November 18, 2019

Dear Friends, In Howard County, more than 20,000 residents experience food insecurity and approximately 200 residents are homeless on a typical night. No one in our community should be forced to choose between paying their rent and having enough food on the table. Every person deserves a place to sleep at night and enough food to eat. This week is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week. Throughout the week, the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services will be sharing important resources, information, and opportunities on their Facebook page to donate and volunteer to end homelessness and alleviate hunger in Howard County. I encourage everyone to follow them on Facebook to find out how you can help!

This Week in HoCo

National American Education Week! Every student deserves to learn and grow in an environment where they can each thrive to reach their full potential. During National American Education Week, let us all show appreciation to the educators and administrators who help guide our children on their path to excellence. As a lifelong educator, I understand the important role our education professionals play in the lives of our students. I am extremely appreciative for all our educators, tutors, parents, and mentors who help nurture and support each of our students every day.

First Apprenticeship Forum for Businesses   As National Apprenticeship Week comes to a close, I was pleased to host my first Apprenticeship Forum for Businesses, where business owners had the opportunity to learn more about the benefits of partaking in apprenticeships. Howard County is proud to remain the Maryland leader in supporting registered apprenticeships due to the commitment of our businesses. Thank you to the  Howard County Office of Workforce Development,  Maryland Department of Commerce, and  Maryland Department of Labor for your continued partnerships to help create a more sustainable work environment for all.

2020 Major League Quidditch Championship   I am excited to welcome, and host, the 2020 Major League Quidditch Championship. Thank you to  Major League Quidditch for bringing this unique sporting event to our county. I'm certain that this championship will bring a lot of fun energy and enthusiasm to our community! Read a Baltimore Sun article about the tournament here.

Welcome Deuk Hwan Kim   I was to meet with Deuk Hwan Kim, minister and Council-General for the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, and welcome him to Howard County. After visiting our County and speaking with other members of the Korean Community, he was interested in learning more about Howard County and the services provided to help engage our Korean-American families. Howard County Police Department Chief Lisa Myers and I are grateful for his partnership and look forward to expanding our collaboration with Minister Kim and the Korean Embassy.

Thank you, Temple Isaiah   When it comes to substance abuse disorders, one of the biggest challenges we face is the opioid crisis. This is a crisis that, understandably, many do not feel comfortable talking about in our community. I was glad to meet with members of the Jewish community who are working to help change this idea. Together, no matter our faith, we can speak up with one voice to end the stigma around seeking help. Thank you to Carol Shapiro and Rabbi Axler of  Temple Isaiah for your continued advocacy for the betterment of our community. I want to extend special thanks to Lisa Hillman, a local author who lost a son to addiction, for sharing her story with the community. When we come together like this, as a unified community, we have the power to save lives.

GBC Newsmaker Breakfast   Thank you to the  Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) and Don Fry for inviting me to speak at the Newsmaker Breakfast. In Howard County, we are focused on expanding opportunity for all. This can only be done through collaboration, partnerships, and buy-in from our stakeholders. The GBC is a great regional partner in helping us achieve these goals throughout our region.

Toys for Tots 2019   For four years strong, I have been honored to partner with  Howard County Toys for Tots to provide free toys to thousands of children in Howard County. We are grateful for our Marines who started this important initiative to help every child feel special this holiday season. I encourage everyone who is able to please donate toys at the locations listed in the flyer. Together, we will create a brighter, merrier holiday for our children and families in need.

Welcome Namyangju Delegation   I was delighted to welcome the Namyangju Delegation to Howard County and especially recognize Mayor Cho Kwang-han. I have made it a top priority of my administration to expand business, technological exchange and solidify global partnerships. Thank you to Matthew Lee, several Howard County business leaders, and  Howard County Economic Development Authority for facilitating this important conversation. I look forward to our continued partnerships.

Congratulations Neighbor Ride! Access to affordable transportation options helps to preserve and promote independence for older adults as needs and abilities change.  Neighbor Ride  helps fill the gaps for those who can no longer drive, have difficulty driving in certain areas or times of day, and want to maintain self-direction in their lives. Congratulations to Neighbor Ride for their 15 years of service to our community. Thank you to all the volunteers who help make transportation easier for our seniors!

Native American Heritage Month Howard County is a place where every resident deserves to feel included, represented, and valued. Native Americans have shared their strong sense of community, family, and faith for generations in Howard County. Howard County is proud to proclaim November as Native American Heritage Month. Thank you to  Howard County Office of Human Rights  for showcasing their heritage.

Go WildeCats! Please join me in congratulating  Wilde Lake  boys soccer for winning the 3A State championship and Wilde Lake girls soccer for making it to the State finals. Both teams have made Howard County extremely proud. Congratulations to the team, coaches, and the entire Wilde Lake community!  #LakePride

Annual Coat Day and Resource Fair I was so glad to join the  Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated , Iota Lambda Omega chapter for their 30th Annual Coat Day and Resource Fair. As it gets colder, it’s important that we provide those in need with the resources needed to stay warm. Together, we can ensure our community is able to stay warm this winter season.

"Thrive by Five" Conference Educational success is built upon a solid foundation. As parents, we set the cornerstone long before our children take their first steps through the schoolhouse door. Saturday, I joined  Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services  - Office of Children and Families for their first “Thrive by Five” conference in Howard County. Together, we can ensure we have the tools needed to set all our children on a path for positive development.

Made with Love Scarves I was so glad to join Made With Love to help assemble care packages for our deployed service members. In total, they mailed 475 scarves, 85 hats, 7 blankets and 400 handmade cards. This is an important heartfelt initiative which helps us all show gratitude for our men and women in service. Thank you to Heather Thamer, the Office of Veterans and Military Families, and every community member who helped knit and crochet these scarves for our current service members. If you want to learn more about how you can get involved, please visit:  https://www.operationgratitude.com/

Departmental News

Department of Community Resources and Services This Thursday, November 21 st , is your last chance to nominate an outstanding female community leader who has helped improve the lives of others through their leadership, professional and/or community service for induction into Howard County’s 2020 Women’s Hall of Fame. Nomination forms are available online or can be obtained by contacting our Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) at 410-313-6400 (voice/relay) or email women@howardcountymd.gov . Last week’s cold spell is a reminder of the importance of ensuring our community, especially our most vulnerable, stays safe in the cold. If you know of someone who may be unaware of the cold weather resources available to them, I encourage you to share these tips. November is National Family Caregivers Month. All month long, our DCRS will be a holding a series of events to recognize, honor and assist our family caregivers. Now through this Friday, November 22 nd , DCRS is hosting its “Thankful for Caregiver” events, where attendees will learn about the Howard County Family Caregiver Support Program, as well as meet other caregivers. To learn more about these events and the other great offerings DCRS has going on this month, check out the November issue of the Department’s “The 50+ Connection .”

Office of Emergency Management Last week’s cold spell was a not-so-friendly reminder of the colder temps to come with the start of winter just more than a month away. This Thursday, November 21 st , our Office of Emergency Management will host its quarterly Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting; this quarter’s topic will focus on winter safety. With winter comes the use of heating sources and an increase risk of home and business fires. Come learn some fire safety tips from our Department of Fire and Rescue Services to keep your family, home and business safe during the cold weather months.   To register for Thursday’s FREE event, click HERE . To learn more about the County’s LEPC, click HERE .

Department of Fire and Rescue Services On November 20 th and November 27 th , our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) Special Operations team will be conducting a lost person search exercise in the area of Triadelphia Reservoir’s Pig Tail Recreation Area from 2:00 to 11:00 p.m. each day (rain, shine or darkness). This training will allow the team to practice working with partner agencies to search and locate missing persons within the watershed property.   Our Special Operations Team assists local law enforcement agencies with lost person search and rescue missions in and around Howard County. Thanksgiving is so close we can taste it! But did you know, Thanksgiving is the leading day for home fires involving cooking equipment, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. As you, your family and friends gather to celebrate all that you are thankful for this Thanksgiving, please keep these few simple safety tips in mind while preparing your holiday feast. Interested in joining HCDFRS? Sign-up today to receive notifications about the department’s upcoming Trainee Class 33 by filling out the “2019 Job Interest Form” on the department’s “ Recruitment and Careers” website today.

Health Department In case you missed it, the Howard County Health Department’s monthly rabies vaccination clinic , held in cooperation with the Howard County Police Department’s Animal Control Division, this Thursday, November 21 st has been CANCELLED. For questions and/or more information about this clinic, please contact the Health Department’s Bureau of Environmental Health at 410-313-1773 or Animal Control at 410-313-2780.   Held the third Thursday of each month at Animal Control in Columbia, this clinic offers residents the opportunity to protect their dog, cat or ferret from the rabies virus with a discount.

Police Department To help ensure a safe and convenient shopping season for everyone, Howard County Police Department (HCPD) has begun focusing on enforcement of no parking zones along Ellicott City's Main Street. Parking in these areas creates a safety issue for pedestrians and drivers, and police have recently seen increasing violations.   When visiting Main Street, be sure to park in legal areas only, and honor the two-hour parking limits to allow all visitors the opportunity to enjoy all Main Street has to offer. Remember, there are NO time limits on the free parking in the lettered parking lots! I hope to see you in Historic Ellicott City this holiday season! HCPD is again URGING residents to BE AWARE of gift card scams . While victims in Howard County lost $34,900 to these scams in the month of October, in just the FIRST HALF of November, victims have lost $50,900. These scams often begin with the victim receiving an unsolicited, threatening phone call, in which the caller demands money to resolve the issue. The caller then requests that the victim purchase gift cards and then asks for the number and PIN on the cards. The caller then drains the card instantly, leaving the victim no way to recover the money. REMEMBER, if you are asked to pay someone in gift cards, it is almost ALWAYS a scam!   Please share this information, especially with your elderly family members, friends and neighbors. November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month, a month dedicated to helping older pets find loving forever homes.   If you’ve been thinking about adding a four-legged-friend to your family, I encourage you to consider opening your home and your heart to an older dog or cat in need. Older pets can be just as loving and loyal as their younger counterparts.   To learn more about the senior animals and other pets available for adoption from HCPD’s Animal Control and Adoption Center , as well as its Lucky Seven program, give Animal Control a call today at 410-313-2780. With Animal Control’s Lucky Seven Program, all adoption fees are waived for pets older than seven years of age. The program also covers the fees for any needed vaccines and any spay/neuter fee that may be associated with the pet.

Department of Public Works Construction Report Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance projects. For a full list of previously announced projects, please refer to the  November 13, 2019  newsletter.   Ellicott City Strawberry Fields Pond Repair (Capital Project D-1159) – Project to repair a stormwater management pond near 5362 Briar Oak Court. The project is not expected to impact the flow of traffic; however, the sidewalk along the south side of Briar Oak Court at the open space connection between 5366 Briar Oak Court and 5300 Tangle Wood Court will be closed during construction. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late September 2020.   To learn more about DPW Capital Projects currently underway, visit  https://bit.ly/2V6K5B6 . 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  website  and search by “County” to learn more about State road projects in Howard County.   Also, be sure to follow the County’s  Facebook  and  Twitter  pages every Monday morning for upcoming maintenance projects happening that week, weather permitting. On these social media pages, you’ll also find information regarding the county’s  street sweeping  schedule, which generally begin in the months of January, April, July and September. Department of Public Works' Bureau of Environmental Services This past Friday was America Recycles Day! To celebrate, our Bureau of Environmental Services has launched a NEW Virtual Tour of our Residents' Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill. Learn everything you can about what you can recycle at our landfill right from the comfort of your couch!   Also, did you know the Bureau offer tours of our Residents' Convenience Center and Composting Facility? Visit the Bureau’s website for more information. The upcoming Thanksgiving Day holiday is one of the six holidays that affects the County’s curbside trash, recycling, food scrap and yard trim collection program. As there will be no curbside collection on Thursday, November 28 th , the county’s holiday slide schedule will be in effect the remainder of that holiday week; i.e. Thursday pick-up will slide to Friday, Friday to Saturday and Saturday on Saturday (no that last one is not a typo). Wondering what the other five holidays might be that affect curbside collection? They are Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. To learn more about the holiday slide schedule, click HERE .

Department of Recreation & Parks Recreation & Parks’ 2020 Winter Activity Guide is now online and Howard County residents can expect to find a print copy in their mail boxes later this month. These seasonal guides are an essential resource for finding before and after school programs, classes, sports leagues, 55+ plus programs and other activities offered throughout the County. Online registration for county residents begins December 4 th at 6:00 p.m., with all other forms (mail-in, phone and walk-in) starting the following day. Registration for non-Howard County residents begins the following week. First, there was a Harry Potter themed ‘Wizarding Weekend’ in Historic Elliott City, now the 2020 Major League Quidditch Championship is coming to town this August. Howard County was recently selected among four national finalists to host the games, which will bring the 12 best teams in the United States and Canada to the County’s Troy Park at Elkridge to compete for the coveted Benepe Cup. If you are around the 15 th and 16 th of August, I encourage you to fly on by Troy Park to check out this one of kind sporting event. To learn more, click HERE . REMINDER: The Oakland Mills Tunnel under Oakland Mills Road is currently closed to pedestrians and cyclists, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., as the tunnel is power washed, concrete patched, primed and painted. Informational signage and detour maps will be posted and available south of Summer Rambo Court on the pathway and north of the tunnel entrance on Oakland Mills Road by the sidewalk. Weather permitting, this project, which began November 13 th , is estimated to take one to two weeks to complete. For questions or concerns, please contact Ed Bromley at 410-313-4688 or email ebromley@howardcountymd.gov . Recreation and Parks’ Advisory Board will hold a public hearing the evening of Wednesday, December 11 th at 7:00 p.m. to consider the department’s draft FY2021 Capital Budget and draft FY2021-2030 Capital Improvement Program for the acquisition and development of park and recreation lands.   Beginning this Wednesday, November 20 th , residents will be able to sign-up online to speak at the hearing (click on “Public Comment”) and/or provide online testimony, as well as view the draft FY2021 Capital Budget online . You can also request a copy of the draft be mailed to you by calling 410-313-4685. Residents are reminded that internet testimony is considered public information and is subject to the Maryland Public Information Act .   Residents who do not wish to sign up online to speak at the hearing, may sign-up in person the night of the hearing starting at 6:30 p.m. SAVE THE DATE for this year’s Christmas in the Park festivities, set to take place Saturday, December 14 th at Centennial Park . This free event runs from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. and will feature a tree lighting ceremony, caroling by the Recreational Licensed Child Care Choir, refreshments and even a special visit from Santa Claus and some of his friends.

Upcoming Events and Meetings

Now through November 30 - Historic Savage Mill Ghost Tours Fridays and Saturdays, now through November 30 th , come brave an hour-long ghost tour of Historic Savage Mill on your date with a costumed tour guide and mill historian Marty Schoppert. Created for fans of history and the paranormal, this tour is not for the faint of heart. For more information or to book tour, click HERE . Cost is $15.00 per person.

November 19 - Robert Fulton Drive Pathway Public Meeting The Office of Transportation will hold a open-house style community meeting for the Robert Fulton Drive pathway project to present concept options for public review and comment. The Office is conducting a planning study and preliminary design for a shared-use (pedestrian and bicycle) pathway along Robert Fulton Drive. The goals of the project are to provide bicycle and pedestrian access to Gateway from surrounding communities, as well as serve "lunch hour" trips to local restaurants and retail destinations for workers within Gateway.

November 21 - Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting November 21 | Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting – This quarter’s Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting will focus on winter safety. Come learn fire safety tips from our Department of Fire and Rescue Services to keep your family, home and business safe during the cold weather months. To register and/ for more information, click HERE .

November 26 - Discrimination 101 Hosted by the County’s Office of Human Rights, participants will learn about State and Federal Discrimination Laws, as well as the responsibilities of a Human Rights or Civil Rights Commissioner. Admission is free and this event is open to all Civil and Human Rights Commissioners in the state of Maryland. To register and/or for more information, click HERE .

November 28 and 29 - Thanksgiving Holiday Closings County Government offices, courts, animal shelter, community and athletic centers, activity rooms, historic sites, 50+ centers and the Alpha Ridge Landfill will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 28 th . There will be no trash, recycling, yard trim or food scrap pick-up on Thanksgiving Day; the County’s holiday "slide” schedule will be in effect. Additionally, while County park gates will be open, there will be no staff on duty on Thursday. The landfill and county parks will re-open on Friday, November 29 th ; however, County Government offices, courts, 50+ centers, historic sites and animal shelter will remain closed. While community and athletic centers and activity rooms will be closed on Friday to the general public, they will be open for scheduled special or permit-approved events. RTA buses will not run on the 28 th , but will resume a regular weekday schedule on the 29 th . While parking fees will not be enforced on the 28 th , all parking fees will be in effect on the 29 th .

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