Dear Friends, 

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

The program is tonight, Monday, December 5th, and will begin at 7pm. The ceremony can be viewed online here.

Celebrating Our Diversity

Howard County remains a place where diversity and inclusion are more than just talking points, they are fundamental principles by which we strive to live. I'm thrilled to announce that Columbia received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index. 

While we have made incredible strides over the last four years, we still have more progress ahead to advance civil rights for LGBTQIA+ persons. Every resident deserves the right to live openly as their true selves and not be discriminated against for who they are and who they love. This score from the Human Rights Campaign affirms we are making that vision a reality. Read more here.

Midnight Madness in Ellicott City

The holiday season is well underway, and it’s always a wonderful time celebrating it at Midnight Madness in Ellicott City. Shani and I were happy to join Delegate Courtney Watson, Delegate Jessica Feldmark, Councilwoman Christiana Rigby, Councilmember Liz Walsh, and Councilmember David Yungmann to embrace the holiday spirit. I want to give a special thank you to our friends at Howard County Recreation and Parks, Ellicott City Partnership, Visit Howard County, and our Mt. Hebron Students for kicking off the festivities.  

We’re so grateful to have amazing small businesses who are helping us bring in the holiday spirit. This holiday season, let’s shop small and support our local businesses.

Supporting Our Kids

With the holiday's underway, it's the perfect time to reflect on our countless blessings and the special people in our lives.

For our friends and neighbors who may be financially struggling in silence, this time of year can be especially hard. Our Annual Toys for Tots Campaign helps us make the holidays a little lighter and brighter for every child.

I’m so grateful for your collaboration over the past several years to make this a success for our residents. As stores begin to launch holiday sales, please consider buying and donating a new toy to help a local child. 

Unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at any of our Toys for Tots boxes located across the county.

Spreading Holiday Spirit in Savage

There is nothing quite like bringing in the holiday spirit in Savage. I had a magical time with Councilwoman Christiana Rigby at the Annual Bollman Bridge Lighting and the community tree lighting at Baldwin Common. Thank you to Savage Mill, the Savage Community Association, Howard County Recreation and Parks, and the Hammond High School Band for helping us spread the holiday cheer with our favorite holiday mascot – Santa Claus. 

Both of these events are anticipated holiday traditions that we look forward to every year. This holiday season, please continue to visit our small towns and shop local!

A Fruitful Welcome

I’m so impressed by the strength and resilience of our small business community and the willingness and vision of our business owners, like Jennie Kwon, who repeatedly invest in the future of Howard County. I was so pleased to join her and Petra Nwosu for the grand opening of their new business - Fruitful Juice Bar.

Fruitful is sure to be a new signature destination among our county’s diverse food options by offering fun and healthy fruit-based drinks and bowls. Congratulations on this new business venture and I wish you ongoing success. Learn more about the restaurant here.

Happy 10th Anniversary Ale House!

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted so many of our small, local businesses. One of them was The Ale House, Columbia MD who used the difficulties the pandemic presented to come back strong. I was so excited to join Greg, Donald, Justin, and Visit Howard County to celebrate their 10th anniversary and newly renovated restaurant. This new refreshing look will not only retain loyal customers, but it is undoubtfully going to bring in new ones. 

I wish them continued success for years ahead! Learn more about the refreshed menu here.

Remembering Our Korean War Veterans



I was honored to join my friend First Lady Yumi Hogan to unveil the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Koreatown. This memorial honors Cpl William H. Bright, Pfc Kenneth E. Butler, Pfc Edward L. Martin, Pfc Alphonso H. Plonk, Cpl Bryant A. Terry, and Pfc William H. Wehland for their distinguished legacy of military service. They are examples and inspirations for us all and remind us how veterans have dedicated their lives in service to our country and world.

Thank you to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation and the Koreatown Committee for bringing this memorial into fruition. They will never be forgotten.

Every Voice, One Vision

The HoCo By Design planning process follows the vision of “Every Voice, One Vision.” The HoCo By Design project team raised the bar for community engagement, garnering extensive input despite a myriad of challenges presented by the pandemic. 

Howard County Government released the draft plan for public review and comment. As we continue to move forward with the general plan update, I encourage residents to provide their input.

Learn more here.

Join Our Team!

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

• Administrative Aide - Provides administrative support in the County Executive's Office for Senior Staff, the Administrative Assistant and the Executive Liaison to the County Executive.
• Writer and Media Relations Coordinator - Responsible for administrative support work performing tasks in support of Public Information through social media and Howard County Government websites

World Aids Day

World AIDS Day was an excellent time for us to rededicate ourselves to the fight against the HIV epidemic, support those living with HIV, and honor those who we have lost. AIDS remains a crisis and threat for many, including our neighbors, friends, and loved ones. The George Howard Building shined in bright red in honor of World Aids Day.

To learn more about HIV/AIDS and continue fighting the stigma that remains a reality for those who live with it, find resources available in Howard County here.

Fueling Our Dragons

The Campus Food Pantry at Howard Community College serves students and families facing food insecurity. It's part of the Fueling Dragons program at the college, which includes meal kits, fresh food from the campus garden, and cooking classes. Established in 2016, the food pantry saw about 500 student visits just last month.

I worked with HCC President Dr. Daria Willis and Fueling Dragons Coordinator Tiffany Holtzman to prepare delicious and nutritious meals that students can pick up, starting each Tuesday. This program helps students stay focused on their education and their families, instead of where their next meal will come from. 

Although Giving Tuesday may be over, help replenish their pantry shelves by dropping off non-perishable food and personal care items at donation bins located outside of the Clark Library (parking lot A1), inside Academic Commons by the food pantry entrance, inside the Hickory Ridge Building, and inside the Rouse Company Foundation Student Services Hall by the Welcome Center. Financial donations are also accepted here.

Helping The Most Vulnerable

For nearly 45 years, Hopeworks of Howard County has served the most vulnerable in our community, those escaping situations of domestic and sexual violence. In 2022, HopeWorks served more than 3,600 residents, provided over 3,200 nights in emergency shelter and provided nearly 1,300 hours of counseling services for children and families. They also provides a 24/7 helpline and legal advocacy and representation to provide safety and security for our neighbors facing abusive and dangerous situations. 

I recently met with the new Executive Director of HopeWorks, Ngozi Obineme, and dropped off critical supplies for their pantry and families in need. Ngozi comes to Howard County with more than a decade’s worth of experience in violence intervention and prevention as well as program management within non-profits, government and law enforcement. Her leadership will continue to help survivors emerge from crisis and find hope.

Whether purchasing gift cards or donating nonperishable food, diapers or hygiene products to their pantry, please join HopeWorks as they continue to build a safer and stronger community for all here.

Support Our Local Food Bank

The Howard County Food Bank needs your help to re-stock its shelves after the Thanksgiving holiday. Last year, the Community Action Council of Howard County distributed nearly one million meals to our neighbors in need and you can help them provide even more! I'm pleased to join CAC President Tracy Broccolino to encourage residents to support our local Food Bank. 

Beyond Giving Tuesday, please remember to support the organizations that provide a safety net for our community.

Tips for Caregivers to Help Ease the Stress of the Holidays

Although tis the season for celebration and spending time with family and friends, the holidays can be a stressful time for family caregivers. 

To help make your family gatherings more enjoyable for you and the loved ones in your care, our Department of Community Resources & Services’ (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence’s (OAI) Caregiver Support Program is offering up these helpful tips:

• Organize holiday events around your routine. Keep to your regular schedules for eating, sleeping, bathing and dressing as much as possible. 
• Plan extra activities, short trips and outings during the time of the day that is best for you and your loved one. 
• To limit fatigue and stress for you and your loved one, set limits and boundaries, and save your energy for what is most important. 
• Keep gatherings small. If you attend a large event with your loved one, try to find a quiet area to reduce stimulation. 
• Start new traditions for you and your loved one. Keep in mind, you are not letting others down and it’s okay to pass the responsibility on to someone else. 
• Ask for help from others. If you always planned or hosted an event, invite others to step up and share their ideas.  

For more information and assistance, or to schedule a free Care Talk appointment at one of our 50+ Centers, please contact our Caregiver Specialist Earnestine Thomas at ethomas@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-5969 (voice/relay) today.

Beware of Holiday Scams

DCRS’ Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is once again warning residents that scammers are out in full force this holiday season, especially online. Residents should be on the alert for both phishing and smishing scams, which can be disguised as false delivery notices, fraudulent gift card offers and bogus discounts at popular retailers.

When shopping online, make sure you track your shipments to make sure you or someone in your family is home when they arrive. Or, as our Howard County Police Department recommends, if you won’t be home, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take the package inside until you get home, or use an alternative delivery option like Amazon lockers. These steps can help prevent you from falling victim to porch pirates and mail marauders. 

Also, when shopping online, be sure to research new-to-you online retailers before making a purchase. Search the business name with the term’s “scam” or “complaint.” And NEVER wire money or use pre-paid gift cards or payment apps with unknown sellers.

If you are purchasing gift cards this holiday, make sure the gift card you are purchasing has not been tampered with in an attempt to steal the access codes and PIN. Criminals can drain gift cards before you have had a chance to give them as gifts. 

Finally, if you are planning a charitable donation this holiday season, make sure the charity's exact name is licensed with the Maryland Secretary of State, and research them using Give.org, GuideStar, Charity Navigator or Charity Watch. Fake charities and scam Political Action Committees (also known as PACs) use names that may sound like well-known charities but are not.

For more information or assistance with a consumer protection issue, please contact OCP at 410-313-6420, email consumer@howardcountymd.gov or visit the office online.

Read the December 50+ Connection

In this month’s 50+ Connection, readers will find tips on how to cope with grief during the holidays, where to turn for mental health assistance, upcoming holiday events at our 50+ Centers and more. To sign-up to receive this monthly publication put together by OAI directly to your inbox, click HERE.

For past 50+ Connection monthly issues or other publications issued by OAI, click HERE.

Shop Small this Holiday Season!

Shop small this holiday season by checking out the holiday craft show at our Ellicott City 50+ Center this Friday, December 9^th. Open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., come shop for handcrafted items and holiday decorations created by our 50+ center members and community artisans. Admission to the event is $1.00, with proceeds benefiting the Small Miracles Cat and Dog Rescue in Ellicott City.

For questions and/or more information, please contact the Ellicott City 50+ Center at 410-313-1400 or email ellicottcity50@howardcountymd.gov.

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

Give the gift of diapers this season through our Virtual Diaper Drive. Hosted by DCRS’ Offices of Children and Families (OCF) and the Community Action Council of Howard County, Inc., this project provides free diapers and wipes to low-income Howard County families so they don't have to make those difficult choices.

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

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

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.

Help Train a Firefighter by Donating Your Unwanted Car

If you are looking to get rid of an unwanted car, DFRS would love to take it off your hands. DFRS is currently seeking donations of unwanted cars to help its personnel train and prepare for incidents involving motor vehicles. If you have a vehicle you would like to donate, email cardonations@howardcountymd.gov today and be sure to include the location of the vehicle and contact number.

In addition to providing an invaluable training opportunity for our firefighters, your vehicle donation is tax deductible and even better, if you live in county (or within a reasonable distance), HCDFRS will tow your vehicle away for free.

Howard County Health Department

Tobacco/Vaping, Diabetes and Chronic Disease Prevention Grants Awarded

As it announced this past Thursday, the Howard County Health Department (HCHD) has awarded five local organizations nearly $50,000 in grants through the Local Health Department (LHD) Tobacco, Diabetes and Chronic Disease Prevention and Management Initiatives Grant. This grant is a new joint initiative from the Maryland Department of Health to advance health equity by identifying and eliminating tobacco, diabetes and chronic disease related inequities and disparities. This grant initiative provides LHDs with increased capacity to integrate tobacco, diabetes, and chronic disease activities, while also incorporating youth engagement and community partnership strategies. These new funds will enhance existing tobacco control, diabetes, and chronic disease programs to support systems change, as well as community projects in places where residents live, work, learn, play and worship.

Have You Gotten Your Flu Shot Yet?

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

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

Office of Human Resources

Public Members Sought for Personnel Board

Our Personnel Board serves an important role to help ensure a high-quality workforce, equity and fairness. Comprise of five members, Board member are responsible for reviewing changes to the County’s Classification and Pay Plans; reviewing rules prepared by the Personnel Officer that provide for the appointment, promotion, demotion and separation of employees on the basis of merit; and more. If you are interested in becoming a part of our Personnel Board, I encourage you to apply today! Please note, the deadline to apply is this Friday, December 9^th.

Office of Human Rights

MLK Pop-Up Pantry

If you or someone you know is in need of fresh produce and non-perishables, I encourage you to stop by the Ridgely Run Community Center in Jessup on from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, December 12^th for a pop-up food pantry. Hosted by the Howard County Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission and the Harriet Tubman Foundation of Howard County, this pop-up food pantry is open to all. Registration is not required to attend.

For those interested in volunteering to help with food distribution, the Commission and Foundation ask that you please arrive by 8:30 a.m. on December 12^th.

For questions and/or more information about this event, please call 443-386-0405 or 443-280-1935.

Kwanzaa Celebration

Habari Gani? I invite all to join our Office of Human Rights & Equity’s (OHRE), Department of Recreation & Parks and myself on Wednesday, December 28^th for the County’s annual Kwanzaa Celebration at our new Harriet Tubman Cultural Center. Through inspirational presentations and musical performances, OHRE will explore the creativity, self-determination and faith within Black and African American communities, as we celebrate African American culture and the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

While the Kwanzaa program will begin at 6:00 p.m., doors will open at 5:30 p.m. to allow attendees the opportunity to tour the new Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, support local vendors and give children a chance to explore the Kwanzaa themed kid’s corner. A reception will follow the program from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

To register for the celebration, click HERE.

Department of Planning and Zoning

Design Advisory Panel

This Wednesday, December 7^th, our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Design Advisory Panel (DAP) will hold a virtual meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. to hear the following item:

• Review of Plan No. 22-22 Pine Orchard Liquors, Ellicott City Public Storage, 3487 Chevrolet Drive

To register in advance to participate in this meeting, click HERE. If you only want to listen to the meeting, call 1-650-479-3207 at the meeting time. When prompted, enter 2307 876 2023 as the event access code.

The DAP process encourages excellence in project architecture and site design to improve design compatibility with surrounding development, to promote revitalization and to enhance property values. To see which properties may be subject to DAP review, please check out DPZ’s DAP interactive map. Finally, for DAP’s Rules of Procedure, click HERE.

For questions and/or more information about DAP, contact the DPZ at 410-313-2350 or email dap@howardcountymd.gov.

HoCo By Design Release General Plan Draft for Public Review

As announced on Thursday, 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

Preventing Package Theft this Holiday Season

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

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

Department of Public Works Bureau of Environmental Services

Alpha Ridge Landfill Transfer Station Closure

Starting next Monday, December 12^th and running 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.

Harvest Heap Recap

Once again, thank you to all who participating in our Harvest Heap pumpkin collection program. With your help, we were able to divert more than 8,000 pounds of pumpkins from our landfill, turning them into our HoCoGro Compost instead. Thank you for another successful Harvest Heap!

Remember, pumpkins and other food scraps can always be dropped off at ARL’s Residents' Convenience Center or by joining our Feed The Green Bin food scrap program (open to eligible households), you can have your pumpkins and other food scraps collected curbside all year round.

Save Those Seeds!

Whether you’re a novice or avid gardener, I invite all to join in Howard County’s very first “Seed Share” event on Saturday, January 21^st at the Howard County Library System’s Miller branch. A seed exchange offers a great opportunity for attendees to learn more about gardening, while acquiring new varieties, saving money and reducing seed waste. Seed donations are encouraged but not required.

While all are welcome, advance registration is preferred. Stay tuned to the event website as registration is set to open Wednesday, December 21^st at 10:00 a.m.

Curbside Recycling 101

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



To learn more about the County’s curbside recycling collection program, click HERE or contact our Bureau of Environmental Services at 410-313-6444 or email help@howardcountyrecycles.org.

Department of Public Works Construction Report

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

Woodstock

• Underground Fire Suppression Tank (Capital Project F-5972) – Project to install 30,000-gallon fire suppression tank adjacent to the1900 block of Woodstock Road. The project is not expected to impact the flow of traffic in the area and weather permitting, is expected to be completed by late January 2023.

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.

Registration Now Open for 2023 Winter Activity Guide

Online, in-person, mail-in and over-the-phone registration is now open our Department of Recreation & Parks 2023 Winter Activity Guide. With a wide range of programs, activities, classes and sports, there is something for everyone to keep those winter blues away!

Online registration for non-Howard County residents begins this Wednesday, December 7^th at 6:00 p.m., with all other methods of registration (phone, walk-in, mail and fax) available the next day.

Time to Play Reindeer Games 

Recreation & Parks’ Reindeer Games is back! Join us this Friday, December 9^th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at our new Harriet Tubman Cultural Center for this family fun event featuring holiday-themed games, arts and crafts, music and more. This event is geared toward children between the age of six and 11 years old. Cost is $5 per child. Participants are encourages to bring a canned food donation to be entered into a raffle; all contributions will be donated to a local food bank. 

To learn more about this event and/or to register, click HERE.

Climbing with Santa  

Join Santa on Friday, December 23^rd from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. at our Roger Carter Community Center as he gets in his final workout before the big day! Children ages five to 10 can rotate through stations, including photos with Olaf and the Grinch, a holiday craft, snacks/hot cocoa and a chance to hang out with Santa on the center’s climbing wall. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own camera to take pictures.

As space is limited, those interested in attending are encouraged to visit www.tinyurl.com/ClimbWithSanta today to reserve their entry time slot. Cost is $7 per participant, which is due at check-in on site. Please note, adult supervision is required to attend and parent/guardian must remain with their child at all times.

Take Part in a Holiday Scavenger Hunt 

Who’s ready for a holiday-themed scavenger hunt? Gather a team of two to six adults and join Recreation & Parks for its take on CBS’s hit TV show, The Amazing Race.

Each team will be given a list of items to find and some challenging tasks to complete within a specified time frame. Participants will need internet access, file-sharing knowledge, transportation, a digital camera and some bravery to participate.

Teams must register HERE by noon on Friday, December 16^th to receive their instructions by 7:00 p.m. that evening. Registration and entry fee ($10) is required for each team member. Team entries must be submitted by midnight the following Sunday.

Office of Transportation

Transportation in Historic Town Centers Study Open House

This Thursday, December 8^th, our Office of Transportation, together with Baltimore County Government and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), will host an open house event regarding BMC’s study on transportation issues in historic Ellicott City and Oella. Residents and business owners are invited to join us from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at our Roger Carter Community Center, to help shape the future of transportation in these historic town centers.

BMC, on behalf of the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board, Howard County and Baltimore County, is conducting a multimodal transportation study for Ellicott City in Howard County and Oella in Baltimore County to address parking, wayfinding and multimodal access. The report will include best practices for implementing projects in other historic town centers in our Baltimore region.

In addition to the Thursday’s meeting, the public can also submit feedback to BMC during its public comment period, open now through December 22^nd. To learn more, including the multiple methods to provide public comment, click HERE.

Transit Development Plan Update Kickoff Meeting

Join Transportation and our Multimodal Transportation Board next Tuesday, December 13^th at 7:00 p.m. for a virtual meeting to learn more about our Transit Development Plan (TDP) update. TDP is a short-term plan – typically a five-year period, that guides transit system development. The update process includes reviewing and analyzing existing services, performance and the fleet, as well as population and land use profile. Opportunities for the public to provide comment will include surveys, interviews and public meetings.

For more information on the process, future meeting dates and previous plans, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/transportation/howard-county-transit-development-plan.

Public Feedback Sought on Pilot Shared Electric Scooter Program

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