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Dear Friends,
As hospitals across our state and country combat long wait times and overcrowding, it's important to understand when residents should consider visiting an urgent care, an emergency room, and when to call 9-1-1.
Urgent care centers are same-day walk in clinics that can handle non-life-threatening medical problems and are a good option for when you are not injured or not feeling well, but it’s not serious enough for the emergency room. No appointment is necessary. Many Urgent Cares also provide primary care, sports physicals, and vaccines.
Urgent Cares centers can address most minor ailments, such as:
- Cough, congestion, without severe difficulty breathing
- Mild flu-like symptoms
- Sneezing or running nose
- Sore throat
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Mild upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
- Rashes without fever
- Sprains, Strains, minor bone fractures
- Minor Cuts
- Earache/Ear Pain
- Painful urination
- Pink eye, eye redness, discharge, or itchiness
For more information, including a full listing of Urgent Care locations in Howard County, visit our Department of Fire and Rescue Services’ “Urgent Health and Wellness” website.
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Emergency
Emergency Rooms (Emergency Departments) are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year and have special equipment and highly skilled and qualified to respond to life-threatening medical emergencies.
You should go to the emergency department if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Trouble breathing
- Facial drooping or weakness in an arm or leg
- Chest pain
- Bleeding that lasts longer than 10 minutes
- Seizures
- Head trauma
- Sudden acute headache/dizziness
- Major broken bones
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Sudden confusion, disorientation
- Severe abdominal pain
- Swallowed a foreign object
For more information, visit our Department of Fire and Rescue Services’ “Urgent Health and Wellness” website.
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9-1-1
Remember, you should always call 911 if you think you may be experiencing a medical emergency, such as:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Severe bleeding
- Any symptoms of a heart attack, including chest pressure/pain, pain in the left arm or the jaw, sudden weakness, or dizziness
- Signs of a stroke, such as slurred speech, severe headache, weakness, or numbness on one side of the face or body, or loss of consciousness
- Life-or-limb-threatening injury
For more information, visit our Department of Fire and Rescue Services’ “Urgent Health and Wellness” website.
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A Celebration of Miracles
Hanukkah is a special celebration of the miracles that can happen even on the darkest of days. This Festival of Lights is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the steadfast commitment to faith and tradition. Throughout the holy days of Hanukkah, I had a wonderful time joining the Chabad of Ellicott City for menorah lightings in Ellicott City and Columbia and the Jewish Federation of Howard County for our annual Chanukah candle lighting ceremony. These events remind us all that there is always light shining upon us.
As this year draws to a close, let us all try to find the light in each day.
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A Taste of Paris
We’re so grateful to have incredible restauranteurs who share their passion for cooking and sharing their traditions with our community. This is exactly what the Tersiguel family brings to our community every single day at Tersiguel’s French Country Restaurant in Ellicott City. Their story is one of resiliency that continues to inspire us all. This holiday season and beyond, I encourage you to please continue supporting our small, local restaurants and businesses.
To read more about Tersiguel’s, check out this recent The Baltimore Sun article.
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A Merrier Christmas, One Toy at a Time
Howard County is a truly generous help one another in times of need. That power of serving each other is what make our annual Toys for Tots giveaway so special. This year, we came together to hand out approximately 3,000 toys to nearly 2,200 children in need. The holidays are a tough time, and our neighbors shouldn’t be worried about keeping a roof over their head, food on the table, or buying gifts for the holiday season.
I’m so grateful for the generosity of our community for donating their time and gifts to help make sure every child feels special. A special thank you to Major Pete Smith of Anne Arundel County for bringing this wonderful opportunity to Howard County.
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Put it Down
It's never been more critical to take proactive steps for our health. To all our residents who smoke, now is the time to consider a smoke-free future. Not only can quitting smoking improve your overall health.
Our Howard County Health Department offers a wealth of FREE resources to support your journey toward quitting smoking. From personalized guidance to cessation programs, we're with you every step of the way.
To learn more, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/health/tobacco-prevention-and-control.
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Bringing Smiles and Holiday Cheer
I had a great time joining our Office of Aging and Independence, Howard County Health Department and our amazing community volunteers, including our Howard County Police Department Academy #48 and Department of Fire and Rescue Services for our annual Project Holiday initiative. Each year, Project Holiday brings smiles and holiday cheer to older adults in assisted living facilities and other homes, creating a sense of joy and connection during this special time of year.
It's inspiring to witness the power of unity and compassion as volunteers came together to hand-deliver gift baskets to nearly 250 older adults. It’s through efforts like this that make us a truly age-friendly community to ensure every person has access to the best quality of life. Together, we're making a difference and building a stronger, more compassionate community.
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I Wanna Thank You
During this season of giving, I was grateful to stop by the Giving Machine MidAtlantic at The Mall in Columbia. This vending machine works in reverse - it allows users the opportunity to vend an item to donate to local and global charities. Some of the charities that you can help out include Howard County’s very own Grassroots Crisis Intervention and Bridges to Housing Stability. Thank you to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and The Mall in Columbia for bringing this opportunity to our community!
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'Tis the Season of Community and Unity
I had such a great time joining our Elkridge Community to decorate and officially light the holiday trees at the Elkridge Fire station and Howard County Library System’s Elkridge branch. The joy that the children had knowing that they were decorating their community trees was priceless. After the holiday season, these decorated trees will find a new home in Rockburn Park, allowing our community to enjoy their beauty for years to come.
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season!
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Coming Together for our Tots!
It’s a special time of the year, and I had the joy of joining our incredible team of volunteers behind the scenes of our 8th annual Toys for Tots event. It's the combined effort of so many caring individuals that truly makes this event a success year after year.
From sorting toys to packing them with care, every moment spent with our volunteers was a reminder of the strong community spirit we have here in Howard County. I am immensely proud to serve alongside such compassionate and hardworking individuals. A big thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a joyous success. Your generosity and dedication bring so much happiness to our community during the holiday season.
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A Day at HOME
It was a pleasure to welcome Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day and his team to Howard County this past Thursday, December 14th! The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is a multifaced agency that serves counties and municipalities across the state. From expanding housing access to neighborhood revitalization and advancing digital equity, we have shared goals and transformative vision. Partnerships, such as with Secretary Day and his team, are vital in our mission to address housing challenges, improve housing affordability and stability, and protect tenant rights in Howard County, and for all Marylanders.
Throughout the day, we met with stakeholders from our housing community and Main Street Ellicott City business owners and discussed important issues and opportunities for growth and collaboration in Howard County. We appreciate Secretary Day and his entire team for their continued collaboration to ensure everyone in Howard County has a home.
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Farmland Forever
I'm pleased to announce that we have updated the Agricultural Land Preservation Program (ALPP) financing terms to encourage even more farmers to preserve their land as “Farmland Forever.” I knew that it was important for us to reopen the ALPP to new easement purchases after its abrupt closure in 2018, under the previous administration. Since reopening, we have preserved more than 305 acres on seven properties. With these new terms, we will continue to support agriculture and grow our commitment to protecting more farmland.
Our farms provide locally grown food, minimize our environmental footprint, and grow jobs. This effort builds on our promise of support to our farmers and residents. I am confident that these new terms will make our program more competitive and attractive to farmers who want to preserve their land for future generations; and I am thrilled to welcome the Winkler property into the program.
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Poetry - Say Yes
Howard County's first Poet Laureate program is a new venture in partnership with the Howard County Arts Council and the Howard County Poetry & Literature Society. This program celebrates our unwavering commitment to the arts and provides a platform for a Poet Laureate to advocate for the importance of poetry, literature and the arts in our vibrant community.
Serving as an artistic leader for two years, the Poet Laureate will help integrate poetry into the daily life of our residents and will be instrumental in celebrating and promoting our local literary arts. We're also excited to introduce a Youth Poet Laureate position, fostering the voice and creativity of our younger generation.
To learn more and/or to apply today for this poetic position, click HERE.
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Building Our Budget
The budget reflects our community’s shared priorities and our annual Residents’ Budget Hearings provide a wonderful opportunity for our residents to offer input and make their voices heard, especially as we work to develop the coming fiscal years (FY) budget. While we have faced many challenges, I’m confident Howard County will remain resilient and emerge stronger than ever, when we work together as a community.
If you missed our first Residents’ Budget Hearing for the FY2025 budget cycle, held on Monday, December 11th, you can catch all the action below or email your thoughts to BudgetTestimony@howardcountymd.gov
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It's a Family Affair
Life is unpredictable, but your healthcare doesn't have to be. Natasha Blount from the Howard County Commission for Women reminds us of the critical importance of health insurance for herself and her family. It's a safety net that's provided her with much-needed care through life's unexpected turns, including her journey through motherhood and beyond.
Let's ensure we're all protected as we approach the new year. Open Enrollment is your chance to secure healthcare coverage for 2024. Please don't wait until it's too late. Our team at 8930 Stanford Blvd in Columbia is ready to assist you daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. And if you can't make it in person, a simple call to 410-313-5845 can help you find the coverage you need.
Take it from Natasha—health insurance is a family affair, and in Howard County, we look after every member of our family. Get covered today.
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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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Summer Camp Counselors – Sports Camp participants spend their day playing a variety of sports indoors and outdoors, arts and crafts and endless fun in the sun while the camp staff guide them throughout the day and ensure their safety. Activities will encourage and support movement, personal growth, and build confidence. Campers will be taught basic to advanced sport-specific skills and enjoy a variety of summer camp activities. All hired staff will have to pass a background check. This summer, we're looking for energetic and responsible camp counselors to help children (ages three to 15 years) develop confidence!
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Summer Camp Directors/Assistant Directors – Sports Camp participants spend their day playing a variety of sports indoors and outdoors, arts and crafts and endless fun in the sun while the camp staff guide them throughout the day and ensure their safety. Activities will encourage and support movement, personal growth, and build confidence. Campers will be taught basic to advanced sport-specific skills and enjoy a variety of summer camp activities. All hired staff will have to pass a background check. This summer, we're looking for energetic and responsible camp counselors to help children (ages 3-15 years) develop confidence!
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Technical Services Support Specialist I - Technology and Communications, Radio Division – Performs intermediate technical level technology and communication services work under regular supervision from a technical superior. Work may include assisting in television production work; providing graphic arts, printing and reproduction services; installing, repairing and maintaining radio, telephone, data and related electronic equipment; performing entry level desktop or GIS support functions; or operating computers and peripheral on-line components of the data processing system.
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Therapeutic Recreation Aquatics Operator - Recreation & Parks – Under the supervision of the Recreation Manager and the Therapeutic Recreation Supervisors, the Pool Operator will operate all aspects of the swimming lesson, open swim and Water Exercise and aquatic program at the Cedar Lane Therapy Pool.
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Sports Supervisor - (Recreation Services Coordinator II) - Recreation & Parks, Bureau of Recreation – This position performs professional level recreation services work, which may include supervision, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes overseeing the safe and efficient operation of activities at school and department recreational facilities, parks and private recreational facilities; or overseeing the operation of programs in specific functional areas under the direction of a recreation supervisor. Assists in analyzing marketing data for program promotion and customer service. Work also includes the supervision of contingent, part-time staff and volunteers; overseeing the approved budget; and preparing information for recreation supervisor for seasonal and fiscal reports.
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Career Coach - Office of Workforce Development - The position coordinates career exploration resources, identifies and collaborates with partners to develop career exploration activities and administers these activities in the middle and high schools.
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Sports League Staff - Officials – The Recreation & Parks Department Flag Football League Staff performs entry level work in supporting the operation of a sports league or program and does related work as required. An employee in this position handles fundamental assignments and skills to help ensure a safe, secure, and enjoyable atmosphere for all sports participants. The employee works directly with participants in a variety of age groups, skill levels, and programs. Work is subject to detailed instructions, established routines, and/or standardized practices and procedures.
I encourage interested persons to apply today! To find a full listing of available positions, please click here.
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Christmas Day Holiday Closings | |
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Howard County Government offices, courts, 50+ centers, animal shelter, Alpha Ridge Landfill, Cedar Lane and Schooley Mill Activity Rooms, Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers, Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, Robinson Nature Center, Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, Kiwanis-Wallas Hall, Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, and county historic sites will be closed on Monday, December 25th in observance of the Christmas holiday.
As there will be no curbside trash, recycling, yard trim or food scrap collection on Christmas Day, the County’s holiday "slide” schedule will be in effect. For a complete explanation of the schedule, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule. Additionally, County park gates will be open on the 25th; however, there will be no staff on duty.
On Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24th, the Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers and the Robinson Nature Center will close at 5:00 p.m. Additionally, the Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum will close at 3:00 pm.
The Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) buses will operate on a limited scheduled on December 24th and will not operate on December 25th. For more information on RTA, call 1-800-270-9553 or visit www.transitrta.com. Howard County parking fees will not be enforced on December 25th.
The 9-1-1 Center, Police and Fire departments remain staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For emergencies, call 9-1-1; for non-emergencies, please call 410-313-2200.
County operations will resume on Tuesday, December 26th at regular business hours.
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Department of Community Resources and Services | |
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Holiday Food Support Giveaway
To assist families in need this holiday season, our Office of the Local Children’s Board is hosting its annual Holiday Food Support Giveaway this Wednesday, December 20th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the County’s MultiService Center in Laurel and the Elkridge 50+ Center. To reserve your FREE giveaway basket to be picked up from the MultiService Center, click HERE and to reserve a basket to be picked up from the Elkridge 50+ Center, click HERE.
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Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day
December 21st marks not only the first day of winter and longest night of the year, but also Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day. This Thursday, December 21st, I invite you to join our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office of Community Partnerships (OCP) and the Howard County Coalition to End Homelessness to honor and remember those who have passed away while homeless or have had a history of homelessness. This memorial event will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Oakland Mills Interfaith Center at 5885 Robert Oliver Place in Columbia. To attend, visit https://2023HChomelessmemorial.eventbrite.com today to register.
For those who are not able to join us but still wish to remember those lost, this event will be livestreamed. For questions and/or more information, please contact Cara Baumgartner at 410-313-6211.
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Offering Free Family Workshops
Now available, DCRS’s Office of Children and Families’ (OCF) December issue of its Parent Pages newsletter. This month’s issue features a plethora of free family workshops, including “Navigating your Child’s Mental Health Journey” this evening, December 18th at 7:00 p.m. The mission of these workshops is to assist parents and guardians in their parenting role by providing education that enhances caregiver skills, knowledge and behavior with a vision for all children to start life with a strong foundation.
To learn more about these free family workshops and/or to register, visit OCF’s website.
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HoCo Community Chat Drops December Episode
For this month’s December episode of DCRS’s HoCo Community Chat podcast, Director Jackie Scott is joined by OCP Administrator Rose Burton, Department of Housing and Community Development Director and Coalition to End Homelessness Board Chair Kelly Cimino and Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center Executive Director and Coalition to End Homelessness Board member Dr. Marianna Izraelson to discuss homelessness in Howard County. I encourage you to tune in this month, especially as we approach winter and commemorate Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day on December 21st, to learn more about this problem that members of our community sadly face and the resources available to help those in need.
Be sure to stay tuned on Buzzsprout or check out HoCo Community Chat wherever you listen to your podcasts, and if there is something specific you want to hear discussed, email DCRS at communityresources@howardcountymd.gov.
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Help the Maryland Commission on Caregiving Better Understand and Advocate for Maryland’s Caregivers
Are you 18 or older, providing unpaid care to a loved one? If yes, DCRS’s Office on Aging and Independence encourages you to take part in the Maryland Commission on Caregiving Caregiver Survey to help the Commission better understand and advocate for Maryland caregivers.
Whether you assist adults with disabilities, illnesses or other limitations, your experiences as an informal caregiver are invaluable as your support helps fill gaps in our healthcare system, and understanding your needs is crucial. This anonymous 15-minute survey will share insight into caregiving challenges, available programs and priorities for support services, and help shape policies impacting caregivers like you. For participating, you will be entered into a raffle for your change to win one of 50 $20 e-gift cards.
The survey is open until Sunday, December 31, 2023.
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Office of Community Sustainability | |
Partnership Offers Residents Free Home Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Thanks to a partnership between our Office of Community Sustainability (OCS) and Civic Works, a community-based nonprofit, Howard County residents (homeowners and renters) are eligible for a free home energy efficiency checkup. Interested residents can receive free energy efficiency upgrades such as LED light bulbs, an advanced power strip, faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads, hot water pipe insulation and even a smart thermostat. Income eligible residents may also qualify for Civic Works’ free whole-house weatherization services, in addition to their free energy efficiency checkup.
This partnership seeks to bring energy savings to Howard County residents while reducing environmental impacts and improving home health.
To schedule your complimentary home visit from a Civic Works energy advisor, visit https://energyprograms.civicworks.com/free-quick-installs/ to sign-up today.
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Online Dashboard Moves Howard County Climate Action Forward
OCS has launched a new information and tracking platform, the “Climate Forward Dashboard,” for local climate issues. The dashboard reflects our commitment to keeping the community informed about our progress in implementing the “Howard County Climate Forward: Climate Action and Resiliency Plan,” launched this past June.
Our new dashboard allows residents to track County efforts in the four main mitigation areas: energy, transportation, waste and nature-based solutions, as well as our climate resiliency efforts in the areas of emergency management, infrastructure, water and ecosystem services.
In addition to tracking the County’s progress toward our climate change mitigation and resiliency goals, Howard County residents can also use the Climate Forward Dashboard to learn more about small (and large) steps they too can take in their own lives to fight climate change.
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Office of Emergency Management | |
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Winter Storm Warning, Winter Storm Watch and Winter Weather Advisory, Do You Know the Difference?
With the first day of winter less than two weeks away, our Office of Emergency Management is offering up this winter weather reminder about the difference between a Winter Storm Warning, Winter Storm Watch and Winter Weather Advisory.
A Winter Storm Warning is used when heaving snow, heavy freezing or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring.
A Winter Storm Watch issued when there is a potential for significant and hazardous winter weather within 48 hours.
A Winter Weather Advisory is issued for snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle or sleet which will cause significant inconveniences, but not serious enough to warrant a warning.
To learn more about these U.S. National Weather Service thresholds, click HERE.
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Department of Fire and Rescue Services | |
Keep that Water Level Constantly Above the Cut
Whether you’ve already decorated or are just starting to put up your holiday decorations, our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) is reminding residents to water your Christmas tree DAILY. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2017 and 2021, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 150 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. While Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are much more likely to be serious. Protect your family and property this holiday, with these Christmas Tree Safety tips.
When the Christmas is over, or your tree is dry, be sure to recycle it through our Bureau of Environmental Services’ Merry Mulch program. Be sure to stay tuned to www.howardcountymd.gov/merrymulch for details about the Bureau’s 2023-2024 Merry Mulch season.
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Howard County Health Department | |
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Community Flu Vaccine Clinics
It's nearly winter and that means it's respiratory virus season. To help, the Howard County Health Department (HCHD) is once again offering its free seasonal flu shot clinics. For a list of upcoming flu clinic dates and registration information, visit HCHD's Seasonal Flu webpage today. Individuals can also call 410-313-6284 for registration assistance.
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Department of Housing and Community Development | |
Proposals Sought for Transformative Homeownership and Neighborhood Initiatives
Our Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is currently accepting proposals for the second round of funding for its Housing Opportunities Trust Fund (HOTF). Through this Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), DHCD is seeking innovative proposals from community partners for homeownership and neighborhood initiatives, as well as rehabilitation and multifamily rental housing projects, that are bold and impactful to help address the County’s affordable housing needs and gaps.
Earlier this year, I presented the first round of HOTF awards for transformational homeownership and rental initiatives, allocating $5 million in my Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 budget. The largest award of $1.6 million was presented to Patuxent Commons to create brand new, energy efficient rental housing units that will be affordable and accessible for families, older adults and persons with disabilities in our community.
With twice as much allotted in my FY 2024 budget for HOTF, this second round of applications further emphasizes our commitment to provide resources for residents of all income levels to be able to live, work, play and thrive in Howard County. I encourage those who have fresh, new ideas to help address housing affordability in our community to bring those ideas forward with this application.
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Office of Human Rights and Equity | |
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A Celebration of Kwanzaa
As the holidays continue, I’d like to invite you, your family and friends to join our Office of Human Rights and Equity and myself at our annual Kwanzaa celebration next Wednesday, December 27th at 5:30 p.m. at our Harriet Tubman Cultural Center. Come immerse yourself in the rich traditions and cultural significance of Kwanzaa, as we come together to honor African American heritage and values. Experience the warmth as we gather to light the Kinara and explore the Seven Principles and Seven Symbols of Kwanzaa.
To register to attend this FREE event, click HERE today.
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Department of Planning and Zoning | |
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Planning Board Meeting
Our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Planning Board, will be holding a hybrid meeting, in person at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City and virtually via WebEx, starting at 7:00 p.m. this Thursday, December 21st to hear the following agenda items:
To register to testify, click HERE. Registration must be completed prior to 7:00 p.m. the night before (December 20th) the scheduled meeting to participate. If you do not wish to testify, but simply to watch the meeting, click HERE to watch.
A five-member board made up of Howard County residents, the Planning Board makes recommendations to the Zoning Board or County Council on matters related to planning and zoning and renders a final decision on certain development proposals. Before recommendations or decisions are made, the Board holds a public meeting or hearing to provide interested persons the opportunity to provide comment. For details about procedures for testifying at a Planning Board meeting, click HERE.
To learn more about Howard County’s Planning Board and upcoming meeting dates, click HERE.
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Route 1 Tax Credit Program
DPZ is accepting applications for this year’s Route 1 Tax Credit program! If you own a commercial or industrial property on the Route 1 Corridor, you may be eligible to receive up to $100,000 of tax credit for qualified façade and landscape improvements visible from the Corridor area. Eligible improvements include building façade upgrades, new signage, exterior painting and lighting, screening and landscaping, and other options.
For more information or to apply, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/Route1TaxCredit.
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Online Crime and Traffic Dashboards Launched
In case you missed it, the Howard County Police Department (HCPD) and I recently announced the launch of two new innovative online interactive dashboards to provide the public with updated information about crime reports and reportable traffic stops in alignment with our ongoing commitment to transparency and public safety.
The crime reports dashboard offers searchable options by types of crime, zip codes, time frames, police beats and Columbia villages. Users can easily query the crime report data most relevant or important to their areas, in various formats. The dashboard includes crime reports beginning in 2022, when the FBI revised its mandatory Uniform Crime Reporting procedures. Due to these federal changes, the dashboard cautions users not to compare the new dashboard data to years prior to 2022 for side-by-side comparisons.
Beginning with 2023 data and updated regularly, the traffic stop dashboard includes certain types of violations determined by the state of Maryland, called “reportable stops.” These are interactions with drivers in which factors like race, gender, searches, citations and reason for stop can be obtained. By Maryland law, “reportable traffic stops” do not include checkpoints or roadblocks, radar or laser stops, or the use of license plate reader technology. In these situations, the above-described factors are unknown at the time of the stop.
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Staying Safe on the Roads and Shopping this Holiday Season
Throughout this holiday season, HCPD will be working to ensure your safety on the roads, at shopping centers and malls, and in your neighborhoods. While our officers will be doing all that they can to keep you safe, here are some tips and best practices on how you too can stay vigilant and safe on the roads and when shopping (whether in-person or online) this season.
Remember:
- When shopping, travel with a group or in pairs, and schedule shopping trips during the day.
- Stay alert, especially when carrying packages or walking on a parking lot or in a garage.
- Avoid carrying too many packages, and leave one hand free to access keys or a phone quickly.
- Park in a well-lit parking space, and select an area where there are other cars and foot traffic.
- Don’t leave cell phones, purses or other valuables in a parked car – especially in plain view.
- When loading packages into the car, use the trunk instead of the back seat.
- Beware of strangers approaching you unsolicited. Walk in another direction if you feel uncomfortable.
- When the holidays are over, don’t put boxes for electronics or valuables in plain view on recycling day, break them down first.
When shopping online, remember these tips from HCPD to protect yourself from online scammers and “porch pirates”:
- Only shop on secure, reputable websites. Beware of deals that seem too good to be true on websites you do not recognize. Also be cautious when opening unfamiliar e-mails advertising deals as they may be phishing attempts.
- Once your purchases are made, track shipments and request to receive notification when they are delivered. Request that the delivery service leave the package in a less-obvious location, like a side or back door, that cannot be seen from the sidewalk.
- If you are not home when the package arrives, ask a trusted neighbor to take the package inside until you get home. Or, if permitted, have the shipment delivered to your work.
- Consider installing a doorbell camera to be notified whenever someone comes to your door.
Finally, as always, report suspicious activity in your neighborhood to HCPD by calling 911 or the non-emergency number at 410-313-2200. Your one call could help your neighbors from being victimized.
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Department of Public Works | |
Bureau of Environmental Services | |
Holiday Slide Schedule in Effect for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
REMINDER: The upcoming Christmas Day and New Year’s Day holidays are two of the six holidays that does affect the County’s curbside trash, recycling, food scrap and yard trim collection programs. As there will be no curbside collection on Monday, December 25th and Monday, January 1st, the County’s holiday slide schedule will be in effect the week of December 25th and the week of January 1st, with Monday’s collection sliding to Tuesday, Tuesday to Wednesday and so forth.
For questions, concerns and/or more information about the County’s holiday schedule, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule or contact feel free to contact the Bureau of Environmental Services at 410-313-6444 or email help@howardcountyrecycles.org.
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How to Recycle Holiday Lights
Not sure what to do with those broken or working holidays lights that just you don't want anymore? Check out these quick tips from our Department of Public Works' Bureau of Environmental Services about how to donate your working holiday lights and how to recycle your broken strands through these drop-off and mail-in programs.
Please keep in mind, holiday lights should NOT be placed in your curbside recycling as these "tanglers" get wrapped around recycling equipment and jam the screens at the processor.
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Cryptosporidium Update
An independent, certified water quality laboratory has once again confirmed that there is no detection of Cryptosporidium in the County's drinking water samples. The County's Department of Public Works (DPW) will continue to conduct weekly testing of our public water system to confirm the quality of our water through December.
For the most up-to-date information regarding this matter, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/Cryptosporidium.
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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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What to Do When Schools are Closed
With the holidays fast approaching, our Department of Recreation & Parks is here to help with its School's Out programming days to make sure you don't get caught off guard when schools close early or are closed this month. From Circus Camp to Medical Me, Art Workshops at Pinot's Palette, Drama Workshops with the Drama Learning Center, Abrakadoodle, Winter Mix, Learn Now Music, Magnus Chess Academy, STEM, Club SciKidz, Stemtree and more, there are plenty of activities and programs to choose from to keep your kids active when school is not in session.
To learn more about what fun Recreation & Parks activities has planned this month, click on the following dates (December 26th, December 27th, December 28th, December 29th and Winter Break Full Week activities: December 26th through December 29th).
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Climbing with Santa
Help Santa get ready to shimmy down the chimney as he completes his final workout before Christmas, as he makes a special appearance at our Roger Carter Community Center on Friday, December 22nd from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Participants will rotate through stations, including photos with Olaf and the Grinch (be sure to bring your own camera), a Christmas craft and snack and hot cocoa, before joining Santa for a fun game on the climbing wall (all climbers will stay under five feet traversing the wall; no ropes will be used).
This program is intended for children ages five to 10 years old. The cost to participant is $7 per child, which will be collected at check-in. Preregistration is required to attend.
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Winter Activity Guide Now Available
Online, in-person, mail-in and over-the-phone registration is now open for all for Recreation & Parks’ 2024 Winter Activity Guide! With hundreds of great programs, activities and events to choose from, there is something for everyone to help chase those winter blues away.
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All Aboard the Holiday Train Garden!
This holiday season, I invite each and everyone of you to stop by our Department of Recreation & Parks’ Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum to enjoy train models set up throughout the museum, including the year-round exhibit in the Freight House. Geared towards all ages, all are sure to love this annual holiday tradition.
To learn more about our Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, including its hours of operations, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/ecborail.
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Recreation & Parks Job Fair: Apply, Interview and Get Hired All in One Day!
Join Recreation and Parks on Saturday, January 6th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at its headquarters in Columbia (7120 Oakland Mills Road), for a unique job fair experience. Attendees will have the opportunity to apply, interview and be hired in person on the spot, all in one day. Opportunities range from summer jobs to seasonal and part-time employment, with jobs ranging from summer camp counselors, lifeguards, front desk, park maintenance, scorekeepers, licensed child care, sports coaches and more. Those 16 years and older are welcome to attend.
If attending, please be sure you bring bring two forms of government-issued identification, i.e. a driver’s license, passport, social security card, birth certificate, etc., and your resume, although not required, one is preferred.
To learn more, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/recreation-and-parks-job-fair.
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