Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Saval Foods Breaks Ground On New Headquarters In Columbia, Adds New Jobs

Be sure to catch Blues for the Brave - 25th Anniversary Remembering 9/11 on the Columbia Patch calendar

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Friday September 11th Patch AM
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Good morning Columbia! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • New Saval Foods headquarters brings over 100 jobs to Columbia
  • See how the new Flash Blue route changes commuting from Columbia
  • How Columbia neighbors saved their favorite frozen custard shop's lease

Also on today's calendar: Blues for the Brave - 25th Anniversary Remembering 9/11 and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: I'm a rock group with 4 members; one member was assassinated. What am I? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Humid; a brief morning shower, with a high of 80 and low of 64 degrees.
  • Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 78, low: 70.
  • Sunday: Thunderstorm, with a high of 84 and low of 67 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Saval Foods Breaks Ground On New Headquarters In Columbia, Adds New Jobs (patch.com) — Residents and businesses in Columbia can expect a major boost as Saval Foods builds a 230,000-square-foot headquarters and distribution center in the Columbia Gateway area, consolidating several operations. The project will retain nearly 400 existing jobs and add more than 100 new full-time positions, supported by state and Howard County incentives and workforce training funds.
   

2. MCDOT, TransLink launch expanded BRT offerings (masstransitmag.com) — Commuters in Columbia now have faster, free weekday rush-hour bus rapid transit linking Downtown Columbia to Downtown Silver Spring via the expanded US 29 Flash Blue route. New stops at Merriweather Drive, Little Patuxent Parkway, Johns Hopkins APL and Maple Lawn improve access to jobs, shopping, dining and regional transit, with permanent stations and further corridor upgrades coming later this year.
   

3. A favorite frozen custard shop was set to close. But then the community rallied. (wmar2news.com) — A beloved frozen custard shop at Hickory Ridge Village Center in Columbia has won a last-minute reprieve after neighbors flooded the landlord with calls, emails, and long lines of support. The Meadows' owners say Kimco Realty is now close to signing a new lease, and they're planning a customer appreciation day with free ice cream to thank the community that rallied for them.
   

4. FBI details yearslong investigation into Columbia man who planned to join ISIS (cbsnews.com) — Federal agents say a 22-year-old man from Columbia who grew up locally and worked in a restaurant, spent years immersing himself in ISIS propaganda before his 2024 arrest at BWI. Officials describe how tips, undercover work, and family interventions ultimately led to his conviction and 15-year sentence, stressing their ongoing efforts to monitor any future risk when he's released.
   

📸 Around Columbia

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • "Retirement Living Options" Program Hosted by Residences at Vantage Point on Thursday, Sept. 10 —jean moon Read on Patch
  • Frank's has the absolute best products, both fruits and vegetables and plants.
    FANTASTIC service and people who care. It is a locally owned business and generational owned business from the original owner Frank Rhodes to Frankie… (Nextdoor West Little Pax)
  • Can anyone recommend a reliable handyman who is honest and reasonably priced?
    I need someone experienced in fixing wobbly ceiling fans, specifically to repair 2 fans that wobble when running at high speed. Thanks (Nextdoor Guilford)
  • Urban Outfitters, Inc. posted a job opening for Anthropologie Back of House Specialist in Columbia. Apply here.
  • Jones Lange Lasalle, Inc. posted a job opening for Mailroom Associate in Columbia. 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: Mount Rushmore (Thank you J.J. W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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