As of 9:00 a.m. today, according to the Maryland Department of Health, 81.2% of Howard County residents 12+ have received at least one dose and 74.5% are fully vaccinated. Our vaccination efforts have made an incredible impact on limiting the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Howard County continues to lead the state with our incredible vaccination records, but we must not let the work stop there.

To date in Howard County, we’ve had 19,443 cases of COVID-19 and, sadly, 251 deaths. As of 9:00am today, our 7-day average positivity rate is 0.45% and our 7-day average case rate per 100,000 of our population is at 0.83, both these metrics are the lowest since we began tracking them. There are currently seven COVID-19 patients in both ICU and Acute Care unit.

Let’s StayCOVIDSafe by getting vaccinated today and encourage family and friends to get their shots too.

It was a beautiful day in Clarksville to join Jennie Kwon and her entire team to reveal Blowfish Poke’s new food truck. I was honored to meet Jennie when she was still a student at Howard Community College where she found her love for entrepreneurship. She has grown as an immense leader making Blowfish Poke a staple in Clarksville Commons for many residents and visitors. This new truck is a welcome expansion that will bring their delicious food across the County. Congratulations! 

Learn more about them here.

Each year on June 19th, communities across our County, State and Nation unite to celebrate and acknowledge Juneteenth. This day has become not only a time to commemorate liberation from the institution of slavery, but also a time to highlight resilience, solidarity and culture. It is why in April, I declared June 19th as Juneteenth National Freedom Day in Howard County, and am proud to celebrate the first year as a County holiday

I want to thank Dr. Everlene Cunningham, and the Board of the Howard County Center of African American Culture Inc., for their commitment to the community and legacy, and for hosting the 21st Annual Juneteenth celebration. 

While we have made progress over the last 155 years, we still have some ways to go to ensure every resident and member of our community is free and safe to live their best lives. In Howard County, diversity should be our strength, and we should continue working to be a more equitable and inclusive community, that includes making sure that we all have the opportunity to recognize and learn more about this defining day.

Nearly two years ago, our community was shocked with the sudden gas explosion in Columbia. I was so pleased to join Rohit Chawla and his entire team to welcome MANGO GROVE Indian Cuisine for their grand re-opening. They are evidence to the amazing resiliency of our restaurants and businesses, and I encourage us all to continue supporting our favorite local spots. 

Find their menu and more here.

We all have heard too many stories of residents searching for help—and we know this pandemic has further exacerbated these needs. Since the start of the pandemic, Howard County has seen a 45% increase in the number of families seeking intensive behavioral health services for their children who are not able to access them. To help address these concerns, Sheppard Pratt opened their Baltimore/Washington campus to reach residents where they are. 

Howard County was proud to contribute $1 million to the construction of this new building, which will continue to serve our residents for decades to come.

I was thrilled to join our incredible Howard Community College team for the groundbreaking of the much needed and long-awaited Mathematics and Athletic Facility. Community colleges continue to play a vital role in our region making education and career training accessible for all. 

This project breaks down barriers that sometimes may exist between math and athletics, serving as more than a brick and mortar building. This facility is an investment in our students and the next generation of leaders.

We are always so excited to welcome new, expanding businesses to Howard County, and I was pleased to welcome Cavalier Logistics to their new home in Jessup. They are a Veteran Owned Small Business specializing in full-service logistics solutions to meet today’s demanding environment in both the commercial and government sectors.

Learn more about their services here.

One of the earliest ways to set kids up for success is giving them access to education prior to kindergarten. We know that getting our students career and college-ready starts long before high school. Head Start provides critical early childhood education and enrichment for our young residents.

Last week, leaders from around our community gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Bauder Education Center, a vital early education program of the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) at Long Reach Village Center. This larger space will allow for more classroom capacity and reduce challenging transit needs for some of our residents.

For so many of our families who are already struggling, providing free pre-k is a huge weight lifted and sets a strong foundation for our children. This amazing center would not be possible without the power of our community.

Laughter is one of the best forms of medicine, but it's not the only way to take care of your mental health. According to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), nearly one in ten men reported experiencing some form of depression or anxiety, but less than half sought treatment. This Men's Health Month, I encourage us all to check in on our loved ones and let them know support is available. 

Let's Talk About Mental Health. Learn more here.

As we’ve known since the start of this pandemic, it’s going to take all of us working together to get to the other side of this and we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. According to the Maryland Department of Health, 67.7% of residents between the ages of 12 and 17 have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 56.2% are fully vaccinated.

There are many vaccine clinics happening around the County. Find one near you by visiting vaccine.howardcountymd.gov. Let's StayCOVIDSafe and get vaccinated!

Howard County is currently leading the State with 82.8% of residents 18+ who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 76.6% are fully vaccinated, according to the Maryland Department of Health. Howard County is the only jurisdiction in the State to have more than 80% of residents 18+ vaccinated with at least one dose.

We remain committed to ensuring all eligible residents receive the COVID-19 vaccine as quickly, safely, and efficiently as possible and will continue to StayCOVIDSafe by working together.

Last week, our Department of Community Resources and Services' (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) and Howard County Police Department (HCPD) partnered with local, state and federal agencies to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15^th and spread awareness and prevention strategies to combat this disturbing crime. Elder abuse can take many forms: physical, financial, neglect, fraud and others. It is estimated that as few as one in 14 cases of elder abuse come to the attention of authorities, making it significantly under identified and under reported. Regardless of education, finances or mental capacity, anyone can easily become a victim. 

To learn more about how you can recognize and report elder abuse, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/eldersafety.

Parents, together we can create a community that provides opportunities for self-determination and independence, whether in college or in one’s career, for residents of all abilities. That is why I encourage parents looking to play an integral role in ensuring all our students are ready and successful, to apply to for our Department of Community Resources and Services' (DCRS) Commission for Transitioning Students with Disabilities.

To learn more about the Commission, including eligibility requirements and details on how to apply, please click HERE. The DEADLINE to apply is Wednesday, June 30^th.

This past Memorial Day, DCRS’s Office of Veterans and Military Families (OVMF), with the support of the Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families, launched a new initiative to highlight veterans and military families. Our new “Fallen Heroes Tribute” initiative will feature profiles on our website of men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country and make sure these heroes are never forgotten. To learn more about the initiative and/or how to submit a narrative to honor the memory and service of a Howard County veteran, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/veterans today.

June is National Pet Preparedness Month and all month long, our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will be sharing helpful tips on its Facebook page to make sure you and your pet are ready when disaster strikes. Such as, when developing your family’s emergency supply kit, be sure to build a kit for your pet(s) too. Be sure to include items such as pet food and water, extra leash and collar, litter, a picture of you and your pet together, and medicine. Also, be sure to create two kits, one larger kit if you are sheltering in place and one lightweight version for if you need to evacuate.

For more helpful tips and information on pet preparedness, follow along with OEM on Facebook all month long or visit www.ready.gov/pets.

Also, in addition to June being National Pet Preparedness Month, June also kicks off the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1^st to November 30^th. Hurricanes are among nature's most powerful and destructive phenomenon and this season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center is predicting another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2021. To make sure you and your family stay in the know about the potential for hurricane activity in our area this season, be sure to download FEMA’s mobile app or sign up to receive text messages from FEMA.

For tips on what to do before, during and after a hurricane, visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

Have you voted yet for Sowell? Sowell is our four-legged co-worker and he’s competing for highest honor in all the canine world, the American Humane's 2021 American Hero Dog award! Our Department of Fire and Rescue Services' (DFRS) accelerant detection canine, Sowell has made it through to the next round of this year’s awards. By casting your vote daily, now through July 15^th, you can help us show everyone how great Sowell is and how much he means to DFRS, our community and Maryland.

Misplaced your COVID-19 Vaccination Card? Never fear! You can easily request your vaccination records the Maryland Department of Health’s “Maryland MyIR” website. Maryland MyIR is a free website service that allows residents to view and print copies of their official vaccination records directly from ImmuNet, Maryland's immunization information system. ImmuNet is used by healthcare providers to securely maintain vaccination records for Maryland residents of all ages.

Howard County Police Department (HCPD) officers believe the two individuals shown in this video were involved in a weapon violation in a parking lot in the 10200 block of Wincopin Circle in Columbia on June 12^th at 4:44 p.m. Callers to 911 reported hearing a verbal altercation with another man and woman, and then multiple gunshots. No one was injured and the parties were gone when officers got to the scene. If you think you know this grey Chrysler with the all black wheels, or either of the people associated with it, please contact HCPD at 410-313-STOP or email HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov.

HCPD is reminding motorists, particularly those who travel US 1, that all traffic from both directions MUST STOP for stopped school buses with flashing red lights when the roadway is a two-lane road, a two-lane road with a center turning lane (as seen in HCPD's video) or a four-lane road without a median separation. As a reminder, Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) school buses are all now equipped with external cameras to capture violators. The fine for illegally passing a stopped school bus is $250. Avoid the fine and stop for the stopped school bus.

As noted by HCPD, HCPSS bus routes are set up so students do NOT have to cross major roadways to get to their homes, including at the stop shown in this video. However, students and others are not prohibited from crossing the street to get to another location once dropped off. That is why drivers in both directions must stop in this particular roadway set up.

Click HERE for more information about HCPD's External School Bus Camera Program.

HCPD is REMINDING residents to NEVER leave your vehicle unlocked and NEVER leave valuables in your car. Recently, our officers arrested three individuals in several theft from vehicle cases on Trotters Chase in Ellicott City and Wecker Way in Elkridge, in which the suspects stole items such as designer sunglasses, AirPods, golf clubs, and a wallet from vehicles, used the credit cards from the stolen wallet to make various fraudulent purchases and pawned stolen items. In many cases like these, thieves target unlocked vehicles with valuables left in plain sight. Before exiting your vehicle, keep in mind, thieves often bypass vehicles they discover are locked or do not have items of value in plain sight. So, when parking your car, whether at work, home or elsewhere, ALWAYS remove valuables, lock your car and take all sets of keys with you. This will greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of this crime.

If you do discover your vehicle has been rummaged through, but nothing has been stolen, HCPD still encourages you to file a police report. Doing so can help police connect related theft from vehicles and identifying trends. You can easily file a police report online or by calling the County’s non-emergency number at 410-313-2200. For crimes in progress, please call 911.

To learn about DPW 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 (SHA) “Project Portal” website.

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Don’t forget Howard County, the Independence Day holiday is one of the six holidays that affects County provided curbside trash, recycling, food scraps and yard trim collection. As a result, there will be no Monday collection on July 5^th due to the holiday being observed that day. The County's holiday "slide schedule" will therefore be in effect the week of Memorial Day, with Monday's pickup sliding to Tuesday, Tuesday to Wednesday and so forth.

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun work to improve the roadway surface on MD 103 at the MD 100 interchange, including the two roundabouts and exit ramps in the interchange, in Elkridge. Crews will be working overnight, Sunday nights through Friday mornings, 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. A detour will be in place when crews are working on the exit ramps. Weather permitting, the roadway maintenance project is expected to be complete by July.

For more information about this project, click HERE and/or contact SHA at 410-545-0303.

  

It’s National Pollinator Week! Did you know, nearly 75 percent of all flowering plant species need the help of pollinators, like birds, insects, bats and other small mammals, to move their heavy pollen grains from plant to plant for fertilization. Pollinators play a critical role in our global ecosystem as they are responsible for helping create one-third of the food and beverages we eat and drink.  

I invite you to join our Department of Recreation & Parks this National Pollinator Week by participating its FREE StoryWalk® along the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA) trail, located at 5795 Trotter Road in Clarksville. Put together with the help of our friends over at the Howard County Library System, StoryWalk® participants will learn about nature’s pollinators through the pages of Protect the Pollinators by Rachael Rose Zoller placed along the trail for all to enjoy. Combining reading, physical activity and family time in a fun new way, StoryWalk® deconstructs children’s books, turning them into signs and placing them along a trail where visitors can stroll and follow the story from page to page. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

In addition to StoryWalk®, I also encourage you to stop by our Robinson Nature Center (RNC) and explore its meadow and pollinator garden with the help of RNC’s meadow exploration kit, which include a small butterfly net, magnifying glasses, a bug box and ID guides. 

Thank you to all who joined Recreation & Parks Director A. Raul Delerme and I last Saturday for a ceremony dedicating Blandair Regional Park’s new “play-for-all” playground in memory of former Bureau Chief of Recreation Laura Wetherald, who unexpectedly passed away on February 19, 2021. During her distinguished 34-year career, Laura helped shape Recreation & Parks’ Therapeutic Recreation program and was an inspiring person and a passionate advocate, especially for individuals with special needs. Laura was instrumental in the design of Blandair’s “play-for-all” playground and this wonderful playground is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the disability community, as well as her ability to bring people together through the joy of discovering all that our Recreation & Park have to offer.

Wake up with Recreation & Parks this Sunday, June 27^th for its Mornin’ Bite Fishing at Centennial Lake. Starting at 4:30 a.m., anglers of all-ages can choose to fish from the lake’s shore or bring their own boat. Recreation & Parks will open the entrance gate to Centennial Park South on Sunday at 4:30 a.m. until 5:00 a.m. for on-site registration only. Cost is $5 per person; the fee is collected at check-in. Note, anglers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For additional event info and/or to RSVP, click HERE.

Planning an upcoming trip to our Blandair Regional Park? Recreation & Parks is reminding park visitors to ONLY park in designated parking spaces when arriving at the park, playground and other amenities. Additionally, to ensure the safety of all park visitors, Recreation & Parks is also asking park goers to use the pedestrian pathways to travel throughout the park and to stay out of roadways. 

Want to get away this September? Join Recreation & Parks’ Trips and Tours for an extended excursion to Cape Cod, Massachusetts from September 19^th to September 23^rd. Participants will enjoy the serene waters of Hyannis Harbor, tour the bustling city of Boston, shop at Quincy Market and find a treasure in the artist town of Provincetown. This one-of-a-kind trip includes hotel lodging and meals. To register for single or double occupancy accommodations, visit https://tinyurl.com/HCRPCapeCodSep.