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Dear Friends,
Across Maryland, we continue to provide opportunities for transportation connections between our neighbors and our neighborhoods, growing and strengthening our sense of community. Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and I are pleased to announce a new partnership with RTA so residents can travel from Columbia to Catonsville.
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The new route, Route 505, will originate in Downtown Columbia with stops at the Long Gate Shopping Center and other destinations in Ellicott City, and then travel into Baltimore County with a stop at the Catonsville Walmart off US 40 and North Rolling Road. This stop in Catonsville will create a new connection between RTA and MTA service, while also complementing MTA’s existing Express Bus 150 service and its plans to improve bus service between Catonsville and Baltimore City later this year.
Route 505 replaces the existing Route 405, which provided service between Ellicott City, Long Gate Shopping Center and Columbia. Instead, Route 405 will be restructured to provide more local service throughout Ellicott City, including Old Ellicott City.
To learn more about how to ride the new Route 505, click HERE.
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Our Newest High School!
In just a few weeks, Guilford Park High School, Howard County’s first new high school since 2005, is slated to open.
This new school will help address years of overcrowding and provide capacity for nearly 1,700 students. It was a pleasure to join HCPSS Superintendent Michael Martirano, Principal Josh Wasilewski, and our State Board of Education to tour this incredible facility.
This 77-acre site is extensive, and there’s more to see. Stay tuned for more behind the scenes!
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YEP! Sprint to a Fabulous Finish
Congratulations, Dragons! I was thrilled to join our student athletes, coaches, and families at Howard Community College for the exciting culmination of our YEP! Track and Field program.
More than three dozen middle and high school students participated in this empowering two-week program at HCC through our Youth Engagement Programming initiative.
Thank you to Dr. Willis and the entire Athletics Department at HCC for your visionary leadership and partnership in hosting this transformative program.
Through our collective efforts, we will continue to ensure that young people in Howard County are inspired and empowered to achieve their dreams.
To learn more about our Youth Engagement Programming initiatives, please visit: YEP Grants.
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Award Winning Cultural Center!
The Harriet Tubman Cultural Center is a premiere educational and cultural center in our region. That’s why it comes as no surprise that it received two of our 51 National Association of Counties awards.
This new facility celebrates the life of Harriet Tubman, commemorates the history of the Harriet Tubman High School, and addresses the impact of African Americans in Howard County and beyond. Learn more about what went into creating this center in this video.
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Building Up Apprenticeships
I had a great time joining Fran Trout, our wonderful Workforce Development Board, and Office of Workforce Development staff to create new incentives for Howard County businesses to create or reactivate apprenticeships.
Building upon our incredible progress over the last five years, our local businesses will now receive up to $5,000 for each apprenticeship created. A single business can create up to four apprenticeships with a maximum of $20,000 per company.
Thank you to our business partners for stepping up and taking bold actions to support our workforce and creating new great paying jobs! Together, we are on the road to excellence for all. For more information, please visit https://www.howardcountymd.gov/workforce-development
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35 Years of Never Cutting Corners!
For 35 years, Ledo Pizza in Fulton has provided our community with undeniably delicious square pizza. It was a pleasure to join the Trott family to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Ledo Pizza at the Station House Restaurant in Fulton. This location was the very first Ledo’s to open in Howard County and the fifth Ledo’s to open nationwide.
Congratulations on your continued success, and I wish you another 35 years and beyond of never cutting corners! To place an order, visit https://order.ledopizza.com/menu/ledo-pizza-fulton.
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Forever in Our Hearts
July 23, 2023 marked the fifth anniversary of the passing of Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) Lieutenant Nathan “Nate” Flynn. At just 34 years of age, Lt. Flynn died in the line of duty in 2018, while battling a house fire in Clarksville. A cut above the rest, he was a dedicated career firefighter who loved his job, his family, his brothers and sisters, and life.
The first career firefighter line of duty death in the history of DFRS, we continue to learn from Lt. Flynn – from the example that he set, the life that he led and from his tragic passing. It is our duty and responsibility to do all that we can to ensure this never happens again and his legacy lives on. His family, especially his five children, will forever be in our hearts.
To read more about Lt. Flynn, how DFRS continues to honor and remember him and what the department has done since his passing, click HERE. Lt. Flynn and his family remain forever in our hearts.
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Sun-stoppable Blooms!
The Sunflowers of Lisbon is currently at peak bloom. There are nearly 13-acres of beautiful, yellow, sun-stoppable blooms that make the perfect place to visit with family and friends for a fun photoshoot or to simply enjoy nature. I had a wonderful time seeing my friends Derek and little Calvin at this sunny attraction, which is sure to bring a bright smile to all.
I encourage you to take advice from a sunflower and be outstanding in your field and bloom bright! Learn more about the Sunflowers of Lisbon at https://sunflowersoflisbon.com/.
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Rest in Peace Retired Battalion Chief Richard Blankenship
I’m deeply saddened and join our community in mourning Retired Battalion Chief Richard Blankenship who passed early Thursday, July 20th morning. Chief Blankenship was a highly regarded and well-respected member of our Department of Fire and Rescue Services and served with the department for nearly 36 years before retiring in 2008. He was an outstanding leader and mentored many young firefighters during his career and was a dear friend who helped me understand the power of service and serving our community.
He leaves behind an impressive legacy, with three of his grandsons, Alexander (pictured with his grandfather at his departmental pinning), Zachary and Tyler, who are also firefighters with Howard County, as was his son, Richard Jr., who passed away from cancer in 2021. Please keep the Blankenship family, our DFRS colleagues, and all whose lives he has touched in your thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.
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A Novel Idea
Each year, Howard County hosts a new sculpture at the George Howard Building through our ARTSites partnership with the Howard County Arts Council. This year, we are proud to host A Novel Idea by Craig Gray. Comprised of more than a dozen pieces of solid grey granite, this beautiful sculpture invites community members to have a conversation among friends or read a good book outdoors.
The granite pieces of A Novel Idea weigh more than 800 pounds in total, with the top bench stone weighing approximately 600 pounds alone. Recently, artist Craig Gray installed A Novel Idea book-by-book outside of our government campus at the George Howard Building. We are thrilled to host this magnificent piece and invite you to visit soon!
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Paving the Way for Women’s Rights
On July 19th 175 years ago, the very first women’s rights convention was held in Seneca Falls, NY. Famed activist and leader of the U.S.’s women’s rights movement, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, was one of the organizers of the Seneca Falls Convention. More than 300 people gathered to fight for the social, civil and religious rights of women, despite the strong social pushback for the event. However, at the end of the convention, a big leap for progress was made when the Declaration of Sentiments was signed on July 20, 1848.
The progress and long march toward equality for women has never been a straight line and too many remain silent in times of challenge and controversy. Even now, there are unrelenting attacks on women’s rights in our country, which will impact our neighbors, friends and family. We thank Mrs. Stanton and all the other women’s rights activists who have paved the way for equal political rights for women. Our continued success and progress is due to the tenacity, determination, and important work of women in critical leadership positions and we will continue to make incredible progress so future generations can thrive.
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Let's Play Ball!
Through our innovative Youth Engagement Programming (YEP!) initiative, Howard County is partnering with the Ellicott City Soccer Club to expand and grow their free soccer program for children with physical, intellectual and emotional disabilities. Through this program, students receive one-on-one mentoring and training as they participate in a safe and supportive soccer program led by adult and youth volunteer mentors.
The Ellicott City Soccer Club is currently enrolling youth and accepting volunteers for their Fall 2023 students. To learn more and/or to register, click HERE.
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Supporting Safe Space for Our Children of All Abilities
I had a wonderful time stopping by Camp Attaway at their community picnic and camp to see first-hand how they create a safe space for our children of all abilities to play and grow. Camp Attaway strives to ensure that behavioral and emotional challenges won’t stop children from learning, having fun together and meeting new friends.
To help them continue to expand and serve more of our young people, Camp Attaway received a $45,000 YEP! grant, allowing continued connections and engagement for campers.
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Farm Fresh Wednesdays
Our Farmers’ Markets highlight our incredible agriculture by serving farm fresh fruits, vegetables, and baked goods. I was happy to visit the Farmer’s Market at Howard County Library System’s Miller branch to pick up some delicious peaches, cherries, olives from Greece, and more!
Through shopping at a local farmer’s market, we are also supporting our economy and environment. I encourage residents to visit the Miller’s Branch Farmers’ Market in Ellicott City every Wednesday from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
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The Tastiest Time of the Year is Here!
Howard County Summer Restaurant Weeks and Craft Beverages is the perfect opportunity to go out of your comfort zone and try something new. To help celebrate restaurant weeks, members of my team and their families visited Victoria Gastro Pub and Elli Mochi.
What will you try? You can find all the participating menus at HERE.
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Increasing Multimodal Access
A Howard County construction project to build a sidewalk along eastbound Whiskey Bottom Road from Homestretch Court to US 1 in Laurel is currently underway. This project is part of the County’s Pedestrian Plan to increase multimodal access to amenities along the US 1 corridor.
Currently, there is no sidewalk in the project area and eastbound Whiskey Bottom Road has no shoulder. By installing a sidewalk, this project will close the gap with an Americans with Disabilities Act compliant walking route to an existing sidewalk on US 1. To learn more about the project, visit HERE.
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Great Eats and Drinks
Howard County Summer Restaurant Weeks and Craft Beverages is underway!
Now’s the time to grab that friend you haven’t seen in a long time, the family member who wants to try new things but is scared to or a colleague to meet over a quick bite and bring them to one of our delicious participating restaurants.
To find a participating restaurant near you, click HERE before this Sunday, July 30th. Summer Restaurant Weeks and Craft Beverages runs from July 17th through July 30th.
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An Inclusive, Innovative Community
We should be an inclusive and innovative community and the Patuxent Commons project checks both of those boxes. It was such a joy to join the Howard County Autism Society, Mission First Housing Group and the entire Patuxent Commons Team for their community design session. Of its planned 76 total units, 19 will be for people with disabilities, 30 for seniors and 27 for families, demonstrating our collective commitment to supporting all our residents.
I’m so thankful for the work and advocacy of the Howard County Autism Society and every member of our community who advocated for this project. When complete, it will be another national model that many communities will replicate.
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Bringing Shakespeare to Life
For two decades, the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company (CSC) has brought the words of Shakespeare to life through their riveting and magical performances. As Maryland’s leading classical theatre company, CSC captivates audiences of all ages among the ruins of the Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park in Historic Ellicott City.
I was honored to recognize the CSC’s 20th anniversary during its Black Classical Acting Ensemble’s spellbinding performance of Macbeth. Thank you to CSC for your storied history of the arts in Howard County, and we wish you many more vibrant years of sharing theatre with our community and beyond!
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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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Human Services Specialist III - Community Resources and Services, Office of Children and Families: responsible for planning, implementing, and managing programs and services offered by The Office of Children and Families.
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Climate Action Plan Coordinator (Planning Specialist I) - Office of Community Sustainability: supports the County's Climate Action Plan implementation efforts, including coordinating with various County departments and offices to track and report on their climate action plan activities and progress, providing administrative support to the Climate Action Subcabinet, and leading or supporting a variety of climate action activities for the Office of Community Sustainability.
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Human Services Specialist I - Grants, Housing & Community Development, Grants Division: serves to assist in all aspects and projects associated with the County’s Department Housing and Community Development - Grants Division, including coordinating and assisting with general administration of all Department grants.
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Human Services Worker I - County Administration, Office of Workforce Development: provides guidance and career counseling to middle and high school students to help explore and making informed career decisions for Howard County Public School System students and young adults.
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Human Services Specialist II - County Administration, Office of Workforce Development: provides guidance and career counseling to middle and high school students to help explore and making informed career decisions. 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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Human Services Specialist III - County Administration, Office of Workforce Development: Performs advanced professional level human services work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work typically includes administrative support of a Division within the Department of Community Resources and Services; supervision over a major phase of constituent services delivery for the department; and planning, implementing, and evaluating program policies and procedures.
I encourage interested persons to apply today! To find a full listing of available positions, please click here.
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Innovating with EDA
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Tomorrow, July 25th, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Women's Catalyst Circle: Reigning in Success: This month’s Women’s Catalyst Circle is designed to empower women to embrace their inner power and step into their full leadership potential. In this immersive and empowering Circle experience, you will embark on a journey of self-discovery, tapping into your inherent power, confidence, and authority.
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Wednesday, August 23rd, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs: This four-part seminar held Wednesday evenings from August 23- September 13, will give you the tools you need to cut through ambiguity and move forward with confidence. Vance MacEwen, co-founder of Greatest Possible Good, delivers interactive workshops taking you through the design thinking process.
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Thursday, August 24th, 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. – Global Marketing Outlook: Essential Insights You Can't Afford to Miss: Don't miss this comprehensive exploration of the evolving marketing landscape, brimming with immense potential to elevate your business success to new heights.
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Thursday, August 31st, 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. – Understanding Product Development: From Idea to Market Launch: Physical product development requires large investments. Understanding the process, possible pitfalls and defining the requirements early in the process will help improve chances for success. A Maryland product development expert will share his experience and detail the steps taken to make an idea into a manufacturable product. Bring your idea, problems and be ready for an interactive discussion.
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Wednesday, September 6th, noon to 1:00 p.m. – Creating a Well-Designed Retirement Plan For Your Small Business: Join us as we look at a case study of a solopreneur with $200,000 in revenue and how a well-designed retirement plan helped him minimize taxes and get on the path to early retirement. Learn how these tools can help you prepare for retirement as well.
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Thursday, September 21st, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. – 2023 End of Summer Bash: Early bird tickets are now on sale for the Maryland Innovation Center's End of Summer Bash at Merriweather Lakehouse! You can purchase your early bird tickets by September 8th. Ticket sales close September 20th.
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Department of Community Resources and Services | |
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UNITY in the Community Resource Fair
A fun event for the whole family, I invite you to join our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office of the Local Children’s Board this Saturday, July 29th for UNITY in the Community Resource Fair, its second in a series of three community resource fairs the Board is hosting this year.
Set to take place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the 29th at the East Columbia Library Park, participants will have access to family services and community resources while enjoying musical entertainment, a moon bounce for the kids, food giveaways, arts and crafts, raffles, and prizes. Admission is FREE, so be sure not to miss out on this family fun event.
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Summer Ideas for Kids and Support for Families
If you are looking for ideas for how to ease the transition into this coming new school year as your family enjoys the fleeting days of summer, I encourage you to check out DCRS’ Office of Children and Families’ newest issue of its Parent Pages. This month’s issue is full of ideas to support continued learning all summer long, plus fun family activities, kindergarten readiness tips and more.
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Get Connected with the Affordable Connectivity Program
The Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) helps low-income households afford at-home broadband service and a computer/tablet so they can access the internet and work, complete schoolwork, pay bills, etc. from the comfort of their own home. The ACP provides up to a $30 per month discount on internet service and a discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet.
This Thursday, July 27th, I invite you – especially our older county residents, to join DCRS’ Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. at OAI’s East Columbia 50+ Center, for a FREE enrollment event to assist you in determining whether your household qualifies for the ACP.
To register and schedule your appointment for this event, contact Malarie Burgess, OAI's digital inclusion specialist, at mburgess@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-6542 (voice/relay). Walk-ins are welcome; however, may incur a wait.
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Avoid Medicare Scams and Fraud
If you are in the market for Medicare, I encourage you to join DCRS’ Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) this Wednesday, July 26th at 11:00 a.m. at Kings Contrivance Community Association’s Amherst House for a discussion about Medicare scams and fraud to look out for. OCP will be joined by representatives from the County’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to provide an overview of common types of Medicare fraud and scams, and what to look out for when researching Medicare Advantage Plans.
SHIP’s trained staffed and Certified Medicare Counselors provide free, unbiased assistance for questions or concerns about what Medicare covers, prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage/health plans and Medigap policies, billing, claims, denials and appeals, and programs that help with Medicare costs. SHIP also offers educational Medicare presentations remotely. For its upcoming schedule, click HERE or to learn more about how SHIP can help you, click HERE.
For questions and/or more information about this free seminar, contact OCP at 410-313-6420.
If you have a question or need assistance with another consumer issue, contact OCP at 410-313-6420 or email consumer@howardcountymd.gov. For assistance in Korean, Mandarin or Spanish, please call 410-313-3820.
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The HoCo Community Chat July Episode
For this month’s HoCo Community Chat podcast episode, DCRS Director Jackie Scott is first joined by OAI Administrator Ofelia Ross and OCP Administrator Tracy Rezvani to discuss what is consumer protection and the latest local scams and exploitive behaviors targeting residents. During the second half, Jackie is joined by retired Howard County police officer and founder of the Center for Elder Justice and Education André Lingham to discuss the specific targeting of older adults.
HoCo Community Chat is DCRS’ new and entertaining way to engage residents in great conversations on how to live their best lives in Howard County. Be sure to check out HoCo Community Chat wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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Help Us Recognize Those Who Support Disability Rights in Howard County
Our Commission on Disabilities is seeking nominations for its 2023 annual awards program. These awards recognize individual achievement and outstanding efforts of those who advance full participation in community life for all residents, while promoting the spirit and intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other disability rights laws.
The deadline to submit a nomination is Monday, August 21st. While nomination forms are available online, if you need the form in an alternate format, please contact Erica Lewis at 410-313-6402 (voice/relay) or email cod@howardcountymd.gov. For additional information, click HERE.
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Office of Community Sustainability | |
Applications Now Accepted for Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program
In case you are looking to install solar or geothermal at your home, the Maryland Energy Administration is now accepting applications for its Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program. This program provides financial incentives to Maryland homeowners to purchase and install eligible renewable energy generating systems at their primary place of residence. To learn more and/or to apply, click HERE.
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Department of Fire and Rescue Services | |
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Be Sure to Include Your Furry Friends in Your Family Emergency Plans
July 15th was National Pet Fire Safety Day and in honor of their furry friends, DFRS is reminding pet owners of the importance of factoring your pet in your family’s home fire escape plan and other home emergency planning. Before jumping in, remember that you should NEVER go back inside a hazardous environment for any reason, pets included. With that said, here’s something to consider.
What would you do if your smoke alarm went off in the middle of the night, and you had 60 seconds to get outside with your family and pets? If your pet is accessible on the way out the door, how will you secure them once out? Do you have a leash or carrier in a convenient place if you can’t physically pick up your pet?
We know how big of a space pets can take in our hearts, but remember, you should never spend extra time inside searching for them in an emergency. Firefighters will search for and rescue animals once they arrive, and all DFRS ambulances have pet oxygen masks in the case of smoke inhalation.
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Have a House Sitting While on Vacation?
If someone is house or pet sitting for you when you're on vacation, do they know the basics of your home when it comes to emergencies? Before leaving your home in the care of another individual, here are some of the things DFRS recommends going over with your sitter: your address, your home’s exits and any inaccessible doors or windows, location of your fire extinguisher, water turnoff valve, etc.
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Always Look Before You Lock
It does not matter if the sky is cloudy, if your vehicle windows are cracked or if you parked in the shade, you should NEVER leave a child or pet unattended in your vehicle. Not even for a minute.
Heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children. On average, every 10 days a child dies from heatstroke in a vehicle. In more than half of these deaths, the caregiver forgot the child was in the car. Always look twice and then lock every time.
To learn more about kids and heatstroke, visit www.safekids.org/heatstroke. For more information about keeping your pets safe in the heat, visit www.humanesociety.org/resources/keep-pets-safe-heat.
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Sign-Up for Fireworks Text Alerts
With summer in full swing, DFRS has launched a new text alert system for permitted firework displays in Howard County. All permitted displays are approved through the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal and DFRS Fire Marshals are present the day-of to ensure the safety of the event.
To sign up for alerts, text "JOIN" to (410)-402-5308.
Don’t want to sign up for messages? No worries! DFRS will continue to post firework notifications on its social media pages (Facebook and Twitter).
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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. next Monday, July 31st and will accept applications until 5:00 p.m. next Friday, 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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Howard County Health Department | |
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Improving Reproductive, Maternal and Infant Health in Howard County
Here in the United States, we have one of the highest rates of maternal mortality among high-income countries and rates have been increasing, including in Maryland. Sadly, incidence of Severe Maternal Morbidity events - life threatening conditions and complications from labor and delivery - have been steadily increasing since 2019. In 2021, Howard County’s preterm birth rate rose to 11 percent, according to the March of Dimes, higher than many neighboring jurisdictions and with significant racial disparities, especially among Black women.
We cannot be complacent while disturbing trends in maternal deaths rise, and this is an important step in building a healthier community for all. To help combat this rising health concern and ensure our pregnant residents, families and healthcare provides have access to information about prenatal, postpartum and infant resources available here in Howard County, the Howard County Health Department (HCHD) has launched its Perinatal Equity and Care for Everyone (P.E.A.C.E.) Project navigator program.
Provided at no cost and open to all pregnant and postpartum people in the county, the goal of the P.E.A.C.E. Project is to improve reproductive, maternal and infant health in Howard County. The P.E.A.C.E. Project’s Perinatal Care Navigator assists clients, families or providers in determining which services best meet the client’s needs and interests. The Navigator then links the client to community resources/services and follows up on the outcome of the referral.
To learn more about the P.E.A.C.E. Project, click HERE or to request a referral into the P.E.A.C.E. Project, click HERE.
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Maryland Medicaid Redetermination Underway
Do you or a family member currently have health insurance through Medicaid or the Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP)? Redetermination is underway for many who have Maryland Medicaid. It is important to check in to your account to make sure your contact information, including your mailing address, is up to date so that you can receive important notices on any changes to your health insurance coverage. For help, call the Howard County Health Department at 410-313-5845 or email medicaid@howardcountymd.gov with questions or for more information.
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Department of Housing and Community Development | |
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Now Accepting Moderate Income Housing Unit Homeownership Applications
Our Department of Housing and community Development (DHCD) is NOW accepting applications for its Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program’s July open enrollment period for homeownership. Held quarterly throughout the year, this inclusionary zoning program provides individuals and families the opportunity to purchase quality new homes at reduced sale prices and rents to those eligible.
Applications are available online and en español también! Completed applications can be submitted either online, mailed to 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia, MD, 21046, or dropped off at DHCD’s Patuxent Woods Drive office by appointment only. The DEADLINE to apply is by 4:00 p.m., next Monday, July 31st.
On DHCD’s “Open Enrollment” website, interested applicants can find a presentation from a previous homeownership informational workshop. For frequently asked questions and answers explaining the program’s eligibility requirements and application process visit the MIHU Program website or email moderateincomehousing@howardcounty.md.
Please keep in mind, if you are interested in DHCD’s MIHU rental program, prospective renters may apply directly to a participating rental community at any time during the year. For more information on the MIHU rental program, including a list of participating communities, please visit DHCD’s MIHU rental website.
For questions and/or more information about the MIHU program, contact DHCD’s Housing Opportunities Programs Division at 410-313-6318 and select option two, email moderateincomehousing@howardcountymd.gov or visit DHCD’s open enrollment website.
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Office of Human Rights and Equity | |
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Reading Human Rights – Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance
Reading Human Rights is an award-winning monthly book discussion group hosted by our Office of Human Rights and Equity’s (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 July book discussion – to be held in person at HCLS East Columbia Branch tomorrow, July 25th at 6:30 p.m., OHRE will discuss J.D. Vance’s Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis. Vance’s book provides readers with a personal analysis of a culture in crisis – that of white working-class Americans. A former marine and Yale Law School graduate, Vance offers a powerful account of growing up in a poor Rust Belt town that offers a broader, probing look at the struggles of America's white working class.
To secure your seat for this month’s event, click HERE today to register.
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Howard County's Racial Equity Framework and How We Move Forward
Join OHRE’s Equity and Restorative Practices Manager Dr. Denise Boston and HCLS’ Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Kelly Clark this Thursday, July 27th for a conversation on the Racial Equity Framework for Howard County and how we move forward. The discussion will take place from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on the 27th at HCLS’ Central branch in Columbia.
To register for this event, click HERE.
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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 | |
Design Advisory Panel Meeting
This Wednesday, July 26th, our Department of Planning and Zoning’s Design Advisory Panel will hold a meeting virtually starting at 7:00 p.m. to hear the following items:
To register in advance to participate in this meeting, click HERE. If you only want to listen to the meeting, call 1-650-479-3207 at the meeting time. When prompted, enter 2306 588 6068 as the event access code, password: Vs5UJPHFp83 (87585743 from phones and video systems)
The DAP process encourages excellence in project architecture and site design to improve design compatibility with surrounding development, to promote revitalization and to enhance property values. You can use DPZ’s DAP interactive map to see which properties may be subject to DAP review. For DAP’s Rules of Procedure, click HERE. For questions and/or more information about DAP, contact the DPZ at 410-313-2350 or email dap@howardcountymd.gov.
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Illegal Car Rallies are NOT Tolerated in Howard County
HCPD is reminding motorists that illegal car rallies are not tolerated in Howard County. These pop-up rallies typically involve dozens or hundreds of cars (many illegally modified) engaged in dangerous street racing, spin-outs and other reckless driving late at night, including shutting down public intersections. HCPD’s targeted initiatives have largely kept the groups out of Howard County; however, participants of these rallies recently damaged the parking lots of several private businesses and a church in Clarksville. In the church’s case, repairing the damage will cost an estimated $20,000 or more. In this incidence, HCPD officers dispersed the crowds and issued traffic citations, and criminal charges for destruction of property are pending and insurance companies of those involved are being notified.
These rallies are dangerous not just to participants and spectators, but to other people on the road. They can result in vehicle crashes, injuries, property damage, vandalism, noise and intimidation.
HCPD officers, along with Maryland State Police and other agencies, will be out every weekend disrupting and dispersing these illegal rallies.
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That’s a Wrap on Another Youth Police Academy
This past Friday, Howard County Police Department (HCPD) wrapped up its 2023 Youth Police Academy, a free, one-week, overnight camp that gives Howard County high schoolers an all-encompassing introduction to being a police officer. Campers trained and learned like those in the police academy while exploring career and leadership opportunities and building life skills.
Take a look at what the week with this video from PFC Chris Johnson of the HCPD Youth Section. A big thanks also goes out to Explorer Post 1952 for all their help in making this camp a memorable experience.
| To learn about the Youth Police Academy and other HCPD programs geared toward county youth, check out HCPD’s “Youth Programs” website. | |
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Coffee with a Cop
Come meet face-to-face with HCPD;s Community Outreach Officers this Friday, July 28th from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Cozy Cafe, Bakery & Bistro (8006 Main Street) in Old Ellicott City, to discuss issues, ask questions and build relationships one cup of coffee (or other beverage) at a time. This event is free and open to all!
For questions, contact HCPD's Community Outreach Division at 410-313-2207.
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National Night Out
HCPD will once again join forces with the National Town Watch Association to sponsor its annual National Night Out. Residents are invited to join HCPD and the thousands of other communities across America next Tuesday, August 1st, in support of this community-building, crime prevention campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
Participating is easy. Either stop by HCPD’s kick-off party at Wilde Lake Middle School from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. – featuring food, police and fire displays, DJ, games, activities and more, check out one of the neighborhood events or simply turn on your outside lights and spend at least one hour in front of your home on the evening of the 1st, if able, to help send a message to criminals that our communities are banding together to fight crime.
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There’s More than One Way to Get a DUI
HCPD is reminding motorists that driving high is impaired driving. If you are under the influence of cannabis, please be the driver who knows that it is not safe to get behind the wheel. You could get a DUI or worse, cause a crash and injure another.
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Move Over Please
Following a recent traffic incident in which an HCPD Auxiliary Officer was assisting a motorist when their vehicle was struck by a driver in the adjacent lane (thankfully no one was injured), HCPD is reminding motorists of Maryland's Move Over Law. The Law requires motorists to make a lane change or slow down when approaching ANY stopped, standing or parked vehicle displaying warning signals – including hazard warning lights, road flares, or other caution signals including traffic cones, caution signs, or non-vehicular warning signs.
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The Community Athletic Program’s Traveling Trailer is Back!
Parents, if you're looking for something to do with your kids this summer, consider HCPD’s Community Athletic Program (CAP). Residents of all ages are invited to meet up with HCPD School Resources Officers at locations throughout the county this summer break to toss around a football, go fishing, play video games and more from CAP's traveling trailer.
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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Crossing Guard Applicants Sought
With the start of the 2023-2024 school year just five weeks away, Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is looking for individuals interested in becoming a crossing guard. This is a part-time, contingent, non-benefitted position for 10 to 20 hours a week and paying $18 an hour. No experience needed and uniforms are provided.
If you would like to help HCPD keep our kids safe this school year, apply HERE.
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Department of Public Works | |
Bureau of Environmental Service’s Stormwater Management Division | |
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Signal Hill Stormwater Pond Retrofit Project Public Meeting
Our Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Stormwater Management Division will hold a public meeting this Wednesday, July 27th at 6:00 p.m., in the Lucille Clifton Rooms A/B at HCLS’s East Columbia branch, to present plans to repair an existing dry stormwater pond located 8916 Twelve Sons Court in Jessup. The project will include the replacement of the pond’s riser and spillway pipe, creation of a shallow wetland within the pond to provide water quality treatment, and stabilization of inflow channels and pond outfall with rock structures. Areas disturbed during construction will be replanted. Weather permitting, the project is expected to start in June 2024 and take seven months to complete.
The informational meeting will include an overview of the project, followed by an open discussion. County staff and representatives from the project’s design consultant will be on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments.
Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Radhika Wijetunge with DPW’s Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6429 or email rwijetunge@howardcountymd.gov.
An interpreter for people who are deaf or hard of hearing will be available if requested seven working days prior to the meeting. Please call DPW at 410-313-3440 (voice) or use Relay at 7-1-1, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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Patapsco Park Estates Pond Repair Public Meeting
DPW’s Stormwater Management Division will hold a public meeting on Thursday, August 10th at 6:00 p.m. in the Avalon Room of HCLS’s Miller branch, to present plans to repair an existing pond located near 2041 Eliza Dorsey Lane in Ellicott City. The project will include replacement of the old metal outlet structure with a new concrete outlet structure that has a longer service life and will bring the pond into compliance with current Maryland Department of the Environment requirements. Weather permitting, the project is expected to begin in fall 2023 and be completed by spring 2024.
This informational meeting will include an overview of the project’s design, followed by an open discussion. County staff and the project’s design consultant will be on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments.
Those unable to attend the meeting or who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Bill Liu with DPW’s Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6416 or email bliu@howardcountymd.gov.
Again, an interpreter for people who are deaf or hard of hearing will be available if requested seven working days prior to the meeting. Please call DPW at 410-313-3440 (voice) or use Relay at 7-1-1, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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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 National Park and Recreation Month
Did you know that July is National Park and Recreation Month? With just a week to go, be sure to check out all the great and FREE activities our Department of Recreation & Parks has planned this week to wrap up another Parks and Rec Month.
To view this week's schedule of events, click HERE.
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County Tree Planting Programs Offered
If you are looking to add additional trees to your property, be sure to check out Recreation & Parks’ Forestry webpage to learn more about its various free tree and planting service programs – Turf to Trees (1.5 to 10 acre properties), Stream Releaf (properties near streams) and Tree Canopy (planting in neighborhoods with lower tree coverage) – available to county residents. Please note, residents are responsible for caring for the trees once planted.
Be sure to check the page out soon as spots are now open for the fall planting season!
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Learn the Art of Making Sushi
Did you know that Recreation & Parks offers cooking classes? They do and next Tuesday, August 1st, Chef Ravi will be diving into the finer details of making sushi!
I invite you to join Chef Ravi from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on the 1st to learn how to make a shrimp tempura sandwich deep fried with pickled ginger and spicy mayo, a spicy tuna roll and a vegetarian sushi bowl with avocado, peppers, snow peas, eel sauce, sriracha and nutritional yeast. And don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten dessert. For dessert, Chef Ravi will teach participants how to make mango and papaya sushi with a cardamom sauce. The cost to participate is $35.00 plus $47.00 for materials, which includes a sushi making kit. To register to participate in this mouthwatering event, click HERE today!
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Rockburn Open Car Show
Celebrate the beauty of classic, antique, hot rods and modified cars with Recreation & Parks at its annual Rockburn Open Car Show on Saturday, August 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Rockburn Branch Park West in Elkridge. Geared towards all ages, this FREE event will feature cars (obviously), as well as food on site to purchase. For those wishing to be an exhibitor at this year’s event, click HERE to learn more.
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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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