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Dear Friends,
Last week, I was thrilled to announce the appointments of Robyn Scates to the Howard County Board of Education and Yousuf Ahmad as my Senior Advisor for Education Policy and Performance. Both Robyn and Yousuf are thoughtful leaders who will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge in education to their respective roles.
I look forward to our continued partnerships as we strengthen our public education system in Howard County! Read more about their appoints here.
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Opening Constructive Dialogue
Our foremost goal is to provide a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for all residents. We are committed to constructive dialogue with our young people, residents, business owners, community partners, and local organizations to provide safe and active spaces for recreation. Howard County Government will continue to engage with community leaders and partners to help create multi-layered actions to ensure that our community spaces remain safe and welcoming for all.
Read my joint statement with Howard County Public School System Superintendent Dr. Martirano here.
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Celebrating Our Rich Culture
This Black History Month, I continue to be thankful for the rich culture and history of our Black community. It was an honor to celebrate “Black is Beautiful” at the first Black History Fest at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center. From Herman Charity and Delegate Frank Turner to Dr. C. Vernon Gray and Donna Hill Staton and beyond, we have made incredible strides to uplift our community and embrace that the impossible is possible.
A special thank you to Howard County Recreation and Parks Student Board Member Gabi Demuran for putting together this spectacular event!
We have come so far and, as a community, will go even farther.
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Speaking in Unity and Love
It was humbling to visit the Chabad of Ellicott City's Holocaust Education Event. It was an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the Auschwitz atrocities with an impressive panel, in a packed room. Let us never forget the horrors, so we can ensure they are not repeated. Let us combat negativity and division, so that we can help extinguish hate. When they come to hurt our sisters and brothers, let us speak out in unity and love.
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An Artful Showcase
The 33rd annual Peabody Student Concert brought to us by the Columbia Maryland Links was an incredible opportunity to enjoy the impressive talents of students from the Peabody Institute Of John Hopkins. The exceptional students honored Black history month by performing pieces inspired by various works of art showcased in The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore Maryland.
This incredible showcase was and inspiring reminder of all the arts can do to make our lives more full. I'm so pleased our community had a chance to experience this wonderful display and I'm certain that our students will continue to excel in the arts and beyond!
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HCLS Goes POP!
Evening in the Stacks is one of my favorite events of the year and it was great to see so many new and familiar faces. Howard County is home to one of the best library systems in the country and it remains an integral part of our community. This year’s gala was in support of Battle of the Books, a county-wide, team building reading competition for 5th graders.
We are lucky to have the leadership of Tonya Aikens, Howard County Library System President and CEO, and her dedicated team. Through our collaborative partnerships, we remain committed to supporting and encouraging lifelong learners and enriching lives throughout our community.
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Learning The Unheard Perspective
During Black History Month, we celebrate the legacy and accomplishments of our local, state, and national black leaders who helped shape our world of today. Every year, some of our exceptional Elementary School students embrace the opportunity to present what they’ve learned during the Annual Unheard Perspectives Showcase.
I was so glad to stop by Hammond Middle School to congratulate our students on their efforts to recognize the impactful, but less visible historical figures. Thank you Kim Eggborn for bringing this initiative together, the judges who helped encourage our young people, and congratulations to all our students and their families on a successful showcase!
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A Toastique Experience
It was a spectacular Saturday to welcome Toastique to the Merriweather District! Toastique is a welcome addition to our county’s diverse food options offering tasty and healthy toast, bowls, smoothies, and fruit-based drinks.
Congratulations to Darshak on this grand opening! Learn more here.
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Inspiring Our Students
I always enjoy reading to our youngest residents. I had a wonderful time stopping by both Phelps Luck Elementary School and Northfield Elementary during their Black History Celebrations to read to some of our bright, young students. Their engagement and excitement to learn something new was inspiring, and I am confident these students will continue to make remarkable strides. Thank you to all the educators who helped make these readings a success.
Throughout Black History Month, let’s continue to come together to reflect upon the progress we’ve made and continue our work on the progress ahead!
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Fish FryDay's in Elkridge
I had a great time stopping by The Catholic Community of Ascension & St. Augustine in Elkridge for its first Fish FryDay. Every Friday through Lent, CCASTA will be providing delicious meals to both dine-in or carry out. Thank you to all the incredible event organizers and volunteers who made this event a success!
To learn more about Fish FryDay’s, please click here.
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Bold Regional Leadership
Last year, the General Assembly passed HB1336 which formed a legislative commission to study the governance and funding of MTA. That bill was then vetoed by Governor Hogan. Today, I was honored to join Delegate Tony Bridges, Baltimore Metropolitan Council Executive Director Mike Kelly, and many of our transit advocates to show my support for HB491 and HB794 as Chair of BMC.
All of our communities expect bold leadership from elected representatives, but they also expect a voice in deliberative, transparent, and accountable decision-making process. The cancellation of the Red Line blocked funding, growth, and opportunity that would have helped firm up the economic foundation of communities in the Baltimore region for decades to come. Our system here in Maryland allowed this decision to go unchecked.
We’ve fallen behind, but it’s not too late. These bills provide a path for setting a new standard in transit governance and finally delivering for our communities on this.
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Flawless Denim & Pearlz
I had a wonderful time joining the ladies of the Lambda Gamma Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. for the return of the Annual Denim & Pearlz event to raise support for the W. Ruth Conway Scholarship. This important initiative was in honor of Ruth Conway, one of the chapters charter members, who celebrated her 94th birthday on Saturday. Her legacy is bound to be remembered by many, and I’m so grateful for her exceptional leadership to support our students.
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Join the Planning Board
We are currently seeking applicants from Council District 1 interested in serving on the Planning Board. To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be Howard County residents residing in Councilmanic District 1, 18 years of age or older, have an interest in planning and zoning, and be able to attend the Board’s meetings, which are typically held the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Interested applicants should email Paul Thompson at ApplyBC@howardcountymd.gov with the name of the board or commission for which they seek appointment, their home address and contact information. Included with the email, applicants should attach their resume and a brief letter explaining why they want to serve on the board or commission.
Applicants are asked not to include their contact information, i.e., home address, phone number(s) and email address, on their resume and cover letter. The names of eligible applicants will be submitted to the County Executive for consideration. If approved, the appointment will be forwarded to the County Council for confirmation.
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Join My Team!
My office is currently looking to fill several vacant positions. To learn more and apply, please click the respective link below.
I encourage interested persons to apply today! To find a full listing of available positions, please click here.
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Staying Heart Healthy
Mental health is a critical topic in our community, but did you know that a poor mental state could also be damaging to your heart? Chronic conditions and other circumstances can drag us down and stress our heart. During Heart Month in Howard County, we invite you to consult with your doctor, make sure chronic conditions are managed and seek help if you are feeling anxious or blue. More information and resources can be found from the CDC here and the Howard County Health Department here.
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Department of Community Resources and Services | |
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Identity Theft: When Your Credit Score Isn’t Really Yours
Next week, March 5th to March 11th, is National Consumer Protection Week and in recognition of the week, our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) has partnered with CCCSMD (Consumer Credit Counseling Service Maryland), the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence and DCRS’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention to host a virtual informative discussion about “Identity Theft: When Your Credit Score Isn’t Really Yours” on Monday, March 6th from noon to 1:00 p.m. Attendees will learn the definition of identity theft and the Maryland laws that apply, gain insight into the impact of economic abuse on special populations, including children and survivors of intimate partner violence and human trafficking, and find references and resources to help.
While free to participate, advance registration for this event is required. To reserve your virtual spot today, click HERE. For more information about this event or to request a sign language interpreter or other accommodations to participate, contact OCP at 410-313-6420 (voice/relay) or consumer@howardcountymd.gov.
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County’s First Family Support Center is Under Construction
As a parent, I understand the difficulties first hand that can arise when parenting a little one. As they say, “it takes a village to raise a child.” That’s why I’m excited to announce that construction on the County’s new Family Support Center (FSC) is underway and weather permitting, the Center is slated to open this August.
The goal of the FSC is to assist parents and caregivers with the challenges of raising little ones by offering free comprehensive, family centered, community-based preventive programs for parents, caregivers and their children ages birth to five. The FSC will promote the full development and wellbeing of children, while enhancing the quality of parent and child interactions and being the link to services for overall parent and family self-sufficiency and sustainability. Through its programs, parents can learn job readiness skills and build solid social networks all while their young children have access to a state-of-the-art early care and education setting.
For questions and/or to learn more about the FSC, please contact our Office of Children and Families (OCF) at 410-313-CARE or email children@howardcountymd.gov.
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AARP Income Tax Preparation Appointments Now Available at a 50+ Center Near You
Now through April 13th, AARP and the IRS are offering FREE personal Federal and Maryland income tax preparation at our 50+ centers across the county. Offered by appointment only, this service is available to middle- and low-income taxpayers with special emphasis on those 60 and older. Self-employment returns with more than $5,000 in expenses and complex returns are not eligible for this service. Also, please keep in mind, each appointment is for one single or joint return.
Appointments will be available on the following days, times and 50+ center locations:
To schedule a tax prep appointment, please call 443-741-2373; do NOT call a 50+ center directly. To your appointment, participants will need to bring the Social Security card for anyone listed on their personal return, their 2021 state and federal tax returns, all 2022 tax records and the purchase cost of investment transactions during 2022 (if any).
All preparers and volunteers have received IRS-approved training and are certified in tax preparation.
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Help Out Our Youngest Neighbors, Donate Today to Howard County’s Diaper Drive
No family should have to choose between paying for food or purchasing diapers for their child(ren). With just two days left this month, OCF is doing one final push to collect donations for the Howard County Diaper Project. By donating just one pack of diapers, you can help a Howard County family meet their diaper needs for the month.
Making a difference is easy. Simply:
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Drop off diapers and/or wipes at any HCLS branch through tomorrow, February 28th;
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Drop off diapers and/or wipes at the Howard County Food Bank weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.;
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Order diapers for direct delivery from the Diaper Project’s Amazon Wish List; or
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Donate cash through the Community Action Council’s Virtual Diaper Drive.
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Office of Community Sustainability | |
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Bulb Exchange
Our Office of Community Sustainability has partnered with the Howard County Library System to help residents save energy, reduce their electric bills and lower greenhouse gas pollution with a bulb exchange event at HCLS's East Columbia (6600 Cradlerock Way) and Elkridge (6540 Washington Boulevard) branches. Available now while supplies last, stop by either branch to exchange old inefficient compact fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs for a pack (four bulbs) of new, efficient, long-lasting LED bulbs.
Please note, this program cannot accept CFL tube/lamp lights. For a list of locations where these lights can be properly disposed, including the County’s Alpha Ridge Landfill’s Household Hazardous Waste area, check out our Bureau of Environmental Services’ “Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb (CFL) Recycling” fact sheet.
Since this is a “while supplies last” program, please be sure to check with either branch (East Columbia or Elkridge) before making your way over.
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County Earns Highest AAA Credit Rating from all Three Rating Agencies
This past week I shared that the County has maintained its AAA credit rating, the highest possible rating, from all three bond rating agencies – Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investor Services and Standard & Poor’s. This year, the County again ranks among the top two percent of counties nationwide to earn this vote of confidence based on a stable outlook from experts. Being one of 51 counties with this distinction among approximately 3,100 in the U.S. demonstrates that our financial management is fiscally strong, trustworthy, and responsible.
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Department of Housing and Community Development | |
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Grant Funding Public Hearings and Public Comment Period this March
This March, our Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will be hosting two public hearings regarding grant funding.
The first public hearing will take place on Monday, March 13th at 6:00 p.m. in Room 211 at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia and will discuss the County’s award of $1,757,012.00 in HOME Investment Partnerships Program – American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Allocation Plan funds through a one-time allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The HOME-ARP Allocation Plan outlines how funding will be used to assist individuals or households who are: 1) homeless; 2) at risk of homelessness; 3) fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking; or 4) other families requiring services or housing assistance to prevent homelessness or those at greatest risk of housing instability. HOME-ARP funding can be used to assist these populations by providing affordable housing, rental assistance, supportive services and non-congregate shelter.
Efforts will be made to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled community members and offer translation services during the Public Hearing. To request accommodations, please submit a request with three business days advance notice to Ms. Quanita Kareem, DHCD Compliance Officer, at 410-313-3386 or email qkareem@howardcountymd.gov.
Additionally, prior to the March 13th hearing, residents will have the opportunity to review a copy of the proposed HOME-ARP Allocation Plan beginning Wednesday, March 1st, available either online or by visiting DCHD’s offices at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224 in Columbia, open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Public comments regarding the County’s HOME-ARP Allocation Plan can be submitted via email (to emeadows@howardcountymd.gov or macarnegie@howardcountymd.gov), mail (Howard County Department of Housing and Community Development, 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia, MD 21046) or fax (410-313-5960) by no later than 11:59 p.m. on March 15th
To learn more about the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan and corresponding public hearings, including the date, time, location and details surrounding the second event, and the public comment period, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/DHCD-Grants.
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Department of Planning and Zoning | |
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HoCo By Design Releases Updated Draft for Planning Board
As shared this past December, our Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) team behind the County’s next General Plan – HoCo By Design, released its draft plan for public comment. The team has gathered the public input submitted during the draft plan’s comment period and refined the draft for the County’s Planning Board to discuss during a public hearing next Thursday, March 9th. For more information about this hearing and/or for details on how to testify, be sure to check out the Planning Board’s website. For more information about HoCo By Design and the draft plan, visit www.hocobydesign.com.
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Planning Board Meeting
This Thursday, March 2nd, DPZ’s Planning Board will hold a hybrid meeting – in person at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City and virtually via WebEx – at 7:00 p.m. to hear the following agenda item:
To register to testify, click HERE. Please note, registration must be completed prior to 7:00 p.m. the night (March 1st) before the scheduled meeting to participate. If you do not wish to testify, but simply to watch the meeting, click HERE to watch.
A five-member board, the Planning Board makes recommendations to the Zoning Board or County Council on matters related to planning and zoning and renders a final decision on selected development proposals. Before recommendations or decisions are made, the Board holds a public meeting or hearing to provide interested persons the opportunity to provide comment. For details about procedures for testifying at a Planning Board meeting, click HERE.
To learn more about the County’s Planning Board and upcoming meeting dates, click HERE.
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Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
Also this Thursday, March 2nd, DPZ’s Historic Preservation Commission will be holding a VIRTUAL meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. The meeting agenda and instructions on how to watch or participate in Thursday’s meeting can be found on the Commission’s website.
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Auto Theft Prevention Tips
As part of an ongoing national trend occurring across the United States, Howard County Police Department (HCPD) continues to see an increase in thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles stemming from a social media challenge in which thieves target 2016-2021 Hyundai and 2011-2021 Kia models that are started by a key. To combat this theft and as HCPD the other week, Hyundai recently introduced a FREE anti-theft software upgrade for eligible vehicles. HCPD is encouraging all eligible vehicle owners to take advantage of this upgrade to protect their vehicle.
For other tips on how to make yourself less likely to be a victim of auto theft/theft from auto, click HERE.
Residents are encouraged to report any theft from vehicle to police, including if your vehicle has been tampered with but nothing has been stolen. This helps HCPD track trends and identify suspects. You can make a report online or call HCPD’s non-emergency number at 410-313-2200. For thefts in progress, please call 9-1-1.
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Coffee with a Cop
Come meet face-to-face with HCPD's Community Outreach Officers this Friday, March 3rd from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the McDonald's at 9303 Baltimore National Pike in Ellicott City, 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.
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Department of Public Works | |
Bureau of Environmental Services | |
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Special Household Hazardous Waste Day Scheduled for Early 2023
While the County's Bureau of Environmental Services' regular Saturday Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) schedule is on hiatus until the first Saturday of April, the Bureau is once again hosting its SPECIAL winter HHW collection days this offseason at the Alpha Ridge Landfill. The Bureau’s next and final SPECAL HHW event will take place this Saturday, March 4th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On the 4th, County residents will be able to properly dispose of HHW items at the Landfill. To learn more about this program and what is accepted/not accepted, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/HHW.
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Department of Public Works Construction Report | |
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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.
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Maryland State Highway Administration | |
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Operation Clean Sweep Maryland
In its ongoing efforts to remove litter from State owned roadways (numbered roadways), the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has launched “Operation Clean Sweep Maryland.”
Starting this week, SHA teams will be out conducting initial sweeps along highly traveled areas to perform litter pickup and will continue to do so throughout the year. SHA’s local shop in Dayton will be specifically targeting I-95, I-70, US 29, MD 32, MD 100 and US 1, as well as other State-maintained roadways. If you know of a problem area along a State roadway that you would like to see SHA address, you can report it to SHA via its online “Service Request Form.”
If you or you belong to a group that is interested in assisting SHA with keeping our State roadways clean, considering taking part in SHA’s Adopt-a-Highway program. To learn more about the State’s program in Howard County, contact Dayton Shop at 410-531-5533.
Finally, as SHA launches its “Operation Clean Sweep Maryland” program to address litter along State roadways, DPW’s Bureau of Highways continues to address litter on/along County maintained (named) roadways. If you know of a trash problem area that you’d like Highways to look into, simply submit a service request via the County’s “Tell HoCo” web-based and mobile application. And just like the SHA’s Adopt-a-Road program, you can also adopt a County maintained roadway. To learn how, check you the Bureau’s “Adopt-a-Road Program” website.
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Department of Recreation and Parks | |
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Kid’s Fest
Mark your calendars and come experience all that Howard County Recreation and Parks has to offer county youth at this year’s Kid's Fest at Meadowbrook Park in Ellicott City. Set to take place Saturday, April 8th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., this exciting event features an egg hunt, sports instruction, games, activities, arts and crafts, food, and much more. Bring the whole family and enjoy fun for all ages. While pre-registration is encouraged, it is not required.
To register and/or to learn more about this year's event, check out www.howardcountymd.gov/kids-fest.
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The Gold Rush
If you enjoy Recreation & Parks’ scavenger hunts, be sure to check out next months “Gold Rush” event at its North Laurel Community Center, where participants will take part in some St. Patrick’s Day fun by hunting for gold coins and if you are lucky, maybe even a pot of gold. The fun will take place on Saturday, March 11th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is open to all. Cost to participate is $10 for center members and $15 for nonmembers. To learn more, click HERE.
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Spring/Summer Activity Guide Now Online
Don’t forget! Online registration for Howard County residents for Recreation & Parks’ 2023 Spring/Summer Activity Guide begins this Wednesday, March 1st at 6:00 p.m., with mail-in, over-the-phone and in-person beginning the following morning, March 2nd at 8:00 a.m. With more than 500 programs, activities, classes, sports and more found inside of this year's Spring/Summer Activity Guide, there's something to help everyone "Get Up, Get Out, Get Active!” with Howard County in the coming warmer months. Be sure to especially check out these new class offerings, including Viva Mexico with Chef Michelle (page 49), Jewelry Making for Beginners with Sugata Ray (page 51), Introduction to Dungeons & Dragons with Mica Fetz (page 48), and Yoga for Bone Strength with Kathy Greisman for individuals 55 years + (page 63).
For non-Howard County residents, online registration begins March 8th at 6:00 p.m., with all other registration methods beginning the following morning.
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Wine in the Woods
Be sure to mark your calendars as Recreation & Parks’ annual Wine in the Woods event is set to return to Symphony Woods this year on May 20th and May 21st and will feature a bigger and better Explorer Village.
Featuring a curated selection of Maryland-grown wine, the Maryland Wine Explorer area allows wine enthusiasts to enjoy fine, local wines in an exclusive section of the festival with a larger glass, food options for purchase, music and separate bathrooms. This year’s Maryland Wine Explorer Pass wristband will include everything the Taster Ticket provides PLUS exclusive access to premium wine samples from wineries around the state.
To learn more about this year’s event and/to purchase your advance tickets (to go on sale starting in March), stay tuned to www.wineinthewoods.com/.
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Howard County Sheriff's Office | |
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Gun Locks Available
Thanks to Project Childsafe, the Howard County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has gun locks available FREE of charge to residents in need of one. Project ChildSafe’s Safety Kit includes a cable-style gun lock and safety instructions. This gun locking device renders a firearm inoperable and can be used in addition to locked storage. Ideally, the cable-style gun lock found in the Project ChildSafe Safety Kit, should be used in addition to primary storage system like a gun safe or vault.
To pick up your FREE cable-style gun lock, simply stop by the HCSO’s Command Center, located on the first floor of the Howard County Circuit Courthouse at 9250 Judicial Way in Ellicott City, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. No advance reservation required.
For questions and/or more information about this program, please Ms. Meaghan McKelvey with HCSO at 410-313-4201.
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Opportunities for Public Input on the Transit Development Plan Continue
If you weren’t able to attend one of our Office of Transportation public meetings about its Transit Development Plan (TDP) update, you can still submit feedback through one of our three surveys: 1) Community, 2) RTA Fixed-Route Rider or (3) RTA Mobility Rider. Available now through March 15th, these surveys will help Transportation with updating its TDP, which is 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. To learn more about this plan, click HERE.
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Transportation Priorities Open House
In addition to its Active Transportation Open House this month, Transportation will also be hosting an Open House event this Thursday, March 2nd at 6:00 p.m. at the County’s George Howard Building in Ellicott City, to gather input for the County’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2029 Priority Letter. Updated every year, this letter outlines Howard County’s transportation priorities for the Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Consolidated Transportation Program. The letter is developed with input from the public, County staff and elected and appointed officials, and sent to the Maryland Secretary of Transportation, along with project questionnaires.
Following receipt of the County’s Priority Letter, MDOT will evaluate the listed projects to assist the State in updating its Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP), a six-year capital budget for State transportation projects. The CTP includes capital projects that are generally new, expanded or significantly improved facility or service that may involve planning, environmental studies, design, right-of-way acquisition, construction or the purchase of essential equipment related to the facility or service.
To view past Priority Letters and/or for more about this year’s, check out www.howardcountymd.gov/transportation/priority-letter.
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