Dear Friends,

Howard County remains one of the best places to live, work, play and grow in part because of our collective work and transformative vision. From investing in our educational system, expanding our environmental initiatives, prioritizing public safety and growing our economy, we remain a regional and national leader.

Join me for my 2023 State of the County Address on Tuesday, October 24th at 6:00 p.m. at Howard Community College’s The Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center. To learn more and/or to reserve your seat for this event, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/sotc.

Because We Care

In Howard County, cleanliness and health in business spaces are paramount. Leading the charge is FRD Cleaning Services LLC. Their mantra, "We Clean Because We Care," is evident in their dedication to Maryland's businesses, ensuring they shine with professionalism. With services ranging from office cleaning to COVID-19 disinfection, FRD has been a steadfast partner in Howard County since 2005. As Hispanic Heritage Month unfolds, let's spotlight their invaluable contributions, especially from their leader, Jose Soto. 

To learn more, check out https://frdservices.com/. 

Honoring our Native American Legacies

Howard County is a champion of inclusivity, where every individual is acknowledged and cherished. Our lands are filled with Native American legacies - evident in names like Patuxent, Potomac and Kittamaqundi. It's important for our community, young and old, to delve deeper into the stories of those who inhabited these lands before us. 

While Indigenous People’s Day has passed, I urge all Howard County residents to take a moment this week to pause and honor our indigenous and Native American friends and neighbors, recognizing their invaluable contributions and embracing our shared history.

Sunshine-y in Our cOMmunity

it was sunshine-y in our cOMmunity for the Oakland Mills Fall Festival. Events live these are a true celebration of what makes our community vibrant and unique. Strong villages like Oakland Mills are the backbone of Howard County. Their spirit, resilience and unity sets an example for us all. 

Thank you the Brigitta Warren, Johnathan Edelson and the entire Oakland Mills Village Board for putting together a fantastic celebration. A huge thank you to the Oakland Mills Band for their five-decade tribute and performance!

We Are AUSOM

I had an “AUSOM” time joining the newly minted Autism Society of Maryland for its annual Autism Walk and 5K Run. We’ve seen the needs of the Autism community grow significantly during the past few years, and I know that our team at the Autism Society will continue to provide significant care and opportunities to those with Autism across our state.

As we continue to recognize Disability Employment Awareness Month, through the Autism Hiring Program, the Autism Society helps residents foster their passion in our community. I’m grateful for the efforts of Executive Director Melissa Rosenberg and the entire Autism Society team for continuing to empower all our residents to live their best lives.

Rallying for a Grand Slam Finish

Our Baltimore Orioles have knocked it out of the park this season, rounding the bases of challenges to slide into the playoffs. Here in Howard County, waving our orange pennants and ready to catch that championship dream.

To light the path to victory, the George Howard Building will glow in Orioles' orange, like a beacon for every home run and spectacular play. Let's step up to the plate, Orioles fans and rally for our team's grand slam finish! 

Local, Fresh Ingredients in Every Bite

I had the distinct pleasure of welcoming The Blackwall Barn & Lodge to Columbia's Merriweather District. Expanding from Anne Arundel to Howard County showcases the strength and promise of our local economy and the ties that bind our communities. With its commitment to local, fresh ingredients, Blackwall & Lodge provides a unique dining experience and venue for our residents. Heartfelt thanks to James King ,Jennifer Jones, Kristi Smith and the entire team for making this amazing addition to Howard County’s robust restaurant scene possible. As we celebrate this exciting expansion, it's evident that our future is even brighter when we champion local businesses. 

Learn more about Blackwall Barn & Lodge at www.barnandlodge.com.

Offering High Tech Goods

This Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s important we take a moment to highlight all the great work our Latino businesses right here in Howard County are doing, like SumTech, Inc. in Fulton. SumTech specializes in technology distribution, such as laboratory devices, safety equipment, environmental monitoring systems and industrial control instruments. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting their inspiring President, Jorge Orencel, who briefed EDA CEO Jennifer Jones and the rest of our team on all the exciting things that SumTech is currently working on.    

To learn more, visit https://us.sumtechinc.net/home.

Wanted, Consumer Education Volunteers 

Our Office of Consumer Protection is currently in search of Consumer Education Volunteers. If you have a penchant for writing or a background in marketing, we could use your expertise. We are embarking on an initiative to refresh our consumer education materials and need volunteers to aid in updating our website and flyers, particularly for resource fairs. This role is not only about behind-the-scenes work; if you enjoy interacting with people, there’s also an opportunity for you to represent the Office of Consumer Protection at various resource fairs. This is a chance for you to employ your skills in a way that significantly benefits the community, providing them with updated and relevant information to make informed decisions. We welcome volunteers who are 21 years of age or older to bring their skills and passion to our team.  

If you are interested in contributing to consumer education and protection efforts in our community, please visit Howard County Volunteers (hocovolunteer.org) and become a part of our mission to empower consumers in Howard County.

Recognizing Those Educating Our Next Generation

In Howard County, our educators continue to prioritize our students and families, are relentlessly optimistic, and continue to be a guiding light for our schools, communities and our State. That is why I continue to work with our Howard County Public School System and the Board of Education to prioritize our educators. By raising starting teacher salaries to among the highest in the state and appropriating $1.5 million for teacher student loan forgiveness, we helped reduce our vacancy rate to two percent at the start of the 2023-2024 school year. 

We will continue investing in our educators to ensure Howard County remains a premier destination for all aspiring to teach in Maryland. On World Teachers Day on October 5th, and all year along, we celebrate and recognize the professionals who have dedicated their careers to educating the next generation. We will ensure that, together, we will create the best teaching and learning environment for all our students and educators!

Preserving Our Own Secret Garden

Pongs Orchard, a cherished gem in the heart of Howard County, stands as a testament to the dedication and vision of Al & May Pong. For over three decades, they have pioneered the cultivation of Asian Pear Orchards in Maryland, transforming their 26-acre land into a veritable haven of fruits ranging from Asian Pears and White Peaches to the unique Citrus Trees and Super Fruits. While Pongs Orchard is not a pick-your-own establishment, the community can conveniently pre-order their preferred fruits for pickup or find them at various local markets.

To delve deeper into the assortment of fruits from Pongs Orchard, please visit www.pongsorchardmd.com, and for a broader exploration of local farms and their treasures, check out www.hocofarms.com. Let's steadfastly celebrate and back the splendor and individuality of our local farms.

Shaping a Safer, More Compassionate Community

A staggering 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have endured physical violence from an intimate partner. As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we honor the resilience of survivors, remember those tragically lost, and actively strive to eradicate this cycle of violence.

Effectual prevention is realized when we collectively confront and transform the deep-seated beliefs, attitudes and societal norms perpetuating such violence. For comprehensive insights on domestic violence, avenues to extend assistance, or seek aid, don't hesitate to contact Hopeworks via their Facebook page or contact them directly at (410) 997-2272. Together, we can shape a safer, more compassionate community.

Accessing Home Ownership

In Howard County, we emphasize the importance of access to home ownership. One person who has helped people do this for more than 20 years is Santiago Carrera. Mr. Carrera has helped thousands of families in the DMV and right here in Howard County have that opportunity. He is also a member of the HCEDA Minority Roundtable, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the La Alianza Latina Commission. This Hispanic Heritage Month please join me in uplifting him and all our local small businesses.  

To learn more about The Santiago Carrera Realtor Group, visit www.micasamyhouse.com.

PUSH for it!

Howard County is proud to partner with more than 30 nonprofit organizations to host free programs for young people through our Youth Engagement Programming (YEP!) initiative. Through these programs, we are providing safe, supportive and empowering environments for thousands of young people across our community.

Through YEP!, we are proud to partner with Columbia Community Care to expand the PUSH Program for middle and high school youth. This free afterschool program offers opportunities for sports and activities, mentorship, career workshops, and much more. To learn more about PUSH and how to sign up, visit https://columbiacommunitycare.org/index.php/programs/push/. 

Best City for Women in America

Columbia is the #1 city for women in America! This designation underscores Howard County's unwavering commitment to fostering an environment that champions equality, safety, and prosperity. The distinction draws attention to our efforts in bolstering women's economic, social, and healthcare domains. I am immensely proud of our collective achievements and remain dedicated to furthering such milestones. A heartfelt thanks to all residents and stakeholders for making this recognition possible.

A Testament to Our Commitment to Climate Action and Energy Independence

Clarksville Commons Electric Vehicle Show is a testament to Howard County’s commitment to spearhead climate action and energy independence. Howard County’s comprehensive approach integrates ambitious GHG emissioTs reduction goals, electric vehicle (EV) adoption, public education, and policy innovations. We remain committed to establishing over 2,600 publicly available charging stations by 2045 and ensuring 100% EVs in the government fleet by the same year.

Thank you to Clarksville Commons for hosting this incredible event showcasing the transformative power of collective action in achieving environmental excellence.

Combating Breast and Cervical Cancers

It is a poignant reality that one in eight women in the United States will receive a breast cancer diagnosis within their lifetime. 

October, designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, serves as an invaluable reminder of the critical importance of early detection and preventative care in combating this pervasive disease. Many of us, including myself, have witnessed loved ones grappling with the multifaceted challenges posed by cancer. 

The Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) of the Howard County Health Department is at the forefront of efforts to curtail the incidence of these cancers. The program is steadfastly committed to diminishing the prevalence of breast and cervical cancer-related mortalities through comprehensive services encompassing education, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and patient navigation. 

Our pursuit is not just to cure but to educate, prevent, and navigate individuals through their journeys, ensuring they are not alone in their fight. For more information on the initiatives and resources available, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/health/breast-cervical-cancer-program. 

Welcome Back Reverend Turner

It was a glorious day joining Governor Wes Moore to welcome back Rev. Dr. Robert Turner to St. John Baptist Church from his two-month sabbatical. Rest is essential, because the work is ongoing and an important contributor to our way of life. A well-rested leader is crucial to continue fighting the good fight, and I’m so glad to see Rev. Turner embody what it means to lead and so grateful to stand alongside him in this journey.

Join My Team!

My office is currently looking to fill several vacant positions. To learn more and apply, please click the respective link below.

• Director, Office of Emergency Management – Manages and directs all aspects of the County's Emergency Management Program; organizes and directs those community services and activities pertinent to the emergency preparedness of the County; assists in training local emergency management personnel; coordinates emergency management functions of Howard County governmental units assigned emergency management responsibilities; coordinates response and recovery to actual disasters/emergencies and pre-planned events, the logistics of county/state/regional/federal field teams and survey teams, mitigation efforts, and disaster assistance centers; supervises professional, technical, and other staff; and performs related work as assigned. Tasks include those related to administrative, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery functions.
• Data Analytics Analyst (Technical Services Manager I) - Technology & Communications Services, Project Management – Responsible for gathering, analyzing, and visualizing data to support evidence-based decision-making within the government. This role will involve working closely with the Data Analytics Manager, Chief Information Officer, and departmental stakeholders to extract insights from data, generate reports, and contribute to the overall data-driven initiatives of the organization.  
• Data Analytics Manager (Technical Services Manager II) - Technology & Communications, Administration – This position is responsible for countywide data architecture, analytics projects, and data collection initiatives. The Data Analytics Manager will oversee the collection, analysis, and visualization of data to support various initiatives and programs across the government. This includes all aspects of data governance, including developing the overall data architecture strategy and creating and maintaining standards and best practices for data provisioning and data integration. The manager acts as the subject matter expert within the organization and must be able to liaise with technical and business staff to ensure the effective use of data for policy-making and operational improvements.
• Public Space Permitting & Construction Sup. (Engineering Specialist II) - Public Works, Engineering – This is an advanced, highly responsible position to serve as a Construction Manager and Supervisor for the Right of Way Utility Permit (RUP) section within the Construction Inspection Division (CID). This Position manages and oversees the County public space related to the dry utility companies need for underground utility installation and supervises the coordination of the issuance of public space permits.

I encourage interested persons to apply today! To find a full listing of available positions, please click here.

LIFT Up Your Small Business

Howard County Economic Development Authority’s (EDA) Leveraging Investment for Future Transformation Fund, or “LIFT” Fund, enables EDA to provide microloans ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 to Howard County small businesses for a three-to-five-year term. The loan program primarily serves small businesses including minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned and other socially disadvantaged groups. The ideal candidate would be a Howard County business that is generating revenue, who is looking for funds to lift and empower their business towards growth.

EDA also has resources at its Maryland Innovation Center (MIC) to supplement the funding, with the goal of better positioning the loan recipient for success. For example, if a small business wants to obtain a microloan and EDA determines that the owner need business coaching/training as a requirement, the owner will find resources available at the MIC.

To learn more about this program and/or to apply, click HERE.

Innovating with Howard County Economic Development Authority

• Tuesday, October 17th, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. – Pitch and Mingle Series: The Great Pumpkin Patch: Join the Maryland Innovation Center for its pitch competition featuring five community startups who will present a four-minute pitch, followed by four minutes of Q&A from the panel of judges and audience. At the end, the judges will come together and select the top three companies, who will receive cash prizes with first place receiving $3,000! Spirited in atmosphere and in food and drink offerings, Pitch and Mingle is the perfect opportunity to stir up your social network, mingling with fellow attendees over light fare and libations! Order your ticket before October 12th to snag the early bird ticket price of $15.00; after the 12th, tickets are $35.00 a pop.

Long-Term Care Education Series this October 

Do you have a long-term care plan in place for yourself or your loved ones? If not, I encourage you to join our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence’s Maryland Access Point team this month as it hosts its first Long Term Care Education Series. Across the three remaining sessions, this series will provide resources and offer guidance for caregivers and relatives of older adults on how to prepare for your loved one’s future and ensure they always receive the care they need. 

The sessions include:

• Thursday, October 12th – Legal Focus
• Wednesday, October 18th – Aging in Place 
• Tuesday, October 24th – Care Options

To learn more about the Long-Term Care Education Series and/or to register, click HERE. 

Office of Veterans and Military Families Hosts Inaugural Veteran Owned Small Biz Expo 

DCRS’ Office of Veterans and Military Families (OVMF), in partnership with EDA, will host its first-ever Veteran Owned Small Biz Expo on Saturday, October 28th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at EDA’s Maryland Innovation Center in Columbia.

In celebration of Howard County Business Appreciation Week and National Veteran’s Small Business Appreciation Week, the Expo will highlight veteran owned small business such as books, authors, baked goods, local services and more. Other featured organizations include HERO Dogs, Dog Tag Bakery, Blue Star Families, Escape Velocity Academy soccer with a drone demonstration, the Orioles Bird and the Health Department Office of Suicide Prevention. The event will also feature family friendly games, giveaways, music by the Washington Tattoo military and veteran musicians, and food provided by 1936 Food Truck and Double BBQ & Soul Food Experience. 

Admission is FREE; however, the first 25 people that register and attend are guaranteed to receive a free, fun-filled swag bag! To register, click HERE today.

Tips and Tricks to Staying Safe Online

It is vital that each of us does our part to make sure our online lives and personal data are safe and secure. To help you out and ensure you are taking the necessary steps to protect yourself, this Cybersecurity Awareness Month, DCRS’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is focuses on sharing online safety education tips on how to protect you, your family and your business from digital forms of crime. To heighten your awareness of cyber threats and what you can do to stay safe online, be sure to check out this month’s OCP newsletter. 

October is Residents' Rights Month 

Residents’ Rights Month honors residents living in long-term care facilities and those receiving care in their home or community. Each year, OAI’s Long-term Care Ombudsman Program takes this opportunity to focus on and celebrate the dignity and rights of every individual receiving long-term services and supports in Howard County. This year’s theme, “Amplify Our Voices,” emphasizes a community of long-term care residents coming together to make their voices heard. 

This month, we are highlighting the importance of listening to residents who live in nursing homes, assisted living and board and care facilities. To raise awareness of residents’ rights and increase visibility of the local long-term care program, our OAI’s ombudsmen have created this video. 

For questions and/or more information about nursing homes, assisted living and board and care facilities, call 410-313-6423 (voice/relay) or email LTCOmbudsman@howardcountymd.gov.  

HoCo Community Chat’s October Episode Has Dropped

For this month’s October episode of DCRS’s HoCo Community Chat podcast, Director Jackie Scott is joined by the County’s Office of the Local Children’s Board Administrator Kim Eisenreich and the Community Action Council of Howard County, Inc.’s Food Bank Services Director Carrie Ross to discuss food insecurity in Howard County. I encourage you to tune in this month to learn more about this problem that many members of our community sadly face and the resources available to help those in need.

Be sure to check out HoCo Community Chat wherever you listen to your podcasts, and if there is something specific you want to hear about, I encourage you to email DCRS at communityresources@howardcountymd.gov. 

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

Upcoming Fire Open Houses

This Fire Prevention Month, I invite you to stop by our Volunteer Fire company’s and departments for their annual October open house events. These free events are open to the community and feature a variety of fun, family-friendly activities designed to introduce attendees to the fire service as well as stations and apparatus. 

For the most up-to-date times and information, please refer to each individual stations' website:

• Savage Volunteer Fire Company
• Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department
• Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department
• Lisbon Volunteer Fire Company

When and How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Our Department of Fire and Rescue Services reminds us that knowing how to properly use a fire extinguisher for small fires can help save lives and property. A portable fire extinguisher can be used when the fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing; everyone has exited the building; 911 has been called or is being called; and the room is not filled with smoke.

That said, please keep in mind, fire can grow and spread rapidly, so always put your safety first and know when to go. While fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, the primary element is safe escape. If you are not confident in your ability to use a fire extinguisher, get out and call 911. 

To learn more about fire extinguishers, visit www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Safety-equipment/Fire-extinguishers. 

Howard County Health Department

October Equals Walktober

Howard County Health Department’s (HCHD) Local Health Improvement Coalition (LHIC) is encouraging all residents to get out there and “Walk, Roll, Ride and Move” this Walktober. The LHIC has joined forces with community partners to create a calendar of more than 30 accessible walking/moving events to be held across Howard Count this month to make it easy for community members to get moving this fall. A complete list of events and activities can be found online at www.howardcountymd.gov/walktober. 

Residents can participate in Walktober and keep moving all year long using the one-mile maps (found online) developed by HCHD and the County’s Department of Recreation & Parks. 

Want to Become a Doula? 

Through MOMCares, HCHD has announced it is now offering FREE Full Spectrum Doula Training for Howard County residents in its effort to help address the current maternal health crisis and improve birth outcomes for Black families. 

A doula is a non-clinical person who provides emotional and physical support to birthing people during pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. Doulas work with the labor and delivery team to help clients communicate with the medical team to improve patient autonomy and to have a more positive childbirth experience.

Four training sessions will be held this November (November 4th, 5th, 18th and 19th) and participants are required to attend all four sessions in person. If you feel called to support birthing families by becoming a doula, apply HERE.

For additional information and/or to learn more about this opportunity, please email admin@momcares.org.

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

Due to COVID-19 vaccine supply changes, HCHD doesn't anticipate receiving a large supply of the latest COVID-19 vaccine nor having large vaccinations clinics as it once did. Instead, for the most updated vaccine, HCHD recommends contacting your healthcare provider, local pharmacy or visit www.vaccines.gov. 

Department of Housing and Community Development

Supporting Renters and Safeguarding Affordable Housing

I invite all champions of affordable housing and community members to join our Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and myself next Wednesday, October 18th at 4:00 p.m. at the Nonprofit Collaborative at 9770 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia, as we unveil several fresh initiatives aimed at supporting renters and safeguarding affordable housing units. 

Following these exciting announcements, I invite you to stick around to explore all the great informational booths present at this year’s Housing Resource Fair.

MIHU Homeownership October Enrollment Period Now Open!

DHCD is now accepting applications for its Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) homeownership program October open enrollment period. Held quarterly throughout the year, this inclusionary zoning program provides eligible individuals and families the opportunity to purchase quality new homes at reduced sale prices. 

Applications are available online and are available in Spanish. Due by no later than 4;00 p.m., Tuesday, October 31st, completed applications can be submitted online, mailed to 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia, MD, 21046, or dropped off at DHCD’s Patuxent Woods Drive office by appointment only.

Applicants looking to find out more about the program should visit DHCD’s “Open Enrollment” website, where you can find the presentation from a previous homeownership informational workshop. Frequently asked questions and answers explaining the program’s eligibility requirements and application process can also be found on DHCD’s “MIHU Homeownership Program” webpage. For additional questions, email DCHD at moderateincomehousing@howardcountymd.gov. 

Please keep in mind, if you are interested in DHCD’s MIHU rental program, prospective renters may apply directly to a participating rental community at any time during the year. For more information on the MIHU rental program, including a list of participating communities, visit DHCD’s "I Want To Rent A Home In Howard County" website.

For questions and/or more information about the MIHU program, contact DHCD’s Housing Opportunities Programs Division at 410-313-6318 and select option two, email moderateincomehousing@howardcountymd.gov or visit DHCD’s open enrollment website. 

Office of Human Rights and Equity

Bystander Intervention & Cultural Awareness Training

Held quarterly, Office of Human Rights and Equity’s (OHRE) Bystander Intervention and Cultural Awareness (BICA) certification training helps participants learn how to protect and promote the humanity of those who are being targeted or harassed in their presence because of their race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender or sexual orientation. This quarter’s BICA training will take place virtually today, October 10th at 5:00 p.m. 

If you are interested in earning this certificate for professional or personal reasons, click HERE to reserve your spot.

Human Rights Commission 2023 Awards Ceremony

I invite all to join our HRC next Tuesday, October 17th at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center, as we celebrate and recognize individuals, students and organizations who have made significant impacts in Howard County in the areas of human rights, social justice and community uplift. The evening will begin with a light reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 7:00 p.m. Arrival at 6:15 p.m. is strongly encouraged. To reserve your seat for this FREE event, click HERE.

Reading Human Rights – Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Judith Heumann

Reading Human Rights is an award-winning monthly book discussion group hosted by OHRE and Howard County Library System (HCLS) that encourages literary exploration and community dialogue around a variety of human rights concerns. It explores works of fiction and non-fiction to teach community members the various ways individuals, cultures and communities celebrate their identities and combat injustice.

In honor of Disability Rights Awareness Month, for its October book discussion – to be held on Tuesday, October 24th at 6:30 p.m. at HCLS’s Elkridge Branch, OHRE will discuss the late great Judith Heumann’s Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist. One of the most influential disability rights activists in US history, Heumann tells her personal story of fighting for the right to receive an education, have a job and just be human.

To secure your seat for this month’s event, click HERE today to register.

Humanity Matters 2024 Conference – Now Accepting Proposals

OHRE encourages all interested persons to submit proposals for its “2024 Humanity Matters: Envisioning Social Justice Through an Equity Lens” conference. We welcome submissions from community organizers, human and civil rights professionals in government, education, non-profit, business, DEI consultants, and Commissioners. 

With this conference, OHRE aims to provide innovative best practices, professional development and facilitate meaningful dialogue across counties and within our respective fields. 

All submissions should be emailed to Dr. Denise Boston at equity@howardcountymd.gov by no later than Wednesday, November 15th; please enter “2024 Humanity Matters Conference Proposal Submission” in the Subject line.

For more information on this request for proposals, click HERE.

Hate Has No Place: Reporting Hate Crimes and Hate Bias Incidents

I invite all to join OHRE and our Howard County Police Department (HCPD) as the two come together for a community dialogue on Wednesday, November 8th at 6:00 p.m. to learn how to report hate crimes and hate bias incidents (HBIs). HCPD officers will share how these reports are investigated and will facilitate small group discussions on how to increase reporting from community members. 

Co-sponsored by the County’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission, the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, the Howard County Police Accountability Board and the Jewish Federation of Howard County, OHRE is excited to provide an opportunity for community members and HCPD officers to strategize on dealing with hate crimes and HBIs in Howard County.

To be a part of this important event, click HERE to register.

Police Department

Last Call for HCPD’s 2023 Collision Avoidance Training Classes

Calling all newly licensed teenage drivers, don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and understanding of your vehicle dynamics and how best to regain control of your vehicle in any given situation. 

Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is set to host its final two Collision Avoidance Training (C.A.T.) classes of 2023 this Saturday, October 14th and Saturday, November 4th. This one day, advanced defensive driving and vehicle control program is geared towards teenage drivers, age 16 to 20 years old, who possess a valid Class C driver’s license (not a permit) and have a car they can use for the driving portion of the program. 

The cost of the program is $95 and advance registration is required. For more information and/or to register, click HERE. For questions, contact the C.A.T. Program at 410-313-2207 or email CATProgram@howardcountymd.gov.

Coffee with a Cop

Howard County Police Department (HCPD) will hosts its next Coffee with a Cop event this Thursday, October 12th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Little Market Café in Historic Ellicott City.

Come meet face-to-face with HCPD’s Community Outreach Officers to discuss issues, ask questions and build relationships one cup of coffee (or other beverage) at a time. This event is free and open to all!

For questions, contact HCPD's Community Outreach Division at 410-313-2207.

HCPD Hosts Final Testing Date for February 2024 Academy 

If you are interested in a law enforcement career with HCPD, the department will host its final testing date for entry-level officers for its February 2024 Academy Class next Saturday, October 21st. This fast track hiring event will allow interested candidates the opportunity o knock out half the hiring process – written test, physical ability test, complete the oral interview and schedule their polygraph – in just one day. To apply to take part in this testing date, click HERE. Please note, participating candidates must bring a signed Physical Ability Waiver to take the physical ability test.

Lateral candidates are accepted on a continuous basis.

In addition to taking part in the above, candidates will also have the opportunity on the 21st to meet one-on-one with HCPD recruiters, have their questions answered by human resource staff, talk with academy instructors, tour the County’s state-of-the-art training facility and learn more about the hiring process, benefits, specialty opportunities and academy life.

Department of Public Works

Bureau of Environmental Services

Holiday Slide Schedule Not in Effect Week this Week

While Howard County Government offices were CLOSED yesterday, October 9th in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, there was REGULAR Monday curbside trash, recycling, yard trim and food scrap collection on the 9th. The County’s holiday slide schedule will NOT be in effect. 

To learn more about the County’s holiday slide schedule and the holidays that do affect curbside collection, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule.  

Let’s Shred It!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS Howard County, DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services will host two document shredding events this October. The first event will take place this Saturday, October 14th at our Department of Recreation & Parks' Gary J. Arthur Community Center in Cooksville, and the second on Saturday, October 28th at the Long Gate Park & Ride in Ellicott City. Both events will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (OR until the trucks are full), rain or shine. 

To learn more, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/documentshredding or for questions, call 410-313-6444.

Entries Sought for Coloring Book Contest

Calling all Howard County third, fourth and fifth graders, our Bureau of Environmental Services invites you to participate in its annual Coloring Book Contest, which allows students to demonstrate their awareness and appreciation for our environment, while promoting the importance of the three R’s: “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.” To learn more about this year’s contest and how to participate, click HERE.

Know Before You Dispose of Those Leaves

With autumn officially underway and the leaves getting ready to change colors, 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.

DFRS is also reminding residents the burning of leaves, trash, yard waste, refuse and building materials is NOT PERMITTED in Howard County. 

Bureau of Utilities 

Cryptosporidium Update

Upon reports from Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) regarding it discovering low levels of Cryptosporidium in its Druid Lake Reservoir, Howard County DPW immediately began testing for Cryptosporidium at our local facilities. On October 3rd, an independent, certified water quality laboratory confirmed there was no detection of Cryptosporidium in our drinking water samples. The County’s DPW will continue to conduct weekly testing of our system to confirm the quality of our water through December. Baltimore City DPW has also conducted two samples from Druid Lake with no detection of Cryptosporidium.

Per Baltimore City and State of Maryland 0fficials, the region’s water remains safe for the general public to consume. At this time, Baltimore City, the Maryland Department of Health and the Maryland Department of the Environment are advising people with severely weakened immune systems to continue to drink bottled water, boil water for one minute (and then allowing to cool completely) before consuming or use filtered tap water out of an abundance of caution.

While additional testing is underway and until we receive three consecutive negative test results, the water distributor at the Elkridge 50+ Center will still be available this week, Tuesday and Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Wednesday and Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Residents are reminded they must bring their own containers to fill.

For the most up-to-date information regarding this matter, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/Cryptosporidium. 

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.

Woodstock

• Woodstock Road Railroad Crossing Maintenance – CSX Transportation to begin maintenance on the railroad crossing at Woodstock Road at the Howard/Baltimore County line, starting around 9:00 a.m. on Monday, October 16th. While the railroad crossing is closed, traffic will detour via Marriottsville Road, Granite Road, Woodstock Road and MD 99. A recorded message at 410-313-4400 will carry details and updates. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 20th.

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.

Department of Recreation and Parks

Unveiling Modern Improvements to Huntington Park

In case you missed it, I was recently joined by our Department of of Recreation and Parks Director Nick Mooneyhan to unveil new improvements at Huntington Park in Columbia. Improvements to the park include relocating and updating the basketball court (the old court area will be repurposed into a children’s bicycle-training area, which Recreation & Park is currently working with our Office of Transportation to design), three new paved pathways, an added entrance to the playground, park benches, new water fountain and the installation of a new backstop for softball and baseball games on the multipurpose field.

Calling All Fangtasitc Fur-iends, Paw-ty Animals and Ghoulish Reptiles

Here’s the purr-fect opportunity to dress up your furry, feathered or scaled family member(s) and show off their Howl-oween spirit at Recreation & Parks’ annual Pet Parade and Costume Contest this Saturday, October 14th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Centennial Park South. Pets will be judged on their costume, presentation and more. Handlers must be at least 18 years old to participate and pet must be on a leash or otherwise contained and non-aggressive. 

Cost to partake is $5 per pet. 

For more information and/or to register (please note, registration ends tomorrow, October 11th), visit www.howardcountymd.gov/pet-parade. Winners will receive gift cards or prizes.

Sensory-Friendly Sunday at Robinson 

Families with kids, teens and adults with sensory-processing differences, autism spectrum disorder, or developmental disabilities, I invite you to explore Recreation & Parks’ Robinson Nature Center this Sunday, October 15th, from 10:30 a.m. to noon (before it opens to the public), during its Sensory-Friendly Sunday. Come enjoy self-paced activities including sensory bins, scavenger hunts and a planetarium film, as well as a guided scavenger hunt walk with a naturalist to celebrate Walktober. 

General admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children; children under 3 years and Robinson Nature Center members are free. To learn more about this month’s Sensory-Friendly Sunday, click HERE.  

Cryptids Crawl at Robinson 

If you have ever been curious about cryptids, like Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster, I invite you to join our Recreation & Parks’ Robinson Nature Center next Saturday, October 21st for a nighttime walk through the woods from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. 

Cryptids are legendary creatures believed to exist, but have never been proven. Participants will hear the legends of cryptids around the world and learn how the dark can play tricks on the human eye, leaving you to determine what is fact and what is fiction.

Please note, this program is geared toward adults 18 years of age and older. The cost to participate is $15. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/mpcp23d5.  

What to Do When Schools are Closed

With a new school year underway, our Recreation & Parks team is here to offer its support to students and families when schools are closed. Whether its music, chess, basketball, volleyball, medical/surgical, Transportation STEM Club, cooking, science, KidzArt, Art with Pinot's Palette, Junior Sports, or Sports and Swim, there are plenty of activities and programs to choose from to keep your kids active when school is not in session. Click on the following dates to find out what fun activities Recreation & Parks has planned on Friday, October 20th.

Now Hiring! 

Looking for a career change? Check out our Department of Recreation & Parks, which offers a variety of job opportunities in a number of very unique fields. If you like working with kids, consider joining our amazing Before and After School Program as a director, teacher or aide, and our Therapeutic Recreation and Accommodation Services program is looking for dedicated people to become Inclusion Companions. 

To learn more about these and other great employment opportunities with Recreation & Parks, click HERE today.  

Office of Transportation

Bicycle Master Plan Public Meeting

Our Office of Transportation is proposing to implement the recommendations of the Howard County Bicycle Master Plan for bike lanes along Columbia Road from MD 108 to Little Patuxent Parkway. I invite you to join Transportation next Thursday, October 19th for a virtual meeting, starting at 6:00 p.m., to learn more about this project, ask questions and provide feedback. To register to attend this virtual meeting, click HERE.

After the meeting, the presentation and meeting materials will be posted online. Additionally, a brief feedback survey will be available on this site until Thursday, November 2nd.

Get Your Steps In and Your Snack On this October

In celebration of Walktober, Transportation has joined forces once again with the Downtown Columbia Partnership to host its third annual Culinary Walking Tour of Downtown Columbia. Set to take place Sunday, October 22nd from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., this footsteps to food event invites residents of all ages to lace up their sneakers and walk around Downtown Columbia as you snack on its various culinary delights. This year’s participating restaurants include Clove & Cardamom, Cured, Seasons 52, The Collective Offshore and The 3rd, just to name a few.

Tickets come in two levels — Nibbles (all ages) and Nibbles & Drink Pairings (21+). Participants will receive a Walkabout Card to take along to the event’s participating restaurants to receive their nibbles and drink specials. 

If you’d like to bike to the event, Bike HoCo will be offering a bike corral (think of it as a secure coat check for your bike) and check-in station in the surface parking lot off Divided Sky Lane at Broken Land Parkway (behind 10960 Grantchester Way) in Downtown Columbia.

As this is a walking (or biking) event, be sure to come appropriately dressed for the event with the proper walking shoes on as, depending on what route you take, you’ll be covering anywhere from 2.5 to 3.2 miles and an hour or more of time walking.

Let’s Discuss Howard County’s Transportation Future

Check out Transportation’s Administrator Bruce Gartner as he joins the BWI Business Partnership Transportation for its Think Tank event on October 25th at 8:15 a.m. to discuss the future of transportation in Howard County, including our Transit Development Plan update, our national award-winning Complete Streets policy, and how HoCo by Design seeks to address transportation issues in Howard County. To learn more about how you can hear Bruce speak on the 25th, click HERE today.

MDOT Consolidated Transportation Program Meeting

On Monday, October 30th, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) will hold its annual Howard County Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) Tour Meeting to share its draft CTP. The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. and take place in the County’s George Howard Building at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City, in addition to being livestreamed. 

The CTP is the six-year capital budget for State transportation projects and programs. During the tour meeting, MDOT will discuss projects and funding across the full range of activities in the county and the state by the Maryland Aviation Administration, Motor Vehicle Administration, Maryland Transit Administration, Maryland State Highway Administration and the Maryland Transportation Authority. The CTP is updated every year, based on local priorities expressed in the annual priority letter, local and regional planning efforts, and funding forecasts.

To review the Draft FY 2024-FY 2029 Consolidated Transportation Program and learn more, click here. To review Howard County’s Transportation Priorities Letter, click here.