Dear Friends, 

Our local and regional partnerships have proven to be more critical than ever on the road to recovery from the pandemic. The Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) has been an integral part of bipartisan organizing on behalf of all Maryland counties. I’m honored to be named the 2023 MACo President.

MACo is a proven, respectful place where all of us—from every corner of the state, every background, every political stripe— care about serving our communities and helping others. We will help advance Maryland not merely overall, but for all. We, united, can and will reignite the flames of hope… one county, one community, one neighborhood, and one life at a time.  

I look forward to working with the incoming Moore/Miller Administration and my colleagues across the great state of Maryland to foster the best quality of life and further the mission of MACo for all Marylanders. I want to congratulate all the newly elected board members and thank outgoing President Laura Everngam-Price for her leadership over the last year.

Listening to YOU

We have made significant progress, together, over the last four years. However, I know that we can continue to make even more. Four years ago, we hosted several listening sessions to better understand how we can serve our community. I’m thrilled to host another series of listening sessions across our county, which begins tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the Bain 50+ Center.

I want to hear about the experiences, hopes, and vision that our residents want for our county. 

We will be bold and brave as we continue to expand opportunity for all. We will manifest the very best future beyond even what we can imagine for Howard County, our state, our nation, and our world.

Send thoughts in advance to future@howardcountymd.gov or learn more here.

Welcome Paul!

I’m excited to welcome Paul Thompson as our Director of Constituent Services and Community Partnerships. His passion and purpose are to help serve the community by being the bridge between people and government. Paul also helps guide the County’s appointment process to ensure that boards and commissions are representative of our beautifully diverse community.  

Previously, Paul served for 15 years in the Howard County Department of Finance where he served as administrative support for the Senior leadership of Finance, and recently, led the Division of Customer Service, cultivating a people-first culture.  

Kim Pruim has transitioned to a new role at Howard County Recreation and Parks as Superintendent of Public Information, Volunteers, and Special Events. Please join me in wishing her well in this new endeavor.

Hitting the Ground Running

Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) has an impeccable track record of advocating on behalf of all 24 of our jurisdictions across our great state of Maryland. While the 2023 Winter MACo Conference has come to an end, the partnerships and progress we will make over the next four years has just begun. Whether this is a first or second term, I know that the connections made during this conference will help ensure that we all hit the ground running to advance our commitment to our communities.

I want to express my most sincere gratitude for Michael Sanderson and all our MACo staff who worked so hard to make this conference a success. From Baltimore and Anne Arundel Counties to Frederick, Harford, and the Eastern Shore, we will foster the best quality of life for all Marylanders, while furthering the mission of MACo for all jurisdictions.

A Manifestation of Our Progress

In 2012, I helped found the MACo Diversity Caucus. This MACo Chapter Organization, was the first statewide caucus for county elected officials of color and those interested in embracing and expanding diversity in elected office.

This Caucus empowers and responds to issues affecting our most vulnerable communities and constituencies by advocating for legislation and policies beneficial to the people they represent. When the caucus began, fewer than 25 percent of county officials were people of color.

It was an honor to see the manifestation of our progress in a room full of elected officials of color and women, with remarks from Lt. Governor-elect Aruna Miller, who is the first immigrant Lt. Governor in Maryland history. Thank you to every leader who helps us build more opportunities for every person in our community.

Mentoring Regional Leaders

One of the wonderful opportunities presented by Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) during the annual Winter Conference is the ability to mentor and discuss complex issues with newly elected officials. Assuming the role as a public servant requires hard work, dedication, and commitment, and it is often very challenging. Events like these help us foster and strengthen our connections and empower each other in the world of public service.

Thank you to Outgoing MACo-President Laura Everngam-Price for leading this incredible session!

Making a Brighter Tomorrow

It was an honor to join my Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Howard County, MD to host the 48th Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial breakfast. I was so glad this event was back in person for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, around the theme of “No Return to Normalcy - Let Us Transform Dark Yesterday's Into Brighter Tomorrows.”

I’m often reminded that the challenges we face today are not impossible to overcome. Dr. King provided us with the tools to succeed, but it is up to each of us to find the strength and determination within ourselves to move forward. This important event shines a spotlight on our transformative programs and initiatives that are making a real difference in the lives of our young people. Thank you to all my Brothers for making this event a success!

Let's Make Democracy Work

I had a great time joining the League of Women Voters of Howard County for their annual Legislative Breakfast in Ellicott City. I’m grateful for their continuous efforts to help make democracy work, advocate for social and economic environment, and in protecting our environment. Thank you to President Krista Threefoot for her leadership and ensuring that every member and person has a voice.

Be The Difference

We were all recently reminded of the importance of learning how to administer CPR. When a person goes into sudden cardiac arrest, their survival depends on immediately getting CPR from someone nearby. By learning how to administer CPR, you can help save a life and be the difference. The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services offers FREE individual, group, and virtual CPR trainings.

To register for a class, please click here or call 410-313-2016.

All Aboard!

For the last quarter century, the Ellicott City Holiday Train Garden at Station 2 has been a beloved holiday tradition, enjoyed by thousands of Howard County residents and visitors. I was thrilled to join the volunteers of the train garden, the Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department, and the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services to recognize and celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Train Garden.

I’m grateful for the dedicated volunteers who spend countless hours bringing the Holiday Train Garden to life each winter, including the five volunteers who have been giving their time and talent for all 25 years; Battalion Chief David Balthis, Richard Ruehl, Peter Hammond, Sharon Hammond, and John Wafer. Wishing you many more years of bringing joy and holiday cheer to our community!

Dedicated Staff



I fully believe that the strength and quality of our county operations are due to our dedicated staff. I was pleased to join Howard County Government Department of Inspections Licenses and Permits Director Bob Frances and Regulation Supervisor Amanda Hill to congratulate two employees for their recent awards from the Maryland Building Officials Association.

Congratulations to Andrew Arnold who was named Plan Reviewer of the Year and Lorri Manning who was selected the Permit Tech of the Year. They received these accolades for their outstanding commitment to professionalism, upholding building codes and protecting the public.

Our DILP employees ensure that county projects are built to quality standards to protect occupants and visitors alike. Thanks to them, we can innovate and reinvigorate our facilities through the county with confidence and trust in our security. This professional recognition reinforces we are serving our community well.

Recycle Your Trees!

Our Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Environmental Services is once again offering a variety of FREE holiday tree recycling options through the Merry Mulch program. Since 1993, the Merry Mulch program has kept thousands of trees out of the landfill, helping to save money and the environment. 

I encourage residents to use this opportunity to keep trees out of the landfill this holiday season. By spring, these trees will be re-purposed and ready to use as compost and mulch. By simply making a plan to recycle trees this year, we can create a cleaner and more sustainable environment in Howard County for all.

Learn more about the program here.

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission serves an important role in the preservation of our historic districts and historic properties throughout the County. We are currently seeking applicant interested in serving on this commission.

Applicants should send a resume and brief letter explaining why they want to serve on the Commission to Paul Thompson, either by email to pathompson@howardcountymd.gov or by mail to: Howard County Government, Office of the County Executive, Attn: Paul Thompson, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. The deadline to apply is Friday, January 27th. 

We are incredibly thankful to the men and women who serve on the commission today and look forward to welcoming new members in the near future. 

Hopping to a New Year

The Lunar New Year is a momentous holiday marked by community, family, and beautiful traditions. It is a celebration of shared history and culture, highlighting that diversity is our strength.

After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m excited to once again host our annual Lunar New Year celebration in person on January 21st, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the Mall in Columbia. Join us for a spectacular showcase as we ring in the Year of the Rabbit, featuring special performances and guests.

Howard County Government Closings for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday on January 16^th 

Howard County Government offices, courts, 50+ centers and animal shelter will be closed next Monday, January 16^th in observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. There will be regular Monday trash, recycling and food scrap/yard trim services on the 16^th and the Alpha Ridge Landfill will be open.

County parks, the Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers, Cedar Lane and Schooley Mill Activity Rooms, Kiwanis Wallas Hall, Harriet Tubman Cultural Center and the Meadowbrook Athletic Complex will be open on the 16^th. The Robinson Nature Center, Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, Belmont Manor & Historic Park, Patapsco Female Institute and the County’s Restored Ellicott City Colored School will be closed. All historic sites in Ellicott City, except the Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, are closed for weekend tours until the first weekend in May.

The Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) will operate on a regular weekday schedule; for more information on RTA, call 1-800-270-9553 or visit www.transitrta.com. All parking regulations and fees will be in effect January 16^th. 

The 9-1-1 Center, Police and Fire departments remain staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For emergencies, call 9-1-1. For non-emergencies, please call 410-313-2200. 

County operations will resume on Tuesday, January 17^th at regular business hours.

Stay Connected to the Office on Aging and Independence in 2023

Did you know that our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) has two monthly publications to keep you informed? The 50+ Connection features articles and information about programs, services and events at our 50+ Centers geared toward older adults in Howard County. For the latest issue, click HERE.

OAI also offers a digital newsletter, which features timely updates on programming and includes information from other DCRS offices.

To subscribe to either of these OAI newsletters, as well as other DCRS publications, be sure to click HERE today.

Help Implement Our Age-Friendly Action Plan

This month, workgroups will convene to begin the implementation of our Age-Friendly Howard County Action Plan. Each of the eight workgroups will concentrate on the recommended action steps under one of the Age-Friendly domains of livability: transportation, housing, digital access and communication, outdoor spaces, social participation and inclusion, work and civic engagement, and community support and health services.

To learn more about the plan and to identify a work group that aligns with your interests, I encourage you to visit www.howardcountymd.gov/agefriendly today.

English As a Second Language

If English is your second language, I invite you to learn practical English through our English as a Second Language (ESL) class this winter with DCRS’s Office on Aging and Independence (OAI). Set to run Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. from January 17^th through March 21^st at our Elkridge 50+ Center, participants will practice their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills for interactions in real-life situations, including health and wellness, community resources, housing, banking and computer/internet use.

The cost is $64.00 for all 10 classes. For more information and/or or to register, call 410-313-5192 or click HERE.

2023 Howard County Child Care Fair

Mark your calendarrs for DCRS’ Office of Children and Families (OCF) 2023 Howard County Child Care Fair, set to take place Saturday, February 4^th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the North Laurel Community Center. This annual fair provides parents, guardians and grandparents with a “one stop shop” for child care, preschool, school-age and summer programs, as well as the opportunity to connect with teachers and program directors. OCF staff will also hold free informational sessions on “How to Choose an Early Childhood Program” onsite at 11:00 a.m., noon and 1:00 p.m. While registration is not necessary to attend it is encouraged for this free event.

Vendors and exhibitors interested in participating in our 2023 Child Care Fair, are encouraged to register today to secure their spot at this year’s event. Cost is $75.00 for for-profit organizations and $50.00 for non-profit (501c3) organizations with coupon code “OCFNONPROFIT”. For questions and/or more information about participating in this year’s fair, contact Georgia Ferentinos at 410-313-1943 or email gferentinos@howardcountymd.gov.

For more information, contact OCF at 410-313-1940 (voice/relay) or email children@howardcountymd.gov. View the event flier in English and Spanish.

What’s a CODE BLUE?

When the temperature dips below 26 degrees or severe weather is predicted for Howard County, a CODE BLUE event is called. When in effect, anyone in need of shelter can call the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center’s hotline at 410-531-6677 or drop by the Center at 6700 Freetown Road in Columbia, to coordinate evening shelter.

Additionally, during regular business hours, our Department of Recreation and Parks' community centers, DCRS’ 50+ Centers and Howard County Library System branches are also great places to stop by if you need a place to warm up.

New Parenting Workshops for 2023

This 2023, OCF is pleased to continue to offer its series of parenting workshops to help families start the new year off on the right foot. Two such workshops to be offered this January are “Selecting High Quality Child Care” and “Early Intervention: Finding the Help your Child Needs”.

Understanding that selecting child care can be an overwhelming and daunting process, OCF’s “Selecting High Quality Child Care” workshop – offered Tuesday, January 17^th at 7:00 p.m. and Monday, January 30^th at noon – will teach participants how to choose a child care program that works best for their family. OCF understands the importance of finding quality care that meets a family’s needs and offers a healthy and safe environment for one’s child. To register for one of these virtual classes, click here for January 17^th and here for January 30^th.

If you are worried your child may be falling behind or developmentally delayed, early intervention can help. On Wednesday, January 18^th at 7:00 p.m., OCF’s “Early Intervention: Finding the Help your Child Needs” workshop will teach participants about assessment and evaluation and early childhood intervention options for families with children from birth to age five. To register for this virtual class, click here.

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 Fire and Rescue Services

With colder temperatures here, our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) is reminding residents to NEVER use an extension cord to power a space heater and keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from the heating source.

For more information about space heater safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association's “Electric Portable Space Heater Safety” website or contact DFRS at 410-313-6000.

Adopt a Hydrant

In an emergency, every second counts. Fire hydrants that are blocked, concealed or difficult to access due to snow, ice or other obstructions can impede emergency fire response. If you are and/or your business is interested in helping ensure our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) has quick and easy access to the fire hydrant(s) in your neighborhood, consider adopting a hydrant today.

To adopt a hydrant or to learn more about this program, click HERE or email DFRS to outreach@hcdfrs.org.

Department of Housing and Community Development

Applications Now Being Accepted for MIHU January Open Enrollment Period

Our Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is now accepting applications for its Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program January open enrollment period. Held quarterly, DHCD’s MIHU is an inclusionary zoning program that offers quality new homes at reduced sale prices and rents to income eligible families.

To purchase an MIHU home, individuals must apply to DHCD during an open enrollment period to be placed in the database. To qualify, an applicant’s household income may not exceed 80 percent of Howard County’s median income (example: maximum $99,234 for a four-person household to as much as $130,988 for an eight-person household). Applicants must meet credit score requirements and household income must be sufficient to qualify for a mortgage based on industry standards. Sale prices for available MIHU homes, currently range from $254,985 for a new condominium to $384,916 for a new townhouse. Actual sale prices may vary depending on the size and amenities of the unit. More details regarding our MIHU homeownership program are available HERE or contact DHCD at 410-313-6318 (select option two) or email housing@howardcountymd.gov.

To rent an MIHU unit, a qualified applicant’s household income may not exceed 60 percent of the Howard County median income (example: maximum $52,098 for a one-person household and $74,425 for a four-person household). MIHUs are rented on a first-come, first-served basis, are interspersed throughout each community and residents enjoy the same amenities of community life as market rate tenants. Visit DHCD’s MIHU rental website for more information.

MIHU homeownership applications are now available online and completed applications can be either submitted 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. Applications are being accepted through 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 31^st.

Office of Human Rights and Equity

MLK Holiday Celebration

I invite all to join our Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE), Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission and myself this Sunday, January 15^th for our annual event celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This family-friendly, in person event will take place on the 15^th at Howard Community College’s (HCC) Horowitz Smith Theater beginning with a reception at 2:00 p.m. and followed by an awards program at 3:00 p.m.

This year’s celebration will include a keynote address from HCC President Dr. Daria Willis, performances by various Howard County students and recognition of the 2023 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Living the Dream” award recipients and student essay, oratory and poster contest winners.

To register to attend this year’s event, click HERE today.

Bystander Intervention and Cultural Awareness Training

ORHE offers a quarterly certification training in Bystander Intervention and Cultural Awareness (BICA). This is an excellent training that will help participants learn how to protect and promote the humanity of those who are being targeted or harassed in their presence. This quarter’s upcoming BICA training will take place virtually next Tuesday, January 17^th at 5:00 p.m. To reserve you spot today, click HERE.

Reading Human Rights: People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present

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

For its January book discussion, OHRE and HCLS will discuss Dara Horn’s compilation of essays entitled, People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present. Horn’s book explores how Jewish history is exploited to comfort the living, while challenging us to confront the reasons why there might be so much fascination with Jewish deaths, and so little respect for Jewish lives unfolding in the present.

To secure your “seat” for this event, set to be held virtually on Tuesday, January 31^st at 6:30 p.m., click HERE today to register

Department of Planning and Zoning

HoCo By Design Equity Open House

I invite all to join our Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) tomorrow, January 10^th, anytime between 3:30 and 7:30 p.m., at our new Harriet Tubman Cultural Center in Columbia, for DPZ’s HoCo By Design Equity Open House. This open house event will provide attendees the opportunity to learn about the County’s draft general plan update, “HoCo By Design”, and the County's proposals to foster a more equitable future through land use, growth and conservation decisions over the next 20 years. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with staff and share their thoughts about equity in our draft plan.

Those interested in attending can register in advance by clicking HERE or simply stop by anytime during the open house hours.

HoCo By Design Release General Plan Draft for Public Review

In addition to its HoCo by Design Equity Open House mentioned above, DPZ is also currently seeking public input on its draft general plan update, now through next Monday, January 16^th. Public input will be considered and incorporated into a final plan, which is expected to be presented to the County Council for consideration and final adoption in spring of 2023. I encourage residents to review the plan and provide their input, now through January 16, 2023, at www.hocobydesign.com/public-draft.

Our HoCo By Design draft general plan update provides a long-term vision for how Howard County will develop and grow alongside our evolving economic, environmental and social conditions over the next 20 years. The general plan is a requirement of state law and has been updated once each decade since 1960 to reflect the values and address the needs of the County's changing population.

Police Department

Too Cold for You Outside, Too Cold for Your Pets

Our Police Department and its Animal Control Division are reminding residents that Howard County law requires animals housed outside must have access to appropriate shelter, bedding and an unfrozen water source at all times. Dogs may not be tethered outside when not under direct supervision; this means you must be out there with them. Please keep in mind, these requirements are the bare minimum and if it's too cold for you outside, it's probably too cold for your dog or cat. 

To report a violation, please contact Howard County Animal Control at 410-313-2780. Violations can lead to civil citations, criminal charges and/or impoundment of one's pet.

For safety tips on how to keep your pet safe during the cold winter months, such as cleaning snow and salt from their paws, legs and stomach, check out the ASPCA’s “Cold Weather Safety Tips” website.

Department of Public Works Bureau of Environmental Services

Merry Mulch Your Holiday Tree

Our Bureau of Environmental Services FREE holiday tree recycling “Merry Mulch” program is underway and once again helping keep holiday trees out of our Landfill. Now through this Saturday, January 21^st, holiday trees may be recycled seven days a week during regular business hours at drop-off sites throughout the county. One exception to the above days and times is the Alpha Ridge Landfill, which is open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Howard County residents with curbside yard trim collection may set their holiday trees out on their yard trim day for collection through Friday, January 20^th. All decorations, including tinsel, garland, ornaments, lights, tree stands, plastic bags, etc., must be removed. Trees must also be cut into less than four-foot lengths and tied; they should not be bagged. Each bundle must weigh less than 40 pounds.

All collected trees will be delivered to the Composting Facility at Alpha Ridge Landfill and recycled into compost and mulch.

Curbside Yard Trim Season Coming to an End

As a reminder, for those that ONLY receive yard trim curbside collection, the Bureau’s yard trim collection season comes to an end next Friday, January 20^th and the new season will resume on Monday, April 3^rd.

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

Holiday Slide Schedule Not in Effect Week of Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

While Howard County Government offices will be CLOSED next Monday, January 16^th in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, there will be REGULAR Monday curbside trash, recycling and food scrap/yard trim collection on the 16^th. The County’s holiday slide schedule will NOT be in effect next week as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday is not one of the six holidays that affect curbside collection. Those six holidays are New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. To learn more about the County’s holiday slide schedule, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule

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 24^th. 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 16^th year, vendor and sponsorship applications are now being accepted for Howard County’s annual GreenFest – set to take place Saturday, April 15^th 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 24^th. 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. 

Bureau of Utilities

Tips on How to Keep Pipes from Freezing as Temperatures Dip

With winter officially underway and below freezing temperatures in our future forecasts, our Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Utilities is offering residents tips on how to keep pipes from freezing and potentially bursting. These tips are especially important for water pipes located in a crawlspace or on an outside wall, or garage, attic or any other unheated building, which are subject to sub-freezing temperatures.

If your pipes do freeze, the Bureau recommends opening the cold-water faucet nearest the frozen pipe to relieve pressure. Then, use a gentle heat source, such as a light bulb or hair dryer, to thaw the pipe. DO NOT use an open flame. 

To learn more, 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

• Bonnie Branch Stream Stabilization (Capital Project D-1183) – Project to reduce erosion along the stream banks of the Bonnie Branch at 4740 Bonnie Branch Road. The project is not expected to impact the general flow of vehicular traffic; however, flaggers will be in place to direct motorists during material deliveries when temporary lane closures may be needed. Construction hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and, when needed, Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late February 2023.
• Kerger Road Utility Work – Developer project to install and connect a water main, sewer main and storm drain to a new housing development located across from 5244 Kerger Road. During construction hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Kerger Road from Dunteachin Drive to Ilchester Road will be closed to thru traffic and a detour will be in place. Weather permitting, the project is expected to take two weeks to complete.

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.

What to Do When School’s Out 

We all understand the challenge of keeping your little one busy when schools are closed, but our team at Recreation & Parks has you covered. Whether it’s sports, art, chess or music, there are plenty of programs to choose from to make sure your child is staying active this winter break. Click on the following dates (January 16 and January 23) to find out what activities are available this month.

Sensory-Friendly Sunday at Robinson 

As part of our ongoing Sensory-Friendly Sundays at our Robinson Nature Center, this Sunday, January 15^th our Department of Recreation & Parks will feature “Snow Much Fun” from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This Sunday, the exhibits, trails and outdoor play area will be open for families with kids, teens and adults with sensory-processing differences, autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities. Come enjoy self-paced activities including sensory bins and pathways, scavenger hunts, crafts or games, as well as our planetarium, open from 11:00 a.m. to noon. To preregister to receive additional information about this FREE event, click HERE. 

NEW! Beginner Squash Clinic 

If you are looking for an indoor sport for your child to play this winter, check out Squash! What Forbes magazine named “the healthiest sport”, Play Squash Academy's world-ranked international coaches will introduce kids, ages six to 17, to the game of Squash. Participants will gain fundamental skills, strength and confidence, all while developing at their own pace and with an emphasis on teamwork. All levels are welcome (however, this clinic is best suited for beginners) and all equipment will be provided. Clinics are scheduled for January, February and March and the cost to participate is $125 per participant. To register, click HERE. 

Easy and Hearty Winter Meals 

Come cook away those winter cooking blues and wake up your taste buds with Recreation & Parks starting Tuesday, January 24^th. During this three-week cooking course – set to take place weekly from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Ellicott Mills Middle School, participants will learn how to make a delicious savory broccoli, chicken and walnut stuffing casserole, easy slow cooker pulled pork with red cabbage coleslaw, and flavorful minestrone soup. To register for this hands-on cooking class, click HERE; cost to participate is $80  

Office of Transportation

Transit Development Plan Update

We are currently updating our Transit Development Plan (TDP), 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.

Opportunities for the public to provide comment include three surveys (fixed-route, paratransit, and community) and multiple public meetings. For more information on the process, including public meeting dates and locations and the surveys, please visit Transportation’s “Howard County Transit Development Plan” website.