News digest
9/11 ceremony Sunday at Centennial Park
Kittleman and police, fire officials to commemorate attacks; Police Pace also set
A ceremony to remember those who lost their lives in the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, will be held at 8:46 a.m. Sunday at Centennial Park South Entrance, 10000 Route 108, Ellicott City.
County Executive Allan H. Kittleman and command members from the county police and fire departments will take part in the ceremony to pay tribute to the victims and lay a wreath at the park's Garden of Hope.
The garden was designed and dedicated 14 years ago on the first anniversary of 9/11 to remember those from Howard County who lost their lives that day.
Also on Sunday at Centennial Park, the county will host the 25th annual Howard County Police Pace, beginning at 9:11 a.m.
The Howard County Police Foundation hosts the event, a 5K race and one-mile fun walk and run.
The goal of the event is to raise money to provide scholarships and support the department with funding for special needs not met through the budget process.
For information visit: policepace.com/race-info.
New date for Ellicott City flood recovery meeting
County Executive Allan H. Kittleman said last week that a town hall meeting on the continuing Ellicott City recovery will be held Wednesday, a day earlier than had been previously announced.
The meeting will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Veterans Elementary School, 4355 Montgomery Road in Ellicott City. Officials said the date of the meeting was moved because of a scheduling conflict.
Kittleman will provide updates on efforts to recover from the deadly July flash flood, and will field questions from residents, businesses and property owners. Jim Robey, senior adviser for community recovery and chairman of the Historic Ellicott City Recovery Community Advisory Group, will attend.
Also attending will be County Council Vice Chairman Jon Weinstein, who represents Ellicott City and is chair the #ECStrong Recovery Fund Committee.
Snowden River Parkway sidewalk project to begin
Construction crews plan to extend the sidewalk along the 8200 block of Snowden River Parkway in Columbia beginning Monday.
During the project, about 400 feet of concrete sidewalk and five ramps will be installed along southbound Snowden River Parkway, officials said. The project also involves adding crosswalk markings on the pavement and crossing signals in the area.
County officials said the project may cause an occasional lane shift along Snowden River Parkway during construction Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., but signs will be posted to direct traffic. An area of the sidewalk will also be closed. The project is expected to be completed by late October.
County schools STEM opportunities partnership
Howard County schools has established a partnership with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County aimed at increasing science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, opportunities for local K-12 students.
Under the terms of the agreement signed last week, the university will work with the school system's Office of Career and Technology Education to inform students in the county about information technology and engineering programs at its Catonsville and other campuses.
Local students will also be informed of opportunities at the university's Center for Women in Technology, which offers scholarships and initiatives geared toward female students in STEM programs, as well as programs for high school girls interested in engineering and information technology.
The university will also provide guest speakers to high school classes, send representatives to professional development days for computer science and technology teachers, and collaborate with Howard County community groups to promote STEM education to student populations traditionally underrepresented in related fields.
Film festival to explore mental health challenges
The Columbia-based Horizon Foundation will host a mental health film festival Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. that is free and open to the public. The festival will feature four movies that explore different mental health challenges. Each screening will be followed by a panel discussion. The Horizon Foundation recommends that attendees be at least 18 years old.
The event will be held at the UA Snowden Square Stadium Movie Theater, 9161 Commerce Center Drive, Columbia. Although the event is free, tickets are required and available at bit.ly/HCMHFFtix. For details, go to thehorizonfoundation.org/HCMHFF.