Speakout

The Baltimore Sun

THE ISSUE: -- Organizations throughout Columbia have finished 40 days of activities in honor of the community's 40th birthday. Is more than five weeks of events the best way to celebrate Columbia? What elements were highlights and what could you have done without?

What a wonderful party it was

The best way to celebrate Columba is for the residents and businesses in Columbia to live its founding values. We can do that by being welcoming and inclusive of all people. We can do that by participating in local government. We can do that by individually and collectively living in ways that demonstrate inclusiveness, respect for people, respect for the land and respect for the rich traditions of Columbia. We can do that by supporting business and community organizations that exhibit these same values.

Having said that, I think the 40 days celebration was a fine way to celebrate Columbia. When something great has occurred, you have a party. The 40-day event was a big, inclusive party to honor the past, acknowledge the present and contemplate the future of this grand experiment. It brought together all kinds of Columbians and out-of-towners. There were presentations about the history of Columbia and guided tours. There was the Festival of the Arts. There was the resurrection of the Columbia Fair and Birthday. There was a fitting and final tribute at Merriweather Post Pavilion, probably the most architecturally aesthetic performing arts venue in the region.

Indeed, a wonderful time was had by all.

JD Smith Columbia

Honor Columbia every day of year

I am sure that there are many ways to celebrate one's birthday. Having been born on New Year's Day over 52 years ago, trust me, I have seen a few really good parties in my day!

But, I think what made Columbia's 40th Birthday Celebration one of the best birthday parties I've ever attended is that it truly celebrated the Columbia experience, the diversity, the community and the vibrancy of the people.

Let's face it, this is not just another city, it is the place that Jim Rouse's vision of inclusiveness and growth of people, both their minds and souls, took root and is still growing today.

The five weeks of events was a showcase for how Rouse's vision became a reality. In the past 40 years, the population has grown to almost 100,000 and there have been two generations born and raised in Columbia. People have continued to move to Columbia because of its wonderful amenities and unique personality, but my greatest concern is that many residents and business owners do not know the rich, albeit relatively short history of this community.

We need to ensure that the next two generations and those that come after us understand this fundamental difference in our community and any other. The City Fair was a perfect example of the community coming together. There were over 50,000 people in attendance during the three days of the carnival and city fair and it was evident that people were enjoying themselves as a community. The people stopped and chatted with friends, introduced themselves to others they had never met before and there were so many smiling faces ... faces of every age, color, ethnicity and background. The community booths were visited by people interested in knowing more about what is available to them in Columbia. It appeared that the community had come together to celebrate not only the 40th birthday, but each other.

You asked if five weeks of events is the best way to celebrate? I would say to you that 52 weeks would have been better! Columbia should celebrate its uncommon and pioneer-like spirit every day of every year!

Cynthia Coyle

Columbia

The writer is a Columbia Association board member representing Harper's Choice and was the chairwoman of the City Fair Committee.

Community responded

The concept of Columbia has always been community oriented. What better way to celebrate 40 years than 40 days of community activities? Especially when every activity was well conceived and, more importantly, was created with community in mind. I believe the end result tells the story -- the community responded with its participation and enthusiasm.

Becky Mangus Ellicott City

Wouldn't have omitted a thing

Hail, hail Columbia.

I felt the spirit of Columbia in the air as we went through each day of the 40th Birthday Celebration. Each event, large and small, built the momentum. There was something for everyone and people responded. That's why it worked. I would not have omitted anything.

The celebration focused on fun, but history was everywhere -- from the Festival of the Arts Squonk Opera to the oral history project, the cake cutting at the revived City Fair, Share the Vision and the glorious final celebration featuring the Young Columbians and being at Merriweather Post 40 years and one day after it opened.

Columbia's rich history deserves to be spotlighted over and over and 40 days of celebration was a wonderful way to do that. The more people remember Columbia's vision and the exemplary life of James Rouse, the more Columbia will grow and continue to be a model.

I thank every organization and every person who got involved and every person who came out to participate. It was Columbia at its best. I'm looking forward to 50 days to celebrate the 50th.

Barbara Kellner Columbia

The writer is the manager of the Columbia Archives.

Musical finale

The grand finale of the Columbia 40th Birthday at Merriweather last Sunday was a wonderful reminder of what is possible at Merriweather Post Pavilion -- musical theater and orchestral music that's fun for the whole family.

I thoroughly enjoyed both the Young Columbians and the Baltimore Symphony. Part of the relaxed family atmosphere of the BSO came from conductor Jason Love's choice of music and interaction with the audience. The program failed to mention that Jason Love is also the music director of our very own Columbia Orchestra. I hope that everyone who enjoyed Jason and the BSO will come to see Jason Love and the Columbia Orchestra on Oct. 20 at the Jim Rouse Theatre.

Elaine Newhall Columbia

Something for everyone

Columbia's 40th Birthday was grand! From the very start of the 40 days of celebration, everything was first class and inclusive.

The kick-off business salute held appropriately in Spear Center and featuring the Young Columbians and the governor and lieutenant governor, as well as a panel of business pioneers from Columbia's earliest days, set the pace for what was to follow.

The Columbia Festival of the Arts featured something for everyone; the Rotary's Boat Float and Parade was a great free family event; and the family day at Merriweather Post Pavillion along with the Young Columbians reunion and BSO was the perfect ending to the celebration.

Congratulations to all who made it happen. It is a privilege to live, work and play in this wonderful community.

Pamela J. Klahr Columbia

The writer is a certified chamber executive and president and chief executive officer of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce.

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