For about a year, the 14 Wharf Tower bells on Columbia's Lakefront Plaza have been silent.

The bells had pealed on the hour for more than 20 years, but few noticed the loss immediately, not even Alton J. Scavo, Rouse Co. general manager for Columbia.

Columbia Association President Maggie J. Brown looked into having the bells repaired; the estimate was $65,000. She thought she could propose the repair for the Columbia Association's fiscal year 2004 budget, but then Scavo called about a month ago and asked about the carillon.

Brown explained the situation and asked whether he would like to share the repair costs. They decided on a partial restoration, which is estimated to cost $24,000.

Scavo volunteered up to $10,000 from the Rouse Co. as an "anniversary present" for Columbia's 35th birthday today. The other $14,000 needed will come from the Association's contingency fund.