Greetings! Welcome to our August Newsletter! This month, the County Council is in recess and is not considering any new legislation. The Council will come back into session on Wednesday, September 8th, 2021. During the month of August, the Council will not be holding any scheduled meetings, work sessions, or public hearings, though you may still contact us at any time regarding issues in your community. Later this month, students and teachers will be returning to school for the 2021-2022 academic school year! We have included additional information below on the upcoming school year, including the latest COVID-19 safety protocols for HCPSS. As we head into the end of summer, please don't hesitate to contact my office if you are experiencing any issues in your community or would just like to get in touch. We are here to help with your concerns and listen to your feedback. Wishing you a safe, happy, and healthy August!

Yours in service,

Christiana Rigby Councilwoman, District 3

‌ August 16, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Vaccine Update Howard County residents have continued to get their COVID-19 vaccinations in record numbers. The most recent data available indicates that 86.6% of residents over 12 years old have received their first dose of the vaccine, and 81.3% of the population over 12 years old are fully vaccinated. The percentage of those who have received their first dose increased by roughly 3% over last month. We are continuing to see progress in the numbers of individuals who are getting vaccinated, but there is still more work to be done and more vaccinations to administer! If you haven't yet been vaccinated, there are opportunities to get your shot every day of the week! The Howard County Health Department is offering dozens of vaccine clinics over the next several weeks at locations across the County, including appointments for anyone age 12 and older. You can find a full list of vaccine appointments here. Delta Variant Currently, the Delta variant is the predominant strain of the COVID-19 virus present in the United States. Information is continuing to be released regarding the severity and intensity of the strain, but we know that the Delta variant is at least 2x more contagious than previous variants. With the rise of the Delta variant in substantial and high transmission areas, the CDC has recommended the reinstitution of prevention strategies, like wearing masks in public indoor spaces. These new recommendations are aimed at controlling the spread of the virus. The COVID-19 vaccine is highly recommended as a proven method to counter the spread of the virus and provide protection against serious illness and death. You can learn more about the Delta variant from the CDC here. Vaccinated Out of State? If you were vaccinated in another state (outside of Maryland), the Howard County Health Department may not be tracking your vaccination record in its overall reported data for the county. If you received your vaccine out-of-state, you can call the state vaccine database, ImmuNet, and let them know that you received your vaccine. To contact ImmuNet, please call 410 313-6284 and press option 1. This line is live answered from 8:30am - 4:30pm M-F.

July Legislative Wrap-Up

On July 28th, the County Council convened for our July Legislative Session to vote on legislation. The County Council took action on several pieces of legislation, including the following: TAO1-FY2022: an act transferring a total of $8,000,000 from C0214, Category Contingency Fund, to capital project N3108, Park Systemic Improvements, as a result of the award of $8,000,000 in grant funds from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. This legislation was passed by the County Council in a 5-0 vote. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive. CB55-2021: legislation to remove the minimum size criteria for a parcel on which a landowner’s dwelling could be built; and generally relating to agricultural preservation. This legislation was passed by the County Council in a 5-0 vote. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by David Yungmann. CB56-2021: legislation adding new definitions to the Forest Conservation ordinance; establishing a “look-back” provision for the disturbance of certain trees; reducing the diameter threshold to 24 inches for forest retention; and generally relating to forest conservation in the County. This legislation was tabled by the County Council in a 5-0 vote. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by Liz Walsh. CB57-2021: legislation providing for enhanced enforcement measures and penalties for violations of the Forest Conservation Act of Howard County; and generally relating to forest conservation in the County. This legislation was tabled by the County Council in a 5-0 vote. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by Liz Walsh. CR122-2021: a resolution pursuant to the Maryland Public Ethics Law, Sections 5-852 through 5-854 of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, approving the forms for the Affidavit as to Contributions to Candidates and Business Engagements with Elected Officials and the Disclosure of Contribution; and generally providing for the approval by the County Council of the forms for the affidavit and the disclosure required under the Maryland Public Ethics Law. This legislation was passed by the County Council in a 5-0 vote. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by the Chairperson. You can watch the County Council's full July legislation session here.

August - Recess

This month, the County Council is in recess and not considering any new legislation. The Council will come back into session on Wednesday, September 8th, 2021. During the month of August, the Council will not be holding any scheduled meetings, work sessions, or public hearings.

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Community News, Events, and Updates

Back to School!

Just like that, it’s time to go back to school! The first day of school in Howard County is Monday, August 30, 2021 for K-12 students and Thursday, September 2 for pre-K/RECC students. We have included important information below about the upcoming school year.

Health and Safety Updates: *masks will be required for students and staff while indoors* As of July 30th, 2021, the Howard County Public School System announced health and safety updates for the 2021-2022 school in an effort to reduce the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks. This includes the implementation of a mask requirement in HCPSS school buildings. The mask policy requires all students, staff, and visitors to wear a mask while indoors and on school buses, regardless of vaccination status. Along with the mask requirement, HCPSS is continuing to take steps to reduce the spread of the virus during the school year, including maintaining a supply of face masks and disinfectant wipes, screening for illness, and providing voluntary COVID-19 tests for students and staff. In addition to the mask requirement, all HCPSS employees will be required to provide proof of full vaccination or undergo regular COVID-19 testing for the 2021-2022 school year.

Student Meals:  For the 2021-2022 school year, breakfast and lunch meals will be provided to all HCPSS students at no cost. Free student meals will also be available for students enrolled in the Digital Education Center (DEC). You can find more information on HCPSS food services and nutritional information here.

Back-to-School Nights: Back-to-School Nights are back! Each Howard County School will have a New Student Orientation in August and a Back-to-School Night in either August or September; some schools will offer an open house as well. Back-to-School Nights give parents/guardians the opportunity to see what their child’s school experience is like and the chance to ask teachers questions about the upcoming school year. You can find more information about New Student Orientation and Back-to-School Night here.

HCPSS School Supplies Drive: The annual school supplies drive hosted by HCPSS and Prepare for Success is happening now! The goal of the drive is to provide academic supplies to families who are experiencing a financial burden from the costs associated with going back to school. The supplies donated during this drive will help each HCPSS student have the tools they need to be prepared for the upcoming school year. You can find more information about the supplies drive here. When: Now until August 21st, 2021 Where: Supplies can be dropped off at Howard County Libraries and Columbia Village Association Offices.

Supplies Needed Backpacks Two-inch 3-ring binders 3-hole lined paper Glue sticks Highlighters #2 pencils

One subject spiral notebooks Colored pencils Marble composition books Dividers Pocket folders Crayons Plastic pencil boxes

Wondering How to Prepare for the First Day of School? For school supplies lists, click here. For transportation and bus services, click here. For school start times, click here. For information about what your child will learn this school year, click here.

Councilmanic Redistricting Commission

Howard County's Councilmanic Redistricting Commission will be holding a public hearing on Howard County's councilmanic redistricting process on Tuesday, August 17, 2021. What is the Councilmanic Redistricting Commission? Every ten years, the Commission redraws Council District boundaries to reflect population changes and shifts which have been identified from the most recent Census. During this public meeting, the Commission will brief the public on the status of Census data and the Commission's schedule, as well as receive public input on the redistricting process. You can learn more about the Commission and sign up to testify here.

Changemaker Challenge - Applications Open!

Have a big idea? Applications now open for the 2021 Changemaker Challenge! The Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland, Women's Giving Circle of Howard County and the Community Foundation of Howard County are hosting the third Changemaker Challenge! This social impact competition looks to foster entrepreneurs and their ideas for social change in Howard County. A total of $60k will be awarded for fresh social innovation concepts that will drive change for good in our community. Think your big idea has the power to create social change? Submit your application today for a chance to compete! Apply today.

Howard County Equity Audit

The Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity is conducting an equity audit in three key areas: racial & social equity, opportunity, and quality of life. The goal of the community equity audit is to identify institutional and structural practices that produce inequalities in services, policies, and access. The Equity Audit matters because every resident (child, youth, family, individual) in Howard County matters. The Office of Human Rights and Equity is undertaking this audit to help build a more caring, compassionate, and inclusive county. You can learn more and participate in the Equity Audit here.

Howard County Food Bank

The Howard County Food Bank, operated by Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC), is proud to get back to full operations and offer "family-choice shopping” just like any other grocery store.  While groceries were pre-bagged during the height of the pandemic in an effort of extreme caution, CAC feels strongly that it's important for families to choose the items they want, and it is ready to reinstate this model. All shopping trips are once again be family-choice. Fresh items such as milk, eggs, hygiene products, meats, produce are all on hand each time. Families who may qualify should visit www.CAC-HC.org or call 410-313-6440 for more details.

Head Start and Pre-K Opportunities from Community Action Council

CAC offers FREE Head Start and Pre-K programming to eligible 3- to 5-year-old children. Programs provide family engagement services, speech & language therapy, mental health consulting, hearing & vision screening, and nutritional counseling. CAC operates four sites across the county, including at The Bauder Education Center in Long Reach. Learn more at www.CAC-HC.org or by call 410-313-6440.

Save the Date - CAC Holland Awards

Save the date for the Virtual Holland Awards, hosted by the Community Action Council of Howard County! The Holland Awards Dinner, named in recognition of Reverend John W. Holland, annually recognizes an individual or organization that demonstrates extraordinary commitment and dedication to serving the most vulnerable in Howard County. This year's Holland Awards will be held virtually on October 14, 2021. Stay tuned for more details!

HopeWorks - Youth Leadership Project

The HopeWorks’ Youth Leadership Project is a service-learning program promoting healthy relationships, behaviors, and attitudes. The goal of the project is to inspire introspective thinking, social consciousness and the use of these concepts to reduce interpersonal violence. Youth Leadership is open to teens of all genders, ages 13-18. The project provides an affirming and safe space for all students. Due to COVID-19, Youth Leadership Project 2021/2022 will be conducted virtually. For more information, contact HopeWorks' Community Engagement Department at (410) 997-0304 or at [email protected]. You can also learn more and register for the program here.

EC250 - Mosaic Project

Apply for Leadership Essentials!

Loyola University Maryland is excited to announce the kickoff of the Leadership Essentials 2022 Program!  This six-month leadership development program, which begins in December 2021 is for emerging leaders who have demonstrated abilities and want to enhance their personal commitment for development and growth. The Leadership Essentials Program consists of three main components: leadership skill development, individual coaching, and a community impact project. You can learn more about Leadership Essentials at a virtual information breakfast on Thursday, August 19th at 8:30am. You can visit the Leadership Essentials webpage for more information and to apply for LE 2022 here. The application due date is October 11, 2021.

COVID-19 Resources

Rental Assistance & Eviction Prevention Howard County Government is offering Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention Grants to Howard County residents who need assistance paying their rent or mortgage due to loss of income resulting from COVID-19. Residents may apply for rental and mortgage assistance from: Community Action Council of Howard County, [email protected] Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, [email protected]g Luminus, [email protected] Springboard, [email protected] Maximum assistance per household is 12 months of housing and utility expenses. Residents that previously received housing assistance ARE eligible to apply for additional assistance. You can find more information on the housing assistance grants and how to apply here.

Energy Assistance

Howard County Government has dedicated additional funding to the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) for energy/utility assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are in imminent danger of utility cut-off and need assistance paying your utility bills, you can apply for assistance from the Community Action Council by visiting here or by calling 410-313-6440.

FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit

The FCC announced that on May 12, 2021, eligible households will be able to apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit.   The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will provide eligible households with discounts of up to $50 a month for broadband service. It also will provide a one-time discount of up to $100 on a computer or tablet for eligible households. Households can apply in three ways: Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process. Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you. Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application, and return it along with proof of eligibility to: Emergency Broadband Support Center, P.O. Box 7081, London, KY 40742.

Virtual Assistance Portal Howard County Government has launched a Virtual Assistance Portal to help connect residents with disaster and emergency resources, including housing assistance, food assistance, employment assistance, utility assistance, and more. You can visit the portal and learn more about the resources available here.

Unemployment Services If you or a family member lost a job or experienced reduced income due to COVID-19, you can apply for unemployment insurance from the state of Maryland. You can find more information and apply for unemployment benefits here. You can find more information on job opportunities and employment assistance here.

Howard County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) is a group of community organizations focused on collecting and deploying resources during a local disaster. If you are able to donate, are in need of grocery/medicine delivery, or are in need of resources, please visit COAD's website here to learn more about their services.

District 3 Pre-Submission Meetings

There are currently two pre-submission meetings scheduled in District 3.

Name: Drenner Concrete Address: 10480 Guilford Road, Jessup, MD 20794 Meeting Date: August 26 at 6:00 PM Meeting Location: Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry Street, Savage, MD 20763 Zoning: M-2 Acres: 3.3 Units: 2 Planned Use: Two new commercial buildings.

Name: Annapolis Junction Carter Machinery Address: 11031 Guilford Road, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701 Meeting Date: September 1 at 6:00 PM Meeting Location: Savage Fire Hall, 8521 Corridor Road, Savage, MD 20763 Zoning: M-2 Acres: 4.6 Units: 0 Planned Use: Machine Rental - This is the current use, we are just replacing the existing Building.

You can find info and updates on all of Howard County's upcoming pre-submission meetings, public hearings, and development plans here.

Want to Get in Touch?

Christiana Rigby Councilwoman, District 3 [email protected] 410-313-2001

Colette Gelwicks Special Assistant [email protected] 410-313-2421

Felix Facchine District Aide [email protected] 410-313-3108

Please feel free to contact us by email or phone. Plus, you can stay up-to-date with Christiana by following us on social media, where we post regular updates on county news, legislative priorities, and community initiatives!

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