Dear Friends,

We anticipate that booster shots will begin to be available by early October, but we are waiting for the final approval from the FDA. Howard County has led the state on our vaccination efforts throughout this year, and we have the infrastructure in place to handle 3rd doses for immunocompromised residents and booster shots for the general population throughout this fall and winter. There is an abundance of vaccine supply. 

Right now, the best thing to do is be prepared. Locate and keep your vaccine card safe and ready or request your records at md.myir.net. 

For those in our community who still need to get vaccinated – please do not hesitate. Visit vaccine.howardcountymd.gov to find a clinic near you. 

To date in Howard County, we’ve had 21,166 cases of COVID-19 and 259 deaths. As of 9:00am today, our 7-day average positivity rate is 3.4% and our 7-day average case rate per 100,000 of our population is 13.33. There are currently 14 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 “high” 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, 88.4% of Howard County residents 12+ have received at least one dose and 83.2% 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.

Support from the Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC) has been critical in advancing each of our school projects into the construction phase, with nearly $67 million combined provided to our top priority projects over the past several years; Talbott Springs Elementary School, Hammond High School, and High School #13. 

Last week, I sent a letter to the IAC to request that they continue supporting our school construction and renovation efforts, and consider reducing or eliminating the restriction of Built to Learn funding to systemic renovation projects valued at $4 million or greater. Any expansion of eligibility of Built to Learn funding to include projects valued at less than $4 million will allow Howard County to address its growing list of needed systemic renovations more quickly, ensuring that our students are able to experience their education in environments that are conducive to learning.

Read the entire letter here.

During the past three budget cycles, we have provided more than $58 million per year to support school capital projects, allowing the top three priority projects of the Howard County Public School System- New High School #13, Talbott Springs Elementary School, and Hammond High School to begin construction. This level of funding for school construction represents an average annual increase of nearly 25 percent over the previous four years.

Slated to open in September 2022, the $44 million Talbott Springs Elementary replacement project is fully funded between County and State funding sources following the approval of our proposed FY2022 Capital Budget in May. Since opening in 1973, Talbott Springs Elementary School was last renovated in 2000.

When completed, the project will provide include a full replacement facility with a capacity of 540, providing students and educators with a new modern energy efficient building with programmatic and physical upgrades as well as new mechanical, electrical and technology systems.

Built on the same site, the new two-story school will be 34,000 square feet larger than the existing school. This project expands educational program spaces, including additional programmatic space needed for Title I services to ensure children can acquire a quality education allowing academic proficiency regardless of family income. Talbott Springs Elementary School is expected to achieve U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED Silver Certification. When complete, the existing school will be replaced by a parking lot and athletic fields.

It was great to join the Howard County Chamber of Commerce for their annual 2021 Cyber Conference. I want to thank Rick Miller, Michael Epley and keynote speakers, Dr. Josiah Dykstra and Ron Gula. Howard County has long been committed to guarding against cyber threats, and we remain committed to supporting our cyber businesses as we have become home to so many. This annual conference connects our local business-owners, with cybersecurity knowledge that will help improve market position, enhance corporate security, and address our shared challenges. 

The cyber landscape is always shifting, always demanding our vigilance to stay ahead of the curve. That ongoing work of cybersecurity belongs to all of us, including our local business leaders and government. Working together, we will protect what is important and build a brighter, safer future for our community.

This innovative, thoughtful and proven LEAD program is a more effective public health-based approach. In this instance the program is vital in identifying the root causes of nonviolent crime and providing the resources necessary to reduce further harm.

Thank you to Howard County State's Attorney's Office, Howard County Police Department, Howard County Sheriff's Office, Howard County Health Department, Howard County Public Defender's Office, and the Howard County Department of Corrections for their partnership on this important initiative.

Read more here.

Our community is mourning the passing of William Goddard, who served as Chief of the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services from 2009 to 2014. He was a committed public servant and under his leadership, that Department grew and continued to be one of the most respected in our nation. 

Chief Goddard waged a long and courageous fight against cancer. I ask that you keep the Goddard family in your thoughts and prayers, along with his brothers and sisters in the fire service.

Howard County continues to be one of the best places to live and grow, in part because of our incredible educational opportunities. As a former educator and parent of two, I understand the need for ensuring resources on the spectrum of learning from birth and beyond. 

I’m proud to be part of a community that values the same commitment with amazing partners such as Howard County Public School System, Howard County Library System, Howard Community College, and Community Action Council of Howard County. 

Watch this video to learn more about our commitment to education.

We know many residents are suffering in silence due to mental health challenges, and throughout this pandemic, isolation, anxiety and fear have been heightened. We have a shared responsibility to eliminate the stigma associated with speaking up, so that anyone who needs help feels comfortable asking for it. As Suicide Prevention Month begins, we must continue our work to battle the stigma surround mental health. It starts with each of us. 

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 through any challenge they may face. If you or a loved one need help, please call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1 (800) 273-8255. Together, we can eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and spread the message that it’s okay to ask.

Over the last 18 months, much of our attention has focused on responding to and recovering from COVID-19. However, during this challenging time, non-fatal opioid-related overdoses in our community have increased. On International Overdose Awareness Day, we reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring that help is available to anyone struggling with drug misuse. We know it’s challenging and want to remind our neighbors, friends, and family, you are not alone.

Watch this short video for more information on how to stay safe. Let’s continue our work together to keep our loved ones safe.

Howard County continues to lead the state with our vaccination rates! According to the Maryland Department of Health, 88.4% of Howard County residents 12+ have received at least one dose and 83.2% are fully vaccinated.

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. 

Join our Department of Community Resources and Services’ Office of Veterans and Military Families this Friday, September 17^th at The Chrysalis in Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods, as it presents the award-winning documentary film, Bastards’ Road. The film 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. Hancock’s story is about changing the ways one relates to traumatic memories and beginning the healing process. The event will kick off at 7:00 p.m. with an introduction, followed by the viewing of the film and a discussion panel with the film makers from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. Please note, the film does contain adult content and language. To reserve your tickets to this FREE event, click HERE.

Additionally, resources for veterans and military families will be available at the event. In partnership, Howard County Veterans Foundation continues to raise money for the future veterans monument. For more information, please click here.

September is National Senior Center Month, and a time to recognize our incredible staff, programs, and services our 50+ Centers provide to the community. As we work to become a more “Age-Friendly” community, we know how vital our 50+ Centers are to improve the well-being and quality of life for our residents. 

Read more in the September edition of the 50+ Connection here.

September is National Preparedness Month and all month long, our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will be sharing facts and helpful tips on its social media channels (Facebook and Twitter) on how you, your family and/or organization/business can "Prepare to Protect” in order to ensure you are ready when disaster strikes. You can also find preparedness tips and information about our local hazards on OEM's "Ready HoCo" website at readyhoco.com. So please, take the time this September to get involved, be informed, build a kit and make a plan.

In response to last week’s Ida threat, our Department of Technology and Communication Services added a new “Frequently Flooded Roads” layer to the County’s Interactive Map website. During an inclement weather rain event, these are definitely the roads to watch out for and stay alert for water on when traveling these roadways. 

As OEM and our Department of Fire and Rescue Services like to remind motorists, if you come upon a flooded roadway, TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN. It takes just a mere six inches of fast-moving flood water to knock over an adult, 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car and two feet of rushing water to carry away most vehicles. 

To read more about our new Chief, click here.

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 this 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.

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.

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 County’s Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Planning Board will be holding a VIRTUAL meeting this Thursday, September 9^th at 7:00 p.m. to hear the following 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., tomorrow Wednesday, September 8^th.  

To accelerate and modernize processing of plans, DPZ is now accepting plan submissions for Electronic Signatures. The development review process will remain the same up to the Technically Complete (TC) stage; however, plan submissions will now be uploaded electronically through ProjectDox (PDox) and routed to all agency reviewers electronically for signatures. This process anticipates a three-week turn around from date of submission. Through this new process, DPZ anticipates a savings of four to six weeks from the current physical signature process in some cases. For additional details, please check out this Electronic Signature Process document to learn more.

Plans that are ELIGIBILE for electronic signature, include Sketch plans, Preliminary Equivalent Sketch plans, Preliminary plans, Final plans and Site Development Plans, so long as they have not received TC status as of September 1, 2021. That said, plans that received TC prior to DPZ instituting its new electronic signature process on September 1^st may be eligible for this process only if outstanding comments were minor/drafting modifications and do not require plan revisions. Request for electronic plan submission after TC must be sent to DPZ’s Chief of the Division of Land Development Anthony Cataldo at acataldo@howardcountymd.gov. If approved, DPZ will issue a formal letter to the applicant outlining the Electronic Submission process and any applicable additional fees. 

In accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, which recommends limiting indoor gatherings, pre-submission community meetings should be held virtually. To satisfy the requirement under Section 16.128(c)(1) in the Subdivision and Land Development Regulations, virtual pre-submission community meetings will require approval of an Alternative Compliance Petition, as long as additional steps are taken to allow for extended public input opportunities. For further details, please see the Pre-submission Virtual Meeting Instructions - August 2021 Update.

DPZ’s HoCo By Design project team’s next virtual Draft Plan Workshop Series meetings are set to take place Monday, September 13^th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, September 14^th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The project team will display a draft future land use map and review draft recommendations on key topic areas. Attendees will also learn about emerging ideas and recommendations for Howard County’s next General Plan and hear how the ideas have been shaped by scenario planning, discussions with the Planning Advisory Committee, meetings of the Strategic Advisory Groups, feedback from technical experts, and input from the community.

Following the meetings, attendees will be invited to complete a survey to provide their thoughts. For those unable to attend one of DPZ’s Draft Plan Workshop Series meetings, a recording of the virtual workshop will be posted online. To learn more, click HERE.

Please note, attendance is limited, so interested participants are encouraged to visit the project page to register today.

With students now back in school, Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is continuing its work to ensure that children, parents and teachers all arrive safely. Through its back-to-school program H.A.S.T.E. (Helping Arriving Students Through Enforcement), HCPD focuses on enforcing speed, seat belt and child safety seat laws in school zones. Traffic patrols will be in place on roadways surrounding elementary, middle and high schools for the first two weeks of the school year. Officers will be working to identify drivers who are speeding in those areas, as well as checking for seat belt and child safety seat use to ensure all occupants are properly restrained.

HCPD will also be utilizing its speed camera in school zones to encourage drivers to slow down with fines set at $40. The cameras are rotated among various school zones throughout the county, which are posted in advance and updated every week.

Additionally, HCPD is reminding motorists that buses serving the Howard County Public School System are outfitted with external cameras. Launched this past March, the purpose of the program is to ensure student safety by discouraging motorists from passing buses.

To learn more and/or for information on what to do if you suspect your child has been the victim of online extortion or child pornography, or you uncover anything suggesting they may have been targeted, please click 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.

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.

“Project Portal” website.

Don’t forget Howard County, the Labor Day holiday is one of the six holidays that affects County provided curbside trash, recycling, food scraps and yard trim collection. The County's holiday "slide schedule" is now in effect with Monday's pickup sliding to Tuesday, Tuesday to Wednesday and so forth.

With the first day of fall just more than two weeks away, our Bureau of Environmental Services is offering this quick brush up on yard trim curbside collection. For those participating in our yard trim curbside collection program, yard trim can be collected curbside three ways:

Lead acid batteries are those typically found in cars, boats and motorcycles. By law, these batteries are banned from landfills and incinerators because their toxicity levels pose a harm to our environment. That said, these batteries are thankfully readily recyclable! Most battery retailers will recycle lead acid batteries upon replacement. For residents who choose to replace their own, old lead acid batteries can be dropped off at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill to be properly recycled.

If a wheel on your recycling cart has fallen off or gone missing, residents can report the matter to our Bureau of Environmental Services online to request an inspector come out and repair your cart wheel for you OR, if you enjoy a quick and easy DIY repair project, feel free to swing by the Bureau’s office at 9801 Broken Land Parkway or Kendall Hardware at 12260 Clarksville Pike during business hours to pick up a spare cart wheel.

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.

This Saturday, September 11^th, the Chesapeake Region Lace Makers Guild returns to share their knowledge of the intricate art of lace making with a FREE drop-in workshop at the Thomas Isaac Log Cabin, located at 8398 Main Street in Ellicott City. Stop by the Log Cabin anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to try your hand at lace making and watch the masters at work. For more information, click HERE.

On the evening of September 11^th, head on over to Alpha Ridge Park (11685 MD 99 in Marriottsville) for our Department of Recreation & Parks’ September Public Star Party. Led by members of the Howard Astronomical League, residents are invited to come catch a view of our night sky through HAL’s powerful telescopes. The event runs from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. and registration is not required; however, we do ask that attendees leave their pets at home. For more information, please contact Danielle Bassett at 410-313-4634 or email dbassett@howardcountymd.gov. 

Starting Friday, September 17^th, introduce your young child to the wonders of the natural world with Friday Morning Nature Explorers at Recreation & Parks’ Robinson Nature Center! Geared towards children four to six years old, this outdoor programs allows junior explorers to learn about the world around them, socialize with other children and develop new fundamental skills through structured, outdoor activities. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/FridayMorningNatureHCRP.

Join Recreation & Parks’ Trips & Tours on October 15^th for an awe-inspiring visit to Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton, Maryland. Considered among the top five gardens in North America, Ladew features 22 acres of spectacular award-winning gardens, more than 100 remarkable topiaries, a mile-long Nature Walk, a historic manor house and a seasonal native Butterfly House. This day-long excursion is the perfect opportunity to take breathtaking photos and enjoy a picnic lunch on the grounds. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/HCRPLadew2021.  

Do you have a talent or skill you want to share with others? Recreation and Parks is seeking independent contractors to lead its adult programs and classes. The Department is seeking experts in the following areas – cooking, dog training, music, theater and dance, art and hobbies, who can offer something new and different. Applicants must be 21 years of age or older and have their application submitted to the Department by no later than Saturday, October 30^th. For more information, questions and/or to speak to someone further about this wonderful opportunity, please contact Danielle Bassett at dbassett@howardcountymd.gov.

Our Office of Transportation is encouraging county residents, whether a novice or expert bike rider, to join riders all around the world this month to take part in the global bike challenge, “Cycle September.” This fun, friendly competition challenges individuals, communities and businesses to see which can get the most family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to ride a bike during the month of September. Essentially, Cycle September is all about riding your bike and encouraging others to ride too, and the best part, participating is easy! All you need to do is ride for 10 minutes to get into the prize drawings and help your organization climb the leaderboard. You can ride anywhere, any time – i.e. it doesn’t have to be a commute to work to count. If you want to ride for more than 10 minutes, even better! To register for this FREE event and/or for more information, visit www.lovetoride.net/centralmd today.

Brought to use by the folks at Love to Ride, Love to Ride is a fun, free online platform that encourages and supports individuals, workplaces and communities to ride their bikes. It doesn't matter if you ride every day or if you have not ridden a bike in years, Love to Ride offers plenty of tools to help you get back on.