Dear Friends,
It’s important that our community remain informed on COVID-19 data and trends as we continue to combat this virus. As of 9:00 a.m. today and according to the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Howard County’s 7-day average positivity rate is 1.83% and has remained well below the Governor’s and CDC’s recommendation of 5%.
To date, we have administered 135,712 tests, and tested 87,623 county residents, which is 27.2% of our population. The average age of cases is trending up to 39 years of age and 67% of all cases to date are under the age of 50. Additionally, our 7-day average of cases per 100,000 of our population is at 5.4, according to MDH. Our COVID-19 hospitalizations have remained steady, and we currently have 14 COVID-19 patients in both our ICU and Acute Care units.
Robust testing continues to help us understand the significance of COVID-19 in our community. I cannot stress this enough, if you live or have been around high-risk individuals, gone back to work, and/or are concerned about coming into contact with someone who tested positive, please take time to get tested today. To find an updated list of Howard County testing locations, please visit HCHealth.org.
The virus is not gone, and we are still combatting this deadly virus. As the weather cools, please remember that indoor activities are higher risk for transmission. Adherence to prevention measures like washing hands, wearing masks, and physical distancing are key to limiting the spread of COVID-19, even when spending time with family and friends
For more data and COVID-19 information, please click here. |
|
Honoring our Fallen Heroes
No matter how many years have passed, no matter how many periods of crisis we endure, we will never forget those who sacrificed their lives in service. I joined the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services at the Garden of Valor in Marriottsville to recognize and honor our fallen fire and rescue service members.
The fire service has a great tradition of family, honor and respect, and it is evident in the service provided by our brothers and sisters. These heroes and their families deserve our thanks, appreciation, and our eternal gratitude.
|
|
2020 Small Business Summit
Please join the Howard County Chamber, Economic Development Authority, and me for our 2020 Small Business Series. The seminar will provide local businesses with valuable information on financing, marketing and innovation strategies. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for resources and services available for our local, small businesses so they can remain successful and contribute to our overall economy.
I encourage small, local business owners and entrepreneurs to join me for this series.
October 7th, 9:30am - 12:00pm; featuring Brandon Bellamy, CEO of Velocity Companies.
October 14th, 9:30am - 12:00pm; featuring Anuja Sonalker, CEO of STEER Tech.
October 21st, 9:30 am - 12:00pm; featuring Nat Alston, the Horizon Group, Ryan Miller, Principal Functions, Dean Hof, Howard County Purchasing, and more.
|
|
Welcome F45 Training
We are so glad to welcome new businesses in Howard County, which contribute to the overall health and well-being of our community. F45 Training Columbia MD provides a team-based fitness approach through motivation and innovation so participants can achieve life-changing wellness results. Congratulations to Rex Patel and Jen Lopez on the grand opening of F45 Training in Columbia.
To learn more, please click here. |
|
HoCo Brew Hive's Anniversary
Congratulations to HoCo Brew Hive on their one year anniversary! We are so thankful for our local restaurants who contribute to Howard County's amazing culinary scene. We wish Scott Sciandra and his team many more years of success to come.
Although Maryland's inaugural Restaurant Week is over, please continue to support our small restaurants and businesses, especially during this difficult time.
|
|
Lending a Helping Hand
No one should have to choose between paying rent or purchasing food for themselves or their family, and COVID-19 has forced many of our residents into unimaginable circumstances. I joined Delegate Eric Ebersole, Senator Katie Fry Hester, our partners at the Y Of Central Maryland; John Hoey, CEO, Michelle Becote-Jackson, Chief Strategy Officer, Eric Summerville, VP Corporate and Civic Engagement, Mike Hines, Associate Executive Director, Rob Gray, VP Operations; and Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services at the The Dancel Y in Ellicott City to provide meals for our residents in need.
|
|
In addition, we must ensure that every member of our community is counted in the 2020 Census. The Census provides federal funding for important resources and services like addressing food insecurity, providing rental assistance, and so much more. Although the deadline may have been extended, take your Census today at 2020Census.gov.
It's important, easy, and safe.
|
|
CAC Pre-K Opportunity
All our children deserve the best education possible, so they can be ready and successful. The Community Action Council Head Start and Pre-K program is now open for applicants. Howard County residents with children ages 3-5 are eligible to apply, and may qualify for free classes.
Thank you to the Community Action Council for ensuring that our children get the care and encouragement from a young age to grow and thrive. For more details and to apply, please click here. |
|
Best Place to Live
In Howard County, we are committed to ensuring our community is the best place to live, work, and play for all. I am so pleased that Money Magazine named Columbia as the fifth Best Place to Live in the United States annual rankings. It is humbling to be the only county in Maryland to make the list and is a testament to our continued investment in our quality of life.
From increased employment opportunities to destination attractions and everything else in between, we are so glad for this recognition for one of Howard County’s prominent towns. Together, we will build upon the vision of Jim Rouse where Columbia remains the “city of hope."
|
|
2020 Tree Giveaway
Planting trees promotes sustainability and combats the ongoing effects of climate change. Last week, we gave away our 2,020 native trees to residents.
This tree giveaway is a wonderful opportunity for residents to plant a little bit of hope and encourage positive growth in our community. Thank you to Howard County Recreation and Parks and our Office of Community Sustainability for your partnership on this giveaway!
|
|
|
HoCo S.T.R.I.V.E.S.
I’m grateful for the collaboration among Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services, Howard County Government - Department of Technology and Communication Services, The Roving Radish, Howard County Public School System and non-profit partners Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Center and the Bright Minds Foundation which has created a holistic approach through HoCo STRIVES that supports virtual education for some of our students and families who need it most.
Together, we will continue working to foster a comprehensive environment to ensure ready and successful students. Thank you to our Federal Delegation – Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, and Representatives John Sarbanes, Dutch Ruppersberger, and Kweisi Mfume – for their advocacy for CARES Act funding in our community. Read more here. |
|
It's Spooky Season!
As the air becomes crisper, the leaves start falling, and stores begin filling their shelves with candy, we want to remind residents that we are still combatting a deadly pandemic. As Halloween slowly approaches, I encourage residents to begin planning now so we can ensure all festivities are done safely. In coordination with the Howard County Health Department, we have put together important guidance to help keep our children and communities safe.
The Howard County Health Department is recommending the following best practices for Halloween festivities and fall seasonal celebrations:
- Avoid large gatherings, parties, and events.
- Door-to-door trick or treating is not encouraged, but if done, should be done in household groups, keeping physical distance between other groups and using flashlights or glowsticks so walkers can be easily seen.
- Treats are encouraged to be left outside.
- Trick-or-treaters should wash hands (or use sanitizer) between homes and after touching surfaces and objects.
- Facial covering should be worn even if wearing a costume mask.
- Indoor activities are riskier than outdoor activities (indoor activities should be avoided).
- Pumpkin patch and hayrides should be conducted in small groups and non-family members should be physically distanced
- Indoor haunted houses, where it may be difficult to maintain physical distancing and enforce other mitigation strategies, should be restricted.
This year is a time for creativity not just with costumes, but in how to celebrate safely. Read more here. |
|
November Election Update
We want to ensure our residents are informed and empowered on the many options they have to vote this November. Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and we must ensure that we are providing safe and easy methods to make sure that all Howard County residents are engaged and aware of how to vote in the general election this November.
I’m grateful for the staff at the Howard County Board of Elections who have been working around the clock to help ensure voters, of all abilities, are able to cast their vote in an easy, and safe manner. We will continue to work and assist our Board of Elections through consistent communications over the next two months ensuring that voter turnout Howard County is not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Early voting begins October 26th through November 2nd, and election day is November 3rd. To see the full list of early voting sites, click here, and click here to see election day voting sites.
Unlike the 2020 Primary Elections, voters will NOT automatically receive a mail-in ballot. Instead, voters will receive an application to receive their ballot through the mail. Voters MUST submit a request in order to receive their ballot by mail.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Howard County voters are urged to cast their vote by mail. To request your ballot right now, please click here. The deadline to request your mail-in ballot is October 20th.
Please note, mail-in ballots can also be returned to a ballot drop box which will be located at the Howard County Board of Elections Office, Meadowbrook Athletic Center, Marriotts Ridge High School, Reservoir High School, Long Reach High School, and Wilde Lake High School.
To update your voter registration, register to vote, or check your voting status, please visit the State Board of Elections website here. |
|
Take Your Census!
The Census provides critical federal funding to Howard County communities for important initiatives. Although the deadline has been extended, it's important for residents to take the Census TODAY.
For every person NOT counted, we lose over $18,000 in funding, which can go toward important community programs like sensory friendly initiatives, healthy living, services for our older adults, our education, affordable housing, infrastructure, and so much more.
It only takes five minutes to complete.
|
|
|
|
Eviction Support
There is an immediate need for legal assistance to support tenants in demonstrating substantial loss of income-related to COVID-19. At the recommendation of Attorney General Brian Frosh’s Access to Justice COVID-19 task force, Howard County has provided funding for Maryland Legal Aid to assist residents facing eviction and other legal challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We’ve seen more than 46,000 residents file for unemployment since March, and there are many of our neighbors who are unable to afford private attorney assistance on top of their daily needs.
|
|
Rental Assistance
The longer this pandemic stretches on, the more urgent rental and eviction relief becomes. With more than 23,000 renters in the county, and more than 46,000 residents who have filed for unemployment, we are doing all that we can to keep people safely housed.
I'm pleased to announce a second round of HoCo RISE rental assistance funding, providing an additional $800,000 in CARES Act funds to support residents struggling to pay rent due to the pandemic. As we continue to battle this virus, we must deliver the necessary relief and services to make sure no one falls through the cracks.
For more information, please click here.
|
|
Food Distribution Map
Since the beginning of this pandemic, more than 46,000 Howard County residents have filed for unemployment or pandemic assistance, it’s clear access to food and groceries is one of the most urgent needs our residents are facing.
We’ve seen our community organizations, non-profits, and neighbors step-up to support one another, and we saw an opportunity to make it easier for folks to find what they need. This map clearly shows the daily options for groceries, food pantries, and meal pickups, and will hopefully reduce the stress for many people trying to figure out where to find the resources they need.
Visit the map today here. |
|
Utility Moratorium
The moratorium on utility shutoffs and late fees has been extended through October 1st.
During this global pandemic, many of our neighbors are still having difficulty making ends meet. Especially with the school year being virtual, we’re thankful to the Public Service Commission for recognizing there are many Marylanders, including Howard County residents, who are still struggling to pay their utility bills.
|
|
Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) |
|
Youth Town Hall
This Friday, October 2nd, I invite you to join Howard County’s Office of the Local Children's Board and Voices for Change for a “Youth Town Hall” virtual conversation about youth, led by youth. Set to run from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., discussion topics include racial and social injustices, COVID-19 and our future, youth leadership in Howard County and connecting community. To register for this town hall event, click HERE.
|
|
Ask a Pharmacist
Join our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence’s (OAI) this Thursday, October 1st for its “Ask a Pharmacist” event. Set to run from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., participants will be joined by DiscoverU Health Pharmacist Ruth Ayuk for a virtual Q&A session about medication safety, prescription drug interactions, considerations pertaining to COVID-19 and other pharmaceutical topics and concerns.
To register for this FREE WebEx event, visit https://bit.ly/3eMwwjo or contact Malarie Burgess with OAI at 410-313-6073 for more information.
|
|
Virtual Offering Guide
With the start of October just a few days away, be sure to check out OAI’s Virtual Offering Guide now online for the coming month!
For the past several months, our Office on Aging and Independence has been working hard to offer our older residents the resources they need to remain active and engaged during the COVID-19 pandemic. From exercise, cooking, social engagement and lifelong learning classes, there is something to help everyone get moving, get cooking and stay social this 2020. To learn more, check out OAI’s website today or contact OAI at aging@howardcountymd.gov.
|
|
Office of Emergency Management
Preparedness begins with knowledge. With just three days left in the month of September, I encourage you to take a second before another National Preparedness Month comes to an end, to check out our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) social media channels (Facebook and Twitter) for important safety tips and information its shared about being prepared should disaster strike. This this year’s theme, “Disasters Don’t Wait, Make Your Plan Today,” highlights the importance of acting now by making a plan that keeps your family, pets and other loved ones safe.
In addition to OEM, our County Government Facebook and Twitter pages have also been sharing helpful tips and information about our local hazards and preparedness. You can also find information all year long on OEM’s "Ready HoCo" website.
So please, take the time over these next couple of days to learn how you and your family can get involved, be informed, build a kit and make a plan.
|
|
Health Department
Mental health is just as important as physical health. We also know the importance of talking about one’s mental health, especially during times like now with the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why we, along with the Howard County Health Department, have launched our new “Let’s Talk About Mental Health” campaign. This campaign is intended to promote mental and behavioral health resources and referral services available in Howard County. The campaign also encourages honest and open conversation among youth and adults about mental health and any ongoing struggles. Stigma is often identified as a key barrier to seeking help with a mental health challenge, but finding a trusted family member, friend or mental health professional to confide in, rather than suffering in silence, can be an important step in improving one’s mental health.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or other behavioral health issues, I urge you to contact the Health Department’s Behavioral Health team today at 410-313-6202 or email lbulka@howardcountymd.gov.Together, we can battle the stigma surrounding mental health and support one another through this trying time.
|
|
Bystander Intervention Training
Learn how to safely step up and be supportive of others facing harassment and/or hate speech by joining our Office of Human Rights (OHR) tomorrow, September 29th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. for its virtual Bystander Intervention training event. Participants will learn how to de-escalate socially fraught situations with compassionate communication that supports and empowers targeted persons, as well as analyze critical historical and cultural data about Howard County that deconstructs stereotypes and cultural biases. This training will arm participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to “Stand. Speak. Act” in order to be a good ally. To register, visit https://bystanderohr.eventbrite.com.
For more information and/or questions, please contact OHR’s Outreach Unit at
|
|
Department of Planning & Zoning
This Thursday, October 1st, DPZ’s Planning Board will be holding a VIRTUAL meeting at 7:00 p.m. to hear the following items:
Public Hearing:
Public Meeting:
-
SDP-69-904 10227 Wincopin Circle – To approve redline revisions at 10227 Wincopin Circle to provide a temporary parking lot at the location of the recently razed American Cities Building (attachments).
-
ZRA 192 Annapolis Junction Town Center, LLC – Amend Section 127.4.E.2. to increase the maximum allowable height in the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Zoning District from 100 feet to 200 feet provided the structure has an additional one-foot setback for the portion of the structure over 60 feet for every two feet of height.
Special Subject:
- Discussion regarding the Board’s Legal Representation for an appealed case.
- Discussion regarding further revisions to the Rules of Procedure
To register to testify at this meeting and/or to watch, visit DPZ’s Planning Board website.
A five-member board, 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 recommendations or decisions are made, the Board holds a public meeting or hearing to provide interested persons the opportunity to provide comment. For details about procedures for testifying at a Planning Board meeting, click HERE. To learn more about Howard County’s Planning Board and upcoming meeting dates, click HERE.
|
|
Historic Preservation Commission Virtual Meeting
All cases are public meetings where any member of the public may offer testimony. However, certain cases, such as requests for Certificates of Approval, are contested cases subject to the County Administrative Procedure Act. As such, part of the meeting may be closed to the public in accordance with Open Meetings Act procedures.
For questions, additional information and/or to request accommodations (request must be made at least three working days in advance of the meeting), please contact DPZ at 410-313-2350.
|
|
Police Department Animal Control Division
Pet owners, if you’ve been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are in need dog food, cat food and/or cat litter for your four-legged friend(s), I encourage you to stop by the Police Department’s Animal Control Division’s Pet Food Bank Drive Thru this Wednesday, September 30th from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Elkridge 50+ Center, located at 6540 Washington Boulevard. If unable to attend Wednesday's event and are in need of assistance, please contact Animal Control at animalcontrol@howardcountymd.gov.
If you'd like to donate to Animal Control's pet food bank, the easiest and safest way to do so is through Animal Control's Amazon wish list. Those who wish to drop off donations (be sure to check out the wish list for needs) in person, can do so leave items at Animal Control's Adoption Center at 8576 Davis Road in Columbia. Items can be left under the building’s front overhang.
|
|
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.
Ellicott City
- Patapsco River Road “Green Street” Improvement (Capital Project D-1160) – Project to implement “green street” improvements at three sites along Patapsco River Road to reduce roadway runoff and provide stormwater infiltration, habitat areas and traffic calming in the area. Curb bumpouts with bioretention facilities will be installed along two curb sections near the intersection of Orange Grove Court and one at the intersection of Rogers Avenue. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late December.
To learn 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.
|
|
Grant Awarded
Last week, as we celebrated ‘Bike to Work Week,’ we also celebrated the welcome news that our Office of Transportation had been awarded a Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program grant from the Maryland Department of Transportation for its North Laurel Connections project. Part of the County’s Bicycle Master Plan, BikeHoward, the North Laurel Connections project will develop an enhanced bicycle and pedestrian connection between Savage and Laurel through a series of shared use pathways, sidewalks, crosswalks, on-street bike lanes and sharrows.
The connection will run from the Patuxent Branch Trail trailhead at Savage Park to the North Laurel Community Center continuing to the Laurel Race Track MARC Station and the Laurel MARC Station. This more than $500,000 grant will assist Transportation in constructing this 5.6-mile bike and pedestrian route, providing a critical connection to not only our Laurel and Savage communities, but also improve the quality of life of all our residents
|
|
Complete Streets
This past Wednesday, Complete Streets Implementation Team hosted two public virtual workshops to discuss the highlights of our draft Complete Streets Community Engagement Plan, our Complete Streets initiative and why Complete Streets is important for Howard County roadway users. If you couldn’t join the Team on Wednesday, I invite you to check out the draft plan and share your thoughts on the plan with us, now through this Wednesday, September 30th.
If you have any questions about the draft Complete Streets Community Engagement Plan and/or our Complete Streets policy, contact our Office of Transportation at transportation@howardcounty.gov today. We look forward to your input!
|
|
RTA New Mobile App
RTA (Regional Transportation Agency) riders, to help minimize your wait time, especially on those rainy, hot and winter cold days, I am pleased to share that RTA has launched a new mobile app, “Transit.” This FREE app will allow RTA riders to track their bus in real time, see nearby options and departure times, plan trips and easily navigate our region. Riders can download the app by visiting www.transitapp.com or www.transitRTA.com.
|
|
Department of Recreation & Parks |
|
Truck or Treat
Something not-so-spooky this way comes. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, our Department of Recreation & Parks is happy to announce that tickets are now on sale for its annual "Truck or Treat." Set to take place Saturday, October 24th, this year's event has been modified to incorporate physical distancing and all CDC, State and local guidelines will be enforced. Children will receive a pre-filled treat bag and have the opportunity to participate in an "I Spy" scavenger hunt and their picture taken in front of trucks, tractors, emergency vehicles and more. Tickets are $5 per child and adults are free; however, adult must obtain a free ticket to attend. Each member of your party must register in advance for a one-hour time slot to attend and spots are limited, so visit https://www.mt.cm/truck-or-treat-2 today to purchase your tickets.
|
|
Special Wednesday Programs
Last Wednesday, WMAR’s Abby Isaacs stopped by our Department of Recreation & Parks’ Robinson Nature Center to speak with Director Katie Peet about the Center’s new slate of asynchronous learning day programs. You can watch the segment by clicking here.
This fall, our Department of Recreation & Parks is offering special programming on Wednesdays, when students have asynchronous school days. Predominantly geared towards grades K through 5th, participants will be able to choose from art, cooking, drama, nature, LEGO and S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) activities. Each program will be treated as a one-day event, allowing participants to pick and choose which weeks and activities they’d like to try. Programming will be offered at several County-owned buildings, as well as a few private facilities, and each location will follow all COVID-19 safety protocols. As space is limited, each group is permitted to no more than 13 participants (plus two staff members), I encourage you to register today to secure your child’s spot.
For a list of these special, Wednesday programs and/or to register, visit Recreation & Parks’ registration website and search "asynchronous." You can also register by calling Recreation & Parks’ Program Info and Registration line at 410-313-PARK (7275).
|
|
Skate Park Closed for Repair
HEADS UP: Beginning this week (September 28th), the skate park at Centennial Park North will be temporarily closed for repair and resurfacing. Weather permitting, Recreation & Parks expects to have this project completed by the end of the week (October 2nd)
|
|
Space Available
Calling all Bocce players! There is still space available for Recreation & Parks first-ever Active Aging Bocce Showcase on Sunday, October 18th at Centennial Park. This one-day Bocce ball showcase will feature eight teams playing a double elimination format to determine who is the best team in the area. The showcase will kick-off at 8:00 a.m. and end with an afternoon championship game. All games have a one-hour time limit and the event will end with an awards ceremony.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
