington Streets; curb and sidewalk improvements along Washington Street between Fair and Williams Streets; curb and sidewalk along Commercial and Foundry Streets between Baltimore and Washington Streets; and curb and sidewalk along Baltimore Street from Fair Street to Savage Guilford Road. 

Congratulations to our Department of Fire and Rescue Services’ (HCDFRS) Chief Louis Winston, who was officially sworn in as the County's Fire Chief this past Monday. The Chief was surrounded by his family, friends and colleagues as he took his official oath of service. 

Chief Winston is a long-time respected and admired member of our combination fire department. He is a collaborative leader who has risen through the ranks during his 30-year career and has the necessary experience to carry on the traditions of HCDFRS, while shaping and preparing it for the future. I have complete confidence in his ability to lead a department that is a model and national standard for excellence.

It's that time of year!

Toys for Tots has provided free toys to thousands of children in Howard County. This year, I'm reminded of our family members, friends, and neighbors who may be struggling from the effect of the last year. I encourage residents, who are able and willing, to please donate a toy to help a local child in need for our 6th annual Howard County Toys for Tots Distribution.

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

This past year has brought many continued challenges, but it has also brought so many moments of light. One of the sayings of Hanukkah, “A little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness,” really stuck with me this year. It’s so important to find that light, and as a community, multiply it. 

As Hanukkah comes to a close, I’m grateful for our friends at the Jewish Federation of Howard County and the Chabad Lubavitch of Howard with their affiliates Chabad of Ellicott City, Chabad of Greater Laurel MD, and Chabad of Clarksville for hosting a series of Hanukkah celebrations across the county. I’m also thankful for the many synagogues and congregations across Howard County who work every day to bring our communities together. 

As we look ahead to a new year, may we all continue to find the light and help it shine bright

It’s always a great time in Historic Ellicott City to celebrate Midnight Madness. I joined my wife Shani, Senator Katie Fry Hester, Delegate Courtney Watson, and other elected officials to embrace the holiday spirit. We’re so grateful for partners like our friends at Howard County Recreation and Parks, Ellicott City Partnership, Visit Howard County, and our Mt. Hebron High School Students for helping us kick off the festivities.  

We’re so appreciative of our amazing small businesses who are helping us bring in the holiday joy like – Sweet Cascades Chocolatier, The ClayGround Studio & Gallery, Southwest Connection Native American Jewelry/ Gifts & Homemade Fudge Shop, Discoveries of Ellicott City, and Poppy and Stella. This holiday season, let’s shop small and support our local businesses!

There is nothing quite like Savage during the holidays. I had a wonderful time with Councilwoman Christiana Rigby at the Annual Bollman Bridge Lighting and the community tree lighting at Baldwin Common. Thank you to Savage Mill, Susan Garber and the Savage Community Association, Howard County Recreation and Parks, and the Hammond high Band for helping us spread the holiday cheer across Savage. 

Both of these events are amazing traditions that we look forward to every year. Thank you to our community who came out to celebrate the holiday spirit. I encourage residents to continue visiting our small towns and shopping local this holiday season!

It was an exciting day in Glenwood! I was happy to join Howard County Library System CEO/President Tonya Aikens and Senator Katie Fry Hester for the ribbon cutting of the newly renovated Glenwood Branch Library. Our Library system continues to provide incredible resources for our residents and visitors.

I encourage all to check out the amazing amenities and renovations today! Watch this video for a behind the scenes look.

We know the last year has been tough of many in our community, including our children and families. The Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services - Office of Children & Families offers FREE services to families and caregivers concerned about their child’s social and/or emotional development through the CARE Line. 

These services can help families and caregivers manage challenging behaviors, and provide social and emotional development coaching and consultation. For more information, call 410-313-CARE (2273) or email children@howardcountymd.gov.

It was amazing to join Restorative Counseling and Wellness Center for the opening of their office in Ellicott City. This exciting business expansion provides our residents with quality mental health services in a compassionate setting. As we continue on the road to recovery, we welcome this center as a valuable community partner.

Congratulations to Nicole DeChirico and Dionne Jimenez and thank you for making Howard County your home and creating more job opportunities.

I’m always happy to join our Boy Scouts for a great conversation. I joined Boy Scouts Pack 333, Den 6 for an engaging discussion on the role as County Executive, how local government operates, and entrepreneurship opportunities for our youngest. 

Thank you to Den Leaders Chris and Megan Hayden for their work to help our youth build a better world. I’m certain that our next generation of leaders will make a positive impact for generations to come.

I was elated to attend the grand opening for Anthony Management Group LLC. They were one of the businesses who benefit from the Maryland Innovation Center’s incubator space at the Kenneth S. Ulman Innovation Hub, which helped them bring their idea to market.

By working together, we can foster an environment where our small businesses can grow and thrive. Congratulations on this new endeavor, and we wish you many years of success!

Learn more about the Anthony Management Group here.

Next Monday, December 13^th, I invite you to join me vat 6:00 p.m. for my first Resident’s Budget Hearing for the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget cycle. This year’s budget hearing will be held virtually and can be watched live from the County Council’s streaming website; the hearing will be listed under “Upcoming Events.”

Residents can sign-up ONLINE to speak at the hearing by going to www.howardcountymd.gov/budgettestimony. Speakers must sign-up individually, and one person may not sign-up for several testifiers. Additionally, individual testimony is limited to three minutes and group testimony is limited to five. Speakers who have a document or record they wish to submit with their testimony are asked to email the file to budgettestimony@howardcountymd.gov, with “BUDGET TESTIMONY” in the subject line.

From the same link, residents will also have the option to 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.  

Howard County residents of all ages and backgrounds working together, giving of their time, talents and energy to make their community better, will be the foundation of a successful Age-Friendly Howard County. This January 2022, I invite all our residents to learn how, where and when they can help implement the action steps to make Howard County a great place in which to grow up and grow older by reviewing our Age-Friendly Action Plan to find out how you can get involved.

DCRS’ Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) is a proud sponsor of the Beacon Virtual 50+EXPO, an online event which features an interactive website with information and resources geared to older adults. Now through January 31^st, visitors can access content on demand 24 hours a day from https://beacon50expo.com/. Log on anytime to visit more than 100 exhibitors and sponsors, including OAI's Bronze-level sponsors, Lorien Health and Maryland Vascular Specialists; engage with speakers; attend online classes; and enjoy a wide variety of entertainment.

To read more about this announcement, click HERE.

Misplaced your COVID-19 Vaccination Card? Never fear! You can easily request your vaccination records the Maryland Department of Health’s “Maryland MyIR” website. Maryland MyIR is a free website service that allows residents to view and print copies of their official vaccination records directly from ImmuNet, Maryland's immunization information system. ImmuNet is used by healthcare providers to securely maintain vaccination records for Maryland residents of all ages.

If you are in need of rent relief and utility assistance, the County has received an additional $7.7 million in grant funding from the U.S. Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). Assistance is available for Howard County residents experiencing a loss of income, reduction in earnings, medical illness or had to care for family due to COVID-19. The funding can be used to pay past due rent and utility expenses for up to 18 months. Residents that have received assistance previously are eligible to apply for additional assistance from this funding up to a total of 18 months assistance. Our Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is encouraging all residents with COVID-related household income losses to contact one of the non-profit providers as soon as possible to bring rent and utility accounts current and avoid eviction. For details on how to apply, visit DHCD’s "COVID-19 Housing Information" website.

This latest funding is in addition to the previous $9.7 million in grants from the ERAP I announced back in March, which as of October 1^st, has assisted 719 households in need.

For homeowners, while this additional funding only supports rental and utility assistance, last month I announced $2 million in American Rescue Plan funding to assist struggling homeowners and prevent foreclosures in Howard County. Homeowners that have fallen behind on their mortgage payments are also encouraged to visit DHCD’s "COVID-19 Housing Information" website for details and an application.

The Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Holiday Commission is seeking Howard County student performers to participate in its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration on Sunday, January 16, 2022. The Commission is looking for actors, dancers, singers, poets, MCs and more. If you are a county elementary through high school student and would like to participate in the Commission’s upcoming MLK celebration, I encourage you to submit a three-minute video to mlk@howardcountymd.gov, along with your signed application form (available on the Commission’s website), by no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, December 6^th.

Our Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) invites you to join them this Friday, December 10^th at noon for a virtual event to commemorate International Human Rights Day. The event will focus on “reducing inequality, advancing human rights” and will include a discussion with Howard County Health Department Health Officer Dr. Maura Rossman, Howard County State’s Attorney Richard Gibson and PFLAG Board Secretary Kiana Fok, led by OHRE Administrator Yolanda Sonnier. I encourage you to tune on Friday to learn more about the importance of human rights here in Howard County.

I invite you to join our Office of Human Rights and Equity’s (OHRE) and the County’s Department of Recreation & Parks on Tuesday, December 28^th at 6:00 p.m. at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center in Columbia, for a Kwanzaa Celebration. With inspirational speeches and musical performances, we will explore the creativity, self-determination and faith of Black people during this annual holiday celebration. If joining us in person, we ask that your please register as seating is limited; however, if you will be joining us virtually, you can watch the program live on OHRE’s Facebook page.

To learn about DPW 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) “Project Portal” website.

With Christmas and New Year’s falling on a Saturday this year, DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services will be sliding Saturday trash curbside collection forward one day instead of back for residents in Historic Ellicott City and nearby communities who normally receive Saturday trash collection. That is, Saturday, December 25^th collection will take place on Friday, December 24^th and Saturday, January 1^st collection will take place on Friday, December 31^st. There will be REGULAR Friday trash, recycling, food scrap and yard trim collection for all other residents who normally have Friday collection on Christmas Eve. The Alpha Ridge Landfill will also be open on the 24^th; however, it will close at 2:00 p.m. on Friday. The Landfill will be closed on Christmas Day.

For questions and/ore more information about Historic Ellicott City curbside collection, check out the Bureau’s new “Historic Ellicott City Trash & Recycling” webpage or contact the Bureau at 410-313-6444 or email help@howardcountyrecycles.org. 

Congratulation’s to the Bureau’s Recycling Division and Tonal Vision LLC on their receipt of a Public Service Announcement – Bronze TIVA Peer Award for its “Know Before You Throw: Shop Smarter for the Planet!” video.

The Bureau’s “Know Before You Throw” campaign focuses on creating awareness of recycling and disposal options for everyday items. The campaign’s award-winning educational video promotes sustainable shopping by encouraging Howard County consumers to take into consideration an item’s packaging and whether it is recyclable when shopping. Consumer can learn how to make educated, environmentally-friendly choices with everyday purchases by visiting the Bureau’s “Sustainable Shopping” website.

While the Bureau’s regular Saturday Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) schedule has ended for the season (to resume the first Saturday of April), the Bureau will host three SPECIAL HHW collection days this winter: Saturday, January 8^th, Saturday, February 5^th and Saturday, March 5^th. One these three days, County residents can 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.

Online, in-person, mail-in and over-the-phone (410-313-PARK) registration for Howard County Recreation and Parks' (HCRP) 2022 Winter Activity Guide is NOW OPEN for Howard County residents. With new and returning special events, programs, sports leagues, adult classes and so much more, HCRP offers something for everyone in your family.

Online registration for non-Howard County residents begins this Wednesday, December 8^th at 6:00 p.m., with mail-in, phone and walk-in registration the following day.

Families come join Recreation & Parks’ for its first-ever Reindeer Games this Friday, December 10th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Roger Carter Community Center. Geared towards children six to 11 years old, come play games, dance, create a craft, drink hot chocolate and maybe even win a prize during this enchanting evening. While the event is FREE, preregistration is required to participate. Attendees are also encouraged to bring a canned food to donate to the local food bank.

This holiday season, I invite you to stop by our Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum and Gary J. Arthur Community Center for this year’s train garden spectacular displays!

The train garden at the Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum will feature train models set up throughout the museum, including in the museum’s year-round exhibit in the Freight House. This free event is open to all ages from November 26^th through January 2^nd, during museum hours.

After visiting the Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum’s train garden, I invite you to stop by the train display at our Gary J. Arthur Community Center, brought to us by train enthusiast Dennis Moore. This year’s layout features four, continuously operating trains through an 8 x 8 foot scenic garden. Visitors of all ages can enjoy an interactive exhibit of accessories and sounds. This train garden is also free to all and open during the center’s operating hours from November 29^th through January 7^th.

Our Department of Recreation & Parks is seeking your input Howard County for its Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan (LPPRP), a comprehensive plan produced every five years that guides the department on key issues, trends and plans for managing and enhancing the systems of preserved public lands, parks and recreation facilities. To learn more about the LPPRP or to provide your input, click HERE.

As part of the development of its Transportation Demand Management Plan for Downtown Columbia (DTC), the Office of Transportation is working with the Downtown Columbia Partnership to survey those who live, work and play in DTC. The purpose of the survey to develop a better understanding of the transportation needs and assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel patterns of those who live, work and play and this area. Your responses will help Transportation design new transportation options and strategies to address current needs as well as into the post-COVID period. To take the survey, click HERE.

The Office of Transportation's Harpers Farm Road proposed bike lanes public meeting scheduled for tomorrow, December 7^th has been POSTPONED. Please stay tuned to the project’s website for updates.

For questions and/or to speak to someone further regarding this project, please feel free to contact Transportation at 410-313-4312 or email transportation@howardcountymd.gov.