Dear Friends,

For our teachers and support staff, these past two years have been especially grueling, and I believe it is more important than ever to retain those committed educators who make our school system among the best in the nation. I’m thrilled to announce that the Howard County Board of Education matched my commitment of $8 million in bonuses for our educators. 

Together, we have secured $16.1 million in bonuses for all our full-time Howard County Public School System employees. I appreciate that our Superintendent and Board of Education have acted and joined me in demonstrating our gratitude for our educators as a reward for their hard work and dedication to our children. 

For our teachers and school support staff, these past two years have been especially grueling, and we must retain those committed educators who make our school system among the best in our nation.

In addition, last week, the Howard County Board of Education took a giant leap to by approving a 25% pay increase for our substitute teachers. This increase makes Howard County one of the highest-paying districts for substitutes in the state. This approval reaffirms Howard County’s commitment to ensuring all our students are ready and successful for generations to come.

Yesterday, we joined to recognize the 27th anniversary of the Day of Service that celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a leader dedicated to finding the common good of our society – something that can only be accomplished when we work together.

From collecting food for our neighbors in need to serving the less fortunate, our community is strong in showing support for one another throughout the year. Every day, let’s continue to help our friends and neighbors in need. It is what truly makes Howard County is the best place to live, work, play, and serve.

As of 9:00 a.m. this morning and according to the Maryland Department of Health, Howard County’s positivity rate is 16% and our 7-day average case rate is 114. Hospitalizations remain high around the state. There are currently 68 COVID-19 patients in both the ICU and Acute Care units at Howard County General Hospital. 

Howard County has high vaccination rates with 81% of our total population being fully vaccinated, and 86% of our residents 12+ are vaccinated. Approximately 50% of our eligible residents (12+) still have not received their booster shot. With Omicron’s virulence, the unvaccinated are at greater risk for hospitalization. Studies show that vaccinated individuals are still at risk of being infected with the Omicron variant. However, vaccines and boosters are working by significantly reducing hospitalization and even death.

Today, the the federal government kicked off a new program that will deliver free rapid COVID-19 tests to every American home that requests them. To learn more, or order the tests for your household, please visit covidtests.gov. Tests are expected to begin shipping in late January. 

We must continue to practice the mitigation strategies we have all become accustomed to: stay home if you are sick, get tested, wear a high-quality mask, and please get vaccinated and boosted if you haven’t already. Find a vaccine near you at vaccine.howardcountymd.gov.

If we want services, classes, and programs to continue, we need healthy employees—and that begins with available testing. If you are or related to someone who works for Howard County Government or a government partner, please consider getting tested at the Roger Carter Community Center in Ellicott City weekly on the following days and times:

-Tuesdays: 10a – 6p

-Wednesdays: 11:30a – 3:30p

-Thursdays: 10a – 6p

We’re so grateful for the work of our essential employees and their service to our residents and visitors. We must all do our part to mitigate the spread. Eligible residents can register for the clinic here. Please bring your confirmation number with you and your work ID when getting tested. No appointment necessary. 

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved the Pfizer Booster for our youth between the ages of 12 and 15. If it has been 5 months since you received your second Pfizer dose, you are eligible to get a booster.

The single most effective action you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones, and to stop this pandemic, is to get vaccinated and boosted. Find a clinic near you at vaccine.howardcountymd.gov

In 1903, the first Korean immigrants migrated to the United States and they have long contributed of our vibrant and thriving culture in business, medicine, science, and the arts. Our Korean American owned businesses are especially an economic engine in our community. I was honored to join Consul General Sei Joong Kwan of the Korean Embassy, Councilwoman Christiana Rigby, and members of our Korean American community to mark the 119th Korean American Day at Sushi Q in Jessup.

Special thank you to Jennifer Qui, an inspirational business owner and first generation Korean American, for hosting the event and helping us also kick off Howard County Restaurant Weeks.

Thank you to our partners at the League of Korean Americans of MD - LOKA, Korean American Senior Association of Howard County, Camp Attaway, Howard County AAPI Workgroup, Korean American Association-State of Maryland, Arirang Association, National Reunification Advisory Council of Greater Washington, and the Korean American Senior Citizens Association.

Howard County, a national Cybersecurity leader, is in the center of a region where there are over 19,000 cybersecurity job opportunities in a critical industry. Congratulations to our EDA for being named a finalist in the $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge, one of 60 finalists selected nationally, and the only proposal in Maryland selected.

Cybersecurity is essential for every aspect of our daily lives – from protection of our personal data and guarding financial and utility infrastructures, to defending our national security. I was excited to join Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves, Senator Van Hollen, Senator Ben Cardin, Congressman John Sarbanes, Howard Community College President Daria Willis, Teamworx, and Cyndi Gula at the Kenneth Ulman Innovation Hub to discuss our incredible progress over the last three years, this opportunity and our work to empower local businesses today and tomorrow.

Our county is a leader in job growth and innovation and the Maryland Innovation Center is one impactful way we are leaning in to further that reputation.

I was so pleased to join Jaspir Singh for the grand opening of India Bazaar at the Normandy Shopping Center in Ellicott City. This new store provides high quality grocery and Indian products, and they also provide delivery for residents. 

This is their sixth store and first in Howard County. Thank you so much for expanding your business to Howard County, and we wish you much success in the future!

Learn more about them here.

Getting tested is one of the best ways to slow and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community. That is why it’s vital to ensure testing is available for residents. Last week, we delivered nearly 2,000 at-home test kits to our various religious congregations at the Wilde Lake, Oakland Mills, and Owen Brown interfaith centers, Community Action Council, the Howard County NAACP, and Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center.

By working together, we can keep our community safe and healthy!

With night time temperatures projected to continue to dip well below freezing this weekend, the County’s Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Utilities is offering residents tips on how to keep pipes from freezing and potentially bursting.

These are everyday tips that can help our residents protect their pipes and ultimately their homes. I encourage residents and businesses to take a few moments to check the status of their pipes amid winter's freezing temperatures, it could save you from unwanted and costly damage. 

Read more here.

I'm deeply saddened to hear the passing of Bill Frese, father of Maryland Women's Basketball coach, my friend and Howard County resident Brenda Frese. Losing a father is devastating, but we can remind her that she and her family are not alone. My thoughts are with all family and friends who are struggling through this loss during this difficult time.

Read more about him here.

No one should ever choose between putting food on the table or a roof over their head. If a household is unable to make rent, utility or mortgage payments, residents can apply for assistance here.

Please note, household income limits for rental and mortgage assistance programs vary. I encourage residents to share this information with family, friends, and neighbors who may find this helpful.

We have distributed 55% of funding for County managed assistance programs. Since our first round of CARES Act Funding in 2020, our team has worked diligently to get funding into the hands of our most vulnerable residents. Our distribution method is one of the most efficient and effective in the nation – and most importantly, more of our residents are able to stay safely housed during a pandemic.

We're so grateful for our partners at Howard County Housing & Community Development, Bridges to Housing Stability, United Way, Luminus, Community Action Council of Howard County, Springboard Community Services, and Friends of Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center for their efforts to get this vital funding into the hands of those who need it most.

If you or someone you know needs help with housing costs, funding is still available to pay rent and utility expenses. To learn more and apply, please click here.

Back by popular demand, our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office of Children and Families (OCF) will host its annual Child Care Fair on Saturday, February 26^th (NEW DATE) from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the North Laurel Community Center; masks are required. While admission is FREE, attendees are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item or unopened pack of diapers or wipes to donate to the Howard County Food Bank.

Though not required, pre-registration is highly recommended so event organizers can contact attendees in case of inclement weather on the day of the event. For more information about the Fair, contact the OCF at 410-313-1940 or email children@howardcountymd.gov. To request a sign language interpreter or other accommodations to participate, call at least one week in advance.

Registration is now open for vendors/exhibitors interested in participating in this year’s Child Care Fair on February 26^th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the North Laurel Community Center. For 30 years, OCF has hosted this Fair to give Howard County parents the opportunity to learn about preschools, child care programs and community resources in one single location. Sold on a first come, first served basis, registration will continue until all 60 tables are sold. The cost to participate for for-profit organizations is $75 and the cost for non-profit, 501c3 organizations is $50 with coupon code: OCFNONPROFIT. To register to be a vendor/exhibitor at this year’s Fair, click HERE.

For questions and/or more information about being a vendor/exhibitor at our 2022 Child Care Fair, please contact Georgia Ferentinos at 410-313-1943 or gferentinos@howardcountymd.gov.

To learn more about our efforts to combat human trafficking, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/OHTP.

To raise awareness and commemorate Human Trafficking Awareness Month, DCRS’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention, in partnership with the Howard County Library System (HCLS) and the County’s Office of Human Rights and Equity, will hold a virtual screening and panel discussion of PBS Frontline’s documentary, Trafficked in America, next Tuesday, January 25^th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Trafficked in America investigates how a group of teenagers from Guatemala were forced to work against their will at an Ohio egg farm and how their case illuminates the problem of labor trafficking in the U.S.

Those interested in participating in the panel discussion are asked to please watch the documentary in advance, which is available to stream for free with one’s HCLS card via Kanopy. Then on the 25^th, join the County and HCLS for a live virtual discussion via Zoom. To register for this event, click HERE.

DCRS’ OAI is a proud sponsor of the Beacon Virtual 50+EXPO, an online event which features an interactive website with information and resources geared to older adults. Now through January 31^st, visitors can access content on demand 24 hours a day from https://beacon50expo.com/. Log on anytime to visit more than 100 exhibitors and sponsors, including OAI's Bronze-level sponsors, Lorien Health and Maryland Vascular Specialists; engage with speakers; attend online classes; and enjoy a wide variety of entertainment.

In an emergency, every second counts. Fire hydrants that are blocked, concealed or difficult to and/or your business is interested in helping ensure our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) has quick and easy access to the fire hydrant(s) in your neighborhood, consider adopting a hydrant today.

To adopt a hydrant or to learn more about this program, email DFRS to outreach@hcdfrs.org with your name, address, email and the tag number for the hydrant you’d like to adopt.

Misplaced your 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 or someone you know is still in need of their flu vaccine, visit HCHD’s "Seasonal Flu" website today for details regarding its flu vaccination clinics.

HCHD has awarded $15,000 in grants to five local organizations to assist with tobacco/vaping use prevention, education and cessation outreach efforts, with specific emphasis on populations/groups identified as at risk or having a known health disparity related to tobacco. The five organizations were:

To mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Thursday, January 27^th, OHRE has partnered with the Howard County Library System (HCLS) and Jewish Federation of Howard County to host a book discussion group on Nobel Peace Prize winning author Elie Wiesel’s novel Night. Night is a candid, horrific and deeply poignant autobiographical account of Wiesel’s survival as a teenager in the Nazi death camps.

Join OHRE, HCLS and the Jewish Federation as they gather at the Central Branch at 6:30 p.m. to reflect on and discuss the importance of protecting and promoting the human rights of all people by remembering the human rights violations of Jews during the Holocaust.

To register for this free event, click HERE.

Our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Planning Board will be holding a VIRTUAL meeting this Thursday, January 20^th at 7:00 p.m. to hear the following agenda item:

A five-member board, the Planning Board makes recommendations to the Zoning Board or County Council on matters related to planning and zoning and renders a final decision on selected development proposals. Before recommendations or decisions are made, the Board holds a public meeting or hearing to provide interested persons the opportunity to provide comment. For details about procedures for testifying at a Planning Board meeting, click HERE.

To learn more about Howard County’s Planning Board and upcoming meeting dates, click HERE. To register for Thursday’s virtual meeting, visit HERE prior to 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, January 19^th.

As reminder, through February 1, 2022, our Department of Public Works (DPW) is conducting a survey of septic system owners within the County’s Water and Sewer Planned Service Area. This voluntary survey will evaluate septic owners’ interest in connecting to public sewer and the information collected will only be used to help the County plan future projects. To learn more about this survey, click HERE.

To learn about Department of Public Works (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.

While Howard County Government offices were CLOSED yesterday, January 17^th in observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King (MLK), Jr. Holiday, there was REGULAR Monday curbside trash, recycling and food scrap/yard trim collection. The County’s holiday slide schedule is NOT be in effect this week as the MLK Holiday is not one of the six holidays that affect curbside collection. Those six holidays are New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. To learn more about the County’s holiday slide schedule, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule. 

This past Saturday, January 15^th, our Bureau of Environmental Services FREE holiday tree recycling “Merry Mulch” program ended for the season. Residents who are still in possession of their holiday tree who would still like to have it recycled into compost and mulch, may bring their holiday tree to the County’s Alpha Ridge Landfill Wood Waste Area – open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please note, no plastic bagged trees will be accepted.

Additionally, after January 15^th, trees will be collected as trash if put out on trash day.

For more information on this program and what is accepted/not accepted, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/HHW.

As a reminder, for those that ONLY receive yard trim curbside collection, the Bureau’s yard trim collection season comes to an end this Friday, January 14^th and the new season will resume on Monday, March 28^th.

This HOWEVER does not apply to residents who participating in the Bureau’s Feed the Green Bin food scrap collection program, who receive year-round food scrap/yard trim collection. To see if you are in a Feed the Green Bin area, click HERE.

Calling all Howard County businesses, community groups and organizations, our Bureau of Environmental Services is now accepting nominations for its fourth annual “Business Recycling and Waste Reduction” and “Green Community Leadership” awards program. This annual awards programs recognizes businesses, community groups and organizations in Howard County that demonstrates efforts, projects or programs that help protect our natural environment and preserve its resources. Nomination forms are available online at www.workgreenhoward.org and are due (postmarked or delivered) by 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 11th.

If your pipes do freeze, the Bureau recommends opening the cold-water faucet nearest the frozen pipe to relieve pressure. Then, use a gentle heat source, such as a light bulb or hair dryer, to thaw the pipe. DO NOT use an open flame. 

Looking for a fun, ONLINE activity to do with your pets this winter? Check out Recreation & Parks’ first-ever winter pet parade on February 12^th! Dress up your furry (or feathered or scaled) family members and show them off for each other and our judges. Participants will be judged on fashion/costume, presentation, behavior and use of props. Of course, extra points will be given for special skills or tricks. To secure your pet’s spot in this year’s parade, you must register your pet by February 4^th. For more information, please contact Ms. Karen Ehler at 410-313-4635 or email kehler@howardcountymd.gov.

If you are in need of a fun activity for your child to participate when school is out (January 24^th, February 1^st, February 21^st and April 11^th through the 18^th, be sure to check out Recreation & Parks one-day events when schools are closed. From LEGO to music to cooking, science and sports, and so much more, there is something to keep every child and teen active and entertained when school is not in session. For a full list of activities and to register, click HERE.

25^th Anniversary of Riverdance

Join Recreation & Parks for Riverdance’s 25^th Anniversary Show at the Kennedy Center on March 19^th. A celebration of Ireland's cultural heritage, history and mythology, Riverdance revolves around the intricate footwork of traditional Irish dance set to the haunting melodies and rousing rhythms of the nation's musical identity. Initially featuring Irish dancing champions its principal dancers, Riverdance is now a training ground for Ireland's top dancers as well as the rising stars of Flamenco, Russian and Tap Dancing. To learn more about this fun-filled event geared towards the entire family and/or to purchase your ticket(s), click HERE.

Our Department of Recreation & Parks is seeking your input Howard County for its Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan (LPPRP), a comprehensive plan produced every five years that guides the department on key issues, trends and plans for managing and enhancing the systems of preserved public lands, parks and recreation facilities. To learn more about the LPPRP or to provide your input, click HERE.

Every year, Howard County updates the County’s list of transportation priorities for the Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Consolidated Transportation Program. The list, known as the Priority Letter, is developed based on input from the public and county staff, as well as elected and appointed officials. The update is sent to the Maryland Secretary of Transportation, along with project questionnaires. For the County’s FY2023–FY2028 Priority Letter, our Office of Transportation will hold a public meeting virtually on Thursday, January 27^th at 6:00 p.m. to gather public input. To register for this meeting, click HERE. Comments and questions can also be submitted to Transportation via email at transportation@howardcountymd.gov.

For more information about the County’s FY2023-FY2028 Priority Letter, including copies of past priority letters, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/transportation/priority-letter.