Dear Friends,
Following the Governor’s announcement on Friday, Howard County will move forward with the increase in restaurant indoor dining capacity from 50% to 75%, effective 5:00 p.m. today, September 21st. Our hospital capacity rates, PPE supplies, as well as testing and contract tracing outcomes have been at levels that allow us to enact the Governor’s new criteria for restaurants.
As of 9:00 a.m. today and according to the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Howard County’s 7-day average positivity rate is 2.27% and has remained below the Governor’s and CDC’s recommendation of 5% over the last several weeks. To date, we have administered 126,435 tests, which is 26.2% of our population. The average age of cases is trending up over the past week to 36 years with half of the cumulative cases under the age of 30. Additionally, our 7-day average of cases per 100,000 of our population is at 7.2, according to MDH.
It’s critical that residents understand that more openings do not mean the virus is gone. We must all hold ourselves personally responsible for the well-being of ourselves, our family, and our community. I encourage residents of Howard County to continue patronizing our restaurants but adhere to preventative measures – like washing hands, wearing masks, and physically distancing whenever possible.
There are also only NINE days left to complete yuor Census. The Census provides our community with important federal funding for initiatives like our healthcare, support for EMT, first responders, schools, infrastructure, and so much more. If you have not yet completed your Census, please take it right now, and encourage five of your friends to do the same.
For more data and COVID-19 information, please click here. |
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Maryland Restaurant Week
COVID-19 has significantly impacted our food industry, and many of our small, local restaurants are enduring its long-lasting effects. For the first time ever, the entire State will be paying homage to our local restaurants and their employees during Maryland’s inaugural statewide restaurant weeks.
Maryland Restaurant Weeks runs through Sunday, September 27th. Please join in supporting our local restaurants this week and beyond.
For more information, please click here. |
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It's Spooky Season!
As the air becomes crisper, the leaves start falling, and stores begin filling their shelves with candy, we want to remind residents that we are still combatting a deadly pandemic. As Halloween slowly approaches, I encourage residents to begin planning now so we can ensure all festivities are done safely. In coordination with the Howard County Health Department, we have put together important guidance to help keep our children and communities safe.
The Howard County Health Department is recommending the following best practices for Halloween festivities and fall seasonal celebrations:
- Avoid large gatherings, parties, and events.
- Door-to-door trick or treating is not encouraged, but if done, should be done in household groups, keeping physical distance between other groups and using flashlights or glowsticks so walkers can be easily seen.
- Treats are encouraged to be left outside.
- Trick-or-treaters should wash hands (or use sanitizer) between homes and after touching surfaces and objects.
- Facial covering should be worn even if wearing a costume mask.
- Indoor activities are riskier than outdoor activities (indoor activities should be avoided).
- Pumpkin patch and hayrides should be conducted in small groups and non-family members should be physically distanced
- Indoor haunted houses, where it may be difficult to maintain physical distancing and enforce other mitigation strategies, should be restricted.
This year is a time for creativity not just with costumes, but in how to celebrate safely. Read more here. |
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EC Flood Mitigation Grants
EC Safe and Sound 2020 Flood Mitigation Grants are now open!
Many of our property owners and businesses affected by the 2016 and 2018 Ellicott City floods will benefit from flood mitigation projects which will protect assets from any possible future disasters. This program offers matching grants to fund flood mitigation projects in specified flood zone areas. Grants amount up to $5,000 for property owners, and $2,500 for business owners. Applications are due October 2nd, 2020.
For more information, and to apply for a grant, please click here. |
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Joint Statement on SROs
The well-being and safety of our students, staff and school community is our number one priority and any decision will be made with that priority in mind. We began planning a comprehensive community dialogue to examine our SRO program.
Together, through the lens of both safety and equity, we will find the right balance to maintain our county’s excellent reputation for diversity, inclusion, and academic success.
Please read our entire joint statement with Howard County Public School System and Howard County Board of Education Chair Mavis Ellis HERE. |
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Indigenous Peoples' Day
As our country and community continues to reckon with our history, Howard County is taking another step today to recognize and respect the impact of Native Americans. I’m pleased to announce that moving forward, Howard County will officially observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day on what was formerly Columbus Day.
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day does not absolve us from our history, but we hope that it sets a tone and opens up discussions on the importance of restorative practices throughout our government and our community.
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La Alianza Latina Workgroup
Diversity is a hallmark of Howard County, and our Latino community serves a vital role in contributing to the cultural vibrancy that makes our County one of the most attractive locations to live, work and play in the country.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, I'm honored to announce the La Alianza Latina Workgroup which will not only provide a seat at the table, but also access to government to implement long-lasting change. Read more here.
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Ellicott City Updates
The H-7 Dry Flood Mitigation Pond, located within the loop ramp from US 29 northbound to US 40 westbound, continues moving toward the construction phase. An important component of the EC Safe & Sound Flood Mitigation Plan, this dry pond facility is will retain approximately 13 acre feet of water storage during severe storms, and slowly release it to reduce the peak flows through Ellicott City.
Over the last several weeks, the County and its consultant engineers have completed the design documents, and are actively working to secure all local and state approvals. The next step in this project is advertising for construction bids, which is expected to commence this fall.
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Guilford Rd Improvements
We know that reliable public transportation and safety for our pedestrians, cyclists and drivers continues to be a concern for many of our residents. On Friday, we signed a property acquisition agreement allowing improvements on the Guilford Road and Oakland Mills Road intersection to move forward.
At this intersection, the Department of Public Works will be:
- Installing a new traffic signal to replace the current four way-stop;
- Building 3,000 feet of new sidewalk, curb, and gutter;
- Installing a bus pad in the northwest corner; and
- Including a storm drain, stormwater management, and pavement resurfacing.
These improvements will not only make this intersection safer but will eventually allow for improved pedestrian access to Guilford Elementary once Phase II of the project is completed. Thank you to Councilwoman Christiana Rigby, Horizon Foundation, First Baptist Church of Guilford, and all our community partners for their support and advocacy for this project.
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Nothing Bundt Cakes
Something sweet is new in town!
Nothing Bundt Cakes started with a vision to provide decadent, melt-in-your-mouth cakes and I'm so glad the Pax family brought these indulgent desserts to our community. I encourage you to stop by their new location in Columbia and try some of their amazing cakes today.
To learn more about Nothing Bundt Cakes and what they have to offer, please click here. |
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DoodleHatch
There's something new and magical in the Long Reach Village Center!
DoodleHATCH is a one-of-a kind destination for kids, adults who wish they were kids, and visitors seeking something new and different to do. Lee Andersen of Manneqart Inc. brings art, sculpture and a mystical adventure to the Long Reach Village Center.
They join the African Art Museum of Maryland, The Roving Radish, Power 52, Roll Up N Dye, Every Kid Can Cook, and other amazing tenants. The village center, which was 80% vacant two years ago, is now part of Long Reach Rising, a new hub for arts, entrepreneurship, and education.
They’re open 10am-5pm, Wednesday-Saturday, and 12pm-5pm on Sundays. Visit DoodleHATCH today!
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Apply for an Art Grant
While COVID-19 has disrupted so many facets of our daily lives – it has hit our arts and creative community especially hard. A season of empty seats, hollow halls, and quiet studios has caused lasting economic damage.
Artists and art organizations, who have lost income from performances, workshops, classes, touring, and more, can now apply for our HoCo Rise Artist Relief funds. We want these grants to provide a bridge of support, to get this community through this moment, and come back stronger than before.
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November Election Update
We want to ensure our residents are informed and empowered on the many options they have to vote this November. Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and we must ensure that we are providing safe and easy methods to make sure that all Howard County residents are engaged and aware of how to vote in the general election this November.
I’m grateful for the staff at the Howard County Board of Elections who have been working around the clock to help ensure voters, of all abilities, are able to cast their vote in an easy, and safe manner. We will continue to work and assist our Board of Elections through consistent communications over the next two months ensuring that voter turnout Howard County is not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Early voting begins October 26th through November 2nd, and election day is November 3rd. To see the full list of early voting sites, click here, and click here to see election day voting sites.
Unlike the 2020 Primary Elections, voters will NOT automatically receive a mail-in ballot. Instead, voters will receive an application to receive their ballot through the mail. Voters MUST submit a request in order to receive their ballot by mail.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Howard County voters are urged to cast their vote by mail. To request your ballot right now, please click here. The deadline to request your mail-in ballot is October 20th.
Please note, mail-in ballots can also be returned to a ballot drop box which will be located at the Howard County Board of Elections Office, Meadowbrook Atheletic Center, Marriotts Ridge High School, Reservoir High School, Long Reach High School, and Wilde Lake High School.
To update your voter registration, register to vote, or check your voting status, please visit the State Board of Elections website here. |
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9 Days Left!
The Census provides critical federal funding to Howard County communities for important initiatives. There are only 9 days left to take the Census.
For every person NOT counted, we lose over $18,000 in funding, which can go toward important community programs like sensory friendly initiatives, healthy living, services for our older adults, our education, affordable housing, infrastructure, and so much more.
It only takes five minutes to complete.
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Eviction Support
With the Courts re-opening this week, there is an immediate need for legal assistance to support tenants in demonstrating substantial loss of income-related to COVID-19. At the recommendation of Attorney General Brian Frosh’s Access to Justice COVID-19 task force, Howard County has provided funding for Maryland Legal Aid to assist residents facing eviction and other legal challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We’ve seen more than 46,000 residents file for unemployment since March, and there are many of our neighbors who are unable to afford private attorney assistance on top of their daily needs.
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Rental Assistance
The longer this pandemic stretches on, the more urgent rental and eviction relief becomes. With more than 23,000 renters in the county, and more than 46,000 residents who have filed for unemployment, we are doing all that we can to keep people safely housed.
I'm pleased to announce a second round of HoCo RISE rental assistance funding, providing an additional $800,000 in CARES Act funds to support residents struggling to pay rent due to the pandemic. As we continue to battle this virus, we must deliver the necessary relief and services to make sure no one falls through the cracks.
For more information, please click here.
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Food Distribution Map
No one should have to choose between paying rent or purchasing food for themselves or their family, and COVID-19 has forced many of our residents into unimaginable financial situations. Since the beginning of this pandemic, more than 44,000 Howard County residents have filed for unemployment or pandemic assistance, it’s clear access to food and groceries is one of the most urgent needs our residents are facing.
We’ve seen our community organizations, non-profits, and neighbors step-up to support one another, and we saw an opportunity to make it easier for folks to find what they need. This map clearly shows the daily options for groceries, food pantries, and meal pickups, and will hopefully reduce the stress for many people trying to figure out where to find the resources they need.
Visit the map today here. |
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Utility Moratorium
The moratorium on utility shutoffs and late fees has now been extended through October 1st.
During this global pandemic, many of our neighbors are still having difficulty making ends meet. Especially with the approaching school year being virtual, we’re thankful to the Public Service Commission for recognizing there are many Marylanders, including Howard County residents, who are still struggling to pay their utility bills.
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Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) |
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Ask a Pharmacist
In case you missed it, our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence’s (OAI) “Ask a Pharmacist” event has been rescheduled for Thursday, October 1st. I invite you to join OAI on the 1st from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. for this virtual Q&A session with Pharmacist Ruth Ayuk of DiscoverU Health. Participants will learn more about medication safety, prescription drug interactions, considerations pertaining to COVID-19 and other pharmaceutical topics and concerns. To register for this FREE WebEx event, visit https://bit.ly/3eMwwjo or contact Malarie Burgess with OAI at 410-313-6073 for more information.
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Virtual Offering Guide Available
Just released, OAI’s Virtual Offering Guide for October is now online! For the past several months, our Office on Aging and Independence has been offering a wide range of exercise, cooking, social engagement and lifelong learning classes, to ensure our older residents have the resources they need to remain active and engaged during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you haven’t had a chance to check one of these classes out, I encourage you to do so today. Together with OAI, you can get expand your learning, get moving, get cooking and stay social while at home. For OAI’s September Virtual Offerings Guide and more information, check out OAI’s website today for its. For questions and/or more information, please feel free to contact OAI at aging@howardcountymd.gov.
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Office of Emergency Management
September 1st marked the start of National Preparedness Month. As our nation continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and following the recent devastation and destruction of Hurricane Laura, we cannot stress enough the importance of planning ahead and being prepared. To help you prepare, we will be sharing facts and helpful tips throughout the month on how you, your family and/or organization/business can prepare for different types of emergencies. In fact, this year’s theme is “Disasters Don’t Wait, Make Your Plan Today” and it highlights the importance of taking action now by making a plan that keeps your family, pets and other loved ones safe.
In addition to our main Howard County Government (Facebook and Twitter) and Office of Emergency Management (Facebook and Twitter) social media channels, you can also find helpful tips and information about our local hazards and preparedness on our Office of Emergency Management’s "Ready HoCo" website, So please, take the time this month to get involved, be informed, build a kit and make a plan.
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Department of Fire and Rescue Services
Preparedness begins with knowledge. Throughout the month of September, our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has been/will be sharing National Preparedness Month safety tips and information on its social media channels (Facebook and Twitter) to make sure your, your family and/or organization/business is prepared should disaster strike. In fact, this year’s theme, “Disasters Don’t Wait, Make Your Plan Today,” highlights the importance of taking action now by making a plan that keeps your family, pets and other loved ones safe.
In addition to OEM, our County Government Facebook and Twitter pages have also been sharing helpful tips and information about our local hazards and preparedness. You can also find information all year long on OEM’s "Ready HoCo" website. So please, take the time this month to get involved, be informed, build a kit and make a plan.
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Health Department
According to Howard County Health Officer Dr. Maura Rossman, the most important message to take away from our new “Let’s Talk About Mental Health” campaign is that talking about mental and behavioral health issues can save lives.
Our “Let’s Talk About Mental Health” campaign is intended to promote mental and behavioral health resources and referral services available in Howard County. We are living in a difficult time that has only amplified the mental health challenges that many are facing and increased the importance of the services available through the Health Department. While mental health problems can be hard to clearly define, no matter the challenge you or a loved one is facing, the Health Department’s Behavioral Health staff is here to help. If you or anyone you know is struggling with their mental health, or other behavioral health issues, urge you to contact a Behavioral Health Navigator today at 410-313-6202 or email lbulka@howardcountymd.gov.
In addition to promoting mental and behavioral health resources and referral services, the “Let’s Talk About Mental Health” campaign is also intended to encourage honest and open conversation among youth and adults about mental health and any ongoing struggles. Stigma is often identified as a key barrier to seeking help with a mental health challenge, but finding a trusted family member, friend or mental health professional to confide in, rather than suffering in silence, can be an important step in improving one’s mental health. Together, we can battle the stigma surrounding mental health, and it starts by knowing it’s ok to ask for help.
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Department of Housing and Community Development
This past Wednesday, I joined our Department of Housing and Community Development and other federal and state elected, local and business officials to break ground on a new energy-efficient, net-zero housing unit project in Jessup. Consisting of three single-family homes, the Greenfields Community Living Project (GCLP) will provide accessible and affordable housing for persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Howard County. Utilizing a site that was previously occupied by vacant and blighted homes, this project is a remarkable demonstration of utilizing public and private funding to create quality, energy efficient, affordable housing for this vulnerable group of individuals.
I am grateful for the support we have received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the State of Maryland, Senator Guy Guzzone and our incredible affordable housing community of advocates, whose partnership has helped make this project possible. Through our continued collaboration, we will continue to improve the quality of life for all Howard County residents, all while creating more equitable communities.
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Office of Human Rights
MLK Commission
Dr. Martin Luther King inspired each generation that followed his historic leadership and fight for justice. If you are interested in helping honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, as well as learn from his actions as we still reckon with the deep-rooted injustices in our country, I encourage you to apply today for our Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission. The Commission is currently seeking to five adult applicants and one student applicant to fill vacancies on the Commission. To learn more on how to apply and eligibility requirements, click HERE. The deadline to submit your application is Monday, September 28th.
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Bystander Intervention Training
I invite you to join our Office of Human Rights on September 29th for a virtual Bystander Intervention training event to learn how to safely step up and be supportive of others facing harassment and/or hate speech. Participants will learn how to de-escalate socially-fraught situations with compassionate communication that supports and empowers targeted persons, as well as analyze critical historical and cultural data about Howard County that deconstructs stereotypes and cultural biases. This training will arm participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to “Stand. Speak. Act” in order to be a good ally.
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Police Department
While attending the Police Academy and throughout their careers, our Howard County Police Department (HCPD) officers receive mental health and crisis training focused on active listening and de-escalation. Recently, five officers relied on this training to help save the life of a man who was attempting suicide in Columbia.
PO Cody Merson, PFC Blake Bomberger and Sgt. Jack Mould (pictured, left to right), with the assistance of PFC Brian Reger and PO Jonathan Rohrbaugh, responded to a pier at Wilde Lake where they found the man bleeding from multiple wounds and holding a knife to his throat. The officers began talking with the man, using their training in mental health and de-escalation to encourage him to put the knife down. The man told officers that he wanted to kill himself or have the officers kill him. He began cutting his wrist and making gestures with the knife towards officers, who had maintained a safe distance. The officers created a distraction and used a Taser to briefly incapacitate the man, allowing them to safely take the knife. The man was transported to the hospital for an evaluation and treatment of his self-inflicted injuries.
This use of verbal techniques and non-lethal force are examples of the training, compassion and culture of our Police Department and its commitment to the value of human life.
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Public Assistance Needed
Following a suspicious circumstance in Columbia last week, HCPD is reminding residents to be aware of their surroundings and to report anything suspicious in their neighborhoods. The circumstance involves a 14-year-old girl who was walking her dog in the 6800 block of Cradlerock Way, when she was approached by a man in a gray SUV. The girl reported to HCPD that the driver exited the vehicle and tried to talk to her, but she told him she was calling police and he drove off. Surveillance video in the area shows the girl walking her dog near a community center when a gray SUV pulls into the lot at 12:52 p.m. and leaves shortly after. The two are however out of camera range at the time of the interaction and a tag number is not visible on the vehicle. The driver is described as a Hispanic man in his 30’s and is approximately five feet, five inches in height, with a heavy build and thin beard. He was wearing a red shirt and gold chain at the time of the interaction.
Anyone who may have seen or heard anything that could assist in this case, are being asked to place contact HCPD at 410-313-STOP or HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov.
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Department of Public Works |
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Construction Report
Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance projects that have been announced.
Columbia
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Cardinal Lane Sewer Main Improvement (Capital Project S-6276) – Project to replace a deteriorating sewer main near 6445 Cardinal Lane. During the construction, Cardinal Lane will be closed to through traffic between Brass Knob and Quarterstaff Road. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by mid-November.
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Walter Scott Way Drainage Improvement (Capital Project D-1125) – Project to improve drainage near 6728 Walter Scott Way. The project is not expected to impact the general flow of traffic. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late September.
Past Project Updates – Completed
Columbia
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US 29 Water Interconnection (Capital Project W-8600) – Project to install a water main near 5247 Brook Way, to provide redundancy to the County’s water distribution system, and create a connection to the transmission main that runs within or adjacent to US 29.
Ellicott City
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Doncaster Drive Sidewalk (Capital Project K-5065) Project to connect an existing sidewalk along Doncaster Drive. Approximately 1,200 linear feet of sidewalk was installed along southbound Doncaster Drive between Roundhill Road and Hale Haven Drive.
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Font Hill Stream Rehabilitation (Capital Project D-1158) – Project to restore approximately 6,000 linear feet of stream west of Centennial Lane between Tuscany Road and Burnside Drive.
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.
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Complete Streets
Our Complete Streets policy strives to ensure that Howard County is a place where individuals of all backgrounds, ages and abilities can live and travel freely, safely and comfortably whether by foot, bicycle, public transportation or automobile. As part of its development, we are seeking your feedback on our Draft Complete Streets Community Engagement Plan. This Wednesday, September 23rd, our Complete Streets Implementation Team will also be hosting two virtual public workshops, first at 1:00 p.m. and again at 7:00 p.m., for those interested in learning more about our Complete Streets initiative, why it is important for Howard County roadway users and highlights of the draft plan. Please note, each of the two workshops will cover the same material, so attending both is not necessary. To register to participate in one of Wednesday’s workshops, click HERE.
In addition to Wednesday’s workshops, I also invite you to provide comment on the draft plan, on areas such as identifying barriers to public participation in transportation efforts, feedback on how the County should communicate and engage with the public and additional organizations with whom the County should partner. Public comment is being accepted now through Wednesday, September 30th.
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Bike to Work Week
It’s Bike to Work Week 2020 and while this year’s usual rallies and pit stop gatherings have been replaced with online networking and encouragement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this great event is still offering participants a chance to earn some awesome prizes while enjoying the great aspects of riding a bike. This year, our Office of Transportation has partnered with Love to Ride Central Maryland to bring more fun, more community and more inspiration to get more people on a bike.
In addition to Bike to Work Week, this month riders can also sign up to participate in the for Cycle September Challenge, a friendly month-long global bike challenge for organizations and individuals, featuring even more prizes.
I hope you will join us this September, as we celebrate bicycling as a healthy commuting option and promote public awareness of its safety and environmental benefits.
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Howard County Consolidated Transportation Plan Virtual Meeting
SAVE THE DATE: This Thursday, September 24th at 5:00 p.m., the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be conducting its annual Howard County Consolidated Transportation Plan (CTP) tour consultation meeting virtually. I am looking forward to meeting with representatives from various MDOT business units and to learn more about the state’s six-year capital budget for transportation projects, in addition to annual updates on significant activities at each of the business units. The CTP includes capital projects that are generally new, expanded or significantly improved facility or service that may involve planning, environmental studies, design, right-of-way acquisition or construction.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn, this year’s meeting will be covering the $1.9 million in capital program reductions that MDOT has detailed in the CTP as well as the operating budget reductions impacting the Maryland Transit Administration. This includes reductions to Express Bus, Commuter Bus and Commuter Rail Services in Howard County. To learn more about the CTP, visit www.mdot.maryland.gov/MDOT/Planning/CTP/index.html.
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Department of Recreation & Parks |
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Tree Removal
REMINDER: Starting on or about today, September 21st, our Department of Recreation & Parks will begin a project to remove 150 dead ash trees along the Dorsey Hall pathway system (beginning at Columbia Road and ending at Larkspring Row) in Ellicott City. The trees were destroyed by invasive emerald ash borer beetles and pose a potential danger to pedestrians and cyclists. The resulting wood and debris from the project will remain on site to allow for nutrient recycling and local wildlife habitat. Weather permitting, the work is expected to be completed by late October.
If you have any questions and/or concerns about this project, please contact Sean Poholsky at 410-313-0701 or email sppoholsky@howardcountymd.gov.
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Truck or Treat
Something not-so-spooky this way comes. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, our Department of Recreation & Parks is happy to announce that tickets are now on sale for its annual "Truck or Treat." Set to take place Saturday, October 24th, this year's event has been modified to incorporate physical distancing and all CDC, State and local guidelines will be enforced. Children will receive a pre-filled treat bag and have the opportunity to participate in an "I Spy" scavenger hunt and their picture taken in front of trucks, tractors, emergency vehicles and more. Tickets are $5 per child and adults are free; however, adult must obtain a free ticket to attend. Each member of your party must register in advance for a one-hour time slot to attend and spots are limited, so visit https://www.mt.cm/truck-or-treat-2 today to purchase your tickets.
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New "Schools Out" Program
Starting this month and throughout this fall, Recreation & Parks will be offering a new “Schools Out” program on Wednesdays, when students have asynchronous school days. Predominantly geared towards grades K through 5th, participants will be able to choose from art, cooking, drama, nature, LEGO and S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) activities. Each program will be treated as a one-day event, allowing participants to pick and choose which weeks and activities they’d like to try. Programming will be offered at several County-owned buildings, as well as at Pump It Up of Elkridge and the Drama Learning Center. Programs will run all day, starting around 8:30/9:00 a.m. and ending between 3:00 and 4:30 p.m., with a few half-day options also available. Costs will vary from $60 to $115 per class.
All COVID-19 safety protocols will be enforced, including groups of 15 or less (13 students and two adults), temperature checks upon arrival, self-screening questionnaires, cleaning procedures and more. As space is limited, I encourage you to register today to secure your child’s spot. For a list of these special, Wednesday programs and/or to register, visit Recreation & Parks’ registration website and search "asynchronous." You can also register by calling Recreation & Parks’ Program Info and Registration line at 410-313-PARK (7275).
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RecZone
Spaces are still available for Recreation & Parks' RecZone childcare program, geared towards elementary school aged children. In this all-day childcare program, participants have the opportunity to participate in fun crafts, activities, games and more, while also completing their virtual learning assignments. And thanks to CARES Act funding, weekly costs for the program have been reduced by approximately 30 percent. This program is now being offered at $219 per week for extended day options, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., $185 per week for school day options, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Existing RecZone registrants will receive a credit to their Recreation & Parks account for the difference in pricing. For additional details, check out www.howardcountymd.gov/childcare.
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