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Office: 410-313-2001
ojones@howardcountymd.gov
3430 Court House Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21043
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It is with great enthusiasm and pride I was elected to be your Councilmember representing the viewpoints of the amazing people of the Second District of Howard County. I am honored to serve as your Councilmember and looking forward to following in the steps of your prior leaders by continuing their fine legacy of leadership. My focus is on enhancing education, assuring public and personal safety, and championing community vibrancy.
While these are our primary focus areas, my team and I are committed to partnering with you on so many different topics to make District Two the absolute best place to work and live! Working together, we can accomplish a lot and that means listening to your ideas, addressing your concerns, and building on your feedback. I look forward to our journey together!
In service and partnership,
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Out and About in District 2
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Covid Clinic at Shalom Square
Thank you, Heritage Housing Partners, Howard County Health Department, the Department of Community Resources and Services, and the Mobile Integrated Community (MICH) team for the COVID-19 vax clinic at Shalom Square. Your support is encouraging and needed as we tackle COVID-19 together.
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St. John Baptist Church Vaccine Clinic
It was a pleasure to visit the Mobile Integrated Community Health (MICH) unit at St. Johns Baptist Church last week. Vaccination clinics are incredibly important for our most vulnerable communities where access is limited. A special thank you to the County Executive and Howard County Health Department for providing this equitable service for all!
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COVID-19: County Updates & Resources
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Mobile Testing Sites
Howard County is dedicated to expanding COVID-19 testing to residents who may not have adequate access. Beginning March 29th, First Call Urgent Care and Centennial Medical Group will implement four mobile testing units at the following locations:
· Long Reach Village Center
· North Laurel Community Center
· Recreation and Parks Headquarters
· The Elkridge 50+ Center
Rapid testing and PCR testing will be available to residents at no cost.
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Maryland Vaccination Sites
The State has implemented four Mass Vaccine sites to administer vaccines to all residents who qualify under Phase 1A, 1B, and 1C. Beginning March 23rd, these sites will also begin vaccinating those in phase 2A. These sites are managed by the State and County Health Departments do not have the ability to register residents.
How to Register:
2. Answer the required questions and enter the necessary information
3. Fill out the health screening
4. Select your preferred mass vaccination site
5. Certify your information is true by checking the final box.
For more information and to register at any mass vaccination sites or pharmacy, visit COVIDVax.Maryland.gov or call 1 (855) 634-6829.
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Confirming your Vaccine Registration with HCHD
The Howard County Health Department is working effectively and efficiently to ensure every resident can receive the vaccine as soon as possible. Once you register, the Health Department will reach out to you within seven days to confirm your registration. If you have received your vaccine elsewhere, you may unsubscribe using the link in your confirmation email.
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Howard County Vaccine Distribution Process
The phases are determined by the Governor, and are subject to change based upon State guidance.
For questions about specific phases and where you may qualify, call the State's COVID line at 1-855-634-6829
Residents who have preregistered will be notified by email to schedule an appointment, as supply becomes available. Appointments are required, and persons should arrive no sooner than 10 minutes prior to their appointment time.
The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services' Mobile Integrated Community Health (MICH) team will focus on vaccinating specific homebound at-risk adults as identified by the Howard County Health Department. If you believe you are in need of MICH in-home COVID-19 vaccination accommodations, complete one of the registrations below marking the appropriate area for MICH consideration. The Howard County Health Department can provide further information at (410) 313-6284.
There are nearly 300 provider locations including regional State-run mass vax clinics, retail pharmacies, and hospital operating clinics. All residents are encouraged by the State to register for a vaccine at these sites by using the State vaccine locator.
Phase 1A
Phase 1A includes all licensed healthcare providers, correctional officers, law enforcement agencies, and frontline judiciary staff. The Health Department estimates there are up to 15,000 people in this group. Healthcare providers can register here.
The County is currently scheduling appointments and vaccinating those in this phase.
Phase 1B
The Health Department estimates there are up to 55,000 people under this phase, and we are currently vaccinating those in this phase.
This phase includes:
· Continuity of Government: All federal non-law enforcement agencies should consider implementing their continuity of operations plans and request vaccine doses from FEMA through their leadership. Essential workers who may be eligible for the vaccine should visit the State website for area clinics providing vaccine to those prioritized in Phase 1C.
Phase 1C
The County is currently registering and vaccinating those who fall under this phase, and the Health Department estimates there are approximately 100,000 people in this phase.
Residents ages 65-74: Some residents under this group will be vaccinated as supply allows. Proof of residence in Howard County will be required to receive the vaccination.
All other groups under phase 1C can register here. This phase includes:
· Essential healthcare workers not in 1A
· Critical manufacturing workers
· U.S. Postal Service and mass public transit workers
· Veterinarian and support staff
· Clergy/other essential staff for houses of worship
· Food/agriculture production workers
· Grocery store and food bank workers
Certain Immunocompromised individuals (the Maryland Department of Health provides specific definitions and categories for this group. Refer to Covidvax.maryland.gov)
Phase 2
The Howard County Health Department is currently pre-registering those who fall under this phase.
Phase 2A - Opened Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021
· All Marylanders age 60 and older
Phase 2B - Opens Tuesday, March 30th, 2021
· All Marylanders age 16 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase the risk for severe COVID-19 illness
Phase 2C - Opens Tuesday, April 13th, 2021
· All Marylanders age 55 and older, as well as essential workers in critical industries (construction, food services, utilities, financial services, IT, and other infrastructure)
Phase 3
The County is currently pre-registering those who fall under this phase. This phase will open no later than Tuesday, April 27th, 2021.
Note, while phases may be open, the county is still solely dependent on supply.
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Where to Look for Other COVID-19 Vaccination Sites
Maryland Department of Health launched a COVID-19 Vaccination Support Center to provide Marylanders without technology capabilities the ability to gain access to COVID-19 vaccine information and appointments. Call 1-855-MDGOVAX (1-855-634-6829) 7 AM - 10 PM 7 days a week.
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Pre-Registration Survey Questionnaires
When completing the questionnaire, ensure all information entered in the survey is correct. If your contact information is entered incorrectly, the Health Department will be unable to contact you with appointment registration instructions. Completing these surveys DOES NOT register you for a vaccination clinic. These surveys provide the Health Department with your information so that once vaccination clinics are available for your group, we can contact you.
Howard County Health Department has a Business Associate Agreement with Survey Monkey to ensure that your information remains safe and confidential. This Agreement is HITECH and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliant and it discloses that none of the data collected will be provided to any third-party entities and contains safeguards to protect your privacy.
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Oakland Mills Online
Oakland Mills Online (OMO) is an online social learning platform founded by Oakland Mills families to keep our community connected while we are socially isolated.
Visit OMO! One CLICK opens the door to become engaged in a community-based, multi-generational social learning environment.
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Oakland Mills United
Oakland Mills United is a community organization in Howard County led by OMHS graduates. This organization advocates for the betterment of schools within the Oakland Mills community. Oakland Mills United addresses four core issues:
- Changing the stigma
- Closing the opportunity gap
- Maintenance of school buildings
- Redistricting
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2021-22 OMCA Board Elections
This year Oakland Mills will hold a mail-in ballot election. All seven seats on the OMCA Board and one Columbia Board of Directors (Columbia Council Rep) seat are open and each serves a one-year term.
Residents interested in running for a seat can download a candidate packet on the Oakland Mills website. If you have questions or would like additional election information, email: manager@oaklandmills.org.
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Oakland Mills High School Food Pantry
Donation Opportunity
at The Other Barn
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Saturday, March 27th, 9 AM - 12 PM
at The Other Barn, 5851 Robert Oliver Place
Bins will be located outside the front entrance. Donations will be used for the next OMHS Food Pantry distribution.
All non-perishable food donations are welcome; the pantry is especially in need of:
· Canned vegetables (particularly corn, carrots, mixed vegetables)
· Peanut butter
· Canned fruit (mandarin oranges, peaches, mixed fruit, etc.)
· Dry beans
· Dry cereal
· Tomato products (diced, crushed, stewed, etc.)
· Snacks (chips, crackers, cookies, fruit snacks, granola bars)
· Shelf-stable milk
If you’re more comfortable shopping online, please utilize our linked Amazon wish list.
Financial donations are also accepted and are used to buy fresh produce and bread to distribute on the day of distribution each month, as well as high-need items prior to distribution. Here is the link for financial contributions:
When dropping off donations wear your mask and maintain 6 feet of social distancing.
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Volunteers Needed – Little Free Food Bank
Long Reach Community Association is recruiting volunteers to help organize and maintain a future Little Free Food Bank in the Long Reach Village Center. Your support would be invaluable!
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April 13, 2021 at 7 PM
Event: Introduction to Birding
Are you an avid bird watcher? Learn what you’ll need to know to enjoy the hobby of birding!
An avid birder from the Audubon Society of Central Maryland will cover where to bird, how to make identifications, information on habitats, local geography, and helpful resources available to all.
This presentation is organized by the Long Reach Watershed Advisory Committee.
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April 24, 2021 from 9 AM – NOON
Event: Paper Shredding (Disposal of sensitive information)
Location: 6110 Foreland Garth, Columbia, MD
Cost:
FREE for all Long Reach residents (ID Required)
$10 for all others
Limit 3 grocery bags/banker boxes per household
First come, first served. The event is over once the truck is full
What to bring: Recyclable documents with sensitive information
Please DO NOT bring: Non-sensitive or non-recyclable materials such as magazines, flyers, newspapers, binders, x-rays
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April 26, 2021 at 7 PM
Event: Creating a Pollinator Patch
Discover the easiest way to create a native flower garden to attract butterflies and bees.
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The mission of the Columbia Association is to foster a unique sense of place and enhance the quality of life — and the community programs are just one way to reach that goal. Take a moment to explore some of the many options.
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Columbia Association offers community programs that help keep residents and families active and engaged. Columbia Association offers before and after school care, camps, volunteering, senior programs, and more.
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Lifeguards Needed for Outdoor Pools
Interested in being a lifeguard this summer? If you know anyone who might be interested please follow this link Aquatics Hiring for job posting and application directions.
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Howard Community College Awarded Prestigious Grant from U.S. Economic Development Administration
HCC is the only community college in the country selected for STEM Talent Challenge
COLUMBIA, MD – Howard Community College has been awarded $300,000 in grant funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship as a winner of the STEM Talent Challenge. EDA received applications from communities across the nation for this highly competitive opportunity. Howard Community College (HCC) is one of seven awardees, and the only community college in the country to be selected. The winners of this inaugural grant were announced last week by the Department of Commerce.
The STEM Talent Challenge seeks to develop or expand regional workforce capacity, build STEM workforce readiness, and spur innovation that will enhance economic competitiveness and create jobs. The grant funding is designed to support the planning, development, and implementation of each awardee’s proposed project.
Howard Community College’s award-winning project proposal aims to scale the college’s work-and-learn programs to new audiences of employers and trainees, with a focus on underrepresented and underemployed populations as well as high school students in Howard County. Using this grant funding, the college will build systemic relationships with companies to expand internship and apprenticeship opportunities for its students. Howard Community College expects to form sustainable partnerships that will result in approximately 100 participants in work-and-learn programs over the grant's two-year course. The project is set to launch in March 2021.
“HCC’s apprenticeship programs are succeeding, and this grant funding will allow us to expand and provide additional opportunities to our students while simultaneously forging stronger relationships with local businesses,” said Dr. Kathleen Hetherington, HCC president. “We are optimistic that the model we develop will be replicated by other local community colleges to enhance the collaboration synergy between community colleges and industries in our region.”
The project will provide entrepreneurial consulting free-of-charge to small-to-medium-sized IT businesses that have been impacted by the transition to telework caused by COVID-19. Participating businesses will agree to employ at least one person from one of the work-learn models. Customized training packages leading to various cybersecurity and cloud computing certifications will be provided to apprentices, interns, and incumbent workers.
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Howard County School System
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New Partnership Spreads Acts of Kindness by Increasing Access to School Supplies
Ellicott City, Maryland — The Howard County Public School System has partnered with The Kindness Pantry to support teachers and students by providing an inventory of school supplies to schools.
Under the terms of the agreement, The Kindness Pantry will collaborate with participating schools to develop school-specific supply lists. The Kindness Pantry will coordinate the collection and distribution of school supplies by establishing online wish lists, working with community members and organizations to fulfill school supply requests, conducting school supply drives, and organizing and distributing donated supplies.
The formal partnership agreement was signed by HCPSS Superintendent Michael J. Martirano and The Kindness Pantry Co-Founders Greta Luhar and Sara Miller.
The Kindness Pantry was founded in 2019 with a mission to provide opportunities for the Howard County community to support teachers and students throughout the county by donating supplies and snacks directly to schools.
The Howard County Public School System's Partnerships Office has united schools with more than 1,000 businesses and community organizations to enhance the educational experience of Howard County students. Partnerships benefit schools, businesses and the entire community by leveraging the resources of all participants. Partners may commit human or financial resources or other support.
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Howard County Library is opening for limited in-person service beginning April 5th
Beginning Monday, April 5th, Howard County Library System will open for limited in-person services.
Branches will be open for browsing, computer access, printing, photocopying, scanning, and faxing. Contactless pickup and Bundle Bags will continue to be available at all branches. Watch for details about how to sign up for 45-minute appointments in the coming weeks.
Details about what you can expect when you visit are available on the website.
Upcoming Issue of Source
This month's issue features the Business Roundtable series, new Racial Equity Alliance, upcoming authors and speakers, Women's History Month, on-demand class stars, and new STEM activity kits.
Pick up your copy during contactless pickup appointments or read it here
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Department of Recreation and Parks
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Recreation and Parks three community center gymnasiums (Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel, and Roger Carter) are CLOSED, EXCEPT for scheduled programs. Visitors may still access the community centers walking tracks, but by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please contact the front desk of the community center you wish to visit. Visitors may use the community center fitness rooms, but by appointment only. Please keep in mind, the fitness centers are open by appointment and will be limited to 50% capacity for the North Laurel, Gary J. Arthur, and Roger Carter Community Centers. Face coverings must be worn at all times in Recreation and Parks indoor facilities, including its gyms and fitness rooms. However, guests using the Roger Carter Community Center pool are exempt when swimming.
Recreation and Parks indoor programs are limited to 50% capacity. Outdoor recreational sports and programs are limited to 50% capacity or 250 people, whichever is less. In addition, for sports participants, only one parent/guardian is allowed to be in attendance, a face covering must be worn, and parent/guardians may not enter the playing field. All players and coaches must wear a face covering when entering and exiting the park and field.
The Worthington Dog Park will be limited to 25 people per field (the park has two fields), one handler per animal is permitted in the dog park and all visitors must wear a face covering at all times.
Finally, Recreation and Parks RecZone child care program and school-related services will operate with a 15-person limit per room and will continue to follow strict COVID-19 guidelines from the CDC and Howard County's Office of Child Care.
For more information and/or questions, visit Recreation and Parks website www.howardcountymd.gov/rap and/or please contact the department at (410) 313-4700.
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"Community Sports Hall of Fame”
Now through April 15th, the Department of Recreation and Parks is accepting applications for its 2021 “Community Sports Hall of Fame.” Nomination forms are available online at www.hcrpsports.org/halloffame or by calling the Department of Recreation and Parks at (410) 313-1691.
Founded in 2005, the Community Sports Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding individuals who have gained prominence in or made substantial contributions to community recreational sports in Howard County. If you know of an incredible coach, manager, league official, commissioner, or behind-the-scenes contributor who live in and/or have contributed to a community sport primarily in Howard County, I encourage you to nominate them today. It is important that we recognize and thank these individuals for their tireless dedication to our athletes, especially during a time when these programs have served as a great outlet and resource to our community.
For more information about Howard County’s Community Sports Hall of Fame, including a list of past Hall of Fame inductees, visit www.hcrpsports.org/halloffame
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Out-of-County Registration Now Open for Spring/Summer!
Registration for all (Howard County and non-county residents) Recreation and Parks 2021 Spring/Summer Activity Guide is open!
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The Office of Transportation is looking for ways to improve the Bikeshare system. Please take this short survey whether you use the system or not.
Your feedback will help the Office of Transportation improve its system for the future!
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Department of Housing and Community Development
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Housing’s Next MIHU Open Enrollment Period to Begin April 1st
Interested in calling Howard County home? Starting next Thursday, April 1st, our Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will begin accepting applications for its Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program April open enrollment period. 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 will be available online and 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 submit an application is 5 PM Friday, April 30th.
As part of its April MIHU open enrollment period, DHCD will be hosting a virtual MIHU Homeownership informational workshop on Wednesday, April 7th from 6 PM - 7:30 PM, via Webex. For details about the workshop and how to sign up, visit DHCD’s “Open Enrollment” website. Additionally, from DHCD’s “Open Enrollment” website, visitors can also find presentations from previous homeownership and rental informational workshops, as well as frequently asked questions and answers explaining the program’s eligibility requirements and application process.
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, visit DHCD’s MIHU rental website.
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Community Events and Resources
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Feed Howard County - 10,000 Meals
Feed Howard County recently crossed the benchmark of delivering 10,000 meals to our neighbors in need.
Since April of 2020, Feed Howard County has worked with 20 local restaurants and a dozen communities.
The concept is simple - raise funds, buy meals from local restaurants, and deliver them to those in need.
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Howard County Child Care and Preschool Information Fair
The 2021 Howard County Child Care and Preschool Information Fair will virtually connect parents and caregivers to representatives from Howard County early childhood programs, including Family Child Care; Child Care Centers; Co-op Nursery Schools; Infant Programs; Summer Camps; School-Age Programs; and Preschools.
Pre-registered participants can access the Directory page on March 27th between 10 AM - 1 PM to select the early childhood programs that they would like to know more about.
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Autism Acceptance Month and World Autism Awareness Day
April 2nd from 8 AM - 5 PM
On April 2nd and throughout the month of April, people around the world come together to #CelebrateDifferences with Autism Acceptance Month.
April 2nd is World Autism Acceptance Day. The Howard County Recognition Event and Dedication details will follow. Visit the Howard County Autism Society website for more information.
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Teen Advisory Council Meeting - April 12th
Save the date for the May 17th meeting. TAC is open to all Howard County High School Students. Public School, Private School, and Homeschool students are encouraged to join!
To access the 2020-21 school year registration form please click here. Email your registration as well as a photo to admin@hcdrugfree.org or mail a hard copy to: HC DrugFree, 5305 Village Center Drive, Suite 206, Columbia, MD 21044
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Drive-thru Medication and Sharps Collection: Saturday, April 24th
HC DrugFree will hold a drive-thru medication and sharps collection on Saturday, April 24th from 10 AM to 2 PM in the Wilde Lake Village Center parking lot. Drop off your expired and unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications and your sharps (needles, syringes and EpiPens). Medication guarded and transported by the Howard County Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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The Community Action Council (CAC) is a community, and one in four in our community are struggling to make ends meet. If you are wondering where to get help, or how to help your neighbors, go to www.cac-hc.org to learn about the Community Action Council of Howard County. CAC offers four main programs and services to help improve economic security and strengthen our community: food assistance, housing assistance, utility assistance, and early childhood education.
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The Office on Aging and Independence has compiled a free resource guide for older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers that includes information about aging in place, housing, and health/wellness.
Be sure to check it out here or you can request a hard copy be mailed to you by calling Maryland Access Point at (410) 313-1234. Share it with family, friends, or loved ones that are looking for resources in Howard County.
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2021 AARP Tax-Aide Assistance
AARP's Tax-Aide assistance is offered on a curbside, low-contact basis this year through April 15th at the Bain and East Columbia 50+ Centers.
Appointments are limited but required. Call (443) 741-1220 for details.
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Important Information about Tax Bills
Click here to view frequently asked questions about your Howard County property tax bills. For more information, contact the Howard County Property Tax Accounting Office at (410) 313-2062 or the Office on Aging and Independence at (410) 313-1234.
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Department of Planning and Zoning
HoCo By Design Launches the Growth Choices Workshop
The County's next General Plan, HoCo By Design is a comprehensive long-range plan that establishes the policies on how and where the County will develop and grow in response to evolving economic, environmental, and social conditions. As part of its HoCo By Design process, our Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) has launched its Growth Choices Workshop.
Now through 11:59 PM, Monday, April 5th, residents can participate in this virtual workshop to learn about and provide feedback on the County’s options for growth, development, and preservation for the next 20 years. Through this workshop, DPZ’s HoCo By Design is sharing the four different scenarios that have been developed and key decision points important to planning the future of the County have been identified.
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In Need of Crisis Intervention?
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Grassroots is a private, non-profit agency that empowers people in crisis to make positive changes by offering professional 24-hour crisis intervention, shelter, and outreach services. They provide programs and services including 24-hour crisis intervention hotline, Maryland Crisis Hotline, Walk-in Counseling, Mobile Crisis Team, Suicide Prevention, Outreach and Education, a 33-bed Family Shelter, an 18-bed Men's Shelter, a Motel Shelter, Cold Weather Shelter, and a Day Resource Center. The Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, Inc. is located at 6700 Freetown Road, Columbia, MD For more information, please call (410) 531-6006 or visit the Grassroots website. The 24-hour hotline is (410) 531-6677 and the MD Crisis Hotline is 1-800-422-0009.
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Need Help?
If you need help with depression, suicidal thoughts, or other serious mental health issues, please contact:
Grassroots Crisis Intervention: (410) 531-6677
The Maryland Crisis Hotline: Dial 211 and then choose option 1
The Crisis Text Line: Text 741741 and a trained counselor will respond
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1 (800) 273-8255
The Howard County Health Department: (410) 313-6202
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Report Non-Emergency Issues Online
Report water main breaks, broken street signs, and more on Howard County's mobile app and website Tell HoCo.
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