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Dear Friends,
This past week, I announced the launch of HoCo Climate Forward, Howard County’s first climate plan since 2015 and first to add a focus on climate resiliency and environmental justice.
The science and facts tell us that climate change is one of the most urgent challenges of our generation and that we are running out of time to act. That’s why there is no better time than right now to officially launch HoCo Climate Forward, our new and exciting Climate Action and Resiliency Plan. This plan sets a course for reaching a 60 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2045.
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Through our plan, we will focus our efforts on four main areas to reach our goals: Energy, Transportation, Waste and Nature-Based Solutions, which came about through extensive research. These efforts will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and remove greenhouse gasses in the air by protecting forests and increasing native trees, plants and healthy soils. | |
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Taking a Giant Leap of Faith
It was a pleasure to join Hilda’s Place to celebrate our incredible 2023 graduates. They each took a giant leap of faith and walked the tough journey towards recovery.
Substance misuse is not something that impacts one person alone. It affects everyone around them, especially loved ones. Similarly, recovering from substance misuse also cannot happen alone.
The caring, compassionate, and competent team at Hilda’s Place understands the complexities of helping someone recover. Thank you to the entire team for helping our graduates make it across the finish line.
To all our graduates – please remember that you are never alone, and we are so proud to walk this journey with you. Congratulations!
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A Savage Juneteenth Celebration
It was incredible to finish out a weekend full of celebrating all that Juneteenth represents at the first annual Savage Juneteenth celebration!
It was great to see such a diverse community come together to both honor the history and legacy of Juneteenth, and to celebrate all that we will become together!
Thank you so much to Leona's Sewing Studio for hosting an incredible community celebration. I’m confident that we will continue our work toward a more just and unified country for all.
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Celebrating African American Culture
It was an honor to bring opening remarks with the Howard County Center of African American Culture for their incredible panel discussion on Juneteenth and the state of African American history.
As an educator, teaching has always been close to my heart, and I am thrilled that the organization places a strong emphasis on education. The work they do in preserving and promoting African American history is truly commendable, especially on Juneteenth. Their commitment to fostering understanding, respect, and appreciation for our shared history is vital for our community.
As we continue to celebrate Juneteenth, we should continue our collective work to be a more inclusive community and embrace freedom. Let us continue to work together to build a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate society for all.
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Juneteenth Celebration at Lakefest
I had an incredible time at Lakefest, celebrating and shining a spotlight on the historic celebration of Juneteenth! It was a joyous occasion, filled with unity, reflection, and appreciation for our diverse community.
As the first black County Executive in the history of Howard County, it is particularly meaningful for me to acknowledge Juneteenth. This important day reminds us of the resilience, strength, and freedom in the face of negativity and despair. It’s also why I understood the importance of declaring June 19th as Juneteenth National Freedom Day in Howard County.
Special thank you to Laura Bacon from The 3rd Inc. for hosting an incredible Juneteenth celebration, and the Columbia Festival for the Arts for a fantastic community gathering. Your commitment to promoting inclusivity and celebrating our diverse heritage is making a real difference in our community.
Let's continue to embrace our shared values and work hand in hand to make Howard County an even more positive, welcoming place for all. Together, we can create a future where everyone thrives!
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Celebrating Our Fathers
Father’s Day is a time to thank and celebrate our incredible Fathers, Grandfathers, Step-Fathers, Godfathers, and those who have embraced the role. Our fathers and all our positive male role models in our lives help shape our values and attributes that make us who we are today. It is also a day that many of us are remembering those figures who may not be with us today. My heartfelt thoughts are with everyone who is feeling this loss, wishing you peace, even in the face of loss.
On Father's Day, I was especially reminded of Pam Brown’s words, “Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, story-tellers, and singers of song.” Happy Father’s Day!
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Happy Birthday Roger Carter Community Center!
I was so excited to join Howard County Recreation and Parks to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Roger Carter Community Center!
This fantastic community center replaced the Roger Carter Recreation Center that was located across the street. Both facilities were names after former philanthropist Roger Carter, a prominent African-American Ellicott City resident and business owner.
For 10 years, RCCC has provided various accessible opportunities, zero-entry pool and splash pad, climbing wall, fitness and exercise rooms, walking track, multipurpose gym, exercise equipment, meeting rooms, and playground. Thank you to our Department of Recreation & Parks, County staff and volunteers for making this facility a stellar destination for all ages and abilities. Here’s to another 10 years and beyond!
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Celebrating 56 Years of Columbia!
Next week will mark Columbia’s 56th birthday! It was so exciting to join Columbia Association and many of our community members for a fun birthday celebration.
The birthday fun was following by the second Lakefront Live healing event, featuring Elikeh. Lakefront Live is currently underway with 60 nights of free entertainment throughout the summer.
Please, join me in wishing Columbia a very happy birthday! Learn more about Lakefront Live at here.
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Hosting Our Regional Leaders
It was truly an honor to host our regional leaders for our annual Maryland Association of Counties Spring Retreat. During the retreat, the MACo board toured some of the best places Howard County has to offer. From Merriweather Post Pavilion and Main Street Ellicott City to Clearview Farm and The Community Ecology Institute's Freetown Farm, it was such a pleasure to show our regional leaders how Howard County remains a model community across the nation.
Thank you to Syriana Cafe & Gallery, Busboys and Poets Columbia, and Cured / 18th & 21st for providing delicious meals throughout the tour. Special thank you to my Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships Maureen Evans, Amanda Hof from Visit Howard County, and every member of our community who helped serve as tour guides throughout the retreat. Our collective partnerships are what makes Howard County the best place to live, work, play, grow, and thrive for all!
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50 years of Exceptional Health Services
It was a great night celebrating the 50th anniversary for our outstanding Howard County General Hospital. In 1979, this Columbia Hospital and Clinics Foundation opened its door as a 59-bed, short stay Hospital. At the celebration, Howard County General Hospital, announced its new name Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center.
Over the past 50 years, the hospital has expanded immensely to provide for the growing needs of our community.
The Howard County Medical Center plays a key role in keeping our community safe and healthy. I look forward to what the future of health care holds for this vital community institution. Here’s to another 50 years and beyond.
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Commuting with Our Transportation Innovations
It was a pleasure to welcome Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld to Howard County!
Howard County is a national leader in our transportation efforts, which includes a 2023 Best in Category NACo award for our Complete Streets project in Oakland Mills.
I appreciated the opportunity to highlight our state transportation priorities for the upcoming year, which include safety improvements along US1, grant funding for multimodal projects, increased state aid for transit, and continued engagement with the BWI Community Roundtable to address airport noise.
Now more than ever, we must continue to prioritize collaboration and partnership with MDOT and the State of Maryland to advance our local and regional transportation priorities. By working together, we will ensure that Howard County remains a leader on innovative transportation policies that connect our region.
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Protecting Our Vulnerable Community Members
On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we are reminded that abuse is an unacceptable problem we cannot and will not ignore. While elder abuse affects hundreds of thousands of people each year, only 1 in 14 cases is brought to the attention of authorities. Whether physical, psychological, financial or sexual, elder abuse is a violation of trust and basic human rights.
Over the weekend, the George Howard Building was lit in purple in honor of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It is our duty to protect our most vulnerable population, to prevent these forms of abuse from occurring, and to ensure we effectively address them when they do.
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Let's Play Ball!
Although we didn't win last night, it was fantastic to join nearly 400 of our Howard County Government employees for our Omazingly successful Howard County Night at Oriole Park at Camden Yards!
Our Orioles are red hot this season, and it was incredible to see them in action. It was phenomenally special to receive the heavy hitter ball signed by Anthony Roger Santander. Here’s to an Ongoing great season!
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Saying Farewell to a Visionary Leader
It was a bittersweet day to bid farewell to our very own Talbott Springs Elementary School Principal Nancy Thompson this week. As an educator for 30 years with HCPSS, Nancy has been a steadfast visionary leader who led the TSES replacement project. Her unwavering support and encouragement of her staff and students have helped each grow as an empowered student and educator.
While it’s sad to see her go, I’m grateful for the legacy she has left behind, for my daughters and all other students who have benefitted from her wisdom. Please join me in wishing her the best in her retirement and future endeavors!
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Congratulations Riddhima
Please join me in congratulating Riddhima Goswami from Waverly Elementary School for winning first place in the Spring InvestWrite essay contest sponsored by the Maryland Council on Economic Education!
Riddhima was part of the group who won the Stock Market Game earlier this year, and she continues to make us proud. The InvestWrite essay contest helps students reinforce the concepts they’ve learned through the game by putting it down on paper. Learning about financial concepts is so important for our young students to begin learning now.
Riddhima, you have made your fellow Waverly Wildcats so very proud of your hard work! You are a shining example of our Howard County students and educators working together to bring out the best in all of our students.
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Fulfilling the Promises of America
The United States approved the design for its first national flag 246 years ago. Our flag represents freedom, opportunity and how we can become that more perfect union … together. On June 14th, Flag Day, we reflected upon the progress made in the years since to move our country forward and continue our efforts to truly embody our collective freedom, liberty, justice and unity.
Flag Day and every day let's continue to work towards fulfilling the promise of all the values our flag represents to form a more just and perfect union with equal rights for all.
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Exploring the World in a Safe, Comforting Place
It’s always a great day when we create opportunities to expand reading for our youngest learners. I had a wonderful time officially opening the new reading corner at our Harriet Tubman Cultural Center with the Columbia Maryland Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.! This new reading corner will help provide our youngest readers a safe, comforting place to explore their world beyond the classroom at one of our most historic places for learning.
I want to thank the Columbia Maryland Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. for your partnership and collaboration. You have truly embraced using your power to make a difference.
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At the Cusp of Transformative Changes to our Transportation System
We are on the cusp of transformative changes to our transportation system in the Baltimore region. With refreshing vigor from our new governor and growing calls from our communities for greater connectivity, we have an exciting opportunity to usher in a new generation of transit, bicycle, pedestrian, roadway and infrastructure preservation projects.
Read my joint op-ed with Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman on the transformational Resilience 2050 Plan, the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board’s long-range transportation plan.
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Talk to Us!
Tell HoCo is an easy way for anyone in Howard County to report non-emergency issues while on-the-go, such as potholes, damaged street signs, graffiti, street maintenance, street light issues, damaged trees and more. Since its launch, Tell HoCo has received and addressed more than 62,000 issues. By working together, we can resolve the small problems before they become big ones.
To submit a report today, click here.
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National Homeownership Month
June is National Homeownership Month and this month we are highlighting all the different ways that you can realize your homeownership dreams! Howard County’s Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program offers new and resale townhomes and condos that are sold to qualified applicants at affordable prices. Our Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) also provides down payment and closing cost assistance through its Settlement Downpayment Loan Program (SDLP).
I invite you to join DCHD this June for some of its upcoming webinars and information workshops to learn more about the homeownership assistance opportunities that are available. All events are free, but registration is required:
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Wednesday, June 21st from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.: Webinar with Making Change – Information on MIHU and SDLP programs. To register, click HERE.
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Tuesday, June 27th at 4:00 p.m.: Webinar – Reinvest * Renovate * Restore (RRR) rehabilitation loan program, for those who already own a home in Howard County. To register, email tshelton@howardcountymd.gov.
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Thursday, June 29th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.: In-Person MIHU Workshop at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive. To register, email moderateincomehousing@howardcountymd.gov.
If you have any questions regarding any of these opportunities, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Department of Housing and Community Development by emailing housing@howardcountymd.gov.
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Making Men’s Health a Priority
Prioritizing men's health is important to everyone. We recently held a Men's Health Fair at Colorburst Park at Merriweather where our community partners and service providers were on hand with a wealth of valuable information. Additionally, our Department of Recreation & Parks had exciting games for everyone- young and less young- to enjoy.
Throughout Men’s Health month, it's vital to encourage all of our fathers, brothers, uncles and the important men in our lives to learn more about how to make their health a priority! 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.
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Grow and Expand Your Business with Us!
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June 26th, July 3rd, July 10th & July 17th, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Social Capital Building: The SCES Academy is a one-of-a-kind, six-week program designed to help entrepreneurs increase their social capital with key “Opportunity Guides” – experts in marketing, sales, contract procurement, law, accounting, business development, hiring, financing, and more – who can help your businesses grow.
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Thursday, June 22nd, 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. – The Future of Howard County’s Economy: Spend an afternoon getting insight into Howard County’s economic forecast, and hear economist Anirban Basu’s three-year strategic plan for the Howard County Economic Development Authority, along with a presentation from former NFL executive and current podcast and TV host Michael Lombardi.
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Join My Team!
My office is currently looking to fill several vacant positions. To learn more and apply, please click the respective link below.
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Structural Bridge Engineer, DPW - Advanced professional engineering work at the full performance level involving overseeing and directing the activities of County or consultant engineers, surveys, inspectors, contractors and/or other professionals in the course of implementing the approved capital projects.
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Engineering Specialist II, DPW - Maintain the safe and efficient operation of the County road system through traffic engineering.
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Administrative Support Technician III, DRP – This position is responsible for providing advanced technical level administrative work for the Bureau Chief of Parks in the daily operation of the Bureau.
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Fiscal Specialist II - Finance – This position is responsible for performing professional accounting work and intermediate professional level financial administrative work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior.
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Fiscal Manager I - Finance – This position is responsible for performing mid-management and advanced level financial administrative work under the general supervision of the Chief, Bureau of Reporting.
I encourage interested persons to apply today! To find a full listing of available positions, please click here.
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Department of Community Resources and Services | |
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DCRS Launches New Podcast
The Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) just launched a new podcast, HoCo Community Chat!
Give a listen as DCRS Director Jackie Scott tells our story and how we assist Howard County residents. The debut episode features an "Aging Outloud" segment, too. Check it out at here!
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Current Scams and Fraud
Each year, millions of older Americans fall victim to some type of financial fraud, including tech support, romance, lottery and sweepstakes scams. For a list of common scams which target older adults, check out the Office of Consumer Protection’s (OCP) Senior Scams fact sheet, available in English, Spanish, Chinese and Korean.
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SCAMO! A Fun, Interactive Way to Learn about Scams and Fraud
Patterned after Bingo, SCAMO is a fun and interactive way to learn about scams and fraud, consumer protection issues and your rights as a consumer. I invite all to join OCP next Thursday, June 22nd from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Studio Room at Howard County Library System’s Central branch for the office’s latest round of SCAMO. Participants will learn how to protect themselves against scams and fraud, while earning prizes.
To register to participate, click HERE. For questions and/or more information, contact OCP at 410-313-6420.
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Calling All Older Adults, Come Get Active this Summer with Howard County
Are you age 50+ and looking for an affordable way to get active and improve your health? If yes, I encourage to you to check out our DCRS’ Office on Aging and Independence’s (OAI) group fitness classes this summer. Geared towards all abilities, these classes, such as All-in-One and Zumba, are held at our Bain and Ellicott City 50+ Fitness Centers.
With 20 options to fit your schedule included with your group fitness pass, the cost is just $75 a quarter or $35 a month for Howard County residents; the drop-in rate is $10 a class.
To view the full schedule of classes, click HERE today or for questions and/or more information about these classes, contact Michelle Rosenfeld at 410-313-7394 or email mrosenfeld@howardcountymd.gov.
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Community Baby Shower
If you are a Howard County resident and expecting a baby, I invite you to join our DCRS’s Office of Children and Families (OCF) this Saturday, June 24th for a Community Baby Shower. Set to take place from 10:00 a.m. to noon at DCRS’s offices in Columbia (9830 Patuxent Woods Drive), expectant parents will hear from OCF and our community partners about maintaining a healthy pregnancy, breastfeeding, infant safety, fatherhood and more. Participants will also receive vital supplies to give their baby a strong start in life.
As space is limited, registration is required. To reserve your spot for this one-of-a-kind community event, click HERE today!
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Office of Emergency Management | |
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2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season is Underway
Hurricanes are among nature's most powerful and destructive phenomenon. With hurricane season now underway, Howard County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is reminding residents that early preparation and understanding your risk are key to being hurricane resilient and climate-ready. This Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1st for November 30th, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center is predicting near-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year. NOAA is forecasting a likely range of 12 to 17 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which five to nine could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher) and of these, one to four major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher).
To make sure you, your family and home are prepared should a hurricane affect Maryland this season, visit OEM's website to learn more about our local hazards, including hurricanes. You can also find helpful information and tips about what to do before, during and after a hurricane, by visiting the Federal Emergency Management Agency's website: www.ready.gov/hurricanes.
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Department of Fire and Rescue Services | |
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National Pet Preparedness Month
June is National Pet Preparedness Month and this month, our Department of Fire and Rescue Services' (DFRS) is reminding residents of the importance of including their pets and livestock in your family emergency plan.
If you have a plan in place for you and your pets/livestock, you will likely encounter less difficulty, stress and worry when you need to make a decision during an emergency. If local officials ask you to evacuate, that means your pet/livestock should evacuate too. If you leave your pets/livestock behind, they may end up lost, injured or worse.
Also, just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival, such as food and water. Have two kits, one larger kit if you are sheltering in place and one lightweight version for if you need to evacuate. Be sure to review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and medicines, are fresh and up-to-date.
For more tips on how to get started, visit FEMA’s website www.ready.gov/pets today!
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Upcoming Firework Displays
Here's a list of the upcoming fireworks events permitted through the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal that are taking place this month and next in Howard County.
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Saturday, June 24th, beginning at approximately 9:15 p.m. – Private aerial fireworks event at the Cattail Creek Country Club
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Tuesday, July 4th, beginning around 9:20 p.m. – Public aerial fireworks for Howard County July 4th celebration at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront
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Saturday, July 8th, beginning at approximately 9:00 p.m. – Private aerial fireworks in the 4600 block of Sheppard Lane in Clarksville
Personnel from DFRS’s Office of the Fire Marshal will be present during each event to ensure safety measures are followed.
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Trainee Class 38 Applications
If you are interested in becoming a firefighter with DFRS, mark your calendars! The department will begin accepting applications for its Trainee Class 38 at 8:00 a.m. on July 31st and will accept applications until 5:00 p.m. on August 4th. During this time, the link to apply will be available at https://governmentjobs.com/careers/howardcounty.
In the meantime, to learn more about a firefighter career with DFRS, check out the department’s “Recruitment” website.
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Office of Human Rights and Equity | |
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Caribbean Heritage Month Celebration
I invite all to join our Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) this Sunday, June 25th as we celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center. Set to take place from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on the 25th, this family-friendly festival will feature mouthwatering Caribbean cuisine, live music and an array of vendors showcasing the Caribbean culture. So, be sure to mark your calendars so you don’t miss out on this fête.
For questions and/or or more information about this event, or if you are interested in being a vendor, contact Claudia Allen at 410-313-6430 or email ohreoutreach@howardcountymd.gov.
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Reading Human Rights: Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Reading Human Rights is an award-winning monthly book discussion group hosted by OHRE and Howard County Library System (HCLS) that encourages literary exploration and community dialogue around a variety of human rights concerns. It explores works of fiction and non-fiction to teach community members the various ways individuals, cultures and communities celebrate their identities and combat injustice.
For its June discussion – to be held in person at HCLS East Columbia branch next Tuesday, June 27th at 6:30 p.m., OHRE and HCLS will discuss Glennon Doyle’s memoir Untamed. Untamed is a story about a woman discovering her own identity, sexuality, navigating divorce and forming a new blended family. In Untamed, Doyle encourages her readers to understand that the brokenness or wholeness of a family depends not on its structure, but on each member’s ability to bring their full self to the table. Join us for this powerful conversation on the experience of this LGBTQIA+ author.
To secure your seat for this month’s discussion, click HERE today to register.
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Nominees Sought for Human Rights Commission’s 2023 Awards
If you know an individual or community organization who has made significant contributions to human and civil rights in Howard County, I encourage you to nominate them today for our Human Rights Commission's 2023 James E. Henson, Sr. and Jean W. Toomer Individual, Dr. Murray Simon Student and Colette Roberts Organization awards. To learn more about these awards and/or for a nomination form, visit HERE. The nomination deadline is Thursday, August 31st at 5:00 p.m.
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Department of Planning and Zoning | |
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Applications Now Being Accepted for PlanHoward Academy Fall Session
Our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) is now accepting applications for its 2023 Fall PlanHoward Academy. Taught by professional planners and attorneys, this award-winning planning course provides residents with a thought provoking, interactive curriculum focused on the underpinnings of land development in Howard County. During this free, five-week course, residents will learn about the land use plans, policies, and procedures that help shape and grow our county. The course includes in-class instruction, hands-on learning exercises, and take-home materials.
DPZ’s 2023 Fall Academy will take place on Tuesdays from September 12th through October 10th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Howard Community College. Howard County residents with an interest in planning and improving their community’s future are encouraged to apply. Due by Wednesday, July 5th, the application is available online or a paper application can be obtained by stopping by DPZ’s first floor service counter in the George Howard Building at 3430 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City. A cohort of up to 35 residents will be selected from the pool of applicants.
For questions or more information about PlanHoward Academy, contact Victoria Olivier at 410-313-2350 or email volivier@howardcountymd.gov.
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The Community Athletic Program’s Traveling Trailer is Back!
Howard County Police Department's (HCPD) Community Athletic Program (CAP) is back and coming to community area near you this summer! Residents of all ages are invited to meet up with HCPD School Resources Officers at locations throughout the county this summer to check out all the fun, FREE activities CAP's traveling trailer has to offer.
Today, HCPD will kick off its 2023 CAP summer from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the County’s Blandair Park East baseball field pavilion. To learn more about this program and/or for a complete summer CAP schedule, check out its "Youth Programs" website today!
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National Night Out 2023
Save the date! National Night Out (NNO) 2023 is set to take place on Tuesday, August 1st. This annual community-building campaign aims to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement by promoting police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie in an effort to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.
HCPD will kick-off this year’s NNO with a community party at Wilde Lake Middle School from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and will feature food trucks, police and fire displays, DJ, child-friendly activities, games, giveaways and more! All are invited to stop by this kick-off event, or if you are interested in hosting you own community-sponsored, neighborhood party, click HERE to register your party with HCPD. Please note, if you are interested in requiring HCPD or DFRS attendance at your party, you must register by Wednesday, July 5th. Visits from Police and Fire are only available as calls for service allow.
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Steps to Take to Prevent Theft from Your Vehicle
With recent vehicle break-ins at park parking lots and trailheads - some even during the middle of the day, Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is reminding residents of the following to help prevent theft from vehicle:
- Never leave your vehicle unlocked;
- Never leave your purse, wallet or other valuables in your vehicle;
- Keep any packages and shopping bags out of sight and in the trunk; and
- Be aware of your surroundings and people near your vehicle.
As always, to report suspicious activity, please call 911.
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2023 Collision Avoidance Training Program Schedule Announced
HCPD’s Collision Avoidance Training (C.A.T.) program is an advanced defensive driving and vehicle control program geared towards licensed teenage drivers, age 16 to 20 years old. This one-day program is designed to provide young drivers with the knowledge and understanding of vehicle dynamics, as well as practical exercises that demonstrate how one’s vehicle responds in a given situation and how to regain control of the vehicle.
To participate, students must possess a valid Class C driver’s license (not a permit) and have a car they can use for the driving portion of the program. The cost of the program is $95 and advance registration is required.
For more information, including the 2023 C.A.T. schedule, and/or to register, click HERE. For questions, contact the C.A.T. Program at 410-313-2207 or email CATProgram@howardcountymd.gov.
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Department of Public Works | |
Bureau of Environmental Services | |
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Holiday Slide Schedule Not in Effect This Week Despite Monday’s Holiday
While County Government offices were CLOSED yesterday, June 19th for the Juneteenth National Freedom Day holiday, there was REGULAR Monday curbside trash, recycling, food scraps and yard trim collection. The County’s holiday “slide” schedule is NOT in effect this week, June 19th to June 24th.
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Know Before You Throw: Compostable Products
If you participate in our Feed the Green Bin program, you may already be familiar with the terms “BPI Certified” or “ASTM D6400.” These two specifications indicate whether a product is certified compostable in an industrial composting facility. The Composting Facility at our Alpha Ridge Landfill is in fact able to accept packaging that meets either of these specifications. If you see the BPI logo or ASTM D6400 designation, feel free to add these materials to your green bin at home for curbside collection or drop them off at the Landfill’s Residents' Convenience Center.
With that, our Bureau of Environmental Services is reminding residents that biodegradable and compostable have two very different meanings. Unlike certified compostable products, those labeled “biodegradable” don't need to meet the same timeframe requirements for biodegradation. In addition, many non-compostable items are marketed as “biodegradable” causing significant confusion among consumers as well as contamination at industrial composting facilities. For those reasons, it’s important to always check for the BPI and ASTM D6400 labels before disposing your items in your green bin.
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Residential Water Meter Replacement Program Resumes
EFFECITVE IMMEDIATELY, DPW’s Bureau of Utilities has resumed its residential water meter replacement program. As existing water meters in the system are approaching their useful life, with some already failing resulting in the need to estimate water bills, it is vital these meters (at no cost to county water customers) be replaced to ensure accurate and timely water usage data is obtained.
To complete the water meter replacement program in a timely manner, the County has contracted with Vanguard Utility Service for assistance. Residents will receive notification in the mail prior to meter installers arriving in their neighborhood. This notification will include contact information for Vanguard Utility Service so residents can schedule their water meter replacement appointment. Appointments are currently available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday appointments will also be available, but on a first come, first-served basis. Appointments should last no more than 20 to 30 minutes.
To learn more about this program and what to expect, click HERE.
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Public Works Construction Report | |
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To learn about DPW projects currently underway, click HERE. 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.
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Department of Recreation and Parks | |
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July is Rec & Parks Month
Did you know that July is National Park and Recreation Month? Join Howard County Recreation & Parks throughout the month as we celebrate with FREE movie/game nights, Zumba, food trucks, concerts and more.
There is something for everyone! Details are still being finalized, but check HERE for information on upcoming events.
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Making Memories at Summer Camp
Summer Camp season is here! The Recreation & Parks team remains at the ready for you to sign up your little ones for camps to keep their minds and bodies active during the summer months.
They offer so many different camps that you’ll be filling your calendar before you know it. Just don’t wait too long, many camps are already filling! They have already seen record enrollment numbers, but there are still plenty of opportunities to keep your child moving, learning, and making new friends all summer long. Check out our offerings HERE.
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Team Members Sought for Therapeutic Recreation and Accommodation Services’ Inclusion Support Staff
Are you interested in working with individuals with disabilities in a recreational setting? Do you enjoy mentoring and possess an enthusiastic attitude? Are you looking to build your resume while working with youth and children, or are you exploring a career in education, but not sure if its right for you? If yes, I encourage you to apply today for our Department of Recreation & Parks Therapeutic Recreation and Accommodation Services team. This summer, the Therapeutic Recreation and Accommodation Services team is looking for interested individuals to join its “Inclusion Support Staff.”
The position offers flexible hours, Monday-Friday, with daytime hours, weekend and evening opportunities are limited, but available. While no experience is needed, salary is based on experience and starts at $15 to $22 per hour.
To learn more about this position and/or to apply, click HERE today.
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Time for Teens to Kick Back
Attention teens, age 11 to 17 years old! If you are looking for a fun way to spend your free time this summer, be sure to check out Recreation & Parks FREE drop-in program for teens at its three community centers and new Harriet Tubman Cultural Center. Drop-in activities include free pizza and snacks, sports, video games and more. Below, you’ll find the dates, times and locations for this summer’s teen drop-in program:
For more information, click HERE or contact Anthony Lyon at 410-313-0456 or email alyon@howardcountymd.gov.
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