Books In Bloom: May 10; 10AM - 4PM
Merriweather District’s signature book festival, Books in Bloom, is back for its 9th year, bringing together community with top storytellers for a day of fun and discovery, packed with exciting activities for all ages. This year’s festival will feature Kwame Alexander—the multi-talented creator behind bestselling books, TV shows, and podcasts—alongside award-winning novelists Eric Puchner and Laurie Frankel.
This free outdoor event is presented by the Downtown Columbia Partnership and Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. in Merriweather District’s Color Burst Park and has been a must-attend festival since 2017.
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Parents Planning For Kids' Summer Activities: A Lot of Choices for All.....Some Free!
Parents always want to give their kids of all ages fun activities and events to participate in during all times of the yeespecially during the summer. Howard County Government, the Columbia Association, Howard County Public Schools, churches and social services groups offer extensive programs that are both FREE and PAID. These programs are promoted via social media, in classrooms, through mailings, online and in-person at events held throughout the year.
Below is a very short list of the numerous programs for kids throughout the County that can assist. There are many, many more. Hopefully one of them may interest you and your children.
Resource List (Click on Links Below. Some links will be active soon when camp details are available):
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Open Space Dashboard: CA
Columbia Association owns and maintains more than 3,600 acres of open space and 114 miles of pathways, providing residents with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Columbia Association open space project information is now available to residents online via CA's Project & Access Dashboard. Visit
columbiaassociation.org/open-space/development/real-estate-services/ and click on the Dashboard. You can view various projects, access, and requests currently taking place on CA open space.
| | | Merriweather District Winter Activities; Fun For All Ages | |
Check out the Winter calendar at the Merriweather District and get in the FUN MOOD! Fun for the whole family. New restaurants opening soon!
Click Here for the full schedule.
Check out the new restaurants in the Merriweather District by CLICKING HERE.
| | | VENDOR REGISTRATION ONLY: CLICK HERE | | Video Highlight Of The Week | |
Europe travel tips for 2025. Despite tariffs you can still find great spots for your vacations.
Click Here.
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Fun Facts that everyone needs to know.
May is named after the Greek goddess Maia, who was the goddess of fertility and growth.
May Day is a public holiday celebrated on May 1st or the first Monday in May (in the United Kingdom).
May was originally the third month of the year but was later moved to the fifth position by the Romans.
No month other than May ever begins or ends on the same day of the week, in the same year.
May is the month of Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, and spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
The birthstone of May is emerald, which signifies love and success.
The birth flower of May is the Lily of the Valley.
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Town Center's CA Board Rep
I'm eager to keep you updated on CA news and look forward to hearing your valuable input on how we can enhance our neighborhood together. Follow my adventures on the board through my blog:
https://medium.com/@csullivan.columbia
I am a huge coffee drinker — I’m always up for a cup and a chat! Feel free to reach me at: collin.sullivan@ca-board.org
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Live music at iconic Merriweather Post Pavilion is revving up for Summer and Fall 2025!
Get your group together and come on out to the best concert venue in the area! Whether it is an indoor seat or the famous Lawn, you are sure to have an amazing party. From Country to Rock and Heavy Metal to New Age, Merriweather has it all!
Click here for tickets
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Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods
Join in the fun and visit the Chrysalis! The new season starts this weekend.
Get tickets to events HERE.
Also, check out the Howard County Arts Council calendar is a great resource as you plan your arts outings.
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Little Free Pantry: Open Every Day
Vantage Point Park
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Help your fellow neighbors in need by donating when you are able. Located in Vantage Point Park just off the main street at 5440 Vantage Point Road.
A few tips, reminders and needed items......
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No FRESH FRUIT as it spoils quickly in the heat.
- Stay COVID safe and wipe down supplies, knobs and door handles
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Do NOT donate items in GLASS containers (could break when removing items from Pantry)
- Check expiration dates and make sure they are CURRENT and NOT expired
- Soups (pop top preferred)
- Mac and cheese, Granola and Protein bars
- Packs of crackers and cheese
- Toiletries
- Juice boxes, Tuna or canned meats
The story of the Pantry from Joel Broida: Click HERE.
| | neighbors helping neighbors | | Town Center Community Association Needs Volunteers! |
What is your expertise or passion? We need volunteers to assist in many different areas including the below:
- Young People Events
- Elections
- Senior Events
- Gardening Experts
- Safety Patrols
Interested? Send an email to:
covenants@columbiatowncenter.org
| | | See Something, Say Something | |
Top Safety Tips: Add AirTags or Tiles To Your Car To Track Your Vehicles!
Resident safety is critical. A few tips from the Howard County Police Department (HCPD):
1) By dialing 911 for emergencies and in progress incidents, or to have an Officer dispatched to a location.
2) By dialing 410-313-2200, this is the HCPD (non-emergency) dispatch number. 410-290-Drug (Drug tip line) and 410-313-STOP (Anonymous Tip Line).
3) www.hcpd.org, There is a section of the website near the bottom where you can file an on-line report. Details for filing a report are explained on the website. If you do NOT report it, then HCPD can not investigate it.
4) Lock your cars, homes, garage doors and apartments as a lot of crime involves "crimes of opportunity" where thieves test for unlocked doors.
5) Tools for community associations, groups and residents CLICK HERE for Community Outreach.
6) Put an Apple AirTag or Tile (for Andriod phones) in your car to track your car if it is ever stolen.
7) It is "porch pirate" time everyday so protect all of your deliveries.
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ALERT: Report non-emergencies to:
410-313-2200.
| | Things To Do In Howard County |
Howard County is full of exciting entertainment, a vibrant arts community and great family fun. Fun awaits around every corner!
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Howard County Food Bank
Is Here To Help
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Give the Gift of HOPE!
To better serve the local community and improve ease of accessibility, the Community Action Council of
Howard County (CAC) will have community service workers stationed at the following locations during the following extended times:
Howard County Food Bank
Tuesdays, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Wednesdays, 1:00 am - 7:00 pm
Thursdays, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
ADDRESS:
9385 Gerwig Lane, Suite J
Columbia, MD 21046
410-313-6185
Laurel MultiService Center*
Wednesdays, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thursdays, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
*The Laurel MultiService Center is included along the Purple Bus route.
Learn more at www.CAC-HC.org or call 410-313-6440.
| | | Howard County Wants To Know! | |
Report water main breaks, broken street signs, and more on Howard County's mobile app and website Tell Hoco. Residents can report non-emergency issues which the county will assign to the responsible department. Simply download the TellHoCoApp on your mobile phone or visit https://www.howardcountymd.gov/tell-hoco
If you have a question, but you're not sure who to ask, send us an email at
Ask@howardcountymd.gov.
| | | Hold Your Next Meeting Or Event Here...Right In Your Neighborhood! |
Spread the word that we are open and ready for your meeting business! Tell your friends and family that they can have a socially-distanced board meeting, event, and staff meeting in a beautiful historic mansion that is right in your own community. Contact Facility Manager Lori Tracy today at yourevent@historic-oakland.com, for rental details on dates and specials!
Visit the website to learn more about the space and elegance of Historic Oakland, located at 5430 Vantage Point Road in Columbia.
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Senior Call Check Program
Maryland is the first state in the country to start a free, automated telephone service to check in on Maryland's older residents, all across the state. Available for those 65 years and older.
Give your family, friends and yourself the piece of mind knowing that someone will check on you.
Click HERE to find out more and to register.
| | | Howard County Public Schools Supporting Town Center | |
Are you interested in what’s happening at the public schools that support Town Center? Check out the school and PTA websites listed below for important information about school news, events and services.
Bryant Woods Elementary School: Click here for the school website and click here for the BWES PTA website.
Running Brook Elementary School: Click here for the school website and click here for the RBES PTA website.
Swansfield Elementary School: Click here for the school website and click here for the PTA website.
Wilde Lake Middle School: Click here for the school website and click here for the WLMS PTSA website.
Wilde Lake High School: Click here for the school website, click here for the WLHS PTSA website and click here for the WLHS Boosters website.
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Need to Talk? Call 211, Press 1
Problems with depression? Anxiety? Thoughts of suicide? Drugs or Alcohol?
Call Maryland's helpline: Call 211, press 1 or text your zip code to 898-211 (TXT-211).
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| | District 4 Community Notes |
Deb Jung, Howard County Council member, publishes a weekly newsletter featuring information about what's happening in District 4, from construction projects and zoning requests to the many musical, theatrical, and family-oriented events that take place every weekend.
Click Here to read her newsletter and sign up for her weekly emails.
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| | Columbia Association Board |
Below is a link to the Columbia Association Board of Directors web page. Learn who your representatives are and what they are doing to improve the quality of life for all residents in Columbia.
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| Town Center Village Board |
Town Center Village Board members are elected to two-year terms by the members of the Town Center Community Association. The Village Board meets at Historic Oakland each month on the 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 pm. The Architectural Committee meets the same night, during the Village Board meeting. All residents are welcome to attend in person with advance notice or via ZOOM during COVID. Just email villlagemanager@columbiatowncenter.org for the Zoom link. You can find the agenda the week before the meeting at www.ColumbiaTownCenter.org/board-news/meetings and minutes of past meetings at
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Town Center Community Association
Phone 410-730-4744
Historic Oakland
5430 Vantage Point Road
Columbia, MD 21044
Lyn Locke, Village Manager
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