2025 Village Board Elections
All villages have different election procedures as independent corporations just like we have 50 states in the USA with different voting procedures.
You must be a resident of Town Center living in a Town Center annexed area/property to run for election to the Board and must not have any current covenant violations.
2025 Town Center Village Election Calendar
February 3: Candidate Application available to download on this date and not before (HERE): Nomination Period Begins
February 3 – March 2 (by NOON): Application period for candidates for Village Board closes. No exceptions.
March 2 (NOON EST): Deadline to submit candidate applications. Application Period Ends March 2 at Noon EST. No exceptions.
The application is not complete and accepted without a signed original application and your Candidate’s Statement delivered ELECTRONICALLY to the Village Manager’s Office via email at VillageManager@ColumbiaTownCenter.org. NOTE: Candidate statements should be in a Microsoft Word format and no more than 150 words.
April 10, 7:15 pm-8-45pm*: Candidates Forum at Historic Oakland and/or via Zoom Meeting if there is a contested election*.
April 26*: Lease Agreement/Voting: If you live in a rental apartment in the Village of Town Center or a condo/townhouse/single family house that you do not own, you must have a copy of a current lease agreement on file to participate in the Town Center Village election. Please email a copy to villagemanager@columbiatowncenter.org or drop it off at Historic Oakland, 5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia, MD no later than Friday, April 18 at 5pm EST or on election day you can present your most recent utility bill or valid drivers’ license with your name on it showing your Town Center address.
April 26*: Election Day*
*NOTES*: *If there are fewer or equal candidates for Village Board than there are Board seats there will be no election and all candidates will be deemed elected per TCCA’s By-Laws. In that case, there will not be a Candidates’ Forum and an election will not be held on April 26.*
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January 20: Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On Our National Holiday
More Information About MLK: Click HERE
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Participating Restaurants and Menus: Click HERE | |
KidSpace Adventure Day: January 20
Date & Time: Monday, Jan 20 @ 9am - 6pm
Location: Columbia Athletic Club; 5435 Beaverkill Road
Wondering where to take your kids when school is out?
Our adventure days are packed with games, arts and crafts, swimming and roller-skating (at Supreme Sports Club only).
Kids will enjoy hours of fun and parents can relax knowing lunch is included with a delicious pizza meal!
REGISTER YOUR KIDS
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Winter Preparedness....Help Your Neighbors!
It’s that time of year again to prepare for wintry precipitation and make sure that you have all the tools that you may need to get through a snowy day. When snow falls, it is the responsibility of the property owners for clearing all sidewalks that abut their property.
Please refrain from parking on streets after snowfall, especially on a cul-de-sac because it makes snow removal nearly impossible for highway crews. Parking in one’s driveway allows police officers, firefighters, and paramedics to respond quickly to public safety tasks while driving in treacherous conditions and leads to quick and complete clearing of the roads.
The Bureau of Highways provides access for emergency vehicles during life-threatening individual emergencies such as birth, illness, death, fuel deliveries, or fire upon the request of either the Police Department or the Department of Fire and Rescue Services. If you are experiencing an emergency situation during a snow event, call 911 immediately.
Here are some useful links for more information:
Bureau of Highways
Howard County School Closings
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Gateway Master Plan Presentation
Weigh in on Gateway's Future!
In September, our team gathered public feedback on three master plan options for the redevelopment of Gateway. Now we're ready to share a preferred master plan option!
Join us at the public meeting to hear a presentation about the preferred option and share your input.
Meeting Option #1: In-Person on January 21
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Time: 5:30-7:30 pm
(Doors open at 5:15 pm, presentation at 5:30 pm)
Location:
Recreation and Parks Headquarters, 7120 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, Maryland 21046
Register to Attend the In-Person
Meeting: Though not required, registration is preferred so event organizers can contact attendees in the event of inclement weather.
Meeting Option #2: Virtual on January 22
Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Time: 2:00-4:00 pm
Location:
Webex Virtual Meeting
Register to Attend the Virtual Meeting
Registration is required to receive the Webex virtual meeting link.
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Support Group.....Be Heard
· Committed to the work of justice, equality, and dignity?
· Seeking ways to avoid burnout and despair in the face of opposition?
· Looking for strength within and outside of yourself?
· Looking for a community that will hear and support you?
Check Out the Kittamaqundi Community Church Group HERE.
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Climate Careers: Make a Difference!:
January 30; 6:00 PM
FREE
High school and college students interested in climate careers can attend a virtual climate career expo sponsored by the Conservancy's Youth Climate Institute, with speakers by Climate Action Now, JHU Sustainability, Minorities in Aquaculture, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and more.
Register here
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2025 Legislation Proposed By the Howard County Delegation: Make Your Voice Heard!
The Howard County Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly proposed local legislation and legislative bond initiatives for 2025. CLICK HERE
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Summer 2025: New CA Pool Managers & Lifeguards Needed!: Great Benefits
Click HERE for more details.
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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.
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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 what new restaurants are open in the Merriweather District by CLICKING HERE.
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VENDOR REGISTRATION ONLY: CLICK HERE | |
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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Video Highlight Of The Week | Repeat from last week react to first snow!: CLICK HERE. | |
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Acronyms in Columbia
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 6,900+ 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. Areas/properties annexed into Town Center are part of TCCA.
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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.
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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.
7) It is "porch pirate" time so protect your holiday deliveries.
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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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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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