We are dedicated to expanding COVID-19 testing to residents in our community who may not have adequate access. Beginning March 29th, First Call Urgent Care and Centennial Medical Group will be implementing five rotating mobile testing units in the following locations:

Rapid testing and PCR testing will be available to residents at no cost. These new testing sites will help us promote more equitable healthcare and ensuring our most vulnerable populations have access to COVID-19 testing.

Last week, I announced an exciting change to our Ellicott City Safe and Sound plan. The North Tunnel, which was originally going to start in Lot F and end at the Patapsco River, is being extended and will now start higher up in the watershed. The extension of the North Tunnel has four major benefits – it is anticipated to reduce water levels, eliminate other projects, save homes and historical properties, and is anticipated to be cost-neutral.

This is a significant change to our plan but one that achieves the goals we have always set out to achieve – less water on the street, fewer buildings that need to be removed, and a safer town for all. We are continuing our work with the Ellicott City Safe and Sound plan to create solutions that will keep Ellicott City thriving for generations to come.

Last week, I also announced the implementation of a body-worn camera program in Howard County, which will be included in my Fiscal Year 2022 operating budget. By encouraging community collaboration, I am confident that the usage of body-worn cameras will generate a mutually beneficial relationship that will serve our officers and our residents while upholding transparency and justice, in addition to keeping both our officers safe as well as our community members.

Establishing this body-worn camera initiative will support our officers’ ability to exhibit best practices in community policing while ensuring trust and justice for those they serve. I want to thank Howard County Police Department, Howard County Sheriff's Office, and Howard County State's Attorney's Office for their collaboration and ongoing partnership as we work continuously to make Howard County the best and safest community for all.

Read more about the announcement here.

I was so pleased to welcome Governor Larry Hogan and First Lady Yumi Hogan to demonstrate our shared commitment to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in Howard County and Maryland. Howard County is home to nearly 60,000 Asian Americans, and many of our neighbors operate beloved businesses, restaurants, and services in our neighborhoods.

We want our Asian American community to know that we stand with you and against racism of any kind. We encourage every Marylander, please do your part. Search in your mind and your heart, and eliminate any negative bias in yourself and in your circles. The only way we can eradicate, stigma, hatred, and racism is by proactively caring for the community, and educating one another.

Please join me in congratulating all the phenomenal women who were named Maryland’s Top 100 Women by The Daily Record. I’m especially proud to know these phenomenal Howard County women; Lee Bachu, Janice Keene, Elizabeth Edsall Kromm, Kimberly Lumpkins, Linda Sorg Ostovitz, Jean Parker, Dr. Arti Santhanam, Indira K. Sharma, Esq., Felicita Sola-Carter, Donna Hill Staton, Esq., Colleen Vacelet, and Barb Van Winkle. I’m so proud of all their achievements to make Howard County and Maryland a better place to live, work, and play.

As we continue to celebrate Women’s History month, we recognize and honor the accomplishments of these women, and the special women in our lives. Congratulations to all!

See the full list here.

Each week we make steady progress in our vaccine distribution, and we’re expecting an increase in supply by the end of this month, allowing us to expand to additional groups.

We’re pleased the Governor has laid our clearer expectations for Marylanders about when they will be eligible for vaccines. As supply allows, our Howard County Health Department will also open appointments to these additional groups.

Thank you to our incredible team at the Howard County Health Department who have made this process as smooth as possible for our residents and continue to adapt and improve to ever-evolving circumstances.

To pre-register with the Health Department please click here or call 410-313-6284.

Residents can also pre-register with a State mass vaccination site here or by calling 1-855-MD-GOVAX.

According to the Maryland Department of Health, to date, 33.4% of Howard County residents have received their first dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine. This percentage includes those who may have received a first dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. We continue to work with the Howard County Health Department to ensure residents receive the vaccine safely and efficiently, as we receive supply.

There are nearly 300 provider locations including regional State-run mass vax clinics, retail pharmacies and hospital operating clinics. For more information and to register, please visit COVIDVax.Maryland.gov or call 1 (855) 634-6829.

To date, 19% of Howard County residents are fully vaccinated according to the Maryland Department of Health. This includes residents who may have received the Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson-Janssen vaccines. We continue to work with the Howard County Health Department and the State to ensure residents receive the vaccine safely and efficiently, as we receive supply.

Our team has been working diligently to administer COVID-19 vaccines to residents and get shots in arms as quickly as possible. To date, the Howard County Health Department received 54,250 vaccines and administered 96.7% doses according to the Maryland Department of Health. I know that this is a tough time for many, especially with limited vaccine available, but our team works day and night to ensure our vaccine rollout is as smooth as possible.

For more information and to register, please visit COVIDVax.Maryland.gov or call 1 (855) 634-6829.

Mental health is just as important as physical health. A recent Goucher poll indicated that 50% of Maryland residents feel more stressed due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please, remember to take of yourself today, and every day. I encourage us all to be kinder to one another and reach out to a friend who may be struggling in silence to remind them they are not alone.

Help is available. Visit Howardcountymd.gov/gethelp or call 2-1-1 for more.

I am wishing the best to my friend Dr. Kate Hetherington who announced her retirement from Howard Community College after 14 years as its President. Dr. Hetherington has been an incredible partner in our community, creating ready and successful students for generations and making education affordable, accessible, and personal.

I wish her the best in her future endeavors!

On bi-weekly calls with the White House, we're discussing and coordinating the quick distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine with all levels of government.

We're joined by three officials, Intergovernmental Affairs Senior Advisor Luke McGowan, COVID-19 Intergovernmental Affairs Director Eduardo Cisneros, and White House Vaccine Coordinator Dr. Bechara Choucair.

I encourage residents to send questions for the White House Vaccination Team to cball@howardcountymd.gov that I can direct to officials during these calls. Residents should put “Question for White House Vax Team” in the subject line of their emails. The next call is Thursday, April 1st, at 2:00 p.m.

While there continues to be limited vaccine allocation to County Health Departments, we encourage qualifying residents to visit one of many available locations to receive their vaccines. The State has implemented several Mass Vaccine sites to administer vaccines to residents. Pre-registration is now available to residents in Phases 1, 2A, and 2B. However, the state is only vaccinating those in Phases 1 and 2A at this time.

How to Register:

For more information and to register at any mass vaccination sites or pharmacy, please visit COVIDVax.Maryland.gov or call 1 (855) 634-6829.

Our Howard County Health Department is working effectively and efficiently to ensure every resident can receive the vaccine as soon as possible. Once you register, the Health Department will reach out to you within seven days to confirm your registration. If you have received your vaccine elsewhere, you may unsubscribe using the link in your confirmation email.

For more information, please visit Vaccine.howardcountymd.gov or call (410) 313-6284.

We are efficiently administering the vaccine with approximately 100% of received vaccines administered by the end of each week. Please note, the phases are determined by the Governor, and are subject to change based upon State guidance. For questions about specific phases and where you may qualify, please call the State's COVID line at 1-855-634-6829.

Residents who have preregistered will be notified by email to schedule an appointment, as supply becomes available. Appointments are required, and persons should arrive no sooner than 10 minutes prior to their appointment time.

Please note, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services' Mobile Integrated Community Health (MICH) team will focus on vaccinating specific homebound at-risk adults as identified by the Howard County Health Department. If you believe you are in need of MICH in-home COVID-19 vaccination accommodations, please complete one of the registrations below marking the appropriate area for MICH consideration. The Howard County Health Department can provide further information at 410-313-6284.

There are nearly 300 provider locations including regional State-run mass vax clinics, retail pharmacies and hospital operating clinics. All residents are encouraged by the State to register for a vaccine at these sites by using the State vaccine locator.

Phase 1A includes all licensed healthcare providers, correctional officers, law enforcement agencies, and frontline judiciary staff. The Health Department estimates there are up to 15,000 people in this group. Healthcare providers can register here.

We are currently scheduling appointments and vaccinating those in this phase.

The Health Department estimates there are up to 55,000 people under this phase, and we are currently vaccinating those in this phase.

This phase includes:

We are currently registering and vaccinating those who fall under this phase, and the Health Department estimates there are approximately 100,000 people in this phase.

Residents ages 65-74: Some residents under this group will be vaccinated as supply allows. Proof of residence in Howard County will be required to receive the vaccination.

All other groups under phase 1C can register here. This phase includes:

The Howard County Health Department is currently pre-registering those who fall under this phase.

Phase 2A - Opened to all Marylanders age 60 and older

Phase 2B - Opens Tuesday, March 30th, 2021

Phase 2C - Opens Tuesday, April 13th, 2021

We are currently pre-registering those who fall under this phase. This phase will open no later than Tuesday, April 27th, 2021.

Please note, that while the phases may open, we are still solely dependent on supply. We thank every single community member for their patience as we continue our work with the state to increase our supply.

Our residents still have significant needs as they manage utility bills, rent payments and mortgage payments during this challenging time. Rental delinquency data from the Maryland Multi-Housing Association and the Housing Commission estimates that 1 in 4 of the 23,000 renter households in Howard County are past due on rent.

Residents can apply to one of our four nonprofit partners to receive assistance to pay past due rent and utility expenses for up to 12 months. Residents who have applied for previous assistance are also able to apply. For more information, please click here.

We are proud to announce a new foreclosure prevention program with $1.4 million supported through pandemic assistance funding. Residents impacted by COVID and not able to pay their mortgage payments should contact the Department of Housing and Community Development to complete an application for mortgage assistance. Applications are available here.

Residents with pending or approved forbearance plans with their mortgage lender are eligible to apply for assistance. Please note, the moratorium on filing of Notices of Intent to Foreclose also ends on 3/31.

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.

Homeowners can use the county's Credit Eligibility Calculator to explore all available tax credits and relevant information regarding the application and screening processes. The Credit Eligibility Calculator can be found here.

Please, share this information with an older adult in your life. For more information, you can also call the Department of Finance at (410) 313-2195.

As residents continue to receive the vaccine, it’s important to still get tested for COVID-19. While our positivity rate and case rate per 100,000 of our population are declining, testing is a proactive way to slow and eliminate COVID-19 in our community. We have several testing locations across the county. I strongly encourage residents to get a COVID-19 test if you are exhibiting any flu-like symptoms or think you may have been exposed.

To find a testing location near you, please visit hchealth.org

Howard County Governments Offices Closed April 2^nd for Good Friday Holiday

This coming Friday, April 2^nd, Howard County Government offices and animal shelter will be closed in observance of the Good Friday holiday. Maryland courts and the County’s Alpha Ridge Landfill will however be open and there will be regular Friday curbside trash, recycling, food scrap and yard trim services collection. Also, just a reminder, the County’s 50+ centers remain closed currently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For a complete list of what’s open and closed this Friday, click HERE.

County operations will resume on Monday, April 5th, at regular business hours. Please keep in mind, while most County Government buildings remain closed to the public at this time, several Recreation & Parks facilities and historic sites have reopened with limited hours.

As markets rise and fall, Howard County Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board plays a vital role in ensuring county residents have the ability to appeal and dispute their tax assessments, as assessed by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. Board members are tasked with reviewing appeals from county residents who disagree with their property tax assessment and are compensated $25 an hour for their time. If you are interested a Howard County resident, 18 years of age and older and interested in serving on this Board as a member or as an alternate, I encourage you to apply today. The DEADLINE to apply is Friday, April 9th.

To ensure Howard County's older adults, caregivers and adults with disabilities have the support and connections they need to thrive, Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) has released its annual "Howard County Resource Guide" for 2021. This FREE guide contains the most up-to-date information on a variety of aging-in-place programs and disability services available in Howard County. To view the guide, a digital copy is available online at www.howardcountymd.gov/aging or you can request hard copy be mailed to you by calling Maryland Access Point at 410-313-1234.

Human trafficking is a scourge on our communities throughout this state, nation, and world. Sex and labor trafficking are heinous crimes and my administration is committed to identifying victims, connecting them to high-quality services and bringing those responsible to justice. If you are interested in helping us put a stop to human trafficking, I encourage you to apply for the County’s Human Trafficking Prevention Coordination Council (HTPCC).

Established in 2019 by County Council Bill 52-2019 and comprised for 23 members, HTPCC is responsible for advising the County Government on human trafficking prevention issues in the county and conducts outreach and education efforts on prevention in order to spread awareness of the warning signs of human trafficking. At this time, we are particularly looking for a representative from our faith communities to serve on HTPCC.

For details about eligibility requirements and how to apply, please click HERE. Note, the deadline to apply is Friday, April 9th. Finally, for more information about HTPCC, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/OHTP or contact DCRS’ Office of Human Trafficking Prevention Manager Andrea Nunez at 410-313-6558 (voice/relay) or email anunez@howardcountymd.gov. 

Howard County older residents, if you are looking for something to keep you active and engaged, check out OAI’s monthly Virtual Offering Guides! Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, OAI has been working hard to provide older residents with various activities, from exercise and cooking classes to social engagement and lifelong learning classes, to help keep you moving, cooking and staying social while at home. To learn about the virtual offerings OAI has going on this month, check out its the March Virtual Offering Guide, available online now. for a list of this month’s offerings. For questions, contact OAI at aging@howardcountymd.gov.

As I announced this past Tuesday, our Department of Corrections has given notice to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of its intent to terminate the County’s contract with ICE. Under the contact, Corrections housed detainees in ICE custody. This decision was made in the wake of President Biden’s recent reforms of ICE policies and procedures.

Training Exercises Scheduled through April 22^nd

In case you missed the announcement in last week’s The Ball Bulletin, now through April 22^nd, HCDFRS will be conducting weekly TRAINING EXERCISES in the 9500 block of Glen Oaks Lane in Columbia every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. As part of its training exercises, HCDFRS will be using smoke machines to create artificial smoke; there will be NO actual fires. For questions and/or more information about these exercises, contact HCDFRS at 410-313-6000.

For more information and/or past reports and data, visit HCHD’s “Health Department Reports and Data” website.

Housing’s Next MIHU Open Enrollment Period to Begin April 1^st

Interested in calling Howard County home? Starting this Thursday, April 1^st, our Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will begin accepting applications for its Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program April open enrollment period. Held quarterly throughout the year, this inclusionary zoning program provides individuals and families the opportunity to purchase quality new homes at reduced sale prices and rents to those eligible. Applications will be available online and completed applications can be submitted either online, mailed to 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia, MD, 21046, or dropped off at DHCD’s Patuxent Woods Drive office by appointment only. The DEADLINE to apply is 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 30^th.

As part of its April MIHU open enrollment period, DHCD will be hosting a virtual MIHU Homeownership informational workshop next Wednesday, April 7^th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. via Webex. For details about the workshop and how to sign up, visit DHCD’s “Open Enrollment” website. Additionally, from DHCD’s “Open Enrollment” website, visitors can also find presentations from previous homeownership and rental informational workshops, as well as frequently asked questions and answers explaining the program’s eligibility requirements and application process.

Please keep in mind, if you are interested in DHCD’s MIHU rental program, prospective renters may apply directly to a participating rental community at any time during the year. For more information on the MIHU rental program, including a list of participating communities, visit DHCD’s MIHU rental website.

For questions and/or more information about the MIHU program, contact DHCD’s Housing Opportunities Programs Division at 410-313-6318 and select option two, email housing@howardcountymd.gov or visit DHCD’s open enrollment website. 

Howard County youth interested in serving on the County’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission, our Office of Human Rights and Equity is currently seeking student members for its Commission. Each year through County Government and local celebrations and service projects, we strive to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and all that he has done for our civilization and humankind. I encourage our young residents to apply for this role, so they too can be a part of this vital Commission and its efforts to follow Dr. King's footsteps of service and dedication towards helping and improving the lives of others.

If eligible and interested in applying, please send a resume and a brief letter explaining why you want to serve on the Commission to Kimberly Pruim either by email (be sure to copy mlk@howardcountymd.gov) or by mail to: Howard County Government, Office of the County Executive, Attn: Kimberly Pruim, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. The DEADLINE to apply is Friday, April 9th.

In addition to the County’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission, our Office of Human Rights and Equity and I are also seeking applicants (adult and students) for the County’s Human Rights Commission. Comprised of 11 voting members who serve three-year terms and one non-voting student member, Commission member duties and responsibilities include recommending a civil rights policy to the County Executive and the County Council; conducting surveys and studies concerning human rights conditions and problems; and filing a complaint when there is reason to believe a pattern or practice of discrimination exists.

To apply, please send a resume and a brief letter explaining why you want to serve on the Commission to Kimberly Pruim either by email or by mail to: Howard County Government, Office of the County Executive, Attn: Kimberly Pruim, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. The DEADLINE to apply is Friday, April 9th.

Last summer, I launched the planning process for the County’s next General Plan, HoCo By Design. This comprehensive long-range plan establishes the policies on how and where the County will develop and grow in response to evolving economic, environmental and social conditions. As part its HoCo By Design process, our Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) has launched its Growth Choices Workshop.

Now through 11:59 p.m. next Monday, April 5^th, residents can participate in this virtual workshop to learn about and provide feedback on the County’s options for growth, development and preservation for the next 20 years. Through ths workshop, DPZ’s HoCo By Design is sharing the four different scenarios that have been developed and key decision points important to planning the future of the County have been identified.  

To learn more about the workshop and the ways you can participate, visit DPZ’s HoCo By Design Scenario Planning website.  

DPZ is NOW accepting applications for its Route 1 Tax Credit program. The purpose of this program is to encourage revitalization along the Route 1 corridor by helping commercial and industrial building owners renovate and improve the exterior appearance of their properties with a tax credit of up to $100,000. This past November, the Howard County Council reauthorized the program, extending it through the taxable year ending June 30, 2026. 

For eligibility requirements and/or an application, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/route1taxcredit or contact DPZ’s Route 1 Tax Credit Program team at 410-313-2350 or email route1taxcredit@howardcountymd.gov to talk more about your project ideas. While applications are accepted on a rolling basis, tax credits are limited. 

Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is seeking the public’s help to bring this cold-case of suspected mistaken identity to justice more than 40 years later. On March 6, 1981, two pillars of the Howard County community were killed when someone set their house on fire. Joe Selby, the manager of the well-known Enchanted Forest in Ellicott City at the time, and his wife Betty, were members of a large family in the county who shared the same last name. After their nephew was involved in a bar fight five years earlier, someone is suspected to have retaliated with the fire, but burned the wrong house down. One mile apart, the two different Selby families both had their names on their mailboxes, one “J. Selby,” and the other “J.N. Selby.” In what is believed to be a mailbox mix-up, two innocent, beloved people lost their lives.

If you have any information about this case, HCPD is asking that you please call 410-313-STOP or email hcpdcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov. HCPD is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information in the case.

With winter finally over and spring officially underway, HCPD is sharing this important message from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), cautioning homeowners to be on the lookout for non-licensed tree contractors looking to take your money for work that never gets done. According to DNR, the Maryland Forest Service and Natural Resources Police have been made aware of one such individual operating in Baltimore and Harford counties, specifically targeting old residents.

Anyone who believes that they’ve been approached by an unlicensed business advertising or practicing tree care services in Maryland can file a complaint with DNR online or by contacting the Maryland Forest Service at 410-260-8511. 

To learn more about other common scams, especially other home improvement scams which tend to increase in spring, and details on how to identify a scam and protect yourself from becoming a victim, check out DCRS’ Office of Consumer Protection’s “Scam Alerts!” website.

Next Thursday, April 8^th, our Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold a virtual public meeting starting at 6:00 p.m., to discuss plans to stabilize an eroding stream bank located on Howard County open space west of Bonnie Branch Road (just opposite 4615 Bonnie Branch Road) and south of College Avenue. The informal meeting will include an overview of the design, followed by an open discussion. County staff and the project’s design consultant will be on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments. The project is expected to begin in July 2022.

To participate in the meeting by computer, go to www.webex.com and click “join;” the meeting number is 160 280 4509 and “Stormwater” is the password. To participate by phone, call 1-650-479-3207 (note, fees may apply) and enter the access code 160 280 4509.

Valley Mede residents, I invite you to join DPW on Thursday, April 15^th for a virtual public meeting to discuss its plans for a proposed drainage improvement project in your neighborhood. To reduce roadway flooding, DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services plans to replace and upgrade the storm drain along Michaels Way between Fawnwood Drive and Plumtree Branch, in the vicinity of Longview Drive beginning July 2022.

Those unable to participate in the virtual meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Ms. Christine Lowe with DPW’s Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-0522 or email cslowe@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.

For more information about this project, click HERE and/or contact SHA at 410-545-0303.

Yard Trim Collection Resumes Today, March 29^th

To learn more about the County's yard trim program and/or to check your collection day, visit the Bureau’s “Curbside Collection – Yard Trim” site or contact the Bureau of Environmental Services at 410-313-6444 or email help@howardcountyrecycles.org.

 

REMINDER: There will be REGULAR curbside trash, recycling, food scraps and yard trim collection this Friday, April 2nd, despite the Good Friday holiday. Good Friday is NOT one of the six holidays that affects curbside collection. The six holidays that do affect curbside collection are: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Click HERE to learn more about the holiday slide schedule.

For years, Howard County Recreation and Parks has reminded its park visitors: "When thunder roars, go indoors!" Now, to further protect visitors from inclement weather when it strikes, Recreation & Parks has installed a new outdoor lightning alert system at six of its eight regional parks: Blandair Regional Park, Cedar Lane Park, Rockburn Branch Park, Schooley Mill Park, Troy Park at Elkridge and Western Regional Park. Additional alert systems are expected to be operational at Savage Park and Centennial Park by this fall. 

Last week, our Departments of Recreation & Parks and Community Resources and Services announced the start of its Howard County “Volunteers Rock!” initiative, in honor of National Volunteer Week, which runs from April 18^th to April 24^th. Beginning April 1^st, artists of all ages are invited to share a few words of gratitude for volunteers by painting and donating an art rock. The rocks should be in honor of an individual volunteer or group that has had a positive impact on the Howard County community. Each rock contributed will be placed on display in the rock gardens at the Ellicott City 50+ Center, Gary J. Arthur Community Center and the North Laurel Community Center until August 1, 2021. 

To contribute your own art rock or to learn more about upcoming volunteer opportunities, visit www.hocovolunteer.org.  

If you know of an incredible coach, manager, league official, commissioner or behind-the-scenes contributor who live in and/or have contributed to a community sport primarily in Howard County, I encourage you to nominate them today for our Department of Recreation & Parks’ 2021 “Community Sports Hall of Fame.” Nomination forms are available on line at www.hcrpsports.org/halloffame or by calling the Department of Recreation & Parks at 410-313-1691, and are being accepted through April 15tth.

For more information about Howard County’s Community Sports Hall of Fame, including a list of past Hall of Fame inductees, visit www.hcrpsports.org/halloffame.

 Starting April 1^st, Howard County park goers are invited to search for Roaming Gnomes in select County parks! Each week, visit Recreation & Parks’ Facebook page for clues that will guide you and your family to one of its four Roaming Gnomes. Find the gnome, scan the special QR code and submit your entry form to Recreation & Parks to be entered in a weekly prize drawing. Prizes are awarded each week with a special grand prize to be awarded to a searcher who finds all four gnomes by the end of the month! For additional info, visit https://tinyurl.com/f5ecd2.

This Friday, April 2^nd, join Recreation & Parks as it celebrates Archaeology Month with a School’s Out program at the Howard County Living Farm Heritage Museum. Citizen scientists ages eight to 13 years old are invited to come get their hands dirty uncovering historical artifacts from an active archaeology site, while leaning about field work from a real archaeologist! To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/CitizenScientistArch21.

Last week, I shared news about a new partnership between the Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA), the Transit mobile app and Token Transit, that brings long-awaited and welcome improvements to our RTA riders. This innovative partnership gives riders the ability to plan, track and pay for their RTA trip on the same platform, a first in the state of Maryland. Additionally, this touch-free technology allows for increased safety for riders and drivers during the ongoing pandemic. I’d like to extend another thank you to all of our partners involved in making these enhancements possible.

Our Office of Transportation is looking for ways to improve Howard County’s Bikeshare system and is seeking to gather public feedback through a short survey. Your feedback will help Transportation improve its system now and in the future. To learn more about Howard County Bikeshare, visit https://howardcountybikeshare.com/.

As part of the development of its Transportation Demand Management Plan for Downtown Columbia (DTC), Transportation is working with the Downtown Columbia Partnership to survey those who work in DTC to better understand their transportation needs and assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their travel patterns. To complete the survey, click HERE. Your responses will help us design new transportation options and strategies to address current needs, as well as serve commuters to Downtown Columbia into the post-COVID period.

I would like to thank the more than 700 people who visited our Office of Transportation’s Active Transportation Open House website and submitted survey responses. This Open House built upon the momentum of Transportation’s previous BikeHoward open houses and reflected the County’s goals and priorities to make Howard County bikeable and walkable. To read a summary about the survey results and learn more about the Open House and materials presented during the virtual event, click HERE.