Dear friends,
The celebration of National Mentoring Month recognizes the importance of mentorships in our community. Mentoring can be an effective strategy to increase opportunities for leaders and emerging leaders of all ages. Matching a caring, responsible mentor with a men-tee provides guidance and confidence to those who will build a better tomorrow for all.
With the support of County, State, business and community leaders, we can expand opportunities to succeed and thrive. Today, and every day, I encourage us all to take advantage of mentorship opportunities and do our part to help guide emerging leaders to grow as successful, influential individuals.
This week, we will be spotlighting an inspirational and aspirational Mentor in Howard County Government throughout the Month:
Priscilla Kung, the Purchasing Card Program Administrator from the Office of Purchasing, is a prior Mentoring Award winner because she embodies the motto that “A good mentor motivates others by setting a good example.” She is known for pitching in when the workload requires it and spending crucial time training co-workers so that they learn new roles and responsibilities for the future. She stands out as a guiding force with staff, vendors and co-workers in other departments across the county.
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Honoring our Women
I encourage all of our residents to visit the remarkable exhibits at the Historical Society that will be created throughout the year to honor many of the incredible women who call Howard County home.
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Human Trafficking Awareness Month
January is Human Trafficking Awareness month. In Howard County, we are working daily to raise awareness and keep all of our residents safe. In 2018, there were 314 victims of human trafficking identified in Maryland by the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
Hopeworks, the County’s partner in serving survivors of trafficking, served 87 survivors in 2017-2018, including 33 with emergency shelter.
Human trafficking is chronically under-reported, but these statistics give us a helpful baseline. Throughout this month, we will be busting myths and sharing helpful, accurate information about the nature of this complex crime.
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The Loan Closet is back and bigger than ever!
We’ve seen the use and need for the services of the Loan Closet grow significantly in the past three years, with more than 12,000 residents seeking assistive devices, saving families nearly $5 million. I was thrilled to join
Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services Office of Aging and Independence for the grand opening of the second expansion for the Loan Closet. This new center is more than 7,500 square feet in size.
Thank you to Secretary Carol Beatty, Secretary Rona Kramer, and Jason Herring for your continued partnership. With this new space there is also an expansion of services and accessibility, allowing us to continue working towards a community that improves the quality of life for residents of all ages and abilities.
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First Day of the Maryland General Assembly
I was pleased to start the day wishing many of our Howard County Legislators a productive session. It was also great to see my fellow county executives, mayors, and dozens of other public servants who I respect and appreciate. Through partnership and collaboration, we can make huge strides for the betterment of our County and our State. I look forward to working with each of them over the next 90 days and beyond.
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Honoring Dr. King with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
These programs help us respond together as a community and provide an environment where our students can thrive. Thank you to Chapter President Brother Bruce Nelson, Brother Vic Carter, and our Keynote Brother Maurice Stinnett for your commitment to advancing our community. First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All.
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Visiting Morgan State University
It was an honor to attend the annual Martin Luther King, Jr Scholarship Breakfast at my Alma Mater,
Morgan State University. This annual breakfast pays tribute to the life and legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr and raises scholarship money for deserving students. I was glad to return to support these important programs.
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New Service Portal
In case you missed it: After receiving complaints that our website is overly cumbersome and confusing to locate information or do online business with the County, we created this ‘one-stop shop’ to provide easier and more convenient access to all County information and services. If you haven't already, I encourage you to visit the new portal here:
https://services.howardcountymd.gov/hcportal
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Lunar New Year Celebration
Lunar New Year is one of the most important traditional holidays in East Asian culture. This Lunar New Year, the Year of the Rat, I invite you to join me and members of our community at our Annual Lunar New Year celebration at the Mall in Columbia, Saturday January 25
th. This celebration features more than a dozen music and dance performances along with cultural demonstrations and ethnic food. The event is free and open to the public. I look forward to seeing you there!
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Department of Community Resources and Services
Tomorrow, January 14
th, the Howard County
Commission for Women will hosts its first topic, “Fair and Equitable Wages,” in its “Women’s Empowerment” speaker series. This series features local leaders with expertise on issues relevant to the Commission’s mission to promote the economic, social and political equity of women. Tomorrow’s event will feature Kimberly Prescott, President of Prescott HR, Inc., an expert in human resources/employment law compliance and employee relations. Prescott has played an integral part in developing a strong internal management and human resources structure for clients facing organizational change and/or rapid growth.
There is still time to register for tomorrow’s FREE event, as registration is required to attend. To register, click
HERE.
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In order to maintain safe and engaged communities across Howard County, we must eradicate all forms of human trafficking in our great county. In 2019, the Howard County Council passed
Council Bill 52-2019
, which established 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. If you have interest or experience in the issue of human trafficking, I encourage you to
apply
today for the Council. The
deadline
to apply is Friday, January 31
st
.
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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
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Parents, guardians, grandparents and child care personnel, join our Department of Community Resources and Services on Saturday, February 1
st
for its annual Preschool/Child Care Information Fair. Providing you with a “one stop shop” for information on child care, pre-school and summer programs, this year's fair will feature representatives from community service organizations that offer programs and services to Howard County’s young children. Attendees will also have the opportunity to attend an informational session on “How to Choose an Early Childhood Program,” offered at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Admission to the Fair is FREE; however, attendees are asked to bring nonperishable food items or an unopened pack of diapers to donate to the Howard County Food Bank. To register to receive updates and reminders about this event,
https://hocochildcarefair.eventbrite.com
.
For questions and/or more information, contact the Office of Children and Families at 410-313-1940 (voice/relay) or email
children@howardcountymd.gov
.
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Department of Fire and Rescue Services
While this past weekend might have been warm, colder temps are headed our way later this week. With the cold, our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) is reminding residents to keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating sources. Also, ALWAYS plug your space heater directly into a wall outlet. NEVER use an extension cord or power strip.
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Public safety begins with public awareness. Learn more about fire safety by requesting a
visit
from Firefighter Tim Sinz and DFRS’s Safety House to your next community event, birthday party, classroom, etc. by completing the department’s
Public Education Request form
today.
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Health Department
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. Nearly 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with
cervical cancer each year, but the disease is preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening (Pap and HPV tests). The Health Department provides both the
tests and the HPV vaccine. For more information about the Health Department’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program, click
HERE or call 410-313-7500 to make an appointment.
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January is National Radon Action Month. This month, the U.S. Surgeon General and the Environmental Protection Agency urges all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes for radon. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of about 21,000 Americans each year. You can’t see, smell or taste radon, but it could be present in your home.
Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk and testing radon levels in your home can help prevent unnecessary exposure. If a high radon level is detected in your home, you can take steps to fix the problem to protect yourself and your family. Visit
www.epa.gov/radon
to learn more.
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Department of Housing and Community Development
With the first month of 2020 almost over, there is still time to register 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, I encourage you to attend one of our upcoming workshops to learn more about the program’s eligibility requirements and spread the word. To learn more, visit
www.howardcountymd.gov/MIHU_openenrollment
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
.
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In addition to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration on the 19
th
, we will also be honoring Dr. King on Monday, January 20
th
with the County’s annual “Day of Service Across Howard County” project. Volunteer opportunities and trainings include: “The I Can, I Will Create Peace” workshop, Hands-Only CPR and “Stop the Bleed” training and coupon clipping for veterans, among other great opportunities. If interested in volunteering on the 20
th
, I encourage you to visit
www.volunteerhoward.org/hocomlkserve
today to sign-up. All volunteers are invited to attend a kick-off celebration that morning at 9:00 a.m. at the Ascend One Building, 8930 Stanford Boulevard in Columbia.
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Police Department
As we announced on
Facebook
, beginning today, January 13
th
, the County is resuming parking enforcement along Historic Ellicott City’s Main Street. Visitors, businesses and residents are reminded to obey the designated “No Parking,” loading and handicapped parking areas along Main Street. Parking in these areas creates a safety issue for pedestrians and drivers, and our Police Department have recently seen increasing violations.
Also, be sure to honor the two-hour parking limit, in place Monday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., to allow all visitors the opportunity to enjoy all Main Street has to offer.
Remember there are NO time limits on the free parking in the lettered parking lots.
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Hey parents! Do you have a young driver in your home? If so, consider signing them up today for our Police Department’s (HCPD)
Collision Avoidance Training
(C.A.T.) program. Developed by the National Traffic Safety Academy and adapted from law enforcement training, the C.A.T. program is a defensive driving and vehicle control program that teaches young drivers how to better handle their vehicles in various situations. Participants must be ages 16 to 20, possess a valid Maryland "Class C" driver’s license (no learner's permit) and bring a vehicle to drive during the practical exercises.
Held once a month, the 2020 schedule is as follows: March 21
st
, April 18
th
, May 9
th
, June 20
th
, July 18
th
, August 22
nd
, September 12
th
, October 17
th
, November 21
st
and December 12
th
. Cost is $95 per participant. To register, call 410-313-3216 or email
CATprogram@howardcountymd.gov
.
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RECOGNIZE THIS SUSPECT
? HCPD is asking for the public’s help to identify the suspect in November 21
st
and December 3
rd
commercial burglaries at the Shell gas station in the 5600 block of Waterloo Road in Ellicott City. In both cases, the suspect enters the store and steals items, including lottery tickets he is seen cashing at other stores. The suspect is described as a white male with an average build and black hair and a “USMC” marking on his right forearm that may be drawn on or a tattoo. If you have any information, I ask that you please contact HCPD at 410-313-STOP or email
HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov
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D
o you want to be an integral part of Howard County's public safety operation? We are now testing for 911 dispatchers! To be considered for employment, you must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen, have no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions, and possess a high school diploma or GED. Employment benefits include health, dental and life insurance, vacation, disability and personal leave, six percent night shift differential pay, and more.
To begin the application process, click
HERE
. Please note, you MUST apply to be able to take the typing test.
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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 6, 2020
newsletter.
Ellicott City
- Brampton Hill Stream Repair – In 2012, DPW, in conjunction with the Maryland State Highway Administration, completed a stream restoration project between the MD 100 noise wall and the backyards on Bramhope Lane. In conducting its annual inspections of the work, DPW has identified several small areas that require minor repair work. Access for this repair work will occur from the open space lot next to 4947 Bramhope Lane. Weather, and other things, permitting this project is expected to start as soon as February and is expected to take approximately four weeks to complete. For questions and/or more information about this project, contact DPW Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6413.
Laurel
- Davis Avenue Pond Repair (Capital Project D-1112) – Project to improve a stormwater management pond near 9384 Davis Avenue. Signs will be posted in the area to alert motorists of the construction and flagging operations will be in place to direct traffic, as an occasional lane shift may be necessary during the delivery of materials to the site during construction hours, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late April.
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.
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Maryland State Highway Administration
In case you missed it in last week’s newsletter, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will be hosting a public informational meeting and open house on Thursday, February 13
th
from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the cafeteria at
Hammond High School
to announce upcoming improvements on US 29 at Rivers Edge Road in Columbia to enhance safety and reduce the potential for serious injury crashes at the intersection.
The project will modify the intersection to only permit right turns to and from southbound US 29 at Rivers Edge Road. The traffic signal will be removed, and the US 29 median crossover will be closed to traffic. Motorists on Rivers Edge Road with destinations to the north will be directed to use the Johns Hopkins Road/to Gorman Road exit to access northbound US 29, and motorists traveling on northbound US 29 destined for Rivers Edge Road will be directed to use the MD 32 interchange to access Rivers Edge Road from southbound US 29. These improvements are scheduled to begin in April 2020.
This informational meeting will familiarize the public with the project and provide attendees an opportunity to discuss project details. Maps and displays will depict the proposed improvements and SHA representatives will be available to discuss project issues and answer questions. There will be a formal presentation starting at 6:30 p.m. however, those interested in attending may arrive at any time during the meeting hours and walk through the display area at their own pace.
For questions or assistance contact Elizabeth Harris, SHA District 7 Community Liaison at (301) 624-8157 or email
eharris8@mdot.maryland.gov
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Department of Public Works' Bureau of Environmental Services
This is your last week to recycle your holiday tree through DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services’ "
Merry Mulch
" program. Through this Saturday, January 18
th
, County residents can drop-off their holiday trees for recycling seven days a week, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the
drop-off sites
throughout the County (look for the Merry Mulch sign). In addition, County residents with curbside yard trim collection can set their holiday tree out on their
yard trim day
for collection through Friday, January 17
th
. Trees will not be picked up on trash collection days during this time for residents with yard trim collection. All decorations, including tinsel, garland, ornaments, lights, tree stands, plastic bags, etc. must be removed. Trees must also be cut into less than four-foot lengths and tied; they should not be bagged. Each bundle must weigh less than 40 pounds.
Help us keep thousands of holiday trees out of our landfill, by participating in our Merry Mulch program today. For questions and/or more information about this program, visit the Merry Mulch
website
or call 410-313-6444.
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REMINDER: Residents with
yard trim collection
, this is your LAST week of curbside pickup until the first week of April when the program resumes. This does NOT apply to households participating in the County's
food scrap collection program
as food scrap collection areas receive yard trim/food scrap collection year-round. For questions and/or more information, contact the Bureau of Environmental Services at 410-313-6444.
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While Howard County Government offices will be CLOSED next Monday, January 20
th
for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, the County’s holiday slide schedule for curbside collection will NOT be in effect that week. There will be regular curbside trash, recycling and food scrap/yard trim (for those with both) collection the week of January 20
th
through January 25
th
. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday is NOT one of the six holidays that affects curbside collection. The six holidays that do affect curbside collection are: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. To learn more about the County's holiday slide schedule, check out
www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule
.
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This past weekend’s warm temps were a friendly reminder that the first day of spring is a little more than two months away. With spring, comes new plantings and a great tool to help your garden grow is locally sourced compost which our Bureau of Environmental Services happens to have some waiting just for you! You see, the Bureau collects those food scraps and yard trim products you set out curbside and recycles it into its high-quality HoCoGro compost. In fact, the Bureau's HoCoGro compost was recently
awarded the US Composting Council’s “Seal of Testing Assurance
” (STA). This certification signifies that the HoCoGro compost produced by the County meets all federal, state and local regulations and permitting to which the STA Certified Compost products are subject. It's also the only compost in Maryland produced by a local jurisdiction with this distinction.
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Department of Recreation & Parks
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If you are looking for a “cool” weekend activity for the whole family, check out Recreation & Parks’
Frozen Fest
on January 19
th
from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the
Robinson Nature Center
. At this frozen festival celebrating science and nature, participants will take a virtual tour through chilly locales, enjoy a guided nature trail walk, witness out-of-this-world temperature experiments and meet some of Robinson’s cold-blooded inhabitants. There will also be an ice cream sandwich bar! Get your
tickets
today as space for this event is limited.
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Howard County Recreation and Parks' 2020 Summer Camp Guide is NOW available ONLINE at
www.howardcountymd.gov/programs
. Online registration for Howard County residents begins Wednesday, February 5
th
at 6:00 p.m., with all other methods (over-the-phone, mail-in and in-person) for County residents beginning the next day. For non-Howard County residents, online registration begins for you on February 12
th
at 6:00 p.m. and all other methods the following day.
County residents should receive a hard copy of the guide in the mail by the end of the month.
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Are you ready to declutter your home but need some inspiration and support? This Wednesday, January 15
th
, join instructor Jenn Todd Lavanish for Closet Control at Oakland Mills High School. Participants will learn how to rethink and rework those often unseen closet and storage spaces through idea-generating handouts, techniques and sharing systems like those from many popular home organizers. To learn more and/or to register for this event, visit
https://tinyurl.com/ClosetControlHCRP
.
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REMINDER: The gates to
Cedar Lane Park’s east area
, located off MD 108, are currently CLOSED as the sports field undergoes renovations. While the gate to the east area will be closed, park goers may still utilize the playground, basketball court and tennis courts, accessible from pathway from the park’s west area. Weather permitting, the work is expected to be completed and east area gates reopened on or about March 15, 2020.
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Department of Technology and Communication Services
That being said, Homeland Security’s
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the nation’s risk adviser, shared NTAS’s bulletin with the County, ensuring us that they will provide protective measures when and if their understanding of risk changes. CISA does encourage us to be proactive and to share ideas for the best defense against potential threats.
For example, here is just one critical action we urge you to practice at all times: never click on any suspicious links, attachments or emails, including those on social media. Now you might be asking yourself, how do I know if an email is suspicious or could be a phishing email? Here are just a few things to be on the lookout for:
- The message contains poor spelling and grammar.
- The message asks you for personal information.
- An offer in the message seems too good to be true.
- You are asked for money to cover expenses.
- You didn’t initiate the action (e.g., you won a contest that you didn’t enter).
For more tips on how to identify a scam, visit our Office of Consumer Protection’s “Scam Alerts!”
website
. As always, always be vigilant and stay connected. Most importantly, if you
See Something, Say Something
!
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As part of its Hickory Ridge Bike Corridor study, the Office of Transportation will be hosting an
OPEN HOUSE
event this Wednesday, January 15
th
from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the media center at
Atholton High School
to present concept plans. Part of the County’s
BikeHoward Master Plan
, the goal of the Hickory Ridge Bike Corridor study is to develop a preferred route for continuous bicycle facilities to connect existing bike lanes on Grace Drive (providing access from River Hill and points west) to Hickory Ridge, Downtown Columbia and the rest of the Columbia pathway system and bike network.
While there will be no formal presentation, staff will be on hand to discuss the concept proposals on display. Written comment forms will be provided at the open house. The displays will also be available
online
after the open house, and comments can be emailed to
transportation@howardcountymd.gov
until January 31
st
.
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Office of Workforce Development
IT/Cyber businesses, I invite you to join myself and the Maryland Department of Labor on Thursday, January 30
th
for a roundtable discussion on how registered IT/Cyber apprenticeships can contribute to the growth of your business and retention of your staff. The event will take place from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the
Columbia Workforce Center
. To register for this FREE event, visit
https://cwc-2020-itcyber-roundtable.eventbrite.com
. If you need assistance, please contact Elexis Lawson with our Office of Workforce Development at 410-290-2609 or email
lawson@howardcountymd.gov
.
Please note, in the event Howard County public schools are delayed or close, this event will be rescheduled.
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Upcoming Events and Meetings
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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, with a free reception on January 17
th
from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A highlight of the reception will be the presentation of the Covington Emerging Artist Award, sponsored by HorseSpirit Arts Gallery, to an emerging artist participating in
HoCo Open
.
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January 14 - Howard County Commission for Women's Empowerment Speaker Series: Fair and Equitable Wages
First in a series of events to promote and inspire women's empowerment, this event fosters conversation on how to promote the economic equality of women through salary and earnings. The featured speaker is Kimberly Prescott, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, President, Prescott HR, Inc, an expert in human resources/employment law compliance and employee relations. Prescott has played an integral part in developing a strong internal management and human resources structure for clients facing organizational change and/or rapid growth. To register for this FREE event, visit
https://cfwspeakerseries.eventbrite.com
or call 410-313-6400 for more information.
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January 15 - Hickory Ridge Bike Corridor Study Open House
Join the County’s Office of Transportation for an
open house event
, where the office will present concepts developed through the Hickory Ridge Bike Corridor study. While there will be no formal presentation, staff will be on hand to discuss the concept proposals on display. Written comment forms will be provided at the open house. The displays will also be available
online
after the open house, and comments can be emailed to
transportation@howardcountymd.gov
until January 31
st
.
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January 15
-
MIHU Homeownership Information Workshop Session #2
Prospective buyers are ENCOURAGED to
register
to attend this FREE information session. Attendees will become knowledgeable of Housing’s Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program requirements and the application and selection processes. Housing will address the importance of credit and how it impacts the home buying 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.
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January 16 - Health Department Rabies Vaccine Clinic
Howard County Health Department, in cooperation with the Animal Control and Adoption Center, to host its monthly local vaccination clinic to protect your pet from the rabies virus. County residents are invited to bring their dog, cat or ferret for a discounted vaccination the 3
rd
Thursday of each month. Click
HERE
to learn more.
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January 18 - Because of Her: Rosa Parks
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January 19 - Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
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January 19 - Frozen Fest
Recreation & Parks’
Frozen Fest
celebrates science and nature. Participants will go on a virtual tour through chilly locales, enjoy a guided nature trail walk, witness out-of-this-world temperature experiments and meet some of Robinson’s cold-blooded inhabitants. There will also be an ice cream sandwich bar! As space is limited, get your tickets today by clicking
HERE
.
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January 20 -
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Closings
Howard County Government offices will be closed on Monday, January 20
th
in observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. There will be REGULAR curbside trash, recycling and food scrap/yard trim (for those with both) collection on the 20
th
; the County’s
holiday "slide” schedule
will NOT be in effect. For a full list of what County Government offices and local affiliates are OPEN and CLOSED on the 20
th
, click
HERE
.
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January 20 | Day of Service Across Howard County
Join the County on January 20
th
for our annual “Day of Service Across Howard County” project. Volunteer opportunities and trainings include: “The I Can, I Will Create Peace” workshop, Hands-Only CPR and “Stop the Bleed” training and coupon clipping for veterans, among other great opportunities. If interested in volunteering on the 20
th
, I encourage you to visit
www.volunteerhoward.org/hocomlkserve
today to sign-up. All volunteers are invited to attend a kick-off celebration that morning at 9:00 a.m. at the Ascend One Building, 8930 Stanford Boulevard in Columbia.
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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.
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January 25 | Lunar New Year Celebration
Lunar New Year is one of the most important traditional holidays in East Asian culture. This Lunar New Year, the Year of the Rat, I invite you to join me and members of our community at our
Annual Lunar New Year celebration
at The Mall in Columbia. This celebration features more than a dozen music and dance performances along with cultural demonstrations and ethnic food. The event is free and open to the public.
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