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Howard County Flag Design Public Meeting: September 30
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced that the Howard County Flag Commission will host a hybrid public hearing on Monday, September 30th at 6:00 p.m. at the George Howard Building, located at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City, to gather community input on the 184 designs under consideration for a new official Howard County flag.
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Howard County Landscape Manual: Your Comments Needed: October 1; 7:00 PM
The current manual was adopted in 1993 and provides landscaping regulations and guidance for new residential and commercial developments. The Landscape Manual directs items such as required landscape plantings, the type of perimeter landscape buffers and screening required between adjacent land uses, the perimeter and internal landscaping for parking lots, and the placement of street trees.
The Department of Planning and Zoning and its consultant team will engage property owners, the development community, and other Howard County Government agencies to discuss the Manual’s regulations to continue forward, areas for modifications and identifying new topic areas to be addressed. This rewrite process is scheduled to conclude in mid-2025.
Check this link for updated information and drafts as the rewrite process progresses.
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Columbia Association: Survey #1 Ready For Your Input!.....Your Feedback is Needed
CA kicked off the FY2026 Budget process and needs your feedback! What matters most to YOU in YOUR community! Learn more about the budget process at ColumbiaAssociation.org/budget
and participate in the first of three online surveys here.
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Jazz Brunch Picnic
Saturday, October 5, 11:30am-1pm
Howard County Conservancy
Bring your brunch picnic and relax listening to jazz by High Caliber in the Howard County Conservancy's garden amphitheater. Orange juice and mimosas will be on sale.
The event is FREE. For more information and to register, visit howardnature.org.
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Lake Kittamaquandi Dredging Project Update
Columbia Association (CA) will be dredging sediment from Lake Kittamaquandi starting in November and running through February 15. Dredging has been done many times in prior years with great success.
CA will attend the October 23 Town Center Community Association Board Meeting to give an update on the project. The area being dredged can be seen HERE.
To view CA's Large Lake Management Plan Click HERE.
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Hiring School Crossing Guards Event: Click HERE | |
Activities With Parks & Rec!
Online registration for Recreation & Parks' 2024 Fall Activity Guide began August 7th for Howard County residents. With a plethora of sports, activities and seasonal events scheduled this upcoming season, there is something to keep everyone active and entertained in this Fall Activity Guide.
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Fall Concert Sponsoring by The Village in Howard; October 13; 6:00PM
For three years, Dr. Tom Benjamin has entertained TVIH members with creative sessions about music through his very popular LISTEN Series. Now Tom will share jazz and swing music with The Chalice Messengers, at this special Fall Concert. The Messengers have played together for almost twenty years. They will provide a mix of jazz, pop, and swing music. At this concert, the Messengers will offer a fresh take on some old favorites. Join us at The Meeting House, 5885 Oliver Place for this unique concert. Please head over to the TVIH website to purchase your tickets: https://tinyurl.com/4rj5cd2w
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Merriweather Has More Concerts for You!
Live music at iconic Merriweather Post Pavilion runs through October 9!
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 District Fall Activities; Fun For All Ages | |
Check out the Fall 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 what new restaurants are open in the Merriweather District by CLICKING HERE.
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Video Highlight Of The Week | |
World record highest dominoes tower at the Washington DC Building Museum. Check it out.
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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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What is Up With 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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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.
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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
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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.
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ALERT: Report non-emergencies to:
410-313-2200.
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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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Courtesy of Wikipedia
This week's Fun Facts is about Columbia's acronyms....(click on each full name for more information)
CA: stands for Columbia Association. CA is a nonprofit community services corporation that manages Columbia, MD, home to approximately 100,000 people. CA maintains nearly 3,600 acres of open space as a permanent asset to the community. Neighborhood amenities include lakes, parks, tot lots, basketball and tennis courts and 95 miles of pathways to connect residents to amenities. CA offers many programs and activities for community members to enjoy. CA also works to encourage the community to embrace its diversity, not only in race but in age, religion, gender and economic status as well.
CFA: stands for Columbia Festival of the Arts. CFA presents both free and ticketed events, featuring world-class performances, exhibitions, The Columbia Film Festival, The Columbia Arts Channel, concerts, family activities, master classes, workshops and community dialogues.
DCACC: stands for Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission. DCACC is a not-for-profit community organization dedicated to growing arts, culture and community in Merriweather Post Pavilion and throughout Downtown Columbia. As owners of Merriweather Post Pavilion, we work to enhance this cultural centerpiece and the majestic woodland park that surrounds it through artistic and community programs and stewardship. In collaboration with community partners, businesses, government, and educational institutions, we produce, present and promote artistic and learning programs that engage, uplift, and inspire.
DTC: stands for Downtown Columbia Partnership. Downtown Columbia Partnership proudly serves a new urban district that embraces its future as an exceptional business, residential, retail, and cultural destination. We promote the growth and vitality of this community and its businesses, implement beautification projects, support transportation initiatives, and host events that bring people together.
IAT: stands for Inner Arbor Trust. IAT is a not-for-profit trust that controls Symphony Woods pursuant to a perpetual easement granted by CA in 2014 (the “Perpetual Easement”). The Perpetual Easement requires that the Trust develop Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods into a destination arts and culture park in accordance with the 2013 Inner Arbor Plan. In addition to opening and operating the Chrysalis amphitheater, the Trust manages a substantial portion of the Park for recreational use.
TCAA: stands for Columba Town Center Residential Community Association. TCAA is a not-for-profit organization that represents the village of Town Center and its 6,800+ residents in apartments, condominiums, townhomes and single family homes advocating for quality of life, to increase social engagement, and to foster a sense of community and safety for all in our mixed-use neighborhoods.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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