Looking for a good Valentine's Day gift? We've got one. Tickets are now available via Eventbrite for an evening with Kyshona at Slayton House on Friday, February 28 at 7PM.

Kyshona's folk, rock, and R&B influences lead to an intriguing sound that's all her own, as you can see and hear in the video for her song "Carolina" on YouTube. We can't wait to see her perform in the intimate setting of the Slayton House Theatre!

Our thanks to Merriweather Arts and Culture Center (MACC) for selecting Slayton House as the venue for this show, and to Compass Realty for its sponsorship of the event.

Earth Day Festival: Join us for the Wilde Lake Earth Day Festival! Enjoy live music, opportunities to connect with local merchants and organizations, and fun, eco-friendly activities for all ages. Don’t miss our Annual Plant Exchange hosted by Wilde Lake CARES—bring a plant, take a plant! Celebrate Earth Day with your community and learn how to live more sustainably.

Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House

Artist Biographies:

Anne Barney, formerly of Ellicott City and now in Rehoboth Beach, DE, is a pastel and white-line woodcut artist. Her paintings are primarily of landscapes she photographs while hiking and she particularly likes those that can be seen only by foot. She tries to capture and communicate the sense of peace and awe she experiences while hiking. In 2021, she started making white-line woodcuts, an art form begun in Provincetown, MA by a group of women artists in 1916. She has exhibited in Rehoboth Beach, DE, Lewes, DE, and Easton, MD.

Barbara Lawson, a former Howard County nonprofit executive, and social worker for the Red Cross, creates found object assemblages out of materials she finds on the street, in the garbage, at yard sales, and elsewhere. Many of her sculptures deal with societal issues, including racism, poverty, refugees, and incarceration, though some of her pieces have a whimsical side. Her work has appeared in Howard County exhibits and she is a member of the Willowbrook painter group.

Bold like the streets of Santo Domingo, where she grew up, LUSMERLIN is a nationally exhibiting multidisciplinary artist, based in Greater Baltimore and holding a Philadelphia practice. She has a professional background as a textile and cement manufacturing chemical engineer. LUSMERLIN’s practice explores her womanhood and identity: the presence of the body in space; the richness and baggage of her complex heritage—African, Arab, Spanish, and Taino; and her metamorphic immigration experience since moving to the U.S. in 2016. LUSMERLIN’s approach “controlled chaos“, results in abstract paintings, installations, photography, and impromptu performances full of whim and force. Beyond art, LUSMERLIN is deeply committed to community engagement, volunteering with organizations that support immigrants, disadvantaged groups, and arts advocacy.

Malynda Madzel is a former entrepreneur and dedicated nonprofit volunteer who served on numerous boards in Howard County. Throughout her various careers and travels, she and her husband developed a large collection of works by local, national, and international artists. They especially liked the works of local artists who were just beginning their careers. While always a lover of vivid colors, she did not begin her artistic career until 2020 when she started her “COVID Career” of painting with bright acrylics to brighten what seemed to be an endless winter. Since then, she has had her exhibits in Columbia and Baltimore City.

Born and raised on the tropical island of Puerto Rico, Dora Diaz Strope grew up surrounded by nature and appreciating the intensity of colors on that island, throughout her travels, and now in Maryland where she lives. Her inspiration comes from observing Mother Nature and how it unfolds in the subjects of landscapes, seascapes, flowers, trees, and other subjects. She has a love for strong colors and remembers one teacher telling her that painting bold colors is in her DNA. Watercolors are her chosen medium of painting because she considers watercolors a magical medium and enjoys how the mixing of colors can bring unexpected results in her paintings. She has exhibited at the Museum of Art, the Casa de Espana, and the Palmas del Mar Gallery, all in Puerto Rico, and galleries in Howard County, Maryland.

Please join us at the opening reception for "Blossoms & Beyond: BWS Signature Member Exhibit" on Sunday, March 9, 2025, from 3 pm to 5 pm. This exhibition is part of Blossom of Hope's county-wide art show and will include watercolor paintings from 50 members of the Baltimore Watercolor Society. The celebration will include light refreshments, a short presentation, and an award ceremony with cash prizes for exhibiting artists. Registration is required, we hope to see you there!

Club Wilde Lake

Unlock your Child's Potential with Our Exciting After-School Sessions!

At Club Wilde Lake, we're dedicated to providing a well-rounded, engaging, and educational after-school experience. Our Program is designed to nurture students' interests, enhance their skills, and ensure they have fun while learning. Join us for an enriching journey where your child will explore new horizons and develop essential life skills. To register, click here!

Anchors Up! (Mon & Wed, 3-5pm @ Slayton House) The Anchors Up program is a positive youth development program that offers training to students to focus on improving relationships, emotional intelligence, wellness, goal setting, etiquette training, and study skills. The program includes instruction from the Love Notes curriculum which is designed to help prevent unplanned pregnancy by providing teens with information to make wise relationship choices. The program also provides information on preventing relationship violence and helps teens create a clear plan to avoid pregnancy and STDs. Max 30 Students.

iCode (Tues, Wed, & Thurs, 3-5 pm @ Slayton House) The iCode program in Howard County, Maryland, is an educational initiative focused on teaching coding and computer science to students. The program offers classes and workshops that cover various programming languages and technologies, aiming to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. By providing a hands-on, project-based learning environment, iCode seeks to prepare students for future careers in technology and foster a strong foundation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines. Max 10 Students.

Making Change (select Fridays @ Slayton House): February 21^st, March 7^th

3:30 – 5:00 pm

The MakingChange program in Maryland is a financial wellness initiative designed to empower individuals and families to achieve economic stability and independence. The program offers various services, including financial education workshops, one-on-one counseling, budgeting, saving, debt management, and credit improvement resources. By providing these tools and guidance, MakingChange aims to help participants make informed financial decisions, improve their economic well-being, and ultimately achieve long-term financial goals. Max 30 Students.

YMCA (Tues & Thurs, 3-5 pm @ Slayton House): The YMCA Afterschool Program in Maryland provides a safe and supportive environment for children after school hours. The program focuses on academic enrichment, physical activity, and social development. Activities include homework assistance, STEM projects, arts and crafts, sports, and recreational games. The YMCA aims to foster a sense of community, promote healthy lifestyles, and enhance the overall well-being of participants by offering structured, fun, and educational experiences. Max 30 Students. 

Donations are being accepted by the Community Foundation on behalf of Club Wilde Lake click here or QR code for information.

Wilde Lake Schools

Join Wilde Lake HS Band for a night of Bingo with amazing prizes…Game Baskets are valued at $150 and up, Special Game Baskets $300 and up, Door Prize raffle items, and a 50/50 Raffle. Choose to include dinner and enjoy a delicious fresh Burrito Bowl, beverage, and dessert. Visit the WLHS Band website for details and pricing information. Enjoy a fun night of Bingo while supporting a great cause!

Covenant Corner

Next RAC Meeting: February 25, 2025

Applications for the RAC meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 2025, are due on February 18, 2025. If you have input about any pending application or would like meeting information, please contact Lexi Levy Milani at covenants@wildelake.org by 2PM on Monday, Feb. 24.

Agendas, schedules, forms, and more are always available on WLCA's Covenants page.

Minutes - February 11, 2025

Holiday Decorations

This is just a reminder that per Section 3.6 of the Architectural Guidelines and Maintenance Standards, holiday decorations in Wilde Lake must be removed no longer than 14 days after any holiday. Thank you!

Happenings at Slayton House

The Prayer Service occurs in the Conference Room at Slayton House

Village Election News

Interested in running for the Wilde Lake Village Board? The application process will be available at www.wildelake.org on Tuesday, February 11^th. Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, March 5^th at 5:00 pm. 

Wilde Lake in the Community

Volunteer Opportunity:

Columbia Cleans Day is a community-wide volunteer event where residents across Columbia come together to clean up parks, pathways, and public spaces. This annual initiative with the Columbia Association and Wilde Lake CARES fosters community pride, environmental stewardship, and a cleaner, greener community for all. We hope you will volunteer at our event! Please register before 3/21/25 to give our team a headcount for supplies. Trash bags, trash pickers, gloves, sanitizer, and vests will be provided. Register here!

Wilde Lake CARES

News from Hillside by Bill Santos

Columbia Association News

Aquatics Hiring Information - Columbia Association

CA has kicked off engagement efforts around the annual budget, and the team wants to know what matters most to YOU! This is a great chance to provide your input on investments in our community. You can learn more about the budget process at ColumbiaAssociation.org/budget and participate in the first of three online surveys here.

Upcoming Meetings

Join the Howard County Pan Hellenic Council for the Annual Black History Expo on Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 11:00 AM- 4:00 PM at Long Reach High School.

This Free event features a variety of local nonprofits, vendors, and a program that focuses on the Black History Month theme.

Howard County Celebrates Black History Month

The Department of Recreation and Parks is partnering with other government departments and community organizations to host and promote various activities and celebrations to commemorate Black History Month. Click on the button below for the listing of activities.

County Executive Seeks Two Members for Advisory Board on Consumer Protection

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball is seeking two applicants interested in serving on the Advisory Board on Consumer Protection. The applicants for these openings should be affiliated with a civic group that advocates for consumer issues or a group that represents local business interests in Howard County. 

The deadline to apply for these vacancies is Feb. 14, 2025.

Board member responsibilities include participating in community activities, developing programs, conducting research, reviewing legislation, and advising the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) and the County Executive on policies, programs, and practices that can improve consumer protection-related services.

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be Howard County residents, be 18 years of age or older, have an interest in consumer issues, and be able to attend board meetings and contribute to activities and programs as needed throughout the month and term of service. Meetings are held virtually or in person on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Department of Community Resources and Services, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia.

If you would like more information about serving as a commission member and to apply, you can visit www.howardcountymd.gov/boards-commissions. If you have any questions about the application process, please email ApplyBC@howardcountymd.gov.

Americans lost $1.14 billion to romance scams in 2023. That number is likely low as heartache and shame result in underreporting. The Howard County Office of Consumer Protection provides tips on spotting and avoiding a bogus suitor or friend this February.https://tinyurl.com/OCPRomanceScam

Wilde Lake Staff is Here to Help!

Wilde Lake Community Association staff is available to assist residents Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. via email and phone or in person by appointment.

Executive Director/Village Manager: Sharon Cooper-Kerr, scooperkerr@wildelake.org

Facility Rentals: Kate Kolarik, rentals@wildelake.org

Covenant Advisor: Lexi Milani, covenants@wildelake.org (exterior alterations, compliance letters & property maintenance issues)

Event Coordinator: Karly Maroney, events@wildelake.org

Program Administrative Assistant: LaJoy Mosby, admin@wildelake.org

Front Desk and Facility Assistant: Lisa Yerrid, reception@wildelake.org

Technical Director: Luke Greffen, audiovisualtech@wildelake.org

Wilde Lake Welcome Bags!

Are you a new Wilde Lake resident? Wilde Lake Community Association would like to welcome you to the community with a special new resident welcome bag. It includes helpful information from Howard County and Columbia Association plus a few WLCA goodies. Do you have a new neighbor? This is a wonderful way for you to welcome them to the neighborhood. Please contact reception@wildelake.org or call 410-730-3987 to make arrangements to pick up a welcome bag. 

Wilde Lake Village Board 2024-2025

The next meeting of the 2024-2025 Wilde Lake Village Board will be held on

Monday, March 3, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be conducted as a hybrid meeting (Zoom Link). Agendas are found on our website.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Please send your resume and letter of interest to Sharon Cooper-Kerr, Executive Director/Village Manager at wlca@wildelake.org. Only qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. 

For more information on rental space, visit our website at https://www.wildelake.org/rentals or contact Kate Kolarik at rentals@wildelake.org