Dear Friends,

In recent years, we have made investments so that residents of all ages and abilities can thrive, such as adding 150 additional special education teachers this year, building accessible housing or implementing programs to ensure that vaccines are available to all. Its humbling that Columbia has been named the Best City in Maryland for People with Disabilities, per WalletHub.

It is gratifying to receive national recognition for our work, and we will continue our efforts to make our playgrounds, trails, transportation system and more the best in the country, for all our residents.

Read more about our recognition here. 

Planting More Trees

Building upon the success of our annual tree giveaway program, which was launched in 2019, this year we are pleased to have offered a record number trees for our residents. Over the last four years, together, we have planted over 60,000 trees in our community. This year, through our efforts to give away 3,000 trees, we are bringing our grand giveaway total through this program alone to 9,225 trees, allowing more residents to play a part in increasing our county’s tree canopy. 

By continuing to plant thousands of trees each year, we are using one of the most effective tools to become more energy independent and protect our environment while improving our community’s health and beauty.

Recognizing Raul Delerme

In June 1990, Raul Delerme joined Howard County Recreation and Parks as a Park Planner, Engineer Specialist. Nearly 30 years later, after an exceptional career in Recreation and Parks, when I appointed him as the Director of the department, he became the first Hispanic Director of any Howard County Department. 

Since becoming Director in 2019, Raul has enthusiastically led the department and helped us move forward on projects such as opening the County’s first, and nationally recognized, Play-for-All Playground at Blandair Regional Park, cutting the ribbon on numerous cricket pitches and pickleball fields, opening Bocce Courts, and helping us plant more than 60,000 trees across our County. 

Raul’s parents grew up in Puerto Rico. In their mid-twenties, they moved to Pennsylvania, where his father worked as a physician and they raised their nine children. Raul stayed in state to gain a degree in Landscape Architecture from Penn State University. He credits his parents for instilling in him a strong work ethic, and a deep love of his three children, his wife, and extended family. 

This Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s continue to acknowledge and support our leaders of Hispanic decent for their continuous support in ensuring Howard County is the best place to live, work, play, and grow for all.

2022 State of the County

Howard County remains one of the best places to live, work, play and grow in part because of our collective work and transformative vision. From investing in our educational system, expanding our environmental initiatives, prioritizing public safety and growing our economy, we remain a regional and national leader.

Join us as I deliver my 2022 State of the County address on Wednesday, October 12th at 6pm at the Johns Hopkins APL Kossiakoff Center: 11100 Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel, MD 20723.

Register here.

Making Progress on Turf Valley Elementary School 

Ensuring our students and educators have access to the best teaching and learning environment remains a priority. Our work to purchase land for the future Turf Valley Elementary School last July took years of sustained effort, with $4 million allocated over multiple budgets to fund the purchase, environmental assessment work completed and ongoing negotiations needed to secure this property for our students and educators.

I’m grateful for everyone in our community who has worked with us to advance this critical project, including our school system, board of education, and our educators to make real progress on ensuring the best teaching and learning environments for all.

Celebrating Japan Day

It was wonderful to celebrate Japanese culture with our community as we hosted the 2nd annual Japan Day celebration. I commend Dr. Tomoko Hoogeboom and the Maryland Sister State Committee who helped make this immersive celebration a reality.

Thank you to the volunteers, businesses, and performers that contributed to this vibrant event. Howard County is home to many Japanese Americans, and is a place that celebrates our Asian American Pacifica Islander communities. I’m honored for our collaborative efforts for Howard County to have the best quality of life for all.

Reopening the Bain 50+ Center 

In 2019, we launched the transformational Age-Friendly initiative and were welcomed into the AARP network of age-friendly states and communities two years later in December 2021. The Age-Friendly initiative will implement best practices in outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, work opportunities, civic engagement, communication and health services to accommodate residents of all ages. We held Age-Friendly listening sessions at 50+ centers throughout the summer to engage more of the public in the implementation of the plan’s recommendations.  

One of the primary goals of Age-Friendly is to create, promote and enhance welcoming spaces that are inclusive, accessible, multicultural, multi-generational and sustainable. Our recent renovations at the Bain 50+ Center help us to achieve this goal. This $2.5 million renovation increases the size of the Bain Center by nearly 10% to 25,000 square feet, which will allow for expanded hours of operation as well as increased opportunity for joint programming with other 50+ Centers. Other highlights of the renovation include a new 1,300 square foot fitness center, an enlarged dance and aerobics studio, additional classrooms for more programming, workout mirrors and flat-screen tv’s, and a new health-themed lounge area.  

One Year of Koreatown 

I was honored to join my good friend, world-renowned artist, and visionary First Lady Yumi Hogan for the Maryland Koreatown Annual Cultural Celebration at Bethel Korean Presbyterian Church. This celebration marks the first anniversary of the installation of the iconic, traditional, and beautifully designed artistic arch that marks the first-ever Koreatown in the state. Koreatown is a national and global destination, and this celebration commemorates the great contributions of our Korean American residents, businesses, and community.

Congratulations to Koreatown Committee Chair Ann Kim, the entire committee, and all volunteers for putting on this exceptional showcase. I look forward to our continued work to increase Howard County’s quality of life for all!

Happy Navratri!

As we celebrate the nine days of Navratri, I was so excited to join the Gujarati Samaj of Baltimore for their 2022 Navratri Garba celebration. I’m grateful for their efforts that add to the cultural diversity and vibrancy that makes Howard County the best place to live, work, play and grow.

May this Navratri fill Your life with the colors of happiness and prosperity. Happy Navratri!

Fall Fellowship BBQ

I had a great time joining the African American Community Roundtable of Howard County for their Fall Fellowship BBQ at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center. Through civic engagement and community service, the AACR raises awareness, empowers residents and works toward reducing inequality in our community. While we celebrate the incredible progress we have made, it’s important to reflect upon the work ahead to improve the overall quality of life for our African American community throughout Howard County. 

Thank you for every person who helped make this event a success!

Promoting Arts in Savage Mill

For nearly the last decade, Robin Holliday has shared a dream of promoting art and helping people create personal sanctuaries with the beauty of art around them. I was so pleased to join her and many friends to celebrate the 9th anniversary of HorseSpirit Arts Gallery in Savage Mill. 

Robin's dedication to sharing uplifting art from dozens of local artists is inspiring, and I wish her many more years of success to come, Congratulations!

Moving Harmoniously 

In addition to good health, Tai Chi encourages peace, understanding and meditation as a means to internal harmony. I was so excited to welcome the International Center for Tai Chi Health to Howard County with County Councilmember Deb Jung at their grand opening celebration. It was truly remarkable to watch the gentle demonstration of Masters Xie and Liu. 

Congratulations and I wish you ongoing success!

Celebrating Bathukamma

Bathukamma is a floral festival celebrated every year by predominantly Hindu women from the Indian state of Telangana. I was so glad to join MD Bathukamma at Gary J. Arthur Community Center to celebrate this auspicious celebration, filled with dancing and blooming flowers. 

I wish you that the color, bliss, and beauty of Bathukamma festival be with you throughout the year. Happy Bathukamma!

Honoring Our Military Families 

I was grateful to join Blue Star Families of Baltimore as Howard County launched our first Blue Star Welcome Week in support of our military service members, veterans and their families. As the son of a Vietnam Era Veteran who worked with his brothers and sisters in service, I keenly understand that relocating to a new place can be challenging and overwhelming while navigating through available resources and who to call for help. This event built upon our promise to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for our military and veteran families. 

A special thank you to Yolanda Rayford, Chapter Director of Blue Star Families of Baltimore and Lisa Terry, Manager of Howard County’s Office of Veterans and Military Families for planning a great event for our military, veterans and the entire family. Thank you also to Congressman John Sarbanes for his longstanding commitment to our veterans and Howard County. We truly are Stronger Together and as this is a cross jurisdictional initiative with Anne Arundel County, I extend my sincere appreciation to Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman for his ongoing support and collaboration.

20 years of cOMmunity Fall Fest

Rain or shine, it’s always a great time to celebrate our cOMmunity! I had such a wonderful time joining the Oakland Mills Village for the 20th annual Oakland Mills Fall Festival. One of my first roles in public service was on the Oakland Mills Village Board. It’s where I was honored to learn more about the values of leadership and tenacity, and how to navigate difficult situations within our community. That is why I’m so appreciative of the hard work of our Village Board and all volunteers for hosting this wonderful event for our cOMmunity for 20 years.  

Congratulations, and I wish you 20 more successful years and beyond!

Congratulations Lakeside

It was phenomenal to join the Howard County Chamber of Commerce to celebrate Lakeside Title Company’s grand opening of their new headquarters in Columbia. Since 1997, Lakeside has headquartered their business in Columbia, and I’m so happy to see the continued expansion of this prestigious woman-owned business. 

Congratulations to President Yvonne Deardorff, and I wish you ongoing success in the years ahead! Learn more about them here.

Donating Blood

Did you know someone needs blood every two seconds? 

I was so glad to join the Howard County Branch NAACP #7020 for their blood drive for sickle cell. By donating blood, residents are helping to save the lives of our family, friends, and neighbors. I’m so appreciative of President Willie Flowers and every volunteer who worked hard to bring this service to our community.

Providing Bikes 4 Kidz

Over the weekend, Free Bikes 4 Kidz Maryland accepted donations of new or used bikes to get refurbished and then given to kids in need. As we have been reminded throughout the pandemic, and as we continue to embrace health and wellness, biking is a great opportunity for our young people to get outside and be more active. 

If you or your child has outgrown a bike, I encourage you to consider donating to help another young person live their healthiest, happiest life. I’m so grateful for the efforts of Dr. Ted Cochran for spearheading this important initiative, and thank you to all our volunteers for providing this much needed service to our community.

Learn more about how to donate and get involved here. 

Mental Health Ambassadors

With National Suicide Prevention Month behind us, we have been reminded of the importance of caring for our mental health and encouraging our peers to do the same. We recently hosted our second Community Ambassador training focused on mental health awareness.

Thank you to the the brilliant professionals at the Howard County Health Department, Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition, Howard County Public School System, Grassroots and the Office of Human Rights and Equity sharing your expertise. Community Ambassadors are dedicated community leaders and residents who provide valuable knowledge and resources throughout the County. With this training, our ambassadors left equipped with information on crisis programs, the 988 hotline, and resources for parents, families and students.

Making an Impact

I was so glad to join the Howard County Chamber of Commerce to celebrate Impact Capital Strategies opening their third office space to support clients in the Howard County/Baltimore Metro Area. They us socially responsible investment strategies to integrate clients values with investing in their financial goals. 

Congratulations to Ashley and her entire team on this accomplishment, and I wish you much success! Learn more about their services here.

Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October: Attend the 2022 Commission on Disabilities Employer Awards Ceremony

Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices. To mark NDEAM, our Commission on Disabilities who host its annual Commission on Disabilities Employer Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, October 19^th at 1:00 p.m. at Belmont Manor & Historic Park in Elkridge. This awards ceremony recognizes employers whose hiring and/or accommodation practices, staff development and advancement possibilities value diversity and provide equal opportunities for employees with disabilities. This year’s ceremony guest speaker is Katie Collins-Ihrke, Executive Director of The Arc of Howard County.

All are invited to attend. To reserve your seat, please contact Erica Lewis at 410-313-6402 or email ealewis@howardcountymd.gov by October 4^th.

Consumer Protection Forum

Join DCRS’ Office of Consumer Protection’s (OCP)  on Saturday, October 15^th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Elkridge 50+ Center for a free public form on the “Hot Topics in Consumer Protection and Advocacy.” The forum will feature presentations on key consumer issues, including elder abuse, arbitration, credit and debt issues, and scams, as well as anticipated, pending and recent federal and state legislation. A Q&A session will follow each presentation topic, the forum will also feature a resource fair and light refreshments. To register to attend this event, click HERE; must register by October 14^th. at

The OCP’s mission is one of consumer advocacy and protection, and works to protect county consumers by mediating disputes, taking enforcement action or providing tips on how to avoid scams, or make smart purchasing decisions. For more information or assistance with a consumer issue, call 410-313-6420 (voice/relay).

Handmade with Love



If you knit or crochet, the OVMF’s initiative, Handmade with Love, needs your support. OVMF is currently collecting homemade scarves and hats to send to currently deployed military members. Scarves should be four to six inches wide by 48 to 50 inches long (no fringe), while hats should fit an adult-size head. Materials can be wool, acrylic or non-flammable fleece in subtle shades of blue, brown, olive, gray, maroon and black. Red/white/blue combinations are also acceptable.

Handmade items should be dropped off by no later than Friday, November 4^th at one of designated locations listed on the flier. Please be sure to pin a note to each scarf or hat with the yarn fiber contents listed, and feel free to include a personal note for the recipient if you would like. As you can imagine, our soldiers are deeply touched by the care and effort when they receive gifts, especially handmade items from supportive fellow Americans.

For more information, contact Lisa Terry at 410-313-0821 (voice/relay) or email veterans@howardcountymd.gov.

Howard County Health Department

Annual Community Survey

Now through October 14^th, the Howard County Health Department’s (HCHD) Behavioral Health Bureau is seeking your feedback on how behavioral health services in the county could be improved. I invite you to share your feedback with HCHD through this survey (also available in Spanish and Korean) to make sure your voice heard. As noted by HCHD, this survey collects NO private information. 

Underage Tobacco Enforcement Investigators Wanted

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

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

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

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

Walktober

This October, I encourage you to get up and move with the Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition and local partners for Walktober. This month-long walk/move event celebrates Maryland’s official state exercise and promotes walking for improved health for residents of all ages and abilities. To find out what Waltober inclusive events and walkinars are scheduled in Howard County this October, as well as a list of walking maps to help keep you moving around the county all year long, click HERE.

Let's Walk, Roll, Ride and Move HoCo!

Have You Gotten Your Flu Shot Yet?

HCHD is encouraging people of all ages to get a seasonal flu shot from a healthcare provider, local pharmacy, retailer or big box store. The flu vaccine can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits and missed work and school (even virtual school) due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths, and is particularly important for people with a chronic medical condition who are most vulnerable to developing serious complications from the flu. According to the CDC, nine out of 10 adults hospitalized last flu season with the flu, had at least one reported underlying medical condition.

If you or someone you know is still in need of their flu vaccine, visit HCHD’s "Seasonal Flu" website today for details regarding its flu vaccination clinics.

Talk to Us! 

The Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity is hosting a series of listening sessions where you have the opportunity to share with us the ways we can improve on how we serve you. Responsible for protecting and promoting the human rights of all people, it is important to us that hear from people of all backgrounds, lifestyles, and belief systems. So please join us for an in person discussion by registering on a date below.

North Laurel: October 6th or 28th

Roger Carter: October 27th

Gary J. Arthur: October 31st

One Maryland, One Book: A Conversation with Naima Coster

Our Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) has partnered with HCLS, Maryland Humanities, Howard County Poetry and Literature Society, the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Maryland State Library to bring Naima Coster to Howard County readers as part of Naima’s One Maryland One Book tour. OHRE will sit down with Naima to talk about her book What’s Mine and Yours tomorrow, October 4^th at 7:00 p.m. at the HCLS’ Miller branch. As space is limited, click HERE to reserve your seat.

Thinking Different: Creating a Neurodivergent Community

Join OHRE Community Outreach Coordinator Marla Moore on October 13^th at 6:00 p.m. at our Roger Carter Community Center for a seminar on the importance of creating safe and inclusive environments for Neurodivergent people throughout our communities. This seminar is part of our Department of Recreation & Parks’ Active Aging Program’s speaker series.

For requestions and/or more information regarding this event, please contact Tessa Hurd at 410-313-7311 or email thurd@howardcountymd.gov. 

Human Rights Commission Award Ceremony

Mark your calendars and join our Howard County Human Rights Commission on Wednesday, October 19^th at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center for its annual awards ceremony. A night to recognize individuals, students and organizations, Howard County honorees will receive the James E. Henson Sr. & Jean W. Toomer Award, the Colette Roberts Organization Award, and the Dr. Murray Simon Student Award to recognize their efforts in the area of human rights, social justice, and community uplift.

Beginning with a light reception at 6:30 p.m. the awards ceremony will begin at 7:00 p.m. Arrival at 6:15 p.m. is strongly encouraged. You can register for this event by clicking HERE.

Department of Planning and Zoning

Planning Board Meeting

This Thursday, October 6^th, our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Planning Board will be holding a hybrid meeting, in person at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City and virtually via WebEx, starting at 7:00 p.m., to hear the following agenda items:

• Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) Capital Budget – A request to review the HCPSS’s Fiscal Year 2024 Capital Budget and five-year Capital Improvement Program, as well as a 10-year long-range master plan for the HCPSS for State funding priorities in conjunction with the General Plan
• 2015 Howard County Water and Sewer Master Plan Amendment – This amendment seeks to add the Lyhus Property to the inventories of the existing and planned permit discharges and the existing and proposed multi-use community well and surface water supply in the 2015 Water and Sewer Master Plan

To register to testify, click HERE. Registration must be completed prior to 7:00 p.m., the night before the scheduled meeting (October 5^th) to participate. If you do not wish to testify, but simply to watch the meeting, click HERE to watch.

A five-member board, the Planning Board makes recommendations to the Zoning Board or County Council on matters related to planning and zoning and renders a final decision on selected development proposals. Before recommendations or decisions are made, the Board holds a public meeting or hearing to provide interested persons the opportunity to provide comment. For details about procedures for testifying at a Planning Board meeting, click HERE.

To learn more about Howard County’s Planning Board and upcoming meeting dates, click HERE.

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

Also, this Thursday, October 6^th, 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 join/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 October 6^th. Once registered, further instructions and a call-in attendee number will be provided via email.

Feedback Sought on HoCo By Design’s “County in Motion” Draft Chapter

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

This past month, DPZ’s project team released its fifth planning theme chapter – “County in Motion: Fostering Modern Mobility Choices.” This chapter highlights the need to manage and provide a safe, equitable, and fiscally sustainable transportation system for all users that is responsive to changing local, regional, and national transportation trends. Residents are invited to share their input on DPZ’s latest HoCo By Design draft chapter, particularly regarding the chapter's recommended policies and actions, via the County in Motion Comment Form, open now through Thursday, October 13^th.

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

First Issue of the DPZ Digest Now Available

DPZ recently launched its new quarterly newsletter, the DPZ Digest, which allows readers to learn more about the department’s work in the community, as well as receive timely information about DPZ’s programs and initiatives. To ensure you are among the first to hear about DPZ’s latest news, I encourage you to subscribe today to receive the DPZ Digest straight to your inbox.

Police Department

Maryland’s Move Over Law Expands

Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is reminding motorists that this past Saturday, October 1^st, the expansion of Maryland's Move Over Law went into effect. Motorists are now required to make a lane change or slow down when approaching ANY stopped, standing or parked vehicle displaying warning signals – including hazard warning lights, road flares, or other caution signals including traffic cones, caution signs, or non-vehicular warning signs. The expanded law is in place to protect law enforcement, emergency responders and any motorist that may encounter a roadside emergency and must stop near travel lanes.

To learn more about Maryland's Move Over Law, visit the State’s Zero Deaths Maryland website.

Body Worn Cameras

Did you know that HCPD’s Body Worn Cameras (BWC) record video from the 60 seconds prior to their activation. Additionally, all uniformed HCPD officers who regularly interact with the public are now equipped with a BWC. Also, School Resource Officers (SROs) will only turn on cameras when necessary for a law enforcement purpose.

To learn more about HCPD's BWC program, including answers to frequently asked questions and its BWC policy, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/police/body-worn-cameras.

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

• Church Road Drainage Improvement (Capital Project J-4252) – Project to investigate below ground conditions along Church Road and Emory Street. Signs will be posted to alert motorists and pedestrians of the project as Emory Street from Church Road north to Court Avenue will be closed to all vehicular and foot traffic during construction hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Additionally, no parking signs will be posted on Emory Street and will remain in effect until the work has been completed. Motorists will follow a clearly marked detour using Main Street and Court Avenue to get around the work zone. A recorded message at 410-313-3639 will carry project updates. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by early October 2022.

To learn about our Department of Public Works (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.

SHA Begins Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Project on US 1

This month, SHA will begin a project to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety and mobility at the following four key intersections along US 1 in North Laurel and Elkridge: 

• Brewers Court – installation of a new pedestrian-activated countdown crossing signal, a protected pedestrian refuge space in the median and new continental crosswalks; 
• Guilford Road – construction of a shared-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists along southbound US 1 between Guilford Road and the existing sidewalk (approximately 1,100 feet to the north), new continental crosswalks and upgraded pedestrian crossing signals;  
• Rowanberry Drive – construction of new concrete sidewalk along northbound US 1 between South Hanover Road and Old Washington Road, new continental crosswalks and upgraded pedestrian crossing signals; and  
• Doctor Patel Drive – installation of a new pedestrian-activated countdown crossing signal, a protected pedestrian refuge space in the median and new continental crosswalks.

The project will begin at the Guilford Road/US 1 intersection, during which time, motorists can expect daily off-peak single-lane closures between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Weather permitting, the entire project is expected to be completed by summer 2024.

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

This project is a priority for Howard County and is a result of a pedestrian and mobility study undertaken by the County several years ago. To learn more about this project, click HERE or contact SHA at 410-545-0303.

Bureau of Environmental Services

Upcoming Document Shredding Events

Mark your calendars Howard County as DPW’s County's Bureau of Environmental Services will hosting two document shredding events this month. The first event will take place this Saturday, October 8^th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (OR until the trucks are full) at our Gary J. Arthur Community Center in Cooksville. The second event will take place on Saturday, October 29^th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (OR until the trucks are full) at the Long Gate Park & Ride, located off MD 100 Exit 1A in Ellicott City.

Both events will be held rain or shine and will allow Howard County residents the opportunity to bring up to three bags or boxes of paper to be shredded onsite. Please note, residents are asked to ONLY bring items that contain personal information. Junk mail, catalogs and office paper can be recycled with your curbside recycling collection.

For more information and/or questions about these events, please contact the Bureau at 410-313-6444 or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/documentshredding.

Holiday Slide Schedule Not in Effect Next Week

While Howard County Government offices will be CLOSED next Monday, October 10^th in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, there will be REGULAR Monday curbside trash, recycling, yard trim and food scrap collection on the 10^th. The County’s holiday slide schedule will NOT be in effect next week as Indigenous Peoples’ Day 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. 

Know Before You Dispose of Those Leaves

With autumn officially underway and the leaves getting ready to change colors, our Department of Public Works is reminding residents to keep the following in mind when dealing with those fallen leaves.

Do not blow or rake leaves into the roadway in hope that they will be swept up by County street sweepers. Our sweepers are NOT designed to pick up leaves as large quantities of them will clog the sweeper's filters and result in the leaves being spread over a large area. Sweeper operators will in fact avoid areas of curb containing an excessive number of leaves.

Also, while Howard County crews work hard to maintain storm drains along more than 1,000 miles of County owned roadways, there are some simple approaches residents can take to help keep our storm drains free of debris to prevent roadway flooding and harmful nutrients from reaching the Chesapeake Bay:

• Rake and collect your leaves in paper bags or reusable containers for yard trim curbside collection.
• Mulch your leaves with your mower; they can help nourish your lawn.
• Mix your leaves with grass clippings and vegetable refuse to make compost.
• Participate in the Rake-and-Take program where “rakers” (residents who rake and bag leaves and grass) are matched with “takers” (people who want leaves and grass for composting).
• When rain is in the forecast, check nearby storm drain grates and clear them of debris.

Our Department of Fire and Rescue Services is also reminding residents the burning of leaves, trash, yard waste, refuse and building materials is NOT PERMITTED in Howard County.

Great Outdoors Initiative

I encourage you to challenge yourself to get out and get active for at least 15 minutes each day this October through Recreation & Parks Great Outdoors initiative. Hike a trail in one of our County parks, take a walk along a local pathway, go kayaking or try something new like fishing, kite flying or geocaching. By signing up to participate in this free month-long initiative, you’ll be eligible to participate in random prize drawings at the end of the month. Sign-up today and be sure to download the .pdf log to track your progress.

New Playground Coming to Schooley Mill Park 

The playground at Schooley Mill Park in Highland is currently closed as crews make way for a brand new playground, set to be installed this fall. Weather and all permitting, Recreation & Parks hopes to complete this project in the coming months. In the meantime, check out www.howardcountymd.gov/recreation-parks/parks to learn about Recreation & Parks' other parks and playgrounds. We thank you for your patience.

Lisbon Park Tennis Courts Closed

The tennis courts at Lisbon Park, located at 15901 Frederick Road in Woodbine, are now closed for about a month while the existing asphalt surface is removed and replaced. In the meantime, to find another place to play, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/recreation-parks/parks. We thank you for your patience as Recreation & Parks works to improve its recreational offerings.

North Laurel Community Center Fall Festival 

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

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

Directors, Teachers and Aides Needed for Before and After School Recreation Program

Do you or someone you know like being active, working with school-aged kids and making a positive impact in your community? Are you an early bird or need a flexible work schedule? Recreation & Parks is currently seeking energetic, talented, active and positive staff for its Before and After School Child Care Programs located throughout the county at local elementary schools. 

Work hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 to 9:30 a.m. and/or 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. It is preferable that potential candidates be available for morning AND afternoon shifts. However, if not, interested candidates must be available every morning OR afternoon for program consistency.

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