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Courtney Watson
House of Delegates
District 9B
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Hello Friends,
As we fall into autumn, let's celebrate the news that Howard County is the first county in the nation to receive a LEED Platinum certification under the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED for Cities and Communities certification program. This recognition is an acknowledgement of efforts we have undertaken to become the most sustainable community in the nation. According to the County Executive's office, Howard County received the most points possible in Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Performance (14/14), Innovation (6/6) and Water Performance (6/6), as well as in several other areas.
It's a busy time of year, and this newsletter reflects that. Hope to see you at one of the local events, and as usual, don't hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions or issues you'd like to discuss (see my contact information below).
Take care,
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In This Issue:
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AROUND TOWN: 9/11 Ceremony at Centennial Park, Rise to the Challenge Pandemic Heroes, Harriet Tubman Foundation 20th Anniversary, Ellicott City Prescription Drug Affordability Forum
- September is National Hispanic Heritage Month
- Small Business Credit Initiative Funding
- Powerful Tools for Caregivers
- Early Childhood Grant Program
- MDOT news
- HHS and HoCo Health Department Updates
- Mental Health First Aid Classes from HCGH
- HoCo Chamber and MD Revenue Surplus
- Veterans and Military Families' Rally for the Wreaths
- HCCAAC Reopening Announcement
- Horizon Foundation Grant Opportunities
- MEA Solar Grant Program
- Cybersecurity Info Session for Business Owners
- Maryland STEM Festival
- More OEC Music
- and more!
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On the anniversary of 9-11, I was glad to have an opportunity to attend the county’s solemn annual ceremony at Centennial Park. Bagpipes played, a wreath was laid in the Garden of Hope and white ribbons tied on the tree there. We remember Sarah M. Clark, Col. Ronald Golinkski, Ian J. Gray, and Lt. J.G. Darin Howard Pontell all of Howard County. Never Forget.
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I was thrilled to be part of the Rise to the Challenge celebration at Merriweather Post Pavillion to honor Howard County’s many COVID heroes - organizations such as the hospital, individuals, county workers including police, fire, health department, nonprofits and youth groups who worked on or supported the front lines during COVID.
We started with a moment of silence to recognize those we lost. It was a time to remember all we have been through, and to appreciate those who stepped up in one of the scariest times in modern history. This was a wonderful program of recognition by Howard County Government and Howard County Executive, Calvin Ball.
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Congratulations to the Harriett Tubman Foundation on its 20th anniversary and the completion of the Harriett Tubman Cultural Center - a place that will provide space to educate future generations about black history in Howard County. This was 20 years of work with many people contributing to the center, but none more than my friend Bessie Bordenave.
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Thank you for all who came to the prescription drug affordability forum at the Ellicott City 50+ Center. To share your story with the Prescription Drug Affordability Board, visit healthcareforall.com/rxinput/.
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During this National Hispanic Heritage Month, I want to thank Conexiones for the years and years of service to our students of Hispanic heritage. Working with the school system, the group provides academic support, mentoring, help with college applications and so much more. The senior award ceremony is always wonderful. Thank you Conexiones for all that you do for our kids.
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HELP WANTED:
HCPSS Seeks Members for Health and
Physical Education Curriculum Advisory Committees
Application Deadline: Friday, October 14, 2022
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State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Funding Available through Nine State Programs
New funding to support Maryland small businesses is available through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) program. The new funds focus on businesses with limited opportunities for growth, including those in geographic areas with a high concentration of small, micro, and Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individual (SEDI) businesses.
Funding is available through a variety of loan, equity, venture capital, social impact, and seed funding programs established by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, the Maryland Department of Commerce, and the Maryland Technology Development Corporation.
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Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) presents topics and self-care tools to help caregivers reduce personal stress; change negative self-talk; communicate more effectively in challenging situations; manage emotions; make tough caregiving decisions; and better understand dementia. Online classes via Webex run October 17 - November 22, on six consectutive Mondays, 6 - 7:30 pm. Don't miss this opportunity to improve your relaxation and exercise habits, boost your physical and mental well-being, and enjoy the support and company of other caregivers. For more information or to register, contact Kathy Wehr, caregiver support program manager, at 410-313-5955 (voice/relay) or kwehr@howardcountymd.gov.
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Maryland Launches $193M Grant Program for
Early Childhood Education, Child Care
Maryland has launched a new $193 million grant program aimed at stabilizing and expanding the state's child care and early childhood education systems. Ultimately the program seeks to improve access to quality early learning programs. The Maryland Rebuilds program is funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. Nonprofits, higher education institutions, local education departments, local early childhood advisory councils and Judy Centers may apply for the funding.
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Maryland Transportation Authority’s (MDTA) Customer Assistance Plan is set to end on November 30, 2022. Take advantage of this one-time, money-saving opportunity. Click on the button below for more information.
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MDOT MTA announces more than $750K in STI grants
The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) announced the award of four Statewide Transit Innovation Grants (STIG) totaling more than $750,000 to Baltimore City, the City of Salisbury and Howard and Montgomery counties for projects to improve transit services in these communities. This competitive grant program allows local transit agencies and county officials to apply for annual state funding to plan, design or construct innovative transit projects.
Howard County was awarded $500,000 to support startup and operation of a microtransit pilot project along the US 1 corridor. Service would be provided by three ADA-accessible vehicles operating for 13 hours a day on weekdays. Microtransit is a small-scale, on-demand public transit service that operates on flexible routes.
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Walking is a great way to access and enjoy all that Maryland has to offer. It is recognized not only as a healthy choice for transportation access, but also as the Official State exercise! For many of our communities, however, safe walking opportunities are not readily available. Focused efforts on improving the walkability of Maryland communities is an important goal.
To heighten awareness and educate Marylanders about the importance of walking and walkability, the Maryland Department of Transportation together with our many partner organizations is pleased to present our third annual Walktober. Throughout the month of October, MDOT and our partners across Maryland will be sharing information, events and webinars about walk-related programs, policies, and initiatives. For fresh insights to promote walking and walkability near you – check out the Walktober Website for our list of events!
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With fall just a week away, now’s the time for everyone 12 or older who’s had their primary COVID vaccinations to get an updated COVID vaccine to help protect against Omicron. It doesn’t matter which COVID vaccine you got for your primary vaccination series or how many boosters you’ve received. You can get your updated vaccine if it’s been at least 2 months since your last dose; or, if you’ve recently had COVID, you should get your shot 3 months after testing negative. |
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Coronavirus Statistics
Community Level is now at LOW. According to the CDC's weekly update Howard County is at a “Low" community level. People may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.
Additional recommendations:
COVID Vaccines & Boosters
The CDC authorized “new” COVID-19 bivalent boosters from both Moderna and Pfizer. These boosters target the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants, while still retaining the original version of the virus. The Moderna booster are for those ages 18 and above and Pfizer are for those ages 12 and above. Only individuals who have completed their primary vaccination series (two doses of Pfizer or Moderna or one dose of Johnson & Johnson) two months ago or more, are eligible to receive the bivalent booster. Those who have recently received Novovax are not yet eligible for any booster at this time.
The Health Department began holding the new booster clinics this past week. Check our COVID booster page to find out when clinics are available. You can always check with your local pharmacy or retailer to get vaccine and boosters too!
Monkeypox
MDH has guidelines for those who may be eligible for the monkeypox vaccine which include the following:
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Self-Identified Partners of Cases: Individuals who are aware that one of their sexual partners from the past two weeks has been diagnosed with monkeypox.
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Affected Community Members: Individuals in high-risk populations who report any of the following in the past two weeks:
- Recent group sex or sex with multiple partners.
- Sex or employment at a venue or in association with an event, venue, or defined geographic area where monkeypox transmission has been reported.
HCHD has created an survey for those who would like to receive the monkeypox vaccine as doses become available. Completing the survey does not guarantee vaccine. Go to https://bit.ly/HoCoMPXSurvey
MDH also released a monkeypox dashboard which updates every Friday. This dashboard provides the following (case counts below 10 are not shown to protect privacy):
- Total confirmed cases in the state
- Confirmed cases by jurisdiction
- Confirmed cases by age, sex, race, and ethnicity
- Number of people vaccinated statewide
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Howard County General Hospital Outreach
Mental Health First Aid for Adults
September 23 or November 10
8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Free to adults who live, work, or worship in Howard County
Learn to assist an adult experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. Participants will learn to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental challenges. This is a two part course that includes a self-paced online course and an instructor-led class held virtually via Zoom. The online course must be completed at least 48 hours before the instructor-led virtual class. The cost to businesses and organizations sending staff is $25 per person.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
October 4, 2023
8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Free to adults who live, work, or worship in Howard County
Learn to assist a young person, from 12 to 18 years, who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. This course Includes a self-paced online course which must be completed before attending the instructor-led class held virtually via Zoom. This course is recommended for those who live or work in Howard County and are 18 years and older. The cost to businesses and organizations sending staff is $25 per person.
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From the Howard County Chamber
Maryland Sees $2 Billion Revenue Surplus
Thanks to an increase in revenue from Maryland’s state income taxes and the ongoing impact of federal stimulus aid, the state finished the 2022 fiscal year with a $2 billion revenue surplus. Of that total, $370 million will be transferred to a Fiscal Responsibility Fund used for public school, community college and higher education construction.
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September 28
8am-11am
The 2nd Annual Rally For The Wreaths will take place at Turf Valley Resort. Lot opens at 7am. $20 fee per show vehicle. Proceeds will support Wreaths Across America and our MD Veteran cemeteries. On display will be the Maryland 9/11 Rolling Memorial. Restrooms provided inside the resort. No Dogs Allowed. For "Service Dogs" please contact Resort Management. Music by DJ Tommy G, of GEPTRONIX DJ's. We will have Food Trucks, Raffle Prize, 50/50 Drawing, and Trophies!!
Categories are: Best In Show: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, Antique, Classic, Hot Rod, Modern, Import, Truck, Jeep/4x4, Military Vehicle. Best Paint Job and Best Interior, Best Engine.
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MEA Announces Low Income Solar Grant Program
Baltimore, MD-The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Low Income Solar Grant Program. Through the program, MEA will support the design and installation of solar energy systems for a limited number of low income Maryland households that have received an energy audit and significant energy efficiency upgrades during MEA’s FY18 - FY23 Low-to-Moderate Income Energy Efficiency Grant Program.
In FY23, $1 million has been made available for the Low Income Solar Grant Program. MEA anticipates issuing awards for up to 100% of the photovoltaic (PV) solar system design and installation costs, which may include limited funding for roof repair/replacement in the vicinity of the solar array, structural support of the roof (as needed), and mold remediation in areas needed to support the installation of the solar array and supporting equipment.
Applications will be accepted on a competitive basis until November 15, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. Projects must meet all eligibility requirements to be considered for award funding. Full program information and application materials can be found online.
Please contact Low Income Solar Grant Program Manager Abigail Antonini at solar.mea@maryland.gov or 410-537-4064 with any questions.
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SAVE THESE DATES!
GRAND RE-OPENING (October 1, 2022)
ANUNAL FUNDRAISER (October 23, 2022)
WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE ARE BACK!
After the devastating impact of the flood (Fev. 2022) and COVID, we are finally ready to reopen the center to the public.
Over the past two years, we have been operating in an online mode and we have successfully hosted several online and off-site events. For example: Black History Month interviews, Virtual Men In The Kitchen 2020 & 2021), Juneteenth Celebration at the Oakland Manor 2021 and the very well received Juneteenth program / concert at Wilde Lake High School (2022).
After months of major renovations, storing, re-cataloging, planning and re-imaging our goals, mission and operating model ... we are finally ready welcome the public back for "in-person" visits and tours of the center!
We will be operating in a "hybrid mode" with live in-person visits as well as virtual programs!
We are looking forward hosting you and your groups to see our new exhibits and enjoy our "live and online" programs.
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Apply today! New grant opportunities to
advance policy change in Howard County
We are excited to announce two new funding opportunities to promote policy change in Howard County to fight systemic racism and improve health in our community. The deadline to submit applications is October 27, 2022.
2022 Diabetes Prevention Advocacy Grant
The Foundation is seeking organizational partners to help to reduce diabetes and related health disparities, improve the nutritional environment of Howard County and create a healthier future for Howard County residents.
The purpose of this grant is to support the Healthier Choices Coalition working to create policy change that will 1) make fresh produce more available and affordable, 2) improve school meals, and 3) warn residents about the health risks of consuming sugary drinks.
2022 Advancing Community Advocacy Fellowship
The purpose of this strategic opportunity is to build the organizing and advocacy capacity of community leaders and/or organizations by helping them to use their power to advance issues that matter most to them and their community. The grantee selected will become a key partner in one of the Foundation’s policy issue campaigns. Their community base and/or staff, leadership and members will learn essential organizing and advocacy skills by practicing them in a real-time policy campaign in conjunction with the Foundation and its other partners.
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If you are a business owner or operator, you won't want to miss this upcoming special event. Cyberattacks can happen at any time -- to any business of any size. Please join the Maryland Insurance Administration and speakers from various organizations.
We will help your business:
-Assess your risk
-Manage that risk
-Learn about what to do in the event of an attack
Tuesday, September 27 at 8 am
Dial-in: (669) 254-5252 Webinar ID: 161 527 9409
Registration is recommended, but not required.
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Though this year's Main Street Music Festival has come and gone, you can still enjoy free local music on the Courtyard at Tonge Row. Click below to see a schedule of ghost tours, pub crawls, outdoor movies, history walks, art experiences, dog friendly yappy hours and music, music, music!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
LITTLE MARKET CAFE
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October 14th - November 13th
Theme: Cybersecurity and Information Technology
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STEM FESTIVAL Art Contest
The Annual Art Contest will run from Saturday, September 10 through Saturday, October 29. Art and Science are more closely related than you think! Here’s an opportunity to showcase your creative side. The Maryland STEM Festival is once again featuring an exciting art contest using this year's STEM Festival theme of Cybersecurity and Information Technology.
The contest will have categories for traditional art, computer generated art and videos for age groups: elementary, middle and high school students. All entries will be posted on our website or YouTube page.
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Learn the Skills to Help Save a Life
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center is offering the 2-day ASIST Suicide Prevention Training on September 23 and 24 from 8:30am to 5pm at Bethany United Methodist Church in Ellicott City.
The cost is $30 for adults who live or work in Howard County and includes materials and lunch. To register, please click here.
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HOW TO CONTACT MY OFFICE
Your thoughts are always welcome. Please contact me by email (see below). When requesting help for constituent matters, please include "constituent" in the subject line.
Delegate Courtney Watson
Howard County District 9B
Member, Economic Matters Committee
Member, Banking, Consumer Protection, and Commercial Law Subcommittee
Member, Property and Casualty Insurance Subcommittee
Chair, Workers' Compensation Subcommittee
Vice Chair, Democratic Caucus
Maryland House of Delegates
6 Bladen Street, Room 350
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-841-3077 / 301-858-3077
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