North Laurel/Savage
- Angela Latham Kozlowski
- Oct 12
- 3 min read
Local news covering the North Laurel, Savage, and Scaggsville areas
Howard County Unveils New Flag
After a year-long selection process, including a contest that drew over 200 entries, a new Howard County flag was adopted in May. Howard County resident Esen Paradiso created the winning design, which the county’s website says “reflects the historically proud and future-oriented central Maryland community and represents an evolving agricultural past blended with an optimistic cultural, environmental, and economic future which is cosmopolitan, vibrant, and thriving.”
Ms. Paradiso revealed the meanings behind her design. The arch represents both the county’s historical past (the Thomas Viaduct in Elkridge) and its dynamic future (the Chrysalis in downtown Columbia). The stripes represent Howard County’s historical and contemporary abundance of agricultural and natural resources. The golden circle represents the boundless energy of the sun empowering a diverse community with a view toward the horizon, a bright and optimistic future—and uses a prominent color from the Maryland flag as a location anchor for Howard County. Blue represents the optimism of endless skies, the hope of a bright future, and the abundance of natural and recreational resources: lakes, rivers, and waterways. Green represents the planned preservation and utilization of the natural environment, the continuing investment in a thriving agriculture economy, and the promise of growing a culturally appreciative community.
The Howard District of Anne Arundel County became Howard County in 1851. The very first county flag was born from a community contest in 1968. It was designed by Jean O. Hannon. The new flag can be purchased from the Howard County Government website.
Great to Be Green at Savage Park
Savage Park is Maryland’s first “Green Zone” certified park, achieving the designation from the American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA) after transitioning to battery-powered hedgers, leaf blowers, and trimmers that will be used and stored on site.
The AGZA Green Zone Certification is conferred when routine landscape maintenance is performed with environmentally friendly tools and equipment that prioritizes clean, quiet, and sustainable landscape maintenance practices.
The new equipment at Savage Park improves working conditions for Howard County Recreation and Parks staff and reduces the negative impacts of gas-powered landscaping equipment. The battery-powered equipment:
saves more than $8,500 on fuel and maintenance during the first five years of service;
eliminates an estimated 570 pounds of toxic and carcinogenic emissions, including 43 pounds of ozone-forming exhaust;
removes 1,125 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions—the equivalent of what 23 mature trees absorb in a year; and
prevents potential spills of gas and oil that could seep into soil and aquifers.
Celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial
The HoCo250 Planning Group is hard at work planning events, programs, projects, and activities to commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary that reflect our unique history and contributions to society. Interested in being a part of Howard County’s commemorative events? Please consider volunteering with the HoCo250 Planning Group or any of its committees; or if you are a civic organization, school group, or non-profit that is planning an event to mark this historic time and would like to contribute to the celebration, email HoCo250@howardcountymd.gov. Visit the HoCo250 Planning Group website to learn more.
Fall Activities at the North Laurel 50+ Center
The following programs require registration. If the program is listed as “full” online, contact the 50+ Center front desk at 410-313-0380.
Food Waste Prevention & Solutions Activity (OA-Fall 2025|#A06677.501) Learn about the food waste crisis and measures we all can take to prevent waste and recycle our food scraps into compost, a valuable soil amendment for lawns and gardens. Wednesday, November 5, 2025; 11 am–12 pm
History: Gateway to Baltimore—The C&D Canal Activity (OA-Fall 2025|#A06614.502) The Chesapeake and Delaware Canal opened a vital shortcut to the sea, giving the Port of Baltimore a competitive edge in shipping. After a century of planning and the work of thousands, this 19th-century waterway carried cargo, passengers, and specially designed ships. This program explores the canal’s history, its people, and its lasting impact—then and now—on Baltimore’s commerce. Monday, November 10, 2025; 11 am–12 pm
Holiday Bazaar (OA-Fall 2025|#A06778.501) First Annual Holiday Bazaar, a joyful day of holiday spirit, creativity, and community connection! Light holiday shopping, featuring handmade crafts & unique gifts, delicious snacks available for purchase, festive activities for all ages, and more. Saturday, November 22, 2025; 9 am–3 pm
Bollywood Celebration (OA-Fall 2025|#A06630.503) Celebrate the holidays Bollywood style with music, songs, and dances from Hindi movies. Sponsored by South Asian Club. Tuesday, December 16, 2025; 1:30 pm–3:30 pm
Angie Latham Kozlowski is a staff writer and member of the Board of Directors for the Laurel History Boys. In addition to her investigative reporting, her articles frequently spotlight Howard County.
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