Dear Friends, 

The holidays are around the corner! It’s the perfect time to reflect on our countless blessings and the special people in our lives.

For our friends and neighbors who may be financially struggling in silence, this time of year can be especially hard. To make the holidays a little lighter and brighter, I'm thrilled to launch our annual Toys for Tots campaign to ensure every child has a bright holiday season.

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

Unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at any of our Toys for Tots boxes located at:

- George Howard Building Lobby

- DCRS MultiService Center

- DCRS 50+ Centers

- DRP HQ

- DRP N. Laurel Community Center

- DRP Roger Carter Community Center

- DRP Gary J. Arthur Community Center

- HCPD Northern District

- HCPD Southern District

- HCPD Community Outreach

- HCPD Oracle Building

- All Howard County Library System branches

Contributions are also accepted on the Toys for Tots website.

Celebrating 4 More Years!

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

Join us as we celebrate mine and the County Council’s installation on Monday, December 5th at Atholton High School. The program will begin at 7pm, followed by a light reception. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis.

Doors open at 6:30 pm. Additional parking will be available at Harriett Tubman Cultural Center with shuttles to transport guests.

Please RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/HoCoinstallation22

Shopping Local on Small Business Saturday

It was great to kick off Small Business Saturday at the Welcome Center in Old Ellicott City. Small Business Saturday gives us the opportunity to support Howard County’s diverse small businesses.

When you buy local, 68% of your money stays in the local economy. This holiday season and all year long, let’s continue to keep our businesses and keep our dollars in the community.

I visited with the business owners at Backwater Books, Main Street Rugs, Cavern Apparel, and Doc Taylor's Toy Emporium.

As always, thank you to Visit Howard County, Howard County Economic Development Authority, Howard County Chamber of Commerce, and Ellicott City Partnership for your efforts to help our communities thrive.

Shopping Local at Savage Mill

Howard County is home to more than 10,000 businesses, with approximately 80% having less than 20 employees. It was great to celebrate some of these incredible businesses this Small Business Saturday at Savage Mill with Councilwoman Christiana Rigby and Amanda Hof. Congratulations to mikkskakes, Tami E. Johnson • The Brand Studio, G + H Custom Workshop, and Candles By Candy on their recent opening in the Mill.

To have maximum impact, make shopping small and shopping local a habit. Thank you, Jay, for your partnership in supporting our small businesses.

Holiday Marketplace @ The 3rd

It’s always a pleasure to visit the amazing business owners over at the 3rd. This Small Business Saturday, it was my pleasure to visit The 3rd's Holiday Marketplace in Columbia. I am so proud of the over 40 small local women-owned business ventures that had a variety of holiday and personal care items. In fact, two of the women were graduates of our HoCo Higher program, Aisha Applewhite of AppleCore's Bake Shoppe, and Richelle Johnson of Queen's Temple Handmade Artisan Soaps.

Our small, locally-owned businesses play an important role in our economy and are essential to job creation and economic growth. Thank you, Laura Bacon, for creating an environment where small women-owned ventures can thrive.

Shopping Local in Elkridge

These days shopping small is more important than ever. As the holiday season is underway and we’re deciding to purchase gifts for family and friends, I encourage everyone to shop local. From farm stores to furniture warehouses, Howard County has a wide selection of businesses.

I had a wonderful time visiting Payne Christmas Trees & Holiday Market and Spectrum Collection. Let’s continue to show support for the wonderful fine shops around our county.

A charming end to Small Business Saturday



Here’s the scoop, nothing like finishing the day supporting small businesses with a scoop of Tuxedo Chip!

Thanks to The Charmery for your tasty treat.

Check them out at https://www.thecharmery.com/

Native American Heritage Day

Last Friday, our nation celebrated Native American Heritage Day. It is important for all of us to understand the rich culture, tradition, and history of Indigenous peoples and to appreciate the contributions that First Americans have made and will continue to make to our Nation.

Giving Back

At a time when we gather for a hearty meal and give thanks with our families and friends, we also must take time to appreciate those essential workers who had to report for duty today, particularly our front-line public safety teams.

On Thanksgiving, I was at Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services Station 9 in Columbia with Chief and some of our dedicated first responders when Food on the Stove, a DC-based non-profit, dropped off some donated turkeys to our fighters. I’m so appreciative of Layla Looby, a student at Fulton Elementary School, who spearheaded the fundraising campaign that paid for the turkeys. May this holiday season be healthy, safe, and blessed for all!

It's OK to Ask!

The holiday season can be a tough time for some. It is common to struggle with feelings of loneliness or discontentment as the weather changes and the year comes to a close. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that we see you and are here to help.

Although it is hard to ask, know that you can always talk to people you trust, be supported, and get access to resources. You do not have to get through this alone.

You can contact the National Suicide Prevention hotline anytime by dialing 988.

Visit FirstCall for Your Medical Needs

It’s always great to see our partners grow and develop new ways to help our community. Of course, one of our most significant healthcare partners is FirstCall Medical Center, so I was glad I had the chance to stop by and help them celebrate the opening of their new urgent care facility in Ellicott City.

Having easy access to health care is always priority for us in Howard County. I was glad to be able to witness the opening of this new facility to make it even easier for us and our neighbors to get care when we need it most.

Learn more at https://www.firstcallmedicalcenter.com/

Maryland Works Celebrating Dedicated Employees

I am always grateful when I get the opportunity to recognize impactful organizations. So, of course, I was excited to join Maryland Works for their 13th Annual Employment Awards Luncheon to applaud the momentous mark they have made in Howard County and across the state. They have been intentional in helping Maryland to make strides in exhibiting equity and inclusion in the workforce, a priority that I know myself and many of you share. Their consistency in providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities is something we can all be proud of. On behalf of HoCo, I thank Maryland Works for everything they do to help us move forward.

For more information on Maryland Works, you can check out their website: https://mdworks.com/

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

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

Project Holiday, Making the Holidays Brighter for Older Adults

Each year, DCRS’s Office on 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. With your generous support and help, we can once again make the holidays a little brighter for older adults in Howard County.

This year’s requested unwrapped 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 this Friday, December 2^nd. For details on how to support Project Holiday through a monetary donation, email Terri Hansen. 

All donations will be sorted, wrapped and delivered to older adults in our community just in time for the holidays.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Beware of Holiday Scams

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

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

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

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

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

Finally, if you are travelling, be sure to verify that the vacation rental you are renting actually exists.

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

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

Adopt a Hydrant

In an emergency, every second counts. Fire hydrants that are blocked, concealed or difficult to access due to snow, ice or other obstructions can impede emergency fire response. If you are and/or your business is interested in helping ensure our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) has quick and easy access to the fire hydrant(s) in your neighborhood, consider adopting a hydrant today.

To adopt a hydrant or to learn more about this program, click HERE or email DFRS to outreach@hcdfrs.org.

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.

Office of Human Rights

Join the Community Outreach Team!

If you or someone you know is passionate about developing and implementing plans and programs to address and combat discrimination and promote better human relations, I encourage you/them to become apply today to be our Office of Human Rights & Equity’s (OHRE) newest Community Outreach Coordinator.

OHRE is looking for a team player, with a heart for service and a commitment to community engagement and human rights advocacy. If you have great written and oral communication skills, have developed and delivered trainings and presentations on human rights issues, have experience designing fliers, brochures, posters and programs, and are excited to work with some of our newest Commissions, be sure to apply today! The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. this Friday, December 2^nd.

MLK Pop-Up Pantry

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

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

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

Student Performers Wanted for MLK Holiday Celebration

OHRE and its Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission are looking for student performers (musicians, dancers, singers, and spoken word artists), age eight to 18, interested in performing at Howard County’s 2023 MLK Holiday Celebration on Sunday, January 15^th.

If you or someone you know is interested in performing, please submit a three-minute video of your performance based on Dr. King’s commitment to service, peace and justice to mlk@howardcountymd.gov by no later than Thursday, December 1^st at 5:00 p.m.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to OHRE at 410-313-6430 or email mlk@howardcountymd.gov. Selected performers will be notified by December 15^th and must be able to attend any virtual or live rehearsals.

Kwanzaa Celebration

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

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

To register for the celebration, click HERE.

Department of Planning and Zoning

Planning Board Meeting

Our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Planning Board will be holding a hybrid meeting, in person at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City and virtually via WebEx, this Thursday, December 1^st to cover the following items:

• HoCo By Design DPZ Workshop (to begin at 6:00 pm) – The Planning Board will meet in open session to attend a workshop presented by the Department of Planning and Zoning on the General Plan Update, HoCo By Design. As part of the HoCo By Design public engagement process, DPZ will present the draft plan and process and solicit Planning Board questions and input.
• SP-16-013 Taylor Service Company (agenda item to begin at 7:00 pm) – Request to review Preliminary Equivalent Sketch Plan (SP-16-013) in accordance with Section 16.125 of the Subdivision and Land Development Regulations for a subdivision that abuts a scenic road.

To register to testify, click HERE. Registration must be completed prior to 7:00 pm the night (November 30, 2022) before the scheduled meeting to participate. If you do not wish to testify, but simply to watch the meeting, click HERE to watch.

A five-member board, the Planning Board makes recommendations to the Zoning Board or County Council on matters related to planning and zoning and renders a final decision on selected development proposals. Before recommendations or decisions are made, the Board holds a public meeting or hearing to provide interested persons the opportunity to provide comment. For details about procedures for testifying at a Planning Board meeting, click HERE.

To learn more about Howard County’s Planning Board and upcoming meeting dates, click HERE.

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

Also, this Thursday, December 1^st, DPZ’s Historic Preservation Commission will be holding a VIRTUAL meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. The meeting agenda and instructions on how to join/participate in Thursday’s meeting can be found on the Commission’s website. To register to join Thursday’s meeting through your computer to view and hear the presentations, you will need to register by noon on October 6^th. Once registered, further instructions and a call-in attendee number will be provided via email.

Police Department

Transaction Safe Place

Whenever you are buying or selling on Facebook Marketplace or similar sites, Howard County Police Department (HCPD) encourages residents to choose a safe place when handling any transaction arranged online. To assist residents, HCPD has designated parking spots at its Northern District Station in Ellicott City (3410 Court House Drive), Southern District Station in Laurel (11226 Scaggsville Road) and Community Outreach in Columbia (10741 Little Patuxent Parkway), where buyers and sellers can safely complete their online transaction. Marked by a yellow “Transaction Safe Place” sign, these spots are video recorded 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

HCDP does recommend, if a buyer or seller refuses to meet at a police station, you may want to reconsider the transaction.

Preventing Package Theft this Holiday Season

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



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

Department of Public Works

Maple Forest Stormwater Pond Repair Project Public Meeting

Tomorrow, 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.

Daisy Road Bridge Replacement Project Public Meeting

On November 30^th at 5:00 p.m. in the Media Center at Lisbon Elementary School, DPW will hold a public meeting to present plans for a bridge replacement project adjacent to 3590 Daisy Road. DPW’s Bureau of Engineering plans to construct a replacement bridge for Howard County Bridge No. HO-38 carrying Daisy Road over Little Cattail Creek. The project will include the construction of a reinforced concrete substructure and pre-cast concrete plank beam superstructure, staged construction with temporary stream diversion, construction of storm water management facilities, approach roadway improvements and installation of traffic barrier and signs.

The informal, drop-in meeting will feature the plans for the proposed bridge improvements and County staff and the project’s design team will also be on hand to answer any questions.

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Jake Weir with the DPW’s Transportation and Special Projects Division at 410-313-6153 or email jweir@howardcountymd.gov.

Public Meeting on Brighton Dam Road Bridge Repair

Also on November 30^th, DPW’s Transportation and Special Projects Division will hold a joint virtual public meeting at 7:00 p.m. with Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT) to present plans for the rehabilitation of Brighton Dam Road Bridge No. M-0229 atop Brighton Dam of the Triadelphia Reservoir.

This virtual public meeting will include presentation slides using an internet-based virtual platform. The project team, including Howard County project manager Jake Weir, MCDOT project manager Greg Hwang, WSSC project manager Samir Khalil and the design consultant, will be on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments.

To register to participate in this meeting, please complete Montgomery County’s online registration form. Pre-registration is required in order to receive the link and instructions for signing into the meeting and using the internet-based virtual platform.

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Jake Weir of the Transportation and Special Projects Division at 410-313-6153 or email jweir@howardcountymd.gov.

Bright Passage Channel Repair Public Meeting

Lastly, at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 30^th, DPW’s Stormwater Management Division and Recreation & Parks will hold a public meeting in the Hawthorn Center at 6175 Sunny Spring in Columbia, to present plans to remove the severely undermined pedestrian bridge behind 11856 Bright Passage. The bridge will be replaced with a new culvert and new pathway over the culvert. The project will also stabilize the heavily eroded storm drain channel in the area.

The informal meeting will include an overview of the design followed by an open discussion. County staff and the project’s design consultant will be on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments.

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Avinash Dewani of the Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6417 or email adewani@howardcountymd.gov.

Bureau of Environmental Services

Curbside Recycling 101

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



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

Department of Public Works Construction Report

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

West Friendship

• Pfefferkorn Road Bridge Rehabilitation (Capital Project B-3858) – Project to rehabilitate the Pfefferkorn Road bridge. During construction, Pfefferkorn Road traffic between Rover Mill Road and Mitchells Way will be closed to thru traffic. Motorists will follow a clearly marked detour using Pfefferkorn Road north and south of the bridge, MD 32 and Frederick Road. A recorded message at 410-313-4400 will carry project updates.

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.

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 this Wednesday, November 30^th 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.

Happening Soon at a Community Center Near You, Holiday Mart! 

Here’s one you do not want to miss! Tickets for Recreation & Parks’ 50^th annual Holiday Mart are now on sale. Set to take place this Saturday, December 3^rd from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at our Gary J. Arthur Community Center, this year’s Holiday Mart will feature more than 130 handmade crafter, carriage rides, refreshments, food, a children’s craft corner and more. Tickets are $5 per person; children agers four and under are free. Receive $1 off the ticket price when purchasing your event ticket in advance online.

Also, be sure to stop by Recreation & Parks’ Facebook page today (as the contest ends today, November 28^th) for a chance to win FREE tickets to this year’s event.

For more information about this year’s event and/or to purchase your ticket (including the coupon code), visit www.howardcountymd.gov/holidaymart today.

Time to Play Reindeer Games 

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

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

Take Part in a Holiday Scavenger Hunt 

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

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

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

Office of Transportation

Shared Electric Scooter Pilot Ends This Week; Public Comments Sought on Program

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