Dear Friends, 

Yesterday marked the first of the eight nights of Hanukkah. Known as the “festival of lights,” Hanukkah is a celebration of the miracles that can happen even on the darkest of days. The light of the Menorah serves as a beacon of hope which lights the path forward from struggle and the most difficult of times. This year, as we gather with our families to celebrate the holiday, I encourage us all to find the light as we embrace faith, forgiveness, and dedication. 

I invite you to join me tonight, Monday, December 19th at 6:00 p.m. for a Menorah lighting in honor of Hanukkah. The event will take place at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center at 8045 Harriet Tubman Ln, Columbia, MD 21044.

I wish you and yours love, happiness, and peace during these eight divine days and beyond. Hanukkah Sameach from our family to yours!

A Bright and Festive Holiday

Howard County's first ever Holiday Lights Map during the last holiday season demonstrated the need for this exceptional service so that our community can continue the beloved holiday tradition to walk or drive around our neighborhoods and view the festive holiday lights.

Instead of wondering where to go, residents can plan their route around Howard County to support all the residents and businesses that are flaunting their holiday spirit. I hope everyone will join in sharing their festive decorating efforts and make a special tradition to tour the bright lights with their family.

Visit the map here.

Following Your Passion

Twenty years ago, Joe and Mary Barbera followed their passion for food and wine which led to the creation of AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar. For two decades, they have provided our community with a warm, dining experience. While we are saddened that they will be closing their doors in January, I wish them the absolute best in their future endeavors. 

This holiday season, as you gather with family and friends, I encourage you to support our small, local businesses. Learn more about Aida here.

Finding the Light

On the first night of Hanukkah, I was pleased to join the Chabad of Ellicott City for a Chanukah celebration. Tonight, I’m reminded of how much we have to be grateful for. The lighting of the candles are beautifully symbolic of many different things. As I lit the shamach or “helper” candle, I was reminded of how even in the darkest of days, our community unites and helps each other, especially during times of need.

Thank you to Howard County Recreation and Parks, Ellicott City Partnership, and my friend Rabbi Yanky Baron for making this event a success. Chag Sameach!

Providing Toys for Tots

With the holidays underway, it's the perfect time to reflect on our countless blessings and the special people in our lives. For our friends and neighbors who may be financially struggling in silence, this time of year can be especially hard. 

Our Annual Toys for Tots Campaign helps us make the holidays a little lighter and brighter for every child. I’m grateful for the partnership of the Marine Corps Reserve, Howard County Recreation and Parks, Kim Pruim, and every person who has donated or volunteered to help make this event a success.

Getting Lit in Elkridge

The holiday spirit is shining bright in Elkridge!

I had a wonderful time joining our Elkridge community for tree lightings at the Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department and the Elkridge Branch Library. After a few challenging years due to the pandemic, events like these help us reignite the flame of hope and ensure that every person – of all ages and abilities – can have the best holiday season possible. 

Thank you Howard County Recreation and Parks, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department, and Howard County Library System for making this event a success.

Seeking Help is a Sign of Strength

It is common to struggle with feelings of loneliness or sadness 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. Seeking help when needed is a sign of strength — not a weakness. It’s okay to not be okay. Speaking with a trained mental health professional can make a difference.

You are not alone. Call or text 988 to talk to someone today at the Suicide Prevention Hotline available 24/7.

A Fiscally Responsible Approach

In 2018, we were confronted with a Health Fund Deficit in our Howard County Public School System that had grown to nearly $40 million over the previous four years, which was flagged by auditors and led to an adverse audit opinion. Through our collaboration with our school system, officially eliminating this health fund deficit from the books is a testament to our fiscally responsible approach to governance. Our success demonstrates our shared commitment to being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars and preserving the fiscal health of our school system.

Read more in the Baltimore Sun here.

Exemplary Gladiators



Throughout the academic year, I continue to be amazed by our students who continue to make incredible academic achievements! It was an honor to join our Glenelg High School Chapter of the National Honor Society for the induction of their new members. 

These juniors and seniors each exemplify the four pillars of honor students – service, character, scholarship, and leadership. I know that their candles will continue to shine bright and make us all, especially their parents, proud.

Every Voice, One Vision

The HoCo By Design draft plan was informed by a robust community engagement process generating over 12,000 comments. The project team conducted extensive public outreach, featuring formal and informal conversations, online mapping activities, a virtual 3-D interactive workshop, open house, surveys and numerous public forums. 

However, we are still seeking public input! Provide your comments today here.

Our Efficacious Eagles

Our efficacious Eagles are successful not only academically, but athletically too! I had a great time joining Centennial High School Principal Cynthia Dillon and Athletics & Activities Manager Jeannie Prevosto to congratulate our Eagles who won county and state champions this fall season! Please, join me in congratulating our Allied Soccer County Champions, Boys Cross Country Region and County Champions, Sebastien Martinez who won the Boys County Championship Race, Girls Cross Country County and Region Champions, Boys Soccer State Finalists, Volleyball County and Region Champions, and Dustin Stocksdal who won the Individual County Golf Championship. 

These accomplishments are undoubtedly the first of many to come for these students, and I wish them ongoing success in all their future endeavors!

The Largest Facility on the Eastern Seaboard

Howard County is so grateful to have incredible infrastructure that encourages all kinds of sports and amenities. I was thrilled to join Councilwoman Christiana Rigby, County Councilmember Deb Jung, and the Howard County Chamber of Commerce to officially welcome Columbia Cricket & Sports Complex to Howard County! This complex is the first indoor cricket facility in Howard County and is the largest indoor cricket facility on the Eastern Seaboard. 

This grand opening builds upon our progress over the last four years to invest in cricket and more cricket pitches across Howard County. In 2020, we expanded the field and cricket pitch at Schooley Mill Park. In 2021, we opened Howard County’s 6th and first student designated cricket pitch at Lake Elkhorn Middle School. These capital efforts helped Howard County secure the 8th annual National Youth Cricket League (NYCL) tournament in July 2021, bringing 93 teams from around the country to the area. With the opening of this new business, cricket enthusiasts can now enjoy the sport year round! 

Congratulations to Raj and his entire family, and I wish you ongoing success! Together, we will expand Howard County’s national reputation at the place to play cricket.

Keeping Warm this Season

As the temperature drops this winter season, remember to take simple steps to stay safe and warm. When there is a "Code Blue" issued in Howard County, residents in need of shelter should contact the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center hotline at (410) 531-6677.

Residents' Budget Hearing

The budget is a reflection of our community’s shared priorities. The Residents' Budget Hearing will take place on Wednesday, December 21st at 6:00 p.m. It provides a wonderful opportunity for our residents to offer input and make their voices heard as we work to develop the County’s FY24 budget. 

While we have faced many challenges with the ongoing pandemic and rising risks of recession, I’m confident Howard County will remain resilient and emerge stronger than ever, when we work together as a community. 

Sign up online to speak here. Speakers who have a document or record they wish to submit with their testimony are asked to email the file to budgettestimony@howardcountymd.gov, with “BUDGET TESTIMONY” in the subject line.

Come Talk to Us!

We have made significant progress, together, over the last four years. However, I know that we can continue to make even more. Four years ago, we hosted several listening sessions to better understand how we can serve our community. Today, I’m thrilled to launch another series of listening sessions across our county. I want to hear about the experiences, hopes, and vision that our residents want for our county. 

We will be bold and brave as we continue to expand opportunity for all. We will manifest the very best future beyond even what we can imagine for Howard County, our state, our nation, and our world.

Send questions and thoughts in advance to future@howardcountymd.gov.

Howard County Government Closings for Christmas Holiday on December 23^rd and 26^th 

Howard County Government offices, 50+ centers, court, Firehouse Museum, historic sites and animal shelter will be closed on Friday, December 23^rd for the Christmas holiday. There will be regular Friday curbside trash, recycling yard trim or food scrap collection on the 23^rd and the Alpha Ridge Landfill will be open.

County parks, Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers, Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Museum, Harriet Tubman Cultural Center and the Robinson Nature Center will also be open on the 23^rd. The County’s Department of Recreation & Parks’ Kiwanis-Wallas Hall, Meadowbrook Athletic Complex and Belmont Manor and Historic Park will be open on the 23^rd, but only for permitted-programs.

On Saturday, December 24^th, the Alpha Ridge Landfill will close early at 12:00 p.m., as will Recreation & Parks’ Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers, and Robinson Nature Center at 5:00 p.m. The Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, Kiwanis-Wallas Hall and Harriet Tubman Cultural Center will be open on the 24^th for scheduled programs only. County park gates will be open, but there will be minimal staffing on duty.

On Sunday, December 25^th, County parks gates will be open, but there will be no staff on duty.

In observance of the Christmas Day holiday on Monday, December 26^th, Howard County Government offices, 50+ centers, courts, animal shelter, Alpha Ridge Landfill, and Recreation & Parks’ Cedar Lane and Schooley Mill Activity Rooms, Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum and Robinson Nature Center will be closed. As there will be no Monday curbside trash, recycling, yard trim or food scrap collection on the 26^th, the County’s holiday "slide” schedule will be in effect for the remainder of the week.

County parks will be open with near normal staffing levels. The Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, Kiwanis-Wallas Hall and Harriet Tubman Cultural Center will be open for scheduled programs only on December 26^th. Unless otherwise noted, all other County historic sites maintained by Recreation & Parks closed for the season on December 18^th.

Additionally, the County’s Alpha Ridge Landfill and Recreation & Parks’ Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, Cedar Lane and Schooley Mill Activity Rooms, Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers, Meadowbrook Athletic Complex and Robinson Nature Center will be closed on Sunday, December 25^th.

The Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) buses will operate on a limited schedule on December 24^th and will not operate on December 25^th. The RTA regular schedule will resume on the 26^th. For more information on RTA, call 1-800-270-9553 or visit www.transitrta.com. Also, parking fees will be enforced on December 24^th and 26^th, but will not be enforced on December 25^th.

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 Tuesday, December 27^th at regular business hours.

Budget Office

First Fiscal Year 2024 Residents’ Budget Hearing this Wednesday

I will hold my first Residents’ Budget Hearing for the Fiscal Year 2024 budget cycle this Wednesday, December 21^st at 6:00 p.m. This year’s hearing will be held virtually and can be watched live from the County Council’s streaming website. The hearing will be listed under “Upcoming Events.”

Residents can sign-up ONLINE to speak at the hearing by going to https://www.howardcountymd.gov/budgettestimony. Speakers must sign-up individually, and one person may not sign-up for several testifiers. Additionally, individual testimony is limited to three minutes and group testimony is limited to five. Speakers who have a document or record they wish to submit with their testimony are asked to email the file to budgettestimony@howardcountymd.gov, with “BUDGET TESTIMONY” in the subject line.

From the same link, residents will also have the option to provide online budget testimony; however, residents are reminded that internet testimony is considered public information and, as such, is subject to the Maryland Public Information Act.

Help Implement Our Age-Friendly Action Plan

This January, workgroups will convene to begin the implementation of our Age-Friendly Howard County Action Plan. Each of the eight workgroups will concentrate on the recommended action steps under one of the Age-Friendly domains of livability: transportation, housing, digital access and communication, outdoor spaces, social participation and inclusion, work and civic engagement, and community support and health services.

To learn more about the plan and to identify a work group that aligns with your interests, I encourage you to visit www.howardcountymd.gov/agefriendly today.

English As a Second Language

If English is your second language, I invite you to learn practical English through our English as a Second Language (ESL) class this winter with DCRS’s Office on Aging and Independence (OAI). Set to run Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. from January 17^th through March 21^st at our Elkridge 50+ Center, participants will practice their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills for interactions in real-life situations, including health and wellness, community resources, housing, banking and computer/internet use.

The cost is $64.00 for all 10 classes. For more information and/or or to register, call 410-313-5192 or click HERE.

2023 Howard County Child Care Fair

Save-the-date as DCRS’ OCF’s 2023 Howard County Child Care Fair is set to take place Saturday, February 4^th, from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the North Laurel Community Center. This annual fair provides parents, guardians and grandparents with a “one stop shop” for child care, preschool, school-age and summer programs, as well as the opportunity to connect with teachers and program directors. OCF staff will also hold free informational sessions on “How to Choose an Early Childhood Program” onsite at 11:00 a.m., noon and 1:00 p.m.

While registration is not necessary it is encouraged for this free event.

For more information, contact OCF at 410-313-1940 (voice/relay) or email children@howardcountymd.gov. View the event flier in English and Spanish.

Tips for Caregivers to Help Ease the Stress of the Holidays

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

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

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

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

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

Adopt a Hydrant

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

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

Help Train a Firefighter by Donating Your Unwanted Car

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

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

Office of Human Rights

Kwanzaa Celebration

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

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

To register for the celebration, click HERE.

Department of Planning and Zoning

HoCo By Design Release General Plan Draft for Public Review

Our Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) has released its HoCo By Design draft general plan update for public review and comment. This plan provides a long-term vision for how Howard County will develop and grow alongside our evolving economic, environmental and social conditions over the next 20 years. The general plan is a requirement of state law and has been updated once each decade since 1960 to reflect the values and address the needs of the County's changing population. 

Public input will be considered and incorporated into a final plan, which is expected to be presented to the County Council for consideration and final adoption in spring of 2023. I encourage residents to review the plan and provide their input, now through January 16, 2023, at www.hocobydesign.com/public-draft

Police Department

Preventing Package Theft this Holiday Season

With the holidays upon us, HCPD is taking this opportunity to remind any last minute online shoppers to be sure to plan ahead to avoid becoming a victim of package theft. Here are some helpful tips from HCPD to follow:

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

Department of Public Works Bureau of Environmental Services

 Holiday Slide Schedule in Effect for Christmas and New Year’s

REMINDER: The upcoming Christmas Day and New Year’s Day holidays are two of the six holidays that does affect the County’s curbside trash, recycling, food scrap and yard trim collection programs. While both holidays fall on a Sunday, they will be observed on a Monday; therefore, there will be no curbside collection on Monday, December 26^th and Monday, January 2^nd. As such, the County’s holiday slide schedule will be in effect the week of December 26^th and the week of January 2^nd, with Monday’s collection sliding to Tuesday, Tuesday to Wednesday and so forth.

For questions, concerns and/or more information about the County’s holiday schedule, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule or contact feel free to contact the Bureau of Environmental Services at 410-313-6444 or email help@howardcountyrecycles.org.

Alpha Ridge Landfill Transfer Station Closure

Now through January 8, 2023, the Transfer Station at our Alpha Ridge Landfill (ARL) in Marriottsville will close at 3:00 p.m. daily for scheduled maintenance. The closure will affect all traffic headed to the Transfer Station, including:

• All commercial trash and construction debris;
• All residential construction debris; and
• All box trucks and trailers of residential trash.

Please note, any vehicles bound for the Transfer Station arriving after 3:00 p.m. during this time will be turned away at the scales with no exceptions. Weather permitting, normal Transfer Station operations will resume on January 9, 2023.

All other operations will be unaffected including the Residents’ Convenience Center and Wood Waste area.

We thank you for your cooperation as we work to improve our Landfill's future operations.

Save Those Seeds!

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

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

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.

What to Do When School’s Out 

We all understand the challenge of keeping your little one busy when schools are closed, but our team at Recreation & Parks has you covered. Whether it’s sports, art, chess or music, there are plenty of programs to choose from to make sure your child is staying active this winter break. To find out what activities are available next week, December 26^th through December 30^th, click HERE today.

Climbing with Santa 

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

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

Almost Time for the Snowflake Ball 

Our Department of Recreation & Parks is excited to once again host its ever-popular family dance, the Snowflake Ball. Join us on Saturday, January 7^th at 5:30 p.m. at our Gary J. Arthur Community Center for an evening of shaking, rocking and rolling those winter blues away. Child(ren) and special adult(s), enjoy refreshments, live DJ, dancing, games, crafts and an ice cream sundae bar. As space is limited, be sure to register today!   

Registration Now Open for 2023 Winter Activity Guide

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

Office of Transportation

Transit Development Plan Update

We are currently updating our Transit Development Plan (TDP), 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.

As part of our TDP update, our Office of Transportation will be hosting four public meetings (in addition to the meeting held earlier this month) to gather public comment:

• Tuesday, January 10^th at 2:00 p.m.
• Hybrid – Webex
• In-person – George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City (RTA Route 405)
• Wednesday, January 11^th at 6:00 p.m. at Howard County Library System’s Central branch at 10375 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia (RTA Route 407)
• Tuesday, January 17^th at 6:00 p.m. at Prince George's County Community College, Center for Performing Arts (building 9 with the parking in Lot G), 301 Largo Road in Largo
• Wednesday, January 18^th at 6:00 p.m. at Anne Arundel Community College, 7009 Arundel Mills Circle, AMIL*414-Smart Classroom in Hanover (RTA Route 501)

In addition to these public meetings, the public will also be able to provide comment via three surveys (fixed-route, paratransit and community). For more information, please stay tune to Transportation’s "Howard County Transit Development Plan" website.