Dear Friends, 

Today, I was joined by Howard County Police Chief Gregory Der, State's Attorney Rich Gibson, and Deputy Sheriff Mark Verderaime to discuss the implementation of the Body Worn Camera program which has officially gone live. After years of planning, it is gratifying to reach the point where we are fully implementing a program that will bring immediate benefits to our officers and our community. 

Two years ago, my budget included $2.8 million to fully implement the body worn camera program. I also included $4.7 million in my Fiscal Year 2023 budget, which started last month, to continue operations. 

Uniformed HCPD officers who regularly interact with members of the public are required to wear and operate body worn camera, this includes Patrol, Community Outreach, School Resource Officers, Traffic Investigations, and Tactical. 

This camera program is a critical step toward increased transparency and accountability in Howard County. Howard County, home of the Safest City in America, is now one step closer to being even safer for all. 

Read more here. 

Saving Lives

Howard County is committed to providing the best tools and resources to keep our community safe and save lives. I joined Howard County Police Department Chief Gregory Der to announce an innovative plan to equip police officers with life-saving bleeding control Quikclot kits, which have special blood-clotting gauze designed to quickly stop traumatic bleeding. 

The large kits are intended to treat many people simultaneously for traumatic injuries and will be provided to school resource officers and supervisors in patrol.

Congressional Progress

I had a wonderful time joining many of my colleagues to encourage the House of Representative to pass the Inflation Reduction. This comprehensive piece of legislation is welcome news to the many people who are struggling to make ends meet and are looking to our federal government for leadership and action on climate.

We've advocated locally for years to help bring down the costs of prescription drugs and make healthcare more affordable for our residents in Howard County and across Maryland, and we implore the House of Representatives to pass this bill so relief is on its way. This legislation is truly a game-changer, and will make a difference in our daily lives of our residents, while improving our energy independence.

Last week, following the press conference, the House passed this vital piece of legislation. I’m thankful for the partnership and advocacy of my dear friend Vinny DeMarco of the Maryland Health Care for All! Coalition, Senator Van Hollen, Senator Ben Cardin, Former Delegate Aruna Miller, Delegate Brooke Lierman, Marisa Olszewski from the Maryland League of Conservation Voters, Joshua Harris of the Maryland State Conference NAACP, Jamie DeMarco of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, and Larry Zarzecki and Tim Reyburn for sharing their stories of the impacts this bill will have on their lives.

Celebrating Black Businesses 

We had a phenomenal 2nd Annual National Black Business Month celebration at Wilde Lake High. We had approximately 80 businesses participate in our business marketplace, learn more about county procurement and attend seminars on access to capital and growth. Through these efforts, we're ensuring more of our businesses are strong and prosperous for decades to come. 

Thank you Howard County Chamber of Commerce, Howard County Office Procurement & Contract Administration, Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity and The 3rd for helping to organize. A special thanks to Jennifer Jones, Michelle Bailey-Hedgepath, and Lauryn Reynolds from my office for their hard work in ensuring this event was a success. Congratulations to all our award winners: Jo Glasco, Nathaniel Alston, Sherman Howell, Dr. C. Vernon Gray, Candles By Candy, Proactive Wellness NP, American Bully Manufacturing. Impyrian LLC, Shea Radiance and Kindred Hair & Skin Center.

Supporting Our Agriculture 

I had a wonderful time at the Ag Leaders Luncheon at the Howard County Fair. Agriculture plays a vital role in Howard County and that is why we’ve implemented innovative policies, investments, and programs that support our farms. In this year’s budget I was proud to support farm education programs, expansion of the Ag Innovation Grant program, Roving Radish, and conservation best practices. 

Thank you to Mickey Day and Howard County Fair for hosting us for another wonderful year!

Honoring Dr. Anderson 

It was an honor to join Bridgeway Community Church this morning to congratulate my dear friend Dr. David Anderson on his 30 years of service. Our community has greatly benefitted from his steady spiritual guidance, service to support others, and openness to all who wish to worship.

Through his leadership, he has helped ensure basic needs are met for our residents by providing food, shelter, and wellness programs. We also greatly appreciated his partnership during the pandemic in helping Howard County be a national leader in vaccinating our community. Congratulations again and here’s to decades more of leadership and service!

Taste of New Orleans 

Located near the Mall in Columbia, Po Boy Jim Bar and Grill serves New Orleans-themed dishes and adds even more diversity to Howard County’s culinary scene. During Black Business Month, I encourage us all to support our local black-owned restaurants. Thank you, Ian Reid, for choosing to grow your business in Howard County! 

Learn more about them here. 

It's Tax Free Week! 

Through August 20th, shoppers are exempt from paying the 6% sales tax on any qualified article of clothing and footwear costing less than $100, regardless of how many items are purchased in a single transaction. This #TaxFreeWeek, please continue to support our local businesses and small shops.

Dunking New Opportunities 

I had a great time at the first annual Howard County Summer Slam Tournament at the Meadowbrook Athletic Complex. This event is more than just playing basketball and burning calories. It’s an opportunity for our youth to use their skills and talents to serve our community – raising funds to support our Howard Community College food pantry.

I’m grateful for the partnership of Pearl Foundation, Inc., The Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Community Development Foundation, Inc., and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. College Park Sandy Spring (MD) Alumni Chapter for making this event a success. Through these efforts, we’re working to ensure all our students can be successful is various facets of life.

Get Ready for School!

I greatly enjoyed participating in our back to school distribution at the Oakland Mills Interfaith Center and Harper's Choice Middle School. With the first day of school around the corner, this was a great way to help more of our students have the resources they need to be ready and successful.

Special thank you to our team at Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services for ensuring our students have the ability to thrive.

Skincare is the Great Care

Shea Radiance, a national beauty brand, located in Savage, was born when Shola and Funlayo Alabi started making products in their home to care for their family’s skin care, and has now expanded to a global operations. We’re so grateful to have thriving businesses who help strengthen our economy by providing incredible products to our community. This Black Business Month, and beyond, please support all our local black-owned businesses. 

Learn more about them here.

Knowing the Signs

Our team at Howard County Health Department is tracking an outbreak of monkeypox that has spread across several countries that don’t normally report monkeypox, including the United States. It's important to know the signs and symptoms of a possible infection. 

If you have any of these symptoms of monkeypox, I encourage you to talk to your healthcare provider, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has monkeypox. Learn more here.

Hopping to a Champion Rabbit Pen 

One of my favorite parts of our Howard County Fair is participating in the livestock Auction each year. I was so excited to win a champion meat rabbit pen from Maxwell Taye, which was donated to Howard County Future Farmers of America. 

I’m so grateful for every person who partook in this years auction, and a huge congratulations to all our 4-H-ers for their ongoing dedication. I’m so proud of them and I look forward to another phenomenal fair next year!

Empowering Our Youth

We recently celebrated the more than 150 young residents who completed our empowering six-week Summer Youth Program! This program is a model for other communities on how to empower, train, prepare, and upskill our young residents who are looking to join the workforce. All Summer, these young adults had the chance to learn key skills and gain a better understanding of the different career paths they may pursue.

The Summer Youth Program has grown exponentially in recent years, increasing from an average of 11 participants during the summer of 2018 to more than 82 in 2021. It’s critical that we support growth and hands-on experience for our future workforce and the next generation. A special thank you to our Office of Workforce Development for their efforts to continue making this program a success.

COVID-19 Update

According to the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Howard County’s positivity rate as of Friday was 10.8% and our 7-day moving average case rate per 100k is 23. During the past month, COVID case rates, test positivity, and new hospitalization admissions due to COVID have fluctuated and are trending down. Howard County's Community Level, according to the CDC, is MEDIUM. There are currently 9 COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Howard County General Hospital. We’ve sadly lost 364 of our residents to COVID-19 and we continue to keep their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.  

The CDC has updated and streamlined guidelines for COVID-19, to help the public better protect themselves and understand their risk. 

Please continue to utilize the many strategies available to mitigate the impact of severe disease. When our community level is HIGH, all residents should strongly consider wearing a high-quality mask indoors in public, especially those at high risk for complications from COVID. Have a plan for rapid testing if needed. If high risk, consider avoiding non-essential indoor activities in public where you could be exposed. You can order for mail free at-home test kits free at-home test kits and masks from HCHD. You can also pick them up around the county at libraries.

Vaccination remains the most effective strategy and now our residents 6 months and older are eligible. Staying up to date with vaccine continues to be the best way to prevent severe illness and death from COVID-19. Howard County is a state leader with 92% of our residents 5+ fully vaccinated. However, 35% of our eligible residents have not yet received a first booster shot. Find a vaccine near you, and give yourself the best protection against COVID-19 at vaccine.howardcountymd.gov  

August Issue of The 50+ Connection Now Available

While hard at work on its September issue, our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence’s (OAI) The 50+ Connection newsletter for the month of August is now available online. Published monthly as a two-page insert in the Howard County Beacon, this newsletter provides valuable information regarding programs, services and events of interest to older adults. You can find the current and past issues on OAI’s “Publications & Reports” website or join OAI’s email subscriber list to receive the current issue each month straight to your inbox. Subscribe today to ensure you are among the first to hear about upcoming OAI special events and informative programs.

There is Still Time to Join the 2022 Cycling Season!

Cycle2Health (C2H) is a non-competitive, peer-led, bicycling club for adults of all ages and riding abilities, coordinated by DCRS’s Office on Aging and Independence’s Health Promotion and Nutrition Division. Whether you are a novice or experienced cyclist, I encourage you to join this one-of-a-kind group.

C2H ride leaders schedule weekly rides varying in intensity for riders to enjoy the sport while exploring the beauty of our great and splendid county. Rides take place during the week, during daytime hours and depart from various community locations. An annual registration fee of $15 is required and weather permitting, rides will continue to November.

To register to participate, click HERE.

Nominations Sought for 2022 Commission on Disabilities Employer Awards

The Howard County Commission on Disabilities is now seeking nominations for its 2022 Employer Awards. These awards recognize Howard County employers who, as evidenced by hiring practices, staff development, advancement possibilities and accommodation practices, value diversity and provide equal opportunities for employees with disabilities.

The nomination form can be found online or a hard copy or copy in a alternate format can be requested by contacting Ms. Erica Lewis at 410-313-6402 (voice/relay) or emailing ealewis@howardcountymd.gov. Self-nominations are accepted. Completed nominations may be submitted by email to ealewis@howardcountymd.gov or mailed to: Howard County Commission on Disabilities, Attention: Erica Lewis, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD, 21046. The nomination deadline is noon, this Friday, August 19, 2022.

Award winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, hosted by Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and members of the Commission on Disabilities, on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Belmont Manor & Historic Park in Elkridge.

Family Institute Workshops

The Howard County Family Institute is an education, information and community outreach program of DCRS’ Office of Children and Families. As families enjoy this last month of summer, The Family Institute will host a series of virtual workshops in August to help prepare for a smooth transition into the fall. Here is the schedule of upcoming workshops: 

·        Wednesday, August 17^th, 7:00 p.m. – Brain Builders: Infant Years: Optimizing Your Infant’s Early Brain Development from Birth to 18 Months 

o  Participants will gain an understanding of an infant’s developing brain and how simple daily interactions and activities are learning moments that support brain connections. Click HERE to register.

·        Thursday, August 18^th, 7:00 p.m. – Nothing I Do Works: A Parent’s Guide to Challenging Behaviors 

o  Geared towards parents of children age two to eight, participants will learn how to help prevent a child’s tantrums from happening and what to do when they do occur. Click HERE to register.

·        Monday, August 22, 7:00 p.m. – Preparing for Child Care: Planning for this Big Transition  

o  Participants will learn strategies on how to prepare one’s child for this new stage and to help with a positive transition. Click HERE to register.

·        Tuesday, August 23^rd, 7:00 p.m. – Brain Builders: Optimizing Your Toddler’s Early Brain Development 

o  Participants will explore the ingredients for building a strong foundation of social and emotional skills during a toddler’s first three years. Click HERE to register.

·        Wednesday, August 24^th, 12:00 p.m. – Preparing for Child Care: Planning for this Big Transition

o  Participants will learn strategies on how to prepare one’s child for this new stage and to help with a positive transition. Click HERE to register.

·        Thursday, August 25^th, 7:00 p.m. – Managing Your Family’s Schedules and Stress Levels 

o  Get a handle on your fall schedule with tips, strategies and resources to manage one’s family’s activities and responsibilities. Click HERE to register. 

·        Wednesday, August 31, 12:00 p.m. – Discipline and Communication in the Elementary Years  

o  Managing a child’s school schedule and dealing learning frustrations can be difficult for the whole family. Participants will learn how to proactively prevent meltdowns by preparing their home and routine to encourage a child’s success. Click HERE to register.

For a full description of each workshop, visit The Family Institute website or contact the Office of Children and Families if you have questions via email at children@howardcountymd.gov. 

Office of Emergency Management

Youth Preparedness Month

As emergencies and disasters can happen at any time and anywhere, it is important to take into account every member of your family, even the younger members, when planning your family's disaster response and recovery efforts. This month, during Youth Preparedness Month, our Office of Emergency Management will be sharing helpful information of how to ensure all members of your family are prepared on its Facebook and Twitter social media pages. You can also find information, resources and games to help teach your kids about disaster awareness on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's website at www.ready.gov/kids.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services and Police Department

Never Leave a Child or Pet Alone in a Car

The County’s Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) and Police Department (HCPD) continue to remind parents and caregivers of the importance of taking the necessary steps to make sure no child – or pet, is ever left in a vehicle alone. While it may seem hard to believe that a caregiver could forget a child is in the car, a majority of child hyperthermia fatalities in vehicles occur due to a change in the driver’s routine, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Even with the windows rolled down or the air conditioning on, the temperature inside a vehicle can quickly rise. When parked in direct sunlight, the inside of a car can reach up to 131° to 172°F when outside temperatures are 80° to 100°F. Even with the windows rolled down or the air conditioning on, the temperature inside a vehicle can quickly rise.

REMEMBER, a child's body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult's, and a body temperature of 107 degrees is fatal. Children overheat easily, and those under four are among those at greatest risk for heat-related illness and death.

As for pets, pets can sustain organ damage or even die from heatstroke in just 15 minutes when left in an unattended vehicle. Beating the heat for dogs is especially tough because they can only cool themselves by panting and by sweating through their paw pads.

To ensure this unthinkable tragedy does not occur, DFRS and HCPD is offering up these tips:

• Place something that you’ll need at your next stop – such as a purse or briefcase – near the child safety seat. This simple act could help prevent you from accidentally forgetting a child.
• If you are dropping your child off at childcare, and normally it’s another parent or caregiver your spouse or partner who drops them off, have the caregiver, your spouse or partner call you to make sure the drop went according to plan. Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child does not show up for childcare.
• Teach children not to play in, on or around vehicles.
• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even with the window slightly open. A vehicle can heat to dangerous, life-threatening levels in only 10 minutes.
• Always lock a vehicle’s doors and trunk. Keep keys and remote entry devices out of children’s reach

Department of Housing and Community Development

COVID-19 Rental, Utility and Mortgage Assistance

If you or someone you know in Howard County is still facing financial struggles due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, emergency rental and utility assistance is still available to eligible households. Maximum assistance per household may be up to 18 months of rent and utility expenses. Residents that previously received assistance are eligible to apply for additional assistance. To learn more and/or for details on how to apply, click HERE. 

If you are a homeowner unable to pay your mortgage, behind on your mortgage payments or facing foreclosure, please contact our Department of Housing and Community Development at (410) 313-6318, select option 3 or email foreclosureprevention@howardcountymd.gov to learn more about available assistance.

Nominations Sought for 2022 Human Rights Award

The Howard County Human Rights Commission is now seeking nominations for its 2022 Jim Henson and Jean Toomer Individual, the Dr. Murray Simon Student, and the Colette Roberts Organization awards. Presented annually, these awards honor individuals and community organizations who have made significant contributions to human and civil rights in Howard County.

The nomination form can be found online or a hard copy can be requested by contacting the Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) by calling 410-313-6430 or emailing hrc@howardcountymd.gov. Self-nominations are accepted. The nomination deadline is August 14, 2022.

Winners will be recognized at the 2022 Human Rights Commission Awards Ceremony on October 19th at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center.

For questions and/or more information about this year’s award, contact OHRE at 410-313-6430 or email hrc@howardcountymd.gov. To learn more about the Human Rights Commission, check out the OHRE’s Commissions and Workgroups website.

Reading Human Rights: The Nickel Boys

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 August book discussion, OHRE and HCLS will discuss Colson Whitehead’s novel, The Nickel Boys. In his novel, Whitehead brilliantly dramatizes another strand of American history through the story of two boys unjustly sentenced to a hellish reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida. To secure your seat for this event, set to take place Tuesday, August 23^rd at 6:30 p.m. at HCLS’ East Columbia branch, click HERE.

Women’s Equality Day Luncheon

All are invited to join OHRE from noon to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 26^th at DCRS’ Bain 50+ Center for an afternoon luncheon celebrating National Women’s Equality Day. On August 26^th, 1920, the 19^th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to United States citizens on the basis of sex, was adopted. In commemoration of this historical moment, August 26^th was deemed Women’s Equality Day.

OHRE’s luncheon on the 26^th will feature remarks from the OHRE Administrator Yolanda F. Sonnier and other community and government women leaders. To reserve your ticket today for this event, click HERE.

Department of Planning and Zoning

Planning Board Meeting

Our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Planning Board will be holding a virtual meeting via WebEx, starting at 7:00 p.m. this Thursday, August 18^th, to hear the following agenda items:

• FDP-50-A-1 Village of Oakland Mills -A request to amend the FDP to add a motor vehicle facility as a permitted use and provide criteria for the motor vehicle fueling facilities in the Village Center.
• F-22-016 Wynne Property -A request to review Final Subdivision Plan (F-22-016) in accordance with Section 16.125(c) of the Subdivision and Land Development Regulations for a subdivision that abuts or adjoins a scenic road.

Due to technical difficulties, the August 4^th meeting had to be cancelled, so these items were continued to the Planning Board’s August 18^th meeting. Registration for those previously registered for the August 4^th meeting, will automatically carry over to the August 18^th meeting.

For those not previously registered who would like testify at the August 18^th meeting, click HERE to register. Registration must be completed prior to 7:00 pm the night (August 17, 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.

Comments Sought for Fourth HoCo By Design Draft Theme Chapter

As part of its HoCo By Design development process, DPZ is seeking public feedback on the policies and implementing actions of its fourth planning theme chapter: “Supporting Economic Prosperity: Creating Opportunities for Business to Innovate and Thrive.” This chapter highlights values, policies and initiatives that continue strengthening Howard County’s position as a self-sustaining, diverse employment center for the region. Key approaches include ensuring a healthy jobs-housing balance, supporting industrial growth, creating opportunities for mixed-use activity centers, supporting modern agriculture, enhancing access to employment training and education, promoting job diversity, and supporting businesses large and small so that they can be strong and prosperous in the future.

To share your feedback, I encourage you to complete DPZ’s “Supporting Economic Prosperity Comment Form”, available now through 11:59 p.m., next Tuesday, August 23^rd. All responses are optional, so feel free to answer as few or as many questions as you like as we appreciate any and all feedback.

For more information on DPZ’s HoCo By Design’s Draft Chapter Release: Supporting Economic Prosperity, visit www.hocobydesign.com/economic-prosperity, or contact DPZ’s Community Planners Kate Bolinger at kbolinger@howardcountymd.gov or Sarah Latimer at slatimer@howardcountymd.gov.

Ellicott City Sustainable Community Renewal Application

In 2012, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development designated Ellicott City a Sustainable Community. This designation offers a comprehensive package of resources that support holistic strategies for community development, revitalization and sustainability, including access to grant funding.

Ellicott City’s Sustainable Community designation is up for renewal and we need your help. As part of its draft application, DPZ has incorporated the recommendations laid out in its Ellicott City Watershed Master Plan. The goals, desired outcomes and policies of this Master Plan will serve as the foundation for Ellicott City’s Sustainable Communities renewal application. 

To assist DPZ with this renewal application, we are asking for the public’s help. Between now and this Wednesday, August 17^th, we are asking community members to please review DPZ’s Ellicott City Sustainable Communities Plan renewal application and submit any comments you might have to volivier@howardcountymd.gov. It is our hope that the renewal application accurately reflects the Master Plan and Ellicott City today.

Police Department

Coffee with a Cop

Join HCPD this Thursday, August 18^th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Chick-fil-A at 4905 Executive Park Drive in Columbia for its next “Coffee with a Cop”. Come meet face-to-face with HCPD's Community Outreach Officers 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 - Construction Report

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

Columbia

• Gerwig Lane Dam Retrofit (Capital Project D-1177) – Project to improve a stormwater management pond adjacent to 9665 Gerwig Lane. Along with replacing the existing metal pipe riser and spillway pipe with a concrete riser and spillway pipe, the pond embankment will be reconstructed to meet current Maryland Dam Safety standards and more. This project is not expected to impact the traffic flow in the area and weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late March 2023.

Ellicott Ctiy

• Wharff Lane Gully Stabilization (Capital Project D-1176) – Project to stabilize the roadway culvert outfall and the outfall tributary to the Patapsco River along both sides of the roadway between 4886 and 4920 Wharff Lane, to improve stream channels and steep slopes. The project is expected to begin on or about Thursday, September 1st, is not expected to impact traffic flow and weather permitting, is expected to be completed by late January 2023.

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

Centennial Lane Traffic Shift as Part of State’s MD 108 Intersection Improvement Project

As the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) continues to make progress on its intersection improvement project along MD 108 at Centennial Lane and Beaverbrook Road, SHA is set to begin the next stage its project with the shifting of travel lanes on Centennial Lane. Motorists traveling north and south on Centennial Lane are now required to use the interior lanes only. The outside lanes have been blocked off to allow crews the ability to safely work on pipe installation as part of area drainage improvements. 

Electronic signs, barrels and cones are in place to alert motorists of the traffic pattern change. 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.

The drainage work is part of an SHA $8.2 million intersection improvement project that includes widening and adding turn lanes on MD 108 and Centennial Lane to reduce congestion and enhance safety. Work began in summer 2021 and is expected to be complete by the end of this year. 

For questions and/or more information about this project, click HERE or contact SHA at 410-545-0303.

State MD 103 Widening Project Begins

In case you missed it, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun work to widen MD 103 between US 29 and Long Gate Parkway in Ellicott City, in an effort to improve safety and capacity along MD 103 near Long Gate Shopping Center.

As part of this State project, SHA will construct a third travel lane on MD 103 for motorists wishing to access northbound US 29. The new dedicated northbound US 29 lane will separate exiting traffic from westbound MD 103 prior to the traffic signal at Old Columbia Pike. Sidewalks and bicycle lanes will also be added. The project also includes a painted median on MD 103 to improve visibility and safety for motorists crossing the busy roadway or making left turns from side streets. Finally, additional improvements include replacement of curb, gutter and drainage pipes, reconstruction of traffic signals and landscaping, and stormwater management.

There will be single-lane and shoulder closures on MD 103 during work hours, Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to limit traffic disruptions during construction. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be complete in 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. 

For more information about this work, please contact SHA at 410-545-0303 or visit its website.

Registration for Fall Activity Guide Now Open

Registration is now open for all Howard County and out-of-county residents for our Department of Recreation and Parks' 2022 Fall Activity Guide. Whether you are looking for a program for when school’s out or a new class for you or a loved one, there’s something for everyone in this year’s Fall Activity Guide. To view the guide online or for details on how to register for a program, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/rap.

County residents who have not received a hardcopy of the Fall Activity Guide in the mail and would like one, are invited to stop by our Recreation & Parks headquarters at 7120 Oakland Mills Road in Columbia or one of our community centers to pick one up. 

Teen Ball Room Scene 

Calling all 11-17-year-olds! Join Recreation & Parks for its new Teen Ball Room Scene class. This six-week, LGBTQ+ friendly class will offer participants and opportunity to learn how to dance, teen vogue, walk, pose, perform and model on the runway. Class starts October 27^th and runs through December 8^th. To learn more and/or to register, click HERE.

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. 

Newest Community Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Class Announced

Again, congratulations to Judy DeJong, Tim Krause, Eric McLamb, the late Vernon Seibert, Don Van Deusen and the late Laura Wetherald, the six newest inductees of Howard County Recreation and Parks' Community Sports Hall of Fame. Each year, the Community Sports Hall of Fame honors outstanding individuals for their commitment or notable contribution to community sports in Howard County. To this year's inductee class, we thank you for all you do and have done for the youth and community sports in Howard County. To learn about this class, click HERE.