Dear Friends, 



What’s your favorite place to eat? Workout? Shop? Spend time with friends?

Voting is now open for Howard Magazine’s Best of Howard 2023! This is your chance to vote for your favorite Howard County restaurants, attractions, businesses, blogs, and all the things which make Howard County the best place to live, work, play, grow, and thrive for all. Make your voice heard, and vote for your Howard County favorites today.

Voting ends July 13th at 5:00 p.m., so please be sure to vote right here today!

Building Maryland's Legacy

Maryland is home to more than 150 incredible towns and cities, and it was such a pleasure to attend the 2023 Maryland Municipal League Summer Conference. Throughout the conference, it was incredible to meet and interact with so many powerful leaders across our great state. As Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) President, it was a good time to help foster connections between our counties and municipalities to help us all better serve our residents. Through our collective partnerships, we can empower leaders to reach their legacy, whether it’s overseeing a town of 500 people or a city of 300,000 residents. 

Thank you to Governor Wes Moore, Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, Comptroller Brooke Lierman, Attorney General Anthony Brown, all our incredible Secretaries, and regional leaders for their collective work to ensure we leave no one behind. I’m especially grateful for the leadership of Outgoing President Acting Mayor Denise Mitchell, MML Executive Director Theresa Kuhns, and the entire MML team for hosting an incredible conference, empowering each attendee to reach legacy through leadership.

Improving Regional Transportation

Our residents deserve a modern transportation system that is safe, reliable, and responsive to the needs of our communities.

It's an honor to be named Vice Chair of the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board for FY24. I look forward to working with County Executive Olszewski and all our partners in the region to realize this vision.

Red, White, and Boom

One of the best places to celebrate our independence is at our annual 4th of a July Fireworks at the Columbia Lakefront. It was wonderful to join many in our community and region to enjoy this beautiful, colorful display.

Thank you to Howard County Recreation and Parks, Columbia Association, Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods, Columbia Festival of the Arts, and The Howard Hughes Corporation for your partnership in ensuring another incredible display and experience. It was the perfect end to a great day, bringing our community together and celebrating Independence Day!

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

On July 4th, we celebrate all that unites us, including our inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It was so great to celebrate the 4th of July at the River Hill, Longfellow, and Allview parades.

These amazing community events helps us truly embrace what it means to be American. Thank you to all the event coordinators and every community member who partook in these fantastic events.

Finding the Light at the End of the North Tunnel

It was a great time at our North Tunnel Industry Day event at the Kenneth Ulman Innovation Hub. Our Department of Public Works and industry-leading project partners brought together roughly 150 business representatives of diverse backgrounds to network and learn about opportunities to join our construction team for this critical stormwater management project.

The event was an opportunity for subcontractors to learn more about the North Tunnel Project - the largest and most impactful element of the Ellicott City Safe and Sound. This infrastructure will protect Ellicott City from future catastrophic floods by conveying stormwater 5,300 feet through an 18-foot diameter tunnel, at a rate of 26,000 gallons per second, diverting the flow from multiple locations around the historic center safely to the Patapsco. When complete, it will be the largest public works project in the County’s history.



The scale of this project represents a unique opportunity for Howard County to invest in small, minority, women and disabled-owned businesses - encouraging them to thrive. This event marked the next step in bringing the North Tunnel to fruition. Together with our partners, we will ensure that Ellicott City’s brightest days are ahead.

A Picture-Perfect Celebration

It was a pleasure to join Pam Long, Elliott City Partnership and many of our OEC neighbors to celebrate the newly-expanded portrait studio for Pam Long Photography in Historic Ellicott City! Pam Long is an unparalleled photographer who is known far and wide for her professional headshots, high school senior portraits and family photos.

Pam has been an incredible business leader and community member here in Historic Ellicott City for the last 11 years. I know that Pam will continue to be a positive presence in our community for many years to come, and we wish her success on this next chapter.

Making Our Health a Priority

Prioritizing men's health is important to everyone. Jason Jannati, an Oakland Mills High School alum and local entrepreneur, shared why men's health is important to him and how he stays healthy throughout the year.  

“Being healthy has always been the foundation of all my goals – with out health, nothing else matters, nothing else can truly be enjoyed.

Building fitness into my lifestyle has served me well. To keep me honest, I have a mastermind group where we all hold each other accountable to sweating daily – knowing I have a team holding me accountable has been a true game changer.

On top of that, I’ve learned through our families firsthand experience, that early detection is our best bet to overcome serious health issues, so being able to get in with our doctors early and often has literally saved our lives.”

Please continue to encourage your fathers, brothers, uncles and the important men in your lives to learn more about how to make their health a priority.

A Visit to the Eastern Shore

It was great to connect with a few of our Eastern Shore, including Somerset County, alongside Executive Director Michael Sanderson as part of our MACo President’s County tour. During our discussion, we touched on our collective efforts to ensure all our jurisdictions are supported and empowered to serve its residents. From Blueprint to transportation, it was an engaging conversation on how we can continue our partnerships to ensure the best quality of life for all our residents.

Supporting Our Friends and Neighbors

Last Tuesday, June 27th, was National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day, and an important time to raise awareness and support our family, friends and neighbors who are affected by this disorder. PTSD is a mental health disorder that is diagnosed in those who have experienced a traumatic event, such as violent crime or some veterans returning from combat. Many of the following symptoms may occur with this disorder include avoidance, anger and reactivity symptoms, and significant cognition and mood changes. By better understanding signs of PTSD, we can all help remove the stigma that is associated with this disorder.

To show our unwavering support for all our residents who may be suffering from PTSD, we lit the County’s George Howard Building teal on the 27th. With our collective understanding, we can help those suffering with better care and treatment. 

If you or someone you know struggles with PTSD, consider reaching out to them, letting them know they are not alone and you are there to help or suggest they call 988.

Meeting with Wicomico County

As Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) President, it’s wonderful to join Executive Director Michael Sanderson to visit our various jurisdictions across the state and discuss important legislative and regional priorities. Our tour included a stop at Adams Taphouse for lunch with the Wicomico County Council where we discussed the impact of transportation funding, the effect of the upcoming Cannabis laws and building sustainable budgets across the state. With conversations like these, we have the opportunity to foster the best partnerships which benefit all Marylanders.

Engaging Conversations with Worcester County

I had a great time joining our Worcester County Commissioners for breakfast as MACo President alongside Executive Director Michael Sanderson. It was an engaging conversation regarding implementing and funding the extensive Blueprint for Maryland's Future, recruiting and retaining EMS professionals, and the management of body worn camera footage. It was also wonderful to explore Downtown Snow Hill, which is the county seat of Worcester County.

Looking for a Fun Way to Spend your Free Time? 

Join Howard County Recreation and Parks at our community centers for our free drop-in program for young people between 11 and 17. Drop-in activities include free pizza and snacks, sports, video games and more.

To learn more, click 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.

• Office of Human Trafficking Prevention Manager, DCRS – Manager will serve as the Department of Community Resources and Service's lead coordinator for the Office of Human Trafficking Prevention. This position will oversee programs and policy efforts focused on preventing human trafficking in Howard County, working across government agencies, the non-profit sector and community organizations to understand and address the needs of and ensure quality service delivery to victims/survivors of human trafficking.
• Deputy HR Administrator - The deputy to the Human Resources Administrator assists with carrying out strategic priorities. The position is expected to develop well-designed and innovative programs to attract and retain a talented workforce and to implement County-wide initiatives and policies that reflect best practices and promote a workplace of excellence.

I encourage interested persons to apply today! To find a full listing of available positions, please click here.

Help Us Recognize Those Who Support Disability Rights in Howard County 

Our Commission on Disabilities is seeking nominations for its 2023 annual awards program. These awards recognize individual achievement and outstanding efforts of those who advance full participation in community life for all residents, while promoting the spirit and intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other disability rights laws. 

The deadline to submit a nomination is Monday, August 21st. While nomination forms are available online, if you need the form in an alternate format, please contact Erica Lewis at 410-313-6402 (voice/relay) or email cod@howardcountymd.gov. For additional information, click HERE.

Applications Sought for Advisory Board on Consumer Protection

I am currently seeking applicants to serve on the Advisory Board for Consumer Protection, specifically a person representing an economically disadvantaged group or a service provider to individuals who are economically disadvantaged. Our Advisory Board on Consumer Protection plays a vital role in addressing scams, educating residents and protecting Howard County consumers. I encourage residents who are interested in this important work to apply to join this board and support its efforts to improve consumer protection services in Howard County. Please note, the deadline to apply is this Friday, July 7th.

For details on how to apply and more, click HERE.

New Online Event Request Form Launched

Interested in having a staff member or office from our Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) attend your next event? If yes, DCRS has launched a new online request form to help make submitting your request simpler. DCRS asks that requests be submitted at least two weeks in advance of your event and be sure to include details about your event, such as the event audience and the timing of the event. 

UNITY in the Community Resource Fair

A fun event for the whole family, I invite you to join DCRS’s Office of the Local Children’s Board on Saturday, July 29th for UNITY in the Community Resource Fair, its second in a series of three community resource fairs the Board is hosting this year. 

Set to take place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the 29th at the East Columbia Library Park, participants will have access to family services and community resources while enjoying musical entertainment, a moon bounce for the kids, food giveaways, arts and crafts, raffles, and prizes. Admission is FREE, so be sure not to miss out on this family fun event.

Join the Ombudsmen "A" Team!

DCRS’s Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) is looking for individuals interested in volunteering with its Long-Term Care Ombudsmen program. Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are advocates for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities to improve residents' care and quality of life. Ombudsmen visit residents to discuss the quality of their care, educate them about their rights and empower them to advocate for themselves. They can also investigate resident concerns and advocate for solutions. 

To learn more about how you can volunteer to become a part of and support this critical service, click HERE or check out OAI’s July issue of its The 50+ Connection newsletter. If you are interested in becoming a Long-Term Care Ombudsman volunteer, contact Chris Hobbs today. 

Howard County Veterans Monument

The Howard County Veterans Foundation recently unveiled the design of its Howard County Veterans and Military Families Monument to be installed at the Vivian C. “Millie” Bailey Park in Columbia. The sculpture features three symbolic stars – a base star representing community support for deployed military members and their families, a blue star commemorating military service members and families, and a hollow gold star symbolizing service members who died in the line of duty. To learn more about this monument and its design, click HERE.

Calling All Older Adults, Come Get Active this Summer with Howard County

Are you age 50+ and looking for an affordable way to get active and improve your health? If yes, I encourage to you to check out our DCRS Office on Aging and Independence’s (OAI) group fitness classes this summer. Geared towards all abilities, these classes, such as All-in-One and Zumba, are held at our Bain and Ellicott City 50+ Fitness Centers. 

With 20 options to fit your schedule included with your group fitness pass, the cost is just $75 a quarter or $35 a month for Howard County residents; the drop-in rate is $10 a class. 

To view the full schedule of classes, click HERE today or for questions and/or more information about these classes, contact Michelle Rosenfeld at 410-313-7394 or email mrosenfeld@howardcountymd.gov.

You can also find additional ideas of how to stay active this summer in OAI’s July issue of its The 50+ Connection newsletter.

Office of Emergency Management

Upcoming Old Ellicott City Outdoor Tone Alert Test

Please be advised, our Office of Emergency Management will be conducting a TEST of the County’s Ellicott City Outdoor Tone Alert System this coming Tuesday, July 11th through Thursday, July 13th to ensure all four towers are operating effectively. Each day of testing will begin around 9:30 a.m. and last no later than 3:00 p.m., with testing occurring at various times throughout these designated testing days. The exercise will test the entire system, including activating Flash Flood Warnings and All Clear Messages, and each test will last from several seconds to three minutes. The test will conclude each day with a voice message saying “This concludes testing of the Ellicott City Tone Alert System. Testing is now complete."

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

Is Your House Number Visible? 

Looking for an easy project to do with your family this summer? Head outside to the street side of your residence and take a look to see if you can easily and quickly find your house number. If not, there’s a good chance neither can our first responders. 

Whether the address number is on your house, mailbox or curb, clearly visible numbers make it easier for our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) to find you in the event of an emergency. 

Also, don't forget that emergencies happen at night too. So be sure to use reflective numbers or lighting to make sure we can find your residence in the darkness of the night.

Trainee Class 38 Applications

If you are interested in becoming a firefighter with DFRS, mark your calendars! The department will begin accepting applications for its Trainee Class 38 at 8:00 a.m. on July 31st and will accept applications until 5:00 p.m. on August 4th. During this time, the link to apply will be available at https://governmentjobs.com/careers/howardcounty.

In the meantime, to learn more about a firefighter career with DFRS, check out the department’s “Recruitment” website.

Howard County Health Department

Community Health Workers Wanted

Are you connected in your community, passionate about helping others and live within a 21044, 21045, 21075, 20723, 20762 or 20794 zip code? If yes, the Howard County Health Department want you! The Health Department is currently looking for residents interested in becoming a Community Health Worker (CHW) to help their neighbors get connected to available and needed health resources near them. CHW’s can earn a stipend while doing it too!

To learn more, click HERE. The application deadline is this Sunday, July 9th. 

Department of Housing and Community Development

Now Accepting Moderate Income Housing Unit Homeownership Applications

Our Department of Housing and community Development (DHCD) is NOW accepting applications for its Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program’s July open enrollment period for homeownership. Held quarterly throughout the year, this inclusionary zoning program provides individuals and families the opportunity to purchase quality new homes at reduced sale prices and rents to those eligible. 

Applications are available online and en español también! Completed applications can be submitted either online, mailed to 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia, MD, 21046, or dropped off at DHCD’s Patuxent Woods Drive office by appointment only. The DEADLINE to apply is by 4:00 p.m., Friday, July 31st.

On DHCD’s “Open Enrollment” website, interested applicants can find a presentation from a previous homeownership informational workshop. For frequently asked questions and answers explaining the program’s eligibility requirements and application process visit the MIHU Program website or email moderateincomehousing@howardcounty.md. 

Please keep in mind, if you are interested in DHCD’s MIHU rental program, prospective renters may apply directly to a participating rental community at any time during the year. For more information on the MIHU rental program, including a list of participating communities, please visit DHCD’s MIHU rental website.

For questions and/or more information about the MIHU program, contact DHCD’s Housing Opportunities Programs Division at 410-313-6318 and select option two, email moderateincomehousing@howardcountymd.gov or visit DHCD’s open enrollment website.

Office of Human Rights and Equity

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 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 10th 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 10th.

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

Bystander Intervention & Cultural Awareness Training

Held quarterly, Office of Human Rights and Equity’s (OHRE) Bystander Intervention and Cultural Awareness (BICA) certification training helps participants learn how to protect and promote the humanity of those who are being targeted or harassed in their presence because of their race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender or sexual orientation. This quarter’s BICA training will take place virtually next Tuesday, July 11th at 5:00 p.m. To reserve you spot before 5:00, click HERE.

Reading Human Rights – Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance

Reading Human Rights is an award-winning monthly book discussion group hosted by OHRE and 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 July book discussion – to be held in person at HCLS East Columbia Branch on Tuesday, July 25th at 6:30 p.m., OHRE will discuss J.D. Vance’s Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis. Vance’s book provides readers with a personal analysis of a culture in crisis – that of white working-class Americans. A former marine and Yale Law School graduate, Vance offers a powerful account of growing up in a poor Rust Belt town that offers a broader, probing look at the struggles of America's white working class.

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

Howard County's Racial Equity Framework and How We Move Forward

Join OHRE’s Equity and Restorative Practices Manager Dr. Denise Boston and HCLS’ Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Kelly Clark on Thursday’s July 27th for a conversation on the Racial Equity Framework for Howard County and how we move forward. The discussion will take place from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on the 27th at HCLS’ Central branch in Columbia. 

To register for this event, click HERE.

Nominees Sought for Human Rights Commission’s 2023 Awards

If you know an individual or community organization who has made significant contributions to human and civil rights in Howard County, I encourage you to nominate them today for our Human Rights Commission's 2023 James E. Henson, Sr. and Jean W. Toomer Individual, Dr. Murray Simon Student and Colette Roberts Organization awards. To learn more about these awards and/or for a nomination form, visit HERE. The nomination deadline is Thursday, August 31st at 5:00 p.m.

Department of Planning and Zoning

Applications for PlanHoward Academy Fall Session Due Today  

Applications for our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) 2023 Fall PlanHoward Academy are due by 11:59 p.m. tonight, July 5th. DPZ’s Fall Academy will take place on Tuesdays from September 12th through October 10th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Howard Community College.

Howard County residents with an interest in planning and improving their community’s future are encouraged to apply for this award-winning planning course, which provides participants with a thought provoking, interactive curriculum focused on the underpinnings of land development in Howard County. During this free, five-week course, residents will learn about the land use plans, policies and procedures that help shape and grow our county. The course includes in-class instruction, hands-on learning exercises and take-home materials.

In addition to being available online, a paper application can be also obtained by stopping by DPZ’s first floor service counter in the George Howard Building at 3430 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City. A cohort of up to 35 residents will be selected from the pool of applicants. 

For questions or more information about PlanHoward Academy, contact Victoria Olivier at 410-313-2350 or email volivier@howardcountymd.gov.

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

Tomorrow, July 6th, DPZ’s Historic Preservation Commission will be holding a VIRTUAL meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. The meeting agenda and instructions on how to watch or participate in Thursday’s meeting can be found on the Commission’s website.

To register to join Thursday’s meeting through your computer to view and hear the presentations, you will need to register by noon on the 6th. Once registered, further instructions and a call-in attendee number will be provided via email.

Police Department

Maryland Cannabis Law Changes Now in Effect

This past Saturday, July 1st, Maryland's cannabis law changed, affecting the purchase, possession and usage of cannabis in the state. To help residents better understand these changes, the Howard County Police Department (HCPD) has put together a Frequently Asked Questions page help answer common questions and provide link to the Maryland Cannabis Administration's website for more comprehensive information.

The Community Athletic Program’s Traveling Trailer is Back!

HCPD's Community Athletic Program (CAP) is back and coming to community area near you this summer! Residents of all ages are invited to meet up with HCPD School Resources Officers at locations throughout the county this summer to check out all the fun, FREE activities CAP's traveling trailer has to offer. To learn more about this program and/or for a complete summer CAP schedule, check out its "Youth Programs" website today!

National Night Out 2023

Save the date! National Night Out (NNO) 2023 is set to take place on Tuesday, August 1st. This annual community-building campaign aims to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement by promoting police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie in an effort to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.

HCPD will kick-off this year’s NNO with a community party at Wilde Lake Middle School from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and will feature food trucks, police and fire displays, DJ, child-friendly activities, games, giveaways and more! All are invited to stop by this kick-off event, or if you are interested in hosting you own community-sponsored, neighborhood party, click HERE to register your party with HCPD. Please note, if you are interested in requiring HCPD or DFRS attendance at your party, you must register by next Friday, July 14th. Visits from Police and Fire are only available as calls for service allow.

2023 Collision Avoidance Training Program Schedule Announced

HCPD’s Collision Avoidance Training (C.A.T.) program is an advanced defensive driving and vehicle control program geared towards licensed teenage drivers, age 16 to 20 years old. This one-day program is designed to provide young drivers with the knowledge and understanding of vehicle dynamics, as well as practical exercises that demonstrate how one’s vehicle responds in a given situation and how to regain control of the vehicle.

To participate, students must possess a valid Class C driver’s license (not a permit) and have a car they can use for the driving portion of the program. The cost of the program is $95 and advance registration is required.

For more information, including the 2023 C.A.T. schedule, and/or to register, click HERE. For questions, contact the C.A.T. Program at 410-313-2207 or email CATProgram@howardcountymd.gov.

Department of Public Works

Bureau of Environmental Services

Holiday Slide Schedule in Effect Next Week

QUICK REMINDER, DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services' "holiday slide schedule" is in effect this week as yesterday’s Independence Day holiday is one of the six holidays that affects the County's trash, recycling, food scrap and yard trim curbside collection schedule. As there will be NO curbside collection on July 4th, Tuesday's pickup will slide to Wednesday, Wednesday to Thursday and so forth. 

For questions, contact the Bureau at 410-313-6444 or email help@howardcountyrecycles.org.

Bureau of Utilities

Residential Water Meter Replacement Program Resumes

EFFECITVE IMMEDIATELY, DPW’s Bureau of Utilities has resumed its residential water meter replacement program. As existing water meters in the system are approaching their useful life, with some already failing resulting in the need to estimate water bills, it is vital these meters (at no cost to county water customers) be replaced to ensure accurate and timely water usage data is obtained.

To complete the water meter replacement program in a timely manner, the County has contracted with Vanguard Utility Service for assistance. Residents will receive notification in the mail prior to meter installers arriving in their neighborhood. This notification will include contact information for Vanguard Utility Service so residents can schedule their water meter replacement appointment. Appointments are currently available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday appointments will also be available, but on a first come, first-served basis. Appointments should last no more than 20 to 30 minutes. 

To learn more about this program and what to expect, click HERE.

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 Ongoing Water Main Rehabilitation (Capital Project W-8330) – Old Columbia Pike from Tollhouse Road to Main Street to close to all-thru traffic beginning on or about Monday, July 10th at 9:00 a.m. Closure is part of an ongoing water main placement project along Old Columbia Pike. Only local traffic and emergency vehicles will be permitted to access the area during this time. All other traffic will use a clearly marked detour using Old Columbia Pike, Main Street, Frederick Road and Tollhouse Road. Weather permitting, this section of Old Columbia Pike is expected to reopen on or about Monday, August 7th. 

Glenelg

• Underground Fire Suppression Tank (Capital Project J-5972) – Project to install a 30,000-gallon fire suppression tank adjacent to the 14000 block of Burntwoods Road. While the project is not expected to impact the flow of traffic in the area, signs will be posted near the project site to advise motorists and pedestrians of the construction. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late July 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.

Department of Recreation and Parks

July is National Park and Recreation Month 

Did you know that July is National Park and Recreation Month? In celebration, our Department of Recreation & Parks has a ton of great activities and programs planned to help celebrate Parks and Rec Month all month long, including movie and game nights, Zumba, food trucks, concerts and more. 

While details are still being finalized, be sure to check back HERE as July draws closer for more information about upcoming events. 

Making Memories at Summer Camp 

Summer camp season is here, and our Recreation & Parks team remains at the ready for you to sign up your little ones for any last-minute camps to help keep their minds and bodies active this summer. With so many different camps being offered, the options and opportunities are endless. 

To learn more about what Recreation & Parks still having spots available to keep your child moving, learning, and making new friends all summer long find out more, click HERE today! 

Solar Fest

Back by popular demand, Recreation & Parks is once again teaming up with the Howard Astronomical League for an evening filled with science, engineering, arts, crafts, games, astronomy and more at our Alpha Ridge Park in Marriottsville. The fun will take place this Saturday, July 8th from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. and will feature a variety of vendors providing interactive and dynamic STEAM activities. 

The whole family is invited; however, attendees aged five to 11 are asked to preregister (cost is $5 per child age five to 11) in advance as space is limited. To register and/or to learn more about this event, click HERE.

Wild for Water Day

This Sunday, July 9th, all are invited to join Recreation & Parks’ Robinson Nature Center for its biggest summer event, Wild for Water day. Geared towards the whole family, come on out between 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and enjoy water games and experiments, participate in a river treasure hunt, meet live creatures that depend on rivers and streams, and explore the wonders of “snow," ice and water in the “stages of water” area for little ones. There will also be food trucks on-site.

As this is a “Wild for Water” event, be sure to come dressed to get wet and in closed-toe shoes, as they are required to enter the water. Admission is $8 for members, $10 for non-members. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. To register, click HERE.

Office of Transportation

RTA Service Enhancements to Launch this July

In partnership with Baltimore County, our Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) is excited to announce two bus route enhancements set to go into effect on or around this coming Sunday, July 9th. A new bus route, Route 505, will provide stops in Catonsville, Columbia and Ellicott City. Route 505 will originate in Downtown Columbia with stops at the Long Gate Shopping Center and other destinations in Ellicott City, and then travel into Baltimore County with a stop at the Catonsville Walmart off US 40 and North Rolling Road. This stop in Catonsville will create a new connection between RTA and MTA service, while also complementing MTA’s existing Express Bus 150 service and its plans to improve bus service between Catonsville and Baltimore City later this year. 

This new connection is just another step in our efforts here in Howard County to promote regional transit connections with our neighbors and encourage more residents in Central Maryland to utilize transit services and complements.

The new Route 505 will replace the existing Route 405, which provided service between Ellicott City, Long Gate Shopping Center and Columbia. Instead, Route 405 will be restructured to provide more local service throughout Ellicott City, including Old Ellicott City. The restructured 405 service will provide connections to the new 505 route, serve as a circulator in Ellicott City, and add service to Pine Orchard Apartments, the Goodwill Store and Renaissance Hills Apartments (west and east of existing service respectively). 

For more information about these new RTA route enhancements, please visit www.transitrta.com/routes-405_505_planning/ or call RTA’s customer service line at 1-800-270-9553.