Columbia, MD July 2020

JULY 2020

MAKE THE BEST OF IT!

CityLifestyle.com/Columbia

SUMMER READS

THANK YOU TO FIRST RESPONDERS

BEAT THE HEAT

We Are Grateful For All Of You! citylifestyle.com/columbia /

V@columbialifestylemag / BColumbia Lifestyle

LIFESTYLE LETTER

JULY 2020 PUBLISHER

Anika Baty-Mills | anika.mills@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Veronica Barnes | veronica.barnes@lifestylepubs.com

Our new normal?

SELFLESSNESS IS DEFINED AS: CONCERN MORE OF THE NEEDS AND WISHES

SALES MANAGER

Christopher Mills | christopher.mills@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall

OF OTHERS THAN ONE’S OWN. The most selfless job I have ever held is being a

LAYOUT DESIGNER

mother. But before it begins to sound as if I am patting myself on the back, let me be

Jayme Emery

very clear, the mother I am now is NOT the mother I thought I would be. The mother I thought I would be was going to give birth to children that thought the way I thought, and do the things I would do. They would not ever make the childish mistakes that I made or take their mother for granted as I did in my early years. No! They were going to understand what a sacrifice being a parent is and they will respect my every word in repentance for what it cost to bring them into this world. My children would be grateful

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Gabrielle Lewis, Katrina Hall, Anika Baty-Mills CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Howard County Fire and Rescue, Howard County Police Department

all the time! Why, because I am their mother of course! If you didn’t start laughing at my ridiculous pre-parent thought process, please know that I did after becoming a parent.

I had no idea what it would take to give my children grace every day, to start over and over with routine after routine trying to teach them something. And don’t let me talk about the lack of sleep! LAWD!! I had no idea! Being an engaged and involved parent is a choice every day, and I can honestly say I am that parent 85 percent of the time. I’m not quite sure what happens during the other 15%, and I intentionally choose not to ask.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

It’s one thing to volunteer unknowingly for a tough job, but it’s an entirely different thing

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

to step in with the full understanding that your compassion, your empathy, your skills

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

and your courage will be tested every day. In this issue we talk to essential workers on

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

the front lines in different capacities and see their dedication to our community. We

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

talk with members of the Department of Fire and Rescue and the Police Department

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

to hear their stories as first responders. We will also hear from a local mom whose cleaning business is now more important than ever, and how a Home and Garden design business brings joy and tranquility to its customers and their families. Howard County Public Library gives us a few recommendations for summer reads…and we find out how you like to boil..crab boil that is. It’s summertime and many of us are choosing to stay inside, but we’re all inside together, makin’ the best of it! Thanks to all of you doing selfless work, the world needs you right now.

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA

For more content about what’s happening around town, please don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@columbialifestylemag) and on Facebook (Columbia

IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Lifestyle). See you there!

Anika Baty-Mills, Publisher 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO Proverbs 3:5-6

CityLifestyle.com/Columbia

Columbia Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Columbia areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

4

Columbia Lifestyle | July 2020

Information in Columbia Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE JULY 2020

FEATURES 14 Making A Difference The Fire and Rescue Department uses technology and innovation to provide care for Howard County

18 Get Lost!

Three good books to lose yourself in over the summer

24 Homeland Custodial Services How one local mom helps Howard County businesses open safely

30 Behind the Shield Lieutenant James Zammillo shares

18 24

his experience as a first responder in Howard County

14

30

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

14

Our Town

18

Page Turners

24 Locally Owned 28 DIY 30 Local Limelight 34 Culinary Creations

A New Journey Requires a Starting Point Reaching an End Point Requires A Team

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CityLifestyle.com/Columbia

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GOOD TIMES 1.

2.

3.

HCAR Soiree HCAR Cares held its inaugural Winter Soiree fundraiser on February 17th at Cured 18th & 21st in Columbia. HCAR Cares is a charitable foundation that provides our Community with opportunities to raise Awareness and to Reach, Enrich and Support those in need in Howard County and beyond. Learn more at www.hcarcares.org.

5.

4.

7.

10.

6.

8.

11.

9.

12.

1. Ramsey Davies, Jennifer Featherstone, and Alex Wissel | 2. Liz Angel, Tammy Andrews, Alicyn Delzoppo, Donna Weaver, Lisa Wissel, Diane Taylor, Sarah Anderson, Jessica Coates, and Suzi Padgett | 3. Rochell Brown, Robin Abney-Spivey, and Donnell Spivey | 4. Steve Dunleavey, Allison Fitzpatrick, Lisa Chamberlain, and Tina Hyatt | 5. Jim Skirven, Allen Tayman, Sheila Young, and Gene Frazier | 6. Alicyn Delzoppo and Creig Northrop | 7. Chuck Marshall, Karen Mobley, Tracy Diamond, Jessica Coates, Sheila Young, and Gene Frazier | 8. Leah Weaver, Dylan Dolan, Donna Weaver, and Rick Weaver | 9. Lisa Chamberlain and Donna Baker | 10. Lisa Wissel and Donna Weaver | 11. Liz Angel, Heather Shai, and Mary Calder | 12. Sheron Marshall and Shirley Matlock 8

Columbia Lifestyle | July 2020

2nd Annual Sobar* Soiree ®

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AROUND TOWN

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Columbia Lifestyle | July 2020

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*VA loans subject to individual VA Entitlement amounts and eligibility, qualifying factors such as income and credit standards, and property limits. Fairway is not affiliated with any government agencies. These materials are not from VA, HUD or FHA, and were not approved by VA, HUD or FHA, or any other government agency. **Eligibility subject to program stipulations, qualifying factors, applicable income and debt-to-income (DTI) restrictions, and property limits. Copyright © 2019 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. NMLS\#2289. 4750 S. Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718, 1-866-912-4800. All rights reserved. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without prior notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Not all products are available in all states or for all dollar amounts. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Lender. Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS Entity ID #2289 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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CityLifestyle.com/Columbia

11

AROUND TOWN

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Columbia Lifestyle | July 2020

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CityLifestyle.com/Columbia

13

OUR TOWN

M AKI NG A DIFFERENCE

ARTICLE GABRIELLE LEWIS | PHOTOGRAPHY HCFRS

THE DEPARTMENT OF FIRE AND RESCUE USES TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION TO PROVIDE CARE FOR HOWARD COUNTY

14

Columbia Lifestyle | July 2020

WITH THE MASSIVE SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

As COVID-19 began to spread throughout the county,

CHANGES THAT HAVE OCCURRED NATIONWIDE,

Fire and Rescue developed a Rapid Response Team to

ADAPTABILITY IS A CRITICAL TRAIT TO POSSESS.

assist with the overflow of new hospital patients. Initially,

Residents are encouraged to remain home and con-

the goal of the RRT was to create teams of mobile inte-

tinue to self-isolate, which is creating the opportunity

grated health paramedics tasked with acting as the

for innovation and evolution.

bridge between the hospital and the public. The teams

Howard County healthcare professionals and first

would help alleviate the impact on hospitals that were

responders have joined together to investigate and

already treating a high number of people, particularly

address the medical needs of the community. As

patients experiencing medical issues that needed to be

county services are extending their efforts in serving

evaluated for the necessity of hospital care. However,

members of the community, Battalion Chief David

the initial goal for the teams was never realized. Howard

Sabat, of the Department of Fire and Rescue Services,

County residents took an abundance of caution when

notes that the versatility and communication between

contacting medical professionals, actually decreasing

the various response departments have greatly

the number of emergency calls by 30 percent. Many

assisted in analyzing what patients are experiencing

individuals who called with symptoms of medical issues

at home. This analysis allows them to adjust medical

were wary of contracting the virus at the hospital, and in

procedures to better meet the patient’s needs.

some cases delayed reaching out for medical assistance.

Sabat has been serving the community for nearly two

This led to the reevaluation of the Rapid Response

decades. Hailing from Trenton, New Jersey, he attended

Teams and a countywide collaboration between

the University of Maryland, Baltimore County study-

departments on how to better serve Howard County.

ing emergency health services management. Sabat,

After shifting the focus of the teams to primarily hos-

remaining in Maryland, initially volunteered with Howard

pital assistance, mobile integrated health paramed-

County until he was hired by the Department of Fire and

ics continued to evaluate the emergency response

Rescue Services in 2003. He has held a number of roles

number and provide follow-ups on noncritical

throughout his career, including station captain. Â Sabat

patients, while also transitioning into decontamina-

is now a battalion chief and manages EMS operations

tion teams. Their new challenge is to expedite the

for Howard County Fire and Rescue. Sabat says he was

process of disinfecting and releasing medical trans-

especially proud to join the department because of its

port vehicles as quickly and safely as possible, with

reputation for quality patient care. Despite having a

stringent cleaning procedures as well as utilizing

modest sized department, Sabat states that Fire and

ultraviolet light to facilitate contamination.

Rescue consistently strives to holistically address the needs of the community.

Additionally, Fire and Rescue created the role of hospital liaison, in which a uniformed member of the

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Columbia

15

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

department serves as a contact for both the department

become hyper-elevated throughout the duration of the

and hospital while addressing staff needs in real-time.

quarantine, becoming more proficient with the growing

They are a vital resource to medical transport by main-

number of patients and saving lives in the process.

taining communication regarding proper protective attire and patient records. Although this multi-pronged

Sabat says that the nimbleness of the department is one of the aspects that he most admires.

approach to hospital patients has only been in effect for

He personally does not live in Howard County, but

a short time, there has already been a positive response

takes great pride in each department’s willingness

to the streamlining of care that individuals have received.

to modify their behavior to better match the needs of

Sabat notes that the hospital liaison is an extremely

the community. Likewise, the support that Sabat and

effective position to have in place, and has become one

his colleagues receive from each other and their fam-

of the biggest successes since the beginning of the pan-

ilies has become an even stronger safety net. “Not

demic. “Leadership from hospital emergency manage-

one single person in my department has to shoulder

ment, the health department, and Fire and Rescue have

the entire burden of dealing with this alone,” Sabat

conference calls three times a week,” Sabat shares, add-

said. As the husband of an educator, and father to

ing, “And each time we meet, we’re asking, ‘What new

two children, he is thankful to be surrounded by a

steps are we taking this week? How can we all do things

personal and professional support system that is

better?’” The bonds between the departments have

dedicated to taking care of each other.

16

Columbia Lifestyle | July 2020

“WHAT NEW STEPS ARE WE TAKING THIS WEEK? HOW CAN WE ALL DO Battalion Chief David Sabat

THINGS BETTER?”

Despite the uncertain future, Sabat and the rest of Howard County’s public safety and health departments are looking for ways to mitigate the spread of the virus through careful planning and continual testing. The operations currently in place for hospital treatment will continue well into flu season later this year. Sabat cautions individuals to be mindful of maintaining social distancing as best as they can.

“Right now, boredom during the pandemic is also equal to lives saved,” he said. In the future, Sabat is looking forward to how the department can grow from the gaps that the virus has exposed, working to evolve into an even stronger resource for the community. Personally, Sabat says he can’t wait for an opportunity to relax with his family with his phone ringer turned off.

CityLifestyle.com/Columbia

17

18

THE HOWARD COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM IS ONE OF THE BEST IN THE NATION, WITH 90 PERCENT OF COUNTY RESIDENTS OWNING LIBRARY CARDS. The COVID-19 pandemic forced libraries to close on March 18th, to ensure the safety of the community as the virus spread. This challenge presented new opportunities to introduce the vast virtual library resources available to patrons.

“We’re lucky that we have a very smart, and creative staff,” says Alli Jessing, the Head of Adult Curriculum at the Central and East branches. “They are managing to provide services by engaging patrons online. Connecting with people in the community helps to offset the loneliness that many may experience during this pandemic. Books are a wonderful escape—from everything. Audiobooks can help keep your mind busy while doing the mundane; revisiting the classics this way is really nice.”

HERE ARE THREE BOOKS TO HELP YOU ESCAPE AND YOU WILL NOT NEED A MASK.

get lost...in a book!

PAGE TURNERS

Columbia Lifestyle | July 2020

ARTICLE KATRINA HALL

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»

The library hosts two virtual reading challenge groups, one for children ages 4-13, and the other for ages 14 and up.

Jessing describes a variety of contact-free ways to engage with readers online beyond book-clubs.

“We host online classes in genealogy, gardening, DIY for home projects, and language skills. We’ve partnered with Cisco and Gale Courses to provide ‘S.T.E.A.M.’ (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) courses free of charge.”

Visit the Howard County Library homepage at www.hclibrary.org to gain immediate access to our resources and receive a library card.

Check out these summer reads recommended by staff members at the HCPL.

THE HOLDOUT Gupta, who loves organizing Literary Meet the Author events, recommends this twisty, gripping book with a riveting plot, as a definite page turner. Take a pretty young heiress who is murdered, link it with a quick prosecution, only to find 10

ROHINI GUPTA

years later one juror discovering new evidence and you are

Adult Curriculum

hooked! Gupta loves the clever choices made by the Author

Specialist

that raises questions about race, class, and human psychol-

8 years

ogy. If not available at HCLS, check Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and other book stores online.

THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE Seipel, loves exceeding the expectations of patrons who come to the library. It’s the best part of her day! She recommends a beautifully illustrated graphic memoir that details a family’s history in Vietnam, wartime escape, and their adjustment to

JESSICA SEIPEL

American life. Thi Bui’s story illuminates the universal search

Adult Services,

for a better future while still valuing a simpler past. What

Instructor and

Seipel loves the most is the effortless weaving together of the

Research Specialist

author’s personal motherhood story, her parent’s experiences,

17 years

and her understanding of why they are who they are.

THE BEST WE COULD DO Lee, who loves connecting with the library’s diverse group of patrons, recommends this book because of the enormous influence it had on her professional development. Covey’s book, that pioneered the self-help genre, advocates that per-

SUKI LEE

sonal and professional success is based on personality traits,

East Columbia

and principals like honesty, integrity, and a positive attitude.

Library Branch

Two habits Lee embraced is to BE PROACTIVE and BEGIN

Manager

WITH THE END IN MIND. These require one to be responsible,

11 years

take action, plan, and to clearly understand your destination.

CityLifestyle.com/Columbia

19

Dedication by Design CARL BRADY FINDS JOY IN CREATING TRANQUIL SPACES

ARTICLE GABRIELLE LEWIS | PHOTOGRAPHY CARL BRADY 20

Columbia Lifestyle | July 2020

AS THE DURATION OF THE QUARAN-

While mowing lawns in high school,

multi-talented approach to home repair, as

TINE EXTENDS AND SOCIAL DISTANC-

the Maryland native began professional

well as a dedication to producing stunning

ING REMAINS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED,

landscaping in his community before he

results. Along with his team, Brady melds

HOWARD COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE

even learned how to drive. He earned

the beauty of both internal and external

STILL TRYING TO STAY BALANCED.

a double bachelor’s degree in English

spaces to create alluring and tranquil

From music, film, literature to nature—a

and Horticulture from the University of

surroundings for his clients to enjoy. The

variety of activities can help maintain mental

Maryland, College Park. Brady eventually

company also provides home remodeling

and emotional health during these unprec-

developed Nonagon Home and Garden, a

and custom handyman services.

edented times. Garden designer Carl Brady

uniquely talented company that specializes

Spring is the busiest time for Nonagon.

has found that balance through the creative

in residential landscaping. Named for a

Brady has worked seven-day weeks to com-

process of transforming mundane spaces

nine sided polygon, the company’s tagline

plete projects throughout the metro area.

into a beautiful, comfortable oasis.

Perfect from Every Angle encompasses a

Luckily, working outdoors allows him to keep

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Columbia

21

DEDICATION BY DESIGN (CONTINUED)

Lakey Open Fountain Pool

Christine Range Creative mailbox design

his business running while still maintaining

the seasons on the landscape, particularly

make great additions to yards. Native land-

social distancing. For protection, each

winter. He selects specific vegetation to maxi-

scaping — planting local and regional trees,

employee drives in a separate car, donning

mize the longevity of plant life. Garden design

shrubs, flowers and grasses — can attract an

face masks and gloves. They also have an

is both an art and a science, and Brady is

array of birds for homeowners who enjoy the

industrial respirator to use if necessary. All

most happy when he is turned loose with his

sights and sounds wildlife can bring to a gar-

project estimates and financial inquiries are

creativity. Although there is a lack of physical

den. Each birdhouse is different, as the con-

completed solely online.

interaction (much to the chagrin of Brady, who

cept often develops organically, maintaining

Nonagon prides itself on its attention to

is definitely a hugger) his hard work has deeply

a fluid design until its eventual completion.

detail during every step of the home transfor-

touched clients. “I’ve had clients thank me for

With 30 years of experience in garden

mation process. The artistry shines through

creating a beautiful retreat at their home, and it

design and home improvement, Brady believes

the assemblage of plant life and architectural

feels fantastic to be appreciated for something

that each project is memorable in its own

design for each project, contrasting textures,

I love to do,” he said.

way. He uses those decades of experience to

shapes and colors of foliage to create a unique

For the past two years, Brady has also

encourage and educate others. His horticul-

garden masterpiece. Brady’s horticultural

intersected his love of garden design with

tural writing has been featured in numerous

technique involves anticipating the effect of

creating custom birdhouses. Birdhouses

national trade and consumer magazines.

22

Columbia Lifestyle | July 2020

Bulters Pantry

Relationships have blossomed over the years, turning past customers into dear

his second son — for long walks around the neighborhood.

friends. And despite the variety of projects

In the coming months, he is looking

Brady has completed over the course of

forward to completing an intricate lighting

his career, he can say with certainty that

project in the family backyard, extending

his favorite project is his own home.

the capability for outdoor relaxation well

The Brady household is the physi-

into the night. Brady’s creation of beau-

cal manifestation of a lifelong passion.

tiful spaces serves as a reminder to not

Serving as the general contractor for his

only venture out to gain some fresh air

home, Brady has continually updated the

and sunshine but to immerse oneself in

family abode for the last twenty years.

activities that bring joy.

While away from his demanding work, he is happy to spend time cooking for his wife

If

you

need

help

creating

your

own beautiful space don't hesitate to

and teenage son. He also enjoys reading,

contact Carl at 301.633.2133 or visit

watching films and taking his dog — aka

www.nonagonhome.com

“I’VE HAD CLIENTS THANK ME FOR CREATING A BEAUTIFUL RETREAT AT THEIR HOME, AND IT FEELS FANTASTIC TO BE APPRECIATED FOR SOMETHING I LOVE TO DO.” CityLifestyle.com/Columbia

23

LOCALLY OWNED ARTICLE GABRIELLE LEWIS

C o l u m b i a’ s

queen of clean FOR MEMBERS OF THE COLUMBIA COMMUNITY, THE NECESSITY OF A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT HAS BECOME PARAMOUNT WITH THE ANTICIPATION OF REOPENING LOCAL STORES AND BUSINESSES. Frontline worker Lakeysha Claxton is utilizing her talents to bring comfort and support to the community throughout the quarantine lockdown.

Born with a steadfast initiative and a fierce entrepreneurial spirit,

24

Columbia Lifestyle | July 2020

Homeland Custodial Owner Lakeysha Claxton

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Columbia

25

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

Claxton moved from Baltimore to Columbia nearly two decades ago, when she established her family of three beautiful daughters, while attending business courses at the Maryland Center for Entrepreneurship in 2014.

For the past six years, Claxton has used her business

services before the outbreak, they were ready to com-

knowledge to establish Homeland Custodial Services,

bat the spread of the virus through their preparedness.

a company dedicated to providing a disinfected envi-

Adhering to strict CDC guidelines, Homeland Custodial

ronment through customized cleaning.

conducts a two-step process of cleaning and disinfect-

Claxton has taken her professional duties one step

ing every location they visit. The company implements

further and has made extreme efforts to support her

the use of electrostatic spray, which assists in a better

community by hiring more employees. Since the begin-

coating of surfaces allowing for a more complete clean.

ning of the quarantine lockdown in March, the demand

Claxton has set the expectation for all employees

for janitorial and custodial services has skyrocketed

to receive extensive training in public maintenance

while other industries were forced to close their doors.

and safety precautions, including being outfitted in a

Claxton has strived to provide an opportunity for laid-

Tyvek suit (covers from head to toe), PPE masks, and

off union members, increasing her workforce by 150

gloves any time they enter a public space. The state

percent in the last two months from within their ranks.

of Maryland slowly began to relax the stay at home

An extrovert and lover of people, Claxton desired to

restrictions back in May. Since that time, Claxton and

give alternative positions to those who needed them

Homeland Custodial Services have been busy assist-

most, particularly former members of unions. Many of

ing in decontamination efforts.

the individuals laid off from union positions have been

She encourages her colleagues in the industry to

working in this industry since they were young adults,

protect their staff and customers alike, by providing the

and now struggle to navigate an uncertain job market.

proper equipment and working conditions.

The company implements the use of electrostatic spray, which assists in a better coating of surfaces allowing for a more complete clean.

26

Claxton wanted to create a space for new hires to not

Although Claxton has been passionately serving

only gain employment but feel supported by the com-

on the front lines to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,

munity. “I developed this company to not only support

she enjoys her time away from her profession as well.

my family but everyone’s family. My staff, my commu-

A lover of nature and recreational activities, Claxton

nity, the people who come inside of these places—I

is excited about returning to Lake Elkhorn with her

want them to be comforted knowing that we did our

family. She is eager to travel again, and looks forward

best to ensure their own protection from COVID-19.”

to the opportunity to visit her mother and grand-

Homeland Custodial is well-versed in intensive

mother in North Carolina. In the meantime, Claxton

regulations placed on local businesses to reopen. In

has been maintaining her mental health by reaching

2017, Claxton earned a contract with the Department

out towards loved ones, setting a goal to connect with

of Homeland Security, becoming certified in the

at least two people per day. She also has found peace

removal and disposal of bio-hazardous waste. Despite

through weekly Zoom Bible studies and video chat-

the company predominantly undertaking janitorial

ting with friends and family.

Columbia Lifestyle | July 2020

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DIY

beat the summer heat ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

COOL OFF THIS SEASON WITH CHILLING ICE POPS + NO-BAKE SWEET TREATS

frozen fruit pops 28

Columbia Lifestyle | July 2020

P E AC H Y K E E N . + Combine simply peach juice

no-bake icebox cake

and sliced peaches TEA TIME: Change it up by using sweet tea and peach juice as your base and some ginger ale for a little fizz or add some lemonade for a tart twist!

S T R AW - B R R -Y. + Puree strawberries with your favorite fruit juice LIME IT UP: Combine pureed strawberries with homemade limeade (water, limes + simple syrup) for a frozen twist on a summer classic.

H 2 0 M E LO N . + Combine watermelon, cucumber and lime HYDRATION STATION: Did you know watermelon and cucumber are two of the most hydrating fruits + veggies? Load it up!

INGREDIENTS + 3 cups heavy cream, cold

+ Cookie crumbles, pre-made

+ 1/2 cup powdered sugar

cake, chocolate candies, crushed

+ 1 tsp. vanilla extract

graham crackers and anything else

+ Chocolate ice cream

you want to layer your cake with

1. In a large bowl, beat heavy cream, sugar and vanilla with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form in the mixture.

2. Start with a thin layer of whipped cream on the bottom of a springform pan (determine the size by how large or small you want your icebox cake to be).

Then top with an even layer of chocolate (or your favorite kind of ice cream).

3. For the next layer, top with an even layer of cookie crumbles, cake crumbles, chocolate candies, crushed graham crackers or anything else you want to layer your cake with.

4. Continue with layers of whipped cream, ice cream and toppings until you have reached the top of your pan.

5. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, top with more cookie crumbles or chocolate sauce, slice and enjoy!

CityLifestyle.com/Columbia

29

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

Behind the Shield LT. JAMES ZAMMILLO SHARES WHAT IT’S LIKE BEING ON THE FRONT LINES IN THE COMMUNITY.

ARTICLE KATRINA HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY HOWARD COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT

LIFESTYLE RECENTLY SPOKE WITH WATCH COMMANDER JAMES ZAMMILLO, A 16-YEAR VETERAN OF THE HOWARD COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT. Lieutenant Zammillo has served in various assignments including criminal investigations, community services and patrol. He has a Master of Science Degree in Intelligence from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Frostburg State University.

Zammillo oversees a platoon out of the northern district of Howard County with three sergeants; 27 officers altogether. He, like so many other first responders, has bravely placed 30

Columbia Lifestyle | July 2020

himself in harm’s way to secure the safety

or erratic driving. However, some members of the community have

of our community during the coronavirus

mistakenly viewed greatly reduced traffic as an invitation to speed.

pandemic, and we owe all of them a debt

Consequently, Howard County officers have had to change their

of gratitude. When asked to describe the

focus to serious traffic safety violations, like excessive speed, DUIs

changes to his day-to-day duties during this

and other high-risk behaviors. The department uses telecommuni-

pandemic, Zammillo explains: “The depart-

cation to communicate and solve problems where possible in order

ment has really had to change how it does

to reduce exposure. Still, we make it a point to make our presence

day to day operations. I have worked here

known in the community. We have our ‘silent cruise lights’ on major

16 years, and seeing masks in the office and

roadways like routes 40 and 100, and others to reassure people that

taking temperatures before shifts are things

we are there. We have been at local stores and parks, reassuring

I never thought I would see. Depending on

people with our presence,” he said, adding that the “biggest change

the assignment, we spend up to five days a

is having to explain the ‘whys” to people.

week in uniform and are constantly switch-

Every day there are changes and new information like roping

ing everything over and over so we stay

playgrounds off and closing parks, except to foot traffic. Much of

sterile.” He credits Chief Lisa Myers and

this is letting people know what is allowed; what is still safe. The

the department’s senior leadership team for

community, including members of my family have a lot of questions. I

enacting precautions in the early stages of

reassure them that it is fine to go for walks…get some air. I encour-

this crisis. “You see a lot of police forces are

age people to get their outside time. Just be safe about it. Some of

laid down, ill and we have seen above aver-

our guys in the western part of the county get in seven miles a day

age results in that respect.”

around Glenwood Regional Park.”

The department initially decreased its

Zammillo’s home life has been turned upside down by the pan-

traffic contact to attending to the most egre-

demic. His wife is a Montgomery County schoolteacher and is

giously dangerous actions, such as impaired

adjusting to online teaching like so many others. All of this, while

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Columbia

31

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

“I have worked here 16 years, and seeing masks in the office and taking temperatures before shifts are things I never thought I would see.”

taking care of their one-year-old son and four-year-old daughter. “It is chaos,” he said. “When I come home, my daughter wants to come in to hug me, and I am like, ‘No! No!’ I have to shower and make sure everything is sanitary first. Then everyone gets hugs.”

Sundays used to be a time when Zammillo’s extended family, including his sister and nieces, would spend time together. Since his sister is a cardiac physician’s assistant at the University of Maryland, she cannot be around the at-risk family members, like his dad. “I have to be careful not to expose anyone because of my line of work. I am still able to do what I can, but with less contact.

It is an absolute game-changer.”

32

Columbia Lifestyle | July 2020

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In the midst of these stressful times, there are positive takeaways—’silver linings’.

Zammillo says getting back to the community has been a positive result. “I think you definitely get back to being more involved in the community, having to interact closely with people while being physically distanced,” he said. “The outpouring of support has been overwhelming. We have had restaurants bring our people food; we had a shop in Ellicott City offer to help feed families in need. It has been amazing seeing everyone help each other out.”

To you, Lt. Zammillo, and to all of our first responders, we offer our sincere and heartfelt, “thank you” for being our hometown heroes.

CityLifestyle.com/Columbia

33

CULINARY CREATIONS

NOT

SURE

IF

YOU

KNOW,

BUT

MARYLANDERS…WELL, WE LOVE BLUE CRABS! A crab boil is one of many ways we get crabs in our bellies. We know that the Maryland way is the only way, but for the adventurous, we researched unique ways to boil. Listed below are three distinct flavors you can try at home.

INGREDIENTS + Kielbasa sausage + beer (not too dark) + red potatoes + Old Bay

M a ry l a n d crab Boil.

+ Maryland Blue Crabs

For the full recipe, go to www.cameronsseafood.com

INGREDIENTS + smoked turkey sausage + chicken broth + fingerling potatoes + red onion + snow crab legs

Carolina Crab Boil.

For the full recipe, go to www.tasteofhome.com

INGREDIENTS + andouille sausage

+ distilled white vinegar + new potatoes + pearl onions + rice

cajun crab boil.

For the full recipe, go to www.louisiannaseafood.com

h o w d o yo u

boil?

CRAB BOILS CAN BE DIFFERENT DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU COME FROM. WHAT’S IN YOUR BOIL? ARTICLE ANIKA BATY-MILLS 34

Columbia Lifestyle | July 2020

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