August 26, 2024

Dear Friends,


Last week, we announced STOP THE BLEED training would be administered to Howard County Public School health and P.E. teachers. The partnership between Howard County Public Schools (HCPSS), the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center and the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) will allow staff and Health students to become certified in this life-saving technique.


The number one cause of preventable death after injury is bleeding. Equipping our school staff to be prepared in the face of an emergency is just one more way we are ensuring our children are safe in school.

Community Updates

Get Your Mind Right


Howard County has made significant strides in enhancing the health and wellness of its residents. Our office secured nearly $5 million in state funding to bolster youth mental health services, launching new programs that have already benefited students in 39 Howard County Public Schools.


As August's National Wellness Month comes to a close, remember that your mental health should be priority every day. Take time for yourself and prioritize your mental well-being, and never hesitate to reach out for support. The Health Department can connect you to mental health resources in the community. Visit the Behavioral Health Navigation page for resources and more information.

School is Back!


Welcome back, Howard County students! As the new school year begins, we’re excited for all the learning, growth, and adventures that lie ahead. Whether you’re starting a new grade, meeting new friends, or exploring new subjects, today marks the beginning of endless possibilities. Let’s make this year one of curiosity, creativity, and success. We wish all of our students, teachers, and staff a fantastic first day and a wonderful year ahead!

A Historic Elkridge Gem


As one of the oldest towns in our nation, Elkridge has a wealth of history dating back to the 1700s. To protect and share this extensive history with our community, the Elkridge Heritage Society’s mission is to care for, maintain, and preserve the mark this town has had on our county, our state, and our country. Join us for a virtual tour through the Society’s headquarters at the historic Brumbaugh house, a landmark in our county dating back to the nineteenth century. This historic building now houses some of our county’s oldest and most significant accomplishments. Thank you to all of the volunteers who have helped preserve this national treasure in Elkridge.

Kids in the Kitchen


Through our Youth Engagement Programming (YEP!) initiative, we’ve opened new pathways for young people to develop hobbies, make new friendships, grow, and develop.


Every Kid Can Cook, one of our YEP! grantees, offers nutrition and food education programs through healthy cooking classes for elementary school youth and their families. Since spring of 2023, when YEP! launched, Every Kid Can Cook has engaged more than 175 of our young people in YEP! programs at locations across the county, including Jeffers Hill Elementary School in Columbia, Bollman Bridge Elementary School in Savage, and the Elkridge Branch Library.

Move Your Body


Regular physical activity is crucial for a healthy body and mind. Whether it's a walk in the park, a yoga session, or a gym workout, find what you love and keep moving! To find free or reduced cost movement and exercise programs visit the Local Health Improvement Coalition’s Physical Activity page.

With The Braids


We continue to show our support for black owned businesses during August’s Black Business Month. I had the pleasure of visiting FATOU African Hair Braiding, a proud small business here in Howard County. It’s incredible to see the artistry, dedication, and passion that goes into every braid, twist, and style. As we continue to celebrate Black Business Month, it's important to recognize and support the diverse local businesses that enrich our community. You can visit and support FATOU next time you visit Laurel!

Frybread: A Native American Tradition


Spending time with the community, engaging with residents, business owners, and community members is one of my greatest honors as your County Executive.


That being said, it was a true honor to attend the Frybread Fest, where I was warmly welcomed by the local DMV Native community. We were also lucky enough to meet visiting elders from the Navajo Reservation. This gathering was a beautiful celebration of culture, community, and history, showcasing the rich traditions that make Howard County a home to all walks of life.



A special thank you to Ani Begay for organizing this wonderful event and for sharing the history and significance of frybread with us all. We're grateful for the opportunity to connect with our Native community. Events like these remind us of the strength and diversity of our community, and I’m proud to support and celebrate the unique cultures that contribute to the fabric of Howard County.

Your Health is in Your Hands


Over the past year we have made substantial progress in promoting physical health and wellness for our residents. The county launched the "HoCo Walks" initiative, encouraging residents to walk more by organizing monthly community walks across the county. This initiative has seen over 2,500 participants, contributing to increased physical activity among residents. Additionally, Howard County expanded access to fresh, locally grown produce by investing in the Roving Radish program, which has delivered over 40,000 meal kits, supporting healthy eating habits for families in need.


These achievements align perfectly with the spirit of National Wellness Month. It's the perfect time to focus on your overall well-being. Whether it's participating in a community program, visiting your local gym, or taking an evening walk through the neighborhood, it is never to late to start living healthier. Your journey can start right now! Visit the Healthy Howard County Health page for helpful resources. 

YEP! We Can Mentor


Through our Youth Engagement Programming (YEP!) initiative, we’ve opened new pathways for young people to develop hobbies, make new friendships, grow, and develop.


Through the YEP! program, which we launched in the spring of 2023, Columbia Community Care runs the PUSH program, an afterschool mentorship program that has supported nearly 50 of our young people.


Through PUSH, young people can engage with each other and work with a mentor to gain access to employment opportunities, community networking, and life planning. To learn more about PUSH, please click here.

The Clinic


We are privileged in Howard County to have access to a plethora of cutting-edge medical services. Karrington Clinical Labs is one such company that delivers state-of-the-art testing. Black owned, Karrington is a small business with a big impact. They offer a wide range of testing services, including Whole Gene Sequencing with Next Generation Sequencing technology, general clinical laboratory tests, preventative health testing, cancer detection, and diabetes assessment.

During August’s Black Business Month, we want to recognize and thank Karrington Clinical Laboratory for combining accuracy, professionalism and community to deliver results. Learn more at https://karringtonclinicallabs.com/.

Who You Gonna Call?


Do you have questions? We have answers! Our team at Howard County Government remains committed to ensuring a responsive government. If you have questions or concerns, or are trying to access County services, but are not quite sure who to contact, email us at ask@howardcountymd.gov. Together, we'll ensure everyone has access to the best resources available!

Saving Camp Ilchester


In 2022, we purchased Camp Ilchester to preserve its heritage and environmental value. We have maintained it as a green space and extinguished 40 developable lots. We remain committed to using these developments to expand access to sports programs, outdoor adventure camps, active aging activity, nature centers, and more for our community.


Today, August 26th, at 6:00 PM there will be a public input meeting at the Elkridge Library for the proposed improvements for the Ilchester Park & Recreation Center, located at Camp Ilchester.


Hosted by the Department of Recreation and Parks, this meeting is a great opportunity for residents and community members to share their thoughts on planned upgrades, from pedestrian and vehicular access improvements, renovations to the existing activity center and pavilions, to plans for a future restroom building.


Your input is vital as we work to enhance our community spaces and make good use of our investment in Camp Ilchester. If you’re available, we encourage you to attend and help shape the future of this community gem.

The CookOWT!


I had a fantastic time at the cookout hosted by the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity - Tau Pi Chapter! It was great meeting and greeting with so many members of our community, all while supporting a wonderful back-to-school drive. Thank you to everyone who came out and made this event one to remember.


It’s events like these that highlight the strength and unity of our Howard County family. Tau Pi continues to uplift our community with their Bridge Builders Nonprofit, increasing opportunities for academic advancement, leadership development, and cultural enrichment. Your support and mentorship empowers those in need and shapes the success of our future generations.

As we head back to school, let's continue to maintain our ties as a community and ensure our students have everything, they need for a successful school year!

A Southwest School Connection


I had the pleasure of attending the Southwest Connection Native American Jewelry/ Gifts & Homemade Fudge Shop School Supply Drive in Old Ellicott City last week.


It is always inspiring to see our community come together to support our students as they prepare for the new school year. A big thank you to Lori McDermott and the rest of our Southwest Connection and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church for organizing this drive and to everyone who donated. Your generosity ensures that our students have the tools they need to succeed!

Ellicott City Withstands Heavy Storms


Last weekend’s heavy rains and flash flood warnings were a stark reminder of the challenges Historic Ellicott City has faced in the past, especially after the recent devastating floods of 2011, 2016, and 2018.


Thanks to the effective measures of the Ellicott City Safe and Sound Plan, our community was prepared. The Outdoor Tone Alert System, launched in 2019, activated on the evening of Sunday August 18, and ensured residents and businesses were quickly informed and able to take action, keeping everyone safe.


While the storm brought nearly 2 inches of rain in about an hour, the flood mitigation efforts, including retention ponds and ongoing work on the North Tunnel project, have proven effective. No businesses in Old Ellicott City were damaged, and our beloved Main Street remains resilient.


Ellicott City’s history is one of strength and perseverance, and we continue to build on that legacy with every step of the Safe and Sound Plan. With projects like the North Tunnel, designed to carry 26,000 gallons of stormwater per second, and ongoing community-driven efforts, we are not just rebuilding—we are fortifying Ellicott City for generations to come.


Thank you to all who have worked to protect our town and to the community for your resilience. We will continue to make tangible progress, ensuring that Ellicott City remains a vibrant and safe place to live, work, and visit. Read more at The Baltimore Banner: Isolated flooding in Old Ellicott City prompts alerts, no damage - The Baltimore Banner

Become a Community Ambassador


Join us at the East Columbia 50+ Center on Wednesday, September 4th at 6:00 PM to learn more about our Community Ambassador Program! During this session, residents can learn more about the Ambassador program, meet program participants, and engage with fellow community members interested in community service.


Community Ambassadors foster communication, collaboration, and help those in need navigate county resources. The Ambassador program provides an opportunity for dedicated community members to learn about important county resources and services. With this knowledge, our ambassadors can give advice to their respective communities, as well as Howard County at large.


We encourage you to join us for a Meet and Greet with the community and fellow ambassadors on September 4th. To learn more and register to attend, visit https://bit.ly/4dKSmTv.

Get Your Deposit!


Your security deposit is your money, and you have rights regarding its use and return. Ensure you understand how it can be used and the conditions for its return at the end of your lease. For more information on protecting your security deposit, visit here.

Little Child, Little WaitList


During the last two years, we have worked with and funded our Howard County Recreation and Parks Department to significantly grow our Recreational Licensed Child Care (RLC) program. Through this effort, Recreation and Parks now serves an average of 1,600 children per month in their childcare programs, which represents an increase of 400 additional children each month.


During the last school year alone, we have eliminated seven waitlists at before-care locations and nine waitlists at after-care locations across the county. By eliminating these 16 waitlists, we have allowed more families to access our popular before-care and after-care programs offered by Recreation and Parks. These improvements support our working families throughout Howard County who are seeking quality care for their children. To learn more about our RLC program, please 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.


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

Grow Your Business


Hosting more than 40 unique events per year, every week brings new opportunities to learn, laugh, and connect with people willing to invest in you. From branding to business basics, sales metrics to information security, the Maryland Innovation Center (MIC) gives you the tools to start, grow and surpass the competition. To learn more about the MIC’s upcoming events, click HERE.

Business Appreciation Week Sign-Up Now Open!


Howard County welcomes businesses of all industries and sizes to take part in this year’s Business Appreciation Week, running Monday, October 7th through Friday, October 11th. During the week, ambassador teams, including Howard County Government department heads, government officials, community organization leaders and Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) team members will visit local businesses to learn more about their experiences doing business in Howard County.


As part of HCEDA’s ongoing mission with my office, we would like to hear directly from businesses to:

  • Learn more about the company’s growth, highlights and challenges
  • Receive feedback on opportunities to continue to improve the business climate in Howard County


HCEDA and I hope that county business owners will take this opportunity to share their stories and experiences with us by signing up for an appointment. Appointments are available the 7th through the 10th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on the 11th. Space is limited, so register today!

A Health and Wellness Fair Collaboration


Mark your calendars and join HCEDA on Wednesday, September 25th for its free Health and Wellness Fair. Hosted in collaboration with Princess Akeema Holistic Care and Revive Trinity, this vibrant celebration of health and wellness showcases small and local businesses passionate about promoting a healthy lifestyle and fostering a sense of community.


Featuring a diverse array of booths comprised of movement professionals, natural skincare products, fitness gear and holistic health services, event vendors are excited to share their knowledge and provide demonstrations on everything from yoga and meditation to nutrition and fitness.


To register to participate in the Fair, click HERE.
Government Updates

Boards and Commissions

Members Sought for …


Our Office of Human Rights and Equity is currently seeking members for the following commissions: 


  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission – seeks four adult commissioners to help coordinate appropriate ceremonies and activities to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King. Appointed by the County Executive, Commission members serve an initial two-year term. 
  • Human Rights Commission – seeks three adult commissioners interested in helping making recommendations on civil rights policy to the County Executive and the County Council, as well as conducting surveys and studies concerning civil liberties in order to promote equality in the community.
  • LGBTQIA+ Commission - seeks six adult commissioners, one college-aged commissioner and one high school commissioner to advance policy and systemic change for persons who are in the LGBTQIA+ community.
  • La Alianza Latina Commission - seeks one adult commissioner and one high school commissioner to promote diversity, civility and address the concerns of Latino and immigrant communities.
  • Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission - seeks one college/trade school commissioner to advise the County Executive on policy initiatives and issues affecting the AAPI community.


If you are interested in learning more about these commissions and/or how to apply, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/boards-commissions. 

Department of Planning and Zoning


Design Advisory Panel Meeting Aug 28th

 

This Wednesday, August 28, our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Design Advisory Panel (DAP) will hold a virtual meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. for a

review of Plan No. 24-04 Paddock Pointe Phase 5, Laurel MD.


To watch the meeting live via computer, click HERE at the meeting time. If you only want to listen to the meeting, call 1-650-479-3207 at the meeting time. When prompted, enter 2310 305 7786 as the event access code.

 

To view the agenda for the meeting, click here.  

Office of Transportation


MDOT Consolidated Transportation Program Meeting


On Wednesday, September 18th, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) will hold its annual Howard County Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) Tour Meeting to share its draft CTP.


The meeting will be held in the George Howard Building at 3430 Court House Dr. in Ellicott City, and will begin at 6:00 p.m. Those who are unable to attend the meeting in-person can view the livestream HERE. 

 

The CTP is the six-year capital budget for State transportation projects and programs. During the tour meeting, MDOT will discuss projects and funding across the full range of activities in the county and the state by the Maryland Aviation Administration, Motor Vehicle Administration, Maryland Transit Administration, Maryland State Highway Administration and the Maryland Transportation Authority.


The CTP is updated every year, based on local priorities expressed in the annual priority letter, local and regional planning efforts, and funding forecasts. The Draft CTP will be released on or about September 3, 2024 and can be viewed HERE. More information on the process can be found HERE.

Public Meeting to Discuss Extension of Montgomery County’s Flash Bus Rapid Transit Service


In preparation for Montgomery County's Flash Bus Rapid Transit Service extension to Howard County in 2026, a public meeting will be held on Monday, September 23rd to discuss the project’s preliminary design.


The meeting will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Lab’s Kossiakoff Center located at 11100 Johns Hopkins Rd in Laurel.


While there will be no formal presentation, the design plans will be available for public viewing, and staff members will be on hand to explain the proposed work, answer any questions, and gather public comments. More information on the service extension can be found HERE.
Department of Community Resources and Services

Are You a Solo Ager? Learn More in the August 50+ Connection


Throughout the year, our Department of Community Resources and Services' (DCRS) Office of Aging and Independence (OAI) hosts great activities, programs and events for county residents aged 50 and older, including chair yoga, high energy Zumba, creative arts, live music, Medicare and nutritional workshops, and more! Find a 50+ Center near you to view their quarterly newsletters for upcoming programs, or check out OAI’s monthly publication, The 50+ Connection for current news and events.

 

In the August issue of The 50+ Connection, readers will learn about the unique challenges “Solo Agers” face as they grow older without a traditional family support system, and the importance of forming and maintaining social connections as you age.


Whether you’re already on this path or preparing for the future, join OAI for “Discovering the Path of Solo Aging” on Thursdays, October 10 – November 14, 1 to 3 p.m. at the Ellicott City 50+ Center.


This empowering six-session workshop offers valuable insights and practical strategies to thrive independently in Howard County. Free, but space is limited. Registration opens this Friday, August 30, on ActiveNet. For more information, contact Jill Kamenetz at 410-313-6009.


To register for one of OAI programs or to search for more options, check out the County’s ActiveNet registration site today!

Heading Back to School? OCF Can Help!

 

Through its family workshops, local resources, events, educational programs and more, DCRS’s Office of Children and Families (OCF) aims to help Howard County families grow and thrive. In this month's Parent Pages newsletter, parents will find tips, tricks and more to help prepare their young ones for the new school year - which begins today for Howard County Public School (HCPSS) students. Topics include how to access HCPSS family guides to what your child will learn in school this year, encourage better sleep habits, handle your child’s separation anxiety, pack healthy lunches, and much more. 

Start With the Basics


If your kids aren’t old enough to start school, I encourage you to register for the free Basics Insights program. Parents of young children (birth to age five) can receive weekly text messages with learning activities based on your child’s developmental stage. To learn more about The Basics Howard County, watch this overview video for an introduction to the five fun, simple and powerful ways to boost early brain development and learning for preschoolers. Sign up now! 

Handmade With Love


It’s time again for Handmade with Love, an annual Howard County initiative that supports Operation Gratitude! Our Office of Veterans and Military Families (OVMF) is now collecting homemade scarves and hats to be included in care packages for deployed service members.


Drop off handmade items no later than Monday, November 3, at one of the locations listed on the flier.


Last year, OVMF collected 1100 hats and scarves from individuals and groups like the Tom Thumb Knitter’s Club, pictured above with me. For more information, contact Lisa Terry at 410-313-0821.

HoCo Community Chat en Español


HoCo Community Chat adds a Spanish episode this month.


A new episode of the HoCo Community Chat en Español podcast has dropped in which the Hispanic Achievement Liaison of Howard County Public School System, Dr. Jonathan Montalvo Ramon, talks with host Cris Oviedo about the meaning of LGBTQIA, gender expression beyond the binary, and the intersection of our Latinx and LGBTQ+ communities.


In August’s HoCo Community Chat podcast, DCRS Director Jackie Scott welcomes Columbia Association (CA) Community Engagement Manager Robin Stimson to discuss how CA works to cultivate a unique sense of place, while enhancing the quality of life for all its residents.



You can listen on BuzzSprout or check out HoCo Community Chat wherever you download your podcasts. If there is something specific you want to hear discussed, email DCRS at communityresources@howardcountymd.gov.

Department of Finance

Making It Easier to Pay Your Tax Bill


To help improve the way Howard County property owners receive and pay their property tax bills, the County’s Department of Finance has launched a new self-service initiative. Property owners can now enroll to receive email and/or text notifications regarding their real property or personal property tax bill, as well as sign-up for additional language options and expanded contact information. These new features are designed to improve access and make it easier to receive, manage and pay your property taxes. 


In fact, some property owners may have already received an alert from Finance about this new self-service website, with text messages coming from 844-844-3465 and emails from customerservice@howardcountymd.gov with the subject line: “Exciting Update! Managing Your Howard County Property Tax Bill Just Got Easier”.  


To enroll to receive email and text notifications for your tax bill, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/finance/billing-payments today. For questions, concerns and/or more information about this new service or your bill itself, please contact Finance’s Tax Customer Service team at 410-313-2062 or email customerservice@howardcountymd.gov. 


Even with the new system, Finance will continue to send paper bills to the mailing address in its records.

Office of Human Rights and Equity

Women's Equality Day Celebration 


Every year, we nationally commemorate the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution with Women’s Equality Day. In tribute, our Office of Human Rights (OHRE) is hosting a Women's Equality Day celebration this Wednesday, August 28th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the County’s East Columbia 50+ Center to restore, revitalize and inspire our continued journey towards women’s equality. Come help us celebrate the milestones and mourn the losses, as we reaffirm our commitment as a community to achieve true equity for all women worldwide. As seating is limited, pre-registration to attend this FREE event is mandatory. To register to participate, click HERE.

Human Rights Commission Award Nominations Now Open!


Presented annually by the Howard County Human Rights Commission, these awards honor and celebrate individuals, organizations and students who have served their community by contributing to the advancement of human and civil rights in Howard County. Nominations are now being accepted in the follow categories:

  • Individuals who live and/or work in Howard County.
  • Organizations whose advocacy and service are dedicated to Howard County.
  • Students who live and/or attend school in Howard County, who are no more than 26 years old, and whose advocacy and service are dedicated to Howard County.


To nominate someone or an organization for this annual awards program, click HERE. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m., Saturday, August 31st. 

Barriers to Equity Listening Session


I encourage you to join OHRE, the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) and the Maryland Office of the Attorney General on Tuesday, September 10th at 6:00 p.m. for an interactive discussion on the barriers to equity in Howard County. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their views on the state of civil and human rights in Maryland, to help MCCR focus its priorities in its upcoming strategic plan and OHRE’s future engagements and services. 


This session will be presented bilingually in English and Spanish; however, for additional translation services or accommodation requests, email mccr.outreach@maryland.gov.

Police Department

Keep Our Kids Safe this School Year, Drive Smart


As students and staff return to schools today for the 2024-2025 school year, Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is working hard to ensure children, parents and teachers all arrive safely. Through its annual back-to-school initiative known as H.A.S.T.E. (Helping Arriving Students Through Enforcement), HCPD officers will focus on enforcing driver and pedestrian safety in school zones.


For the first three weeks of the school year, increased traffic patrols will be in place on roadways surrounding elementary, middle and high schools. Officers will focus on drivers who are speeding, failing to stop for pedestrians or driving distracted in those areas. They will also be checking for seat belt and child safety seat use to ensure all occupants are properly restrained.


HCPD is also reminding all drivers that buses serving the Howard County Public School System are outfitted with external cameras. Launched in 2021, HCPD’s External School Bus Camera Program aims to ensure student safety by discouraging motorists from passing buses illegally. The state of Maryland’s fine for illegally passing a school bus is $250.


Finally, HCPD’s Speed Camera Program is designed to encourage drivers to slow down in school zones and has fines set at $40. The cameras are rotated among various school zones in the county, which are posted in advance and updated every week on the program’s website. 


HCPD will continue to conduct traffic safety education and enforcement efforts throughout the school year.

Department of Public Works

Bureau of Environmental Services

Holiday Slide Schedule in Effect Week of Labor Day


As a quick reminder, remember, there will be NO curbside trash, recycling, yard trim or food scraps collection on Monday, September 2nd. Due to the Labor Day holiday, the County's holiday "slide" schedule will be in effect that week, with collection taking place one day later that week. That is, Monday collection will slide and be picked up on Tuesday, Tuesday on Wednesday and so forth. Additionally, while bulk item collection will slide with trash collection, scrap metal collection will remain as scheduled and will not slide. To ensure collection, all items should be placed out by no later than 6:00 a.m. on your collection day.


For more information about the County’s holiday “slide” schedule, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule. 

Stormwater Management Division

Mt. Hebron Stormwater Pond Repair Project


Our Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Stormwater Management Division will hold a community outreach meeting this Wednesday, August 28th at 6:00 p.m., in the Avalon Room at Howard County Library System’s Miller Branch, to discuss a project to repair the Mt. Hebron Stormwater Pond located near 2729 Thornbrook Road in Ellicott City.


The proposed project will include the replacement of the old metal outlet pipe with a new concrete outlet pipe that has a longer service life and will bring the pond into compliance with the Maryland Department of the Environment requirements. The project is scheduled to commence construction next fall 2025 and weather permitting, is expected to be completed in the spring of 2026.

 

The informal meeting will include an overview of the design, followed by an open discussion. County staff and the project’s design consultant will be on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments.

 

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Bill Liu with DPW’s Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6416 or email bliu@howardcountymd.gov. 

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.

Department of Recreation and Parks

Mark Your Calendars: Annual Tree Giveaway Starts Soon


Beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 4th, the link to sign up for your tree species, pick-up date and location will be available at https://www.howardcountymd.gov/forestry (go to the Annual Tree Giveaway drop down). We will release half of our tree species at 10:00 a.m. and the other half at 6:00 p.m. Trees go extremely fast, so don’t wait! Review species descriptions on the Forestry website in advance so you know what tree you would like to order.  


If you find yourself unavailable on the pickup date selected, you can send a friend to pick up your tree. You may pick up your tree until the last giveaway day, October 7th 4:00-7:00 p.m. However, we cannot allow early pickup of trees as they are delivered throughout the week for each event date. 


If you miss this year’s tree giveaway, check out the other tree planting programs that Howard County has available throughout the year on the forestry website. These include Turf to Trees, Stream ReLeaf and Tree Canopy. We also plant on public and private school grounds with students through the Students Branching Out program.

Schools are Closed and the Kids are Bored?


Not sure what to do when your child is home because schools are closed? Howard County Recreation & Parks has a lot to offer when school's out! They have science, sports, art, music, drama, chess, and more! 


You can find fun and adventure for the whole family in one of our Friends & Family Schools Out Adventures sessions. Click the links below to find the perfect programs for your child.


Upcoming days include:

Monday, September 2 (full day)

Wednesday, September 18 (half day)

Thursday, October 3 (full day)

Friday, October 18 (full day)

Thursday, October 31 (full day)

Camping 101 at Robinson Nature Center


Join a Robinson Nature Center naturalist on Saturday, September 1st, from 2:00-4:00 p.m., to learn the basic skills you need to know for your next camping trip.


Learn about camping gear, fire safety, responsible camping, and end the program by making a tasty s’more. Rotate through stations to learn new camping skills. Great for families preparing to take their first camping trip. For ages 6 years and older. Cost: $49 for a family up to 4 or $25 for 1 adult & 1 child. Register HERE.

Department of Technology and Communication Services

We Want to Hear from You


As we continue to work towards ensuring our website, www.howardcountymd.gov, is easy to navigate and user-friendly, we'd love to hear from you on what upgrades you think need to be made to improve our site. To share your thoughts, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/survey. We thank you in advance for your feedback.
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