November 13, 2019

Dear Friends,   Howard County is home to more than 20,000 Veterans. On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans and honor their dedication to protecting the freedom and rights for every American. As the proud son and grandson of Veterans, I understand the challenges and sacrifices our Veterans made every day in service to our Country.   Howard County is committed to providing resources tailored specifically for our Veterans. The Howard County Office of Veterans and Military Families provides access to resources and information for veterans of all ages and their families. Thank you to all our Veterans for your service.

This Week in HoCo

12th Annual Salute to Veterans I attended the 12th Annual Salute to Veterans at  Veterans Elementary   School. It was great to see the students and staff honor the  VFW Post 7472  and other veterans. I was especially glad to join Allison Alston, Student Member of the Board of Education, who understands the importance of engaging younger generations to honor and pay tribute to our veterans.

Supporting Our Veterans It was an honor to attend the All Service Veterans Gala and Marine Corps 244th Birthday Celebration hosted by the VFW,  American Legion , and the Marine Corps League. Thank you to these organizations for supporting and advocating for our veterans, military, and our community.

Annual Veterans Day Parade I was pleased to join the Howard County Veterans Foundation, Howard County Office of Veterans and Military Families and the   Columbia Association  at the Annual Veterans Day Parade to pay tribute to all veterans and active military service members. Let us remember the service of all veterans and their sacrifice to preserve our freedoms.

Cold Weather Resource Guide As the weather starts to get cold, we have a greater need to provide for the most vulnerable of our community members. Our “Code Blue” Cold Weather Resource guide is important to ensuring our community stays safe in the cold. I encourage you to share this with community members who may be unaware of the resources available.

Model UN Conference   I was grateful to provide remarks at the longest running, 11th Annual Model UN conference at  Centennial High School . Thank you to the nearly 300 committed high school students from around Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Cecil County, and Montgomery County for spending your day engaging in this critical conversation and debate.   With leaders like this, I'm certain that our future is bright.

Pedestrian Bridge Ribbon Cutting   It was a pleasure to attend the ribbon cutting for the new pedestrian bridge at the  Chesapeake Shakespeare Company . The bridge eliminates the need to exit to the street while traveling from the stage to the classroom.   Building on a record of achievement cultivated first in Howard County, the company has expanded to become one of the largest providers of theatre arts programming for K–12 students and currently serves more than 16,000 students.

Veterans in our Community As we honored our veterans over the weekend, I encourage everyone to visit the Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum. They are currently holding a special exhibit for Veterans Day. Admission is now free, so anyone can learn from the rich history of the veterans in our community.

Welcome Dunkin' Donuts   I am so excited to join in welcoming the new  Dunkin'   Donuts in the Oakland Mills Village Center. I’m positive that this new shop will bring increased joy to the surrounding Community.   Oakland Mills is proud to Run on Dunkin !

Welcome Back ForgetMeNotFactory!   Barry Gibson, owner of  ForgetMeNotFactory , is a proud example of the resilience in Historic Ellicott City. He and his wife, Nancy, are longtime Ellicott City residents and business owners. In April, Barry was one of the awardees of the Flood Mitigation Grant program. This program helped empower Ellicott City residents and businesses to make important flood-proofing improvements they might not have otherwise been able to afford.   Barry used the money he received to help purchase flood-proof doors for his store. I was glad to see these doors in action as I joined him and Nancy, for the re-opening of  ForgetMeNotFactory .   We are so grateful for their community leadership. I encourage everyone to visit them and create shopping magic!

National STEM/STEAM Day   The number of STEM jobs will grow 13% when compared to only 9% for non-STEM jobs over the next decade. Additionally, Howard County has the second highest level of arts participation per capita in our region.   Our students are doing amazing things in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. From robotics to science bowls to artist showcases, they are making our community proud and reminding us that the future of Howard County is exciting and bright. Friday was National STEM/STEAM Day, I encourage us all to continue exploring STEAM opportunities and the importance of its growth in our community.   I am confident that the innovative solutions to tomorrow’s challenges will only be solved by our STEAM students of today.

"All in a Day's Work" Event   Howard County Recreation and Parks  plays a vital role in creating the best quality of life for our community. From running sports programs, coordinating football and cricket tournaments, to ensuring our community has access to all of our parks, I am appreciative of their dedication and hard work.   Today, I joined staff at the annual “All in a Day’s Work” event where they competed on different Recreation & Parks equipment to showcase their skills and work on team building. Thank you Raul Delerme, Director of Rec & Parks and Tim Overstreet, Superintendent of Horticulture and Land Management, for organizing this important event.

Ellicott City Sestercentennial   In 2022, we will be celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the founding of Ellicott City. This Sestercentennial will be a yearlong celebration and feature various activities and educational opportunities. I joined the EC250 planning committee as they kicked off their efforts, announced the Honorary Committee, launched their website and unveiled their logo.   This is an important landmark for not just Ellicott City, but for our entire County. Join me as we continue to rediscover the charm that is Historic Ellicott City.

"Access Asia in Maryland"   I joined the  U.S. Department of Commerce  and  Howard County Economic Development Authority  for the “Access Asia in Maryland” forum at the Gateway Innovation Center. At this forum, these organizations helped our local businesses explore export opportunities in Asia. This was a wonderful opportunity for our business entrepreneurs to grow as they fulfill their dreams.

Asian American Business Conference   Howard County is open for business and I am dedicated to meeting the needs of our Asian American businesses to maximize our competitive advantage. As Howard County will be the host for the Asian American Business Conference, I met with Senator  Susan C. Lee , Judge  Chung K Pak , and various business leaders to encourage local engagement and regional partnership.   Together, we can create a vibrant and diverse economy where every business can thrive.

Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc. - IEC   Howard County is committed to ensuring the growth and success of a thriving economic environment. This service is only possible due to trade organizations like  Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc. - IEC  who strive to foster a stronger economy through the service its members provide to our community.   Thank you for your continuous efforts in deepening students' interest in the electrical, low-voltage, and renewable energy fields. A field that is incredibly important to us all.

Departmental News

Department of Community Resources and Services This Saturday, November 16 th , from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the North Laurel Community Center , our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office of Children and Families will host its first-ever parent engagement conference, “Thrive By Five.” Geared towards Howard County parents of children birth to age five, “Thrive By Five” refers to the fact that during this age range, a child’s brain develops more than at any other time in life. In fact, by age five, 85 percent of the brain has developed. Recognizing that early brain development has a lasting impact on a child’s ability to learn and succeed in school and life, this conference was created to give parents tools to make the most of these formative years. Participants will learn practical strategies and current research regarding how early learning changes a child’s brain and how everyday interactions with their child facilitates this growth.   To register for this FREE event (registration is required), click HERE . November is National Family Caregivers Month. All month long, our DCRS will be a holding a series of events to recognize, honor and assist our family caregivers. Starting this Friday, November 15 th and running through next Friday, November 22 nd , DCRS will be holding “Thankful for Caregiver” events. Attendees will learn about the Howard County Family Caregiver Support Program, as well as meet other caregivers. Also, on November 15 th , DCRS’ CARE Line and MAP staff will present a screening of the 1969 classic information and referral film, Tell Me Where to Turn , in honor of National Information and Referral Services Day. To learn more about these events and the other great offerings DCRS has going on this month, check out the November issue of the Department’s “The 50+ Connection .” The 2020 edition of Howard County's Resource Guide is NOW available online or at all Howard County 50+ Centers and Howard County Library System branches . This comprehensive publication provides up-to-date information about a wide range of resources, programs and services for our older adults and adults with disabilities.    To have a single copy mailed to you, call Maryland Access Point at 410-313-1234 (voice/relay). To request larger quantities for your office or community location, contact DCRS’s Office on Aging and Independence at 410-313-6410 to arrange for pickup from the Office at 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. The Elkridge 50+ Center ’s knitting group meets every Tuesday morning from 10:00 a.m. Free to join, the group is open to all who like to knit, crochet or practice other needlework. Recently, knitting group members Karen Perkins, Grace Young, Mary Carol Gibson and Joann Dixon (pictured left to right), partnered up to create comfort blankets and dolls for children undergoing medical treatments at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. Ladies, I thank you for your generosity, talent and support in creating these one-of-a-kind creations to help support John Hopkins’ youngest patients as they receive their necessary medical treatments.   If you are interested in learning more about and/or joining this group, please feel free to give the Elkridge 50+ Center a call today at 410-313-5192.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services Throughout the next 14 months, our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) will be conducting Live Fire Training Evolutions at Sheppard Pratt off College Avenue in Ellicott City. Beginning this week, trainings will take place November 12 th and November 13 th , 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day at buildings 1, 8 and 21. For those in the area, here's what you should expect during these training exercises: Smoke may be visible from the buildings at certain times throughout the trainings; however, the fire will be controlled at all times by highly trained professionals. Smoke conditions will be minimal, with no impact to travel, business or pedestrian traffic. Live fire training requires multiple instructors, safety officers and standby personnel to ensure any live fire is controlled at all times. Fencing has been placed around the buildings to prevent any trespassing.   If you have any questions about these training's, please contact HCDFRS at 410-313-6000. For updates regarding future training exercises, please stay tuned to HDDFRS' Facebook page and Twitter handle . Interested in joining our Department of Fire and Rescue Services? Sign-up today to receive notifications about the department’s upcoming Trainee Class 33 by filling out the “2019 Job Interest Form” on the department’s “ Recruitment and Careers” website today. Twice a year, HCDFRS reminds us of the importance to “change your clock, change your battery” as we jump ahead or gain an hour of sleep. Functioning smoke alarms are vital to ensuring your family’s safety during a home fire. In fact, according to National Fire Protection Association, roughly three out of five fire deaths sadly happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Protect your family with working smoke alarms by contacting HCDFRS today at 410-313-6000 to schedule your home safety visit.

Health Department NOTE: Held in cooperation with the Howard County Police Department’s Animal Control Division, the Howard County Health Department’s monthly rabies vaccination clinic for next Thursday, November 21 st has been CANCELLED. For questions and/or more information about this clinic, please contact the Health Department’s Bureau of Environmental Health at 410-313-1773 or Animal Control at 410-313-2780.   Held the third Thursday of each month at Animal Control in Columbia, this clinic offers residents the opportunity to protect their dog, cat or ferret from the rabies virus. Join in the fight against the opioid epidemic by learning how you can help save someone’s life from an opioid overdose. The first Tuesday and last Thursday of each month, the Howard County Health Department offers FREE Opioid Overdose Response Program (Narcan) trainings between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m., on a drop-in basis, at Department’s headquarters in Columbia. Simply show up and a Health department employee will teach you how to administer Narcan, the opioid reversing medicine. To learn more on how you can get trained, click HERE .

Department of Planning and Zoning Something to look forward to this coming spring, flowers! A US 40 roadway enhancement project, featuring the planting of more than 400,000 daffodils between St. Johns Lane and US 29 ramps east of North Ridge Road, was completed this fall. Dubbed the “40/29 Gateway,” the project was developed by our Department of Planning Zoning (DPZ) in 2018 to implement its U.S. Route 40 Streetscape Master Plan . The convergence of interstate ramps and sloping topography creates a high visibility area ideal for a high impact landscape.   Additional enhancements have been coordinated with the Maryland Highway Administration and will include invasive vegetation management of wooded areas and planting of native trees and shrubs.

Police Department SCAM ALERT: Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is seeing an increase in reports of gift card scams . These scams often begin with the victim receiving an unsolicited, threatening phone call, in which the caller demands money to resolve the issue. The caller then requests that the victim purchase gift cards and then asks for the number and PIN on the cards. The caller then drains the card instantly, leaving the victim no way to recover the money.   According to HCPD, just last month, two victims in the county lost a combined $21,700 when they received a scam call from suspects pretending to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The suspects demanded gift cards to resolve an issue with their social security numbers.   DCRS’ Office of Consumer Protection is reminding residents, government agencies (such as SSA) almost exclusively contact consumers by post, not by phone or email, and they will NOT ask for payment or personal information over the phone unless you initiate the call. Also, if the call comes in the evening or at night, suspect a scam. Real government calls only come during normal business hours. To learn more about these and other scams, on DCRS’ “Scam Alert!” website .   Lastly, in nearly every case, when a person requests payment in gift cards, IT'S A SCAM! Earlier this year , I highlighted the great work of Police Academy 43. For its community initiative, Academy 43 raised $15,000 to go towards creating the New Beginnings Stabilization Program at Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center. A 24/7 walk-in program for individuals requesting services for opioid and other substance use, the New Beginnings Stabilization Program provides assessment, counseling and peer support, supervised opioid detox, and connections to treatment to get patients on the road to recovery. This morning, officers from Academy 43 gather to unveil the nameplate outside the room, crediting their support to his vital program.

Department of Public Works Maintaining and progressing a robust public works infrastructure is a priority of my administration and the Public Works Board is critical to achieving those goals. This board plays a vital role in our government by providing recommendations regarding the County’s public works policies and practices. For those interested in serving their community, I encourage you to apply today to serve on the County’s Public Works Board. To learn more about the Board, eligibility requirements and how to apply, click HERE . The DEADLINE to apply is this Friday, November 15, 2019. Department of Public Works Construction Report Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance projects. For a full list of previously announced projects, please refer to the  November 4, 2019  newsletter.   Ellicott City Bonnie Branch Stream Bank Stabilization Project Site Investigation (Capital Project D-1176) – Project to conduct soil borings near 4595 Bonnie Branch Road. The borings will evaluate subsurface conditions and road embankment stability for future streambank stabilization at the site. At times during the project, Bonnie Branch Road through traffic will shift to one lane, weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Expected to start November 11th, weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed within five business days.   To learn more about DPW Capital Projects currently underway, visit  https://bit.ly/2V6K5B6 . 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  website  and search by “County” to learn more about State road projects in Howard County.   Also, be sure to follow the County’s  Facebook  and  Twitter  pages every Monday morning for upcoming maintenance projects happening that week, weather permitting. On these social media pages, you’ll also find information regarding the county’s  street sweeping  schedule, which generally begin in the months of January, April, July and September. Department of Public Works' Bureau of Environmental Services The County’s holiday slide schedule for curbside collection is NOT in effect this week despite yesterday’s Veterans Day holiday. Veterans Day is NOT one of the six holidays that affects curbside collection. There will be regular curbside trash, recycling, food scrap and yard trim collection this week.   The six holidays that do affect curbside collection are: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Click HERE to learn more about the County's holiday slide schedule.

Department of Recreation & Parks Starting on or about tomorrow, November 13 th , the Oakland Mills Tunnel under Oakland Mills Road will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., as the tunnel is power washed, concrete patched and primed and painted. Informational signage and detour maps will be posted and available south of Summer Rambo Court on the pathway and north of the tunnel entrance on Oakland Mills Road by the sidewalk. Weather permitting, the project is estimated to take one to two weeks to complete. For questions or concerns, please contact Ed Bromley at 410-313-4688 or email ebromley@howardcountymd.gov . Recreation and Parks’ Advisory Board will hold a public hearing the evening of Wednesday, December 11 th at 7:00 p.m. to consider the department’s Fiscal Year 2021 “Draft” Capital Budget, and the Fiscal Year 2021-2030 “Draft” Capital Improvement Program for the acquisition and development of park and recreation lands.   Beginning November 20 th , residents will be able to sign-up online to speak at the hearing (click on “Public Comment”) and/or provide online testimony, as well as view the draft FY2021 Capital Budget online. You can also request a copy of the draft be mailed to you by calling 410-313-4685. Residents are reminded that internet testimony is considered public information and is subject to the Maryland Public Information Act .   Residents who do not wish to sign up online to speak at the hearing, may sign-up in person the night of the hearing starting at 6:30 p.m. HEADS UP: The rooftop entrance to Recreation & Parks’ Roger Carter Community Center is currently undergoing renovations. While the entrance will remain open during renovations, patrons may experience delays when entering or exiting through this entrance. Weather permitting, the work is expected to be completed by this Friday, November 15 th . Looking to get a head start on your holiday shopping or enjoy a kids-free night out in Historic Ellicott City? This Friday, November 15 th , our friends at the Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum will be hosting Kids Night in at the Museum from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. While parents take a night out to themselves, children five to 10 years old will have a blast as they make historic crafts and learn about the hidden history of the Ellicott City Station. Cost is $15 per child; for more information, call 410-313-1945. Even in sports, diversity is Howard County’s strength. This summer, the county will play host to the 2020 National Women's Cricket Tournament. The tournament will be held from July 12 th to July 15 th , 2020 by the Howard County Cricket League, in partnership with our Department of Recreation & Parks and the United States Youth Cricket Association. This four-day event will feature some of the top women cricket players in the U.S., with matches set to take place at Schooley Mill Park in Highland and Murray Hill Middle School . I hope you will join me this summer and come out to enjoy this great event.  As we gather to give thanks this month, it’s important that we remember to give back to our community as well. Join Recreation & Parks this Saturday, November 16 th for its annual Family Volunteer Day. Volunteer opportunities include: Tree Planting, Sheltering & Mulching at West Friendship Park Shrub Trimming, Weeding, and Leaf Collection at Belmont Manor & Historic Park Invasive & Non-Native Plant Removal at the Robinson Nature Center   All participants must pre-register by November 15 th and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For additional information or to register, contact Melissa Byrne at 410-313-4704 or mbyrne@howardcountymd.gov . Tickets are now on sale for Recreation & Parks’ annual Holiday Mart! Celebrating its 47 th year, this annual craft fair (set for December 7 th ) at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center , offers seasonal gifts and handcrafted items from 130 juried artisans. The event will also feature carriage rides, door prizes, a children’s craft corner and other fun activities for the whole family. It’s never too early to start thinking about holiday shopping, so get your Holiday Mart tickets today.

Office of Workforce Development If you are looking to learn why an apprenticeship in bioscience, IT, automotive, HVAC/R or electrical might be right for you, I encourage you to join our Office of Workforce Development this Friday, November 15 th for its "Apprenticeship Forum for Businesses." In recognition of National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from November 11 th -17 th , come hear from in-demand employers. Learn how being a registered apprenticeship, utilizing work and learning opportunities, has contributed to their overall growth and retention and how it can possibly work for you too. The Forum will take place from 9:00 to 11 a.m. at the Columbia Workforce Center, 7161 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite D. To register for this event, visit  https://cwc-business-apprenticeship-forum.eventbrite.com.

Upcoming Events and Meetings

Now through November 30 - Historic Savage Mill Ghost Tours Fridays and Saturdays, now through November 30 th , come brave an hour-long ghost tour of Historic Savage Mill on your date with a costumed tour guide and mill historian Marty Schoppert. Created for fans of history and the paranormal, this tour is not for the faint of heart. For more information or to book tour, click HERE . Cost is $15.00 per person.

November 13 - Coffee with a Cop Join HCPD for its monthly Coffee with a Cop on Wednesday, November 13 th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Howard Community College’s Galleria, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia. Come meet face-to-face with HCPD's Community Outreach Officers in an informal and neutral space to discuss issues, ask questions and build relationships one cup of coffee at a time. As always, coffee and conversation are on the house. For more information and/or questions, contact HCPD's Community Outreach Division at 410-313-2207.

November 14 - Giving Thanks Luncheon and Dance Howard County older adults are invited to join Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and the Department of Community Resources and Services’ Office on Aging and Independence, for its annual Thanksgiving celebration featuring music by Sly 45 , a Baltimore-based blues, jazz and classic pop band. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Howard County Food Bank. Tickets are $15 per person and are available for purchase at all Howard County 50+ Centers . For more information, call 410-313-5440.

November 15 - Apprenticeship Forum for Businesses Come hear from in-demand employers how being a registered apprenticeship, utilizing work and learning opportunities, has contributed to their overall growth and retention and how it can possibly work for you too. The Forum will take place from 9:00 to 11 a.m. at the Columbia Workforce Center, 7161 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite D. To register for this event, visit  https://cwc-business-apprenticeship-forum.eventbrite.com.

November 16 - Thrive By Five: A Family Institute Essential Parent Conference According to the Rauch Foundation, 85 percent of a person’s brain is developed by the time they are five years old. Early brain development has a lasting impact on a child’s ability to learn and succeed in school and life. Join the County’s Office of Children and Families on Saturday, November 16 th for “Thrive by Five,” a Family Institute essential parent conference. The event will feature early childhood experts, including a keynote address by Frank Kros, resources, prizes, breakfast and lunch, and child care for ages two and up (spaces are limited, so registration is required for child care). Admission is free, but pre-registration is required .

November 16 - Family Volunteer Day Join the Department of Recreation & Parks for its annual Family Volunteer Day. This is a day for families, friends, scouts, religious and community groups to increase their sense of unity by assisting with projects that improve our community. For more information or to register for a worksite, visit www.HoCoVolunteer.org and search the keyword “Family”. Pre-registration is required; registration ends November 15 th .

November 19 - Robert Fulton Drive Pathway Public Meeting The Office of Transportation will hold a open-house style community meeting for the Robert Fulton Drive pathway project to present concept options for public review and comment. The Office is conducting a planning study and preliminary design for a shared-use (pedestrian and bicycle) pathway along Robert Fulton Drive. The goals of the project are to provide bicycle and pedestrian access to Gateway from surrounding communities, as well as serve "lunch hour" trips to local restaurants and retail destinations for workers within Gateway.

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