Town Center & Beyond

By Phillip Nelson

As I write my first column for The Business Monthly, I am amazed at the commitment and dedication local businesses have for each other and for Columbia. Although I have only been running the Columbia Association (CA) for one month, I can already feel our city's strong sense of community.
Being new to the area, I look forward to attending several of the summer activities that CA has for residents to enjoy. On Thursday, June 11, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Wilde Lake Park, immerse yourself in the Lakefront Walking Tour. Explore Columbia's first village, Wilde Lake, which boasts 19th-century barns and houses, as well as 20th-century contemporary architecture.
This year, plan to attend CA's Lakefront Summer Festival. Join your coworkers, friends and neighbors for relaxing, free entertainment throughout the week with family movie nights, kids' movie nights, live music and more.
On Monday evenings, kid-friendly movies are featured. This year, CA's KidsKorner program once again partnered with Howard County Library to feature movies based on books. The concept encourages children to read books at the library that were made into movies and then watch the movies at the lake. It's a great way to appreciate literature and film as a family. To learn more, visit CAmonthly.org/KidsKorner and click on Events for You.
From June 23 through July 28, Tuesdays are designed for teenagers and feature entertainment for and by teens. On Fridays, swing your partner round and round as you dance under the People Tree at Lake Kittamaqundi from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tatia Zack offers free dance instruction for everyone from beginners to experienced dancers. After dancing, grab a spot on the lawn to watch the free family movie under the stars.
Continue to take advantage of Lakefront Wednesdays, which run through July 1. If your business is in Town Center, join CA for free lunchtime entertainment every Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m. Bring a bag lunch or grab a mid-day meal at an area restaurant as you unwind and listen to the June concert lineup, which includes the 2nd Story Band, Project Natale, the Julie Hall Trio and the Alex & Zach Brown Quartet. For a complete schedule, log onto www.LakefrontFestival.com.
Feel free to e-mail your thoughts and feedback to me at Phillip.Nelson@ColumbiaAssociation.com.