Dear Friends,

The Loan Closet is one of our most NEEDED and FREQUENTED resources in Howard County. More than 21,000 residents have utilized the Loan Closet – that’s an average of supporting 267 people per month.

Over the past 5 years, our Loan Closet has seen 112% increase of residents served. In Spring 2022, we announced TWO new partnerships to make it easier for our residents to access vital medical equipment.

First, we partnered with the Maryland Department of Aging to make complex medical devices like hospital beds, specialized mattresses, and power mobility devices, available here in Howard County. This will make Howard County a REGIONAL HUB for durable medical equipment, and make it more ACCESSIBLE to our residents, and those of neighboring counties.

Second, we partnered with the ever-incredible Neighbor Ride to offer equipment deliveries to clients. No matter your age or ability, you can have access to FREE medical equipment delivered right to your door.

Residents from across Maryland can now browse online for what they need and visit our Loan Closet for free durable medical equipment. The Loan Closet is located at 7125 Riverwood Drive, Suite D1 in Columbia, MD 21046. Appointments are required for all services; call 410-313-0363 (voice/relay) to discuss your needs.

Appreciating Our Businesses

Our Annual Business Appreciation Week is the perfect time to recognize the efforts of our local, small businesses across the county. I was excited to meet with nearly 40 local, small businesses.

From expanding by 500 employees to engaging in powerful dialogues with our community, each of these businesses positively contribute to our vibrant economy. We’re home to more than 10,000 small businesses, and I encourage you to please continue supporting our local, small businesses!

Find all the pictures from our visits here. 

More Affordable Prescription Drugs for All

In Howard County, we've advocated for years to help bring down the costs of prescription drugs and make healthcare more affordable. I was glad to host the first state-wide community forum on Prescription Drug Affordability. The forum focused on educating the public about the Board, gathering input from consumers around the state, and elevating patient stories.

The Maryland General Assembly established the Prescription Drug Affordability Board in 2019, the first such board of its kind in the nation. The Board has the authority to examine the high cost of prescription drugs and ascertain how to make these costs more affordable for Marylanders, beginning with procedures to make high-cost drugs more affordable for state and local governments.

Read more here. 

A House of Friends

I was honored to join Rabbi Kim Blumenthal, Congressman John Sarbanes, Senator Guy Guzzone, Senator Clarence Lam, Delegate Jessica Feldmark, Jewish Federation of Howard County Executive Director Joel Frankel, and the entire Bet Chaverim congregation for the building dedication and mezuzah ceremony for their new, permanent home in Columbia.

The ceremony was not just about dedicating a beautiful new space, but also celebrating the growth of this congregation and the strength of our Jewish community. 

Congratulations to all the members of Bet Chaverim!

Remembering Rev. Wright

Since 1903, First Baptist Church of Guilford has offered spiritual guidance through good times and challenges. Reverend Dr. John Louis Wright was an activist fighting tirelessly for equality and justice for all. He served as the president of the Maryland and Howard County branches of the NAACP, in addition to serving the First Baptist Church of Guilford for nearly 40 years. 

It was an honor to join our community members to dedicate the Fellowship Hall to his name. I’m certain that the new Reverend Dr. John Louis Wright Fellowship Hall will continue to serve as a space to continue upon the legacy which he has left behind.

Dancing to the Music on Main

It was a beautiful day in Old Ellicott City for Main Street Music Festival! Now in its 9th year, Music Fest is always a great day to visit Historic Ellicott City, enjoy some music, and support our small businesses. Ellicott City is home to dozens of shops, service providers, and restaurants, like Georgia Grace Cafe who reopened today in a new location!

We are so grateful to have such a successful and thriving historic town and will continue to support all the residents and business owners to ensure success for another 250 years and beyond!

Serve with PRIDE/Servir a nuestra comunidad

Howard County is a model for other communities around our nation on how to uplift all our residents, and how to be inclusive and welcoming to everyone. Today, I issued a final call for nominations for individuals interested in serving on the County's LGBTQIA+ and La Alinza Latina Commissions. 

These new commissions will serve, support, and affirm our LGBTQIA+ and Latino communities, respectively, and will not only provide a seat at the table but access to help ensure the best quality of life for all.

I encourage all interested persons to apply today here. 

Become a Mental Health Community Ambassador 

Interested in becoming a Mental Health Community Ambassador?

This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, I invite you to join us for our upcoming Community Ambassador training which will tackle this pertinent issue. Through this session, become equipped with information on the 988 hotline, reducing stigma, and suicide prevention resources for students and families. 

Register today here.

Grand Marshal, Sponsors and Participants Sought for Howard County’s Annual Veterans Day Parade

I, along with the County’s Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office of Veterans and Military Families (OVMF) and parade coordinators, are seeking nominations for the position of Grand Marshal for Howard County’s 8^th Annual Veterans Day Parade, set to take place Sunday, November 13th at 9:30 a.m. in Downtown Columbia. The honorary title of Grand Marshal is bestowed upon an individual who represents the values and moral fiber of what it means to be a member of Howard County’s veteran and military family community. Past honorees include the late Vivian “Millie” Bailey, 104-year-old WWII African American veteran and community advocate, and the late Edward Lawrence “Larry” Killen, a Vietnam War Navy veteran and Army Reservist and paramedic firefighter who chaired the parade committee from 2015-2019.

In addition to Grand Marshal nominations, the Howard County Veterans Foundation is also looking for community members and groups interested in sponsoring the parade, as well as community groups interested in participating in the parade.

To learn more about this year’s parade event and how to apply, check out HERE.

Help Keep Others Warm by Donating Cold Weather Gear Today

Howard County's MultiService Center (MSC) is collecting new or gently used winter coats, gloves, mitten, and scarves in sizes infant to adult for its annual cold weather gear distribution in October. Now through October 3^rd, donations may be dropped off at MSC, located at 9900 Washington Boulevard, Suite I, in Laurel on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Volunteers are also needed to help sort and organize collected items for the distribution, which will be held on Saturday, October 22^nd from 10:00 am to noon at the North Laurel Community Center. For more information about this program or to sign-up to volunteer, call 410-313-0220. 

Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October: Attend the 2022 Commission on Disabilities Employer Awards Ceremony

Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices. To mark NDEAM, our Commission on Disabilities who host its annual Commission on Disabilities Employer Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, October 19^th at 1:00 p.m. at Belmont Manor & Historic Park in Elkridge. This awards ceremony recognizes employers whose hiring and/or accommodation practices, staff development and advancement possibilities value diversity and provide equal opportunities for employees with disabilities. This year’s ceremony guest speaker is Katie Collins-Ihrke, Executive Director of The Arc of Howard County.

All are invited to attend. To reserve your seat, please contact Erica Lewis at 410-313-6402 or email ealewis@howardcountymd.gov by October 4^th.

Protect Yourself from Scams with Help from the Office of Consumer Protection

Learn about the latest scams and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim! Join Tracy Rezvani, administrator of the Howard County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) for two informative presentations in September: "How to Safely Use Cash Apps" - think Venmo, PayPal, Zelle – at the Glenwood 50+ Center, 2400 Rt. 97 in Cooksville, on Tuesday, September 13 at 10:00 a.m. and "Sneaky Scams" at the North Laurel 50+ Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road in Laurel, on Friday, September 30 at 11:00 a.m. To attend, sign up at the centers' front desk. For more information, or assistance with a consumer issue, contact OCP at 410-313-6420 (voice/relay) or consumer@howardcountymd.gov.

Handmade with Love



If you knit or crochet, the OVMF’s initiative, Handmade with Love, needs your support. OVMF is currently collecting homemade scarves and hats to send to currently deployed military members. Scarves should be four to six inches wide by 48 to 50 inches long (no fringe), while hats should fit an adult-size head. Materials can be wool, acrylic or non-flammable fleece in subtle shades of blue, brown, olive, gray, maroon and black. Red/white/blue combinations are also acceptable.

Handmade items should be dropped off by no later than Friday, November 4^th at one of designated locations listed on the flier. Please be sure to pin a note to each scarf or hat with the yarn fiber contents listed, and feel free to include a personal note for the recipient if you would like. As you can imagine, our soldiers are deeply touched by the care and effort when they receive gifts, especially handmade items from supportive fellow Americans.

For more information, contact Lisa Terry at 410-313-0821 (voice/relay) or email veterans@howardcountymd.gov.

Office of Emergency Management

National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month and all month long our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will be providing helpful tips, tricks and facts to make sure you, your family, your business and more are prepared in case disaster strikes. So be sure to follow OEM on Facebook, Twitter and to check out their ReadyHoCo website to find out more.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

FF/HVO Larry Duhadaway Named to Firehouse Magazine’s 2021 Valor Awards List



Please join me in congratulating our Department of Fire and Rescue Services' very own Firefighter/HVO Larry Duhadaway, for being named to Firehouse Magazine’s 2021 Valor Awards list.

While off-duty last year, FF/HVO Duhadaway was in his Delaware home when he received an alert for a house fire a few blocks away. Duhadaway drove to the house and found heavy smoke conditions with fire showing from the rear of the house. He quickly learned from two children, who had managed to evacuate the home, that their grandmother was still trapped inside. With no fire department units on scene, and without hesitation, Duhadaway entered the house without any protective gear or equipment. He encountered high heat and smoke conditions, forcing him to crawl on the floor. When he spotted a pair of shoes in the hallway, he pulled the woman outside to safety, and then helped treat the patient after units arrived on scene.

Duhadaway, thank you for your bravery and commitment to always serve and protect and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.

Howard County Health Department

Underage Tobacco Enforcement Investigators Wanted

The Howard County Health Department is currently recruiting county high school students and young adults interested in working as an Underage Tobacco Enforcement Investigator. This is a paid opportunity that assists Howard County Tobacco Enforcement Officers with undercover tobacco purchases at licensed retail stores throughout Howard County.

To be eligible to participate in this program, participants must be:

• Between the ages of 17 to 20 years old;
• Have parental/guardian consent if under the age of 18;
• Be able to provide State ID with proof of age and Howard County residency; and
• Be a non-smoker.

To learn more about this program and how to apply, click HERE. 

Unleashing the Activist Within

I invite you to join our Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) tomorrow, September 20^th at 6:00 p.m. for an interactive workshop event that unpacks the history, culture and tools of activism from the early 1900s to the present and challenges participants to unleash your inner activist. During this three-hour virtual workshop, attendees will participate in various activities that will break inner barriers about engagement, teach the importance of self-care, promote insights on how to collaborate and organize for greater impact, and prioritize community engagement.

To reserve your slot, click HERE today to register.

Reading Human Rights: The Undocumented Americans

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

For its September book discussion, OHRE and HCLS will discuss Karla Cornejo Villavicencio’s novel, The Undocumented Americans. One of the first undocumented immigrants to graduate from Harvard, Karla reveals the hidden lives of her fellow undocumented Americans in this deeply personal and groundbreaking portrait of a nation.

To secure your seat for this event, set to take place Thursday, September 29^th at 6:30 p.m. at HCLS’ East Columbia branch, click HERE to register for the English session and HERE for the Spanish session.

One Maryland, One Book: A Conversation with Naima Coster

OHRE has partnered with HCLS, Maryland Humanities, Howard County Poetry and Literature Society, the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Maryland State Library to bring Naima Coster to Howard County readers as part of Naima’s One Maryland One Book tour. OHRE will sit down with Naima to talk about her book What’s Mine and Yours on Tuesday, October 4^th at 7:00 p.m. at the HCLS’ Miller branch. As space is limited, click HERE to reserve your seat.

Human Rights Commission Award Ceremony

Mark your calendars and join our Howard County Human Rights Commission on Wednesday, October 19^th at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center for its annual awards ceremony. A night to recognize individuals, students and organizations, Howard County honorees will receive the James E. Henson Sr. & Jean W. Toomer Award, the Colette Roberts Organization Award, and the Dr. Murray Simon Student Award to recognize their efforts in the area of human rights, social justice, and community uplift.

Beginning with a light reception at 6:30 p.m. the awards ceremony will begin at 7:00 p.m. Arrival at 6:15 p.m. is strongly encouraged. You can register for this event by clicking HERE.

Department of Planning and Zoning

HoCo By Design Readies to Release County in Motion Draft Chapter

As I previously shared, as part of its process to create a new General Plan, called HoCo By Design, DPZ’s HoCo By Design project team has released draft HoCo By Design planning theme chapters one at a time throughout this year for community review and feedback. The policies presented in each chapter are draft statements based on data, best practices, and community feedback DPZ has received to date. Feedback we receive from you, our community, will further be used by DPZ to refine the draft policies.

This month, DPZ’s project team will be releasing its fifth planning theme chapter – “County in Motion: Fostering Modern Mobility Choices.” This chapter highlights the need to manage and provide a safe, equitable, and fiscally sustainable transportation system for all users that is responsive to changing local, regional, and national transportation trends.

As part of its HoCo By Design process, DPZ will host two meetings this month to offer participants an opportunity to learn more about its latest draft chapter. The first meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, September 22^nd from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and the second meeting will be held in-person at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City and virtually on Wednesday, September 28^th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. To register to participate in either meeting, please click HERE. Please note, as space is limited for the in-person meeting, registration is required by noon the day before the scheduled meeting date.

For more information on DPZ’s HoCo By Design’s Draft Chapter Release: Life Outdoors, visit www.hocobydesign.com/county-in-motion, or contact DPZ’s Community Planners Kate Bolinger at kbolinger@howardcountymd.gov or Sarah Latimer at slatimer@howardcountymd.gov.

Police Department

Maryland’s Move Over Law Expands October 1^st

Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is alerting motorists that beginning October 1, 2022, Maryland's Move Over Law will be expanding to require motorists to make a lane change or slow down when approaching ANY stopped, standing or parked vehicle displaying warning signals – including hazard warning lights, road flares, or other caution signals including traffic cones, caution signs, or non-vehicular warning signs. The expanded law is in place to protect law enforcement, emergency responders and any motorist that may encounter a roadside emergency and must stop near travel lanes.

To learn more about Maryland's Move Over Law, visit the State’s Zero Deaths Maryland website.

Body Worn Cameras

In case you missed the announcement last month, all HCPD officers who regularly interact with the public are now equipped with a Body Worn Camera (BWC). To learn more about HCPD's BWC program, including answers to frequently asked questions and its BWC policy, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/police/body-worn-cameras.

Department of Public Works - Construction Report

To learn about DPW projects currently underway, click HERE. Searchable by project category and street name, from this site you’ll find additional project details, including news releases about the project. You can also contact DPW’s Customer Service Office at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov for further assistance.

If you have questions or are interested in finding out about a State road (numbered roadway) project in your area, visit the Maryland State Highway Administration’s (SHA) “Project Portal” website.

Maryland State Highway Administration

SHA Begins Project to Improve Highway Ramps

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun overnight work on a project to improve the safety and the driving surface on five highway ramps in the county. The project will remove the top layer of the roadway, repair potholes to smooth out the surface and install a new layer of asphalt on the following ramps:

• Southbound I-95 ramp to westbound MD 32;
• Southbound US 29 ramp to westbound MD 175;
• Eastbound MD 175 ramp to southbound US 29;
• Westbound MD 175 ramp to northbound US 29; and
• Westbound MD 216 (Scaggsville Road) ramp to northbound US 29.

Beginning with the southbound I-95 ramp at MD 32, crews will work overnights, from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Sunday evenings through Friday mornings. During the work, the ramps will be closed and a detour will be in place. Signs, cones and electronic arrow boards will be in place to alert motorists about the ramp closure and guide them through the work zone and detour. Weather permitting, the overall work is expected to be completed by the end of September.

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

For more information about this work, please contact SHA at 410-545-0303 or click HERE.

SHA Begins Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Project on US 1

This month, SHA will begin a project to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety and mobility at the following four key intersections along US 1 in North Laurel and Elkridge: 

• Brewers Court – installation of a new pedestrian-activated countdown crossing signal, a protected pedestrian refuge space in the median and new continental crosswalks; 
• Guilford Road – construction of a shared-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists along southbound US 1 between Guilford Road and the existing sidewalk (approximately 1,100 feet to the north), new continental crosswalks and upgraded pedestrian crossing signals;  
• Rowanberry Drive – construction of new concrete sidewalk along northbound US 1 between South Hanover Road and Old Washington Road, new continental crosswalks and upgraded pedestrian crossing signals; and  
• Doctor Patel Drive – installation of a new pedestrian-activated countdown crossing signal, a protected pedestrian refuge space in the median and new continental crosswalks.

The project will begin at the Guilford Road/US 1 intersection, during which time, motorists can expect daily off-peak single-lane closures between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Weather permitting, the entire project is expected to be completed by summer 2024.

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

This project is a priority for Howard County and is a result of a pedestrian and mobility study undertaken by the County several years ago. To learn more about this project, click HERE or contact SHA at 410-545-0303.

Rockburn Branch Park West Parking Lot Closure

The Clover Hill parking lot at the County’s Rockburn Branch Park West off Montgomery Road will be closed tomorrow, September 20^th until 4:30 p.m. in preparation for the distribution of tree's reserved during the County's annual tree giveaway on September 7th. On September 21^st, 22^nd and 24^th, the parking lot will be open to tree giveaway traffic only. This closure is only affecting the parking lot; Rockburn Branch Park Road will remain open and available to access all other amenities during these times.

Anniversary Open House 

Join our Department of Recreation & Parks as it celebrates the Robinson Nature Center’s 11^th year with an Anniversary Open House event on Sunday, September 25^th from noon to 5:00 p.m. Come see what's new, including Robinson Nature Center’s new terrapin, Play n’ Learn Garden improvements, additions to its Nature Place outdoor play area, and more. Participants of all ages will have the opportunity to meet live animals, have their arm or hand painted, see an outdoor puppet show or planetarium show (limited seating), and take part in a number of other fun activities.

As there is limited parking on-site, off-site parking with a complimentary shuttle will be available. The event is free.

To learn more about the Robinson Nature Center and all it has to offer, click HERE.

North Laurel Community Center Fall Festival 

Recreation & Parks invites you to join them for some outdoor, family fun on Saturday, October 15^th from noon to 4:00 p.m. at its North Laurel Community Center Fall Festival. This event has something for everyone, from music, games, entertainment, food trucks and more. Tickets are $2 per person ages 4 and up (children under 4 are free).

While preregistration is not required, it is encouraged; however, onsite registration will also be available. To purchase your tickets for this event and/or to learn more, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/fallfestival.

Truck or Treat 

Tickets are now on sale for the annual Recreation & Parks Truck or Treat. A “wheely fun” way to celebrate fall and community, come dressed in your favorite costume to trick-or-treat at all of the trucks, tractors, emergency vehicles and more, while meeting some of your hometown heroes. Tickets are $5 per child ages two and older (under two are free); however, please note, a limited number of tickets are available for each 75-minute time slot. To register for this Spooktacular event, click HERE. 

Office of Transportation

BikeAround Downtown Fall 2022

This September, our Office of Transportation will be participating in BikeAround Downtown and all are invited to join! The Office will help kick off the event on Saturday, September 24^th with a Block Party at Azlon Plaza in Downtown Columbia from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to make cycling a bigger part of their transportation, fitness and recreation routine.

Participants are encouraged to ride the BikeAround Downtown course to or from the Block Party. The course takes participants along the trails and pathways of Downtown Columbia and Oakland Mills, starting at Azlon Plaza, rolling around Lake Kittamaqundi and over to Oakland Mills and Blandair Regional Park, then circling back and joining the multi-use parkway to wend back to Azlon Plaza. The course will be open and marked from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the September 24^th and September 25^th.  

Registration and waiver completion are required for participation, with the first 200 registrants guaranteed a BikeAround 2022 t-shirt and other great treats.

For biking directions to Azlon Plaza, click here.

MDOT Consolidated Transportation Program

Next Thursday, September 29^th, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) will hold its annual Howard County Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) Tour Meeting to share its draft CTP at 6:00 p.m. in the County’s George Howard Building at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott Ctiy (the meeting will also be livestreamed).

The CTP is the six-year capital budget for State transportation projects and programs. During the tour meeting, MDOT will discuss projects and funding across the full range of activities in the county and the state by the Maryland Aviation Administration, Motor Vehicle Administration, Maryland Transit Administration, Maryland State Highway Administration and the Maryland Transportation Authority. The CTP is updated every year, based on local priorities expressed in the annual priority letter, local and regional planning efforts, and funding forecasts.

To review the Draft FY 2023- FY 2028 Consolidated Transportation Program and learn more, please click here. To review Howard County’s priority letter, please click here.