Greetings!
Welcome to our August 2022 Newsletter!
This month, the County Council is on recess and will not be holding any public meetings or regular legislative sessions. While the Council does not meet in session this month, we are still working hard to prepare for the Fall and work on resident issues in our community!
Many Howard County families are also preparing to head back to school at the end of August. In this newsletter, you can find back-to-school resources and information to make sure you and your family are ready to head back to HCPSS!
Please don't hesitate to contact my office if you are experiencing any issues in your community or would just like to get in touch. We are here to help with your concerns and listen to your feedback.
Wishing you a safe, happy, and healthy August!
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Christiana Rigby
Councilwoman, District 3
she/her/hers
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On July 27th, the County Council convened for our July Legislative Session. The County Council took action on several pieces of legislation, including the following:
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CR109-2022, CR110-2022, and CR111-2022: Resolutions approving PILOT agreements pertaining to solar power generation in Howard County. These resolutions were passed in 5-0 votes. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.
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CB48-2022: An ACT to establish an LGBTQIA+ Commission; providing for the membership of the Commission; providing for the purpose and duties of the Commission; providing for the method of appointment and staff; requiring certain meetings and certain reports; providing the expiration dates of the terms of the initial members of the Commission; and generally relating to the LGBTQIA+ Commission. This legislation was passed in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.
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CB49-2022: An ACT to establish La Alianza Latina Commission; providing for the membership of the Commission; providing for the purpose and duties of the Commission; providing for the method of appointment and staff; requiring certain meetings and certain reports; providing the expiration dates of the terms of the initial members of the Commission; and generally relating to La Alianza Latina Commission. This legislation was passed in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.
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CB50-2022: An ACT amending the Howard County Code to require newly appointed members of the Howard County Board of Appeals to complete certain land use training courses as a condition of their appointment; and generally relating to the Howard County Board of Appeals. This legislation was passed in a 4-1 vote. Introduced by Deb Jung.
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CR112-2022: A resolution adopting the 2022 Howard County Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan. This resolution was passed in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.
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The County Council is on recess during the month of August. Legislation for the month of September will be pre-filed on Thursday, August 25th for introduction in September. |
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Community News, Events, and Updates |
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HoCo By Design - Economic Prosperity |
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Join the conversation about Howard County's next General Plan!
The fourth draft chapter of our next General Plan - Economic Prosperity - was recently released, and HoCo By Design wants your feedback! This chapter focuses on job growth, employment opportunities, and economic activity in Howard County.
Survey feedback is due by August 23rd.
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Carroll Baldwin Hall - Centennial Celebration! |
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The historic Carroll Baldwin Hall in Savage is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year!
The Carroll Baldwin Memorial Institute (CBMI) is hosting events throughout the year to celebrate this milestone.
You can learn more about Carroll Baldwin Hall by visiting the Hall's website and watching CBMI's featured video about the Hall's history. Stay tuned for additional information on the Hall's Centennial Celebration and other events this Fall!
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Back to School Information |
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The first day of school in Howard County is Monday, August 29, 2022! We have included important information below about the upcoming school year.
Student Meals:
HCPSS is returning to pre-pandemic ways of providing meals to students based on eligibility (free, reduced-price, and paid). HCPSS encourages households to complete Free and Reduced Meal applications, based on your household income eligibility.
Back-to-School Nights:
Back-to-School Nights are back! Each Howard County School will have a New Student Orientation and a Back-to-School Night in the coming weeks; some schools will offer an open house as well.
Back-to-School Nights give parents/guardians the opportunity to see what their child’s school experience is like and the chance to ask teachers questions about the upcoming school year. You can find more information about New Student Orientation and Back-to-School Night on HCPSS's Back to School web page.
HCPSS School Supplies Drive:
The annual school supplies drive hosted by HCPSS and Prepare for Success is happening now! The goal of the drive is to provide academic supplies to families who are experiencing a financial burden from the costs associated with going back to school. The supplies donated during this drive will help each HCPSS student have the tools they need to be prepared for the upcoming school year. You can find more information about the supplies drive on Prepare for Success' website.
When: Now until August 20th, 2022
Where: Supplies can be dropped off at Howard County Libraries, Columbia Village Association Offices, CA Gyms, and other locations.
Wondering How to Prepare for the First Day of School?
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Savage Mill Trail Cleanup |
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Local nonprofit Upcycled is hosting their final summer cleanup at Savage Mill Trail! You're invited to join the cleanup on Saturday, August 27th from 10am-12pm.
This cleanup is part of Upcycled's Savage Beautification Project for 2022. The purpose of this project is to beautify the Savage Mill Trail and the area by the Old Mill in Historic Savage to foster a sense of purpose and pride in the community
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CALL 988 Launches in Central Maryland |
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This summer, the new CALL 988 helpline launched in Howard County and neighboring jurisdictions in Central Maryland.
CALL 988 offers high-quality emergency emotional support to residents in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, and Carroll County. Anyone who calls the national 988 phone number from this region will immediately be connected to local call centers for safe, supportive and confidential mental health services.
Over time, the new national 988 number will serve as an alternative to calling 911 or going to the Emergency Department for emergency emotional support and will make access to mental health care in the community easier.
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Vaccine and Booster Update
While nearly all residents have received a first and second dose of the vaccine, many eligible residents have not yet received their booster shot. The most recent data available indicates that 65% of individuals over the age of 12 have received their vaccine booster shot.
The COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot are highly recommended as a proven method to counter the spread of the virus and provide protection against serious illness and death.
If you haven't received your vaccine or booster shot yet, there are many opportunities to get immunized! The Health Department is offering vaccine clinics at locations across the County, including appointments for anyone age 5 and older. You can find a full list of vaccine appointments on the Health Department's website.
Not sure if you are eligible for a booster shot? You can check your eligibility for a booster shot from visiting the CDC's website.
COVID-19 Testing
The Howard County Health Department and our private partners are continuing to offer COVID-19 tests across Howard County on a regular basis. If you would like to get tested, please visit the Health Department's website for a list of nearby testing clinics and locations. You can also request free rapid tests be mailed to you from the federal government.
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District 3 Pre-Submission Meetings |
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There is currently one community pre-submission meetings scheduled in District 3. |
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Name: The Apostles Continuation Church
Address: West side of Bursa Road, Laurel, MD 20723
Meeting Date: August 30, 2022 at 6:00 PM
Meeting Location: Savage Branch Library, 9525 Durness Road, Laurel, MD 20723
Zoning: CE-CLI
Acres: 1.5
Units: n/a
Planned Use: Construct a religious facility on 1.5 acres
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Stay Connected with Christiana! |
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Christiana Rigby
Councilwoman, District 3
410-313-2001
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Colette Gelwicks
Special Assistant
410-313-2421
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Felix Facchine
District Aide
410-313-3108
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