Dear Friends, 

Habari Gani!

As the seven nights of Kwanzaa are underway, may we aspire to embody the seven principles even more fully in the new year: unity, self-determination, responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Kwanzaa is a reminder that good things can happen around the table when we are together. It is a celebration which honors our family, our culture, and our community. The last year has been tough for so many of us, but as we exemplified Umoja (unity), we persevered, together.

We are so grateful for all of your excitement about our upcoming Kwanzaa celebration. We encourage you to tune in to the Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity Facebook page at 6:00 p.m. when the program begins to watch the event live. 

Listening to YOU

We have made significant progress, together, over the last four years. However, I know that we can continue to make even more. Four years ago, we hosted several listening sessions to better understand how we can serve our community. I’m thrilled to launch another series of listening sessions across our county. I want to hear about the experiences, hopes, and vision that our residents want for our county. 

We will be bold and brave as we continue to expand opportunity for all. We will manifest the very best future beyond even what we can imagine for Howard County, our state, our nation, and our world.

Send thoughts in advance to future@howardcountymd.gov.

Joyful Season

Throughout the year, it is our enduring gratitude and love which keep the flames of hope burning The last year has shown to be challenging for many in our community. However, we can rise together to find the light and be the light for others. This weekend, as we spent the holiday gathered with our loved ones, I wish for health, peace, joy and love. To our families who may have lost a loved one, those who may have lost their job, or are suffering through silent battles, please be assured that we see you and our hearts are with you. 

During this season of giving, let us take time to slow down and enjoy the simple things, while embracing hope. May this holiday offer a chance to safely spend time with loved ones. I hope you had a healthy, safe, and happy Christmas! 

To our first responders, those serving in our military, medical personnel, and everyone who are working during the holiday for our quality of life, we thank you for your service and dedication to our community!

Keeping Warm this Season

As the temperature drops this winter season, remember to take simple steps to stay safe and warm. When there is a "Code Blue" issued in Howard County, residents in need of shelter should contact the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center hotline at (410) 531-6677.

Restoring Service

The frigid cold weather and extreme wind has caused power outages across the county over the weekend. BGE works diligently with our team to ensure power is restored across the county during winter weather.

If you are experiencing an outage, please report it to BGE by calling 1 (877) 778-2222 or visiting them online here. If you are a Potomac Edison Customer, please call 1-888-LIGHTSS or visit them online here. If you are experiencing an outage through Xfinity, please report it online here. If you are experiencing an outage with Verizon, please call 1-800-VERIZON or online here.

If you smell natural gas, please leave the area immediately and call 911. If you come across/see a downed power line, sparking or not, leave the area immediately and then call 911 to report it. Together, we will ensure every member of our community can stay as safe as possible.

Fallen Trees?

The extreme winds over the weekend have caused some trees to fall across Howard County. As a reminder, if you see a downed tree, please let us know by using the Tell HoCo app. Use the red button on the app to file a new request, upload a picture, provide more details regarding your request, and our team will work diligently to help resolve your concern to the best of our abilities. Requests can also be submitted online here. If there is a downed tree blocking a roadway, or that is an immediate safety hazard, please call 911 to report it. 

Taking Care of Freezing Pipes

With winter weather underway this season, the County’s Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Utilities is offering residents tips on how to keep pipes from freezing and potentially bursting. These are everyday tips that can help our residents protect their pipes and ultimately their homes. I encourage all our residents and businesses to take a few moments to check the status of their pipes amid winter's freezing temperatures, it could save you from unwanted and costly damage. 

Read more here.

The Power of Light

Every day, I’m so proud to live in a community where diversity and inclusion are celebrated. They are both facets which not only empower many of us, but they also help provide light to many. I had a great time joining the Chabad Lubavitch of Howard for their third annual Chanukkah menorah lighting at Colorburst Park. The story of Chanukkah reminds us of the power of light, the power of hope, and the power of love. That is what makes our community and our county great. 

Chag Sameach!

Seeking Help is a Sign of Strength

It is common to struggle with feelings of loneliness or sadness as the weather changes and the year comes to a close. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that we see you and are here to help. Seeking help when needed is a sign of strength — not a weakness. It’s okay to not be okay. Speaking with a trained mental health professional can make a difference.

You are not alone. Call or text 988 to talk to someone today at the Suicide Prevention Hotline available 24/7.

Thank you, Aida

Twenty years ago, Joe and Mary Barbera followed their passion for food and wine which led to the creation of AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar. For two decades, they have provided our community with a warm, dining experience. While we are saddened that they will be closing their doors in January, I wish them the absolute best in their future endeavors. 

This holiday season, as you gather with family and friends, I encourage you to support our small, local businesses. Learn more about Aida here.

A Flavorful Trip



I had a wonderful time joining Ambreen and Waseem to welcome Tribos Peri Peri Ellicott City! They infuse their dishes with the irresistible qualities of the African Bird’s-eye chili pepper that ignite taste buds all around the world. With inspirations from Portugal, Mozambique, and Southern Asia, these flavors will send you on a memorable flavor trip. 

Congratulations on this new restaurant, and I wish you ongoing success! Learn more here.

A Beacon of Hope

During Hanukkah, we’re reminded that there is still light in darkness. It’s the perfect time to not only grow and support our light, but to also help light the flame for others. The light of the Menorah serves as a beacon of hope which lights the path forward from struggle and the most difficult of times. 

I had a wonderful time hosting our annual Menorah Lighting in honor of Hanukkah at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center. Thank you to Howard County Board of Rabbis, Jewish Federation of Howard County, Howard County Library System, and Howard County Recreation and Parks for your partnership in making this event a success. In this season of darkness, may we continue to find the light and help one another.

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission serves an important role in the preservation of our historic districts and historic properties throughout the County. We are currently seeking applicant interested in serving on this commission.

Applicants should send a resume and brief letter explaining why they want to serve on the Commission to Kimberly Pruim, either by email to kpruim@howardcountymd.gov or by mail to: Howard County Government, Office of the County Executive, Attn: Kimberly Pruim, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. The deadline to apply is Friday, December 30th. 

We are incredibly thankful to the men and women who serve on the commission today and look forward to welcoming new members in the near future. 

Learn more about the commission here.

Happy Anniversary LOKa

For 25 years, the League of Korean Americans of MD - LOKA has promoted civic engagement, education, and leadership that encourages Korean Americans to partake in all facets of our community. I was honored to join Young Ran Smith to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of LOKA and recognize her tremendous efforts to advance community engagement within the Korean American community. 

Through our collaboration, we have advanced civic engagement, education, and leadership for Korean American high school students through summer internships, mentoring programs, and workshops. I look forward to continuing our partnership for another 25 years and beyond!

Surpassing Goals

We have incredible students who not only strive to achieve greatness, but also help our community by giving back. I am so impressed with the efforts of Mount View Middle School’s Akshan and Roshan who established the Turf Valley book Drive. Their love of reading helped them surpass their goal of collecting 300 books to donate to the Howard County Library System. Thank you, Akshan and Roshan, for your diligent efforts to provide for our community and beyond!

Read more in the Baltimore Sun here.

Hopping to a New Year

The Lunar New Year is a momentous holiday marked by community, family, and beautiful traditions. It is a celebration of shared history and culture, highlighting that diversity is our strength.

After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m excited to once again host our annual Lunar New Year celebration in person on January 21st, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the Mall in Columbia. Join us for a spectacular showcase as we ring in the Year of the Rabbit, featuring special performances and guests.

Howard County Government Closings for New Year's Holiday on Monday, January 2nd

Howard County Government offices, 50+ centers, courts, animal shelter, Alpha Ridge Landfill and Recreation & Parks’ Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, Robinson Nature Center and Cedar Lane and Schooley Mill Activity Rooms will be closed on Monday, January 2^nd in observance of the New Year’s holiday. As there will be no Monday curbside trash, recycling, yard trim or food scrap collection on the 2^nd, the County’s holiday "slide” schedule will be in effect for the remainder of the week. County historic sites are closed for the season.

County parks and Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers will be open on the 2^nd. The Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, Kiwanis-Wallas Hall and Meadowbrook Athletic Complex will also be open, but only for scheduled programs.

On Saturday, December 31^st, the Alpha Ridge Landfill, County parks, the Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, Kiwanis-Wallas Hall (only for scheduled programs) and Robinson Nature Center will be open and there will be regular Saturday curbside collection. The Harriet Tubman Cultural Center will also be open on the 31^st, but will close early at 2:00 p.m.; as will the Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers, which will close early at 5:00 p.m.

County parks will be open on Sunday, January 1^st, but with reduced staff. The North Laurel Community Center, Roger Carter Community Center and Gary J. Arthur will be closed on the 1^st.

The Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) buses will operate on a regular schedule on December 31^st and January 2^nd, but will not operate on January 1^st. For more information on RTA, call 1-800-270-9553 or visit www.transitrta.com. Also, parking fees will be enforced on December 31^st, but will not be enforced on January 1^st or January 2^nd.

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; for non-emergencies, please call 410-313-2200.

County government operations will resume on Tuesday, January 3^rd at regular business hours.

Help Implement Our Age-Friendly Action Plan

This January, workgroups will convene to begin the implementation of our Age-Friendly Howard County Action Plan. Each of the eight workgroups will concentrate on the recommended action steps under one of the Age-Friendly domains of livability: transportation, housing, digital access and communication, outdoor spaces, social participation and inclusion, work and civic engagement, and community support and health services.

To learn more about the plan and to identify a work group that aligns with your interests, I encourage you to visit www.howardcountymd.gov/agefriendly today.

English As a Second Language

If English is your second language, I invite you to learn practical English through our English as a Second Language (ESL) class this winter with DCRS’s Office on Aging and Independence (OAI). Set to run Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. from January 17^th through March 21^st at our Elkridge 50+ Center, participants will practice their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills for interactions in real-life situations, including health and wellness, community resources, housing, banking and computer/internet use.

The cost is $64.00 for all 10 classes. For more information and/or or to register, call 410-313-5192 or click HERE.

2023 Howard County Child Care Fair

Save-the-date as DCRS’ OCF’s 2023 Howard County Child Care Fair is set to take place Saturday, February 4^th, from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the North Laurel Community Center. This annual fair provides parents, guardians and grandparents with a “one stop shop” for child care, preschool, school-age and summer programs, as well as the opportunity to connect with teachers and program directors. OCF staff will also hold free informational sessions on “How to Choose an Early Childhood Program” onsite at 11:00 a.m., noon and 1:00 p.m.

While registration is not necessary it is encouraged for this free event.

For more information, contact OCF at 410-313-1940 (voice/relay) or email children@howardcountymd.gov. View the event flier in English and Spanish.

Office of Emergency Management

Vehicle Emergency Kit Winter Weather Ready

With winter here, our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is reminding motorists to make sure their vehicles are equipped with an emergency kit stocked with the following items for winter weather:

• Jumper cables
• First aid kit
• Flashlights
• Snow scraper
• Bag of sand, road salt or kitty litter for traction
• Snow shovel
• Road flares
• Extra blanket or cot

Winter Weather Alerts

Here is a quick winter weather alert refresher from OEM.

All winter weather alerts are issued by the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) and a:

• "Winter Weather Advisory" means wintry weather is expected and to exercise caution.
• "Winter Storm Watch" means snow, sleet or ice are possible and to be prepared.
• "Winter Storm Warning" means snow, sleet or ice are expected and to take action.

To learn more about winter weather advisories, watches and warnings, visit the NWS’s “Winter Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories” website today.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

With colder temperatures here, our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) is reminding residents to NEVER use an extension cord to power a space heater and keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from the heating source.

For more information about space heater safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association's “Electric Portable Space Heater Safety” website or contact DFRS at 410-313-6000.

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 our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (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.

Department of Planning and Zoning

HoCo By Design Release General Plan Draft for Public Review

Our Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) has released its HoCo By Design draft general plan update for public review and comment. This plan provides a long-term vision for how Howard County will develop and grow alongside our evolving economic, environmental and social conditions over the next 20 years. The general plan is a requirement of state law and has been updated once each decade since 1960 to reflect the values and address the needs of the County's changing population. 

Public input will be considered and incorporated into a final plan, which is expected to be presented to the County Council for consideration and final adoption in spring of 2023. I encourage residents to review the plan and provide their input, now through January 16, 2023, at www.hocobydesign.com/public-draft

Police Department

Don’t Drive Drunk

As Howard County Police Department (HCPD) will be continuing its increased saturation patrol enforcement throughout the county this holiday season, the department is reminding residents, if you plan on drinking at a holiday celebration, do not plan on driving. Instead, designate a driver, call a ride share service or just stay home.

Too Cold for You Outside, Too Cold for Your Pets

HCPD and its Animal Control Division are reminding residents that Howard County law requires animals housed outside must have access to appropriate shelter, bedding and an unfrozen water source at all times. Dogs may not be tethered outside when not under direct supervision; this means you must be out there with them. Please keep in mind, these requirements are the bare minimum and if it's too cold for you outside, it's probably too cold for your dog or cat. 

To report a violation, please contact Howard County Animal Control at 410-313-2780. Violations can lead to civil citations, criminal charges and/or impoundment of one's pet.

For safety tips on how to keep your pet safe during the cold winter months, such as cleaning snow and salt from their paws, legs and stomach, check out the ASPCA’s “Cold Weather Safety Tips” website.

Department of Public Works Bureau of Environmental Services

 Holiday Slide Schedule in Effect for Christmas and New Year’s

REMINDER: The County’s holiday slide schedule is in effect this week and next due to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays as they are two of the six holidays that affect the County’s curbside trash, recycling, food scrap and yard trim collection programs. While both holidays fall on a Sunday, they will be observed on a Monday; therefore, there was no curbside collection on Monday, December 26^th and will be no collection on Monday, January 2^nd. As such, Monday’s collection will take place on Tuesday, Tuesday on Wednesday and so forth.

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

Alpha Ridge Landfill Transfer Station Closure

Reminder, now through January 8, 2023, the Transfer Station at our Alpha Ridge Landfill (ARL) in Marriottsville will close at 3:00 p.m. daily for scheduled maintenance. The closure will affect all traffic headed to the Transfer Station, including:

• All commercial trash and construction debris;
• All residential construction debris; and
• All box trucks and trailers of residential trash.

Please note, any vehicles bound for the Transfer Station arriving after 3:00 p.m. during this time will be turned away at the scales with no exceptions. Weather permitting, normal Transfer Station operations will resume on January 9, 2023.

All other operations will be unaffected including the Residents’ Convenience Center and Wood Waste area.

We thank you for your cooperation as we work to improve our Landfill's future operations.

What to Do When School’s Out 

We all understand the challenge of keeping your little one busy when schools are closed, but our team at Recreation & Parks has you covered. Whether it’s sports, art, chess or music, there are plenty of programs to choose from to make sure your child is staying active this winter break. To find out what activities are available next week, December 26^th through December 30^th, click HERE today.

Almost Time for the Snowflake Ball 

Our Department of Recreation & Parks is excited to once again host its ever-popular family dance, the Snowflake Ball. Join us on Saturday, January 7^th at 5:30 p.m. at our Gary J. Arthur Community Center for an evening of shaking, rocking and rolling those winter blues away. Child(ren) and special adult(s), enjoy refreshments, live DJ, dancing, games, crafts and an ice cream sundae bar. As space is limited, be sure to register today!   

Easy and Hearty Winter Meals 

Come cook away those winter cooking blues and wake up your taste buds with Recreation & Parks starting Tuesday, January 24^th. During this three-week cooking course – set to take place weekly from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Ellicott Mills Middle School, participants will learn how to make a delicious savory broccoli, chicken and walnut stuffing casserole, easy slow cooker pulled pork with red cabbage coleslaw, and flavorful minestrone soup. To register for this hands-on cooking class, click HERE; cost to participate is $80  

Office of Transportation

Transit Development Plan Update

We are currently updating our Transit Development Plan (TDP), a short-term plan to guide transit system development and funding requests. The TDP process reviews and assesses current transit services, identifies unmet transit needs and develops a recommended plan for improvements (with phased implementation), including capital and operating budget projections, in the short‐range future, typically a five‐year horizon. Once completed, the TDP will serve as a guide for our local transit system, providing a roadmap for implementing service improvements, and/or potential expansion during the five‐year period.

As part of our TDP update, our Office of Transportation will be hosting four public meetings (in addition to the meeting held earlier this month) to gather public comment:

• Tuesday, January 10^th at 2:00 p.m.
• Hybrid – Webex
• In-person – George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City (RTA Route 405)
• Wednesday, January 11^th at 6:00 p.m. at Howard County Library System’s Central branch at 10375 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia (RTA Route 407)
• Tuesday, January 17^th at 6:00 p.m. at Prince George's County Community College, Center for Performing Arts (building 9 with the parking in Lot G), 301 Largo Road in Largo
• Wednesday, January 18^th at 6:00 p.m. at Anne Arundel Community College, 7009 Arundel Mills Circle, AMIL*414-Smart Classroom in Hanover (RTA Route 501)

In addition to these public meetings, the public will also be able to provide comment via three surveys (fixed-route, paratransit and community). For more information, please stay tune to Transportation’s "Howard County Transit Development Plan" website.