Dear Friends,

Today marks the first day of a new school year in Howard County!

School is not only a place to learn about the world but it’s also a place where there is incredible learning and growth about one’s self. On this first day of school, I wish all our students, educators, and parents at Howard County Public School System, Howard Community College, and beyond a wonderful start to the school year.

While this is a start unlike any other, as you embark on what I’m sure will be a fantastic year, I’m reminded of the quote from Dr. Suess, “You’re off to great to great places. Today is your first day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!”

To date in Howard County, we’ve had 20,827 cases of COVID-19 and 259 deaths. As of 9:00am today, our 7-day average positivity rate is 3.85% and our 7-day average case rate per 100,000 of our population is 14.87. There are currently 11 COVID-19 patients in both ICU and Acute Care units.

Case rates in Howard County have increased since the end of July and a majority of new cases are among unvaccinated persons. Howard County has “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.  

If you have been exposed to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, you should get tested. To find a testing location near you, please click here.

According to the Maryland Department of Health, 87.9% of Howard County residents 12+ have received at least one dose and 82.6% 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.

If you have:

I strongly encourage you to get tested as soon as possible. As we see the rise of the Delta variant, please remember that it is possible to have COVID-19 and not have any symptoms.

Additionally, in order to prevent further spread of COVID-19, it’s important that residents who have tested positive work cooperatively with our contact tracers to keep our community safe. We've slowed the spread before, and we can do it again by working together, and taking the precautions we know are effective.

For more information, please click here.

We remain focused on implementing our efforts for Ellicott City that prioritize public safety and retain more of our town’s historic charm through the Ellicott City Safe and Sound Plan. With the H7 pond now under construction and several other projects slated to begin in the next few months, we are getting closer to ensuring that Ellicott City is safe and sound for generations to come.

Read more in this Baltimore Sun article.

Through her years as President of the League of Korean Americans - Howard County, Young Ran Smith has been instrumental in voter registration, enhancing public safety, improving the lives of our seniors, and developing relationships between government and Korean Americans. Most importantly, she helps connect our youth with vital opportunities to learn more and gain experience in a variety of fields through their profound internship program.

I was so excited to celebrate her as she was inaugurated as 22nd President of LOKA-MD. Congratulations Young, Chairperson Su Ahn and to all the scholarship winners and interns for your accomplishments!

On Thursday, I pre-filed a budget amendment requesting the County Council move funding for the Howard County body-worn camera program out of contingency and help bring this program to fruition. If the Council votes in favor of this budget amendment on October 4th, full funding for the program will be available as soon as I sign this critically important legislation.

Additionally, as I announced last week, we have allocated approximately $1.6 million in American Rescue Plan funding that will support the full implementation of our body-worn camera program once the County Council passes the budget amendment. I maintain my ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and safe community for all and seeing this program come to fruition in Fiscal Year 22 has remained a priority.

It was wonderful to be at The 3rd to celebrate and recognize National Black Business Month with local black owned businesses. The 3rd is helping women of color build online-offline spaces that foster dreams, create community, and provide mentorship, which then enable women of color to turn their ideas into economic power and freedom. Entrepreneurship can be a tough road, especially during the past 18 months, but with passion and perseverance, it can lead you on a successful journey. 

This Black Business Month, let’s continue our work to support local, black-owned businesses. Learn more about The 3rd here.

Thank you to all our inspirational entrepreneurs; Ayden's Studio, Denee Barr, Prescott HR, Stephanie Brown Coaching, Maze Consulting LLC, Queen's Temple Handmade Artisan Soaps, Hey ZRO, Candles By Candy, Pat Marshall of Goldman Sachs 10KSB, BoCa Flavor, AppleCore's Bake Shoppe, Samaya Herbals, Mausi & Little Bear KinderCafe, Imiivo • MD Photo Studio • Beauty & Brands, Consult Square Group, Sharp Arrows, Columbia Inspired Magazine, ASH Interiors & Design, LLC., Evók Life, JustLiving Advocacy, Inc., Heart for Home, and Althea's Almost Famous.

This summer, 82 young people participated in our summer jobs program with the Howard County Office of Workforce Development, that’s more taking part than ever before! During this program, they learned resume and interviewing skills, mediation and conflict resolution, financial awareness, internet safety, CPR, and much, much more.

Watch this video to hear about their experiences.

One of the best ways to set our young residents up for success is giving them access to learning resources prior to kindergarten. The new Howard County Library System mobile unit is innovative and needed. It reduces challenging transit needs and provides crucial classes and Internet access, enabling children to take their first steps to become Ready and Successful kindergarten students.

Thank you to the Friends & Foundation of Howard County Library System, M&T Bank, PNC Foundation, and HoCo Balt Book Club for their partnership in making this possible. Together we can create options to ensure that our residents have the resources, support, and care needed to thrive.

I was proud to join Howard County Economic Development Authority and five local black owned technology businesses at the Maryland Innovation Center (MIC) to recognize National Black Business Month. The MIC provides incubator space to support local businesses in bringing their ideas to market. 

Technology-based companies have long been an important driver of our economic growth and competitiveness and their success is our success. Thank you to these world-class entrepreneurs who serve as a beacon of innovation to the county, region and beyond: Advancement Strategy, Light Rider, Anthony Management Group LLC, Edward DeJesus Page, and Trimia Inc.

According to the Maryland Department of Health, 87.9% of Howard County residents 12+ have received at least one dose and 82.6% are fully vaccinated. While Howard County continues to lead the state in our vaccination rates, case rates have increased since the end of July and the vast majority of new cases are among unvaccinated persons. 

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.

In honor of National Grief Awareness Day, SeniorsTogether will host a special program at the Bain 50+ Center on Wednesday, September 1^st, 2021 to honor those family and friends that we lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will last 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. The program will feature music by the Kelltones and the Bain 50+ Center Gospel Choir. Light refreshments will be served. R.S.V.P. at the Bain 50+ Center front desk or call 410-313-7213.

Howard County is working towards becoming a more age-friendly community and that important work starts with valued input from our residents. If you are 55 and older and are interested in helping us promote successful aging for older adults and make Howard County the best place to live, no matter your age, I encourage you to apply today for our Commission on Aging. Comprised of 15 members, Commissioners participate in community activities, research and advise the County Executive on policies, programs and practices that impact the health and wellbeing of older adults and their families, and provide advice and support to county agencies, non-profits and other stakeholders working to create an equitable, livable and accessible community for all older adults in Howard County. For more details on this Commission and how to apply, click HERE. Note, the DEADLINE to apply is next Friday, September 3^rd.

Presented by the Office of Veterans & Military Families (OVMF) in partnership with The Howard County Veterans Foundation, Inc., the documentary screening will be followed by a panel discussion with filmmakers On Friday, September 17^th, 2021 at 7:00 pm. Bastards' Road chronicles the travels of Marine Veteran Jonathan Hancock who walked 6,000 miles across the country in solitude and in the company of his fellow Marine brothers and families of the fallen to successfully manage the wounds of war that never fully heal.

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.

We’re hiring! If you’re a HoCo resident aged 17-20 and a non-smoker with flexible hours, you can help us reduce the risk of nicotine addiction for youth and young adults. Apply here.

Concerned you may have been exposed to COVID-19? Get tested!

We offer FREE PCR testing using the FDA-authorized Azova saliva test kit, which is more comfortable than traditional nasal swab. Testing is available right here at HoCo Health Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/covid-19-testing.

The Howard County Health Department (HCHD) is now providing third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to those considered moderately to severely immunocompromised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A complete list of those currently eligible for a third dose under this new guidance can be found on the CDC's website.

For those that received the J&J/Janssen vaccine, as noted on the CDC’s website under its “Frequently Asked Questions” section, the FDA’s recent Emergency Use Authorization amendment only applies to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, as does the CDC’s recommendation. Emerging data have demonstrated that immunocompromised people who have low or no protection following two doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines may have an improved response after an additional dose of the same vaccine. However, there is not enough data at this time to determine whether immunocompromised people who received the Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine also have an improved antibody response following an additional dose of the same vaccine.

Before making an appointment with HCHD for your third dose, HCHD says the most important first step is TALKING TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER about your condition and whether a third dose is appropriate for you. If you meet the CDD third dose eligibility requirements and your healthcare provider advises getting the dose, you can then schedule an appointment for any HCHD COVID-19 vaccination clinic online or by calling 410-313-6284. While HCHD will not require proof or doctor's note for a third dose, individuals will be asked to self-attest that they meet one of the CDC eligibility recommendations to make sure vaccines get to those identified as needing this dose.

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 assistance with paying past due rent and/or utility bills, please keep in mind, as I announced earlier this month, financial assistance is still available through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program grant from the U.S. Treasury. I strongly encourage tenants impacted by the COVID-19 to contact one of the County’s partner agencies to apply for assistance. If you have already received assistance from one of our partners agencies and are still in need of additional assistance, please contact same partner for further assistance. Please, household income limits apply.

Landlords, if you are not aware, Howard County has also partnered with The United Way’s STEP (Strategic Targeted Eviction Prevention) program with $4.6 million in rental assistance funds from the state. These funds are paid to landlords directly on behalf of tenants with past due rent balances.

For more information regarding available assistance, please click HERE or contact our Department of Housing and Community Development at 410-313-6318 or email housing@howardcountymd.gov.

The Office of Human Rights & Equity wants to hear from you! Join us for our first Community Listening Session on Tuesday, August 31st from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm. Your compliments, concerns, and suggestions are welcome. We want to learn how we can help create a more equitable and inclusive community. If there are any important issues our community is facing regarding discrimination, equity, and inclusion, and what services, programming, and resources you would like to see OHRE implement. You can register for the date that works best for you by using the links provided on the flyer. For more information contact us at 410-313-6430 or email us at ohreoutreach@howardcountymd.gov.

The Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity invites you to a timely workshop experience that offers hands-on training about protecting the humanity of people who are being targeted or harassed in your presence. This event will be held in the Belmont/Hockley Room in the Elkridge branch of the Howard County Library System: 6540 Washington Blvd, Elkridge MD 21075. You can register for this free training by clicking on the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bystander-intervention-training-tickets-168309461129.

The Office of The County Executive, The Office of Human Rights and Equity, How You Like Me Know Productions, and Chrysalis Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods present Disgraced, a play by novelist and screenwriter Ayad Akhtar. This 2013 Pulitzer Prize winning Drama explores themes like Islamophobia and the self-identity of Muslim-American citizens to expose the racial and ethnic prejudices that “secretly persist in even the most progressive cultural circles” in a post-9/11 America. This 90 minute One-Act production is a heart-wrenching dialogue you do not want to miss on September 11^th at 1:00 pm or at 7:00 pm. The 1:00 pm matinee will have a panel discussion immediately following the production. County Executive Calvin Ball will provide opening remarks at the 7:00 pm show. 

The registration for the 1 PM Eventbrite Registration can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/disgraced-written-by-ayad-akhtar-performed-by-stand-up-for-theater-tickets-166360876861.

The registration for the 7 PM Eventbrite registration can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/disgraced-written-by-ayad-akhtar-presented-by-stand-up-for-theater-tickets-166361681267?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

In the last week, police have received multiple reports of vehicle thefts and theft from vehicles in Howard County. Police believe that the same group or groups of individuals commit these crimes, targeting different neighborhoods on different nights. We are actively following leads and investigating each report. Additionally, neighborhoods in the overnight hours.

You can make yourself less likely to be victimized. Here’s how:

-Always lock your vehicle. Yes, in some cases thieves break car windows. But often, they bypass locked vehicles.

-Do not leave keys or key fobs inside your vehicle. In many of the vehicle thefts reported, this has been the case.

-Do not leave valuables in plain sight, or in your car at all. Numerous wallets and purses have been stolen out of vehicles in the last week.

-Park inside your garage if you have one and close your garage doors. Thieves have entered open garages and stolen vehicles and items out of vehicles.

Additional security measures, such as VIN etching, vehicle security systems, and a steering wheel/column lock also can be effective deterrents. We encourage you to report any theft from the vehicle to the police, including if your vehicle has been tampered with but nothing has been stolen. This helps us track trends and identify suspects. You can make a report online here or by calling the non-emergency number at 410-313-2200. For thefts in progress, call 911.

Our HCPD school resource officers (SROs) are excited to be back in all high schools this year under an updated agreement with the Howard County Public School System. This year, the SROs added to their intensive week-long training by inviting school administrators to take part in a collaborative work session, including diversity and inclusion, to prepare for the new school year.

With the SROs’ return, there will be a renewed focus on coordinating with school administrators to promote restorative justice practices, like HCPD Teen Court, which divers young people away from the criminal justice system.

The HCPD training for SROs also includes sessions on implicit bias, de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed practices, disability and diversity awareness, and many other topics. They continue to train through the year.

The SROs bridge gaps between youth and law enforcement, creating positive interactions and understanding that transected the school environment. This year, the officers will wear new “soft” uniforms in the schools to help foster a sense of safety and comfort for all students. SROs serve as mentors, coaches and volunteers to support students during and after school hours.

The goal of the SRO program remains the same: to build positive relationships with students and staff while providing a safe school environment. We’ll introduce you to our 2021-2022 SROs later this week! Learn more at SRO FAQs here.

HCPD’s Financial Crimes Unit is continuing to investigate hundreds of Unemployment Insurance fraud claims that have been received through its online reporting (Coplogic) system. Understandably, many of those reporting a fraud claim prefer not to provide certain personal information due to concerns of further identity theft. However, in order to track a person's claim, the Maryland Department of Labor requires certain information be provided. Those falling into this category will be receiving an email from HCPD with instructions on how to proceed, to include contact information for the investigating detective and how to provide their information directly to a uniformed HCPD officer, if preferred. Please DO NOT call 911 to provide the requested information. For questions and/or to speak to someone further regarding this matter, please contact HCPD directly at 410-313-3200.

HCPD’s Coffee with a Cop is back! This outreach program offers residents the opportunity to come meet face-to-face with officers in an informal and neutral place to discuss issues, ask questions and build relationships one cup of coffee (or any beverage of your choice) at a time. As always, coffee and conversation are on the house. For upcoming dates, times and locations, stay tuned HCPD’s social media (Facebook and Twitter) accounts. For more information and/or questions, contact HCPD's Community Outreach Division at 410-313-2207.

Our Office of Procurement and Contract Administration’s Local Business Initiative strives to promote the growth and success of local businesses and to increase the percentage of County procurement dollars flowing to local businesses. However, through frank conversations with residents, businesses and the Chamber of Commerce to understand the challenges our business community faces, we have learned we can need to do more to increase opportunities for procurement within the County and the flow of procurement dollars back into our community. That is why I recently signed an Executive Order (EO) that establishes new rules for awarding procurement dollars to local businesses that further strengthens our Local Business Initiative. The EO contains the following updates:

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.

Don’t forget Howard County, the upcoming Labor Day holiday is one of the six holidays that affects County provided curbside trash, recycling, food scraps and yard trim collection. As a result, there will be no Monday collection on September 6^th due to the holiday. The County's holiday "slide schedule" will therefore be in effect the week of Labor Day, with Monday's pickup sliding to Tuesday, Tuesday to Wednesday and so forth.

Want the latest Department of Recreation & Parks events and activity news delivered straight to your inbox? Then I encourage you to sign up today for Recreation & Park’s mailing list by clicking HERE.

Capture a moment that shows what community sports are all about! Submit your favorite snapshots to the 2021 Celebration of Sports photo contest. We’re looking for photos that show leadership, dedication or good sportsmanship during Howard County sports programs and tournaments. You may submit up to three photos by September 3^rd, 2021. For more information or to submit, visit https://www.hcrpsports.org/photocontest. 

On September 24^th, join Howard County Recreation & Parks for a unique outdoor art session at Lisbon Sunflower Field. Led by Pinot’s Palette staff, budding artists will paint and take home a portrait of a beautiful sunflower. Space is limited, register today at https://tinyurl.com/HCRPSunflowerPainting2021.

Looking for a preschool program that allows your child to grow while surrounded by the beauty of nature? Beginning September 14^th, join Robinson Nature Center for the Lil’ Pinecones outdoor class! In this six-week program on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4 and 5-year-old learners master skills like counting, sorting and phonics while becoming more familiar with the beauty of nature. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/LilPineconesFallHCRP or call 410-313-0400.

Calling all crafters! Howard County Recreation & Parks is seeking handmade crafters and artisan for our 2021 Holiday Mart juried arts & crafts show on Saturday, December 4^th. For this year’s event, we are back in person at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center. To apply online, visit https://www.formpl.us/form/1434676008.