November 21, 2022

Dear Friends, 


This week, as we gather with our family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, let us remember all that we have to be thankful for. I continue to be inspired by how our community has faced challenges, despair, uncertainty, and grief, but together, still held on to a glimmer of hope. Family, friend, neighbors, and even strangers have helped one another in our greatest times of need. 


Progress is made together. This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for all of you who have been examples of kindness, compassion, positivity, and helped make our community feel more welcoming for all. I wish you and yours and safe, healthy, and happy thanksgiving!

Community Updates

2022 HoCo Higher Graduates Off to New Adventures



Our small businesses help Howard County move forward and help our community thrive. This new graduated class of entrepreneurs will be able to reach new heights, access important resources, and build connections with the help of HoCo Higher. I was glad to join Gregory Smith of M&T Bank, Larry Twele of Howard County Economic Development Authority, and Councilmember David Yungmann to celebrate the completion of our third HoCo Higher Cohort.


I’m also pleased to congratulate the winners of the HoCo Higher Pitch contest Trinity Wellness MD, Gneal Music, LLC., and archSCAN, LLC. I know that they will continue to reach new heights, and I wish them, and all of our graduates, ongoing success as they embark to go even higher!

Celebrating 4 More Years!


It is an honor to be reelected to serve as your Howard County Executive for another term. I’m very proud of the progress that Howard County has seen in the past four years, and I look forward to continuing to work with our community to ensure Howard County is the best place to live, work, play and grow for all!


Join us as we celebrate mine and the County Council’s installation on Monday, December 5th at Atholton High School. The program will begin at 7pm, followed by a light reception. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis.


Please RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/HoCoinstallation22

Doors open at 6:30 pm. Additional parking will be available at Harriett Tubman Cultural Center with shuttles to transport guests.

Full Hearts and Bellies at Lisbon Elementary


Thanksgiving is a season to gather with family, friends, and neighbors while we reflect upon all for which we're thankful, as well as enjoy a meal surrounded by those we love. With a helpful and hopeful heart, we can pay it forward to ensure all our neighbors have an opportunity to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner.


It was a joyful night at Lisbon Elementary School as the PTA had their 5th annual Community Night. As they assembled 200 baskets to help our local families, the school was filled with hope and appreciation. I'm so very grateful for local leaders like Lisbon Elementary School PTA President, Cathy Datz, Principal Debra Anoff, HCPSS Director, James LeMon, and their dedicated team of volunteers who helped make it possible. May your Thanksgiving be filled with joy.

Turkey to Table


I was happy to join members of the Autism Ally Group, Laurel City Council, Cedar Lane School staff, and Maryland Public Television to distribute turkeys and groceries to the families and students of Cedar Lane School. During the holiday season especially, it is important to look after our neighbors, so I want to extend a special thanks to the Autism Ally Group for coordinating this encouraging event.

A More Bikeable cOMmunity


In 2022, Howard County adopted its first Complete Streets Design Manual based on a Complete Streets Policy from 2019 that rated a score of 89 out of 100 by the National Complete Streets Coalition. The most recent project to benefit from this new approach to roadway design in Howard County is on Oakland Mills Road from Old Montgomery Road to Dobbin Road.


This street was redesigned with new bicycle facilities and pedestrian crosswalks which build on our efforts to increase our modes of transportation. Here are some tips for what to look out for when driving, cycling, and walking on the newly completed street.

Thank an Educator!


Last week we celebrated American Education Week, the perfect time to express our gratitude for our incredible educators who help empower all our students. I am constantly amazed by our dedicated educators who help nurture the fire within our students to pursue their passions, challenge conventional solutions, and reimagine a more vibrant tomorrow. The legacy of our educators is clear in the resilience, bravery, and determination in our next generation of leaders.


Please join me in thanking our valued educators for their tireless efforts to support all our students and their families.

Welcome, Jacky and Linfeng!


Howard County is a place where every student should have the best opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The hard work of our independently elected Board of Education helps us continue the work to create the best teaching and learning environment for all. Through our partnership we have made historic investments in our Howard County Schools, created the largest teacher salary increases in recent history, moved forward with vital school construction projects, eliminated budget deficits, and worked on the achievement gap as our students and their families recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.


This progress is possible due to our collaboration, and I know that together, we will continue to achieve more so our students can achieve new heights. Please, join me in congratulating to our new Howard County Board of Education members; Dr. Linfeng Chen and Jacky McCoy! Thank you to our outgoing BOE members for your service to our students and our community; Vicky Cutroneo, and Dr. Chao Wu

Thank a Local Farmer!


It was a pleasure to join The Howard County Farm Bureau at their 98th Annual Banquet Dinner. Agriculture plays a vital role in Howard County, and is the county’s fifth largest economic driver. Our farms provide locally grown food, minimize our environmental footprint, and create jobs. Through our continued partnership, I know that we will continue to find creative wats to ensure our agricultural tradition continues to thrive for our current and next generation.

Bundle Up!


As colder weather begins to set in, it’s important that all residents take necessary precautions to stay safe and warm. When going outside, please follow these important cold weather tips and dress appropriately.


Additionally, we have a greater need to provide for the most vulnerable of our community members. If you are, or encounter, someone in need of shelter, please contact the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center hotline at (410) 531-6677.

Know Before You Throw!


Howard County is a national environmental leader, and a part of how we maintain that is through empowering our residents to do their part. Recycling is one of the easiest ways to pay it forward for our current and future neighbors and luckily the Bureau of Environmental Service’s Know Before You Throw campaign is here to help.


There are many different programs in HoCo to enable residents to recycle materials even beyond what most of us would consider. However, there are still some items/materials that we are not able to. Some materials to withhold include plastic bags, receipts, Styrofoam items, and masks/PPE. Additionally, many recyclable items beyond what you see, cannot be recycled via curbside pickup, and instead must be dropped at specific locations. Whether you’re utilizing curbside pickup or the Residents’ Convenience Center at the Alpha Ridge Landfill, make sure to omit bagging materials, and instead leave them loose in your respective bin.



For a full list of guidelines and ideas of where and what to recycle and even donate, check out this page.

Helping the Hungry and Homeless


Last week was Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. It’s a time to recognize and raise awareness to the problems of hunger and homelessness in our community. No one should have to worry about whether they will have food on their plate or a roof over their head. However, it is a reality that hunger and homelessness are widespread problems that affect far too many of our friends and neighbors.


We’re so grateful to have incredible institutions like Grassroots which help our neighbors who have fallen through the safety net. To learn more about you can help, please visit https://www.grassrootscrisis.org/

111 years for Tau Pi


I enjoyed the honor of sharing space with the Men of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity - Tau Pi Chapter for their Achievement Award Ceremony. Together we celebrated the end of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated's Achievement Week and Founder’s Day.


The Tau Pi Foundation members have been amazing partners to Howard County on various projects such as the vaccine clinics, food distribution sites, and the MLK Commission. Please join me in not only thanking them for all that they do to uplift our community but congratulating them on 111 years of service.

Government Updates

Thanksgiving Holiday Closures

Howard County Government offices, 50+ centers, courts, animal shelter, Recreation & Parks’ community and athletic centers, activity rooms and historic sites, and the Alpha Ridge Landfill will be closed this Thursday, November 24th in observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday. As there will be no Thursday curbside trash, recycling, yard trim or food scrap collection on Thanksgiving Day, the County’s holiday "slide” schedule will be in effect for the remainder of the week. County park gates will be open on the 24th; however, there will be no staff on duty.

 

County government offices, 50+ centers, courts, historic sites and animal shelter will remain closed on Friday, November 25th; however, county parks and the Alpha Ridge Landfill will re-open. Additionally, curbside trash, recycling, yard trim and food scrap collection services will operate on the County’s holiday “slide” schedule. Finally, while Recreation & Parks community and athletic centers and activity rooms will be closed on the 25th to the public, they will be open for scheduled special or permit-approved events that day.

 

The Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) buses will not operate on Thanksgiving Day; however, RTA will resume its regular weekday schedule on Friday, November 25th. For more information on RTA services, call 1-800-270-9553 or visit www.transitrta.com.

 

Parking fees will not be enforced on November 24th but will be in effect on the 25th.

 

The 9-1-1 Center, Police and Fire departments remain staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For emergencies, call 9-1-1 and for non-emergencies, call 410-313-2200. 

 

County operations will resume on Monday, November 28th at regular business hours.

Department of Community Resources and Services

Help Howard County Families in Need: Support the Virtual Diaper Drive


Did you know that one in three families in America struggles to afford diapers for their children? No family should have to choose between paying for food or clean diapers.

 

Help give local parents peace of mind this holiday season by donating to this year’s Virtual Diaper Drive. Hosted by our Department of Community Resources & Services’ (DCRS) Offices of Children and Families (OCF) and the Community Action Council of Howard County, Inc., this project provides free diapers and wipes to low-income Howard County families so they don't have to make those difficult choices.

 

For questions and/or more information about the Drive, contact OCF at 410-313-2273 or email children@howardcountymd.gov.

November is National Family Caregivers Month

 

November is National Family Caregivers Month and this year’s theme, #caregivinghappens, recognizes that family caregivers are often thrust into their roles, often without warning and the knowledge of how to care for an aging parent or relative.

 

Family caregivers are the backbone of our nation’s long-term care system, performing essential work with devotion and often at a great emotional and financial cost. If you are or know of a family caregiver in need of support, DCRS’ Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) is here to help through its Caregiver Support Program. This program offers support groups, workshops and access to free online programs like Trualta®, to help family caregivers in Howard County reduce stress and learn skills to provide better care for their loved ones. 

 

For more information about Caregiver Support Programs in Howard County, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/caregiver or contact Kathy Wehr at 410-313-5955 or email kwehr@howardcountymd.gov

Project Holiday, Making the Holidays Brighter for Older Adults

 

Each year, DCRS’ OAI’s “Project Holiday” delivers holiday gifts to residents living in assisted living facilities and older adults in our community who would otherwise not receive any. With your generous support and help, we can once again make the holidays a little brighter for older adults in Howard County.

 

This year’s requested unwrapped donations include: new, unopened bottles of lotion, shampoo and conditioner; lip balm; toothbrushes and toothpaste; hats, scarves, mittens and socks; and activity books (crossword puzzles, Sudoku, word searches, etc.). Donations can be dropped off at any one of our County 50+ Centers, now through December 2nd. For details on how to support Project Holiday through a monetary donation, email Terri Hansen

 

All donations will be sorted, wrapped and delivered to older adults in our community just in time for the holidays.

 

Thank you in advance for your support.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

Keeping Your Loved One’s Safe in the Kitchen this Thanksgiving

 

Our kitchens can be the heart of our home. However, they can also be the cause of fires and unnecessary fire deaths, especially when we leave our cooking unattended. This is especially important to be aware of during the holiday season, as Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires in the U.S. according to the National Fire Protection Association. Christmas Day and Christmas Eve ranked second and third.

 

To keep you, your loved ones and home safe this Thanksgiving and all holiday season, Our Department of Fire and Rescue Services is offering up these kitchen safety tips:



  1. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, broiling, grilling or boiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short time, turn off the stove.
  2. Keep anything that can catch fire – oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains – away from the stovetop.
  3. Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, do not use the stove or stovetop.
  4. Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
  5. Never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle. Consider switching to electric candles.
  6. Keep lighters and matches out of reach of children – up high in a locked cabinet.
  7. Make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are working, test them by pushing the test button and remember to change the batteries when you change your clocks for daylight saving time.
  8. Keep knives out of reach of children.
  9. Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
  10. Keep children and pets away from the stove. The stove will be hot so create a three feet kid/pet free zone.

Adopt a Hydrant

 

In an emergency, every second counts. Fire hydrants that are blocked, concealed or difficult to access due to snow, ice or other obstructions can impede emergency fire response. If you are and/or your business is interested in helping ensure DFRS has quick and easy access to the fire hydrant(s) in your neighborhood, consider adopting a hydrant today.

 

To adopt a hydrant or to learn more about this program, click HERE or email DFRS to outreach@hcdfrs.org.


Howard County Health Department

Have You Gotten Your Flu Shot Yet?

 

Howard County Health Department’s (HCHD) is encouraging people of all ages to get a seasonal flu shot from a healthcare provider, local pharmacy, retailer or big box store. The flu vaccine can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits and missed work and school (even virtual school) due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths, and is particularly important for people with a chronic medical condition who are most vulnerable to developing serious complications from the flu. According to the CDC, nine out of 10 adults hospitalized last flu season with the flu, had at least one reported underlying medical condition.

 

If you or someone you know is still in need of their flu vaccine, visit HCHD’s "Seasonal Flu" website today for details regarding its flu vaccination clinics.

Police Department

Transaction Safe Place

 

Whenever you are buying or selling on Facebook Marketplace or similar sites, Howard County Police Department (HCPD) encourages residents to choose a safe place when handling any transaction arranged online. To assist residents, HCPD has designated parking spots at its Northern District Station in Ellicott City (3410 Court House Drive), Southern District Station in Laurel (11226 Scaggsville Road) and Community Outreach in Columbia (10741 Little Patuxent Parkway), where buyers and sellers can safely complete their online transaction. Marked by a yellow “Transaction Safe Place” sign, these spots are video recorded 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

 

HCDP does recommend, if a buyer or seller refuses to meet at a police station, you may want to reconsider the transaction.


Preventing Package Theft this Holiday Season

 

With holiday sales and shopping underway, HCPD is taking this opportunity to remind residents when online shopping, be sure to plan ahead to avoid becoming a victim of package theft. Here are some helpful tips from HCPD to follow:



  • Always order from reputable/secure websites.
  • Request that the delivery service leave the package in a less-obvious location, like a side or back door, that cannot be seen from the sidewalk.
  • Track your shipments and try to be home when they are scheduled to arrive. If you won’t be home, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take the package inside until you get home, or use an alternative delivery option like Amazon lockers.
  • If you are home, bring them inside right after delivery.
  • Look out for your neighbors. Report suspicious activity on your street by calling 911 or the non-emergency number at 410-313-2200. One call could help your neighbors from being victimized.

Department of Public Works

Public Meeting on Stonehouse Drive Outfall Stabilization

 

Our Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Stormwater Management Division will hold a public meeting tonight, November 21st at 7:00 p.m. in the Patapsco Room at Howard County Library System’s (HCLS) Miller branch, to present plans for a project to stabilize the stormwater outfall drainage along Stonehouse Drive in Ellicott City.

 

The proposed project includes repairing an eroded slope at the existing stormwater drainage outfall and constructing additional underground stormwater drainage pipes to discharge water at a stable location along the unnamed tributary to the Patapsco River.

 

This informal meeting will include a brief overview of the project by DPW staff and design consultant McCormick Taylor, who will remain on hand afterwards to answer any questions.

 

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Brian Cleary of the Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6455 or email bcleary@howardcountymd.gov.

Maple Forest Stormwater Pond Repair Project Public Meeting


Next Tuesday, November 29th, DPW’s Stormwater Management Division will hold another public meeting, this time to review the proposed Maple Forest stormwater pond repair project. The proposed project will include replacement of the old metal outlet structure with a new concrete outlet structure.

 

The meeting will take place in the Avalon Room at HCLS’s Miller branch at 6:30 p.m. and will include an overview of the project and presentation of the proposed repair work. DPW staff, as well as representatives from the design consulting firm, will remain on hand afterwards to take comments and answer any questions.

 

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Bill Liu of the Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6416 or email bliu@howardcountymd.gov.

Daisy Road Bridge Replacement Project Public Meeting

 

On November 30th at 5:00 p.m. in the Media Center at Lisbon Elementary School, DPW will hold a public meeting to present plans for a bridge replacement project adjacent to 3590 Daisy Road. DPW’s Bureau of Engineering plans to construct a replacement bridge for Howard County Bridge No. HO-38 carrying Daisy Road over Little Cattail Creek. The project will include the construction of a reinforced concrete substructure and pre-cast concrete plank beam superstructure, staged construction with temporary stream diversion, construction of storm water management facilities, approach roadway improvements and installation of traffic barrier and signs.

 

The informal, drop-in meeting will feature the plans for the proposed bridge improvements and County staff and the project’s design team will also be on hand to answer any questions.

 

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Jake Weir with the DPW’s Transportation and Special Projects Division at 410-313-6153 or email jweir@howardcountymd.gov.

Public Meeting on Brighton Dam Road Bridge Repair

 

Also on November 30th, DPW’s Transportation and Special Projects Division will hold a joint virtual public meeting at 7:00 p.m. with Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT) to present plans for the rehabilitation of Brighton Dam Road Bridge No. M-0229 atop Brighton Dam of the Triadelphia Reservoir.

 

This virtual public meeting will include presentation slides using an internet-based virtual platform. The project team, including Howard County project manager Jake Weir, MCDOT project manager Greg Hwang, WSSC project manager Samir Khalil and the design consultant, will be on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments.

 

To register to participate in this meeting, please complete Montgomery County’s online registration form. Pre-registration is required in order to receive the link and instructions for signing into the meeting and using the internet-based virtual platform.

 

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Jake Weir of the Transportation and Special Projects Division at 410-313-6153 or email jweir@howardcountymd.gov.

Bright Passage Channel Repair Public Meeting

 

Lastly, at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 30th, DPW’s Stormwater Management Division and Recreation & Parks will hold a public meeting in the Hawthorn Center at 6175 Sunny Spring in Columbia, to present plans to remove the severely undermined pedestrian bridge behind 11856 Bright Passage. The bridge will be replaced with a new culvert and new pathway over the culvert. The project will also stabilize the heavily eroded storm drain channel in the area.

 

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.

 

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Avinash Dewani of the Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6417 or email adewani@howardcountymd.gov.

Bureau of Environmental Services

Holiday Slide Schedule in Effect Thanksgiving

 

Reminder, the County’s holiday slide schedule is in effect this week, as the Thanksgiving Day holiday is one of the six holidays that affects the County’s curbside trash, recycling, yard trim and food scrap collection services. As a result, there will be NO curbside collection on Thursday, November 24th and Thursday’s collection will slide to Friday and Friday to Saturday.

Leaves, Leaves, Everywhere

 

As the leaves continue to fall, our Department of Public Works is reminding residents to keep the following in mind when dealing with those fallen leaves.

 

Do not blow or rake leaves into the roadway in hope that they will be swept up by County street sweepers. Our sweepers are NOT designed to pick up leaves as large quantities of them will clog the sweeper's filters and result in the leaves being spread over a large area. Sweeper operators will in fact avoid areas of curb containing an excessive number of leaves.

 

Also, while Howard County crews work hard to maintain storm drains along more than 1,000 miles of County owned roadways, there are some simple approaches residents can take to help keep our storm drains free of debris to prevent roadway flooding and harmful nutrients from reaching the Chesapeake Bay:

  • Rake and collect your leaves in paper bags or reusable containers for yard trim curbside collection.
  • Mulch your leaves with your mower; they can help nourish your lawn.
  • Mix your leaves with grass clippings and vegetable refuse to make compost.
  • Participate in the Rake-and-Take program where “rakers” (residents who rake and bag leaves and grass) are matched with “takers” (people who want leaves and grass for composting).
  • When rain is in the forecast, check nearby storm drain grates and clear them of debris.

 

Our Department of Fire and Rescue Services is also reminding residents the burning of leaves, trash, yard waste, refuse and building materials is NOT PERMITTED in Howard County.

Household Hazardous Waste Season Ends November 26th

 

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Saturday for 2022. While the HHW season normally runs April through November, the Bureau does plan to offer special Saturday collections during the winter off-season. Stay tuned to the Bureau’s HHW website for details. The 2023 HHW season will return the first Saturday in April

Curbside Recycling 101

 

Here’s a quick refresher on what items can and cannot be recycled through the County’s curbside recycling collection program.


Department of Public Works Construction Report

Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance project(s) that have been announced.

 

Ellicott City

  • CSX Old Frederick Road Railroad Crossing Maintenance Work – CSX Transportation to perform maintenance on the railroad crossing at Old Frederick Road at the Howard/Baltimore County line, starting around 9:00 a.m. on Monday, December 5th. While the crossing is closed, traffic will detour via Old Frederick Road, Johnnycake Road, Fairbrook Road, Rolling Road, US 40 and Rogers Avenue. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 9th. A recorded message at 410-313-4400 will carry details and updates.

 

Marriottsville

  • CSX Marriottsville Road Railroad Crossing Maintenance Work – Transportation will begin maintenance on the railroad crossing at Marriottsville Road at the Howard/Carroll County line, starting around 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 6th. While the crossing is closed, traffic will detour via Marriottsville Road, Granite Road, MD 125, Woodstock Road and MD 99. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 9th. A recorded message at 410-313-4400 will carry details and updates.

 

To learn about DPW projects currently underway, click HERE. 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.

Maryland State Highway Administration

Project to Improve Pedestrian Safety and Mobility on Southbound US 1

 

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun a project to improve pedestrian safety and mobility on southbound US 1 between Cedar Avenue and Crestmount Road in Jessup. This project will include the addition of a sidewalk on southbound US 1, improvements to a 360-foot long retaining wall and partial reconstruction of the existing US 1 bridge over Dorsey Run. The project also includes minor drainage improvements in the area. 

 

The shoulder along southbound US 1 will be closed during the project; however, pedestrian access will be maintained, with signs posted to direct walkers to access the open sidewalks. Work hours will be Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be complete by summer 2023.

 

SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers. Motorists are reminded to stay alert, focus on driving and look for reduced speed limits, as well as other driving pattern changes, and asked to drive like you work here and slowdown in construction zones.

 

To learn more about this project, click HERE or contact SHA at 410-545-0303.

Department of Recreation and Parks

Winter Activity Guide Now Online

 

Our Department of Recreation & Parks 2023 Winter Activity Guide is NOW available online. With a wide range of programs, activities, classes and sports, there is something for everyone to keep those winter blues away!

 

Online registration for Howard County residents begins next Wednesday, November 30th at 6:00 p.m. All other methods of registration (phone, walk-in, mail and fax) for county residents begins the following day (December1st) at 8:00 a.m. Registration for non-Howard County residents begins the following week.

Happening Soon at a Community Center Near You, Holiday Mart! 

 

Here’s one you do not want to miss! Tickets for Recreation & Parks’ 50th annual Holiday Mart are now on sale. Set to take place Saturday, December 3rd from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at our Gary J. Arthur Community Center, this year’s Holiday Mart will feature more than 130 handmade crafter, carriage rides, refreshments, food, a children’s craft corner and more. Tickets are $5 per person; children agers four and under are free. Receive $1 off the ticket price when purchasing your event ticket in advance online.

 

For more information about this year’s event and/or to purchase your ticket (including the coupon code), visit www.howardcountymd.gov/holidaymart today.


Join Us for The Nutcracker 

 

Join Recreation & Parks on Saturday, November 26th as its Trips and Tours team sets off for The Kennedy Center to witness the highly-anticipated performance of the Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Filled with enchanted toys, mischievous mice and sugar plum fairies, this performance is sure to captivate audience members of all ages as they follow the tale of Clara and her magical Nutcracker Prince.

 

With just a few slots remaining, be sure to reserve your ticket(s) today to ensure you, your loved ones and/or friends don’t miss out on this magical holiday masterpiece. Tickets are $209.00 per person and include transportation to and from the show and the show ticket itself. Participants will have the opportunity to grab lunch on their own before the show at the KC Café.

 

Please note, The Kennedy Center does require mask inside during the performance. 


Now Hiring at Recreation & Parks 

 

If you are or someone you know is looking for a job, I encourage you to check out our Recreation & Parks’ current full-time job opportunities (click the link/title below for more information and to apply): 

 

Finally, to view all current job opportunities within the department, visit HERE

Office of Transportation

Shared Electric Scooter Pilot Ends This Week; Public Comments Sought on Program

 

As the pilot period for our Shared Electric Scooter program in Downtown Columbia comes to an end this Wednesday, November 23rd, our Office of Transportation is seeking public feedback on the program via this short survey. The survey will remain open until Friday, December 23rd.

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