Dear Friends, 

I recently joined Recreation & Parks Director A. Raul Delerme, Maryland State Senator Katie Fry Hester, and Howard County Councilman David Yungmann to break ground on eight dedicated pickleball courts at Western Regional Park.

We are pleased to add more pickleball courts here in Howard County because we recognize the popularity of the sport as well as the need for increased outdoor activities in our communities. Our residents, especially those who are part of our active-aging community, enjoy the exercise, competition, and camaraderie that pickleball provides. 

Construction of the new courts, which will be built near the existing tennis courts, is expected to begin this Fall. Read more here. 

We Will Never Forget

Every year on September 11th, we honor our commitment to always remember those who lost their lives, including the four victims from Howard County, on that tragic day 21 years ago. At our annual remembrance ceremony, we paid tribute to those we lost on that tragic day, honored their loved ones, and reaffirmed our commitment to never forget the lives forever changed.

It's Time to RISE

Our community has been working so incredibly hard for two years. Even today, we continue to vaccinate our youngest residents as well as promote boosters. While the work continues, we need to stop, take a breath, reflect, and celebrate the great work Howard County has done to save lives and prevent even more hospitalizations during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Join us for a beautiful night to thank you and to honor all our frontline workers, businesses, residents, faith-based groups, nonprofits, and community members who have made Howard County resilient in the face of adversity. Don’t miss out on a night of music, food, family fun, and picture-perfect moments with our professional photographer. 

Music by DJ Kopec. Complimentary food and beverages catered by Blowfish Poke & Grill, BIBIBOP Asian Grill, Roggenart, Kona Ice, Nora's Kabob, Kupcakes & Co., SoBar, and Cured / 18th & 21st. 

RSVP here. Any questions? Email rise@howardcountymd.gov or call (410) 313-2170.

Honoring our History

In recent years, we have made significant investment in preserving our history and learning about our past. The Harriet Tubman School, which is set to open on September 17th, has seen record investment in the last four years and will serve as a historic, educational and cultural space. 

In four years, we’ve committed more than $6.7 million in County funds and worked with our State delegation to secure an additional $1 million in funding. Together, that comprised more than 83% of the funds required to transform the building from a painful stain of segregation into an impactful cultural center that will enrich our whole community. Our substantial investment in this project reflects our commitment to learning from our past and creating an even brighter future, full of more opportunity for all.  

I’m grateful for the Harriet Tubman Foundation for their ongoing work to preserve our history. Retaining this legacy of early African American education in Howard County is important history for current and future generations of all races and backgrounds.

Supporting Our Officers, One Pace at a Time

It was an honor to support our Howard County Police Department and Howard County Police Foundation at the 31st Annual Police Pace. Together, we are creating safer communities through inclusive outreach and comprehensive investments in public safety.

As we continue to honor our public safety officials for their courage and determination to serve, please join me in giving them our thanks for all they do for our residents, neighbors, and visitors to ensure that we are safe and feel safe.

Ganpathi Bappa, Moreya!

I had a great time at the 2022 Maha Ganeshotsav festival at Meadowbrook Athletic Center in honor of Ganesh Chaturthi. I’m so appreciative of Rohit, Sameer, and all volunteers from Baltimore Marathi Mandal for putting together this important event. May all be blessed with happiness, prosperity, and peace.

Finding the Solutions of Tomorrow

I had a wonderful time stopping by the eighth annual Maryland STEM Festival at Howard Community College. STEM reminds us that we must invest in the present and the future. It’s something we can all be a part of because it’s part of everything we do. 

Thank you to Phil Rogofsky, Ava Marie of WBAL-TV, HCC Dean of Sciences Bhuvana Chandran, and everyone who made this event possible. Together, we’ll ensure our students can find creative ways to solve the problems of tomorrow. 

Wise Child Care

In Howard County, we’re so grateful to have incredible educational institutions which help our students grow and thrive. I was so excited to join my dear friends Sangeetha and Chinna Gudapati to celebrate the grand opening of Wisdom Child Care Center in Columbia. They offer progressive early education that focuses on the holistic development of young minds. 

I wish them ongoing success in the years ahead! Learn more about them here.

Finding Pieces of History

I was happy to join community members, board members from EC250, and others on Main Street in Ellicott City to unveil “Pieces of History: EC250 Mosaic Project” by Lisa Scarbath. This beautiful piece of art consists of six individual panels made of materials like glass, stone, slate, and metal that were contributed by more than 80 people in the community. 

Thank you to Ellicott City Partnership, Howard County Historical Society, Visit Howard County, and Howard County Arts Council for their partnership in cultivating our art community in Ellicott City. The mosaic is installed in the window of 8095 Main Street so make sure to come to Ellicott City to enjoy this amazing installation and support our small businesses and restaurants!

Celebrating Family and Togetherness

The Korean Chuseok Festival is an important time to honor our ancestors, celebrate friendship and family, and enjoy Autumn foods. Enjoying this beautiful celebration with the Korean American Seniors Association and our vibrant and talented Korean community is a powerful reminder to savor the aromas, colors, and tastes this season brings. 

Thank you to President Young Cho, Executive Vice President David Shin, Event Chair Helen Won, Past President Sue Song, and to all who contributed to this wonderful celebration.

Are You Ready to Serve?

We are currently seeking applicants interested in serving on the Administrative Charging Committee (ACC). The Administrative Charging Committee shall meet at least once per month, and appointees will be expected to attend all meetings of their respective boards.

If you, or someone you know, are interested in serving, please fill out the online application here.

It's OK To Ask

Are you thinking about suicide? 

We understand that it’s a hard question to ask but it communicates that you’re open to speaking about suicide in a non-judgmental and supportive way. Asking in this direct, unbiased manner can open the door for effective dialogue about emotional pain and can allow everyone involved to see what next steps need to be taken.

In honor of World Suicide Prevention Day, we lit the George Howard Building blue and Purple to remind you that you are never alone. Help is available. Call the national Suicide Prevention hotline, available 24/7, at 988. 

Help Keep Others Warm by Donating Cold Weather Gear Today

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

Free Support Programs for Caregivers and Older adults with Chronic Conditions



 Living Well is a free, six-week chronic disease self-management program (CDSMP) that can help you manage chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Small groups meet weekly to discuss topics like nutrition, exercise, communication with family and health care providers, feelings of frustration, and more. 

"A class like this is a great benefit for anyone diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes,” says Mayme Grant, a recent participant. "I feel more confident now in planning for my diabetic treatment."

Now you can attend Living Well from the comfort of your own home, via Webex.The virtual workshop series will be held on six Wednesdays, September 14 through October 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Caregivers are encouraged to attend, too. To register, contact Akasha Dotson at 410-313-3507 (voice/relay) or email ADotson@howardcountymd.gov. Living Well programs are a collaboration of the Howard County Health Department, Howard County Office on Aging and Independence, and Howard County General Hospital.

Power Tools for Caregivers



Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) presents topics and self-care tools to help caregivers reduce personal stress; change negative self-talk; communicate more effectively in challenging situations; manage emotions; make tough caregiving decisions; and better understand dementia. Whether you choose to attend in person at the Ellicott City 50+ Center starting September 14 at 6:00 p.m., or participate online via Webex, starting October 17, don't miss the opportunity to improve your relaxation and exercise habits, boost your physical and mental well-being, and enjoy the support and company of other caregivers. For more information or to register, contact Kathy Wehr, caregiver support program manager, at 410-313-5955 (voice/relay) or kwehr@howardcountymd.gov.

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

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

Handmade with Love



The Howard County Office of Veterans and Military Families is collecting homemade SCARVES and HATS for currently deployed military members. Drop off your handmade items no later than Friday, November 4, at one of the locations listed on the flier. Pin a note to each scarf or hat with the yarn fiber contents listed, and feel free to include a personal note for the recipient.

Our soldiers are deeply touched by the care and effort when they receive gifts, especially handmade items from supportive fellow Americans. Scarves should be 4” to 6” wide x 48” to 50” long (no fringe) while hats should fit an adult-size head. Materials can be wool, acrylic or non-flammable fleece in subtle shades of blue, brown, olive, gray, maroon, and black. Red/white/blue combinations are also acceptable. For more information, contact Lisa Terry at 410-313-0821 (voice/relay) or email veterans@howardcountymd.gov.

Office of Emergency Management

National Preparedness Month

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

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

Information Sought Regarding Good Samaritan

Our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) needs your help in finding the good Samaritan who stopped their vehicle along the side of 10700 block of Resort Road in Ellicott City on June 25^th to administer life-saving CPR to a cyclist in cardiac arrest. When a person goes into Sudden Cardiac Arrest, every second counts. For each minute that passes without CPR, a person's chances of survival decreases exponentially.

If you are or know who this motorist was, please send DFRS a direct message on Facebook or Twitter or email outreach@hcdfrs.org. DFRS and the patient would love to say thank you and celebrate the vital role this individual played in the chain of survival that faithful day.

Howard County Health Department

Underage Tobacco Enforcement Investigators Wanted

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

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

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

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

#HumansofHowardCounty Highlights Hispanic Heritage Month

Join our Office of Human Rights & Equity (OHRE) as it kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month with its #HumansofHowardCounty series. This month, ORHE’s Kathy Morales will be interviewing County Government’s Hispanic and Latino employees, spotlighting their stories and experiences. This month’s series will be shared lived on OHRE’s Facebook page this Wednesday, September 14^th at noon.

Benevolent Borders: How Citizenship & Immigration Status Became Protected Classes in Howard County   

Did you know that citizenship and immigration status were added to the Howard County Human Rights Law as protected classes this year? Join OHRE’s Community Outreach Supervisor Claudia Allen and a variety of special guests this Thursday, September 15^th at 6:30 p.m. at the County’s Roger Carter Community Center, as Claudia shares how they became protected classes and what this means for Howard County residents. Participants will learn more about the kinds of discrimination individuals face surrounding their citizenship and immigration status and what legal protections are available to them in Howard County. Participants will also have the opportunity to discuss with legal professionals and experts to further understand the historical, cultural and legal ramifications of this new legislative change.

To register, click HERE or contact Tessa Hurd at 410-313-7311 or thurd@howardcountymd.gov for questions and/or more information about this event.

Reading Human Rights: The Undocumented Americans

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

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

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

Department of Planning and Zoning

Route 1 Tax Credit Program Applications Now Being Accepted

Last week, I announced that applications for the County’s latest round of its Route 1 Tax Credit Program are now being accepted. Administered by our Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ), this program offers up to $100,000 in funding per site to commercial and industrial property owners along the Route 1 corridor to assist them with renovating and improving the appearance of their properties.

To be eligible for the tax credit, the property must have frontage onto Route 1 and/or be adjacent to a property with Route 1 frontage, or be within the perimeter of Map 20.129D (Elkridge), be under 15 acres, be up-to-date on property tax payments and have no existing code violations. Commercial and property owners interested in renovating the appearance of their property, are encouraged to visit the Route 1 Tax Credit Program website to learn more about this program and how to apply, or contact DPZ at 410-313-2350.

Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board

Tomorrow, September 13^th, DPZ’s 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 2307 047 2121 as the event access code.

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

Planning Board Meeting

DPZ’s Planning Board will be holding a virtual meeting via WebEx, starting at 7:00 p.m. this Thursday, September 15^th, to hear the following agenda item:

• FDP-30-A-V - Howard Research and Development Company on behalf of Enterprise Community Homes – A request to amend the FDP to increase the maximum permitted height for structures on Lot 18 from 40 feet to 60 feet from the highest adjoining ground level elevation upon the lot

To register to testify, click HERE. Registration must be completed prior to 7:00 pm the night (September 14, 2022) before the scheduled meeting to participate. If you do not wish to testify, but simply to watch the meeting, click HERE for the link 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.

HoCo By Design Readies to Release County in Motion Draft Chapter

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

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

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

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

Police Department

Applicants Sought for the Police Accountability Board Administrative Charging Committee

I and the County’s Police Accountability Board are seeking applicants interested in serving on the Administrative Charging Committee. Administrative Charging Committee members are responsible for: reviewing the findings of each law enforcement agency's investigation forwarded to the Committee; reviewing any relevant information regarding the complaint; authorizing a police officer to appear before the committee accompanied by a representative to give testimony; determining whether a police officer should be administratively charged; recommending discipline in accordance with Discipline Matrix; and issuing written findings and provide them to the head of the relevant law enforcement agency.

The Committee shall meet at least once per month, and appointees will be expected to attend all meetings of their respective boards. All residents interested in volunteering their time should complete the application available on the County’s website and attach a resume. Also, note there is 40-hour training requirement for members of the Committee. Candidates will also be asked to complete a background check and complete a disclosure statement. The deadline to apply is September 16, 2022.

Department of Public Works - Construction Report

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

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

Maryland State Highway Administration

Last night, September 11^th, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) began overnight work on a project to improve the safety and the driving surface on five highway ramps in the county. The project will remove the top layer of the roadway, repair potholes to smooth out the surface and install a new layer of asphalt on the following ramps:  

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

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

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

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

Anniversary Open House 

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

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

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

Teen Ball Room Scene 

Don’t forget, Recreation & Park’s new Teen Ball Room Scene class starts next month! Geared towards youth, 11 to 17 years of age, this LGBTQ+ friendly, six-week class will teach participants how to dance, teen vogue, walk, pose, perform, and model on the runway. Class begins October 27^th and will run through December 8^th. Cost is $69.00 per person.

To learn more about this class and/or register, click HERE. All are welcome.

Turf to Trees

In addition to our annual native tree giveaway, Recreation & Parks’ Turf to Trees Program is also looking for applicants. This program provides trees and planting services to Howard County property owners with lots of one-and-a-half to 10 acres in size, free of cost.

To qualify for the program, property owners must commit to receiving and maintaining a minimum of 50 trees. The property owner must care for the trees provided by the County including, but not limited to, watering, shelter maintenance and removal, protecting trees from deer and other pests, as well as invasive species remediation. The County will assess each property to determine eligibility. A planting plan, including planting boundaries and a tree species list, will be created in collaboration with the property owner. An emphasis will be given to creating a contiguous planting, in which the trees are grouped together. However, non-contiguous plantings will be considered to address specific environmental concerns. Perimeter planting (one row of trees around a property) will not be accepted.

To learn more about this program, visit Recreation & Parks Natural Resources website and click on the “Turf to Tree Program” dropdown or email trees@HowardCountymd.gov.

North Laurel Community Center Fall Festival 

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

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

Truck or Treat 

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

Office of Transportation

BikeAround Downtown Fall 2022

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

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

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

For biking directions to Azlon Plaza, click here.