After our annual ceremony at Centennial Park, I traveled to Ellicott City and the George Howard Building, as I've done each year as Howard County Executive, to raise the 9-11 remembrance flag in our courtyard. This flag raising occurs to mark the time the second plane hit the World Trade Center.

We will never forget those who lost their lives that day.

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of Ellicott City, Howard County Center For The Arts Resident Artist Lisa Scarbath is creating a large-scale community sourced mosaic to be displayed in the spring of 2022. I was so glad to meet with her and learn more about her project, and also contribute a piece of Ellicott City's history - a piece of the old Ellicott City Court house which was destroyed in the 2018 flood.

The deadline to send in your contribution is October 1st. Learn more about this important project which celebrates the history, personality, and culture of our historic town by watching the video below or visiting Pieceful Designs Mosaics here.

It has been more than 18 months since the beginning on the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, Howard County has had 21,198 cases of COVID-19 and 260 deaths. As of 9:00am, our 7-day average positivity rate is 3.20% and our 7-day average case rate per 100,000 of our population is 12.68. There are currently 9 COVID-19 patients in both ICU and Acute Care units. As we continue to see more cases of COVID-19 due to the delta variant, it’s more important than ever to get vaccinated. 

Vaccines became widely available in April of this year, just 5 months ago. Howard County still currently leads the state in our progress to vaccinate residents. According to the Maryland Department of Health, 88.7% of Howard County residents 12+ have received at least one vaccine dose and 83.7% of our eligible population is fully vaccinated. Howard County is the only jurisdiction in the state to have more than 80% of eligible residents fully vaccinated and leads the state with the highest percentage of older adults fully vaccinated at 94.1%. 

We have an abundant supply of vaccine available. Getting vaccinated is the single most effective way to prevent hospitalization or death from COVID-19. Getting vaccinated also protects those around you, including children 11 and under who are not yet eligible for the vaccine. 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, and put this pandemic behind us once and for all.  

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.

I was excited to join the Howard County Police Department and the Howard County Police Foundation for the 30th anniversary of the Police Pace event. This event raises funds to support our HCPD and their efforts to improve our public safety and the overall quality of life in Howard County. Thank you to all of those in service for their dedicated commitment to our community and beyond!

I invite you to join me and Howard County State's Attorney's Office - State's Attorney Rich Gibson, Howard County Sheriff's Office - Sheriff Marcus Harris, Howard County Police Department Chief Lisa Myers, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services Chief Lou Winston, Howard County Office of Emergency Management Director Mike Hinson, Howard County Detention Center Director Jama Acuff, Howard County Public School System Director of Security, Emergency Preparedness and Response Thomas McNeal, and Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity Administrator Yolanda Sonnier for a virtual status update and discussion on how we are creating and maintaining a safe and engaged community.

You can ask questions in advance by emailing TownHall@HowardCountymd.gov

Register to watch via WebEx here or watch live on here on my Facebook page.

Ensuring a clean and sustainable environment is vital for our current and future generations. I was so glad to visit Aurora Energy, Inc. in Columbia, who has been installing residential and commercial solar electric systems since 1994. They are small, locally owned business and a pioneer in Maryland with instillations in the White House, the Pentagon, and the Department of State building. Thank you to the entire Aurora team for your commitment to a more sustainable environment for all. 

We’re so grateful to have innovative, small, local Howard County businesses. Please, continue to shop small and support local!

Congratulations to Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services Class 34 on their recent graduation. As firefighters, EMTs and paramedics, these first responders have chosen to put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of others. Their education, training, and experience will help them protect and serve. Thank you to the dedicated training academy staff and welcome to our new recruits to an amazing department. We thank you for your service to our community and beyond.

Established in 2018, Hilda’s Place aims to transform the lives of individuals and families impacted by substance abuse and mental health disorders though proven, personalized, and evidence-based behavioral healthcare solutions. I was recently so excited to stop by to congratulate the ladies on their hard work and celebrate their progress with a pizza party.

Together, we can provide the tools of recovery for those who have been affected by addiction. Help is available. Find resources on the Howard County Health Department website here or call Friends of Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center’s 24/7 hotline at (410) 531-6677.

I was so honored to join Temple Isaiah to celebrate the Jewish New Year at Rosh Hashanah in the Park. Rosh Hashanah is a time to rejoice – to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of the next – and also a time to reflect. During Rosh Hashanah and throughout the Days of Awe, we reflect on the mistakes we have made but we will also ask for the greatest gift – the ability to continue to grow, to love our family, friends and neighbors, and to enjoy the better days ahead.

Suicide Prevention Month is the perfect time to be kind, compassionate, say a positive word, and let those around us know that help is available and they are not alone. This National Suicide Awareness Month, let's come together to support one another and remember those we have lost and their families. To honor those we have lost to suicide, we lit the George Howard Building purple and teal.

Today, this month, and throughout the year, let’s remind our loved ones that we’re here for them. If you are in need of help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

We were so excited to join Victor and Christina to celebrate the grand opening of Big Little Cheese on Main Street in Ellicott City. This new restaurant offers delicious coffee, food, and drinks for breakfast and lunch!

Congratulations on this monumental occasion, and we wish you the best. Onward and Upward! Learn more about them here.

Suicide Prevention month is an important time for us to come together to remind members of our community that they are not alone. I was so thrilled to join Pam Long Photography and Park Ridge Creamery for an important fundraiser to raise awareness for Suicide Prevention where all proceeds benefit the good work of Friends of Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center.

You can donate directly to grassroots here.

Let's celebrate Sweet Cascades Chocolatier! For the past 16 years, Sweet Cascades and owner Sue Whary has been providing sweet treats on Main Street. From a wide assortment of delicious truffles to chocolate covered marshmallows to nut barks and s’mores, Sweet Cascades truly has something for everyone.

We are so thankful to have this wonderful business in Historic Ellicott City and look forward to many more years of success. Happy Sweet 16, Sweet Cascades!

As we continue to prioritize a clean and sustainable environment, foundational components to our shared success remain agricultural conservation, innovation, and supporting our farmers. Our invaluable Soil Conservation District collaborates with our farmers in designing and implementing best management practices to meet our commitments to the Chesapeake Bay Restoration.

I was honored to join the Howard Soil Conservation District in celebrating their 75th anniversary of commitment to conservation and community. Thank you, Howard Soil Conservation District, for being incredible partners in enhancing farming operations and protecting our natural resources.

Maryland taxpayers who have incurred at least $20,000 in undergraduate and/or graduate student loan debt and have at least $5,000 in outstanding student loan debt are eligible to apply for the Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit. The Deadline to apply is WEDNESDAY, so I encourage you to apply today and share this information with someone who may benefit from this vital relief.

Learn more and apply here.

The State of Maryland has developed a program which allows credits against a homeowner's property tax bill if the property taxes exceed a fixed percentage of the person's gross income. The deadline to apply is October 1st, 2021, but I strongly encourage you to apply today and share this with those who may benefit from this credit. 

For more information and to apply, please click here.

Howard County continues to lead the state with our vaccination rates, and is the only jurisdiction in Maryland to have more than 80% of eligible residents fully vaccinated. According to the Maryland Department of Health, 88.7% of Howard County residents 12+ have received at least one dose and 83.7% are fully vaccinated.

There is no better time to get vaccinated than now. 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 9:00 p.m. Please note, the film does contain adult content and language. To reserve your tickets to this FREE event, click 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.

EMS (Emergency Medical Services) is at the heart of what our Department of Fire and Rescue Services’ (HCDFRS) does day in and day out and our departmental employees are the very best at what they do. In recognition of their hard work and devotion, the American Heart Association recently honored HCDFRS with its “Mission: Lifeline EMS Silver Plus Award” for 2020 based on response measures for cardiac emergencies. I congratulate HCDFRS on this well-deserved award.

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.

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.

In case you missed it, our Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) HoCo By Design project team’s next virtual Draft Plan Workshop Series meetings are set to take place today, 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.

As I shared last week, 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. 

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.

In case you missed it, 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.

Our Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold an informational public meeting on Thursday, September 30^th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Oella Room at Roger Carter Community Center, located at 3000 Milltowne Drive, in Ellicott City, to discuss the study, design and planned improvements to Rogers Avenue between US 40 and Court House Drive. DPW’s Transportation and Special Projects Division plans to modify Rogers Avenue to enable safe access to drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists by adding center turn lanes and crosswalks, as well as bike lanes and sidewalks along both sides of the roadway. The existing culvert will also be upgraded to meet current County criteria to pass a 100-year storm. This project is expected to begin in fall 2022 pending land acquisition.

While there will be no formal presentation, the design plans will be available for public viewing and staff members will be on hand to explain the proposed work, answer any questions and gather public comments. Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the proposed plans and/or have questions regarding the project should contact Mr. Thomas Auyeung with DPW’s Transportation and Special Projects Division at 410-313-6142 or email tauyeung@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.

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) began overnight work last night, September 12^th, to improve the roadway surface on MD 32 between the Anne Arundel County line, south of Dorsey Run Road, and US 1 in the Savage area in Howard County. Crews will work overnight Sundays through Thursdays from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following morning, patching potholes and resurfacing both directions of MD 32. Electronic signs, cones and barrels will be in place to alert motorists about the work zone Weather permitting, the project is expected to be complete this fall.

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:

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.

Starting today, September 13^th, the handball courts at Howard County Recreation & Parks’ (HCRP) Atholton Park at 6875 Greenleigh Drive in Columbia, will be closed for approximately six weeks to allow for renovations. Improvements to the courts include resurfacing and painting of the interior walls along with access door replacements. During this project, the adjacent pickleball courts will also be briefly closed to allow for the resurfacing and painting of the shared wall between the handball and pickleball courts. 

Those looking for an alternative location to play handball during this time are encouraged to visit HCRP’s Centennial Park North Area. Pickleball players may also use the tennis courts at Hammond, Schooley Mill, Rockburn Branch (West) and Western Regional parks. While lines have been painted on these courts, players will need to bring their own net.

Starting this Thursday, September 16^th through Sunday, September 26^th, take a “StoryWalk” with HCRP and the Howard County Library System along the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA). A StoryWalk is a deconstructed children’s book made into signs placed along a trail where visitors can stroll and follow the story from page to page. Come celebrate the fall Monarch butterfly migration this month as you read pages from local author and environmentalist Julie Dunlap’s new book, Janey Monarch Seed.

As part of the Monarch Butterfly StoryWalk, HCRP will also be hosting a book signing along with a Monarch tagging demonstration and milkweed seed packet craft activity on September 16^th from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

The StoryWalk Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

Get active with Recreation & Parks adult programs this fall! From crafts and fine arts to cooking, dance, music and more, there’s never been a better time to discover a new passion or get reacquainted with a favorite hobby. For a full list of upcoming fall adult programs, click HERE.

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.

Did you discover birdwatching during the pandemic? If yes, we invite you to join Howard County Park Ranger Erin on Friday, September 24^th and/or Saturday, October 16^th as she offers skills and resources a novice birder needs to become a more advanced birder. HCRP’s Advanced Bird ID programs are open to birders 13 years and older and will be held at Font Hill Park on the 24^th and West Friendship Park on the 16^th. To register, visit for this program, click HERE or call 410-313-4700 today!

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.

HCRP is seeking volunteers 16 years or older for its October Haunted Experience at Rockburn Branch Park. Event dates are October 15^th, 16^th, 22^nd, 23^rd, 29^th and 30^th. For more information and/or to apply, please email Melissa Byrne at mbyrne@howardcountymd.gov.

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.

Oakland Mills Road Complete Streets project, which encompasses Oakland Mills Road from Old Montgomery Road to Snowden River Parkway. The Office conducted a Complete Streets corridor study of this segment of roadway, and based on further analysis, is advancing improvements from Dobbin Road to Old Montgomery Road. The final design plans and construction schedule are now available HERE and feedback and/or questions can be submitted by email to the Office at transportation@howardcountymd.gov by no later than September 28, 2021.

Whether a novice or expert bike rider, our Office of Transportation is encouraging county residents to join riders from around the world as they take part this month 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.

On Wednesday September 22nd, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) will hold its annual Howard County Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) Tour Meeting. The CTP is the six-year capital budget for State transportation projects and programs. During the tour meeting MDOT will discuss projects and funding across the full range of activities in the county and the state by the Maryland Aviation Administration, Motor Vehicle Administration, Maryland Transit Administration, Maryland State Highway Administration and the Maryland Transportation Authority. The CTP is updated every year, based on local priorities expressed in the annual priority letter, local and regional planning efforts, and funding forecasts.

The meeting will be held virtually starting at 6 PM; to register for the meeting, please click here.

If you would like to submit questions to MDOT officials, please submit questions to Transportation@howardcountymd.gov no later than 4pm on September 22nd and Howard County staff will pose questions to MDOT staff during the meeting. If MDOT is unable to respond during the meeting, county staff will pass on the questions to MDOT a response.

To review the Draft FY 2022- FY 2027Consolidated Transportation Program and learn more, please click here.

To review Howard County’s priority letter, please click here.