Dear friends,
March is Women's History Month and this year's theme is “Valiant Women of the Vote" which honors "the brave women who fought to win suffrage rights for women, and for the women who continue to fight for the voting rights of others."
Learning about stories of struggles, perseverance, trailblazing and innovation, we have much to gain from observing Women's History Month. It is an opportunity to put a spotlight on all of the major things women accomplish each and every day.
We all have the power to influence the direction our world is headed in, and National Women’s History Month reminds us of that.
|
|
Gordon Ramsay in Town
Last week, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and his team brought excitement and much-needed resources to Historic Ellicott City. Over the course of several days, Ramsay’s crew in partnership with hundreds of volunteers worked nonstop to renovate, clean, and beautify our beloved historic Main Street.
This has been an incredible week in town. We are so thankful that Chef Ramsay saw how special Ellicott City is and chose to visit our amazing historic town. It is our hope that every business and resident in town benefits from the national exposure our town will receive in the future.
#LoveOEC
|
|
|
|
Coronavirus Updates
Given the rapidly evolving global situation around coronavirus,
Howard County Health Department and I would like to provide an update on the virus. While there are no confirmed cases at this time of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Maryland or Howard County, the Health Department, Howard County Government, myself and other local officials continue to carefully monitor the situation. The immediate health risk from this virus to the general public is still considered low given the circumstances.
If coronavirus comes to our community, we are building on existing plans to ensure our community is prepared. CDC does not currently recommend the general public use facemasks. Instead, CDC recommends following everyday preventive actions like:
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
- Cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
This is a rapidly changing situation and we are in frequent communication with State and Federal partners to obtain the most up-to-date information and resources available to respond to this virus. For more information about COVID-19, you can always visit the Health Department website at
www.hchealth.org.
|
|
|
|
Welcome Home AAMM!
Another great day for the Village of Long Reach as we move forward with our Long Reach Rising plan. We had a packed house at the grand opening of The
African Art Museum of Maryland (AAMM) at its new home in the Long Reach Village Center. As the museum celebrates its 40th anniversary, it returns to Columbia, expanding from about 900 square feet to 1,400 square feet.
As an institution that encourages a better understanding of African cultures and embodies both diversity and commitment to learning, AAMM is one of three in the United States focused exclusively on African art and is a welcome addition to the Long Reach Rising revitalization focused on arts and culture, STEM, and entrepreneurism.
It will be wonderful to see AAMM collaborate and integrate with our local arts community and draw our residents and visitors to Long Reach. Special thank you to Doris Ligon and her Board of Directors for their unwavering commitment to promoting history, arts, and culture in our community.
Read more about Long Reach Rising
here.
|
|
|
|
Excitement in Ellicott City
I encourage you to walk down Main Street, Ellicott City to feel the energy and excitement in the wake of the TV production that was in town last week with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.
As visitors explored some of the updates in town, shop owners came out of their shops to greet people on the street. Newly-designed and beautiful shadow boxes by world famous designer Nate Berkus on the county-owned buildings on Main Street feature artifacts that tell the history of our town, and projects interviews with people who represent the present and future of Ellicott City.
Ellicott City is a town known for its history and, more recently, its resiliency. However, last week was reminder that Ellicott City, like all of Howard County, reflects unity and community.
|
|
|
|
Unheard Perspectives Showcase
Thank you to all our students, teachers, volunteers and staff who worked to make the 2020 Unheard Perspectives Showcase a great success. Over the last several months, students conducted research to learn more about Black Americans and their contributions to our history.
At this showcase, students had the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge on the last day of Black History Month. The presentations by these students is evidence that our future is bright.
|
|
|
|
Welcome Back RoaTech
In Howard County, we are home to many strong, prosperous businesses. I was glad to join
RoaTech Inc. in Ellicott City for their grand opening. RoaTech provides technological and innovative solutions to customers through a variety of services. Thank you for your resilience and welcome to your new location!
|
|
|
|
Howard County Act of Heroism Makes National News
A couple of weeks ago, the
Howard County Police Department, Howard County first responders, and community volunteers gathered to search for 2 year-old Ethan Adeyemi. We are so grateful for Keith Rollins who found and took care of Ethan, ensuring he was safe and warm until emergency personnel arrived. Our community is only strong because of our resiliency, compassion, and concern for one another. Watch the ABC News story
here.
|
|
|
|
Happy Retirement Chief Uhlhorn
Chief Uhlhorn was committed to our vision of creating a safe and engaged community, setting new standards for limiting carcinogen exposure for firefighters, and helping all our residents live healthier lives. With 30 years serving
Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, she has dedicated her life to protecting the residents of Howard County, and I’m incredibly grateful for the time she served, taking every opportunity to make our County the best place for all.
Her legacy as the first Howard County Female Fire Chief will be remembered for generations to come. Please join me in congratulating her on her retirement and thanking her for her service in our community.
|
|
|
|
Charter Review Commission
Under the County Charter, the Howard County Council is required to establish a Charter Review Commission every eight years. As its name suggests, the Commission is tasked with reviewing and making recommendations concerning our Howard County Charter. On Tuesday, March 3, the 2019-2020 Charter Review Commission will hold its final
Public Hearing
to receive any recommendations for changes to the Howard County Charter. The hearing will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be held in the Banneker Room of the County’s George Howard Building in Ellicott City. Those interested in speaking at the hearing, sign-up sheets will be available that afternoon starting at 3:00 p.m. Those testifying are asked to bring 20 copies of their written testimony for distribution at the public hearing.
|
|
|
|
SAVE THE DATE: I will hold my second Resident's Budget Hearing for the FY2021 budget cycle on Thursday, March 12th at 6:00 p.m. at the County’s George Howard Building in Ellicott City.
Residents are now 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
Have you taken our Age-Friendly Community Survey yet? Now available in five languages - English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese and Hindi, this anonymous survey allows you the opportunity to provide feedback on efforts you believe will make Howard County a more livable community for all.
|
2020 Census
T-minus 10 days and counting till the start of 2020 Census. On March 12th (or shortly after), your household will receive its invitation to participate in the 2020 Census, either online, by phone or by mail.
|
To help ensure ALL
#HoCoCounts
this 2020, we ask that you please complete the survey. By doing your part and responding to the 2020, you help our community gets its fair share of the more than $675 billion per year in federal funds spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs.
|
Tax time is here. AARP and the IRS are once again offering personal income tax preparation for Howard County residents from February 3 through April 15, available to all middle- and low-income taxpayers, with emphasis on those age 60 and older. Bring your photo ID, Social Security card, 2018 Federal and Maryland tax returns, and all 2019 tax documents. Self-employment returns with more than $10,000 in expenses and complex returns are not eligible. Appointments are necessary for all locations. To schedule your appointment today, call your desired location listed below.
|
Too many of Maryland’s youth and young adults go it alone to find stable and safe housing. From March 15 through 28, Howard County’s Youth Count will help identify housing and services needed for local youth and young adults who struggle to find a safe, reliable place to sleep at night. Contact Candace Ball at 410-313-6552 to volunteer and/or be counted!
#YouthReachMD
|
|
|
|
County residents age 65 and older, applications are now being accepted for our Aging-In-Place Tax Credit. Designed to assist older adults “age in place” by providing a 20 percent credit on up to $500,000 of assessed property value, we hope this tax credit will allow residents the ability to financially, stay in their homes and a more affordable living. For eligibility requirements and/or for an application, visit our “Other Residential Credits”
website
today. While applications are being accepted through May 1st, I encourage you to apply as early as possible as applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. If you have questions and/or need assistance, please feel free to contact our Department of Finance's Tax Credit Office at 410-313-4076 or email
taxcredit@howardcountymd.gov
.
|
|
|
|
Department of Planning and Zoning
Please join County staff from the Department of Public Works and the Department of Planning and Zoning at two meetings to
discuss the future of the former Columbia Flier Building located at 10750 North Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044. A Request for Proposals (RFP) will be developed by the County for the disposition of the site and
all interested community members are encouraged to attend to provide input at either meeting. Both meetings will cover the same material.
When
: Wednesday, March 18, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm or Saturday March 21, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
What
: Seeking Community Input to Help Develop the RFP
Please RSVP below so we can prepare seating for everyone in advance. If you have any questions, please contact Jeff DelMonico at 410-313-2350 or by email at
jdelmonico@howardcountymd.gov.
|
Howard County Planning Board
This coming
Thursday, March 5, the Planning Board will be holding a meeting in the George Howard Building’s Banneker Room starting at 7:00 p.m. to hear the following item:
- SDP-20-031 Arnold’s Corner, LLC - For the Planning Board’s approval for 18 single-family detached homes in accordance with FDP-77-A-IV. The property is zoned NT and designated as Single-Family Medium Density. Planning Board Role: Decision-Making (Rules of Procedure Section 1.106)
The Planning Board is a five-member board of County residents, nominated by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council, who serve five-year terms on a volunteer basis. The Planning Board makes recommendations to the Zoning Board or County Council on matters related to planning and zoning and renders a final decision on selected development proposals. Before making a recommendation or decision, the Planning Board holds a public meeting or public hearing that provides an opportunity for interested persons to provide comments.
|
|
|
|
HCPD's Collision Avoidance Training (CAT) 2020 classes are open for registration; sign your teen driver up TODAY! Available sessions: March 21, April 18, May 9, June 20, July 18, Aug. 22, Sept. 12, Oct. 17, Nov. 21, Dec. 12
The CAT program is a defensive driving and vehicle control program for young drivers developed by the National Traffic Safety Academy. During the one-day course, adapted from law enforcement training, young drivers learn how to better handle their vehicles in various situations. Participants must be ages 16-20, possess a valid Maryland "Class C" driver’s license (no learner's permit) and bring a vehicle to drive during the practical exercises.
Cost is $95. Participants must register in advance by contacting 410-313-3216 or
CATprogram@howardcountymd.gov. Let’s keep our communities safe, one driver at a time!
|
|
|
|
Department of Public Works
SAVE THE DATE: On Thursday, March 12, DPW will hold a public meeting from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the media center at
Centennial Lane Elementary School , to discuss plans for a sidewalk connection project that will involve the installation of sidewalk along the eastbound lane of Frederick Road between Centennial Lane and Gray Rock Drive. While there will be no formal presentation, the concept design will be available for public view and DPW staff members will be on hand to explain the proposed work, answer any questions and gather public comments. The project is expected to begin fall 2020. To learn more, click
HERE .
|
Department of Public Works Construction Report
Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance projects have been announced. For a full list of previously announced projects, please refer to the
February 24, 2020 newsletter.
Completed Projects
Ellicott City
- St. Paul Sewer Connection, S-6698
Jessup
- Brentwood Manor Stream Restoration, D1158
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
|
Come get it before its gone. For the FIRST TIME EVER, our Bureau of Environmental Services is GIVING AWAY shredded wood at the
Alpha Ridge Landfill
to County residents and contractors. Available on a first come, first served basis, this product can be used for garden paths, weed prevention, base wood for dyed mulch, erosion control, temporary access roads and soil amendment. To find out more, click
HERE
or call 410-313-6444.
This giveaway is just another example of the many organic products our Bureau of Environmental Services’ offers to help ensure a clean and sustainable environment and I hope you will take advantage of it, while helping us reduce our shredded wood stockpile at the Landfill.
|
|
|
|
Our first outreach event, "Information Technology Local Business Event," will take place on Thursday, March 5. At this event, attendees where learn about the different types of hardware, software and technology services utilized by each of the above-listed entities and about projects each has on the horizon. Two weeks later, on Thursday, March 19, is our second outreach event, "Construction & Paving Local Business Outreach Event." At this event, attendees will learn about the various construction and paving projects happening at each entity and what lies ahead in their capital project forecasts.
Both events are scheduled to take place from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Gateway Innovation Building, located at 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia. To learn more about either and/or to register for an event, I encourage you to contact our Office of Purchasing at 410-313-6370 or email
purchasing@howardcountymd.gov
today!
|
|
|
|
Department of Recreation & Parks
|
Congratulations to Recreation & Parks’ marketing and communications team, who received three well-deserved awards at MRPA’s Celebrating Excellence Showcase. Members of the marketing team were presented with awards in the categories of Facility Brochure (Belmont Manor & Historic Park), Special Event Publication (2019 Wine in the Woods poster) and Program Logo (Red Diamond Cheer) during an awards luncheon held at the Cylburn Arboretum in Baltimore.
|
In-county online registration for Howard County Recreation & Parks’ 2020 Spring/Summer programs opens this Wednesday, March 4, at 6pm (Out-of-County online registration begins at the same time on March 11). For more information and for a handy digital PDF of the Spring/Summer Activity Guide, visit
here.
|
On Saturday, March 7, head to the North Laurel Community Center for Super STEAM Saturday! From 10:00am – 1:00pm, your child can enjoy special hands-on science, technology, engineering, art and math activities from special guests including Abrakadoodle, Bricks4Kidz, Chess Wizards, Club Sci Kidz, Little Medical School and more! Pre-registration is encouraged but not required, visit our website
here to purchase your tickets today!
|
On March 12, Trips & Tours heads to the National Museum of Health and Medicine in Silver Spring, Maryland! Discover hundreds of displays and exhibits, from an impressive collection of historical military medical specimens to an array of items recovered after President Lincoln's assassination (including the bullet that took his life). To purchase your tickets today, visit
here.
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Events and Meetings
|
|
March 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 headquarters. Simply show up and Health Department employee will teach you how to administer Narcan, the opioid reversing medicine. Click
HERE to learn more.
|
|
March 5 | Information Technology Local Business Event
Howard County is committed to fostering a strong and prosperous business community. I invite you to join the Howard County Office of Purchasing and me for an Information Technology Local Business event on Thursday, March 5, from 8:00am-11:00am at the Gateway Innovation Building. At this event, local businesses will learn how to engage in business with Howard County entities.
I encourage you to register today by emailing our Office of Purchasing at Purchasing@HowardCountyMD.gov
|
|
March 5 | CAREAPP: Find Howard County Services
Join the Howard County Library System for a presentation about the CAREAPP. At this presentation, attendees will learn more about available health and other social services available to Howard County residents. This Presentation will take place on March 5
th, at 2:00pm at the Elkridge Branch Library. Register
here.
|
|
March 5 | Valley Road Storm Drain Improvement Project Public Meeting
Join the Department of Public Works for their public update meeting to discuss plans for a project (Capital Project D-1158) to upgrade the existing storm drain system with a new larger storm pipe near 3605-3621 Valley Road. The informal meeting will include an overview of the design followed by an open discussion. County staff and the project’s design consultant will be on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2020.
Roger Carter Community Center, Caplan Room, 3000 Milltowne Drive, Ellicott City / 6 pm / Contact: Public Works Customer Service, at 410-313-3440 or email
publicworks@howardcountymdgov
|
|
March 7 | Made in Maryland Expo
The
Made in Maryland Expo
, Presented by Cluster and Vine, features unique gifts, specialty food items and other products from all over Maryland. This indoor event will be held inside the Main Exhibition Hall of the Howard County Fairgrounds from 10:00am - 4:00pm. There will be ample onsite parking.
|
|
March 7 | 23rd Annual Chocolate Ball
Please join the Arc of Howard County for their
23rd Annual Chocolate Ball. This is their annual fundraising event where all net funds raised support the programmatic efforts of the organization to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Howard County, Maryland.
|
|
March 8 | Archaeology in Your Community: The Patapsco Female Institute
For Women’s History Month, learn how archaeologists have studied one of the most progressive female boarding schools in the 19
th
-century Howard County with the Upper Patuxent Archaeology Group!! Learn how to identify artifacts and work with real collections from this site. Space limited, pre-registration required. This is a free event and intended for all ages. Event takes place from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the
B&O Ellicott City Station Museum, 3711 Maryland Avenue, (Intersection of Main Street and Maryland Avenue), Ellicott City.
|
|
March 12 | Residents' Budget Hearing
Join me for my second Citizens’ Budget Hearing for the FY 2021 budget cycle. Residents may submit testimony or sign-up to testify at the hearing by going to
www.howardcountymd.gov/budgettestimony
.
This link will be active on Thursday, February 27 at 9:00 a.m.
Residents who do not wish to sign-up on line, will still be able to sign-up in person on the night of the hearing beginning at 5:00 p.m.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
