Make Your Plan

November 7, 2022

Dear Friends,

Tomorrow is Election Day! The polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. To ensure your entire ballot counts, you must always vote at your assigned polling place. Find your polling place here.

All mail-in ballots must be returned to a drop box location by 8:00 p.m. tomorrow, November 7th, or postmarked by November 8th.

Your vote is your voice, and it's important to make your voice heard. To find more information on voting, please click here.

Community Updates

A New Sweet Treat

There’s a sweet new cupcakery in town!

I had a great time joining Chris and Tori for the grand opening of Smallcakes in Columbia, where we unveiled a new Columbia-esque Cupcake – The White Dog. This new cupcake will be available every Saturday throughout the rest of the year, and features a special ingredient curated by Pub Dog - Columbia. As one of the Top Ten Cupcake Places to try in the country by USA Today, I wish Chris and his team ongoing success!

To learn more, please click here.

LEED-ing Natural Systems

Equitable access to parks, open spaces, and natural areas are hallmarks of the high quality of life we are grateful for in Howard County. These factors allowed us to achieve a near perfect score in the Natural Systems and Ecology section of our LEED Platinum designation by the U.S. Green Building Council. Together, we added cricket pitches and bocce courts, made our parks and playgrounds more accessible for all at Blandair Regional, Centennial, and Savage parks.

Through our collaborative efforts, we are ensuring that residents of all ages and abilities can live their best lives.

Celebrating Our Native American Heritage

As we kicked off Native American Heritage Month at the East Columbia Library, it is evident that Howard County prides itself in diversity, equity and inclusion. Through the collaboration of Ani Begay Auld who worked to bring this to fruition, Nava Be Dine, The Capital Native Nations, Rick Hunt of the Lumbee tribe shared culture and honored ancestors through Native songs, instrumental pieces, and dance with us today.

As I established Howard County’s first Indigenous People’s Day, I fondly remembered my dad who served in the Bureau of Indian Affairs and taught me the value of honoring our Native and Indigenous peoples. It is so important for all of us to continue to educate all on our inheritance as a nation.

Thank you to the Howard County Library System, Department of Recreation and Parks and the Office of Human Rights and Equity for making this festival a reality.

Aging in Place

In May 2021, we established the Aging in Place tax credit to assist our Older Adults, many of whom are on a fixed income, with their taxes. Recently, I signed legislation to expand the maximum about of qualifying assessed property, lowered the time period to 30 years, and extended the tax credit for eight years.

Together, we're ensuring Howard County is the best place to live and grow older for all.

Read more here.

Join the Board of Health

We are currently seeking a member of the general public interested in serving on the County’s Board of Health. This specific board position may have had professional or administrative training in a health occupation but shall not currently work as a health professional or have worked as a health professional in the past five years. The deadline to apply is Friday, November 18, 2022.

To learn more about this Board, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, please click here.

Government Updates

Veterans Day Closings

Closed for Veterans Day

This Friday, November 11^th, Howard County Government offices, 50+ centers, courts and animal shelter will be closed in observance of the Veterans Day holiday. There will however be regular Friday curbside trash, recycling, yard trim and food scrap collections (i.e., the County’s holiday slide schedule will NOT be in effect) and the Alpha Ridge Landfill will be open.

County parks, the Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers, Robinson Nature Center, Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum and historic sites will be open on the 11^th. The Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, Cedar Lane and Schooley Mill Park Activity Rooms, Kiwanis-Wallas Hall, and the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center will also be open, but only for scheduled programs. The Belmont Manor & Historic Park will however be closed.

The Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) will operate on a regular weekday schedule. For more information on RTA, call 1-800-270-9553 or visit www.transitrta.com. All parking regulations and fees will be in effect on Veterans Day.

The 9-1-1 Center, Police and Fire departments remain staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For emergencies, call 9-1-1. For non-emergencies, please call 410-313-2200.

County operations will resume on Monday, November 14^th, at regular business hours.

Department of Community Resources and Services

Champions of Change Conference: Cultivating Change to Advance Equity for All

With just two days left to register, there’s still time to make sure you don’t miss out on our Department of Community Resources & Services’ (DCRS) Offices of Children and Families (OCF) and Local Children’s Board “Champions of Change Conference: Cultivating Change to Advance Equity for All.” This two day conference – set to take place Friday, November 18^th and Saturday, November 19^th at Turf Valley Resort and Conference Center, will offer attendees the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and examine the interconnectedness of racial equity, mental health and trauma, social and emotional well-being and child/youth development.

The conference will kick off on the 18^th at 5:30 p.m. with a networking reception, followed by an opening address at 6:00 p.m. by author Dante King. The following day will feature a full day conference from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with 15 workshops and two keynote addresses: “Disrupting Bias to Promote Racial Equity in Early Childhood and Beyond,” by Dr. Rosemarie Allen, PhD.

The cost to participate in Friday’s opening reception and address and Saturday’s all-day conference is $75. To register, click HERE; please note, registration closes this Wednesday, November 9^th. Young adults aged 16 to 21 can attend at no charge and volunteer opportunities for service hours may be available. If interested in learning more about available volunteer opportunities, contact Kim Eisenreich.

In addition to the conference events listed above, OCF and the Local Children’s Board will also be offering a pre-conference workshop from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 18^th at the County’s new Harriet Tubman Cultural Center. This pre-conference workshop will feature a presentation by author Dante King on "Examining Whiteness, White Supremacy, and Anti-Blackness as Illness.” The cost to participate in this pre-conference workshop is $50; to register click HERE.

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

Did you know that one in three families in America struggles to afford diapers for their children? No family should have to choose between paying for food or clean diapers.

Help give local parents peace of mind this holiday season by donating today to this year’s Virtual Diaper Drive. Hosted by OCF and the Community Action Council of Howard County, Inc., this project provides free diapers and wipes to low-income 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.

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is an annual program which brings people together across America to draw attention to the issues of hunger and homelessness. I invite all county residents to join DCRS’s Office of Community Partnerships and Howard County Coalition to End Homelessness next week, November 12^th through November 20^th, as the two bring awareness to the incidence of hunger and homelessness in our community, and what’s being done to address it. Simply follow DCRS on Facebook and Twitter to learn more and share your supports as we strive to make homelessness in Howard County a rare, brief and one-time experience.

Let’s Celebrate our Veterans

I invite all to join me this Sunday, November 13^th as we honor those who have served our country during Howard County’s 8^th annual Veterans Day Parade and Celebration. Set to begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Merriweather District, the parade celebration will travel down Merriweather Drive to Little Patuxent Parkway, ending at the Columbia Lakefront.

This year’s parade Grand Marshal – a recognition 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, is Topaz Navarro. Navarro is a 27-year US Army combat veteran and mental health advocate for the military community, and a member of the Howard County Health Department’s Suicide Prevention Forum and the National Association of Mental Illness Conference panel. Navarro proudly joins the ranks of past Grand Marshal honorees, including the late Vivian “Millie” Bailey (a World War II African American veteran) and the late Edward Lawrence “Larry” Killen (a Vietnam War Navy veteran and Army Reservist).

At the post-parade ceremony, Atholton High School’s JROTC will present the colors, The Young Columbians will perform and the Columbia Art Center will provide family-friendly activities, including a card-making station for our troops.

To learn more about this year’s parade and celebration event, visit www.howardcountyveterans.org/parade.

Project Holiday, Making the Holidays Brighter for Older Adults

Each year, DCRS’ Office of Aging and Independence’s “Project Holiday” delivers holiday gifts to residents living in assisted living facilities and older adults in our community who would otherwise not receive any. In past years, the community’s generous support has made it possible for us to make the holidays a little brighter for more than 200 older adults in Howard County. With your help, we can reach even more this year.

Requested donations include: new, unopened bottles of lotion, shampoo and conditioner; lip balm; toothbrushes and toothpaste; hats, scarves, mittens and socks; and activity books (crossword puzzles, Sudoku, word searches, etc.). Donations can be dropped off at any one of our County 50+ Centers, now through December 2nd. However, if you would like to support Project Holiday through a monetary donation, please email Terri Hansen.

All donations will be sorted, wrapped and delivered to older adults in our community just in time for the holidays. I thank you in advance for your support!

Office of Emergency Management

Public Meeting to Review Hazard Mitigation Plans

Our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will hold a public meeting on Thursday, November 17^th from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the Dayton Room at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center, 2400 MD 97 in Cooksville, to gather public input and discuss the County’s All-Hazards Mitigation Plan and Flood Mitigation Plan. These plans define goals and actions that can be taken to mitigate impacts from a variety of hazards, including flooding, within the County. Every five years, the County is required to update these plans.

Staff members from OEM and County’s Department of Public Works (DPW) will be on hand to explain both plans, answer any questions, and gather public comments.

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the information and/or have questions regarding the All-Hazards Mitigation Plan should contact Ms. Lauren Chilton with OEM at 410-313-6030 or by email at emergencymanagement@howardcountymd.gov. For information and/or questions regarding the Flood Mitigation Plan, please contact Mr. Mark S. Richmond with DPW’s Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6413 or by email at stormwater@howardcountymd.gov.

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

For questions or more information about the meeting, contact Ms. Lauren Chilton, OEM, at 410-313-6030 or email emergencymanagement@howardcountymd.gov.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

Help Train a Firefighter by Donating Your Unwanted Car

If you are looking to get rid of an unwanted car, our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (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

Have You Gotten Your Flu Shot Yet?

Howard County Health Department’s (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.

Department of Planning and Zoning

Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board

Tomorrow, November 8^th, our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board will hold a hybrid meeting, in person at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City and virtually via WebEx, starting at 10:00 a.m. To pre-register to attend tomorrow’s meeting, please click HERE. Once registered, further instructions and a call-in attendee number will be provided via email. For those wishing to join the meeting via telephone only, i.e., those who only want to listen to the meeting and are not providing testimony, should call 1-650-479-3207 at the meeting time. When prompted, enter 2315 132 3620 as the event access code.

The agenda for tomorrow’s meeting can be found online.

Police Department

Preventing Package Theft this Holiday Season

With some big retailers already starting their holiday sales, 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.

C.A.T. Program is Back!

After a more than two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, HCPD’s Collision Avoidance Training (C.A.T.) program is back and ready to teach young drivers (age 16 to 20) once again how to better handle their vehicles in various situations. Developed by the National Traffic Safety Academy and adapted from law enforcement training, to participate in this one-day, defensive driving and vehicle control course, drivers must possess a valid Maryland "Class C" driver’s license (no learner's permit) and have a registered vehicle to drive during the practical exercises. Howard County residency is NOT a requirement.

While its November and December classes quickly filled, I strongly encourage parents and guardians of teen drivers to keep an eye on HCPD’s “Youth Programs” website for its 2023 C.A.T. program dates. Note, the cost to participate is $95; however, scholarship opportunities are available.

For questions and/or more information about this program, email HCPD's C.A.T. program at catprogram@howardcountymd.gov.

Coffee with a Cop

SAVE THE DATE: Come meet face-to-face with HCPD's Community Outreach Officers on Tuesday, November 15^th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Decadent, located at11710 E Market Place in Fulton, to discuss issues, ask questions and build relationships one cup of coffee (or other beverage) at a time. For more information and/or questions, contact HCPD's Community Outreach Division at 410-313-2207.

Department of Public Works

Public Meeting on Stonehouse Drive Outfall Stabilization

Our Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Stormwater Management Division will hold a public meeting on Monday, November 21^st at 7:00 p.m. in the Patapsco Room at Howard County Library System’s (HCLS) Miller branch, to present plans for a project to stabilize the stormwater outfall drainage along Stonehouse Drive in Ellicott City.

The proposed project includes repairing an eroded slope at the existing stormwater drainage outfall and constructing additional underground stormwater drainage pipes to discharge water at a stable location along the unnamed tributary to the Patapsco River.

This informal meeting will include a brief overview of the project by DPW staff and design consultant McCormick Taylor, who will remain on hand afterwards to answer any questions.

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Brian Cleary of the Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6455 or email bcleary@howardcountymd.gov.

Maple Forest Stormwater Pond Repair Project Public Meeting

The following week on Tuesday, November 29^th, DPW’s Stormwater Management Division will hold another public meeting, this time to review the proposed Maple Forest stormwater pond repair project. The proposed project will include replacement of the old metal outlet structure with a new concrete outlet structure.

The meeting will take place in the Avalon Room at HCLS’s Miller branch at 6:30 p.m. and will include an overview of the project and presentation of the proposed repair work. DPW staff, as well as representatives from the design consulting firm, will remain on hand afterwards to take comments and answer any questions.

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Bill Liu of the Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6416 or email bliu@howardcountymd.gov.

Bureau of Environmental Services

Holiday Slide Schedule Not in Effect Next Week

While Howard County Government offices will be CLOSED this Friday, November 11^th in observance of Veterans Day holiday, there will be REGULAR Friday curbside trash, recycling, yard trim and food scrap collection on the 11^th. The County’s holiday slide schedule will NOT be in effect next week as Veterans Day is not one of the six holidays that affect curbside collection. Those six holidays are New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. To learn more about the County’s holiday slide schedule, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule.

Sunken Pumpkin?

Not sure what to do with the sunken pumpkin(s) sitting on your front steps? Instead of tossing it out with your trash and sending it to rot in the landfill, I encourage residents to compost their pumpkin(s) through our Bureau of Environmental Services “Harvest Heap” program.

Now through this Friday, November 11^th, residents can drop their pumpkins off at Clark’s Elioak Farm (10500 Clarksville Pike in Ellicott City) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or at Mary's Land Farm (4979 Sheppard Lane in Ellicott City) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In addition, pumpkins (and other food scraps) are always accepted at the Alpha Ridge Landfill's Residents’ Convenience Center, open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. When at the Center, look for the Hungry Green Hippo food scrap drop-off container. Households with curbside food scrap collection can place their pumpkin(s) in their green bin.

It is estimated that Americans toss out more than one billion pounds of pumpkin with their trash each year. When left to rot in a landfill, organic materials like pumpkins let off methane gas as they decompose.

To learn more about this program, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/HarvestHeap.

Leaves, Leaves, Everywhere

As the leaves continue to fall, our Department of Public Works is reminding residents to keep the following in mind when dealing with those fallen leaves.

Do not blow or rake leaves into the roadway in hope that they will be swept up by County street sweepers. Our sweepers are NOT designed to pick up leaves as large quantities of them will clog the sweeper's filters and result in the leaves being spread over a large area. Sweeper operators will in fact avoid areas of curb containing an excessive number of leaves.

Also, while Howard County crews work hard to maintain storm drains along more than 1,000 miles of County owned roadways, there are some simple approaches residents can take to help keep our storm drains free of debris to prevent roadway flooding and harmful nutrients from reaching the Chesapeake Bay:

Rake and collect your leaves in paper bags or reusable containers for yard trim curbside collection.
Mulch your leaves with your mower; they can help nourish your lawn.
Mix your leaves with grass clippings and vegetable refuse to make compost.
Participate in the Rake-and-Take program where “rakers” (residents who rake and bag leaves and grass) are matched with “takers” (people who want leaves and grass for composting).
When rain is in the forecast, check nearby storm drain grates and clear them of debris.

Our Department of Fire and Rescue Services is also reminding residents the burning of leaves, trash, yard waste, refuse and building materials is NOT PERMITTED in Howard County.

Household Hazardous Waste Season Ends November 26^th

REMINDER: The Bureau’s final Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Saturday for 2022 is November 26^th. While the HHW season normally runs April through November, the Bureau does plan to offer special Saturday collections during the winter off-season. Stay tuned to the Bureau’s HHW website for details. The 2023 HHW season will return the first Saturday in April.

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.

Woodbine

Underground Fire Suppression Tank (Capital Project F-5972) – Project to install 30,000-gallon fire suppression tank adjacent to 15959 Union Chapel 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 November 2022.

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

Project to Improve Pedestrian Safety and Mobility on Southbound US 1

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a project to improve pedestrian safety and mobility on southbound US 1 between Cedar Avenue and Crestmount Road in Jessup. This project will include the addition of a sidewalk on southbound US 1, improvements to a 360-foot long retaining wall and partial reconstruction of the existing US 1 bridge over Dorsey Run. The project also includes minor drainage improvements in the area.

The shoulder along southbound US 1 will be closed during the project; however, pedestrian access will be maintained, with signs posted to direct walkers to access the open sidewalks. Work hours will be Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be complete by summer 2023.

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.

To learn more about this project, click HERE or contact SHA at 410-545-0303.

Department of Recreation and Parks

Winter Activity Guide Now Online

Our Department of Recreation & Parks 2023 Winter Activity Guide is NOW available online. With a wide range of programs, activities, classes and sports, there is something for everyone to keep those winter blues away!

Online registration for Howard County residents begins Wednesday, November 30th at 6:00 p.m. All other methods of registration (phone, walk-in, mail and fax) for county residents begins the following day (December1st) at 8:00 a.m. Registration for non-Howard County residents begins the following week.

School’s Out this November

Parents and guardians, Recreation & Parks has you covered this November when schools dismiss early or are closed. Whether it’s sports, art, chess or magic, there’s plenty of programs to choose from to make sure your young ones are staying active on that day off from school.

Check out the offerings on some of our upcoming days:

Come Watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” With Us!

Join Recreation & Parks on Wednesday, December 7^th for a musical morning/afternoon at Toby’s Dinner Theater for an original adaptation of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Based on the beloved 1946 film, this musical faithfully follows George Bailey’s life from his childhood dreams to his midlife disappointments and beyond, as we all take a journey to discover whether his life has mattered at all. Toby’s original adaptation breathes musical life into a familiar story, while retaining the warmth and humor of the original.

Tickets are $79.00 per person and include a lunch buffet with the performance. Please note, tickets must be purchased before Monday, November 14^th. To buy your tickets, click HERE.

Sensory-Friendly Sunday’s Theme Will Be “Nature's Harvest”

Robinson Nature Center’s “Sensory-Friendly Sunday” offer families with kids, teens and adults with sensory-processing differences, autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities the opportunity to explore the center and its many exhibits, trails and outdoor play area without the crowds. This Monday’s “Sensory-Friendly Sunday” will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on November 13^th.

Come join the Robinson Nature Center and Recreation & Parks’ Therapeutic Recreation staff for self-paced activities including sensory bins, scavenger hunts, crafts, and games. The planetarium will also be open from 11:00 a.m. to noon.

While drop-ins are welcome, preregistration is encouraged to receive additional information prior to the event. Geared towards all ages, the cost is $5 per adult and $3 per child.

For more information about this event, contact the Robinson Nature Center at 410-313-0400 or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/RobinsonNatureCenter.

Yoga in the Park Pop-Ups!

Want to relax while surrounded by nature? If yes, then I invite you to join our Recreation & Parks for its pop-up Yoga in the Park series. Geared toward participants 55 and older, this yoga class will leave you feeling refreshed, energized and ready to take on the day ahead. Held at our majestic Belmont Manor & Historic Park, classes will be held Monday’s this November from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The cost to participate is $14 per class and pre-registration is required. To register, click HERE.

Office of Transportation

Public Comment Sought on Shared Electric Scooter Pilot

As the pilot period for our shared electric scooters in Downtown Columbia comes to an end, our Office of Transportation is seeking public feedback on the program. If you missed our Multimodal Transportation Board meeting this past week, you can now share your feedback and input on our Shared Electric Scooter Pilot program with Transportation via this short survey. The survey will remain open until Friday, December 23^rd.

Cranksgiving – A Food Drive and Biking Event in One

This November, Transportation has once again joined with the Downtown Columbia Partnership to host its annual Cranksgiving. A national initiative dubbed “a food drive on two wheels,” Cranksgiving provides residents the opportunity to participate in active recreation, while raising awareness about our county’s bikeable pathway system and generating food items for individuals and families in need.

I invite all to join Transportation this Saturday, November 12^th from 9:00 a.m. to noon for a bike ride from home to the Cranksgiving 2022 drop- off site at Azlon Plaza, located at 6100 Merriweather Drive in Downtown Columbia. On their way to the drop-off site, participants will have a variety of route options to choose from and will be tasked with picking up various food items along the way at nearby grocery stores.

To register for this year’s event and/or to learn more, click HERE. The first 200 participants will receive a t-shirt.