The State mass vaccination site at the Mall in Columbia is providing the Pfizer vaccine Wednesday – Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Walk ups are available as supply allows and appointments guarantee that you (or your child) will receive a vaccine.

To schedule an appointment, please visit massvax.maryland.gov or call 1 (855) MD-GOVAX.

Let's stay safe and get vaccinated!

June is Men’s Health Month.  

We must redouble our efforts on encouraging our boys, fathers, uncles, brothers, all the men we care about and their families to make healthy life decisions. This means taking care of our bodies and our minds by staying active, eating right, scheduling an annual doctor's visit, and focusing on our mental health.  

This month and every month, I encourage the men of Howard County to take command of your health.

Last week, we marked the third anniversary of the 2018 flood that devastated historic Ellicott City. Many of us were in absolute disbelief when a storm we thought would only come once every 1,000 years had come again in just 22 months. Despite another knock down, the community’s residents, businesses and property owners once again pulled together and displayed unparalleled grit and resilience.  

Today, even with the recent struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic, the community is showing a renewed energy and thriving. Our Safe and Sound plan continues to advance. Our Extended North Tunnel Project and other flood mitigation investments will ensure the preservation of even more of the town’s rich heritage as we approach its 250th anniversary. I encourage residents to pause for a moment to remember Eddison Hermond who lost his life while heroically trying to assist a neighbor.

Ellicott City has always been a very special place and together are working to make sure future generations will long enjoy all it has to offer.

Last week, the County Council passed my FY22 capital and operating budgets. Through careful planning and thoughtful discussions, we’ve created our largest operating budget to date, with no tax increases for our residents or businesses. This balanced budget provides broad based support for our priorities, and directs one-time savings towards critical public infrastructure, such as road resurfacing, repairing sidewalks, and flood mitigation projects. Education is still our top priority, with historically high funding to the school system, community college, and library system. 

As we turn the corner on this pandemic, on the road to recovery together, this budget is vital to move Howard County into the future. I remain committed to working with the members of our Council, residents, stakeholders, and all members of our community to ensure that our government provides the best services possible and a high quality of life for all Howard County residents.

Read more here.

I’m so excited to welcome Althea's Almost Famous to the Long Reach Village Center. Althea’s passion and entrepreneurial spirit is inspiring, and just the type of small, local business that we’re happy to see expand to Long Reach. 

Our progress at Long Reach continues to attract businesses, services, and organizations that understand the power of community and having deep roots and connections to a neighborhood. We’re looking forward to residents discovering her Jamaican cuisine and welcoming her to the Village Center. I encourage residents to continue to support this small, local business as she begins this new venture. 

Please be sure to check out her Facebook page for weekly locations, schedules, and to view her delicious menu.

Please join me in congratulating our Mt. Hebron High School Vikings for winning the 21st Annual National Economics Challenge sponsored by the Council for Economic Education for the third consecutive year. Out of 375 schools, with more than 10,000 students participating nationwide, MHHS placed first! 

It’s impressive to see our students excel in all categories, but especially encouraging to see they are so knowledgeable about personal finance and economics. They are well positioned for bright financial futures.

Transform Howard is our blueprint for digital equity and inclusion in Howard County. This initiative builds on the progress we’ve already made to expand broadband during the pandemic but will take us into the future where Howard County is a national model for digital inclusion.

We know how critical digital access is to our community – no matter your age or ability, because it provides great opportunities for our residents and businesses to learn and grow. Read more here.

According to the Maryland Department of Health, as of today, 80.7% of Howard County residents 18+ 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.

Let's work to look out for one another, StayCOVIDSafe, and get vaccinated. Find a clinic near you at vaccine.howardcountymd.gov

Howard County is currently leading the State with 87.8% of residents age 65 and older who are fully vaccinated, according to the Maryland Department of Health. We remain committed to ensuring our most vulnerable populations, including older adults, receive the COVID-19 vaccine as quickly, safely, and efficiently as possible.

We will continue to StayCOVIDSafe by working together. To schedule an appointment with the State, please call 1 (855) MD-GOVAX.

According to the Maryland Department of Health, Howard County continues to lead the state with 72.2% of residents 18+ are fully vaccinated. 

There are hundreds of provider locations including regional State-run mass vax clinics, retail pharmacies and hospital operating clinics where residents can receive a vaccine. Walk-in vaccinations are available for eligible residents 12+ at The Mall in Columbia, Wednesday - Sunday from 8am - 4pm.

Let's StayCOVIDSafe and get vaccinated!

Local and minority businesses are pivotal drivers in our economy. In order to foster a climate that encourages economic opportunities for local and minority businesses, creates a thriving local economy, and stimulates economic development within the County, Howard County Government has established a Local Business Initiative program and Equal Business Opportunity program.

Howard County is committed to creating a competitive and balanced economic environment within the County by ensuring community growth through these programs. This certification workshop on Monday, June 14th at 10:00 a.m. will highlight many of the benefits of registering as a local and/or minority-owned business as well as provide insightful information on small business programs and contracting opportunities with Howard County Government.

We know how difficult this past year has been for our community, and there is a lot of hope on the horizon that we will be able to gather together again soon. It's more vital than ever that we make sure our older adults, caregivers, and adults with disabilities have the support and connections they need to thrive.

Our Office on Aging and Independence has compiled a free resource guide for older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers that includes information about aging in place, housing, and health & wellness.

Be sure to check it out at https://tinyurl.com/HoCoResource and share it with family, friends, or loved ones that are looking for resources in Howard County.

Our Mobile Testing sites are now open from noon through 7:00 p.m. These mobile sites are more accessible to our community, provide quick test results, and improve our ability to contain COVID-19. 15-minute rapid testing and 24-hour PCR testing is available to residents at no cost at each of these five locations:

Please StayCOVIDSafe and get tested!

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.

A quick REMINDER from our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence, the Maryland Department of Aging is hosting its final State Plan on Aging Virtual Town Halls tonight, June 1^st at 6:00 p.m. The Department of Aging launched its virtual town hall series in an effort to gather public comment on its draft State Plan on Aging: 2022-2025. The Plan will provide the State with a framework to develop programs, activities and services for Maryland’s older adults.

To register for tonight’s meeting, visit http://bit.ly/MDOAVirtualTownHall or call 410-767-4170. In addition to participating in one of its Town Hall events, you can also submit comments by mail, email or online to the Maryland Department of Aging. To find out how, click HERE.

DRCS’ Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is warning residents of another COVID-19 related scam to watch out for – funeral expense scams. If you sadly lost a loved one to COVID-19, you may be eligible for a government program that pays for funeral expenses. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will pay up to $9,000 for funeral expenses for loved ones who died of the COVID-19 virus. Survivors can apply for benefits by contacting FEMA toll-free at 844-684-6333 and/or to view if you qualify, visit FEMA’s website. Unfortunately, FEMA has reported that scammers are contacting people and pretending to offer to register them for funeral expense benefits. To avoid government imposter scams, remember, FEMA will NOT contact you until you call or apply for assistance. Additionally, the government will NOT ask you to pay anything to get this benefit. And more importantly, NEVER give your own or your deceased loved one’s personal or financial information to anyone who contacts you out of the blue.

If you think you got a scam call, hang up and report it to the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

For questions about and more information about scams or for assistance with a consumer issue, please contact our Office of Consumer Protection today at 410-313-6420 or email consumer@howardcountymd.gov.

Hurricanes are among nature's most powerful and destructive phenomenon and today, June 1^st, marks the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season. As the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently announced, its Climate Prediction Center is predicting another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2021. Forecasters predict a likely range of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which six to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher) and of these, three to five major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). That said, experts do not anticipate the historic level of storm activity the Atlantic saw last year 2020. The Atlantic hurricane season runs through November 30^th.

To make sure you, your family and home are prepared this hurricane season, in case the weather strikes, check out our Office of Emergency Management’s website to learn more about our local hazards, including hurricanes. Also, learn more about what to do before, during and after a hurricane, by visiting www.ready.gov/hurricanes for information and tips. If you do not have one already, make sure your family has a plan of what to do if disaster strikes and a disaster supply kit stocked with food, water and other supplies that will last for several days. Lastly, stay in the know by making sure "Emergency Alerts" are activated on and you’ve signed up to receive severe weather alerts to your phone.

It gives me great pleasure to share that Armon Wilson and Macayla Miles, students with Howard County Public School System’s Academy of Health Professions Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program, have been selected as the 2021 recipients of the Emergency Medical Services for Children (Maryland EMSC) “Right Care When It Counts” award. A Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems program, this Maryland EMSC award recognizes youth in Maryland who have demonstrated knowledge of steps to take during an emergency and/or how to be better prepared for an emergency.

Armon and Macayla were both trainees in the School System’s EMT program when they noticed a child laying on the ground. The two quickly ran to the child and assessed the situation, determining the child was in cardiac arrest. Armon and Macayla immediately began CPR and carried on their resuscitative efforts until our Department of Fire and Rescue (DFRS) personnel arrived on the scene and took over. Thanks to their quick response, intuition and training, this outstanding pair saved the life of a young child that faithful day. I hope that their actions inspire you to learn the importance of emergency response and that with some simple training offered by our DFRS, you too can be the difference.

DFRS is reminding residents that by learning just a few simple hemorrhage control techniques, you can be the difference between life and death due to blood loss. According to the team at National Stop the Bleed Day, approximately 40 percent of trauma-related deaths worldwide are due to bleeding or its consequences, with the average bleed out time at two to five minutes. Unfortunately, a person's survival following a severe injury dramatically decreases with uncontrolled hemorrhage (severe bleeding). That said, hemorrhage remains the single biggest cause of PREVENTABLE death among trauma patients.

To learn how you can help save a life, visit DFRS’ www.howardcountymd.gov/stopthebleed website today to learn more about how to stop the bleed and for a list of its upcoming FREE bleeding control courses. For questions and/or more information, call 410-313-2016 or email outreach@hcdfrs.org.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2014 and 2018, fire departments across the United States responded to an annual average of 8,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues. This grilling season, keep your family and home safe when cooking outdoors with these grilling safety tips:

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.

WE ARE HIRING! First announced in 2018, our Office of Human Resources is once again accepting applications for the County's Apprenticeship Program, specifically for Apprentice/Electrician and Apprentice/Plumber. A joint apprenticeship program registered with the Maryland Department of Labor, this four-year program provides participants the opportunity to earn 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and paid tuition to a trade school in exchange for a commitment to remain employed with Howard County Government for at least two years after completion of the program. Program participants are considered full-time County employees and are eligible for all the benefits. To learn more and/or to submit an application for this great program, I encourage you to visit www.governmentjobs.com/careers/howardcounty today. The DEADLINE to submit an application is this 11:59 p.m. this Friday, June 4^th.

The Howard County Human Rights Commission is seeking nominations for its 2021 Human Rights Commission Awards, which honors individuals (students and adults) and organizations that have made significant contributions to eliminating or eradicating discrimination, while advancing human and civil rights in Howard County. This year’s theme, “We Are More; Uplifting the Human Spirit,” speaks to the need for us to come together as a human family to create a better life for all people. Nomination forms can be found online HERE or you can request a paper copy be mailed to you by contacting our Office of Human Rights and Equity at 410-313-6430 or email hrc@howardcountymd.gov. The nomination deadline is August 15, 2021.

This year’s winners will be recognized at the 2021 Human Rights Commission Awards Ceremony on October 19^th at the Howard County Conservancy.

Rising Howard County 9^th graders, applications are DUE TODAY, June 1^st for Howard County Police Department’s P.L.E.D.G.E. (Pride, Leadership, Education, Diversity, Growth, Evaluation) Summer Leadership Camp. This FREE, one-week day-camp that helps rising 9^th graders develop leadership skills prior to entering high school. Lessons and activities challenge campers’ ability to make critical decisions, focus on core beliefs and values, recognize diversity and work toward a common goal. This year’s P.L.E.D.G.E. Leadership Camp will run July 19^th through July 23^rd and July 26^th through July 30^th. If interested, be sure to apply today by clicking HERE.

Please join me in congratulating James "JR" Tyndall on being named HCPD’s Civilian of the Year in 2020! The man behind the scenes who makes everything run smoothly, JR manages HCPD's fleet of more than 600 vehicles and plays an integral part in overseeing the ongoing renovations at our HCPD headquarters in Ellicott City. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, JR was charged with making sure HCPD’s office space is compatible with COVID-19 precautions and ensuring that all HCPD buildings had the proper cleaning equipment and other materials to keep our officers and employees safe during the pandemic. Great job JR and my compliments on this well-deserved honor.

Congratulations to Dispatcher First Class Kristi Carter on being named HCPD’s Telecommunicator of the Year in 2020! Kristi comes from a firefighting family and knew she wanted to be a dispatcher at a young age. In addition to her regular role as a police call-taker and fire dispatcher, in 2020, Kristi distinguished herself as fire dispatcher trainer, logging more than 500 training hours. To help make the difficult tasks easier for her dispatcher trainees, Kristi, on her own accord, created her own materials and methods. In addition to her call-taker/dispatcher and trainer roles, Kristi is also the CPR instructor for all dispatchers and serves on numerous committees. Kristi, you are a huge asset to HCPD, DFRS, the entire communications division and all who you serve in their time of need.

Local and minority businesses interested in doing business with Howard County Government, I invite you to join our Office of Procurement and Contract Administration on Monday, June 14th at 10:00 a.m. for its "Business Certification Workshop," where participants will learn about the Office's Local Business Initiative and Equal Business Opportunity programs and upcoming contracting opportunities with the County. To register and/or for more information, email localoutreach@howardcountymd.gov.

Our Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold a virtual public meeting tomorrow, June 2^nd starting at 6:30 p.m., to present plans to replace the existing metal principal spillway pipes and riser structure in order to repair the existing stormwater management facility near 6501 and 6515 Huntshire Drive in Elkridge. The project will also include the addition of two forebays and riprap at the outfall in order to protect against future erosion at the site. The sanitary sewer and water lines within the project area will also be relocated. Finally, during the project, the section of Huntshire Drive located within the project area will be closed to all traffic and a traffic detour will be in place. This project is expected to begin in September 2021.

The informal meeting will include an overview of the project followed by an open discussion. County staff and representatives from the Maryland State Highway Administration and Howard County Public School System will be on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments. To participate in the meeting by computer, go to https://www.webex.com and click “join;” the meeting number is 160 345 5617 and “stormwater” is the password. To participate by phone, call 1-650-479-3207 (note, fees may apply) and enter the access code 160 345 5617.

Those unable to participate in the virtual meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Ms. Michele Monde with DPW’s Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-0844 or email mmonde@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.

Don’t forget Howard County, DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services’ holiday "slide schedule" is IN EFFECT this week as Monday’s Memorial Day holiday is one of the six holidays that affects County provided curbside trash, recycling, food scraps and yard trim collection. As there was no curbside collection on Monday, Monday’s collection will occur today (June 1^st), Tuesday’s on Wednesday, Wednesday’s on Thursday and so forth

Beginning today, June 1^st, our Bureau of Environmental Services will resume collecting Construction and Demolition (C&D) fees at its Alpha Ridge Landfill. At the end of March of last year, DPW suspended its collection of C&D fees in order to reduce transactions at the Landfill’s scale house as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The suspension eliminated residents’ and staff’s need to handle cash, checks or credit cards. However, with greater knowledge of COVID-19 transmission and the growing vaccination rate of County Government employees and county residents, the suspension is being lifted.

REMINDER: The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun a project to improve the roadway surface of MD 103 between MD 104 and Long Gate Parkway in Ellicott City. The work will take place Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and weather permitting, is expected to be complete by July.

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

Additionally, SHA has also begun a resurfacing project on MD 32 at Dorsey Run Road in Annapolis Junction, to improve the driving surface, enhance safety on the roadway and the exit ramps and upgrade area drainage by installing new underdrains. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by the end of this year.  

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

In case you missed it! The new state-of-the-art, “play-for-all” playground at our Department of Recreation & Parks’ Blandair Regional Park has opened! This fully fenced playground follows a universal design to encourage children of all ability levels to play together, while accommodating cognitive, communicative, social/emotional and sensory disabilities. It consists of six unique themed areas: a farm/barn area for zero to two year olds, a dinosaur area for two to five year olds, an outer space area and a second play area designated for five to 12 year olds, and a free notes musical area and a treehouse area designed for all ages. The playground also includes two non-verbal communication boards donated by the Howard County Autism Society and offers accessibility items compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Finally, the play space features sun shades, picnic tables and benches.

In addition to the opening of its new playground, Recreation & Parks has also updated its COVID-19 capacity limitations for its facilities and programs. Recreation & Parks Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers, Robinson Nature Center, B&O Ellicott City Station Museum, Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, Firehouse Museum, Patapsco Female Institute, Ellicott City Colored School Restored, Worthington Dog Park, park pavilions, parks and outdoor programs are all open at 100 percent capacity without restrictions. Additionally, the Belmont Manor & Historic Park, Waverly Mansion and Kiwanis-Wallas Hall are also open, but by appointment only. Outdoor tournaments at Recreation & Park facilities may also resume at 100 percent capacity without restrictions.

Come Celebrate Our North Laurel Community Center’s 10^th Anniversary on June 2^nd

Be sure to swing by Recreation & Parks’ North Laurel Community Center’s (NLCC) tomorrow, June 2^nd to help the Center celebrate its 10^th Anniversary. The fun will take place from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. and all who stop by (while supplies last) will receive a FREE grab and go "Birthday Goodie Bag." The goodie bag will be filled with various treats to celebrate our beloved NLCC. For questions and/or more information, please free to call the NLCC at 410-313-0390.

HEADS UP: Today, June 1^st, BG&E will be performing electrical maintenance work at South Branch Park in Sykesville. As a result, parking at the park will be impacted due to the equipment involved. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by tomorrow, June 2^nd. 

Each team will receive their race instructions by 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 18^th, which will include a list of items that must be found and challenging tasks that must be performed within a specified time limit. As this scavenger hunt is meant to be fun for all, all tasks may be adapted as needed to accommodate accessibility. Team entries must all be submitted by midnight Sunday, June 20^th. To register, click HERE. For questions and/or more information, please contact Ms. Karen Bradley Ehler at kehler@howardcountymd.gov.

Last week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) State Highway Administration announced it has secured funding to make pedestrian safety improvements at four intersections along US 1 in Howard County. The intersections were identified through a corridor safety study led by the County and highlighted in our Office of Transportation's US 1 Safety Evaluation on Bicyclists and Pedestrian Safety report.