April 2012 ELECTION EDITION Town Center Village Election: April 21, 2012

Town Center has three candidates for two seats on the Vil- A 10% QUORUM OF lage Board of Directors. The candidates are, in alphabetical order, Mohan Ray, Helen Ruther, and Linda Wengel. The TOWN CENTER HOUSE- COLUMBIA term of office is May 1, 2012-April 30, 2014. Candidates’ HOLDS IS REQUIRED TOWN statements are on the second and third pages of this FOR A VALID ELECTION! CENTER newsletter. SUPPORT YOUR There is one candidate for Columbia Council Representa- tive, Suzanne Waller. In the 1980 election the Town Center COMMUNITY residents passed a referendum that when an election is un- BY VOTING! C contested for Columbia Council Representative, the nomi- A second Center Fold will be nee is deemed elected and the Board of Directors shall ap- mailed to each household in point the nominee to the position of Representative to the April with an absentee ballot Columbia Council (By-Laws section 4.04). Therefore, Suz- and postage-paid return enve- E anne Waller has been re-elected to serve a two-year lope in it. term, from May 1, 2012-April 30, 2014. And the Oscars go to… Patti Laidig, Pat Loeber, Nadia Herron and their N supporting cast of part-timers by Linda Wengel (This is the opinion of the writer and not of the Town Center Board.)

If you don’t recognize these names, please know that they are the stars that keep the Town T Center Community Association running in an exemplary fashion. They serve as liaisons to the community, including the Columbia Association, the Howard County government and all its de- partments, answer questions and address concerns of Town Center residents. They are won- derful custodians of our beautiful historic Oakland Manor, which is shared with the community for beautiful family celebrations, business and organization meetings. E Meet Patti Laidig, Village Manager Patti, who manages all aspects of Town Center’s activities, was born in Cranford, New Jersey and has lived in Columbia with her husband and two now grown children since 1979. Her edu- R cational background is in political science and government. She is a graduate of the prestigious Leadership Howard County program and plays a leadership role in League of Women Voters of Howard County. While her son and daughter were in school, Patti was president of the Booster Association.

Meet Pat Loeber, Assistant Village Manager, Covenant Advisor, Program/Event Coordinator (Wow, three jobs all performed superbly.) F Pat hails from Lorain, Ohio and has lived in Columbia for 27 years, with her husband and son, who is now a Howard County General Hospital nurse. Her varied education includes degrees in history and French and a J.D. from George Washington University School of Law. Pat, who is an avid fan of PBS’ Downton Abbey (aren’t we all) and Masterpiece Mystery, loves singing alto in her church choir. O Meet Nadia Herron, Facility Coordinator Nadia is the newest addition to the Town Center staff. She is a real live native of Columbia, and attended Oakland Mills High School. She is currently studying management at University of L University College. She and her husband and two young daughters live in County, but in their spare time, they enjoy partaking of the many amenities Columbia has to of- fer.

Patti, Pat and Nadia all share a vision for Town Center that includes a mix of residences, busi- D nesses, restaurants and entertainment that will attract young people and provide us all with a vital and active village life. CANDIDATES’ STATEMENTS joyed interacting with the village residents and help- ing to answer their questions and resolve the prob- VILLAGE BOARD: (There are three candidates for lems they brought to the village office. two open seats.) I was the first Council Representative/ CA Board MOHAN RAY: member from Town Center when we moved here in 1974. I very much enjoyed my time on the Council Reason for Wanting to Serve on the Village particularly working with Jim Rouse who was then Board: Chairman of the CA Board. The timing is just right for me. This is very important time in the history of Columbia in moving forward into I was appointed to the Village Board in 2010 and the future. I want to work hard as a board member have enjoyed the collegial atmosphere in which the for the people of the town center and make a differ- board works. My special interest in joining the board ence. then was to help to review the development of Town Center which was beginning. The board has worked Pertinent Interests/Experience: diligently in reviewing the various documents which I will be able to provide extra support with the archi- guide the downtown plan and writing and giving testi- tectural guidelines because of my 35 years of engi- mony to the appropriate entity. Now that the first neering and project management experience. Also, I neighborhood, Warfield, is about to be started, I’d work extremely well in team work to resolve issues. like to continue that work. I feel my 15 years on the Candidate’s Statement: Howard County Planning Board serving alternately I would like to become a Columbia Town Center Vil- as chairman and vice-chairman give me a unique lage Board Member, first and foremost, because I perspective with which to do that. have the desire to help build a better future for the Town Center. As a long time resident of Columbia, I LINDA WENGEL: feel the need now, to volunteer my time and energy Reason for Wanting to Serve on the Village to work with other Board members and the council in Board: making the right decisions to improve the quality of It is a wonderful way to be involved in this special life for all. The thirty year master plan that was ap- place-Columbia, Maryland. proved by the Howard County Council is going to be implemented in three phases. At this very important Pertinent Interests/Experience: moment in the history of the place I live in and love, I Politics/6 years experience on TC Village Board. Ac- want to be part of it. My 35 years of work experience tive member League of Women Voters. Osher at as a registered professional engineer and 15 years Johns Hopkins University Advisory Board. of volunteering with the Leukemia Lymphoma Soci- Candidate’s Statement: ety, give me the confidence that I can make a differ- I am seeking another term on the Town Center ence for the Town Center. Board of Directors, so that I may continue the work I HELEN RUTHER: have been engaged in for the past several years dealing with Downtown development. As we ap- Reason for Wanting to Serve on the Village proach the advent of the actual “first shovel in the Board: ground” in the coming months in our own backyard, I As a pioneer resident of Town Center I’ve always believe my experience in studying and making sense been interested in serving the community. I’m par- of the Downtown legislation, Design Guidelines, Final ticularly interested in the development of Downtown. Development Plans and more, will serve Town Cen- ter residents well as the Board monitors develop- Pertinent Interests/Experience: ment. 18 year as a covenant advisor & administrative as- sistant to Town Center. 15 years on the Howard My principal concern revolves around assuring that County Planning Board. the promises of walkability and pedestrian accessibil-

Candidate’s Statement: ity in Downtown become a reality. Traffic control As a pioneer resident of Columbia and Town Center I around the Mall is also a major issue for residents have always been interested in the governance of who live around the Mall as well as the thousand of the community and in enhancing a sense of commu- weekly mall visitors. nity here. I think I did that during the 18 years I I would appreciate your vote, once again, so that I worked in the village office as a covenant advisor may continue to represent your interests. and all round assistant to the village manager. I en- COLUMBIA COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE: (There is one candidate for one open seat.) Due to a ref- APRIL 21, 2012 SATURDAY erendum passed in 1980, Suzanne Waller is deemed elected because her candidacy was un- POLL HOURS & LOCATIONS: contested. VANTAGE POINT ROAD PARK GAZEBO:

SUZANNE WALLER: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Reason for Wanting to Serve on the Columbia Vantage Point Road is off Little Patuxent Park- Council from Town Center: way. Look for directional signs. Voting will , in building the new town of Columbia, take place in Historic Oakland’s Town Center wanted to “improve the quality of life for people living Room in the event of inclement weather. or working in Columbia.” This ideal offers me the op- portunity, as a resident of Town Center, Columbia, to Note: There is only one polling site this year! continue to work to improve the quality of life for peo- ple living/working in Columbia. I am committed to im- WHO MAY VOTE: proving public Safety, a pristine and healthy environ-  Tenants of each unit are collectively ment, improving resident interaction, and mainte- entitled to one vote. nance and growth of the Columbia Association’s and  Owners of each unit are collectively en- Town Center’s Village board’s services to residents titled to one vote. with attention to Columbia’s new Downtown.  All voters must show proof of owner- ship or residency. Pertinent Interests/Experience: Since arriving in Columbia I have felt a commitment to participate in building “a better City”. I have served TOWN CENTER on Town Center’s Village Board as a member for many years, as chairperson for 6 years, chair of Co- CANDIDATES’ lumbia combined Boards, chair of the international and Multicultural program, the Columbia Council as FORUM vice chair, with emphasis on fiscal responsibility, transparency, the environment, and collaborative ef- APRIL 4 forts with other Columbia/Howard County agencies. I have recently been appointed to the Howard County WEDNESDAY Police Department’s Citizen Advisory Committee. 7:00 P.M.

Candidate’s Statement: Thank you for your support of my candidacy to the VANTAGE HOUSE Columbia Council/Columbia Association Board of Di- AUDITORIUM rectors . It’s election time again. I want to let you 5400 Vantage Point Road know what the Council and I have been up to during this time. I have supported the dredging of Colum- bia’s three lakes, the ongoing care of our Open Space, efforts to be transparent, and engage resi- VOTING MADE EASY dents in CA’s decision making processes. I lead the MAIL-IN/ABSENTEE BALLOTS: Mail-in/ way on the CA Board on issues of Public Safety, pro- Absentee Ballots will be mailed the first week of moting safe streets, pathways, neighborhoods, open April, inserted in a special election edition of space, and a commitment to reducing crime. I have the Center Fold. If you are not sure you will recently been appointed to the Howard County Police have the time to vote on election day, the Mail- Citizens’ Advisory Committee and will continue to pro- in/Absentee Ballots are the way to make sure mote your safety. your voice is heard and counted! Mail-In/

As Town Center Village grows along with Downtown, Absentee Ballots must be received in the I, with your Village Board, will be active in seeing that Village Office by mail or in person by 3:00 the needs of our Village are met. p.m. on FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2012. Address

I would like to continue to have the honor of serving and signature must be on the POSTAGE-PAID you, and I humbly ask for your vote. Mail-in/Absentee Ballot envelope to be valid and counted. WHAT COULD BE EASIER? ELECTION Town Center Election Day VOLUNTEERS Village Wide Yard Sale NEEDED: If you can volunteer your time Saturday, April 21 for at least part of Election Day on Saturday, April 21, please contact Village Manager Patricia Laidig at 410-730-4744 or 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. [email protected]. We need Vantage Point Park volunteers from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., so any time you have will be appreciated. WE NEED Town Center’s Traditional YOUR HELP!! Election Day Yard Sale is Back! Stop by, have a donut and cup of coffee, and browse for treas- Election Neighborhood ures-AND VOTE! Captains Needed: This year, Town Center is bringing a new ini- FREE to sellers. Call 410-730-4744 or tiative to the election, Neighborhood Cap- [email protected] to register to sell! tains, to get the vote out. Every year, the vil- lages, including Town Center, have trouble meeting the voting quorum of ten percent of Two New Town Center Club Ideas: the village’s housing units. In Town Center, Knitting & French Conversation fewer than 300 votes are needed! With this In response to a recent Center Fold item asking residents initiative, the Neighborhood Captains will help for ideas about possible workshops, classes, or clubs, us get out the vote. If you are interested in Town Center resident Lynn Foehrkolb has suggested a being an Election Neighborhood Captain, knitting/crocheting group and a French conversation group. please contact Patricia Laidig at towncen- Lynn has generously offered to be the point person for [email protected] or 410-730-4744. these two groups. Anyone interested in either of these We hope to have a Captain for each condo groups should contact Patricia Loeber at 410-730-4744 or association, rental apartment complex, and [email protected]. detached homes neighborhood. WE NEED YOUR HELP!!

HUNGRY FOR CHANGE: Food, Ethics and Sustainability Town Center Book Club What impact are our food choices having on our Suzanne Waller is interested in organizing a Town health, the health of our community, and the health of Center Book Club that would meet at Historic our planet? Enrich and expand your choices in HUN- Oakland. If you are interested, please contact GRY FOR CHANGE: Food, Ethics and Sustainabil- Patricia Loeber at 410-730-4744 or tcvil- ity. This discussion circle meets at Historic Oakland [email protected]. on Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 pm on April 5 through May 24.

On April 5, facilitator Laura Mueller, L.Ac., business owner and resident of Town Center, and Florence Miller, mentor from the Climate Change Initiative of Howard County, will lead the opening discussion and distribute booklets of the circle’s timely and topical readings, web-links, and video sources. The cost for the booklets is $21. To sign up for this HUNGRY FOR CHANGE discussion circle, please provide your email and phone number to Pat Loeber or Dawn Linthicum at 410-730-4744, or [email protected]. Columbia-Wide Clean-Up Day Community event encourages resident participation in local water restoration to protect and restore Co- Bridal lumbia’s waters.

Showcase April 14, 2012 Saturday 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Meet at Historic Oakland 5430 Vantage Point Road Historic Oakland

The Town Center Community Association The clean-up will concentrate on the streams leading to Lake in the Vantage Point neighbor- will host a Bridal Showcase at Historic Oak- hood. land on Sunday, April 15, 2012, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Vendors from the Balti- We must have a coordinator for Town Center volun- more/Washington area will be on hand to teers. Please contact [email protected] display their specialties. The cost is $10.00 or 410-730-4744 to volunteer to be the coordinator or for advance ticket purchase and $15.00 for to volunteer for the clean-up team. tickets purchased at the door. Sample some of the finest caterers’ food, enjoy delightful music, and start planning your special day Town Center Annual Egg Hunt with floral designers, photographers, etc.,

and see the latest in bridal/formal April 7 Saturday wear. For further information or to pur- 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. chase tickets, please call 410-730-4801. Vantage Point Road Park

For children and grandchildren to age 8 FREE, for Town Center residents only

Let’s have another great showing of Town Center families for our annual Egg Hunt! “BYOBasket” Please call 410-730-4744 or email towncen- [email protected] to register so that our helpers know how many egg hunters to plan for. NOTICE:

The proposed FY 2013 Town Center Operating Budget is available for viewing on the Town Center website under Board News at http:// towncenter.columbiavillages.org. Join us for a Oakland Nights Live Music Series Wine

Tasting Friday, May 25: Joseph Isaacs at All performances are from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Historic Oakland Manor Historic Oakland, 5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia, Maryland. No charge for admission or refreshments, but donations for the musicians are gladly accepted. “Oakland Nights Music Series” is sponsored by the April 27, 2012 Town Center Community Association (410-730-4744).

Friday To “LIKE” Town Center on Facebook, go to: 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. http://www.facebook.com/ 5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia TownCenterCommunityAssociation

Light Refreshments Live Entertainment

$10.00 per person Call 410-730-4744 to purchase tickets.

Wine Tasting presented by Kings Contrivance Liquor Shop

AFTERNOON TEAS AT HISTORIC OAKLAND

April 19 ~ May 31 ~ June 28 Thursday 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Whether you are meeting a friend or entertaining a client, Afternoon Tea at Oakland may just be the perfect spot to do so! A catered two-course repast is served to you in Oakland's elegant ballroom. Reser- vations are required. The cost is $22.00 plus tax per person. Reservations required 48 hours in advance. Call 410-730-4801 for reservations. FAMILY BINGO

May 11, 2012 Friday 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

at Historic Oakland

FREE, but tickets in advance are required. NO TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR.

Limited to the first 50 who register. Get your tickets early, they go fast. Tickets available after March 1st.

Ticket includes admission, pizza, dessert, and drinks.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Town Center residents only. Contact 410-730-4744 or [email protected] for tickets.

Non-perishable food donations for Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center will be col- lected at the door.

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!

PARENTS AND TOTS PLAY GROUPS

At Historic Oakland 5430 Vantage Point Road

Tuesdays: Children 6 mos. to 4 years Wednesdays: Children 6 mos. to 4 years Thursdays: Children 6 mos. to 4 years

SPRING 2012 Session: April 10 to June 14

$25.00 for CA residents $28.00 for non-CA residents

Call 410-730-4744 to register! ELECTION EDITION