January 27, 2020
Dear friends,

Howard County Restaurant Weeks is the perfect time to try some of the incredible restaurants, breweries and distilleries across Howard County. I was glad to kick off the 2020 Winter Restaurant Weeks with Joe and Mary Barbera of  AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar,  Visit Howard County, and  Councilman Opel Jones. Additionally, to show support for Restaurant Weeks, my team is visiting restaurants for meals across the county. To see pictures from their visits, please visit my Facebook and/or Twitter page.

As we start the second week of Restaurant Weeks, I encourage residents and visitors to take the time to try something new or visit an old favorite, with more than 30 establishments participating, there is something for everyone. Share your pictures with us by using  #HoCoRestaurants. Check out all the participating restaurants here.
This Week in HoCo
Holocaust Remembrance Day

As we recognize Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau today, it is our responsibility to stand together against fear and hatred. Far too often, our words of hatred turn into negative actions which impacts our community. It is a reminder that we join for hope and peace.

I invite you to join me for a presentation of the Childhood Memories of The Holocaust A Cantata: We Will Never Be Bullied Again tonight, Monday, January 27 th , at 7:00 p.m. at the Meeting House in Oakland Mills. This powerful musical performance will be presented by teens and adults from the Howard County area. No tickets or registration required.
Celebrating the Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year is a momentous holiday. It is a celebration of energetic performances and shared history, highlighting that diversity is our strength. I was pleased to host the Lunar New Year Celebration at the  The Mall in Columbia again this year. Thank you to First Lady Yumi Hogan and Senator Clarence Lam for joining us, all our participating organizations and groups, and every member of our community who joined in the festivities. Happy Year of the Rat!
Common Kitchen is Fully Loaded!

Congratulations to  The Common Kitchen in Clarksville Commons for being 100% leased. There are 11 vendors representing foods and products from around the world. Thank you to George and Holly Stone for providing an opportunity for emerging entrepreneurs and serving delicious food to our community.

Built To Learn Testimony

Howard County is grateful that our state aid funding for capital school construction will increase based on the formulas noted in House Bill 1- Built to Learn Act . In challenging fiscal times, we know that every penny counts. I appreciate the Howard County Delegation for their continued support and advocacy for increasing funding for capital projects like Talbott Springs, Hammond High School, High School #13 and other construction priorities of HCPSS.
 
I was honored to join the Mayor and my fellow County Executives to provide testimony in support of House Bill 1 which will provide additional State funding for every jurisdiction across the state. Watch my testimony to the Appropriations Committee here .
Honoring 51 Years of the Charter

Last week, we celebrated 51 years of the Howard County Charter, which created our government as we know it today. The late Senator James Clark first proposed the charter form of government in 1965, which was then adopted in 1968.

I truly appreciate everything our former County Executives have done to shape this county and feel fortunate to be able to call on their examples and wisdom. It's important to remember where we started and to look back and reflect on the progress we made, while setting a course for a future that ensures Howard County is the best county for all.
Congratulations Leopards!

Please join me in congratulating Mason Huynh of  Lime Kiln Middle School for being selected as the 2020 nominee for the Carson Scholarship. We’re also proud of all our students who will be competing in the 2020 Spelling Bee, that were selected as student delegates to the Student Member of the Board Convention, and all our students who showed their ability to ROAR. Congratulations to all these outstanding Leopards! Read more about them here.
Cold Weather Guide

As the weather gets colder, it's important that we look out for our neighbors in need. I encourage you to share this Code Blue resource guide so we can ensure every member of our community is safe this winter.
Departmental News
Budget Office

SAVE THE DATE: I will hold my second Resident's Budget Hearing for the FY2021 budget cycle on Thursday, March 12 th at 6:00 p.m. at the County’s George Howard Building in Ellicott City.
 
Beginning Thursday, February 27 th , residents will be able to sign-up ONLINE to speak at the hearing by going to www.howardcountymd.gov/budgettestimony . From the same link, residents will also have the option to provide online budget testimony. Residents who do not wish to sign-up online will still be able to sign-up in person on the night of the public hearing beginning at 5:00 p.m. The hearing will be broadcasted live on GTV and live streamed.
Department of Community Resources and Services

As required by our Constitution, every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a count of every person living in the United States. For us, this count is vital to understanding the updated picture of our community, the needs of all our residents and the future of our service to the public. We are a data-informed government, and the Census gives valuable insight into our needs for education, housing, transportation, healthcare and more.
 
Sometime after March 12 th , each county household will be receiving an invitation to respond to a short questionnaire, either online, by phone or by mail. Those who do not respond will receive follow up communications after April 1 st , including door-to-door outreach by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency.
 
To learn more about #HoCoCounts 2020 Census, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/2020census or contact our local Complete Count Committee at 410-313-6325 or email census2020@howardcountymd.gov .
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. If you are interested in helping us in our fight against human trafficking, I encourage you to apply today for the County’s Human Trafficking Prevention Coordination Council. This Council advises county government on human trafficking prevention in Howard County and conducts outreach and education on prevention to spread awareness of the warning signs of human trafficking. The deadline to apply is Friday, January 31 st .
Together, we can create a community that provides opportunities for self-determination and independence, whether in college or in one’s careers, for residents of all abilities. To play an integral role in ensuring all our students are ready and successful,  I encourage members from our business community to apply today to serve on the County's Commission for Transitioning Students with Disabilities . The deadline to apply is Friday, February 7 th .
Health Department

The Howard County Health Department, along with partner agencies at the Maryland Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are actively monitoring the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China earlier this month.
 
While this outbreak has resulted in more than 2,700 confirmed cases in mainland China and at least five confirmed cases in the United States (all U.S. cases traveled from Wuhan, China), the CDC currently characterizes the immediate health risk to the general American public as low. There are currently no vaccines able to protect humans against this coronavirus, so the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Everyday preventative actions that can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
 
Symptoms of infection with this novel coronavirus include fever and cough or shortness of breath. If you have traveled to China in the last 14 days and are experiencing these systems, please:

  • Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
  • Avoid contact with others.
  • Avoid further travel until the illness resolves.
  • Wear a mask if you need to leave the house when sick.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
 
For up-to-date information about this outbreak, please monitor the Howard County Health Department social media accounts ( Facebook and Twitter ) or website , or the CDC’s coronavirus website .
I am seeking consumer and family member applicants interested in serving on the Howard County Local Behavioral Health Advisory Board. The Board works with the County to ensure the health and safety of all our residents, including addressing mental health and substance misuse, and plays an integral role in monitoring and managing the Behavioral Health programs for our community. For eligibility requirements and details on how to apply, click HERE . The DEADLINE to apply is Friday, February 14, 2020.
Department of Housing and Community Development

This is your last week to apply for our Department of Housing and Community Development’s January Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program open enrollment period. Through this program, we are creating affordable homeownership opportunities to help families call Howard County home as we foster safe and engaged communities. If you are interested in our MIHU program or know anyone who can benefit, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/MIHU_openenrollment to learn more about the program or call 410-313-6318 (select option two). Remember, applications for this open enrollment period are due by no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, January 31 st .
Department of Planning and Zoning

Join our Department of Planning and Zoning, the Long Reach Community Association and myself on Tuesday, February 18 th at 7:00 p.m. at the Stonehouse Community Center, located at 8775 Cloudleap Court in Columbia, for a work session to discuss the Long Reach Village Center, specifically background and recent events, revitalization and activation and timeline. For more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/longreach
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  January 21, 2020   newsletter.
 
Ellicott City

  • New Cut Road Water Main Replacement Excavation (Capital Project D-1165) – Water main replacement project near 3820 New Cut Road will require the use of explosives to clear the way for the installation of the new pipe into the existing bedrock to improve infrastructure resilience. Excavation for the water line is anticipated to occur during the week of January 27th, weather permitting, over a one - to three - day period between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Property owners and tenants within 250 feet of the project excavation area have been advised of the explosive work and may experience minor project-related sounds and/or vibrations.
  • St. Paul Street Sewer Connection (Capital Project S-6698) – Project o connect 3758 St. Paul Street to the County’s public sewer main. Signs and flagging operations will be in place to direct traffic as needed during construction hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., as lane shifts are expected. Additionally, a portion of sidewalk adjacent to project will be closed to pedestrians during construction. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late February.

Past Project Updates – Completion Date Change
 
Clarksville

  • Mellow Wine Way Sewer Stabilization (Capital Project S-6268) – Project to stabilize a public sewer near 6442 Mellow Wine Way. Originally expected to be completed by late January, weather permitting, this project is now expected to be completed by late February.
 
Past Project Updates – Projects Completed
 
Columbia

  • White Acre Road Sidewalk Closure (Capital Project C-0287) – Part of a Howard County construction project to implement complete street improvements, the sidewalk along the north side of White Acre Road between Stevens Forest Road and Basket Ring Road.
 
Elkridge

 
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.
Department of Public Works' Bureau of Environmental Services

If you are or know of a business, community group or organization here in Howard County who is creating recycling programs and green initiatives to reduce waste and support our local environment, we encourage you to nominate them today for the County's third annual “Business Recycling and Waste Reduction” and “Green Community Leadership” awards program. Help us recognize these businesses, community groups and organizational leaders who are supporting our goal to create a clean and sustainable environment and demonstrating that purposeful actions can result in creating a better community for all. Submit a nomination form today by clicking HERE . The DEADLINE to submit a nomination is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 14 th .
Department of Recreation & Parks
Our Department of Recreation & Parks has announced its winter schedule for managing deer populations through sharpshooting. Different from the managed hunts, our sharpshooting program involves specially trained and qualified personnel using highly accurate, noise-suppressed rifles, who will remove deer under a special permit issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. All the meat from this operation is donated to charitable organizations in the area, including the Community Action Council of Howard County’s Food Bank. To learn more about the county’s deer management program, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/wildlife .
For the second year in a row , the County’s Belmont Manor & Historic Park has received the “Couples’ Choice” award for venues from WeddingWire . As one of the healthiest and safest places to live in the nation, it’s no surprise that couples are choosing a location like Belmont to start the next chapter of their lives. Last year, nearly 70 couples selected Belmont as the backdrop to their special day and we already have more than 50 weddings on the books for this year. If you are in the hunt for a wedding venue offering quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism, I encourage you to check out Belmont today
Help us recognize those outstanding individuals who have gained prominence in or made substantial contributions to community recreational sports in Howard County, by nominating them today for Howard County Recreation and Parks' 2020 “Community Sports Hall of Fame.” Coaches, managers, league officials, commissioners and even behind-the-scenes contributors closely identified with community recreational sports can be nominated. Nominees must be either residents of Howard County or have contributed to community sports primarily in Howard County. Nomination forms are available on line at www.howardcountymd.gov/halloffame or by calling 410-313-4711. The DEADLINE to submit nominations is Wednesday, April 15 th .
CLOSURE ALERT: The pedestrian bridge located in  Centennial Park west area is currently closed. Closure/detour signs have been posted at park access paths to alert park goers of the closure. For updates regarding this closure, please stay tuned to Recreation & Parks' Facebook page , Twitter handle and/or Park Improvements website . We apologize for any inconvenience.
Upcoming Events and Meetings
January 10 to February 21 | HoCo Open Art Exhibit – HoCo Open ,

Howard County Arts Council annual non-juried exhibit celebrating artists who live, work or study in Howard County. HoCo Open will run from January 10 th through February 21 st , 2020.
January 20 to February 2 | Howard County Restaurant Weeks & Craft Beverages

Howard County is quickly becoming one of Maryland’s hot spots for foodies. Mix up your culinary experience this Howard County Restaurant Weeks with diverse specialty chef menus and craft beverages in restaurants, breweries and distilleries across Howard County. Participating locations will be offering unique menus for every taste and budget. 
January 27 | MIHU Renters Information Workshop

Prospective renters are ENCOURAGED to register to attend this FREE information session. Attendees will become knowledgeable of program requirements and participating communities. In addition, you'll learn the importance of credit and how it impacts renting and the approval process. The workshop begins at 6:00 p.m. and on time arrival is strongly suggested. For questions and/or more information, contact Housing at 410-313-6318 and select option two. 
January 27 | Leadership U Information Session

Leadership Howard County (LHC) is recruiting current high school sophomores for its Leadership U Class of 2020. The Leadership U program empowers students to learn by doing. Participants work in teams to discuss, reflect upon and develop solutions for problems that affect them and their peers in the community. They develop mentoring relationships with adult community leaders, learn about Howard County’s government, businesses and services, and hone their presentation skills. Interested county 9 th and 10 th graders and their parents are invited to attend one of LHC’s information session (January 27 th , February 13 th or March 1 st ) to learn more about Leadership U. To learn more, visit www.leadershiphc.org/leadership-u-2/ .
January 28 | Stepping Up Your Nutrition

Stepping Up Your Nutrition is a two and a half hour workshop for those who want to improve their nutrition and strength, and is designed to help people understand the connection between nutrition and preventing falls. Cost is $5 per person and includes workshop and educational materials. To register or for more information, contact Malarie Burgess at 410-313-6073 or email mburgess@howardcountymd.gov .
January 29 | 2020 BikeHoward Open House

Join our Office of Transportation on January 29 th its 2020 BikeHoward Open House . Learn about the latest projects, upcoming improvements and provide your feedback and input. Topics to be covered include: BikeHoward (the Howard County Bicycle Master Plan);  BikeHoward Express (3-year plan); Bicycle Wayfinding system (coming soon); The Patapsco Regional Greenway ; Complete Streets Policy in Howard County; and Howard County Bikeshare . The format is open house, so arrive any time and talk to our Transportation staff at your own pace.
January 30 | Drop-In Opioid Overdose Response (Narcan) Training

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 Health Department offers FREE Opioid Overdose Response Program (Narcan) trainings between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m., on a drop-in basis, at the Health Department headquarters. Simply show up and Health Department employee will teach you how to administer Narcan, the opioid reversing medicine. Click  HERE  to learn more.
February 1 | Preschool/Child Care Information Fair

This “one stop shop” provides parents, guardians, grandparents and child care personnel with information on child care, pre-school and summer programs, and features representatives from community service organizations that offer programs and services to Howard County’s young children. For more information about this FREE event, visit https://hocochildcarefair.eventbrite.com .
February 3 | Drop-In Opioid Overdose Response (Narcan) Training

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 Health Department offers FREE Opioid Overdose Response Program (Narcan) trainings between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m., on a drop-in basis, at Health Department headquarters. Simply show up and Health Department employee will teach you how to administer Narcan, the opioid reversing medicine. Click  HERE  to learn more.