May 11, 2020 Media Contact: Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412 ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball will host his second Virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, May 13th at 6:30 pm to answer questions and concerns from Howard County residents about COVID-19 and the local response and recovery. The following panelists will join the Town Hall and be available for questions: - Kelly Cimino, Director, Department of Housing and Community Development - Raul Delerme, Director, Recreation & Parks - Mike Hinson, Director, Office of Emergency Management - Dr. Michael Martirano, HCPSS Superintendent - Dr. Maura Rossman, Health Officer - Jackie Scott, Director, Community Resources and Services - Dr. Ralph Semmel, Director of Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory - Steve Snelgrove, President Howard County General Hospital - Larry Twele, CEO, Economic Development Authority - James Zoller, Program Manager, Roving Radish “As we are about to end our second month of responding and reacting to the devastating impacts of COVID-19 on the health and economy of Howard County, we find ourselves in a period of transition,” said Ball. “Even as restrictions for outdoor recreation are eased, we must continue to practice physical distancing by maintaining six feet distance from any persons not from the same household. I also urge residents to wear masks while in public places, especially where they cannot physically distance. We look forward to engaging with our community and updating residents on how we will navigate the new normal together.” Residents can register online to participate via WebEx or stream live on Facebook. Questions can be asked live, but residents are encouraged to email questions ahead of time to townhall@howardcountymd.gov. Additionally, today Ball launched the HoCoCounts 2020 Census dashboard, an online tool providing real-time statistics on census completion within Howard County. The dashboard provides the current response rate for Howard County, other Maryland Counties, and Maryland overall. The deadline for completing the census has been extended to October 31, 2020. “As of May 10, we’ve seen 72.4% of Howard County residents complete their census since its launch in March, and we’re optimistic about ensuring our residents are counted,” said Ball. “Information from the census impacts the federal funding that supports critical services and personnel in healthcare, education, emergency management, workforce development and more. This year is the first time the census questionnaire can be completed online, making it easier than ever for residents to respond.” The Community Action Council (CAC) of Howard County has created a three-week Pop-Up Food Pantry schedule to support residents in need of groceries. Relief funding from Howard County has allowed CAC to establish a fixed and sustainable schedule to improve public awareness and reduce duplication of effort. CAC plans to distribute 30,000 lbs of food to approximately 4,650 people that will last them for up to five days.
The following pop-up pantries are open to the public and will each take place from noon to 3:00 p.m. (OR until all the food is gone) on their designated day:
- May 13th, Port Capital Village, 7141 Beverly Drive in Elkridge
- May 15th, Howard Crossing, 8732 Town and Country Boulevard in Ellicott City
- May 20th, The Seasons Apartment Complex in Laurel
- May 22nd, Chatham Gardens, 3332 North Chatham Road in Ellicott City
- May 27th, Port Capital Village, 7141 Beverly Drive in Elkridge
- May 29th, Howard Crossing, 8732 Town and Country Boulevard in Ellicott City
For the following pop-up pantries, groceries will be delivered directly to residents residing in each location by apartment management staff:
- May 14th, Shalom Square, 6240 Foreland Garth in Columbia
- May 15th, Longwood Elderly, 6150 Foreland Garth in Columbia
- May 21st, Shalom Square, 6240 Foreland Garth in Columbia
- May 22nd, Owen Brown Place, 7080 Cradlerock Way in Columbia
- May 28th, Shalom Square, 6240 Foreland Garth in Columbia
- May 29th, Park View at Columbia, 7070 Cradlerock Way in Columbia