Dear Friends,
As many residents across Howard County and Maryland begin getting vaccinated, it’s vital that we all maintain vigilance and practice mitigation measures against COVID-19. As of 9:00 a.m. today and according to the Maryland Department of Health, our 7-day average positivity rate is at 7.80%, our 7-day average case rate per 100,000 of our population is at 46.58. While we have the 7th lowest case rate in the State, these are the highest numbers since this summer.
We are seeing increasing COVID-19 trends, likely due to the holiday surge, compounded by colder weather, and it’s important to follow the guidance of our health experts – wash your hands, wear a mask, avoid large gatherings, etc.
We are also seeing an increase of COVID-19 patients at Howard County General Hospital. Currently, our ICU is 78.8% utilized, Acute Care Unit is 77.7% utilized, and we have 12 ventilators in use. There are 485 COVID-19 patients at Howard County General Hospital.
The Howard County Health Department is actively working to ensure our healthcare workers and first responders receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. To date, we have received 4,500 vaccines and administered 4,197 to our first responders and healthcare workers under Phase 1A of our distribution process. In total, 93% of the vaccines received have been used, and we have the second best vaccine administration rate in the State. As we receive more vaccines, our Health Department is working diligently to administer to as many people as possible, as quickly as possible.
Eligible residents will be notified by their healthcare provider and/or the Howard County Health Department when registration becomes available. Residents MUST register online with the Health Department when it is their turn to take the vaccine. For more information on the vaccines, the phases for availability, and other COVID-19 information, please visit StayCOVIDSafe.howardcountymd.gov. |
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Maryland's Vaccine Distribution Plan
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have faced various challenges as a community. However, there is hope on the horizon with the launch and administration of the COVID-19 vaccine in Howard County and Maryland. Counties receive the vaccine from the State who receives it from the Federal government. According to the State’s distribution plan, we are currently in Phase 1A and Health Departments are actively administering the vaccine to nearly 500,000 healthcare workers and first responders.
The State has adopted a rolling vaccine allocation model, which means there is flexibility on distribution based on the availability of supply. Members of a particular group may continue to get vaccinated simultaneously as a next phase begins. Local health departments continue to work through the prioritization list. By working together, we will ensure every resident has the access and means to receive a vaccine as quickly as possible. For more details and information, please click here. |
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COVID-19 Phases of Distribution
With hope on the horizon, it is critical that we implement a safe, efficient vaccine administration process. We will work quickly, effectively, and equitably to vaccinate our community members as we receive vaccine from our partners at the State.
We are currently vaccinating people in Phase 1A and expect to move on to Phase 1B by the end of the month. There will be robust communication to our community as we move through each phase and as more vaccine becomes available.
We know that this vaccine is a key to long-term recovery from COVID-19, and in order to get back to hugging our loved ones, sharing meals with family and friends, returning to school and workplaces, we must all work together.
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Welcome Sunset Juice Bar!
I was excited to join the Sheppard family today to congratulate them on expanding Sunset Raw Juice Bar to Maple Lawn. Thank you for providing quality, natural ingredients that allow customers to Drink Smart, Live Well and for choosing Howard County as your home. I encourage residents to continue supporting our small, local businesses, especially during this difficult time.
To see their menu, please click here. |
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State of Business
It has been a challenging year for many due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but most of all, for our local businesses. Join me and the Howard County Chamber on February 24th, 2021 for my annual State of Business address. Get your tickets today here!
During this speech, we want to ensure we’re hearing directly from businesses. Please take a moment to complete a brief survey, and items submitted may be incorporated into the Chamber’s questions. Take it now here. |
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Ravens Nation!
The Baltimore Ravens have had an amazing season and overcome incredible hurdles and challenges to reach the playoffs this year. Here in Howard County we’re ready to support them all the way to a Super Bowl championship.
Although we may not be able to gather in person to display our purple pride, we are cheering on our team at a safe distance and through virtual celebrations. We have the most passionate fans, and I am excited to light up the George Howard Building in purple to bring some extra luck to the Ravens during the playoffs.
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Congratulations Vedic Spa!
Providing a full range of Ayurvedic and holistic treatments, Vedic Spa encourages overall wellness through traditional spa treatments and Ayurvedic options using the highest quality organic ingredients. I was so pleased to join Jayshree Rathod to congratulate her on their 5th anniversary. As we begin the new year, we must continue to support our small, local business, who need our help now more than ever.
Learn more about the services they offer here. |
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Opioid Facts and Information
The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly highlighted the disparities in our healthcare system, including the need for greater resources to continue combatting substance use disorders. The increase in fatal overdoses is a trend that we’re seeing across the country this year, and it’s vital that in 2021 we pursue more solutions to ensure that those facing substance misuse are able to receive the care they need, even amid a pandemic.
For support on substance use disorders, please click here. |
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National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
On Saturday, we recognized National Law enforcement Appreciation Day and honored all those who graciously serve our community and help keep us safe. Columbia was recently named the Safest City in America – an accolade which is only possible due to the tireless efforts of those in service every day. Those in Law Enforcement are typically requested to work long hours, away from their families, and rarely receive the recognition they deserve.
Thank you to the Howard County Police Department, the Howard County Department of Corrections, and the Howard County’s Sherriff’s Office for your courage and dedication every day to help us be safe and feel safe.
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A New Cultural Center is Coming Soon!
The Howard County Council has finalized funding for the transformative first-class New Cultural Center (NCC) in Downtown Columbia. This exciting project has been in development for more than a decade and will finally be realized, building upon the vision of Jim Rouse.
The NCC will serve as the County’s new hub for arts and culture, including a new home for the iconic Toby’s Dinner Theatre, engaging arts programming, and affordable housing units. We have worked for many years to get to this point and create a first-class art and culture center for Howard County that will spur people’s love of art and theater and will be accessible to all residents.
Additionally, it will be a vital component of the Downtown Columbia Plan and an important element in expanding affordable housing in the area. Thank you to our many partners who have advocated for this project and helped get us over the finish line. We can now focus on next steps to see the center come to life. Read more about the project here. |
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Second Best City for Jobs!
Howard County continues to be an ideal location for many business owners, companies and entrepreneurs – people want to live, work, and stay here. Despite employment setbacks from the pandemic, we’ve seen many indicators that in the long-term we will continue to be the economic engine in Central Maryland.
Howard County has proven repeatedly – we are resilient. This recognition is a huge testament to the hard work of our business community to be at the forefront of emerging markets, and to our commitment to providing a strong quality of life for all our residents. Read more here. |
Howard County's Economic Recovery
This pandemic has brought along devastating economic impacts to our community, and as our numbers show we’re not immune to these challenges. Howard County’s unemployment rate for November dropped to 4.9%, down from 5.7% in October. We reached a peak unemployment rate of 8.1% in April 2020 and have seen that decrease steadily since then. Prior to the pandemic in February 2020, Howard County recorded an unemployment rate of 2.7%, one of the lowest in Maryland.
Howard County continues to be an ideal location for many emerging technology companies and entrepreneurs from all sectors – people want to live, work, and stay here. We’ve seen many indicators that in the long-term we will continue to be an economic engine in Central Maryland. Howard County has proven repeatedly – we are resilient.
For more information on our economic recovery, please click here. |
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Meet the Primes
Are you a local Business? The Meet the Primes event is an opportunity for small, local, minority/women/disabled owned businesses and veteran owned businesses to meet prime contractors in the fields of Construction Services, Architectural and Engineering Services and Technology Services in a virtual networking environment.
Attendees can learn more about the types of work the primes perform, their subcontracting processes, which services they subcontract and doing business with Howard County entities including Howard County Government, Howard County Public School System and Howard Community College.
To register, email LocalOutreach@howardcountymd.gov and indicate which session you're interested in.
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Energy and Utility Bill Assistance
COVID-19 has devastated many households who have lost income and are trying to make ends meet to keep the heat on, feed their families, and pay their rent. There are several programs available to assist residents with current and past due energy and utility bills.
We are laser-focused on ensuring that our most vulnerable residents do not fall through the cracks this winter, as we continue to combat this virus in our community. Please share this information with friends and neighbors who may be in need.
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Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention
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 we can to keep people safely housed.
Beginning January 4th, residents may apply for additional housing assistance. 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. |
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Where to Get Tested
As we continue to see a rise in COVID-19 cases in Howard County, we are also seeing rise of residents who are getting tested or have questions about testing. The two drive-thru COVID-19 testing locations set up in the parking lots at the Elkridge and Savage fire stations are NOT being operated by the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, but are operated by Quality First Urgent Care.
Our volunteer fire stations in Savage and Elkridge are being inundated with questions regarding testing. If you have any questions regarding testing at either location, please call the Howard County Health Department’s Coronavirus Information Line at (410) 313-6284. We all have a responsibility to do all we can to reverse our concerning trends. For more information, please visit HChealth.org.
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Recreation & Parks Updates
Recreation & Parks' three community center gymnasiums (Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter) are CLOSED, EXCEPT for scheduled programs. Visitors may still access the community centers walking tracks, but by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please contact the front desk of the community center you wish to visit. Visitors may also use the community center fitness rooms, but also by appointment only.
Additionally, Recreation & Parks’ indoor programs are limited to no more than 10 people per activity area and all outdoor sports facilities, athletic fields, playgrounds, courts and skate parks are now limited to 25 people or less.
For more information and/or questions, visit Recreation & Parks' website www.howardcountymd.gov/rap and/or please contact the department at 410-313-4700.
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Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) |
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January Virtual Offering Guide
Our Department of Community Resources and Services’ Office of Aging and Independence (OAI) January Virtual Offering Guide is now available online! Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our Office of Aging and Independence has been working hard to provide older residents the resources they need to remain active and engaged during this time. From exercise, cooking, social engagement and lifelong learning classes, there is something to help get you moving, get cooking and stay social while at home. I invite you to check out OAI’s January Virtual Offering Guide or visit OAI’s website to learn more about this month’s activities and it services today. For questions, contact OAI at aging@howardcountymd.gov.
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Department of Fire and Rescue Services and Police Department
Another Life Saved by Hands-Only CPR
Thanks to the quick actions of a good Samaritan, Dispatcher Joanna Blankenship, Corporal Kyu Lee and Police Officer (PO) Stephen Schillinberg, the life of another county resident was saved thanks to Hands-Only CPR. Last month, a man collapsed while playing pickleball on one of Columbia’s tennis courts. A good Samaritan called 9-1-1 and with the help of Dispatcher Blankenship, began to administer CPR. Within minutes, Corporal Lee and PO Schillinberg arrived on scene, determined the man was in cardiac arrest and took over performing CPR until paramedics arrived. Continuing life-saving measures, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) paramedics transported the man to the hospital, where he was awake and talking. Doctors credited all for saving his life.
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Make it a New Year’s resolution to learn this life-saving technique in 2021. Remember, for every minute someone is in sudden cardiac arrest, their chance of survival decreases by 10 percent. That's why it is so important we all have the knowledge and training necessary to be able to recognize and take immediate action when someone is suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest. For a list of HCDFRS’ upcoming virtual FREE Hands-Only CPR training classes, click HERE. With the help of HCDFRS, you too can learn how to be the difference between sudden cardiac arrest life and death.
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Health Department
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
The COVID-19 vaccines are a powerful tool in our toolbox as we work to bring the pandemic under control. As I announced on Thursday, to date, the Howard County Health Department has received 4,500 vaccines. The Health Department continues to surpass our initial goal of administrating 500 vaccines daily and will have administrated all of its current vaccine allocation to our first responders and Howard County health care providers by tomorrow.
My staff and I greatly appreciate everyone’s patience so far as, the Health Department works diligently to quickly, efficiently and as safely as possible get all in Phase 1A who want the vaccine, vaccinated. While vaccine supplies are limited at this time, the Health Department does expect to receive additional doses this week.
In the meantime, I encourage you to get to know a little more about each of the vaccines I you haven’t already by visiting our StayCOVIDsafe website: staycovidsafe.howardcountymd.gov. If you have any additional questions about the vaccines, please email the Health Department at askhealth@howardcountymd.gov or contact its Coronavirus Information Line at 410-313-6284.
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Harm Reduction and Syringe Services
In 2020, Howard County saw a 43 percent increase in opioid related deaths and a 2.6 percent decrease in non-fatal overdoses compared to the previous year. The increase in fatal overdoses is a trend that we saw nationwide last year as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated opioid and substance misuse. It is vital that in 2021, we pursue more solutions to ensure that those facing substance misuse are able to receive the care they need, even amid a pandemic.
One such solution is the Howard County Health Department’s new RV, launched last month in an effort to expand its Harm Reduction and Syringe Services programming. Services offered include: HIV/Hepatitis & STI testing and support services; Narcan/Overdose response training and kits; safe sex supplies; Peer Support staff access; wound care; harm reduction kits/safer use supplies; and referrals to medical services/social service agencies.
To learn more about what the County is doing to combat the opioid epidemic, visit https://bit.ly/3s6tv5z. If you or someone you know is in need of support for a substance use disorders, please visit www.howardcountymd.gov/HoCoOpioidHelp today.
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Office of Human Rights and Equity
Celebrating the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This Sunday, January 17th, I invite you to join our Office of Human Rights and Equity, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission and myself as celebrate the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s family-friendly, multi-cultural virtual event will include performances by a number of diverse community groups and recognition of the 2020-21 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Living the Dream” award recipients and the Student Poster, Essay and Oratory contests award winners.
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“Day of Service Across Howard County” Virtual Events
In addition to Sunday’s celebration, we will also be hosting our annual “Day of Service Across Howard County” project. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event will be different from year’s past. This year, I invite you to join our Office of Human Rights and Equity and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission virtually for a number of workshops and discussions. From 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., HopesWorks of Howard County will present its “The ‘I Can I Will’ Create Peace” virtual workshop, followed by its “A Listening Session for Teens: A Virtual Event” at 1:00 p.m. Starting at 11:00 a.m. the Onyx Medical Society’s will present its hour long rapid-fire workshop, featuring a series of five-minute panel discussions. Bokah Worjoloh with PFS Investments will present a workshop on “Building Your Economic Legacy” starting at 2:00 p.m. and participants are invited to wrap up their day with the screening of and follow-up panel discussion about the documentary Unbreathable: The Fight for Healthy Air at 7:30 p.m.
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“Pop-Up Food Pantry this Friday, January 15th
Prior to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday on the 18th, the Harriet Tubman Foundation of Howard County and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission will be hosting a Pop-Up Pantry to distribute free food to those in need, this Friday, January 15th from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Ridgely Run Community Center, located at 8400 Mission Road in Jessup.
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Food Donation Drive Next Monday, January 18th
In addition to these virtual events, residents can also give back this Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday by donating food to help our community members in need. In front of the Giant Food’s at 9200 Baltimore National Pike, 8805 Centre Park Drive and 6020 Marshalee Drive, Safeway’s at 10000 Baltimore National Pike, 4370 Montgomery Road and 5458A Harpers Farm Road, and the Green Valley Market at 7280 Montgomery Road, visitors will find donation boxes to collect non-perishable items for the Howard County Food Bank. Items currently most in need are: canned and dried fruit; hot and cold cereal; soup; pasta; pasta sauce; tuna; 100 percent fruit juice; baby food, diapers and wipes; peanut butter; canned beans (i.e. pinto, kidney and black); and canned vegetables (low sodium).
For more information about this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and Day of Service events, click HERE.
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Department of Planning and Zoning
Historic Preservation Commission
This Thursday, January 14th, our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) will be holding a VIRTUAL meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. On December 3, 2020, the HPC held its monthly hearing, which featured application HPC-20-83 – 8049, 8055, 8059, 8061 (Tiber Park) and 8069 Main Street; Vicinity of Maryland Avenue and Main Street; Vicinity of 3711 Maryland Avenue along Patapsco River, Ellicott City. This case was contested and as a result, was been continued to this Thursday. NO other applications will be on the agenda or heard on the 14th; February 4th will be the next regular HPC meeting and the deadline for new applications for this meeting is this Wednesday, January 13th.
HPC 20-83 is a “contested case” that is governed by the Howard County Administrative Procedure Act and the HPC Rules of Procedure. Thursday’s meeting will be a public hearing where the general public is invited to attend virtually and observe. Per HPC Rule of Procedure 102.B, only those parties who registered in advance of the December 3, 2020 meeting may participate in the proceedings by asking questions and/or giving testimony.
For the meeting agenda and instructions on how to join/participate in Thursday’s meeting, visit can be found on the Commission’s website. 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.
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Police Department
Special Olympics Donation Information
Each January, our Howard County Police Department (HCPD) joins law enforcement agencies from across Maryland to take an icy, cold plunge in the Chesapeake Bay in support of Special Olympics Maryland. While this year’s Bay plunge was cancelled, HCPD and its fellow law enforcement agencies are still looking to raise $250,000 for Special Olympics athletes. If interested, you can help HCPD help these outstanding and deserving athletes by donating its Team page or by donating directly to Special Olympics Maryland.
Oh, and don’t worry, while Special Olympics Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay plunge was cancelled, HCPD still got their plunge on with the help of our friends over at HCDFRS, who so kindly let HCPD borrow one of its folding tanks. Thankfully, HCPD graciously shared footage of its officers’ plunging into the tank on its Facebook and other social media channels. Great work HCPD and thanks for the laugh!
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First Responders Receive Vaccine
Last week, our Howard County first responders began receiving their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. I’d like to extend a BIG THANKS to the Howard County Health Department who are working so diligently and hard to ensure our men and women on the front line are able to continue to protect and serve the people of Howard County.
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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 project(s) that have been announced.
Ellicott City
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Old Frederick Road Sewer Extension (Capital Project S-6699) – Project to connect 8379 and 8369 Old Frederick Road to the County’s public sewer main. Signs have been posted and flagging operations are in place to direct traffic, as eastbound traffic along Old Frederick Road at the work site will shift to the westbound lane during construction hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late March.
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 (SHA) website and search by “County” to learn more about State road projects in Howard County.
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Department of Public Works – Bureau of Environmental Services
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Curbside Collection Season Ending
REMINDER: The County's yard trim curbside collection season ends this Friday, January 15th; the season will resume the first week of April. However, this does NOT apply to those households who participate in our Bureau of Environmental Services "Feed the Green Bin" program. Residents participating in this program receive year-round yard trim collection as part of the County’s food scrap curbside collection program.
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"Merry Mulch" Your Holiday Tree
Also, this week is the LAST WEEK to recycle your holiday tree through our Bureau of Environmental Services’ Merry Mulch program. Through this Friday, January 15th, residents can place their holiday tree out for recycling on their curbside yard trim collection day or recycle their tree at one of the drop-off sites – available through this Saturday, January 16th, that the Bureau has set up throughout the county. For more information and/or to find a drop-off site near you, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/MerryMulch.
Since 1993, the Merry Mulch program has kept thousands of trees out of the landfill, helping to save money and the environment. All collected trees are delivered to the Composting Facility at Alpha Ridge Landfill and recycled into compost and mulch.
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Alpha Ridge Landfill Modifications
DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services is REMINDING residents, when visiting our Alpha Ridge Landfill, face coverings MUST BE worn at ALL TIMES and physical distancing of at least six feet maintained when possible. Also, the Landfill is only accepting credit card payments at this time; no cash, check or debit cards.
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Collections Not Affected on January 18th.
While Howard County Government offices will be CLOSED next Monday, January 18th in observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, there will be REGULAR Monday curbside trash, recycling and food scrap/yard trim collection. The County’s holiday slide schedule will NOT be in effect next week. To learn more about our holiday slide schedule and those holidays that do affect curbside collection, check out www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule today!
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Department of Recreation and Parks
New Mobile Friendly Website
Looking to find the closest County walking trail to your house or workplace? Check out Recreation & Parks new mobile-friendly website: https://tinyurl.com/HCRPParksWebsite. The site features easy-to-follow directions and information about our parks, pathway and trail systems, pavilions, playgrounds, historic sites, basketball and pickleball courts and all the other great recreational amenities that help make Howard County such a great place to live, work and play!
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New "Pix in Parks" Contest
This month, I invite you to join Recreation & Parks’ for its FIRST-EVER “Pix in Parks” contest at Alpha Ridge Park!
This family-friendly fun takes visitors on a scavenger hunt throughout the park in search of locations featured in mysterious photos in order to find and solve the hunt’s secret riddle! To be entered for your chance to win a weekly prize, be sure your submit your riddle answer to Recreation & Parks at https://tinyurl.com/pixinparksform. For complete contest rules and details, click HERE.
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Frozen Experiment Show
Put the “cool” in winter this January with Recreation & Parks’ Robinson Nature Center through its LIVE, educational Frozen Experiment Show! Geared towards children ages four and older, attendees will see firsthand how liquid nitrogen reacts with everyday familiar items … like flowers, a teddy bear and balloon animals! Each show is limited to only eight people, so be sure to reserve your tickets now by calling 410-313-0400.
Also, if you are looking to bring the fun home with you this winter, be sure to check out Robinson Nature Center’s “Frozen Fest at Home” kit. Each kit includes a prerecorded educator presentation, instruction and ingredient for making ice cream with rock salt, activities using instant snow, a winter constellation tour and more! To reserve your kit for January 30th/31st pickup, call 410-313-0400 by January 22nd.
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Office of Transportation
Hickory Ridge Bike Corridor study Online
Completed last month, the report and appendices (1-5 and 6) for the Hickory Ridge Bike Corridor study, are now available online. A technical assessment of BikeHoward recommendations in and around Hickory Ridge, 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.
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