July 28, 2020

Dear Friends, This week we have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 data and trends in Howard County. We have steadily increased the amount and frequency of testing and have successfully tested 13.9% of our population. Our 7-day average positivity rate is flat, remaining below 5% at 3.7% as of yesterday. Our hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients remain low from our peak of 47 patients in May, with a total of 21 hospitalizations as of yesterday. At the same time, our 7-day confirmed case average has hit the highest peak since the beginning of the pandemic at 41 cases this week, which is the highest case average since May 28th. Our average age of daily COVID-19 cases is still shifting towards a younger demographic, with an increase in cases in people under 35. At the start of the pandemic people under 35 made up 30% of our cases, and today 53% of our cases are people below 35. As of Saturday, the average age of new daily confirmed cases is 23, the lowest it’s been since June 23rd. We must continue to collectively make safety a priority. Please remember to physically distance whenever possible, wear masks, wash or sanitize your hands frequently, and stay home as much as possible. We can only be successful in avoiding large-scale outbreaks if we all work together. The well-being of our community depends on us. For up to date information on COVID-19 in Howard County, please visit our website here.

Community Updates

Remembering Fernand Tersiguel This week, our community is mourning the passing of Fernand Tersiguel . From Cafe Fernand, to Chez Fernand, to  Tersiguel's French Country Restaurant , he built a legacy that was not just a Main Street institution, but it became one of the region’s premier “special occasion” restaurants where couples and families created memories to last a lifetime. It’s where I chose to take my then girlfriend and future wife, Shani, on our very first "special" date after saving up. Like Ellicott City, Fernand and Tersiguel’s was resilient time and time again in the face of adversity. My thoughts are with his wife, Odette, his son and daughter-in-law, Michel and Angie, his grandsons, and the entire Ellicott City family as they navigate this difficult time.

Heat Safety As we reach higher temperatures this week, it’s important that all residents are taking proper precautions to stay safe. We must remember those in our community who are more vulnerable in extreme weather. When you go outside, please continue to follow the extreme heat safety tips, along with CDC guidelines for COVID-19, to keep everyone in our community safe. Stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in air condition or shaded environments, and NEVER leave children or pets unattended in a parked car. Additionally, if you're planning to cool down in a pool or natural body of water, please be sure to review swim and water safety guidelines with your family and children. Let's stay safe and healthy this summer.

COVID-19 in Young Adults The increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases in people under 35 is concerning, and something we've been closely monitoring. Many people in this age group have returned to work, and spend more time outside their homes. The good news is we know how to reduce the spread - and it starts with wearing a mask. Whenever you are spending time with someone outside of your household, and especially if you cannot maintain 6 ft of physical distance, you should wear a mask. It's critical we stay informed and help keep each other safe. The welfare of our community depends on us all working together. For more information & resources for young people, please visit the CDC website.

Ellicott City Master Plan As Ellicott City is about to celebrate its 250th Anniversary, we want to ensure that this town continues to be one of Howard County’s most important economic epicenters, a landmark of American history, and one of this nation’s best places to live. The Ellicott City Watershed Master Plan provides a long-term vision for a thriving Ellicott City that showcases the community – its people, commerce, history, culture and natural environment. Residents are now able to provide feedback on the current draft Ellicott City Master Plan through August 22nd, 2020. The plan represents the culmination of a multi-year public outreach process that began in response to the 2016 flooding and builds upon my  Ellicott City Safe and Sound  flood mitigation plan. To learn how you can become involved and offer your thoughts on the draft plan during the comment period, visit  https://hocodpz.konveio.com/ecmp.

Restaurant & Craft Beverages Week Thank you to everyone who joined in a successful Summer Restaurant & Craft Beverages Week! Our restaurants and businesses have been significantly impacted due to COVID-19, and these past two weeks have provided a lot of support and business for our community. You can continue to support our local restaurants through carry-out and delivery. Look up more than 190 restaurants and bars through our HoCo Food Go map.

Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention With more than 23,000 renters in the county, the need for housing payment assistance and eviction prevention is paramount. Howard County residents can now apply for assistance to pay past due rent payments to prevent eviction. Our local non-profits will be accepting applications and providing funding assistance directly to residents to ensure that they receive the support they need to stay safely housed. As we continue to battle this virus, we must provide the necessary relief and services to make sure no one falls through the cracks. For more information, please click here. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is operating the A ssisted Housing Relief Program to provide real relief for tenants through direct payments to their eligible property management company. Tenants in eligible properties will be credited with a four-month rent rebate paid directly to the property management company, which will eliminate their rental debt and the threat of eviction.  The program will include rental units in multifamily projects financed by DHCD’s Community Development Administration using state funds or federal resources, such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, where the unit rent is controlled. You can look up if your property is included here. Applications are consolidated by property owners and due by July 31 at Noon. Be sure to send applications to your property manager as soon as possible.

Howard County's Department of Housing MIHU Program Deadline This is your last week to apply for DHCD’s July Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program open enrollment program. Held quarterly, our MIHU program creates affordable homeownership opportunities to allow more families to call Howard County home. Eligible individuals and families can apply directly online for MIHU’s July open enrollment period or submit their application by mail to 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia, MD, 21046. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, applications may not be submitted in person at this time. Also, while DHCD had to cancel its in-person MIHU renter and homeownership informational workshops this July due to the pandemic, presentations from each informational workshop are available online . The DEADLINE to submit your application is this Friday, July 31 st .

HoCo RISE Business Grants The HoCo RISE Business Relief Grants address immediate needs and ensure businesses have the funds, resources, and support to adapt in this challenging time. I've spent some time over the past few weeks visiting grant recipients and learning more about how these critical funds will be used for COVID-19 response and recovery. Check out my visit to  Hensing's Hilltop Acres , LLC  is a 50 acre farm in Woodbine where they pasture cows, pigs and free range chickens. Mrs. Hensing is a recipient of a HoCo RISE grant and she explains how it will help their farm post-COVID-19. And remember to support our local farms this summer.

HoCo RISE Business Grants Phase II As Howard County continues to help our small businesses safely reopen, we’re excited to launch two new grants to provide support to our local childcare establishments and the hotel industry. These business sectors help provide jobs, value, and support to our community, and we want to ensure that they too have access to funding during this challenging time. I strongly encourage all childcare centers and hotel providers to apply for this assistance as soon as possible. Applications are due July 31st, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. and residents can apply online here .

Get Tested While we have surpassed our goal of testing a minimum of 10% of Howard County residents, it’s vital that residents continue to get tested so we can track the spread of COVID-19. If you have attended any large gatherings, are working in close proximity with others, live with older adult relatives or anyone who is in a vulnerable population, are pregnant, or you have underlying health conditions, please get tested as soon as possible. Remember that you may need to get retested if you have experienced a change in your circumstance. We have several locations across our county where residents can easily get tested for COVID-19. If you have trouble receiving a test, please call the  Howard County Health Department  Coronavirus Information line at (410) 313-6284.

Food Distribution Sites DCRS – Grab n Go Ellicott City 50+ Center  9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042 Every Thursday • 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. DCRS - Lisbon Food Distribution Every Thursday, 6:00 - 7:30pm Lisbon United Methodist Church 15875 Frederick Rd, Woodbine, MD 21797 Howard County Food Bank/COAD Pop Up Pantry: August dates forthcoming 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (or until food runs out) July 24 / Howard Crossing Apartment Homes 8732 Town & Country Blvd. Ellicott City, MD 21043 Columbia Community Care: Monday - Saturday from 11:30 – 1:30pm at Wilde Lake Middle School, 10481 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia Oakland Mills Middle School, 9540 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia Lake Elkhorn Middle School, 6680 Cradlerock Way, Columbia Howard High School, 8700 Old Annapolis Road, Ellicott City Swansfield Elementary School, 5610 Cedar Lane, Columbia Roving Radish – serving free/reduced meals on a case by case basis. For more information, please visit their website here. Howard County Public School System: Grab-and-Go summer meals from July 1 through August 14, Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. School-Based Locations: Bushy Park Elementary School, 14601 Carrs Mill Road, Glenwood Cradlerock Elementary School/Lake Elkhorn Middle School, 6680 Cradlerock Way, Columbia Deep Run Elementary School, 6925 Old Waterloo Road, Elkridge Ducketts Lane Elementary School, 6501 Ducketts Lane, Elkridge Hollifield Station Elementary School, 8701 Stonehouse Drive, Ellicott City Howard High School, 8700 Old Annapolis Road, Ellicott City Laurel Woods Elementary School, 9250 North Laurel Road, Laurel Longfellow Elementary School, 5470 Hesperus Dr, Columbia (new site) Oakland Mills Middle School, 9540 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia Swansfield Elementary School, 5610 Cedar Lane, Columbia Wilde Lake Middle School, 10481 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia Community Locations (weekend meals not provided): Bethel Christian Academy, Campus 1, 8455 Savage Guilford Rd., Savage Howard County Library System, Central Branch, 10375 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia (new site) Howard County Library System, East Columbia Branch, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia (new site) Elkridge Food Pantry: 2nd/4th Friday of each month, 4:00-8:00pm 5646 Furnace Ave. Elkridge, MD 21075 Additionally, the COAD put together a comprehensive, all inclusive list, with all information which can be accessed here.

Be Aware of Online Scams As more residents and companies conduct business online, there's been an increase in scams, especially phishing. If an offer sounds too good to be true - it probably is. Be sure to verify email senders and avoid clicking unknown links. If you think you've been a victim of a scam, please contact our Office of Consumer Protection at 410-313-6420.

Virtual Assistance Portal Throughout this public health emergency, we have identified many critical resources and services to support the fundamental needs in our community. The Virtual Assistance Portal allows residents and businesses to easily search for things like rent relief, food assistance, grant programs, and more. As we move through this crisis, our team will continue to create innovative solutions to support Howard County. I encourage you to visit the Virtual Assistance Portal by clicking here.

HoCo Farmers' Markets There are currently six Farmers’ Markets now open by pick-up and walk-thru service this season. At these markets, you can find delicious farm fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, healthy products and more. Please continue to physically distance and wear face coverings when visiting our amazing Farmers’ Markets this season. For more information, click here.

Moratorium on Utility Services As of today, the moratorium on utility services ends on August 1st, 2020. Governor Hogan extended his order prohibiting electric, gas, water, sewage, phone, cable TV, and internet service provider companies from shutting off any residential customer’s service, or charging any residential late fees. This order will help protect the health and safety of utility employees and our residents during this catastrophic health emergency. For more information, read the Governor's Emergency Order here.

Take the Census! Have you taken your Census? Howard County loses out on nearly $18,000 in federal funding for each person not counted in the Census. This funding will support programs that provide school lunches, head start, food services for families in need, and much more. Especially as we respond and recover from COVID-19, these funds will be pivotal over the next ten years and beyond to help our community thrive. This year is the first time the Census questionnaire can be completed online, making it even easier than ever for residents to respond. If you have not taken your census yet, I encourage you to do so RIGHT NOW. If you have completed your census, encourage five of your neighbors to do the same. It takes only five minutes to complete.

Government Updates

Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS)

Senior Health Insurance Virtual Programs From social engagement to exercise, cooking and lifelong learning classes, our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) is working hard to ensure our older residents have the resources they need to remain active and engaged while at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For this last week of July , there is something every day to help you learn, get moving, get cooking and get social. And just released is OAI’s virtual program schedule for August ! I hope you will take advantage of one or more of these great programs as we continue down the path of this COVID-19 pandemic. For questions and/or more information, please feel free to contact OAI at aging@howardcountymd.gov .

Beware of Scams As more residents are conducting services and work online during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant increase in online scams and fraudulent activities. As always, please use caution when going online and sharing any personal information. If you believe you have been a victim of a scam, please contact  DCRS ' Office of Consumer Protection at 410-313-6420 or email consumer@howardcountymd.gov .

Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS)

In Memory of Lt. Nathan Flynn This past Thursday, July 23 rd , marked the second anniversary of the tragic passing of Lt. Nathan Flynn. A 13-year veteran, 34-year-old Lt. Flynn lost his life in the line of duty while operating at the scene of a house fire in Clarksville. He was the first career firefighter line of duty death in the history of our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS).   To mark the first anniversary of his death last year, Lt. Flynn's wife, co-workers and HCDFRS leadership held the inaugural Lt. Nathan Flynn Fireground Leadership Training Program. This training program provides attendees a chance to reflect on the courage and sacrifices made by Lt. Flynn that day and a chance to honor his commitment to training and firefighter safety. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, all joined together again this year, virtually, to honor Lt. Flynn and the ultimate selfless sacrifice he made that faithful day in 2018. We will never forget Lt. Flynn.

Hands-Only CPR Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Howard County’s Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) continues to train our residents in the important lifesaving techniques of stopping the bleed and Hands-Only CPR. Learn how you can be the difference between life and death by signing up today for one of HCDFRS upcoming virtual classes.   On August 5 th , HCDFRS will hold a " Stop the Bleed " virtual class. Severe bleeding is the most common cause of preventable trauma death and no matter how rapid emergency first responders arrive, immediate responders (a.k.a. bystanders) will always be first on scene. A person who is severely bleeding can die from blood loss in as little as five minutes. Through it "Stop the Bleed" initiative, HCDFRS aims to reduce the impact of hemorrhage in victims of traumatic injury and improving mass casualty response.   On August 19 th or August 25 th , HCDFRS will host its Hands-Only CPR virtual class. According to the  American Heart Association , about 70 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in homes. Which means, if you are called on to give CPR in an emergency, you will most likely be trying to save the life of someone you love.   For questions, contact HCDFRS at handsonlycpr@hcdfrs.org (for Hands-Only CPR) or outreach@hcdfrs.org (for Stop the Bleed).

Federal Grant Funding Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services has received $821,257 in federal funding for the purchase of PPE and necessary supplies to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re deeply grateful to our federal delegation members,  Senator Ben Cardin ,  Senator Van Hollen ,  Congressman John Sarbanes , and Congressman  Kweisi Mfume , who are advocating tirelessly for our first responders. The COVID-19 pandemic has stretched our resources, and this critical funding will support PPE and other equipment to keep our firefighters, paramedics, and responders safe throughout our response and recovery.

Water Safety The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on our indoor and outdoor pools, leading more residents to seek out natural bodies of water to swim in this summer. Howard County paramedics have responded to three potential drownings in the past month alone. We want to ensure our community has the information and resources to keep their families safe when recreating this summer and beyond.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services and Police Department All year long, especially during the summer months, it’s important that residents remember to ALWAYS look before you lock. A child or pet should NEVER be left alone in a car, not even for a minute. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the majority of vehicular heatstroke deaths (54 percent), happen because someone forgets a child in a car; the third leading cause is knowingly leaving a child unattended in a vehicle. Even with the windows rolled down or the air conditioning on, the temperature inside a vehicle can quickly rise. REMEMBER, a child's body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult's, and a body temperature of 107 degrees is fatal.   The second leading cause (25 percent) of vehicular heatstroke deaths among children are when a child unknowingly gets into an unattended vehicle. Regrettably, 2020 saw its first vehicular heatstroke death in April, when a four-year-old left a home and climbed into a vehicle without his family noticing. In addition to ALWAYS looking before you lock your vehicle, be sure to ALWAYS lock your car doors and trunk when not in use.

Howard County Health Department

Why do you wear a mask? Masks are a critical tool for slowing the spread of COVID-19, but they are also a symbol of our commitment to the health and well-being of our community. As your County Executive, father, husband, brother, son, friend and community member, I wear a mask because it’s the right thing to do for the protection and prevention of COVID-19 in our community. We must all do our part to help keep our community and loved ones safe by wearing our masks.  Why do you wear a mask? Let HCHD know by emailing askhealth@howardcountymd.gov ; be sure to include your face covering selfie, name and reason for wearing.

HCHD Reopening In case you missed it last week, the Howard County Health Department's (HCHD) main office at 8930 Stanford Boulevard in Columbia reopened to the public for limited in-person services by appointment only . These critical services, not easily accessible virtually, include Maryland Children’s Health Program consultations, clinical testing and screening, and some environmental health services. HCHD has put various measures in place to ensure physical distancing and other health/safety protocols are being followed. Visitors will be pre-screened before entering the building, required to wear a face covering at all times and hand sanitizing stations are set up at all building entrances. Only those people receiving services should enter the building at their designated appointment time and groups are asked to include no more than two people. To schedule your appointment, please call 410-313-6300 and/or visit www.hchealth.org to learn more.

How to Wear Face Coverings While we have made significant strides in Howard County with our handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital that we all REMEMBER this pandemic is FAR FROM OVER. Ultimately, we are only as good as what our community does. When out in a public setting, please wear a face covering, practice physical distancing, avoid large gatherings and stay home unless absolutely necessary. These simple acts can help stop the spread and save a life. To learn more, visit the CDC's “Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19” website .

Extreme Heat Safety Tips Beat the heat and stay safe this summer with these heat safety tips from the (HCHD) : If you must be out in the heat, wear light-colored, light-weight, loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sunscreen. Stay hydrated. Drink water and caffeine-free liquids. Keep in mind, alcoholic beverages do not keep you hydrated. Stay out of the sun during the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Take frequent rest breaks in air conditioned or shaded environments. Check on elderly friends, family and neighbors. Be aware of the symptoms of heat related illness: extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, headache, possible vomiting or fainting, dry red skin. Residents should call 911 if they encounter a heat related emergency.   Be sure to follow these extreme heat safety tips, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC)  COVID-19 guidelines , to keep yourself, loved ones and everyone in our community safe. Remember, extreme heat can be dangerous after long periods of exposure if proper precautions are not taken.

Mental Health Resources This is a difficult time for many in our community, particularly for those who are struggling with isolation, extreme sadness, or a mental health condition. We are here to help one another in our community. Additionally, we have crisis services available to ensure all our residents are healthy and thriving. It’s okay to ask for help so we can all get through this together.

Department of Housing and Community Development

If you are a Howard County resident in need of financial assistance to pay past due rent payments to prevent eviction, I encourage you to apply for housing ​payment relief aid from one of the county’s participating providers. To be eligible to apply, you must be a Howard County resident, be able to provide proof of home address and supply evidence of loss of income due to COVID-related job loss, reduction in hours and/or medical illness. The maximum assistance per household is three months of housing expense. To learn more and/or to apply, visit our Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) “COVID-19 Housing” Information website .

MIHU Program This is your last week to apply for DHCD’s July Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program open enrollment program. Held quarterly, our MIHU program creates affordable homeownership opportunities to allow more families to call Howard County home. Eligible individuals and families can apply directly online for MIHU’s July open enrollment period or submit their application by mail to 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia, MD, 21046. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, applications may not be submitted in person at this time. Also, while DHCD had to cancel its in-person MIHU renter and homeownership informational workshops this July due to the pandemic, presentations from each informational workshop are available online . The DEADLINE to submit your application is this Friday, July 31 st .

Office of Emergency Management With last week’s severe weather, our Office of Emergency Management is offering up a quick refresher when it comes to understanding the difference between severe weather alerts, that is, a WATCH versus a WARNING.   When a WATCH is issued for a severe weather event, it means you should BE PREPARED as the weather event is possible in and near the watch area. Under a watch, residents should stay informed and be ready to act if a warning is issued. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.   When a WARNING is issued for a severe weather event, it means you should TAKE ACTION as severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. When a warning is issued, residents should take shelter immediately in a substantial building. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted the weather event.   Also, if you’ve not done so already, we encourage you to sign up to receive weather alerts straight to your mobile device and/or email stay informed about severe weather by. Visit the U.S. National Weather Service's website,  www.weather.gov/subscribe , for a list of available email and mobile application alert services.

Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) Last week, we launched the 30-day comment period for our draft Ellicott City Watershed Master Plan . This comprehensive, long-range plan represents the culmination of a multi-year public outreach process that began in response to the 2016 flood and builds upon our EC Safe and Sound plan. This Master Plan creates a community-driven vision for historic Ellicott City and the surrounding Tiber Branch Watershed by establishing goals, desired outcomes and policies for the next 20 years. The plan also features conceptual illustrations that can serve as inspiration should specific opportunities arise over time.   To learn how you can become involved and offer your thoughts on the draft plan during the comment period, I encourage you to visit https://hocodpz.konveio.com/ecmp today. For questions and/or more information, please contact Department of Planning and Zoning Lead Planner, Kate Bolinger, at kbolinger@howardcountymd.gov .

DPZ has also launched its planning process for our next General Plan, “ HoCo By Design .” The General Plan is the comprehensive long-range plan for all of Howard County and establishes policies on how and where the County will develop and grow in response to evolving economic, environmental and social conditions. While General Plans are updated approximately once every 10 years (the last update, PlanHoward 2030, was adopted in 2012), in response to community concerns about current land use regulations, the County has accelerated the update. "HoCo By Design" is currently scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2021. To learn more, visit  www.hocobydesign.com

Police Department’s Animal Control Division With hot, and most often humid, weather here to stay for the next couple of months, our Police Department’s Animal Control Division is reminding residents to keep their pet’s safe this summer and all year long. Remember, Howard County law requires that animals housed outside ALWAYS have access to appropriate shelter, bedding and a source of fresh drinking water. Also, dogs may not be tethered outside without supervision. These requirements are the bare minimum. If it's too hot out for you, it's probably too hot for your dog or cat.   Also, NEVER, EVER leave your pet unattended in a car. On an 85-degree day, it only takes 10 minutes for the inside of your car to reach 102 degrees. Even with a window left cracked an inch or two, your car can still overheat. Also, shady spots offer little protection on hot days as the shade moves with the sun. Young, overweight and elderly animals, or those with short muzzles or thick or dark-colored coats are most at risk for overheating. For additional tips on how to keep your pet safe during the summer months, check out the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ website to learn more.

Department of Public Works Next Tuesday, August 4, our Department of Public Works (DPW) will be hosting a VIRTUAL public meeting to present plans for a stream restoration project along Rogers Avenue in Ellicott City. The project will start approximately 500 feet north of Oak West Drive on Rogers Avenue and extend downstream and will involve the restoration and stabilization of approximately 1,200 linear feet of a tributary to the Sucker Branch. The purpose of the project is to reduce stream bed and bank erosion and to protect the surrounding infrastructure. To learn more about this meeting and how to participate, click HERE .

On Tuesday, August 11, DPW will be hosting a public meeting starting at 7:00 p.m., to present plans for a stream stabilization project between 6733 and 6737 Pirch Way in Elkridge. This project will involve the grading of the streambanks and the positioning of riffle grade control and stone toe protection structures along the project area. The purpose of the project is to stabilize approximately 300 linear feet of the stream channel and banks of a tributary to Deep Run and to provide water quality improvements to areas downstream. This project is expected to begin in September 2020. To learn more about this meeting and how to participate, click HERE .

Department of Public Works - Construction Report Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance projects that have been announced.   Columbia Kings Contrivance Sewer-House Connection Rehabilitation (Capital Project S-6232) – Project o reline approximately 40 public sanitary sewer-house connections along Stonebrook Lane and Blue Sea Drive in Columbia, expected to begin on or about Monday, August 3. During this project, there may be times when households are asked (with 48 hours prior notice) to limit or reduce the amount of water discharged to the County’s sewer main. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by mid-September.   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.

Department of Recreation and Parks (HCRP)

Check it out! While county residents should start finding or have already found a copy of our Department of Recreation & Parks’ (DRP) 2020 Fall Activity Guide in their mailbox, the Guide can also be viewed online now. This fall’s guide features both online and in-person programs (please note, some program information may be subject to change due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic), including fall/winter competitive sports. Online registration for Howard County residents begins Wednesday, August 5 th at 6:00 p.m., followed by registration for non-County residents a week (August 12 th , 6:00 p.m.) later.

When visiting a County Department of Recreation & Parks (DRP) park, playground and/or other amenity, please remember to take the necessary precautions to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This includes practicing physical distancing, wearing a face covering when possible and avoiding large gatherings. For the latest information on what Recreatoin & Parks’ facilities, amentieis and programs are open, as well as additional Recreation & Parks announcements, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/rap or following the Department on Facebook or Twitter .

Summer Camps For a list of currently operating DRP indoor and outdoor summer camps, as well as childcare services, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/rap . All DRP summer camps were reorganized to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines around COVID-19, which includes reducing group sizes and implementing new safety procedures.   Also, in light of the Howard County Public School System decision to move the start of its 2020-2021 academic school year to September 8 th , DRP will now be offering additional in-person and online summer camps through the end of August.

In addition to DCRS’ OAI, our Department of Recreation & Parks ALSO has a ton of great online programs and fun activities for residents, young and old, that you can participate in from the comfort of your own home! Check our DRP’s #AtHomewithHoCoRec website, www.howardcountymd.gov/athomewithhocorec , to learn more.

Office of Transportation

Before July is over, be sure to check out this month’s “ Love to Ride ” theme, focused on exploring and celebrating the great spots you come across while out on a bike ride.   As announced earlier this month, our Office of Transportation has partnered with the Baltimore Metropolitan Council to launch “Love to Ride” Howard County! Riding a bike has tremendous benefits for individuals, workplaces and communities and “Love to Ride” provides the tools and support you need to start riding or ride more often. “Love to Ride” offers a single platform where riders can keep track their riding, find answers and resources to help them ride more confidently, win prizes for riding and to encourage family, friends and coworkers to ride too. To learn more about “Love to Ride” and how to participate, visit www.lovetoride.net/centralmd .   You can also find helpful tips about biking safely during the COVID-19 era at www.ride-healthy.com .

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