Columbia, MD December 2019

PREMIERE ISSUE

DECEMBER 2019

LifestylePubs.com/Columbia

Hello, Columbia!

RENOVATE AND REFINE

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2019 PUBLISHER

Anika Baty-Mills | anika.mills@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Veronica Barnes | veronica.barnes@lifestylepubs.com SALES DIRECTOR

Happy Holidays!

Christopher Mills | chris.mills@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Chad Jensen

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, COLUMBIA! Welcome to the premiere issue of Columbia

LAYOUT DESIGNER

Lifestyle—where we’re inspired by you, our community, and where we hope to

Sara Minor

inspire you too!

COPY EDITOR

Hayley Hyer

My name is Anika Baty-Mills, and I am the publisher and co-owner of Columbia Lifestyle magazine. My husband, Christopher, and I are so excited to bring our first issue into your homes. We have an awesome team that is thrilled to be your source for all things wonderful in our beautiful Columbia community!

As you flip through the pages of each issue, you’ll be drawn to the heartwarming

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kenyatta Greer, Simone Benson, Anika Baty-Mills, Veronica Barnes CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Edison Manalo Poemtography, Rebecca Taylor, Pam Long

stories behind the people and places that call Columbia home—from the carefully crafted food being served up at our local coffee shops, to beautiful fine dining establishments we all enjoy. We'll tell our community’s stories, updating you on the well-documented ones, and introducing you to the hidden gems right under our noses. Highlighting our wonderful hometown heroes and spotlighting emerging

CORPORATE TEAM

businesses to the well-established, our team is excited to introduce our local artists,

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

designers and resident fashionistas. Columbia Lifestyle is going to show that, with-

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

out a doubt, the dream of Columbia is alive and well!

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

We'd like to take this moment to recognize and thank our partners for believing in

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

us and helping us start our exciting journey. Most importantly, we want to thank you, our readers, for allowing us into your homes and for your willingness to go on this journey with us. We can’t wait to see you around town!

EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Anika Baty-Mills, Publisher

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

LifestylePubs.com/Columbia

Proverbs 3:5-6 Columbia Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Columbia areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Columbia Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

4

Columbia Lifestyle | December 2019

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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December 2019 | Columbia Lifestyle

5

INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2019

FEATURES 14 Renovate and Refine Creating Their Own Dream Home

21 Her Unique Solution Managing Risk and Loving Where She Lives

24 Publisher's Choice: Easy Apple Crisp

14 30

30 A Talk with the Chamber President A Look Inside the Howard County Chamber of Commerce

24

DEPARTMENTS

21

4

Lifestyle Letter

10

Good Times

12

Around Town

14

Open House

18

Water & Woods

21

Locally Owned

24 Culinary Creations 26 Hot Spot 30 Local Limelight 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Local’s Choice

nonagon home & garden Licensed • Insured • References carl@nonagonhome.com nonagonhome.com 301.633.2133 MHIC # 49695

December 2019 | Columbia Lifestyle

7

GOOD TIMES

Visit Howard County: 38th Annual Meeting Visit Howard County’s executive director, Amanada Hof, board chair Barbara Nicklaus, and Dr. Calvin Ball, county executive, helped to recognize this year's many award recipients. The featured guest speaker, Tom Riford, Maryland assistant secretary of commerce overseeing TFA, reinforced how tourism is a key component of Howard County's economy.

Columbia Association: Healthy Hero Fun Run/Walk This was a stroller-friendly, 1 1/2-mile course that ended with face painting, balloons, music, nutritious snacks and beverages. Families had a great time dressing up as their favorite heroes and browsing the vendors at the downtown Columbia lakefront.

10

Columbia Lifestyle | December 2019

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December 2019 | Columbia Lifestyle

11

AROUND TOWN

Cottage or apartment?

Independent living or assisted living?

IT’S ALL HERE AT HEARTLANDS.

BUSBOYS AND POETS TO OPEN IN COLUMBIA Sometime in 2020, Columbia will see another addition to its current cornucopia

of

delicious

eater-

ies. Owner Andy Shallal is pleased to bring Busboys and Poets Restuarant

“WE’RE SO LUCKY MOM LIVES AT HEARTLANDS.” — Monica M.

to

the

Columbia

Merriweather

District, the first to settle in the Baltimore area.

“I tend to choose places very judiciously,” Andy says. “We are a place where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted. A place where art, culture and politics come together and intentionally collide. A place to take a deliberate pause and feed your mind, body and soul.”

Greg

Fitchitt

of

the

Howard

Hughes Corp. finds the restaurant to be a perfect fit for the Columbia area.

THE SOUNDRY The Soundry, one of Columbia's most popular music spots, features everything from ABBA covers to Zydeco. Their roster calendar includes talent like Town Mountain and John Stickley Trio, Toronzo Cannon and the Chicago Way, Jason Hawk Harris, LA Young and the Unusual Suspects, Deanna Bogart, and a host of other artists. Seated

Our monthly rentals, with no buy-in fee, make it easy to move to Heartlands Senior Living Village. Delight in our Five Star Dining, explore our 48 lush acres, and take comfort in knowing care is here when you need it. Your next adventure starts here.

tickets are general admission and will be first come, first served. Each guest may save one additional seat for a seated ticket holder. Tables vary in size with the largest seating up to 12. Their menu includes tacos, burgers, spring rolls and other "street fair."

Why wait to enjoy a life this great?

Call us today to reserve a tour.

The Soundry is located just off Little Patuxent Parkway, next to Clyde’s of Columbia, at 10221 Wincopin Circle, in Downtown Columbia.

THE LITTLE GYM The Little Gym of Columbia

3004 North Ridge Road • Ellicott City, MD 21043 410-461-9494 • www.HeartlandsSeniorLivingVillage.com INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING RESPITE CARE • REHAB & PERSONAL FITNESS ©2019 Five Star Senior Living

12

Columbia Lifestyle | December 2019

Pet Friendly

opened its doors in Columbia in September. In a colorful, fun environment, they promote cognitive, social and emotional development

Get the RIGHT

through active play. Their gym-

dational skills in all types of physical

MORTGAGE for you!

activities, preparing kids for amazing

At Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, we have a wide range of home

nastics, dance, sports and karate classes focus on establishing foun-

futures. With a specialized curric-

financing products to ensure you get the best option for your situation.

David will personally guide you through the entire loan process to help you

ulum, their classes combine skill

make informed decisions based on your needs.

growth with multidimensional learning to ensure that all children learn, laugh and thrive.

Their amazing team consists of specialists in child development, including gymnastics, physical education, cheerleading, dance, psychology and public health. All of their instructors

Get the RIGHT MORTGAGE for you!

are trained in USA Gymnastics' and The Little Gym International's regulations and policies, ensuring that your child will be safe and nurtured. They are located at 10101 Twin Rivers Road,

At Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, we have a wide range of home financing products to We keep the process as simple as possible by: ensure you get the best option for your • Providing application options — in person, over the phone, securely online or through our mobile app situation. Plus, we'll personally guide • Offering loan products that meet your financial needs and goals y o uyou thrabout oughyour theloan enoptions tire loan process to • Helping you make informed decisions by educating elp you m ke infand orm ed decisions • Guiding you through the entire loan process from thehapplication toaclosing beyond • Approving loans quickly through our in-house underwriting and funding badepartments sed on your needs.

Suite 112, Columbia.

Our way is the FAIR WAY

SERVICE. Speed. Satisfaction.

Our Fairway home finoffers ancing options include: a wide range of financing options, including: •

Fix•eFixedd- andand adjuadjustable-rate stable-rate mormortgages tgages • Ju• m bo m ortand gageConventional s (ARMs) FHA, VA* loans •M Zero (A R s) down payment options with Rural Housing • ZeroProgram down pay(USDA)** ment options** • Jumbo financing • Refinancing options • Loans for first-time homebuyers

•

FHA, VA,* Conventional and USDA loans

•

Down payment assistance (DPA)** grants

•

First-time homebuyer financing

•

Refinancing

Contact me today!

David Koonce

David Koonce

Sr. Mortgage Consultant, NMLS# 480428

Sr. Mortgage Consultant, NMLS# 480428

Direct: (410) 220-0205 Fax: 815-301-3355 dkoonce@fairwaymc.com www.myfairwaymd.com

Direct: (410) 220-0205 Fax: 815-301-3355 : 3013323234 dkoonce@fairwaymc.com www.myfairwaymd.com 7001 Heritage Village Plaza, Suite 250 & 255 & 260 Gainesvillle, VA 20155

Download the FairwayNOW app! https://mtgpro.co/7j5uj

BD

7001 Heritage Village Plaza, Suite 250 & 255 & 260 Gainesvillle, VA 20155

We are always accepting submissions

for

announcements

you’d

like to see included in our Around Town

section.

Submissions

are

accepted via the Contact Us tab at LifestylePubs.com/Columbia.

*VA loans subject to individual VA Entitlement amounts and eligibility, qualifying factors such as income and credit standards, and property limits. Fairway is not affiliated with any government agencies. These materials are not from VA, HUD or FHA, and were not approved by VA, HUD or FHA, or any other government agency. **Eligibility subject to program stipulations, qualifying factors, applicable income and debt-to-income (DTI) restrictions, and property limits. Copyright © 2019 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. NMLS\#2289. 4750 S. Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718, 1866-912-4800. All rights reserved. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without prior notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Not all products are available in all states or for all dollar amounts. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Lender. Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS Entity ID #2289 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

David has been living and working in Howard County since 2001. Although he is licensed to help clients in MD, DC, VA and PA, David loves working with the residents of his local community in Howard County the most.

3292144

*VA loans subject to individual VA Entitlement amounts and eligibility, qualifying factors such as income and credit standards, and property limits. Fairway is not affiliated with any government agencies. These materials are not from VA, HUD or FHA, and were not approved by VA, HUD or FHA, or any other government agency. **Eligibility subject to program stipulations, qualifying factors, applicable income and debt-to-income (DTI) restrictions, and property limits. Copyright © 2019 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. NMLS\#2289. 4750 S. Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718, 1-866-912-4800. All rights reserved. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without prior notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Not all products are available in all states or for all dollar amounts. Other restrictions and 3292144 limitations may apply. Equal Housing Lender. Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS Entity ID #2289 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

December 2019 | Columbia Lifestyle

13

OPEN HOUSE

R e novate an d Refine ARTICLE KENYATTA GREER PHOTOGRAPHY EDISON MANALO POEMTOGRAPHY

CREATING THEIR OWN DREAM HOME

COLUMBIA HAS A BEVY OF OLDER HOMES THAT CAN BE

The whole house was renovated—top to bottom. Usman com-

TURNED INTO DREAM HOMES FOR ADVENTUROUS BUYERS.

pletely gutted and extended the kitchen. He blew out the living

The Kevin Carroll Team of Douglas Realty helped homeowner and

room wall to create the open concept style that has become so

renovation expert Usman Jan to purchase a home in one of our won-

popular and functional. When the home was purchased, there

derful older communities named Beaver Brook, and turn it into an

were four bedrooms upstairs.

updated retreat for his family.

Because the homeowner owns Integrity Real Estate Group, a company that rebuilds and refurbishes Maryland homes, going from outdated to stylish and functional was easier, by far.

14

Columbia Lifestyle | December 2019

Since he has two children, he took the space from one of the bedrooms and used it to construct a luxury master bathroom and a huge walk-in closet.

The home started with a full, unfinished basement, and that has

been transformed into a complete living space of its own, with a bedroom, bathroom, playroom and lounge area with a full-size bar.

Usman says there were just some details on which he could not compromise.

The children had some input too, choosing their room colors and their playhouse for the back yard.

Buyer’s agent Kevin Carroll says, “More people are looking for move-in ready homes, but there are gems to be found in the rough. Financing

“Unique touches that we were adamant about were black

something that is already done is easier, but when you find something

doors and a few pocket doors. We also wanted a small break-

that’s ripe to be renovated, you need to have resources to self-finance or

fast nook and we got it by extending part of the kitchen by two

to obtain a renovation-style loan, where someone can guide you in which

feet,” Usman says.

contractors to pick. It can be frustrating.”

CONTINUED >

December 2019 | Columbia Lifestyle

15

OPEN HOUSE

(CON TI N U ED)

Usman agrees about the frustrations that come with a full renovation. “The most difficult part was living in the home while remodel-

labor. Labor fees can be costly, and management of a project can be, too. It’s very time consuming, and it can be risky,” Kevin says.

ing," he says. "Things were a little testy from time to time, like when

The proliferation of renovation shows has emboldened buyers to

we didn’t have a kitchen for a couple of months, and things were a

consider renovations, he says, but those shows don’t actually show

little messy there for a while."

unexpected money drains, such as fees and carrying costs. If you

Kevin explains that while there is new construction in Howard County, there is not a lot of new construction in Columbia—and few single-family communities. Because of developer taxes, he says

hire the right people to manage the project for you, “it can be great,” Kevin explains.

Such an extensive remodel can have many benefits, as well.

there may not be for a while. So, for those brave enough to take on a

“We definitely added value to the house," Usman says. "Not every

renovation project as large as Usman's, Kevin has a few suggestions.

remodeling decision was based purely on added value. We consid-

“If you’re going to do it, do a whole lot of research. I don’t think

ered personal preferences and things that were aesthetically pleas-

people understand exactly how much things cost. You can go online

ing and functional. It truly turned out to be a custom home that’s to

and price out materials, but people don’t know how to price out

our comfort and satisfaction. And that, to us, is invaluable.”

16

Columbia Lifestyle | December 2019

December 2019 | Columbia Lifestyle

17

WATER & WOODS

WINTER \IN BLOOM

PHOTOGRAPHY NICKI SEBASTIAN FOR JENNI KAYNE

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR AESTHETIC THIS SEASON WITH THIS BEAUTIFUL FLORAL ARRANGEMENT FROM KRISTEN CAISSIE, CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF MOON CANYON DESIGN CO. KRISTEN CAISSIE, CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF MOON CANYON DESIGN CO., created this beautiful flower arrangement as part of Jenni Kayne’s floral encyclopedia. This lush arrangement is comprised

NARCISSUS

of early spring blooms arranged in a ceramic vase. The wabi-sabi aesthetic of the handmade vessel adds to the arrangement’s playful proportions.

Earthy yellows, rich greens, and a touch of blue tell a color story that’s

LADY SLIPPER

unexpected, yet warm and welcoming. Perfectly undone early spring blooms (Kristen’s favorite to design with) emphasize the meeting place of winter and spring.

TWEEDIA

RANUNCULUS

18

Columbia Lifestyle | December 2019

WHEN YOU’RE READY TO MOVE, WE’RE READY TO SUPPORT YOU!

rediscover YO U R I N N AT E S E N S E OF W E L L B E I N G Our s taff is made u p of licen s ed mass age the ra p ist s an d es t h et ician s wh o are exper ie nce d a n d kn owledgeab le profes sion als. We m i nd f u lly comb in e t h e ar t an d s cien ce of m a s s a ge t h erapy, an d skin care to meet you an d you r wh ole b ody ’s n eeds .

Our space is invit in g an d relaxin g, wit h thoug ht fu l des ign s in corporat in g n at u re.

Douglas Realty has been ranked as one of the fastest growing, privately-owned residential real estate companies in the country four years in a row (2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019).

We provide local agents with local knowledge who can provide national exposure for the client.

Us i ng h igh qu alit y organ ic produ ct s, we of fe r a var iet y of b en eficial t h erapeu t ic m a s s a ge ser vices . At Well-Bein g Mas sage

CONTACT US! 301.523.7321 / 410.255.3690

& Sp a, we b elieve each client is u n iqu e.

W he th er you come to u s for relief from c hroni c mu scle ten sion , pos t u ral prob lems , i nj ur y, emot ion al s t ress , fat igu e, or ju s t to re l ax a nd en joy ou r s er vices, we take great p r i d e in skillfu lly cu s tom des ign in g you r s e s sion to su it you r in dividu al n eeds.

5513 Twin Knolls Road, Suite 214, Columbia www.changetheapproach.com

Mention you saw us in Columbia Lifest yle and R ECEIVE 10% DISCOUNT FOR FIR ST TIME CLIENTS

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December 2019 | Columbia Lifestyle

19

multi-faceted, hard work.

Prescott HR offers advice and counsel — recognizing gaps, inefficiencies, and underlying issues — with the speed and confidence that come from proven expertise.

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An indepth and intensely objective look at your HR policies, practices, procedures, and strategies is where it all begins.

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Expert consulting to pinpoint trouble spots and practical advice for what to do next.

Clear guides to set employee expectations, define policies, and protect your organization.

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• Interim HR support • Outsourced HR services With expertise,HR candor, and respect, • Multi-state expertise

(including California) Prescott HR uncovers the issues, outlines • Job descriptions strategies and delivers results for the • FLSA classifications • Hiringand guidelines and interviewing challenging, everyday, human resources services matters that every business leader faces.

• Benefits design We• help align your people strategy HRISyou implementation • Multi-state payroll with your business strategy, so you can

“Kimberly placed a very good person with us, right away, as a stop-gap HR Director. She met our immediate need in a

time of urgency. Her consultant selection for us was so good that we worked with her for over a year” – David King, Class Produce Group

confidently focus on running your business.

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20

Columbia Lifestyle | December 2019

(443) 599.9088 | prescotthr.com

LOCALLY OWNED

Her Unique Solution

MANAGING RISK AND LOVING WHERE SHE LIVES ARTICLE A. KENYATTA GREER PHOTOGRAPHY ROBIN SOMMER, MID-ATLANTIC PHOTOGRAPHIC

CONTINUED >

December 2019 | Columbia Lifestyle

21

LOCALLY OWNED

(CON TI N U ED)

NINE YEARS AGO, KIMBERLY PRESCOTT MOVED FROM ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, TO COLUMBIA BECAUSE IT WAS “A COOL PLACE” WITH CULTURE, MUSIC, SHOPPING, FOOD AND RECREATION—PERFECT FOR HER HUSBAND AND DAUGHTER, WHO SHE’S DUBBED “THE REAL CEO.” “You don’t have to leave. It’s a real community. I grew up in Augusta [Georgia], which was transient because of the military base. We had neighborhoods; here, it’s Columbia—a thing unto itself.”

When it comes to work, Kimberly is not a softie. What she provides her clients is “un-intimidated human resources." That means real solutions that get to the heart of what a business needs.

Prescott HR is her company, and it’s unique among its competitors because their projects for their small business, nonprofit and government-contractor clients are 100% customized. They don’t take templates and retrofit them.

Do all small businesses need HR consulting? Kimberly says the smart ones know they do.

“If you have one employee, you need HR advice, but many leaders don't understand what HR is. They think it’s hiring and firing. That’s just 10% of what it is. We’re risk managers.”

There are a number of HR frauds in the world who have managed people or have filled out paperwork and call themselves HR professionals, she says. They are not.

“HR is tied to operations. When you do it right, you understand how the operations side gets things done. You don’t want to pay me to fill out paperwork. You want to pay me to help you manage your risk through compliance and developing and driving strategy.”

Kimberly is vice-chair of the Board of Community Foundation of Howard County, a 2018 graduate and current board member of Leadership Howard County, and the past president of the Howard County chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management.

She plans to keep her business here in Columbia for a long time.

“I’ve never been in a place so giving of its resources.”

22

Columbia Lifestyle | December 2019

(Left to Right) Justyn Prescott, Kennedy Prescott, Kimberly Prescott

December 2019 | Columbia Lifestyle

23

CULINARY CREATIONS

PUBLISHER'S CHOICE: EASY APPLE CRISP ARTICLE ANIKA BATY-MILLS

24

Columbia Lifestyle | December 2019

IT CAN’T GET ANY EASIER THAN THIS! I love the sweet smell

SUGAR

of apples baking in the oven. There are a few considerations to think about when making this dish. One, pick the right apples!

Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Cortland and Braeburn apples are the best for baking. It’s not necessary to peel them, but you can. Let your personal preference lead the way. Two, when working with the pastry, make sure the butter is cold; it will yield a flakier crust.

Three, last but not least, try working with your hands instead of using a mixer. It will be easier to mix everything together; just be sure that the other ingredients are incorporated completely.

FLOUR

EASY APPLE CRISP INGREDIENTS + 2 tablespoons water + 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided BROWN SUGAR

+ 3/4 cup all-purpose flour + 1/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar + 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt + 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, cold, cut into cubes + 1 cup old fashioned oats + Vanilla ice cream, for serving

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. In a large ovenproof skillet, toss apples with 2 tablespoons sugar, lemon juice, water and BUTTER

cinnamon. Place skillet on a large rimmed baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, remaining 1/4 cup sugar and salt. Using a pastry cutter (or your hands), incorporate butter into flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add oats and squeeze mixture with your hands until big, moist clumps form.

3. Scatter oat mixture on top of apples and bake until

OLD FASHIONED OATS

apples are bubbling and topping is golden, about 45 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving with Breyer’s Natural Vanilla Ice Cream.

VANILLA ICE CREAM December 2019 | Columbia Lifestyle

25

HOT SPOT

ARTICLE SIMONE BENSON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY WALRUS OYSTER AND ALE HOUSE

PERFECT CHOICE FOR A PERFECT MEAL

26

Columbia Lifestyle | December 2019

“WE WANTED TO BE A PART OF THE RENAISSANCE OF THE REVIVAL OF RESTAURANT ROW IN THE COLUMBIA TOWN CENTER.”

CONTINUED >

December 2019 | Columbia Lifestyle

27

HOT SPOT

ONE

OF

(CON TI N U ED)

COLUMBIA’S

BEST-KEPT

SEAFOOD

SECRETS IS THE WALRUS OYSTER AND ALE HOUSE LOCATED AT COLUMBIA TOWN CENTER. While it is the only locally owned and operated restaurant in The Columbia Mall area, their first Maryland location thrives at The National Harbor.

The Chesapeake Bay-inspired rustic, oceanic, warm, industrial setting creates an inviting ambiance. The indoor-outdoor flow looking out at the vibrancy of The Columbia Town Center makes this location a perfect spot for a pleasant afternoon or evening dining experience.

“We wanted to be a part of the renaissance of the revival of restaurant row in The Columbia Town Center,” says Desmond Reilly, managing principal of Star Restaurant Group and part-owner of the restaurant.

All the items on the menu are made from scratch daily.

The menu has a variety of options, something for everyone in the family. If you are looking for quality food that won't bust your budget, this is the perfect spot! The amazing crab cake sandwich on a bed of iceberg lettuce, with a slice of beefsteak tomato and yellow onion on a slightly toasted roll, served with crispy, fresh, hand-cut fries is delicious.

Lunch specials run from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you are limited on time, don’t worry. The service is quick and pleasant.

Dinner at Walrus is just as amazing as lunch and will not disappoint. Their best-seller menu items include the Atlantic salmon, jumbo lump crab cakes and, of course, the oysters!

The lobster rolls were ranked as one of America's top 50 sandwiches in 2019. In fact, local patrons tout them as the best in the state.

If you don’t eat seafood, don't worry! The “From the Land” menu features a roasted half chicken, grilled meatloaf, barbecue bacon cheeseburger and coffee-crusted sirloin. One of their more popular burgers is the half-pound "Walrus Burger" made from special house-ground and -blended beef with melted Tillamook cheddar.

Next time you are making lunch or dinner plans, The Walrus Oyster and Ale House would be a perfect choice for a perfect meal.

28

Columbia Lifestyle | December 2019

F A M I LY

&

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December 2019 | Columbia Lifestyle

29

LOCAL LIMELIGHT A

YOUNG

MAN

RAISED

IN

THE

EVER-SWELLING CITY OF ATLANTA, LEONARDO

MCCLARTY

WATCHED

THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE GEORGIA DOME—THE PREDECESSOR TO THE CITY’S MERCEDES BENZ STADIUM— AND HE WONDERED WHY SOMEONE HAD

CHOSEN

THAT

PARTICULAR

SPOT TO BUILD. Why not down the street or across town? His curiosity only grew as he did, leading him to seek—and earn—an undergraduate degree in political science with an urban studies concentration and a master’s degree in city planning.

Now, McClarty has years of experience with several cities and counties under his belt, and he is proudly Howard

A LOOK INSIDE THE HOWARD COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

A Talk with the Chamber President

County’s chamber of commerce president. He’s still asking the questions about how and why. He’s also asking what it will take to ensure the vitality of the county’s business community.

“I

love

chambers

of

commerce,"

Leonardo says. "In this environment, I can, in some respects, be in the middle of my economic development work and business development. I can work with government but not be in government. I can work with businesses and private industry.”

As the only chamber in the county, his team has gladly toiled to bring the business community together to help the county thrive. During 2019, the group spearheaded its first intercity visit in a program called Howard L.E.A.D.S. (Leadership.

Excellence.

Advocacy.

Development. Sustainability.). The chamber staff and fifteen community leaders met with representatives from Somerset, New Jersey because of its similarity to Howard County. They discussed strategies for historic preservation, downtown revitalizations,

housing,

environmental

sustainability, flood mitigation, community health and public-private partnerships.

The Howard County team proves that chambers of commerce are about more than networking. This year, they also partnered with the Howard County Economic

ARTICLE A KENYATTA GREER | PHOTOGRAPHY PAM LONG

30

Columbia Lifestyle | December 2019

Development Authority to host the first Small Business Summit. The growing Women’s Leadership Conference and Cyber Conferences also seek to provide a level of support and opportunity across various interests.

While the chamber benefits from engaging a good number of senior business professionals in their circle of active participants, staff are careful to ensure that opportunities are available for anyone who has a genuine interest in bettering the business community in the county. The chamber supports businesses of all sizes and tenures.

“We work closely with the Economic Development Authority, the Small Business Development Center and other like groups.

We also hold a Small Business Roundtable. We pride ourselves on being able to be a conduit to small business,” Leonardo says.

Diversity and inclusion efforts abound at the chamber in other ways, as well.

“We are very conscious of … panel dynamics to ensure that we are age, ethnicity, gender, and industry diverse," McClarty says. "We are intentional about inclusion. For example, our board of directors includes 17 men and 17 women. We have various ethnicities represented. We are age diverse. I have found that people appreciate seeing representation that includes their age, gender, ethnicity and other differentiators.”

Leonardo spends a great deal of his time speaking about Howard County and economic development and his team participates in various conferences and trade shows. They have even bigger dreams for the coming year.

“ We w o r k c l o s e l y w i t h t h e E c onom ic D evelopment Aut hor it y, the Small Business Development Center a nd other like g roups.

“The Chamber plans to institute a Young Professionals Conference. We have a Young Professionals Network program (YPN) that frequently hosts mixers and professional development seminars, but the conference will be a first,” says McClarty.

From the department of community affairs

We a l s o h o l d a S m a l l B u s i n e s s

in another state agency to two municipal eco-

R o u n d t a b l e . We p r i d e o u r s e l v e s

southern chamber of commerce for 10 years,

on being able to be a conduit to s m a l l bu s i ne s s .”

nomic development groups and running a Leonardo has found home and purpose in Howard County.

“It’s been close to five years now. I feel like I’m making a difference here.”

December 2019 | Columbia Lifestyle

31

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

1

Chamber Players will make their

FESTIVE FAMILIES: SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS EVENT

(arranged for

Sundays at 3 p.m. debut with Bartók's "Duos for Two Violins" Schubert’s

violin

and viola),

"Notturno,"

Mozart’s

TOM COTTER AT THE SOUNDRY The Soundry, 10221 Wincopin

10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia

"Piano Quartet No. 1" in G minor,

Circle, Columbia

Walk through with your friends and

K.478, and Brahms’ "Piano Quintet"

The first comedian ever to be a

family to gain an up-close view of the

in F minor, Op. 34.

finalist on America's Got Talent, Tom

magical Symphony of Lights. Bring

Cotter's other numerous television

9

and radio credits include The Tonight Comedy

7

TAIL LIGHTS: A SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS EVENT

own Tom

Cotter, The

10475 Little Patuxent

MAGNIFICENT MARYLAND: B&O RAILROAD BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

appearances on CBS’ The Late Late

Parkway, Columbia

Show and being celebrity host of

Enjoy the beautiful holiday lights on

Gotham Comedy Live on AXS-TV.

Bain 50+Center 5470 Ruth Keeton

foot with your family, friends and

Way, Columbia

four-legged friends at Merriweather

It's time for a magical train ride with

Post Pavilion. Dogs must be leashed.

Santa aboard the B&O's Holiday

Costumes are welcome!

your strollers and wagons, but dogs must remain at home.

Express train. Enjoy breakfast, fun and a view of a gorgeous, 30-foot Christmas tree. Bring a friend for a 10% discount off each ticket! For more information,

11

Show, Last Comic Standing, his very Central

Presents...

Howard

Stern

Show, Comics Unleashed, multiple

22 A CHRISTMAS STORY AT TOBY'S DINNER THEATRE

Toby's Dinner Theatre, 5900 Symphony Woods Road, Columbia

GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING AT THE OTHER BARN

Ralphie Parker is on a quest for the

The Other Barn, 5851 Robert Oliver

Ryder BB Gun. Join Toby's cast of

8

Place, Columbia

A Christmas Story, The Musical,

Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at

which brings this hilarious classic

JAZZ IN THE MILLS: HOLLIDAY JAZZ EXTRAVAGANZA

6:30 p.m. to decorate your own

movie to life, live on stage!

festive gingerbread house. Supplies

contact Tracy Adkins at 410.313.7279 or TAdkins@HowardCountyMD.gov.

will be provided. Tickets are $20

5851 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia

per kit. Children younger than age

A native Washingtonian, Shirleta

16 must be accompanied by an

Settles is known as “not just a voice,

adult. Advance ticket purchase is

but an entertainer!” Her performances

required. Tickets are on sale Nov.

are not limited to only music; she con-

4 at The Other Barn.

holy grail of Christmas gifts, a Red

31 MIDNIGHT AT SEVEN! A SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS EVENT

10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia

Join us to celebrate New Year's Eve

nects and includes her audiences of

14

with the entire family! The event will

8

THE RAP UP (POP-UP EXHIBITION)

last chance to walk through the

BRAHMS QUINTET, MOZART QUARTET, SCHUBERT TRIO AND BARTÓK DUO

Enjoy light refreshment while art-

all ages. R&B, jazz, blues, pop and gospel—Shirleta does it all.

32

19

Slayton House 10400 Cross Fox Lane,

feature food, activities, music and fireworks at 7 p.m., as well as the Symphony of Lights course.

Columbia

ist Taurean Washington showcases his

We are always accepting submissions

refreshing fusion of art along with

for events you'd like to see included

Christ Episcopal Church, 6800

hip-hop music. His original paintings,

in our Calendar section. Submissions

Oakland Mills Road, Columbia

reproductive prints and T-shirts will be

are accepted via the Contact Us tab at

District of Columbia's Inner Loop

for sale. You might even win free art.

LifestylePubs.com/Columbia.

Columbia Lifestyle | December 2019

MOVE FORWARD C O N N E C T

Y O U R

V I S I O N

W I T H

A

P L A N

Retirement Planning Estate Planning Wealth Management Life Insurance Rollover IRAs Annuities Trusts

REALTORS® help families and their communities in numerous ways. Their wealth of knowledge transforms the buying or selling experience, helping you make your house a home. www.exgnexus.com

301-503-9709

The Howard County Association of REALTORS® endeavors to equip our members with the necessary tools they need to better assist you.

Visit our website and learn more about how we’re devoted to enriching the lives of Howard County and Maryland residents.

www.hcar.org December 2019 | Columbia Lifestyle

33

LOCAL’S CHOICE

Team Mills' Favorites

ANIKA LOVES TO READ BOOKS, AND USES HER KINDLE APP WHEN SHE'S ON THE GO. She also takes time to find peace practicing yoga on her mat. Christopher loves to play as many rounds of Golf as he can; and, being originally from DC, he never wants to miss a Redskins game. Rahsaan loves to listen to and create music.

He also never wants to miss an opportunity to also shoot a few 3's on the basketball court. Maliah loves playing with her friends on her Nintendo Switch, as well as creating her own art when it's quiet time.Â

34

Columbia Lifestyle | December 2019

Coming to the Sobar Soiree, of course! ®

H OWA R D CO U NT Y ’ S F I R S T H I G H - E N D SO B E R C E LE B R ATI O N !

This black-and-white themed extravaganza will send out 2019 in style.

Guests can get fancy in black tie or come in black jeans and a white tee!

DECEMBER 31 | 8:30PM - 12:30AM ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 9120 FREDERICK ROAD, ELLICOTT CITY, MD

THE EVENT WILL FEATURE: Acoustic Live Music Lounge with a Relaxing Vibe Fireplace Grotto with Warm Drinks

Tickets are $100 per person and sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available.

High-Energy DJ-Led Dance Party

To learn more or get your tickets, visit www.drinksobar.org.

Catering from the Award-Winning Chef’s Expressions

Sobar® is a non-profit on a mission to both provide GREAT Help Hope non-alcoholic beverages at public social events for people who don’t drink and to help reduce the stigma associated with the Howard HoCoOpioidHelp.com diseases of alcoholism and#HoCoHelp addiction.

SPONSORS TO DATE:

Help Hope Howard

HoCoOpioidHelp.com

#HoCoHelp

Sober Celebrity Silent Auction Items Elegant Alcohol-Free Bars!

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