Dear Friends, 

In Howard County, our goal is to serve as a beacon and a model for other communities on how to protect the equality of all our residents, and how to be inclusive and welcoming to all. We will always support and affirm our LGBTQ community and need to take action in the face of increased attacks on gay and transgender equality across the country.

That is why, I announced legislation to permanently create an LGBTQIA+ Commission which will be a truly inclusive commission for all. Building off the work and recommendations already made by the LGBTQ Workgroup, the commission will be made up of at least 13 members who are from the gay and transgender community or are representatives of regional LGBTQ organizations. 

Together, we’re taking a major step to make a positive, impactful difference in the lives of our LGBTQIA+ residents, in our community and our world.

It's Time to Rise

Our community has persevered through the pandemic with an outpouring of kindness, commitment and innovation from every corner of Howard County. It's time to reflect and recognize the extraordinary efforts of our local businesses, public employees, and residents – who truly went above and beyond to lend a helping hand, keep one another safe, and ensure our community was supported.

Learn more and nominate someone today for a Rise to the Challenge award here.

Creating Community Ambassadors

The COVID-19 pandemic heightened our awareness that government cannot do the work alone. We need our community on the ground to ensure all residents and families are thriving.

This weekend, we hosted the County's first ever Community Ambassador training to help us achieve this goal. This one-day training helped our community members learn important health and wellness-related information from field experts. 

I want to especially thank our AAPI workgroup, Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity, and my Chief Innovation Officer Angela Cabellon for making this event a reality!

Hunger Awareness Month

Having access to affordable and nutritious food is a challenge for many of our neighbors. Hunger can affect any person or any family at any time - even in Howard County. We value our community organizations, non-profits, and neighbors who step-up to support our families and residents in times of need.

I'm grateful for our partnership with Community Action Council of Howard County to help ensure all our residents have access to a meal.

Helping Residents in Need

In Howard County, we know that we must look out for our neighbors and help one another. It’s why we continue to work with our team at the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services to implement gift card giveaways across the county for our residents in need. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic impacted many of our residents, events like these help people feel like they are not alone. Together, we can combat hunger and ensure all our residents have the resources they need to not only survive, but thrive.

Preparing for the SATs

Howard County prides itself in its commitment to ensuring that all our students have an opportunity to thrive. I joined Reverend Mercer of the Christ Episcopal Church, Howard County Public School System Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano, and Dr. Jeff Fink for the Paumier Scholars SAT Summer Camp for Oakland Mills High School students. 

This collaboration between the Howard County Public School System, Applerouth Tutoring Services, Cy Paumier family, and the Christ Episcopal Church is moving our community forward for the better.

Approved Vaccines for Infants & Children!

The vaccine for children 6 months to 5 years-old has been approved! However, supply may be limited for the next few weeks.

The Howard County Health Department urges you to speak to your child’s pediatrician first, as we expect doctors’ offices to receive most of the initial vaccine supply. The Health Department is also offering vaccines for our youngest residents. To make an appointment, please click here.

Honoring Our Heroes in Healthcare

As our only hospital in Howard County, our heroes at Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine have worked incredibly hard to keep our community safe—adjusting operations, retrofitting rooms, adding equipment, and sacrificing daily for the protection of our community through the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Heroes in Healthcare event was an opportunity to recognize the many doctors, nurses, aides, environmental services staff, dieticians and nutrition professionals, facilities staff, laboratory workers, and others who have been committed to the care and protection of our community. 

Thank you to Dr. Shafeeq Ahmed, his leadership team and all staff for their partnership and heroism in saving lives and improving our quality of life during this COVID-19 crisis.

Welcome Lundy law Group!

As I joined Paulette Lundy for the opening of her Lundy Law Group office, I was reminded that Howard County is truly a place where residents can live, play, work, and contribute back to our community.

As a woman-owned, minority law firm, committed to excellence and service, Paulette’s knowledge, experience, and expertise will allow families to build a lasting legacy through estate planning and other legal services. Learn more about her services here.

Supporting the Special Olympics

I was honored to attend the 37th Law Enforcement Torch Run in Howard County to benefit Special Olympics Maryland. It was wonderful to be back together after the pandemic impacted the last two years. At its most basic level, it is a running event in which officers and athletes carry the Flame of Hope to the Opening Ceremony of our Special Olympics local competition. Not only does it raise awareness and important funds that allow these incredible athletes to complete, it reignites our own flames of hope.  

Thank you Howard County Police Department, Special Olympics Maryland, Howard County Sheriff's Office, Howard County State's Attorney's Office, Maryland State Police, Department of Corrections, athletes, partners and participants for supporting this cause.

Persevering through Homelessness  

Last week, we marked Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year when we come together to celebrate those in our Howard County community who have overcome homelessness, persevered, and are now successfully housed. Over the last 4 years, more than 550 households have been assisted to find and maintain permanent housing. This past year alone we helped nearly 120 individuals or families in Howard County who experienced homelessness secure permanent housing.  

Thank you to Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services and the Coalition to End Homelessness for their work and for hosting this important event and for their partnership in making Howard County a model for addressing chronic homelessness.

Protecting Our Environment 

I was happy to attend the Statewide Envirothon Competition at the University of Maryland Clarksville Research Farm, with David Yungmann District 5 County Council. It was fun and exciting to see high school students learn about the natural world around us. The Envirothon is an international environmental and natural resource problem-solving competition that builds leadership experience for high school students. Incorporating STEM principles, experiential learning and hands-on outdoor field experiences, the Envirothon program encourages students to expand their knowledge and explore environmental education. 

This marks the first time the Statewide Competition has been held in Howard County in the 30+ year history. Congratulations to Wilde Lake High School for representing Howard County. Thank you to the Howard County Soil & Water Conservation District, our educators and students for providing this amazing learning experience.

Quality of Life

We are conducting an online survey of County residents. We want everyone to have an opportunity to share their opinions with County Government on the services we provide. This survey is one way for us to assess how we are doing and identify areas for improvement. The survey will be open until 11:59 p.m. on June 30th.

The survey is available here.

COVID-19 Update

Last week, the CDC announced its data tracker will be updated on a weekly basis, and subsequently, the Maryland Department of Health COVID-19 reporting will also move to updating weekly on Friday mornings. As a result, we will be providing our weekly COVID-19 updates on Friday’s moving forward. Please note, the data reflected in this week’s update is as of Friday, June 24th, 2022.

Per MDH, our positivity rate is 10.2% and our 7-day moving average case rate per 100k is 21.7. Our case rate is slowly decreasing. However, we are monitoring increases in the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants which may lead to another wave of infections in the late summer or early fall.  

There are currently 10 COVID-19 patients in the ICU and Acute Care units at Howard County General Hospital. We’ve sadly lost 362 of our residents to COVID-19 and we continue to keep their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. Howard County's Community Level, according to the CDC, is LOW. COVID-19 layered prevention strategies can help limit severe disease and reduce the potential for strain on the healthcare system. Residents should get tested if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and stay up to date with vaccines.

Staying up to date with the vaccine continues to be the best way to prevent severe illness and death from COVID-19. Howard County is a state leader with 91.6% of our residents 5+ fully vaccinated. However, 33% of our eligible residents have not yet received a first booster shot.  

The vaccine for children 6 months to 5 years-old has been approved. The Howard County Health Department urges you to speak to your child’s pediatrician about the importance of vaccinating your child and if your pediatrician offers office vaccinations. The Health Department if offering clinics which can be found here.

Find a vaccine near you, and give yourself the best protection against COVID-19 at vaccine.howardcountymd.gov

County Government Closings on July 4^th in Observance of Independence Day Holiday

Next Monday, July 4^th, Howard County Government offices, courts, animal shelter, 50+ centers and Alpha Ridge Landfill will be closed in observance of the Independence Day holiday. As there will be no Monday curbside trash, recycling, yard trim or food scraps collection on the 4^th, the County’s holiday slide schedule will be in effect for the remainder of the week.

On July 4^th, all county parks, community centers and facilities will be open, except for the Robinson Nature Center and the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum, which are closed regularly on Mondays.

The Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) will operate on a “Sunday” schedule on the 4^th and its administrative offices will also be closed. For more information on RTA, call 1-800-270-9553 or visit www.transitrta.com. All parking regulations and fees will not be enforced on Monday, July 4^th.

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 operations will resume on Tuesday, July 5^th, at regular business hours.

Are We There Yet? Travel Activities for Children 

If your family has any travel plans this summer, I encourage you to check out this virtual workshop offered by our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office of Children and Families tomorrow, June 28^th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Participants will learn about hands-on travel activities to keep children engaged, learning and having fun while getting from “here to there.” Get tips on entertainment ideas, survival strategies and practical advice to help make your upcoming trip a success. To register for this FREE workshop, click HERE.

To learn more about other upcoming workshops for parents, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/Family-Institute. 

Cycle2Health Bike 101 Ride Clinic

As part of its Cycle2Health non-competitive biking program for older adults, DCRS’s Office on Aging and Independence is hosting an instructional clinic on basic bicycle riding skills this Thursday, June 30^th at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Glenwood 50+ Center. Led by Chris Tsien, a League of American Bicyclists cycling instructor, the clinic is geared primarily towards novice riders, i.e., those who can already ride a bicycle but want to learn basic skills and techniques to be more comfortable, and thus more confident, on their bikes. Topics covered include bicycle handling, bicycling safety and what you need to know. There will also be a practice ride and, if time allows, a demonstration of how to change a flat tire.

Participants are asked to bring their own bicycle, helmet, water bottle and tire changing tools if they have them. To register for this clinic and/or for more information, visit https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39751299 or contact Chris at 410-908-6870.

 How to Safely Use Payment Apps

Our Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) strives to protect county consumers by investigating complaints and mediating disputes, taking enforcement action and providing presentations on consumer issues and tenants' rights. This coming July (July 21^st), OCP will offer a presentation on “How to Safely Use Payment Apps” at the Ellicott City 50+ Center at 11:00 a.m. The presentation will highlight how to choose and begin using payment apps, your rights and responsibilities as a consumer, and how criminals are using apps to get your money. To register to participate in this FREE presentation, call 410-313-1400 today.

Office of Emergency Management

Congrats to our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) on its receipt of the prestigious 2022 Project of the Year award from the Maryland Emergency Management Association (MDEMA). OEM received this award for its On Call Emergency Manager (OCEM) and Emergency Operation Center (EOC) Manager Training and Certification Program and was selected out of several submissions, chosen by a panel of Emergency Managers across the State and the MDEMA Symposium Committee Leadership. 

OEM’s OCEM/EOC Manager Training and Certification Program is the only formalized program of its kind at the local level in the State of Maryland to provide an innovative, more holistic knowledge and skill development base for future emergency managers. It is a critical tool utilized by the County to ensure all our OEM staff are well-prepared and ready to respond when disaster strikes.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services and Police Department

Synonymous with July 4^th, fireworks are extremely dangerous. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), fireworks were involved with an estimated 15,600 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during calendar year 2020. Of that number, an estimated 10,300 fireworks-related injuries (or 66 percent of the total estimated fireworks related injuries in 2020) were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments between June 21, 2020 and July 21, 2020. With July 4^th fast approaching, the County’s Department of Fire and Rescue Services and Police Department are encouraging residents to keep their celebrations safe and lawful.

In Howard County, party poppers, ignitable “snakes” and “snap ’n’ pops,” and handheld sparklers remain legal. However, the sale, possession and use of ground-based sparklers is strictly prohibited. Violators are subject to a fine of up to $1,000. Those who purchase legal fireworks should follow these safety tips from the CPSC. Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents especially keep in mind that young children can suffer injuries from sparklers as sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees. That is hot enough to melt some metals.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a display conducted by trained professionals. For more information on Howard County Recreation and Parks' July 4^th Fireworks, click HER

Never Leave a Child or Pet Alone in a Car

With summer upon us, our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) and Police Department (HCPD) is reminding parents and caregivers of the importance of taking the necessary steps to make sure no child – or pet, is ever left in a vehicle alone. While it may seem hard to believe that a caregiver could forget a child is in the car, a majority of child hyperthermia fatalities in vehicles occur due to a change in the driver’s routine, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Even with the windows rolled down or the air conditioning on, the temperature inside a vehicle can quickly rise. When parked in direct sunlight, the inside of a car can reach up to 131° to 172°F when outside temperatures are 80° to 100°F. Even with the windows rolled down or the air conditioning on, the temperature inside a vehicle can quickly rise.

REMEMBER, a child's body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult's, and a body temperature of 107 degrees is fatal. Children overheat easily, and those under four are among those at greatest risk for heat-related illness and death.

As for pets, pets can sustain organ damage or even die from heatstroke in just 15 minutes when left in an unattended vehicle. Beating the heat for dogs is especially tough because they can only cool themselves by panting and by sweating through their paw pads.

To ensure this unthinkable tragedy does not occur, DFRS and HCPD is offering up these tips:

• Place something that you’ll need at your next stop – such as a purse or briefcase – near the child safety seat. This simple act could help prevent you from accidentally forgetting a child.
• If you are dropping your child off at childcare, and normally it’s another parent or caregiver your spouse or partner who drops them off, have the caregiver, your spouse or partner call you to make sure the drop went according to plan. Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child does not show up for childcare.
• Teach children not to play in, on or around vehicles.
• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even with the window slightly open. A vehicle can heat to dangerous, life-threatening levels in only 10 minutes.
• Always lock a vehicle’s doors and trunk. Keep keys and remote entry devices out of children’s reach.

The COVID-19 vaccine for children six months to five-years-old has been approved; however, the supply may be limited for the next few weeks. While the Howard County Health Department (HCHD) is offering the vaccine to our youngest residents, HCHD urges parents and guardians to speak to their child’s pediatrician first as the department expect doctors’ offices to receive most of the initial vaccine supply.

To learn more about HCHD COVID-19 vaccine clinics and/or to make an appointment, visit vaccine.howardcountymd.gov.

Department of Housing and Community Development

Starting this Friday, July 1^st, our Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will begin accepting applications for its Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program July open enrollment period. Held quarterly, DHCD’s MIHU is an inclusionary zoning program that offers quality new homes at reduced sale prices and rents to income eligible families.

To purchase an MIHU home, individuals must apply to DHCD during an open enrollment period to be placed in the database. To qualify, an applicant’s household income may not exceed 80 percent of Howard County’s median income (example: maximum $96,928 for a four-person household to as much as $127,945 for an eight-person household). Applicants must meet credit score requirements and household income must be sufficient to qualify for a mortgage based on industry standards. Sale prices for available MIHU homes, currently range from $267,544 for a new condo to $386,938 for a new townhouse. Actual sale prices may vary depending on the size and amenities of the unit. More details regarding our MIHU homeownership program will be available HERE or contact DHCD at 410-313-6318 (select option two) or email housing@howardcountymd.gov.

To rent an MIHU unit, a qualified applicant’s household income may not exceed 60 percent of the Howard County median income (example: maximum $50,887 for a one-person household and $72,696 for a four-person household). MIHUs are rented on a first-come, first-served basis, are interspersed throughout each community and residents enjoy the same amenities of community life as market rate tenants. Visit DHCD’s MIHU rental website for more information.

On the 1^st, MIHU homeownership applications will be available online and completed applications can be either 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. Applications are being accepted Friday, July 1, through Friday, July 29, 2022 at 4:00 p.m.

Nominations Sought for 2022 Human Rights Award

The Howard County Human Rights Commission is now seeking nominations for its 2022 Jim Henson and Jean Toomer Individual, the Dr. Murray Simon Student, and the Colette Roberts Organization awards. Presented annually, these awards honor individuals and community organizations who have made significant contributions to human and civil rights in Howard County.

The nomination form can be found online or a hard copy can be requested by contacting the Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) by calling 410-313-6430 or emailing hrc@howardcountymd.gov. Self-nominations are accepted. The nomination deadline is August 14, 2022.

Winners will be recognized at the 2022 Human Rights Commission Awards Ceremony on October 19th at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center.

For questions and/or more information about this year’s award, contact OHRE at 410-313-6430 or email hrc@howardcountymd.gov. To learn more about the Human Rights Commission, check out the OHRE’s Commissions and Workgroups website.

June’s Reading Human Rights Book Discussion: Tomorrow Will Be Different

Reading Human Rights is an award-winning monthly book discussion group hosted by OHRE and the Howard County Library System (HCLS) that encourages literary exploration and community dialogue around a variety of human rights concerns.

In honor of PRIDE Month, OHRE and HCLS will also be hostng a Reading Human Rights discussion on Sarah McBride’s Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, and the Fight for Trans Equality tomorrow June 28^th at 6:30 p.m. at HCLS’ Miller branch. The book chronicles McBride’s story of love and loss and a powerful entry point into the LGBTQ community’s battle for equal rights and what it means to be openly transgender.

Pronouns & Policies: Combating LGBTQIA+ Discrimination in Employment

In honor of PRIDE Month, join OHRE tomorrow, June 28^th at noon as OHRE Administrator, Yolanda F. Sonnier, moderates a virtual webinar designed to educate attendees on the discrimination those in the transgender and gender non-binary communities face. This webinar will speak to the importance of culture and policies in the workplace that protect a person’s chosen pronouns, as well as explain the ways such persons are protected when these rights are violated. To participate, click HERE to register.

Nou Pap Bliye Ayaiti: We Will Never Forget Haiti

In addition to Pride Month, this June OHRE will also be commemorating Caribbean American Heritage Month with a lunch and learn virtual presentation this Thursday, June 30^th, featuring artist, educator and racial justice strategist, Regine Romain. Romain will speak on the history of Haiti’s legacy of resistance and independence in the shadow of Juneteenth and the light of July 4^th.

To participate, just tune in to OHRE’s Facebook page or the Howard County Government YouTube channel at noon on the 30^th.

Caribbean American Heritage Month aims to recognize the contributions of all Caribbean-American people and to teach people more about their culture and history

Police Department

Body Worn Camera Program Update

In case you missed it, HCPD recently provided an update on its Body Worn Camera (BWC) program. With HCPD's BWC equipment finally in, training of HCPD personnel is underway and new BWC administrative staff members are finalizing preparations for the programs full launch. HCPD will be working through the summer to launch its BWC program.

To find out more, including HCPD's BWC policy and frequently asked questions, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/police/body-worn-cameras.

Make Your Home Vacation Ready

If you are heading out of town this summer (or really, anytime of year) for vacation, be sure to follow these safety tips from HCPD to make sure your residence is safe and secure while you are away. Before you leave:

• Ask a trusted neighbor to watch you home;
• Stop any mail or deliveries that you have or have a trusted neighbor get them;
• Lock your windows and doors, including the garage door; and
• Put lights on timers to give the impression that you are home.

Also, a good rule of thumb is to wait until you get home to post any photos from your vacation on social media. Posting photos while you are away simply alerts others that you and your family are not home.

For additional property specific safety tips, request a home security survey through HCPD’s Community Outreach Division. Officers perform a detailed security analysis of your home or business and provide you with a list of recommendations. To request a survey, click HERE.

VIN Etching Event

Engraving your car's unique vehicle identification number (VIN) on all major pieces of glass is a highly effective deterrent and assists police in returning a stolen vehicle to its rightful owner. That's why I encourage you to stop by HCPD’s FREE VIN Etching for Auto Theft Prevention event on Saturday, July 9^th from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Running Brook Neighborhood Center, located at 5730 Columbia Road in Columbia. Open to all, it takes just minutes to do at no cost to you; no appointment needed. For questions and/or more information about VIN etching or this event, contact HCPD's Auto Theft Unit at 410-313-4759.

Coffee with a Cop

Come meet face-to-face with HCPD's Community Outreach Officers next Thursday, July 7^th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Starbucks in the Wilde Lake Village Center (5400 Lynx Lane) in Columbia to discuss issues, ask questions and build relationships one cup of coffee (or other beverage) at a time. For more information and/or questions, contact HCPD's Community Outreach Division at 410-313-2207.

National Night Out 2022 Registration Now Open!

Community/neighborhood registration is NOW open for HCPD’s 2022 National Night Out (NNO) celebration. Set to take place Tuesday, August 2^nd, HCPD and residents will once again join communities across the U.S. as they come together to celebrate police-community partnerships. If your community or neighborhood is planning a NNO block party for this year and would like HCPD or Department of Fire and Rescue Services resources in attendance, or for elected officials to stop by, please visit HERE today to register your party by July 15^th. Parties registered by the 15^th will receive priority for HCPD attendance.

Department of Public Works

Public Meeting to be Held to Discuss Design of Ellicott City Safe and Sound Extended North Tunnel Project

Our Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Bureau of Environmental Services will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, July 6th to share the design of the Ellicott City Safe and Sound plan’s Extended North Tunnel project. Currently near 65 percent completion, the project design features an approximately 5,800-foot-long, 18-foot-diameter tunnel spanning from the north side of Frederick Road, approximately 500 feet east of Papillon Drive, to the Patapsco River shoreline north of Lot B. The project will also include surface work at Lot F and near the intersection of Rogers Avenue and Main Street. Weather permitting and pending final regulatory approvals, the project is expected to begin in late 2022.

The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Banneker Room of the George Howard Building, located at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City and will include an overview of the Extended North Tunnel project’s design, followed by an open discussion. County staff and the project’s design consultant, McMillen Jacobs Associates, will be on hand to answer any questions.

Those unable to attend this meeting may view the presentation afterward on the County’s Ellicott City Safe and Sound website. Please keep in mind, this meeting will focus specifically on the Extended North Tunnel project; however, for additional questions regarding the project or the Ellicott City Safe and Sound Plan, call 410-313-4200 or email ecsafeandsound@howardcountymd.gov.

An interpreter for people who are deaf or hard of hearing will be available if requested seven working days prior to the meeting. Please call DPW at 410-313-3440 (voice) or use Relay at 7-1-1, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

Old Columbia Pike Water Main Rehabilitation Project Public Meeting

DPW’s Utility Design Division will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, July 6^th, to present plans for a proposed project that includes the relocation and replacement of approximately 6,600 linear feet of water main along Old Columbia Pike between Toll House Road and Roussey Lane. Expected to begin this summer 2022, the project will also include the installation of new fire hydrants, cross connections and house connections.

The meeting will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in the media room at Veterans Elementary School at 4355 Montgomery Road in Ellicott City and while no formal presentation will be made, DPW staff will be on hand to explain the project, 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. Sanjay Kulkarni with DPW’s Utility Design Division at 410-313-6122 or email skulkarni@howardcountymd.gov.

An interpreter for people who are deaf or hard of hearing will be available if requested seven working days prior to the meeting. Please call DPW at 410-313-3440 (voice) or use Relay at 7-1-1, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Department of Public Works - Construction Report

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

Last Tuesday, June 21^st, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) began a project to improve the driving surface on the northbound I-95 bridge over MD 32. Work will include repairing cracks and potholes in the concrete bridge deck and on the eastbound MD 32 ramp to northbound I-95.

Crews will work overnight, Sunday evenings through Friday mornings, 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Signs, cones, electronic arrow boards and barrels will be in place to alert and guide motorists through the work zone and detours as the right lane of the northbound I-95 bridge over MD 32, northbound I-95 ramp to westbound MD 32 and eastbound MD 32 ramp to northbound I-95 will be CLOSED during work hours. Weather permitting, the project is expected to take two weeks to complete.

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

For more information about this work, please contact SHA at 410-545-0303 or visit SHA’s website.

Holiday Slide Schedule in Effect Next Week

Don’t forget Howard County, the Independence Day holiday is one of the six holidays that affects County provided curbside trash, recycling, food scraps and yard trim collection. As a result, there will be no Monday collection on July 4^th. The County’s www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule will therefore be in effect the week of Independence Day, with Monday's pickup sliding to Tuesday, Tuesday to Wednesday and so forth.

July 4^th Fireworks Celebration

In case you missed it, our Department of Recreation & Parks and the Columbia Association, will be hosting this year’s Howard County July 4^th Firework celebration at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront. This year’s celebration will feature onsite food trucks (starting at 5:00 p.m.), live music (beginning at 6:00 p.m.) and a 20-minute firework show, set to start around 9:20 p.m. Residents and visitors who wish to place blankets out for the firework show may do so after 3:00 p.m. on the 4^th.

Free public parking for this event will be located at The Mall in Columbia; however, please note that HCPD may close Little Patuxent Parkway in the vicinity of the Lakefront around 7:00 p.m. due to expected high traffic volume from this event. 

For more information about this year’s July 4^th Firework celebration, click HERE.

Summer Concert Series Returns

Recreation & Parks summer concert series is back! Starting this Wednesday, June 29^th at 7:00 p.m., Recreation & Parks will kick-off its series with a FREE concert by “Live Fire” at its Gary J. Arthur Community Center. The Maryland National Guard’s 229^th Army Band, “Live Fire" captures the essence of America's favorite musical pastime, playing recognizable songs from all decades.

On Wednesday, July 13^th, Recreation & Parks summer concert series will return to Centennial Park, where the series will finish out the summer with Back To Rock – Music School showcase on the 13^th, country/pop artist (and Howard High School graduate) Risa Binder on July 20^th and Howard County native Damon Foreman & Blue Funk on July 27^th.

For more information about this summer concert series and performers, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/summerconcerts.

Now Hiring!

If you are or someone you know is looking for a job, I encourage you to check out our Recreation & Parks’ current job opportunities.

DRP Launches New 6v6 Women’s Lacrosse League 

Registration is now open for Recreation & Parks’ new “Sixes” women’s lacrosse league. A new style of lacrosse set to be on display at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Sixes is a fast-paced, six versus six style of lacrosse featuring five field players and one goalie and played on a shortened field for high tempo play. Teams will play an eight-game regular season (with two games per night) Monday evenings, followed by playoffs. Geared toward players 18 and older, rosters will be limited to 12 players per team. To register for this coming inaugural Sixes season, click HERE. For questions and/or more information, contact Ricky DuBois at 410-313-4736 or email rdubois@howardcountymd.gov.

Worthington Dog Park 20^th Anniversary Celebration 

Join Recreation & Parks on Saturday, July 9^th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. as it celebrates the 20^th anniversary of the County’s Worthington Dog Park in Ellicott City. Come on out with your canine friend for a day of play and socialization in the Park’s big dog area. To learn more about this FREE event, click HERE. 

Owners are reminded that dogs must remain on a leash at all times and retractable leashes are not allowed. Additionally, all dogs must have someone 18 or older with them. Children are welcome, but with adult supervision.

Office of Transportation

Bike Instead of Drive to the County’s July 4^th Celebration

Beat the traffic this July 4^th by biking to Recreation & Park’s July 4^th celebration at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront. To help you find your way, our Office of Transportation has compiled a list of biking directions from each of Columbia’s Village Centers, as well as various other areas of the county.

Transportation’s friends at BikeHoCo are also offering their 2^nd annual July 4th Bike Corral – think of it as a “coat check” for your bike. While you are enjoying the holiday festivities, they’ll watch your bike. Located in front of The Pearl in The Whole Foods lower parking lot, the Bike Corral will be open on the 4^th from 3:00 to 10:00 p.m. And the best part of all, it’s totally free!

If biking from your home to the Downtown Columbia Lakefront is too far a feat, the Villages of Oakland Mills and Wilde Lake welcome you to drive and park in their villages and then hope on your bike for the remainder of the journey to the Lakefront. Parking is also available at Recreation & Parks’ Blandair Regional Park.

Public Meeting on Columbia and Ellicott City Bike Howard and Complete Streets Improvements

On Wednesday, July 13^th, our Office of Transportation will host a virtual public meeting to present proposed improvements to various road segments in Columbia and Ellicott City. As part of an upcoming County road resurfacing effort, Transportation is proposing to implementation of various Howard County Bike Master Plan, Bike Howard, and the Howard County Complete Streets Policy recommendations. The proposed changes will provide new, painted bike lanes along road segments in Columbia and Ellicott City and Columbia. The road segments being considered are:

• Hickory Ridge Road from Little Patuxent Parkway to Cedar Lane in Columbia;
• Thunder Hill Road from Lightning View Road to MD 108 in Columbia;
• Twin Rivers Road from Harpers Farm Rd to Jason Lane in Columbia; and
• Old Montgomery Road from MD 108 to University Blvd in Ellicott City.

The addition of bike lanes to the shoulder area of these sections of roadway could effect on-street parking and some of the proposals being considered include converting existing travel lanes to bicycle lanes.

The meeting will take place from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and will be held via WebEx; click HERE to register for this meeting. During meeting, Transportation will present the proposal and then gather feedback from the community. Community members can also provide feedback via a brief online comment form that will be posted to the project webpage, available through July 27, 2022.

After the meeting, Transportation and DPW will consider all feedback received and determine whether to move forward with the proposals. For more information about this proposed project and meeting, click HERE.