Case rates in Howard County have increased over the past month and the vast majority of new cases are among unvaccinated persons. At this point in time, the predominant strain of virus is the delta variant which is more contagious than other variants and causing more infections. As expected, there are some cases in people who are fully vaccinated. Most of these infections are mild and do not result in hospitalizations nor death. Most hospitalizations are among the unvaccinated. Last week Howard County met the threshold for “substantial” community spread according to the CDC. At this time, public health officials recommend everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wears masks in public indoor settings. As of Saturday, August 14th, individuals must wear masks in all Howard County Government buildings.  

According to the Maryland Department of Health, 86.6% of Howard County residents 12+ have received at least one dose and 81.3% are fully vaccinated. Howard County continues to lead the state with our vaccination progress, but we are still working to ensure everyone who wants a vaccine can receive one. Getting vaccinated is the single most effective way to prevent hospitalization or death from COVID-19.

If you haven't already received your shot - now's the time. Encourage your family and friends to visit vaccine.howardcountymd.gov to find a clinic nearby. Let’s protect ourselves and our loved ones.  

Howard County’s increasing case rates are concerning, and it is important for residents to be aware of the current risks, especially if they are still unvaccinated. As of Saturday, August 14th, all Howard County Government employees and visitors will be required to wear face coverings in government buildings. 

Masks continue to be an effective tool in reducing the spread of COVID-19, and we want to ensure our employees and public visitors are safe when in our buildings. Let’s continue to look out for one another, especially those 11 years old and younger who are not yet eligible to receive vaccines, and if you haven’t already and are able – please get vaccinated.

The people most at risk right now are the unvaccinated – including members of our community who are not eligible for vaccines yet. It's urgent our youngest eligible residents get vaccinated, especially as they prepare to head back to school buildings this Fall. It is our responsibility as a community to get vaccinated and protect those who can’t.

The more of our eligible children, students and educators who head back into school buildings fully vaccinated, the safer in-person learning will be for everyone. To date, nearly 80.2% of Howard County residents 12-17 have received at least one vaccine dose and approximately 72% are fully vaccinated. 

Now, we need your help to convince and support the remaining 38,000 of our friends, family and neighbors who haven’t gotten their vaccine, to get one.

I’m so excited that Howard County will be hosting the Major League Quidditch Championship at Troy Park in Elkridge! The game is incredibly fun, fast-paced, and family-friendly and it’s going to be here this weekend, August 21st through the 23rd.

Watch this video to learn more about the game. Buy your tickets before they sell out here.

Diversity is a hallmark of Howard County, and our Korean-American community serves a vital role in contributing to the cultural vibrancy that makes our County one of the most attractive locations in the nation to live, work and play. 

I was so pleased to join the Korean Society of Maryland for their Korean Independence Day celebration. As we celebrate Korean Independence, we also honor the positive contributions of our vibrant and thriving community. Happy Korean Independence Day!

I was thrilled to visit the Cunningham family for the opening weekend of the Clarksville Sunflower Festival. They have an abundance of beautiful yellow blooms with 17 different varieties. It’s the perfect place to visit with family and friends to enjoy a great time! 

In addition to the sunflowers, the festival includes food trucks, fun vendors, tasty homemade lemonade, and more! Visit the festival before the season ends. Learn more here.

The pandemic tested all facets of our systems and child care is no exception – without a reliable, safe place for parents and guardians to send children each day, it has taken a serious emotional and physical toll on families. Since 1981, the Howard County Family Child Care Association (HCFCCA) has assisted and supported independent child care owners, and even more so throughout the pandemic.

I’m so grateful for all the work HCFCCA does for our community, and even more proud to join them for their 40th anniversary. Special thank you to President Rhonda Watson and the entire team for their relentless dedication to our working families.

One of my favorite parts of the Howard County Fair is the Livestock Auction. Last year, the Howard County 4-H Livestock Sale went virtual for the first time and ever, and it’s so great to be back in person this year.  

I was proud to win a couple of chickens in the auction from Alex Rizzutto, which have been donated to the Howard County 4-H Foundation. Once again, thank you to everyone who partook in this year’s livestock auction, and congratulations to all our 4-H-ers for their ongoing dedication.

According to the Maryland Department of Health, 93% of Howard County residents 65 years-old and older are fully vaccinated. Howard County continues to lead the state and is the only jurisdiction with more than 90% of 65+ adults fully vaccinated. Since the beginning of the pandemic, one thing has remained clear – when times get tough, our community comes together help one another. 

We still have work to do to reach our unvaccinated residents. Encourage your loved ones and neighbors to get vaccinated today. Find a clinic near you here.

I joined Councilwoman Christiana Rigby, First Baptist Church of Guilford, and the Horizon Foundation to break ground on our Complete Streets Improvement project at the intersection of Oakland Mills Road and Guilford Road. This long-awaited groundbreaking marks the start of an improvement project that has been in the works for over 10 years, and we’re getting it done. 

One of my top priorities is to make sure all our residents have safe, accessible, and reliable infrastructure. We accomplish that by ensuring that our streets are well designed and maintained with safety in mind for pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and drivers. 

I’m grateful for our partners and advocates who helped us bring this project to fruition helping us ensure our residents of all ages and abilities have safer, more accessible, and reliable infrastructure. Construction is scheduled to be complete before Fall 2022.

Our residents still have significant needs as they manage utility bills and rent payments during this challenging time. We’re tackling this issue from all sides, eventually the federal eviction moratorium will end, and we want our residents to know support is available.

We have available rental assistance for residents and landlords, and we need your help in getting the word out to those possibly facing eviction. Please, spread the word to family, friends, and neighbors who may be in need.

For more information, please click here.

According to the Maryland Department of Health, 86.6% of Howard County residents 12+ have received at least one dose and 81.3% are fully vaccinated. Howard County continues to lead the state with our vaccination progress, but we are still working to ensure everyone who wants a vaccine can receive one. 

Getting vaccinated is the single most effective way to prevent hospitalization or death from COVID-19. Encourage your family and friends to visit vaccine.howardcountymd.gov to find a clinic nearby.

Howard County students in need of school supplies for this coming school year and invited to join our Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) on Saturday, August 21^st for its school supply giveaway event. This grab ‘n go event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to noon outside at the following locations:

Please note, advance registration is required. To register, visit https://HoCoschoolsupplies.eventbrite.com; the registration deadline is 5:00 p.m., Friday, August 13^th. Families may register up to four children to reserve a bag of school supplies (one per child). When registering, please choose the same pickup location for each child (ticket) as there will be a limited quantity available at each location. When selecting your pick-up time, keep in mind, supplies not collected within 30 minutes of scheduled pick-up time will be forfeited.

If you have any additional questions and/or seek more information about this year’s event, please call 410-313-6325 (English) or 410-313-2273 (Spanish) or email vmathis@howardcountymd.gov.

Tenga en cuenta que es necesario registrarse con anticipación. Para registrarse, visite https://HoCoschoolsupplies.eventbrite.com; la fecha límite de inscripción es el viernes 13 de agosto a las 5:00 p.m. Las familias pueden registrar hasta cuatro niños para reservar una bolsa de artículos escolares (uno por niño). Al registrarse, elija el mismo lugar de recogida para cada niño (boleto), ya que habrá una cantidad limitada disponible en cada lugar. Al seleccionar su hora de recogida, tenga en cuenta que los suministros que no se recojan dentro de los 30 minutos de la hora de recogida programada se perderán.

Si tiene preguntas adicionales y / o busca más información sobre el evento de este año, llame al 410-313-6325 (inglés) o al 410-313-2273 (español) o envíe un correo electrónico a vmathis@howardcountymd.gov

With summer vacation coming to an end and the start of a new school year upon us, preparation is underway to ensure our students are ready, especially our youngest scholars. To help you prepare, in its latest Parent Pages newsletter, DCRS’ Office of Children and Families has included tips and tricks to help you ensure your child is ready for that first day. Share books about the first day of school, meet and get to know your child's teacher, check out resources from the Howard County Public School System, speak positively and with excitement about the start of school, and more.

Here in Howard County, we remain committed to addressing the needs of persons with disabilities, to ensure they are able to thrive in all facets of life in our community. That is why I am seeking applicants, specifically those who have a disability, are relatives of a person with a disability, members of the general public or are board or staff members of an agency providing services to persons with disabilities, to serve on the County’s Commission on Disabilities. Comprised of 15 members, this Commission plays a vital role working towards this goal, addressing challenges with housing, transit, recreation, and more so that people of all ages and abilities feel welcome and empowered in Howard County. If you are interested in serving on this Commission, I encourage you to click HERE today to learn more about the eligibility requirements and details on how to apply. Please note, the DEADLINE to apply is Friday, August 27th.

Our Office of Community Sustainability (OCS) will hold a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, August 24^th starting at 6:30 p.m., to discuss plans for a stream restoration project in Ellicott City. The County plans to stabilize a portion of a significantly eroded stream located behind Dunloggin Middle School at 9129 Northfield Road, using wood and rock structures and bio-engineering planting to re-establish a more natural stream, reduce instream erosion and improve water quality. Upon the completion of the project, the area disturbed by the construction will be replanted. The project is expected to begin in November 2021.

The informal meeting will include an overview of the design, followed by an open discussion. County staff and the project’s design consultant will also be on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments. To participate in the meeting by computer, go to www.webex.com and click “join;” the meeting number is 1572 91 3859, and “Stormwater” is the password. To participate by phone, call 1-650-479-3207 (note, fees may apply) and enter the access code 1572 91 3859.

Those unable to participate in the virtual meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Ms. Lindsay DeMarzo with the OCS at 410-313-4374 or email ldemarzo@howardcountymd.gov. 

When there is extreme heat in the forecast, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heatstroke and heat exhaustion to protect yourself, family and friends if you must be outside. Heatstroke symptoms include red, hot and dry skin with no sweat, extremely high body temperature, dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness, and rapid, strong pulse; whereas, symptoms of heat exhaustion are heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea and vomiting.

Save the Date for September 11^th Remembrance Ceremony

I invite all of Howard County to join me, my fellow elected officials and command members from our Police and Fire Departments and Howard County Sheriff’s Office, as we honor and pay tribute to all who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, including the four victims from Howard County, with a remembrance wreath laying ceremony on Saturday, September 11^th. The ceremony will begin promptly at 8:46 a.m., marking the time the first plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center, and will take place in the Garden of Hope, located across from the white outdoor amphitheater at Centennial Park, South.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of children dying in hot cars, either because they were left or became trapped, has gotten worse, not better. In 2018 and 2019, a record 53 children died of vehicular heatstroke each year. The United States regrettably saw its first vehicular heatstroke car death this year in April, when a five-month old baby in North Carolina lost her life after being left alone in a hot car … it was only 70 degrees outside that day. Even with the windows cracked an inch or two or rolled down or the air conditioning on, the temperature inside a vehicle can quickly rise. Also, shady spots offer little protection on hot days as the shade moves with the sun. On an 85-degree day, it only takes 10 minutes for the inside of your car to reach 102 degrees. A child's body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult's, and a body temperature of 107 degrees is fatal.

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

If you are in need of food, our Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE), together with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission and The Harriet Tubman Foundation, will be hosting a Pop-Up Food Pantry on Friday, August 20^th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Ridgely’s Run Community Center at 8400 Mission Road in Jessup. All are welcome.

Your voice matters! This month, our OHRE Equity and Restorative Practices Unit is conducting a community equity audit to help us identify institutional and structural practices that produce inequities in services, policies and access. Focused on three key areas: (1) racial and social equity, (2) opportunity and (3) quality of life, this audit matters because every resident – child, youth, family, individual – in Howard County matters. To participate and share your voice with OHRE, click HERE today to complete the audit survey (available in English, Spanish, Korean, Mandarin and Traditional Chinese).

I invite all to join OHRE this coming Sunday, August 22^nd at 1:00 p.m., for its “Bystander Intervention and Cultural Awareness Training,” where participants will learn to honor the humanity of others in times of conflict. This interactive workshop series explores the impact of race and culture in Howard County through sharing dialogue, historical and socio-economic data, and tools that will help participants learn to authentically interact with people from different races and cultures. To register for this FREE event, click HERE.

OHRE’s Outreach Unit’s Humanity Matters Dialogue Series is set to return Wednesday, October 20^th (please note this new start date from what was previously announced). Through this award-winning series, participants learn how to authentically interact with people from different races and cultures through the sharing of dialogue, historical and socio-economic data, all while gaining effective communication skills with the intention of creating a more inclusive and supportive community. To register for this five-part series, click HERE. For questions and/or more information about this or future workshops and training opportunities, please contact OHRE at 410-313-6430 or email OHRoutreach@howardcountymd.gov.

The Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is renewing its plea to the public for information about the shooting of a pregnant woman in Columbia on July 31, 2020, which resulted in her death and the death of her baby. Rabiah Ahmad was 28 weeks pregnant when she was shot while inside a residence in the 6600 block of Dovecote Drive. She later died at the hospital. Doctors delivered her baby girl, Ahja, who remained in critical condition until she died five days later.

HCPD detectives are re-releasing video of the car they believe was used in the murder, an older-model white sedan. The video shows the vehicle traveling along the 8000 block of Harriet Tubman Lane shortly after the shooting on the 31^st.

Police believe that at this stage of the investigation, any small piece of information could help put together critical details in the case. The reward has been raised throughout the investigation to up to $30,000. Anyone with information is urged to please contact HCHD at 410-313-STOP or HCPDCrimeTips@howardcountymd.gov. Callers may remain anonymous.

If you have questions and/or for more information, feel free to contact DPW's Bureau of Highways at 410-313-7450 or email highways@howardcountymd.gov.

To learn about DPW projects currently underway, visit https://bit.ly/2V6K5B6. Searchable by project category and street name, from this site you’ll find additional project details, including news releases about the project. You can also contact DPW’s Customer Service Office at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov for further assistance.

If you have questions or are interested in finding out about a State road (numbered roadway) project in your area, visit the Maryland State Highway Administration’s (SHA) “Project Portal” website.

At 9:00 a.m. this morning, August 16^th, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) began work to upgrade portions of the guardrail along MD 108 between Centre Park Drive and Barrington Court, including ramps at eastbound MD 100. Flagging operations, cones, barrels and truck-mounted signage will be in place to alert motorists about and protect crews in the work zone. Work will take place weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and weather permitting, is expected to be completed by Friday, August 20^th. 

Tubs, cups, frozen food trays, reusable containers, takeout containers and even clamshells, marked with the #5 recycling symbol, can now be placed out for recycling in your blue bin! Like all other recyclables, these items should be empty, clean and dry before setting out for collection.

To learn more about the County’s recycling program, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/recycling.

REMINDER: Registration for our Department of Recreation & Parks’ 2021 Fall Activity Guide is now OPEN for Howard County and non-county residents. Register online, by mail-in, phone-in or in-person for one or more of the awesome and fun activities found in this Fall Activity Guide. From sports, dance and cooking classes, and take home and online programs, to what to do when school's out, there is something for everyone this up and coming season.

Take a break from the summer heat, sit back and relax by enjoying “Summer Movies in the Dome” in our Robinson Nature Center’s new and improved planetarium. Upcoming screenings include Dinosaurs Alive on August 19^th and Titans of the Ice Age on August 28th. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/HCRPMoviesintheDome or call 410-313-0400 today to reserve your tickets. 

Stop by our Roger Carter Community Center (RCCC) every Wednesday, anytime between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m., for drop-in climbing on the rock wall. Each climb is free for Fit4U and Go50+ members and $5.00 for non-members. For more information about RCCC and all that it has to offer, click HERE.

Tickets for Recreation & Parks 2021 Truck or Treat are now on sale! Set to take place Saturday, October 30^th, this fan favorite event is once again bringing the family friendly spook and a "wheely fun" day back to the County’s Gary J. Arthur Community Center to celebrate Halloween. Come dressed in your favorite costume to trick-or-treat at all of the trucks, tractors, emergency vehicles and more, while meeting some of your hometown heroes. Take pictures, participate in an "I Spy" scavenger hunt and more!

For the latest updates, be sure to check and stay tuned to Recreation & Park’s event Facebook page.