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Dear Friends,
Many of our residents are still struggling to recover from the effects of the pandemic. Higher rents and rising food prices are leading to tough choices for our neighbors who have limited income households.
Last week, I announced an additional round of $1.3 million in transformational funding to support residents struggling to pay rent due to loss of income or illness during the pandemic and facing eviction. Funding for rental assistance and eviction prevention to avoid homelessness were consistent themes in the last two needs hearings led by the County’s Department of Housing and Community Development earlier this year.
These funds will help those individuals and families clear back rent and maintain their housing. Applications are now being accepted and the online portal will close on March 10th at 4:00 p.m.
For more information and to apply, please click here.
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Recognizing Our Trailblazers
As we celebrate Women's History Month, we reflect on the historical and modern day contributions of phenomenal women. Every day our mothers, sisters, friends, and colleagues are making a difference in our world.
As we continue as a country to defend and promote the rights of all women, may we remember that this support will come in many forms and encompass the care of women of all orientations, races, religions, and classes. Every day we have a chance to recognize women’s triumphs, but in this month especially, please join me in doing so.
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Acknowledging Our Struggles
I enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate Black History Month with Governor Wes Moore, the First Lady, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller and community leaders from across our state. Under a powerful portrait of Frederick Douglass, a former slave in Maryland turned national Abolitionist leader, we acknowledged the historic struggles our community has faced, but most importantly the triumphant progress we have made, as we create an even better future for all.
Together, many of us have dedicated our lives to serving others and in the words of Frederick Douglass, “For no man who lives at all lives unto himself. He either helps or hinders all who are in anywise connected to him.” May we all continue to help those around us, by creating a better quality of life for all.
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Residents' Budget Hearing
As we continue to develop our FY24 budget, we want to ensure it will be a reflection of our shared values and priorities. This hearing provides an important opportunity for our residents to offer input and make their voices heard.
As we continue our recovery from the pandemic and combat the effects of inflation, we must continue to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars while advancing the programs that provide the best possible quality of life for all.
Residents can sign-up ONLINE to speak at the hearing here.
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A Treasured Piece of History
On the last day of Black History Month, I had the pleasure to join our community to re-open the Howard County Center of African American Culture. As we recognize our Black History, it was humbling to celebrate our past, present, and the future of this outstanding cultural heritage site.
The museum was founded in 1987 by the late Mrs. Wylene Sims Burch, and continues to be a source of learning, dedication, and advancement today. Thank you, Dr. Everlene Cunningham and Mr. Nat Alston for your leadership and the board as you have rebuilt this treasured piece of Howard County History.
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A Purim Palooza
It was a joy to stop by the 31st Annual Purim Palooza at the Meeting House in Oakland Mills! This event was an amazing celebration of our community members from all over Howard County, offering an amazing opportunity to network with local organizations and enjoy a variety of vendors. It was so great to see the creative costumes, face paintings, and more. Thank you to Jewish Federation of Howard County for putting together this incredible event!
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Progress on Roslyn Rise
Take a look at the Roslyn Rise project progressing in Wilde Lake! The project, when completed, will be comprised of two large buildings that will make up a multi-family community, encompassing 152 mixed-income units ranging from one to four bedrooms.
In Howard County, the majority of low-income renters are spending more than 30% of their income on housing. The project will provide affordable housing options and on-site amenities to its residents. These amenities will include a tot-lot, a laundry room, a free after-school program, and 24 hour emergency maintenance. We are proud to support this development with critically needed tax incentives that enable it to move forward.
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A Divine Conversation
I had a wonderful time meeting with the Divine ladies of the Columbia (MD) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc’s Social Action Committee. Throughout the year, the Deltas support our community through various events, providing scholarships, or ensuring residents have access to vital information.
Our robust conversation regarding supporting our older adults, prioritizing public safety, and ensuring our community members are and feel empowered is a testament to our ongoing commitment to ensure Howard County remains the best place to live, work, play, and grow. I look forward to our continued partnership in the years ahead!
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Remembering Our History
It was so great to be back in person after three years for the Howard County History Day Competition. This year, there were over 180 submissions from over 250 students. Whether it was telling the story of women spies or an analysis of the makings of boy bands, our students truly highlighted our Frontiers in History. This competition was a reminder of the dedication and tenacity of our students, their families, and our educators to ensure our students can reach success.
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Performing Little Miracles
Since 2018, Respite Retreats has provided retreats to cancer patients, caregivers, and family members to encourage healthy living for all. In 2019, Respite Retreats received an Innovation Grant award for their ongoing selfless and inspiring work. I was so thrilled to join them for the grand opening of their new facility. It truly was a celebration of the next chapter for this organization as it continues to perform little miracles for patients.
Congratulations Wendy and the entire team! Thank you for all you do for families during some of their most challenging moments and I wish you ongoing success. Learn more about them here.
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The Places You'll Go
The more that you read, the more things you will know.
The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go!
Last week, we celebrated Dr. Seuss’ impact on growing readers on his birthday and National Read Across America day. We are so fortunate to have amazing educators and incredible students who are engaged readers. From Dr. Seuss to Edgar Allen Poe, our engaged readers, young and young-at-heart, are traveling to magical places from the comfort of their own home. Whether it’s with one fish and two fish or with Thing 1 and Thing 2, you can never go wrong with re-reading a classic Dr. Seuss book.
Let’s encourage reading amongst our students and ensure that there’s more places for them to go!
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The Bold Brotherhood
Last week, we honored the 48th anniversary of the chartering of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Howard County, MD. This organization serves as an extension and reaffirmation of our commitment to Brotherhood and service beyond our college days!
Our journey began in November 1974 when Brothers formed a search committee to bring together Alpha Men from Howard County. We are proud to celebrate this 48th anniversary , and the thirty-four visionary Alpha Men, to include our very own Dr. C. Vernon Gray, who on March 1, 1975 officially established Kappa Phi Lambda! We continue to honor their legacy with pride as we look forward to continuing our mission of service to all mankind!
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Advocating For Our Children
Statewide, the Blueprint for Maryland’s’ Future is a driving force, making significant and lasting changes that will create a transformational and high-quality education system. Local leaders from across our state agree that funding and expanding opportunities for all our children is paramount. We know that many life outcomes and upward mobility are inextricably tied to access to educational resources.
It was a pleasure to join my colleagues on the Maryland Association of Counties Board to advocate for our children in front of the Maryland State Board of Education. Watch more in this WBAL-TV article.
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Our Strongest Hearts
Rare Disease Day is a day to raise awareness of the over 7,000 rare diseases that impact over 300 million people globally. Founded in 2022, Strongest Hearts Foundation aims to fund research, education, and family support for rare and serious forms of Muscular Dystrophy. It was an honor to declare February 28, 2023 Rare Disease Day in Howard County with Ryan, Tania, Sofia, and Jack who founded this important foundation.
Through our work together, we will ensure all our residents receive the support needed to live their best lives.
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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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Department of Community Resources and Services | |
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Learning How to Protect Yourself from Scams this National Consumer Protection Week
This National Consumer Protection Week, our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) has partnered with the Wilde Lake Community Association (WLCA) to host SCAMO! Geared towards older adults and presented in a BINGO format, SCAMO is a fun way to learn tips on how to avoid and protect yourself from common scams and learn more about trending fraudulent practices. The fun will take place this Wednesday, March 8th from 10:00 to 11: 00 a.m. at WLCA’s Slayton House, located at 10400 Cross Rox Lane in Columbia. Registration is required to participate. To register, click HERE or contact OCP at 410-313-6420 for more information.
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The Path Home Progress Report 2022 Now Available
DCRS’s Office of Community Partnership’s Coalition to End Homelessness’ “The Path Home Progress Report 2022” is now available online. This report highlighters the efforts of Coalition and its community partners during the 2022 calendar year to make homelessness rare, brief and a one-time experience.
Comprised of 23 members representing Howard County Government, Howard County Public School System, non-profit agencies, the business
and faith communities, citizen advocates and individuals with lived experience, the Coalition strives to create a system of housing and care that responds to the needs of homeless individuals and families in Howard County.
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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. Please note, the FSC is not a child care center.
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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Department of Housing and Community Development | |
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Grant Funding Public Hearings and Public Comment Period this March
This month, our Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will be hosting two public hearings regarding grant funding.
The first public hearing will take place next 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.
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.
Also on March 15th, DHCD will also hold a public hearing to obtain public comments regarding the development of the FFY2023 Annual Action Plan (AAP) Draft and proposed Budget. The AAP is the County’s yearly application for funding under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and the Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the CDBG and HOME programs provide funds for a variety of housing and community development activities that principally benefit low and moderate-income residents. The FFY2023 AAP is the fourth under the approved five-year Consolidated Plan. The hearing will take place on the 15th at 6:00 p.m. in Conference Room 211 at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia.
In addition to the March 15th public hearing, residents can also submit comment now through 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, March 22nd. Written comments must be directed to DHCD Director Kelly Cimino via email kcimino@howardcountymd.gov, to DHCD Community Planning and Grants Chief Elizabeth Meadows at emeadows@howardcountymd.gov or mailed to Ms. Cimino or Ms. Meadows at DHCD, 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia, MD 21046.
Efforts will be made for both meetings 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.
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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Office of Human Rights and Equity | |
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Members and Student Member Sought for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission
As I announced this past week, we are seeking applicants and student applicants interested in serving on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission. Member’s serve three-year terms, while student members – who are non-voting members, serve a one-year term from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Commission members are responsible for encouraging and coordinating appropriate activities and ceremonies throughout Howard County to honor the birthday, ideals and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Commission also aids local government and private organizations with respect to the observance of the holiday honoring the birthday of the late Dr. King.
To learn more about this Commission, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, click HERE. Please note, the deadline to apply is this Friday, March 10th.
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LGBTQIA+ Commission Meeting
Our Office of Human Rights and Equity’s (OHRE) newly established LGBTQIA+ Commission will be holding its next meeting, in-person, this Thursday, March 9th at 6:30 p.m. in Room 211 at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. The Commission will welcome Jeremy Browning, Administrative Director to the Maryland Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, as its guest speaker. To view the agenda for this Thursday’s meeting, click HERE.
For questions about how to support the LGBTQIA+ Commission or if you would like to attend the Commission’s in-person meeting this Thursday, email lgbtqia@howardcountymd.gov.
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MLK Pop Up Pantry
If you or someone you know is in need of fresh produce and/or non-perishable food items, I encourage you to stop by the Ridgely Run Community Center in Jessup from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. next Monday, March 13th 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 the 13th.
For questions and/or more information about this event, please call 443-386-0405 or 443-280-1935.
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Reading Human Rights
Reading Human Rights is an award-winning monthly book discussion group hosted by OHRE and Howard County Library System (HCLS) that encourages literary exploration and community dialogue around a variety of human rights concerns. It explores works of fiction and non-fiction to teach community members the various ways individuals, cultures and communities celebrate their identities and combat injustice.
For its March book discussion – to be held in person at HCLS Miller branch in Ellicott City on Tuesday, March 21st at 6:30 p.m., OHRE and HCLS will discuss Valarie Kaur’s See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love. A Sikh civil rights activist, lawyer, filmmaker, innovator and founder of the Revolutionary Love Project, Kaur takes readers through her own journey as a brown girl growing up Sikh in California post-9/11. See No Stranger helps readers imagine new ways of being with each other and with ourselves, so that together we can begin to build the world we want to see.
To secure your seat for this month’s event, click HERE today to register.
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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 this 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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Design Advisory Panel Meeting
This Wednesday, March 8th, DPZ’s Design Advisory Panel (DAP) will hold a virtual meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. to hear the following item:
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Review of Plan No. 23-08 – Popeyes, located at 12268 Clarksville Pike in Clarksville
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 2300 170 4618 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. You can use DPZ’s DAP interactive map to see which properties may be subject to DAP review. 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.
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Join Howard County Police Department, Apply Today!
Interested in joining the ranks of Howard County Police Department (HCPD)? HCPD is currently recruiting lateral and entry-level officers with laterals able to test on their own personal schedules for a spring class and entry-level applicants who test by Saturday, April 1st, can be fast-tracked into HCPD's June academy!
To learn more about HCPD's application process, qualifications, pay and benefits (including a $10,000 hiring bonus), click HERE. To subscribe to receive text updates about testing dates and the hiring process, as well as the option to text with an HCPD recruiter, visit https://slkt.io/Xq8w today.
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Auto Theft Prevention Tips
As part of an ongoing national trend occurring across the United States, 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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Department of Public Works | |
Bureau of Environmental Services | |
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Yard Trim Collection to Resume April 3rd
Our Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Bureau of Environmental Services new curbside yard trim collection program season will begin Monday, April 3rd. Until the season reopens on the 3rd, residents can drop their yard trim off at the County’s Alpha Ridge Landfill’s Wood Waste Area (open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) to be recycled into compost or set it out on their trash day for trash collection.
County residents who reside in a Feed The Green Bin area are reminded that they receive year-round yard trim collection with your food scrap collection.
For questions and/or more information about the County’s curbside trash, recycling, food scrap and yard trim collection programs, please contact DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services at 410-313-6444 or email help@howardcountyrecycles.org.
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GreenFest is Back for its 16th Year
Mark your calendars and be sure to join our Bureau of Environmental Services and Office of Community Sustainability on Saturday, April 15th for the County’s 16th annual GreenFest celebration at Howard Community College’s Science, Engineering and Technology Building. This year’s event will feature a compost bin demonstration and giveaways, native plant sale, recognition of this year’s Green awards winners, used sports equipment collection workshops and much more.
The event will also feature the County’s first County-sponsored document shredding event of 2023, held rain or shine in parking lot A from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (OR UNTIL the trucks are full). County residents may bring up to three bags or boxes of paper to be shredded and are asked to ONLY bring items that contain personal information. Junk mail, catalogs and office paper should be recycled with your curbside recycling collection.
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Let’s Learn the Basics of Backyard Composting
Our Bureau of Environmental Services invites you to come learn the basics of backyard composting with the Howard County Master Gardeners. Participants will learn how to feed their garden organically, recycle kitchen scraps and yard trim and improve their soil's health. Participants will also received a FREE backyard composting bin for participating in this program. For a list of 2023 Backyard Composting classes, click HERE.
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Know Before You Throw – Mulch
Mulch is a great material for weed suppression and water retention. By adding mulch to your garden, you can improve the soil and your plant's root systems. If you added layers of mulch in preparation for winter and are wondering to do with your old mulch … reuse it! Unless your plants experienced any disease issues last year, that mulch is perfectly usable this spring. When applying compost, simply rake the old mulch to the side and then put it back on top. For best practices, check out the Master Gardener's guide to mulching trees and shrubs. If you have an excess of mulch, consider offering it to your neighbors.
Remember, mulch is not acceptable in curbside yard trim collection.
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Department of Public Works Construction Report | |
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Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance project(s) that have been announced.
Jessup
To learn about Department of Public Works (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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Wine in the Woods Tickets are NOW on Sale!
Tickets for Recreation & Parks’ 2023 Wine in the Woods are NOW on sale!. Set to return to Symphony Woods this May, the year’s two day event (May 20th and May 21st) will feature a bigger and better Explorer Village. This year’s Maryland Wine Explored Village area features a curated selection of Maryland-grown wines and 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 (please note, there are a limited number of these tickets available), 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 tickets, visit www.wineinthewoods.com.
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Spring/Summer Activity Guide Now Online
All methods of registration for Recreation & Parks’ 2023 Spring/Summer Activity Guide is NOW OEPN for Howard County residents. 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 this spring and summer.
For non-Howard County residents, online registration begins this Wednesday, March 8th at 6:00 p.m., with all other registration methods beginning the following morning.
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Kid’s Fest
Mark your calendars and come experience all that our Department of Recreation & 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 this 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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Now Hiring!
If you are or someone you know is looking for a job or interested in a career change, I encourage you to check out our Recreation & Parks’ current full-time job opportunities (click the link/title below for more information and to apply):
All Recreation & Parks job listings can be found HERE.
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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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