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Dear Friends,
Candles By Candy, the one and only candle-making storefront in Howard County, is a place where all can enjoy crafting a cherished candle by taking a class. Whether it's for a charming gift of love or an opportunity to explore your creativity through candle making, your perfect candle awaits right around the corner in Savage Mill.
It’s always great to see owner, Candance Randall, and her amazing staff. This National Black Business Month, join me in celebrating them for bringing this experiential craft to Howard County.
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Supporting Our Agriculture
In an effort to empower, preserve and support our agriculture-supporting organizations here in Howard County, this past Wednesday, I announced the launch of a new grant pilot program. This Enhanced Agriculture Grant (EAG) pilot program offers awards up to $250,000 for farmers, non-profits and organizations who support Howard County’s agriculture. The EAG will help open the door to exciting and innovative investments in technology and equipment that would not have otherwise been possible.
Here in Howard County, we pride ourselves on being a leader in agricultural preservation, promotion and innovation. Our farms and rural heritage are essential elements of our economy and quality of life that make us a beautiful and strong community to live, work, play, grow and thrive for all.
To learn more about this program, visit HERE. For an application, click HERE. Once completed, applications should be emailed to James Zoller at jzoller@howardcountymd.gov.
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A Fair Time
One of my favorite events to participate in at the Howard County Fair is the 4-H Livestock Sale. This year, I was proud to win a Champion Broiler Pen of Cornish Cross Chickens from Michael Schweir, which will be donated to the Future Farmers of America in support of the Howard County Maryland 4-H Foundation. After trying for three years to compete in this sale, this was Michael’s first year at the sale and he did such a great job. Congratulations to everyone who participated at the sale this year.
From the Glenelg Boosters french fries and fried dough booths to Marriotts Ridge High School fried Oreos, West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department’s snowballs and the Howard County Beekeepers Association local honey, the Howard County Fair offers a wonderful opportunity to support our amazing school boosters and our growing agriculture.
The fair wouldn’t be possible without the Howard County Fair Association. Thank you to every person who helped make this incredible event possible.
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Supporting Our Little Ones in Lisbon
The first day of school is right around the corner, and the perfect time to ensure that our students have the supplies they need to a successful school year. I had a wonderful time at the Annual Food and Fun To Go distribution event at Lisbon Elementary School, where we gave out meals and school supplies to residents in need.
While a significant portion of Howard County residents live within proximity to food banks, summer feeding sites, and mobile meals, many in rural western Howard County do not have this luxury. That’s what makes this partnership with the our Department of Community Resources and Services, the Howard County Library System, Lisbon Elementary School, The Roving Radish and Lisbon United Methodist Church so special. Through our collective efforts, we’ll ensure that no family in Howard County is left behind.
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Growing Young SEEDs
I had a wonderful time joining The Community Ecology Institute for its closing ceremony for their Green SEEDS (service, experiential education, & design for sustainability) summer intern cohort! As another YEP! Grant Awardee, this program offers students an opportunity to transform academic and career knowledge and interests into solutions to various community challenges related to agricultural, environmental and community building strategies.
As a parent and a former educator, I applaud these young leaders for their drive and passion to strengthen their understanding and respect for personal discovery, connection to nature, food security and land stewardship. Congratulations on a wonderful accomplishment!
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Ensuring PEACE
Did you know that the preterm birth rate for black women is 43 percent higher than all other women?
Our innovative PEACE Project will truly be lifesaving. We will help uninsured and underinsured access care and overcome obstacles. It aims to provide clients, families and healthcare professionals with essential information about prenatal, postpartum and infant resources offered in the county.
Learn more about how this program serve all our mothers at www.howardcountymd.gov/health/peace-project.
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Joining Our Ag Leaders
This past Wednesday, August 9th, I had the pleasure of joining our Howard County Fair Association for their Ag Leaders Luncheon. It’s this wonderful Association and all the dedicated volunteers who work countless hours to make the Howard County Fair the best around! It is not only a week of great food, entertainment, contests, exhibits and more, but a testament to the importance of investment in our agricultural community and all they do.
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Empowering the Leaders of Tomorrow
It was such an honor to visit Morgan State University (MSU) to bring remarks for its 5th Annual Staff Institute. As an educator in higher education for nearly 20 years and a second-generation Morgan man, there is nothing more heartwarming than engaging in productive dialogue with my fellow Bears. As educators, we know that the successes of our students and mentees becomes our most meaningful successes. As many educators across the State prepare for the First Day of School, this institute was an incredible reminder that we can, and we will, empower the leaders of tomorrow gain the degrees they never thought they would.
I want to especially thank President Dr. Wilson, Vice-President Veal, and Dr. Mehlinger for their warm welcome back to MSU, and I wish all our Bears an incredible school year ahead!
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Celebrating our Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous Peoples are inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures, and they are the past, present and future stewards of the lands that we occupy. Many have social, cultural, economic and political characteristics that are distinct from the dominant societies in which they live. Despite some cultural differences, many Indigenous Peoples from around the world share some common challenges related to the protection of their rights as distinct peoples.
I hope you all joined me in taking a moment on International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on August 9th, to raise awareness of the needs of these important populations.
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Need Stream ReLeaf?
Do you live near a stream? If yes, you may qualify to participate in our Stream ReLeaf program!
Through our expansive Stream ReLeaf program, Howard County Recreation and Parks helps create and enhance riparian forest buffers to improve water quality and wildlife habitat throughout our county. Stream buffers help prevent bank erosion and dissipates the energy and friction of moving water.
To learn more about how you can gain releaf through this program, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/natural-resources.
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Dill With It!
Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports across the United States. In Howard County, we continue to address the growing demand through blended lines and more free-standing pickleball courts. Our residents, especially those who are part of our active-aging community, enjoy the exercise, competition and camaraderie that pickleball provides.
We recognize the popularity of this sport, as well as the need for increased outdoor activities in our communities. Currently, the county has two standalone pickleball courts at Atholton Park, 31 outside blended-lined courts in its parks, and 28 indoor lined courts at our Department of Recreation & Parks facilities.
If you didn’t have a chance this August 8th on National Pickleball Day to get your paddle out and visit one of our incredible pickleball facilities with your family or friends, I encourage you to do so today!
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On Pointe
Howard County has incredible young leaders of all facets who continue to excel across the globe. One such leader is our very own Taylor Fikes, who gracefully dances with the company of Romania’s Opera Nationala din lasi. The arts bring us together in ways that words cannot, and Taylor is an exceptional young ballerina. Her story of perseverance, resilience and balance is truly admirable, and we couldn’t be more proud!
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Farm Fresh Flavors
National Farmer’s Market Week (August 6th to August 12th, 2023) may have passed, but it’s still a great time to celebrate the vital role that farmer’s markets play in our nation’s food system. I’ve had a great time throughout the summer visiting our incredible farmer’s markets across the county and enjoying the variety of goods available! I encourage everyone to experience the fresh flavors of food grown right here in Howard County. Come out, shop local, and support our local agriculture and economy.
Check out Visit Howard County’s list of farmers market to find one near you and the 2023-2024 Farm & Flavor guide to learn even more about our farms, farmers' markets, and farm-to-table food. Learn more, visit www.visithowardcounty.com/blog/post/farms-and-farmers-markets/.
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Improving A Place for All
Blandair Regional Park in Columbia welcomes over one million visitors each year. It’s a place where visitors of all ages and abilities can play, compete, or relax. Since opening in 2012, this park has expanded beyond multi-purpose fields to include baseball field, tennis court, and the world-class Playground-For-All at Laura’s Place. To ensure everyone who visits has the best and safe experience possible, we recently completed two large projects -- the replacement of turf on field two and installed a fence along the roadway in the north area.
To see our efforts to ensure everyone can enjoy this wonderful park for all, I encourage you to watch this video!
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Tree-nsform Your Coverage
Planting trees can help improve water quality by reducing stormwater runoff, intercepting and storing rainwater, increasing infiltration through root systems, reducing soil erosion, and filtering pollutants. Through our Turf to Trees program with Howard County Recreation and Parks, you can help alleviate the damaging effects of stormwater runoff by increasing tree coverage throughout our county.
Learn more about how you can tree-nsform your property at www.howardcountymd.gov/natural-resources.
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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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School Crossing Guard - Essential functions of this job include being outside during inclement weather, standing for long periods of time, swiftly walking into a roadway and stepping on and off curbs.
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Administrative Support Technician II - Finance - Banking Services – performs intermediate technical level administrative support work under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work typically involves performing clerical and secretarial work, such as data entry and document management, file maintenance, and public contact and service. Work may also include accounting clerical tasks such as bookkeeping, keeping of financial and other important records, and more.
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Technology Coordinator (Technical Services Support Specialist III) – Serves as a technology coordinator responsible for establishing and implementing technology enhancements within the Department Community Resources and Services. Provide technical support as well as promote the use of technology at all staff levels and ensures that staff has appropriate training to fully apply available technologies.
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HMIS Manager – Responsible for the management of the County's HMIS, including software configuration, report creation/generation, and user support and training. Provide input and data support for coordination and evaluation of homeless services, the Community Services Partnerships Program and the MultiService Center and other system needs.
I encourage interested persons to apply today! To find a full listing of available positions, please click here.
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Volunteer with Us!
My office is currently looking for volunteers interested in fulfilling various vacant volunteer positions throughout the County. To learn more and apply, please click the respective link below:
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Ombudsman Volunteer – The Howard County Ombudsman Program is seeking volunteers who are comfortable working with older adults in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Volunteers conduct routine visits with residents to discuss their care experiences, provide education about their rights, and investigate and resolve complaints.
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Coaching NFL Flag Football Fall 2023 – This opportunity is to be a volunteer coach for the NFL Flag Football program.
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2023 MPEA Conservation Stewardship Project: October 10th Tree & Shrub Planting – The MPEA Conservation Stewardship Project addresses the issue of invasive exotic plant species in the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA). On this day, volunteers will visit a site already cleared of invasive plants and install native trees and shrubs that will benefit the local ecosystem. Volunteers will also shelter installed plants with deer exclusion shelters.
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Innovating with EDA
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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 14th, 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. – Creating the Blueprint – Workplace Wellness for the Entrepreneur: This seminar will equip entrepreneurs and those who are self-employed with the tools to care for themselves while building their dreams. Participants will learn concrete, yet simplistic tools for health on the go (with an option for more advanced techniques outside of the seminar). Attendees will walk away with tools to help with stress management, health on the go, assurance versus insurance, relaxation and seated movement techniques, and ways to use aromatherapy and plants to support their day-to-day lifestyles.
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Tuesday, September 19th, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. – Driving Revenue: Leveraging Technology to Capture Clients: This five-week series (held Tuesdays, September 19th through October 17th) is structured to have each session build on the previous session to accelerate results. At the end of the program, participants will have a Sales Operations plan specific to their company and offering.
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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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Thursday, October 5, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.– E-Commerce Marketing Management: When it comes to a strong selling strategy, simple solutions can often yield the best results. This E-Commerce Marketing Management four-week course (Thursday from October 5th to October 26th) is designed to help businesses of all sizes maximize their online presence and drive sales. Led by Maryland Innovation Center Mentor Nathan Garcia, Garcia’s course will help participants build their best marketing strategy, whether just starting out or looking to refresh ones skills.
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Department of Community Resources and Services | |
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Come to the UNITY in the Community Resource Fair
Our Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) will host its final “UNITY in the Community Resource Fair” for this summer this Saturday, August 19th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Mount Gregory United Methodist Church in Cooksville. Hosted by DCRS’s Office of the Local Children’s Board, this event offers participants the opportunity to access family services and community resources, all while enjoying musical entertainment, a moon bounce for the kids, food giveaways, arts and crafts, raffles, and prizes.
Free to all, we hope to see you there!
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Nominate a Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshal
With the start of fall fast approaching, DCRS’s Office of Veterans and Military Families is seeking Grand Marshal nominations for this year’s Howard County Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony.
The Grand Marshal is an honorary title bestowed upon an individual who represents the values and moral fiber of what it means to be a member of our Howard County community of veterans and military families. The Grand Marshal will be recognized at the parade and lakefront ceremony and will participate in the parade itself, whenever possible, riding or walking with the Grand Marshal float.
If you know of someone who you think is fitting of the Grand Marshal role and emulates this year’s parade theme, “Veterans Serving Veterans,” I encourage you to nominate them today! The deadline to submit your nomination and supporting documents is Friday, September 8th.
The year’s Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony will take place on Sunday, November 12th, starting at 9:30 a.m. in Downtown Columbia.
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HoCo Community Chat Drops Episodes Monthly
For this month’s August episode of DCRS’s HoCo Community Chat podcast, Director Jackie Scott is joined by Howard County Register of Wills Byron MacFarlane, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Howard County Chapter President Jumel Howard and Office on Aging and Independence Administrator Ofelia Ross Ott to discuss the LGBTQIA+ experience, resources and new laws that are available to benefit Howard County’s growing LGBTQIA+ community.
Be sure to check out HoCo Community Chat wherever you listen to your podcasts, and if there is something specific you want to hear about, I encourage you to email DCRS at communityresources@howardcountymd.gov.
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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 Human Rights and Equity | |
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Unleashing the Activist Within
On August 28, 1963, 250,000 people gathered in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., for the March on Washington to draw attention to continuing challenges and inequalities faced by African Americans a century after emancipation. During the march, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his now-iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the march, our Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) will host its newest training, “Unleashing the Activist Within” next Tuesday, August 22nd. Set to begin at 5:00 p.m., this virtual workshop will explore the history, culture and tools of activism from 1950 to the present. Attendees will participate in activities that will break their barriers toward engagement, learn tools that promote self-care, gain insights on how to collaborate and organize for greater impact, and brainstorm approaches to substantively engaging in the human or civil rights concerns they are most passionate about.
To register for OHRE’s “Unleashing the Activist Within” training, click HERE today!
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Women’s Equality Day Dinner
Get out your purple and gold, and join OHRE on Thursday, August 24th for its second annual Women’s Equality Day Dinner. The dinner will take place starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Howard County Conservancy’s Mt. Pleasant location in Woodstock, and will commemorate women who fought for and continue to fight for women’s equality and justice. This program is free and open to the public; however, seating is limited. To reserve your seat, click HERE today!
For questions and/or more information about this event, contact OHRE at 410-313-6430 or email ohreoutreach@howardcountymd.gov.
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Reading Human Rights – The Other Americans by Laila Lalami
Reading Human Rights is an award-winning monthly book discussion group hosted by OHRE and Howard County Library System (HCLS) that encourages literary exploration and community dialogue around a variety of human rights concerns. It explores works of fiction and non-fiction to teach community members the various ways individuals, cultures and communities celebrate their identities and combat injustice.
For its August book discussion – to be held in person at HCLS's East Columbia branch on Tuesday, August 29th at 6:30 p.m., OHRE will discuss Laila Lalami’s The Other Americans. The Other Americans is a family saga, a murder mystery and love story informed by the treacherous fault lines of American culture. Lalami’s book explores the lives of characters deeply divided by race, religion, and class.
To secure your seat for this month’s event, click HERE today to register.
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Meet Me at Equality
In addition to its “Unleashing the Activist Within” training, OHRE will also celebrate the March on Washington’s 60th anniversary this August with a screening of Dr. James Rada’s documentary, Meet Me at Equality: The People’s March on Washington. Scheduled to take place Thursday, August 31st at 6:30 p.m. at HCLS’s Miller branch, Meet Me at Equality: The People’s March on Washington explores the history of the civil rights movement and the struggle for equality. Through personal interviews and historical footage, the film features the courageous actions of historians and elders who were activists who fought for equal rights and attended the famous March on Washington.
Following the screening, OHRE will lead a thought-provoking discussion, where participants will learn more about the challenges and triumphs of those who continue to work to create a more inclusive and equitable community nationwide.
To register to participate in this enlightening and educational 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 | |
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Every Voice, One Vision
HoCo By Design, Howard County’s General Plan update, sets priorities and informs many of the County's future decisions for land use, transportation, agriculture, facilities, housing and economic development. The Plan incorporates an equity lens and identifies various policies and actions to facilitate a more equitable future for all.
HoCo By Design emphasizes continued protection and restoration of our ecological health, including natural areas and farmlands. It also identifies opportunities to deepen Howard County’s commitment to environmental stewardship, create better compatibility between the natural and built environments, and provide needed measures for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
To learn more, visit www.hocobydesign.com. To read the graphic summary, click HERE.
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Applicants Sought for Design Advisory Panel
If you have professional experience in urban planning and landscape architecture, I encourage you to apply today for our Design Advisory Panel. Established in 2008 to encourage excellence in building architecture and site design, our Design Advisory Panel is responsible for reviewing a variety of projects, including proposed subdivisions, site development plans, conditional use applications and design guidelines.
To learn more, click HERE. The deadline to apply is Friday, August 25th.
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Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board Seeks Members
Our Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board serves an important role in ensuring that as our world continues to change, we are honoring and preserving our historic cemeteries. If you are interested in sharing your time and expertise by becoming a part of this important board, I encourage you to apply today. We are especially looking for individuals who represent or work in the funeral industry or the development industry to serve on our Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board.
To learn more, click HERE. The deadline to apply is Friday, August 25th.
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Applicants Sought for Historic Preservation Commission
Our Historic Preservation Commission serves an important role in the preservation of our historic districts and historic properties throughout Howard County. I am incredibly thankful to the community members who volunteer their time and expertise to serve on the commission, and encourage anyone, especially those who live or own property in the Lawyers Hill Historic District or who have architectural experience or professional experience in the architectural field, to apply today to join this vital commission.
To learn more, click HERE. The deadline to apply is Friday, August 25th.
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Save a Life, Just Stop on Red
During the National Coalition for Safer Roads' "Stop on Red Week" this past week, our Police Department (HCPD) once again reminded motorists to STOP FOR RED LIGIHTS. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, red light runners cause hundreds of deaths and tens of thousands of injuries each year. In 2021 alone, an estimated 127,000 people were injured in red light running crashes.
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In this quick video, HCPD shows just a sample of some of the close-call incidents its red-light safety cameras caught in just the last year. HCPD has 26 active camera sites monitoring 18 intersections in the county. A critical tool in HCPD's ongoing effort to address this traffic safety issue, a 2019 Howard County analysis revealed that red light running at enforced sites had reduced by 62 percent when compared to the sites' initial activation.
To learn more about HCPD's Red Light Camera Program, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/police/red-light-camera-program.
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Applications Now Being Accepted for Teen Court
Howard County parents, is your high school student looking for extra service hours and a great opportunity to boost their college application? If yes, I encourage them to apply today for HCPD’s Teen Court, a real justice program for teens, by teens. Volunteers serve as members of a peer jury in real juvenile misdemeanor cases and render dispositions to first-time offenders.
Applications for the 2023-2024 session are now being accepted until next Monday, August 21st. For more information about this program, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/police/youth-programs or for questions, contact Teen Court Coordinator Kate Turner via email at kturner@howardcountymd.gov.
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NOW HIRING!
HCPD has several openings for Admin Support Techs in the Information Management Division. Civilians in this role support critical functions of the police department, including Uniform Crime Reporting, Validations, Criminal Summons, and Warrants. Day and evening shifts available (click on the links for more information and/or to apply).
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Office of Procurement and Contract Administration | |
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Equal Business Opportunity Commission Seeks Members
Here at Howard County, our vision is to foster a diverse and inclusive vendor community. Through initiatives such as our Equal Business Opportunity Program, our goal is to fully engage minority, woman-owned and disabled-owned business enterprises in all our procurement activities which provides increased opportunities to diverse businesses in our community. If you are interested in assisting us with fulfilling this goal, I encourage you to apply today for our Equal Business Opportunity Commission. We are especially looking for applicants who are either minority business owners, women business owners or business owners with a disability.
To learn more, click HERE. The deadline to apply is Friday, August 18th.
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Department of Public Works | |
Bureau of Environmental Services | |
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Holiday Slide Schedule in Effect Week of Labor Day
As a quick reminder, remember, there will be NO curbside trash, recycling, yard trim or food scraps collection on Monday, September 4th. Due to the Labor Day holiday, the County's holiday "slide" schedule will be in effect that week, with collection taking place one day later that week. That is, Monday collection will slide and be picked up on Tuesday, Tuesday on Wednesday and so forth. Additionally, while bulk item collection will slide with trash
Collection, scrap metal collection will remain as scheduled and will not slide. To ensure collection, all items should be placed out by no later than 6:00 a.m. on your collection day.
For more information about the County’s holiday “slide” schedule, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule.
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Did You Know that our Bureau Offers Tours and Presentations for all Ages?
Looking for a presentation on recycling for your classroom, business or community group? Request a presentation by one of our Recycling Coordinators, who will come discuss the ins and outs of recycling, as well as provide an inside look at what happens to all those things we recycle. Our Bureau of Environmental Services offers a variety of school presentations (assembly, individual grades or cafeteria clean-ups), as well as adult presentations for community groups and businesses.
Or schedule a tour of the County’s Alpha Ridge Landfill’s Residents' Convenience Center, our state-of-the-art Composting Facility or both! Our Bureau staff will guide your group and discuss what is collected and what happens to all those items. Tours can be scheduled Monday through Friday, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
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We Need Your Help!
Our Bureau of Environmental Services is currently evaluating ways to improve the services it provides to its residential trash and recycling customers. An essential aspect of assuring affordable and environmentally responsible trash and recycling services is to increase the diversion of materials to recycling or composting.
By simply composting their food scraps through our “Feed the Green Bin” food scrap collection program, county residents are able to reduce trash sent to our Alpha Ridge Landfill by at least 30 percent. Residents who reside in participating Feed the Green Bin areas can set out their food scraps and yard trim for weekly collection year round, which are then sent to our landfill to be turned into HoCoGro compost (a valuable soil amendment).
So, please help us out by taking a moment to complete this brief survey. Your feedback is invaluable to the success of our program.
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Water Restriction Update
The Baltimore City Department of Public Works has announced that effective IMMEDIATELY, the ‘Voluntary Water Restriction’ notice for Howard County has been lifted.
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Public Works Construction Report | |
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Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance project(s) that have been announced.
Laurel
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Whiskey Bottom Road Sewer Main Extension (Capital Project S-6698) – Project to construct 200 linear feet of new sewer main near the Whiskey Bottom Road traffic circle. Flagging operations will be in place to direct traffic as needed and signs will be posted to alert residents and motorists of the construction, as a single lane closure will occur during construction hours, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late August 2023.
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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Get A Jump Start on Kindergarten
Recreation and Parks is once again offering its popular Kindergarten Jump Start, but at a new location. It is now at Schooley Mill Park, which features a great new inclusive playground. They still have plenty of spots available for you to register your little one so they have a smooth transition into kindergarten.
Through age-appropriate activities in reading readiness, math, science and social studies, participants engage in individual, small and large group activities. Emphasis is on listening and following directions, starting and completing tasks, group cooperation and expected school behavior. Music, movement and art make learning fun! These 20-class sessions are for children ages 4½-5 years old. Program starts Sept. 5 or Oct. 16. Register TODAY.
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Have you Registered for our Fall Activity Guide Yet?
Online, in-person, over-the-phone and mail-in registration for Recreation & Parks' 2023 Fall Activity Guide is NOW AVAILABLE for Howard County residents and for non-county residents. With a plethora of sports, activities and seasonal events scheduled this upcoming season, there is something to keep everyone active and entertained in this Fall Guide.
Whatever you decide to do, I hope you will join us this fall!
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Sign up for Fall Youth Flag Football
Registration is now open for Recreation & Parks’ Fall Flag Football. This season, boys and girls ranging in age from five to 15, will find their love of the game while learning and working on flag football basic skills. Teams will practice once a week for an hour, with games starting September 16th. Games are 50 minutes long and are five-on-five and non-contact. To register for this Flag Football season, click HERE. The deadline to register is August 18th or when a section is full.
In additional to youth athletes, Recreation & park sis also looking for volunteer parent/community head coaches. Head coaches receive a discount for their child and a guaranteed spot for their child on their team. For questions and/or or more information about coaching or this season, contact Brian Wyman at bwyman@howardcountymd.gov.
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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, new Harriet Tubman Cultural Center and the Elkridge 50+ 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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