February 6, 2023

Dear Friends, 


Opioid manufacturers created a public health crisis that led to hundreds of fatal and nonfatal overdoses in Howard County. Last week, I signed an Executive Order creating an Opioid Collaborative Community Council to assist in determining priorities for how the County should use funds received through a National Settlement Agreement with opioid manufacturers and any future settlements.


Now that we have begun to receive money as part of our settlement with some opioid manufacturers, it’s important that our community has input into how those funds can best be used to prevent future opioid misuse.


Read more about our efforts here.

Community Updates

Staying Stronger Together


I’m excited to lead our region’s growth and development in 2023 and beyond as the 2023 Chair of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC). BMC embodies the spirit of ‘stronger together,’ connecting our communities to embrace opportunity for everyone.


Over the next year, we look forward to our partnerships with the Moore-Miller Administration and our regional partners advance and improve our overall quality of life for all.

Celebrating Black History


Last month, we all had a chance to watch Wes Moore make history as our first Black Governor of Maryland. However, this wasn’t the first time he made history. Born in Maryland, and a graduate of Baltimore’s-own John’s Hopkins University, Moore was the college’s very first Black Rhodes Scholar, going on to attend Oxford to earn his Master’s degree in international relations. He also served our country in Afghanistan as a captain with the 82nd Airborne Division, where he led his fellow soldiers as they valiantly fought for our country. A humanitarian at heart, Moore’s organization BridgeEdU worked to increase opportunities for long-term success for underserved college students starting their freshman year, while his tenure as CEO of the Robin Hood Foundation saw the distribution of over $600 million toward lifting families out of poverty, including here in Maryland.


On Wednesday, Governor Moore delivered his first State of the State Address. It was befitting that he delivered his address, as the first Black Maryland Governor, on the first day of Black History Month. During his speech, Governor Moore emphasized the importance of service in every field and every endeavor. Whether you serve as an educator, contractual worker, a business, or a non-profit, we will continue to serve together. That is how we will ensure access to the best services and quality of life for all. Over these next four years, I’m excited to move forward together to ensure every Marylander has the best opportunity to live, work, play, grow, and grow older.


We kicked off this Black History Month by celebrating a true example of Black excellence, my friend, and Good Brother, Governor Wes Moore.

Taking Care of Our Children



We all want to make the best decisions for our children and prepare them to be ready and successful students. I was so glad to join the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services for their 2023 Child Care Fair. This is a great opportunity for Howard County parents and guardians to learn more about child care options and set our youngest residents on a path of positive development. 

Serving on The Board of Education


We are currently seeking applicants from District 1 who are interested in serving on the Howard County Board of Education. This opening follows the resignation of Christina Delmont-Small earlier this week. The deadline to apply for this vacancy is Friday, February 10th. 


If you are someone who shares the goal of ensuring our children are career and college-ready and supporting educators in fostering the best teaching and learning environment for all, I encourage you to apply today. Learn more about how to apply here.

A Taste of Maryland


As the fifth largest economic driver in Howard County, agriculture plays a vital role in our community. I was thrilled to join the Maryland Agriculture Council, Inc. for their 53rd Taste of Agriculture event. Our farms provide locally grown food, minimize our environmental footprint, and create jobs. Through our work together, we will continue to protect and preserve our agricultural land and encourage our farming traditions so future generations can thrive!

A Symbol of Strength


We should continue working to create a community where all religions, cultures, and ethnicities are recognized and celebrated. On World Hijab Day, we recognize how the clothing can be a symbol of strength, faith, and devotion. 


I was so glad to join the Howard County Library System and the Muslim Women of Howard County to celebrate this empowering day and recommit to creating a united community for all.

We're Always Listening!


During our Listening Sessions over the last few weeks, we heard from over 300 people on issues important to them. My team is working through the feedback we received, which will help us shape the future of Howard County. If you missed joining us in person, you can still send us your thoughts via email at Future@howardCountymd.gov. 

 

Together, we will continue our work to create the best Howard County for all. 

PlanHoward Academy


Interested in learning about planning and development in Howard County and how you can improve your community’s future? 


The Academy is an award-winning planning course designed by the Department of Planning and Zoning that educates residents on how the planning and land development process works. A cohort of up to 35 residents will be selected from the pool of applicants. 


Apply to Howard County’s Spring 2023 PlanHoward Academy by February 26 here.

Join My Team!


My office is currently looking to fill several vacant positions. To learn more and apply, please click the respective link below. We are currently looking for:

Staying Heart Healthy


During Heart Month in February, we encourage you to learn more about choosing a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle you can stick to. You can lower your risk of heart disease by eating foods high in fiber, low in saturated fats, and limited sugar. It is also important to moderate alcohol intake. 


Learn more about preventing heart disease to stay heart healthy from the CDC here.
Government Updates
Department of Community Resources and Services

Landlord-Tenant Law: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

 

As part of Maryland Libraries Together's Career Success Month, the Howard County Library System (HCLS) is hosting our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office of Consumer Protection this month for a series of workshops to talk about tenant rights and responsibilities. Participants will learn: how to shop for a rental; get an understanding of leases, application fees and security deposits and how rent increases should be communicated; what you should do if you have a dispute with your landlord or face early termination and eviction; how to avoid rental scams; and much more.

 

The workshops will take place on:

  • [Korean] February 6th at 6:00 p.m., held virtually. To register, click HERE.
  • [Spanish] February 13th at 6:00 p.m., held in-person at HCLS Central branch. To register, click HERE

 

For more information, call OCP at 410-313-6420 (voice/relay).

Resources Available to Help You Remain Independent

 

This month, together with Maryland Access Point and the Community Living Program, DCRS’s Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) is hosting a new program, “Resources and Devices to Help you Remain Independent.” This program is designed to educate older residents about locally available resources to help them live a full and independent life. In addition to community resource information, the workshops will include hands-on demonstrations of devices, gadgets and durable medical equipment that can make activities of daily living easier as you age.

 

To register for one of these upcoming workshops, simply contact the 50+ Center listed below:

AARP Income Tax Preparation Appointments Now Available at a 50+ Center Near You

 

Now and through April 13th, AARP and the IRS are offering FREE personal Federal and Maryland income tax preparation at our 50+ centers across the county. Offered by appointment only, this service is available to middle- and low-income taxpayers with special emphasis on those 60 and older. Self-employment returns with more than $5,000 in expenses and complex returns are not eligible for this service. Also, please keep in mind, each appointment is for one single or joint return.

 

Appointments will be available on the following days, times and 50+ center locations:

 

To schedule a tax prep appointment, please call 443-741-2373; do NOT call a 50+ center directly. To your appointment, participants will need to bring the Social Security card for anyone listed on their personal return, their 2021 state and federal tax returns, all 2022 tax records and the purchase cost of investment transactions during 2022 (if any).

 

All preparers and volunteers have received IRS-approved training and are certified in tax preparation.

Help Out Our Youngest Neighbors, Donate Today to Howard County’s Diaper Drive

 

No family should have to choose between paying for food or purchasing diapers for their child(ren). This February, DCRS’s Office of Children and Families is encouraging county residents to support their fellow neighbors by donating today to the Howard County Diaper Project. By donating just one pack of diapers, you can help a Howard County family meet their diaper needs for the month.

 

Making a difference is easy. Simply:

  • Drop off diapers and/or wipes at any HCLS branch between now and February 28th;  
  • Drop off diapers and/or wipes at the Howard County Food Bank weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.;
  • Order diapers for direct delivery from the Diaper Project’s Amazon Wish List; or
  • Donate cash through the Community Action Council’s Virtual Diaper Drive.

2023 Howard County Resource Guide Now Available

 

DCRS’s 2023 Howard County Resource Guide for Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities is now available online. Produced by OAI, this annual guide features up-to-date information on healthy aging programs, aging-in-place resources and disability services available to our residents right here in Howard County.

 

In addition to the digital version, hardcopies of the guide are also available for pick-up at County Government buildings, 50+ centers and HCLS branches, or you can request to have a hardcopy mailed to you by calling our local Maryland Access Point office at 410-313-1234.  

Office of Emergency Management

Vehicle Emergency Kit Winter Weather Ready

 

With winter here, our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is reminding motorists to make sure their vehicles are equipped with an emergency kit stocked with the following items for winter weather:

  • Jumper cables
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlights
  • Snow scraper
  • Bag of sand, road salt or kitty litter for traction
  • Snow shovel
  • Road flares
  • Extra blanket or cot

Winter Weather Alerts

 

Here is a quick winter weather alert refresher from OEM.

 

All winter weather alerts are issued by the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) and a:

  • "Winter Weather Advisory" means wintry weather is expected and to exercise caution.
  • "Winter Storm Watch" means snow, sleet or ice are possible and to be prepared.
  • "Winter Storm Warning" means snow, sleet or ice are expected and to take action.

 

To learn more about winter weather advisories, watches and warnings, visit the NWS’s “Winter Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories” website today.

Department of Finance

Inaugural “Popular Annual Finance Report” Earns GFOA Award

 

This past week, I announced that our inaugural Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Popular Annual Finance Report (PAFR) had been recognized by the GFOA of the US & Canada with its “Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award”. This award solidifies our commitment to transparency and making sure our financial reports are easily accessible and readable to you, our constituents. I want to thank everyone in our fantastic Finance Department for their hard work, award-winning excellence and continued efforts to help make Howard County an innovative and efficient government.

 

A modified version of our fully Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for FY2021, the PAFR is a shorter and simpler version to provide the public with an overview of the County’s operations, programs and financial condition in an accessible and transparent format. The County’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for FY2022, and its corresponding FY2022 Popular Annual Financial Report are also now both available online.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

Home Heating Safety Tips

 

With Punxsutawney Phil predicting six more weeks of winter, our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) is sharing these tips from the National Fire Protection Association on how to safely heat your home during the cold, winter months.

Help Train a Firefighter by Donating Your Unwanted Car

 

Help DFRS personnel train and prepare for incidents involving motor vehicles by donating your unwanted car today. 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), DFRS will tow your vehicle away for free. Simply email cardonations@howardcountymd.gov and include the location of the vehicle you'd like to donate and your contact information.

Five Hundred Percent Increase in Sign-Ups to Learn How to Save a Life

 

Since Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the football field, our DFRS’ community outreach team has seen a 500 percent increase in its community CPR class sign-up. To all who are stepping up to the sideline to learn this living saving technique, I command you for wanting to do your part should the situation arise.

 

If you want to learn how you too can be the difference between life and death when every second matters, I encourage you to sign up today for one of DFRS’ free CPR courses. For groups of 10 or more interested in learning CPR, submit a training class request for your group and DFRS’ community outreach team will contact you. The department can host classes in a county building or at a location of your choosing within Howard County.

 

According to the American Heart Association, nearly 45 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims survived when bystander CPR was administered. Sign up today and be the difference.


Stay Off the Ice

 

While DFRS trains for this, the department is still asking parents, guardians and teachers to remind children and young people NEVER to venture onto frozen water as there is no such thing as safe ice (except maybe on the rink).

 

Even if the ice appears thick from the bank, it can become thinner very quickly. The temperature of the water below the ice is cold enough to take your breath away, which can lead to panic and drowning. The coldness can also make your arms and legs numb which means you cannot control them and cannot swim, and it can lead to hypothermia. This happens to even the strongest swimmers!

 

If YOU WITNESS someone fall through the ice, keep calm and call 9-1-1. Resist the urge to run up to the edge of the hole to try and pull them out as you will most likely break through the ice creating two victims. If you can safely reach the victim from shore, extend an object, such as a branch, rope or clothing tied together, to try and pull them out – AGAIN, DO NOT GO ON THE ICE.

 

If a dog or other animal ventures onto the ice, or falls through it, do NOT go to its rescue - you are likely to end up in the freezing water yourself and unable to help the animal. Over 50 percent of ice related drownings involve an attempted rescue of a dog. If walking your dog near a frozen waterway, keep it on its leash and never throw sticks or balls onto the ice for your dog.

 

If YOU FALL through the ice, remain calm. Turn toward the direction you came from placing your hands and arms on the unbroken surface of the ice and work forward by kicking your feet. Once you are lying on the ice, DO NOT stand. Instead, roll away from the hole; this spreads out your weight until you are on solid ice. Warm up and get help.

 

Again, stay safe this winter by staying off the ice!

Howard County Health Department

Annual Report Now Available

 

Howard County Health Department's (HCHD) 2022 Annual Report is now available online at www.howardcountymd.gov/health/reports-data. This annual report outlines HCHD's renewed purpose and examines how priorities identified in the 2022-2024 Strategic Plan have been implemented to provide significant improvements to further the health and well-being of those in Howard County.

Office of Human Rights and Equity

Unleashing the Activist Within

 

February is Black History Month and in honor of the month, our Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) has launched a new quarterly training, “Unleashing the Activist Within.” During its first workshop this Thursday, February 9th at 5:00 p.m. (to be held virtually), participants will explore the history, culture and tools of activism from 1950 to present time. Attendees will participate in activities that will break their barriers toward engagement, learn tools that promote self-care, gain insights on how to collaborate and organize for greater impact, and brainstorm approaches to substantively engage in the human or civil rights concerns they are most passionate about.

 

To register for next Thursday’s “Unleashing the Activist Within” training to learn how you can help make a positive change that protects and promotes the human rights of all in our community, click HERE.

MLK Pop-Up Pantry

If you or someone you know is in need of fresh produce and/or non-perishable food items, I encourage you to stop by the Ridgely Run Community Center in Jessup from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. next Monday, February 13th 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 the 13th.

 

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

Reading Human Rights: Black Ghost of Empire: The Long Death of Slavery and the Failure of Emancipation

 

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. It explores works of fiction and non-fiction to teach community members the various ways individuals, cultures and communities celebrate their identities and combat injustice.

 

For its February book discussion – to be held virtually on Tuesday, February 21st at 6:30 p.m., OHRE and HCLS will discuss Kris Manjapra’s book, Black Ghost of Empire: The Long Death of Slavery and the Failure of Emancipation. Manjapra focuses on emancipation and how its afterlife further codified the racial caste system—instead of obliterating it. His book suggests that in order to understand why the shadow of slavery still haunts us today, we must look closely at the way it ended. In honor of Black History Month, this month’s book discussion will be co-hosted and facilitated by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter of Columbia, MD.

 

To secure your “seat” for this month’s event, click HERE today to register.

Department of Planning and Zoning

Design Advisory Panel Meeting

 

This Wednesday, February 8th, our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Design Advisory Panel (DAP) will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00 p.m. to hear the following items:

 

 

To register in advance to participate in this meeting, click HERE. If you only want to listen to the meeting, call 1-650-479-3207 at the meeting time. When prompted, enter 2304 767 9546 as the event access code.

 

The DAP process encourages excellence in project architecture and site design to improve design compatibility with surrounding development, to promote revitalization and to enhance property values. You can use DPZ’s DAP interactive map to see which properties may be subject to DAP review. For DAP’s Rules of Procedure, click HERE. For questions and/or more information about DAP, contact the DPZ at 410-313-2350 or email dap@howardcountymd.gov.

Applicants Sought from Councilmanic District 1 for County’s Planning Board

 

If you or someone you know who lives in Councilmanic District 1 and has an interest in the future of planning and zoning in Howard County, I encourage you to apply today for the County’s Planning Board. Board member responsibilities include providing recommendations to the County Executive, County Council and Zoning Board on matters relating to planning and zoning, including capital programs, capital budget, Zoning Map Amendments and more. For details on eligibility requirements and how to apply, click HERE. The deadline to apply is this Friday, February 10th.

Police Department

BBQ and Badges

 

Howard County Police Department (HCPD) invites all to join them this Friday, February 10th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mission BBQ’s Columbia location for its new community outreach program, "BBQ and Badges." Like its Coffee with a Cop outreach programs, BBQ and Badges offers community members the opportunity to chat one-on-one with HCPD patrol and community officers, while enjoying some BBQ.

Membership Applications Now Being Accepted for Youth Advisory Council

 

Howard County parents, if your 9th to 12th grader is in need of community service hours, or simply looking to make a difference in their community, I encourage you to check out HCPD’s Youth Advisory Council. Designed to provide our county youth with a safe and engaging environment to interact with local law enforcement, Council member advise HCPD’s command staff on youth concerns, while gaining/strengthening leadership, public speaking and social skills.

 

To learn more about HCPD's Youth Advisory Council and/or how to apply, click HERE today. Please keep in mind, applications are due by this Sunday, February 12th.

Department of Public Works Bureau of Environmental Services

Current Curbside Yard Trim Season Has Ended

 

As a reminder, for those that ONLY receive yard trim curbside collection, the Bureau’s yard trim collection season has come to an end, with its new season scheduled to resume Monday, April 3rd.

 

Please NOTE, this does not apply to residents who are participating in the Bureau’s Feed the Green Bin food scrap collection program. Residents in this program area receive year-round food scrap/yard trim collection. To see if you are in a Feed the Green Bin area, click HERE.

Know Before You Throw: Proper Compressed Gas Tank Disposal

 

Here is a quick “Know Before You Throw” reminder regarding compressed gas tanks from our Bureau of Environmental Services. Compressed gas tanks, i.e., propane, helium, oxygen, fire extinguishers, etc., should NEVER be set out for curbside collection. These tanks become a hazard to collection crews if there is residual gas inside. Instead, residents can properly dispose of their compressed tank at the Residents' Convenience Center at the County’s Alpha Ridge Landfill.

 

Once dropped off, Safety Tank of Maryland collects the tanks, safely evacuates the remaining gas and recycles the tanks as scrap metal. Safety Tank has been in operation since 2003 and now services all types of high- and low-pressure cylinders in five states. In fact, last year more than 8,205 compressed gas bottles/tanks were collected and properly handled through this program.

Two Special Household Hazardous Waste Days Scheduled for Early 2023

 

While the County's Bureau of Environmental Services' regular Saturday Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) schedule is on hiatus until the first Saturday of April, the Bureau will host two SPECIAL winter HHW collection days this winter at the Alpha Ridge Landfill. While the Bureau hosted its first SPECAL HHW event this past Saturday, February 4th, its second collection event will take place on Saturday, March 4th. On March 4th, County residents will be able to properly dispose of HHW items at the Landfill. To learn more about this program and what is accepted/not accepted, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/HHW.

Nominees Sought for “Business Recycling and Waste Reduction” and “Green Community Leadership” Awards

 

Howard County businesses, community groups and organizations, our Bureau of Environmental Services is now accepting applications for its “Business Recycling and Waste Reduction” and “Green Community Leadership” awards program. This annual awards program recognizes businesses for their recycling and waste reduction efforts during the previous calendar year (2022) and recognizes community group and organizations who have demonstrated efforts, projects or programs that help protect Howard County’s natural environment and preserve its resources.

 

Nomination forms are available online at www.workgreenhoward.org and are by 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 24th. Nominations can either be delivered or postmarked to: Alan Wilcom, Recycling Division, 9801 Broken Land Parkway, Columbia, MD 21046, or emailed to awilcom@howardcountymd.gov (please note, email is preferred).

Vendors Sought for Howard County’s 16th Annual GreenFest

 

Back for its 16th year, vendor and sponsorship applications are now being accepted for Howard County’s annual GreenFest – set to take place Saturday, April 15th at Howard Community College in Columbia. Last year’s event drew hundreds of attendees and featured native plant vendors, compost bin give-a-ways and document shredding.

 

GreenFest is open to all vendors and exhibitors that highlight environmentally conscious products, services, activities and opportunities for community involvement; however, preference will be given to local businesses and organizations that promote environmentally friendly goods and services. Please note, there will be a limit of 50 indoor vendors/exhibitors for the event.

 

Each exhibit space includes a five-foot table and two chairs. Cost to all vendors is $35 per table, with an additional $10 late fee charged to those who apply after Friday, February 24th. Sponsorship opportunities for $100 are also available. Cost includes two tables and special mention in the GreenFest brochure and on the GreenFest website. 

 

To learn more about this year’ event and/or to apply, visit www.hcgreenfest.org; applications must be submitted electronically. 

Stormwater Management Division

Sewells Orchard Pond Repair Project Public Meeting

 

DPW’s Stormwater Management Division will hold a public meeting tomorrow, February 7th at 7:00 p.m., at our Department of Recreation and Parks headquarters, located at 7120 Oakland Mills Road in Columbia, to review the proposed Sewells Orchard Pond repair project and discuss new options and concepts that will reduce environmental impacts during the work, including updates made since the October 2022 public meeting.

 

The proposed project will include the removal and replacement of the old metal outlet spillway with a new concrete outlet structure that will have a longer service life than metal. It will also bring the pond into compliance with current Maryland Department of the Environment requirements.

 

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

 

For more details about this meeting, click HERE.

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.

 

Ellicott City

  • Old Columbia Pike Water Main Rehabilitation (Capital Project W-8330) – Project to replace the existing eight-inch water main along Old Columbia Pike from Toll House Road to Roussey Lane. Flagging operations will be in place to direct traffic as needed and signs will be posted to alert residents and motorists of the construction, as a single lane closure will occur during construction hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Additionally, a recorded message at 410-313-4400 will carry details and updates. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late August 2024.

 

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.
Department of Recreation and Parks

Registration for Recreation & Parks’ Summer Camp Guide Now Open

 

Don’t forget! Online, over-the-phone, in-peron and mail-in registration for Howard County residents is now open for Department of Recreation and Parks' 2023 Summer Camp Guide. From art, chess, Lego, magic and sports camps, there is something to keep your child’s mind and body active during the summer months.

 

For non-Howard County residents, online registration begins for you at 6:00 p.m. this Wednesday, February 8th, with all other registration methods available the following day.

Camp Fair is Back 

 

Speaking of camps, Recreation & Parks’ Camp Fair is back! Join Recreation & Parks from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. this Saturday, February 11th at its North Laurel Community Center to learn more about its amazing camps, while enjoying a variety of camp activities. While geared towards children aged two to 14, the whole family is invited to this FREE family, fun event. Attendees will also receive $5 off their next camp registration fee! To learn more about this year’s Camp Fair, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/camp-fair.

Sweetheart Family Dance 

 

Parent (or special adult) and your little sweetheart are invited to join us for a memorable evening of dancing and fun at Recreation & Parks’ “Sweetheart Family Dance” on Saturday, February 25th at Roger Carter Community Center. The event will feature a DJ, light refreshments, crafts, a souvenir photo and a sweet treat. Be sure to register today as this event is quickly selling out! While the 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. time slot for children ages seven to 11 is already sold out, there are still spots available for the 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. dance for children ages four to six.

Spring/Summer Activity Guide Now Online

 

In addition to Recreation and Parks' 2023 Summer Camp Guide being online, residents can also now find Recreation & Parks’ 2023 Spring/Summer Activity Guide online too! With more than 500 programs, activities, classes, sports and more found inside of this year's Spring/Summer Activity Guide, there's something to help everyone "Get Up, Get Out, Get Active!” with Howard County in the coming warmer months.

 

Online registration for Howard County residents begins Wednesday, March 1st at 6:00 p.m., with mail-in, over-the-phone and in-person beginning the following morning, March 2nd at 8:00 a.m. For non-Howard County residents, online registration begins March 8th at 6:00 p.m., with all other registration methods beginning the following morning.

Wine in the Woods

 

Be sure to mark your calendars as Recreation & Parks’ annual Wine in the Woods event is set to return to Symphony Woods this year on May 20th and May 21st. To learn more, stay tuned to www.wineinthewoods.com/.

Howard County Sheriff's Office

Gun Locks Available

 

Thanks to Project Childsafe, the Howard County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has gun locks available FREE of charge to residents in need of one. Project ChildSafe’s Safety Kit includes a cable-style gun lock and safety instructions. This gun locking device renders a firearm inoperable and can be used in addition to locked storage. Ideally, the cable-style gun lock found in the Project ChildSafe Safety Kit, should be used in addition to primary storage system like a gun safe or vault.

 

To pick up your FREE cable-style gun lock, simply stop by the HCSO’s Command Center, located on the first floor of the Howard County Circuit Courthouse at 9250 Judicial Way in Ellicott City, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. No advance reservation required.

 

For questions and/or more information about this program, please Ms. Meaghan McKelvey with HCSO at 410-313-4201.

Office of Transportation

Opportunities for Public Input on the Transit Development Plan Continue

 

If you weren’t able to attend one of our Office of Transportation public meetings about its Transit Development Plan (TDP) update, you can still submit feedback through one of our three surveys: 1) Community, 2) RTA Fixed-Route Rider or (3) RTA Mobility Rider.

 

The TDP is 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. To learn more about this plan, click HERE.

Active Transportation Open House

 

Join our Office of Transportation on February 21st at HCLS’s Elkridge branch as it hosts its third annual Active Transportation Open House. This year’s open house will focus on biking, walking, micromobility and Complete Streets. Held open house/expo style, residents are invited to stop by anytime between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. on the 21st to participate in the event. Transportation staff will be on hand to share updates on the County’s BikeHoward projects, the e-scooter pilot program and Complete Streets implementation activities.

 

To learn more about this year’s Active Transportation Open House, click HERE or for questions, email transportation@howardcountymd.gov.


Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  
Howard County Government | 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, Maryland, MD 21043
Unsubscribe ballbulletin@howardcountymd.gov
Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
Sent by ballbulletin@howardcountymd.gov powered by
Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today.
Try email marketing for free today!