Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Culinary Walking Tour Showcases Eateries In Downtown Columbia

Happening soon: Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run on the Columbia Patch calendar

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Friday October 2nd Patch AM
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Good day Columbia! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Explore downtown Columbia restaurants on a guided afternoon tasting walk
  • How a new Columbia facility could boost high-tech jobs locally
  • Columbia welder up for national Techs Rock honor—have you voted yet?

Also on today's calendar: Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run and 15 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the girl pig break up with the boy pig? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: An afternoon shower or two, with a high of 87 and low of 59 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Cooler; a shower in the a.m., temps: high: 65, low: 57.
  • Sunday: Mostly cloudy, rain possible, with a high of 61 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Culinary Walking Tour Showcases Eateries In Downtown Columbia (patch.com) — Food lovers in Columbia can sample bites and drink pairings from a lineup of downtown restaurants during Sunday's 3–6 p.m. Culinary Walking Tour. With a 2.5-mile route, flexible check-in locations, and options for all ages or 21-plus pairings, the event offers a relaxed way to explore eateries like Blackwall Barn & Lodge, Busboys and Poets, Cured, Dat Jerk, and more.
   

2. English manufacturer expands in Columbia amid AI boom (wbaltv.com) — A global advanced materials company has just opened a larger production facility on Old Annapolis Road in Columbia, investing $2 million and planning a hiring spree tied to booming AI demand. The England-based firm, which recently acquired Potomac Photonics, is shifting more high-tech processing and U.S. production here, positioning Columbia as a growing hub for AI, aerospace, and biotech manufacturing jobs.
   

3. TechForce Opens Public Voting for 2026 Techs Rock Awards Finalists (bodyshopbusiness.com) — A Columbia welding technician, Tajdana "Kleo" Hallenbeck, is among the national finalists for TechForce Foundation's 2026 Techs Rock Awards, and public voting is now open through Oct. 12. The program honors standout students and working techs across automotive, diesel, aviation, welding, HVAC and more, with two grand-prize winners headed to the SEMA Show in Las Vegas this November.
   

4. Quick Hits on the Titans From Thursday of Ravens Week (tennesseetitans.com) — Titans safety Kevin Winston Jr., who grew up in Columbia is set to return close to home when Tennessee faces the Ravens in Baltimore this Sunday. The DeMatha Catholic alum talks about playing in front of extra family and friends and breaks down the challenge of defending Lamar Jackson and the Ravens' offense while stressing his defense still has room to improve.
   

📸 Around Columbia

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Columbia

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★ Featured events ★

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Other local events

📣 Columbia Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Columbia PatchAM possible:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Culinary Walking Tour of 7 Restaurants Set for Sunday, Oct. 4 in Downtown Columbia —jean moon Read on Patch
  • Residences at Vantage Point Features Painter, Writers and Performers in Series Beginning Oct. 9 —jean moon Read on Patch
  • Culinary Walking Tour of 7 Restaurants Set for Sunday, Oct. 4 in Downtown Columbia —jean moon Read on Patch
  • FOUND Cat!
    Is anyone missing a white cat with grey spot on their forehead? Found on the path off of Graywing Ct! Has a collar but no tag. Please let me know if… (Nextdoor Phelps Luck)
  • RONDEL PL NEIGHBORS WE NEED YOUR HELP!
    Kai has been SPOTTED. IS THIS YOUR YARD? Please keep eyes out!! 7:12PM! (Nextdoor Running Brook)
  • Harris Teeter posted a job opening for Full Time Deli Bakery Management Assistant in Fulton. Apply here.
  • The Wills Group posted a job opening for Guest Experience Team Member in Ellicott City. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Columbia here.

Ok Columbia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "Why did the girl pig break up with the boy pig?" — Because he was such a boar! (Thank you Theresa H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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