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Bits and Pieces

Last night as I walked toward Clyde's with my daughters, we saw two gentleman get to the door before us. One turned back, saw us, and waved. He didn't really know us. But we were wearing red. So were they.

 

When we walked inside the staff directed us to the bar right away--again, the red tipped them off. Huge bunches of red balloons adorned the bar area.

Clyde's did a beautiful job handling everything. I can see why Dennis loved it so much.


After awhile we decided to move on and have dinner at the Tomato Palace. This marks only the second time I have eaten there, the first time inside. We had excellent service and the food was delicious. As we left we noticed the inviting exterior of Le Comptoir. I felt a tingle of excitement. Imagine coming down to the Lakefront and having multiple to places to choose from.


This could be a place I want to go more than once or twice a year.


***


Some follow-up on The Second Chance Saloon situation from Bill Gray, chair of the Oakland Mills Board:


There has been some progress on keeping the Second Chance Saloon open and we hope to be able to retain this valuable asset for our community. We are in discussions with Cedar Properties, the owner of the Village Center, to work out the concerns. We have received substantial help from Calvin Ball and Howard County Economic Development Office in reaching solutions that will keep Second Chance here as a solid business. Cedar Properties agreed to extend the lease for Second Chance through the end of March to allow time to reach agreement. I hope that this will all be worked out soon.


Also, from The Second Chance:


Awesome news: We did not make fave bar/tavern of the year for the Restaurant Assc. of Maryland's nominations but Wendy & Declan Have been nominated for Restaurateur of the Year!!!!! So happy for them, they deserve it! We will keep you informed on how to vote!! ... We are honored to be nominated in this top category. We have our wonderful staff, community, and customers to thank!

***

Lastly, take a look at the obituary for Tyler Johnson. My husband knew him through community volunteer work. He was a beautiful young man.

Tyler Joseph Johnson, 25, of Mt. Airy, MD, died Saturday, January 25 in Columbia, MD. Born August 2, 1988 in Columbia, MD, Tyler was the first child of Howard P. Johnson, Jr. and Nora Ryan Johnson of Mt. Airy, and the first grandchild of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Ryan, Jr. of Southbury, CT and Howard P. Johnson of Montclair, NJ and Katherine Addison Johnson of Annapolis, MD. A 2006 graduate of Centennial High School, Tyler worked towards a Culinary Arts degree at Howard Community College. He worked as a chef at several area restaurants before starting a retail job at Zumiez, a specialty gear and clothing store for skateboarding and snowboarding enthusiasts at the Columbia Mall. For the past two years, Tyler served as the youngest member on the Board of the Serenity Center in Columbia, MD, where he implemented new anti-sexual harassment behavior standards, ran late-night meetings, and inspired young participants to dig into their pockets to give back, effectively doubling basket donations within a very short time. He also worked closely with the Howard County Drug-Free Program, speaking at local high schools. Assisting others with recovery from addiction was his passion, and he was making plans to obtain a degree in counseling. Tyler was a fiercely loyal friend and a terrific and beloved son, brother, and family member. In addition to his parents, Tyler leaves his Sister Anna Eames Johnson, his maternal grandparents Bernard and Jean Ryan, devoted Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and many, many friends. Donations in his memory can be made to the Community Foundation of Howard County, Tyler Johnson Memorial Fund, 10630 Little Patuxent Parkway, Century Plaza, Suite 315, Columbia, MD 21044. Donors may also make Memorial or Honorarium gifts online at www.cfhoco.org/give/donate/foundation. Please include"Tyler Johnson" in the Memorial or Honorarium field provided.


Published in Baltimore Sun on Jan. 30, 2014


***

Hope, memories, sadness, working towards better things. All in one day--

Columbia, Howard County. Home.


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