Monthly CA A PUBLICATION OF COLUMBIA ASSOCIATION
CA’s Gift Card Policy Changes
FEB 2016
Columbia Association gift cards purchased on or after Friday, Jan.15, 2016 may only be redeemed for CA programs, lessons and services.
Valentine’s Day Rendezvous
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CA offers a trio of great date options alentine’s Day planning can be stressful. Fortunately, Columbia Association can help. You’ll still need to bring the chocolate and roses, but CA has plenty of great couples activities to make for a memorable Valentine’s Day — whether you want to indulge your artistic sides, get active or just relax and unwind. Unleashing your inner artists
If you’d like to explore your artistic sides, Columbia Art Center’s popular Paint Night classes are also available as couples classes. You can explore each other’s artistic abilities while working side-by-side on a painting you’ll take home after class, and you can even bring your own refreshments to enjoy while you work. It’s a great way to be, well, drawn together. The next Paint Night for Couples is Sunday, Feb. 14 from 6-8:30pm. (See Rendezvous, page 3)
Columbia Art Center’s popular Paint Night classes are also available as couples classes. You can explore each other’s artistic abilities while working side-by-side on a painting — and with a class on Valentine’s Day, your plans are already taken care of.
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CA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2015-2016 Reginald Avery Oakland Mills 443-545-6714 Reginald.Avery@ca-board.org
Alan Klein Harper’s Choice 410-992-3025 Alan.Klein@ca-board.org
Dick Boulton Dorsey’s Search 410-884-2964 Dick.Boulton@ca-board.org
Nancy McCord Wilde Lake 410-730-2309 Nancy.McCord@ca-board.org
Brian Dunn Kings Contrivance 301-473-0077 Brian.Dunn@ca-board.org
Gregg Schwind Hickory Ridge 443-831-8847 Gregg.Schwind@ca-board.org
Janet Evans Long Reach 724-516-0550 Janet.Evans@ca-board.org
Andrew Stack Owen Brown 410-381-8897 Andrew.Stack@ca-board.org
Jeanne Ketley Town Center 301-596-1097 Jeanne.Ketley@ca-board.org
Chao Wu River Hill 240-481-9637 Chao.Wu@ca-board.org
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Board Recap
t the Columbia Association (CA) Board of Directors meeting held Jan. 14, CA’s Board approved establishing a Sister City relationship with Cap-Haitien, Haiti. Additionally, the board tabled a vote on draft guidelines for CA Board members serving as representatives on the Inner Arbor Trust Board of Directors and directed Dick Boulton and Gregg Schwind, who serve on both CA’s and Inner Arbor Trust’s boards, to develop a final version. The Jan. 28 meeting was after CA Monthly’s press time. The next scheduled Board of Directors meetings are Feb. 11 and 25. Meetings typically begin at 7:30pm and are held at CA Headquarters, 6310 Hillside Court, Suite 100. For current CA Board of Directors meeting minutes and agendas, visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/Agendas. Podcasts from board meetings are available at ColumbiaAssociation.org/Podcasts.
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Letter from Owen Brown
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Change is central to Owen Brown’s evolution
o much has changed in Owen Brown since I moved here in 1979. The village had been founded in 1972 and was still being built. It was an attractive location to us, conveniently close to Lake Elkhorn, Columbia’s open space, the many amenities and attractions in this community, and the major highways for when we needed to travel out of town. So much time has passed. There’s much more to FILE Photo Owen Brown (and to Columbia in general) in Andrew Stack 2016 than there was when both were still in their Village of Owen Brown early years. And the village, as with the community, Columbia Council Representative continues to undergo redevelopment that is a necessary consequence of the passage of time. Owen Brown Village Center was renovated in 2002. Columbia Association completed a new, modern clubhouse at its Owen Brown Tennis Club in 2014. Owen Brown Interfaith Center is nearly done completing its expansion. Howard County Library System’s East Columbia branch, which serves more than half a million visitors each year, will soon be undergoing renovations as well. (The library is also adjacent to the 50+ Center, where CA’s monthly World Languages Café is held.) But the village is much larger than many people realize, and it is much more than the areas around and encircled within Cradlerock Way. It also includes more than the residential neighborhoods. Sections of the industrial areas along Snowden River Parkway and Broken Land Parkway are also in Owen Brown, and some of those, too, are being redeveloped. I’m also looking forward to the new pathway that will run from Lake Kittamaqundi to Stevens Forest Road. I hope that someday the county will complete another section of the pathway all the way to Lake Elkhorn. The lake, after all, is a focal point that can’t be missed by anyone driving along Broken Land Parkway and shouldn’t be missed by anyone who appreciates beautiful settings like what Elkhorn offers. The loop around it provides a great route for walkers, runners and bicyclists. The grassy area by the dam is a good spot to picnic, read a book or just relax. The pavilion is available for rent through CA for picnics, reunions, and celebrations. There is a fabulous tot lot on the dockside that is well-used by the community. There are a lot of birds and wildlife that can be seen while you’re at the lake. And there is a connection to the county pathway that leads south under Route 32 and eventually all the way to Savage. One of the things that brought me to Owen Brown was that it was a central location for accessing other places. The great news is that also means everything I’ve written about can be easily reached by the rest of Columbia. And it should be.
Andy Stack
Rendezvous (from page 1)
Couples will paint Sunset on Safari (See ColumbiaArtCenter.org for photos) and the price is $35 per couple. There will also be a session on Friday, March 11 from 6:30-8:30pm. The subject will be Tranquil Lake. The March session is $45 per couple. Find tranquility together Haven on the Lake offers a serene way to unwind any day of the year, but it’s also a one-of-a-kind date location. With onsite KidSpace, you and your partner can have peace of mind that your children will be happy and occupied while you relax at the retreat. While Haven’s amenities are special no matter who you’re with, they also create a memorable couples getaway, too. You can enjoy healing environments like the Crystal Salt Therapy Room or the hot tub overlooking picturesque Lake Kittamaqundi, take a mind body class like Pilates or yoga or enjoy spa treatments such as massages, scrubs
Photo by Jason LEE
Haven on the Lake offers a serene way to unwind any day of the year, but as a sweet Valentine’s Day treat for couples, Haven is offering 15 percent off couples massages throughout February.
and body wraps from The Still Point Spa at Haven on the Lake. As a sweet Valentine’s Day treat for couples, Haven is offering 15 percent off couples massages throughout February. To receive the discount, call 410-7153030 and mention promo code 15VALENTINE when booking. Learn more about Haven on the Lake at HavenontheLake.org. Pump each other up A study by the Department of Kinesiology at Indiana University found that married couples who worked out together tended to stay with their workout programs — a dropout rate of only 6 percent for couples who worked out together, versus 43 percent for those working out alone. So take the opportunity to raise your heart rates, whether it’s exploring a new group fitness class like Basic Training, Cardio Dance Party or Studio Cycling, or signing up for personal training as a pair for a more personalized workout. Find out more about group fitness options at ColumbiaAssociation.org/ GroupFitness, and about personal training at ColumbiaAssociation.org/ PersonalTraining. Date night with the family Want to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the whole family? CA’s KidSpace program is holding Family Valentine Date Night on Friday, Feb. 12 from 7-8:30pm at Columbia Gym. Join us for a fun-filled evening of music, dancing, games and much more. When the dancing is over, end the evening by making your own ice cream sundae! The event is open to everyone. The price per family is $10 for KidSpace/Package Plan Plus members; $12 for Columbia Cardholders and $14 for nonmembers. For more information or to register, please call or visit any KidSpace location. (Columbia Athletic Club: 410-730-6755: Columbia Gym: 410-531-8984: Supreme Sports Club: 410-381-7559).
CA PHONE NUMBERS CA Headquarters ............................................410-715-3000 Customer and Member Service Center.........410-730-1801 Aquatics Office................................................410-312-6332 Columbia Archives .........................................410-715-6781 Columbia Art Center.......................................410-730-0075 Columbia Association Camps........................410-715-3165 Columbia Athletic Club ..................................410-730-6744 Columbia Gym ................................................410-531-0800 Columbia Horse Center..................................301-776-5850 Columbia Ice Rink ..........................................410-730-0322 Columbia SportsPark/SkatePark ...................410-715-3054 Columbia Swim Center ..................................410-730-7000 Columbia Youth and Teen Center ..................410-992-3726 Fairway Hills Golf Club ..................................410-730-1112 Haven on the Lake..........................................410-715-3020 Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club..................................410-730-5980 Inclement Weather Hotline............................410-715-3154 Indoor Tennis, Columbia Athletic Club...........410-720-0149 Owen Brown Tennis Bubble ...........................410-381-7255 The Racquet Club at Hobbit’s Glen................410-730-6601 School Age Services ......................................410-715-3164 Supreme Sports Club .....................................410-381-5355 Wilde Lake Tennis Club ................................410-730-3767
Excite Columbia returns Excite Columbia, a free six-week program held to educate, inform and give residents an in-depth view on how CA operates and serves the community, returns Tuesday, March 1 from 6:30-8:30pm. Excite Columbia is CA’s citizen’s academy — held on six consecutive Tuesdays, it provides a forum for CA and community members to interact and engage with one another. Register at ColumbiaAssociation.org/Excite.
CA wraps up proposed budget This month wraps up Columbia Association’s budget process for fiscal years 2017 and 2018. The draft budget includes a proposal to increase the annual charge cap from 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent. For a full explanation of what that would mean, plus more information on CA’s proposed budget and a schedule of February’s meetings, go to ColumbiaAssociation.org/Budget. C A M O N T H LY 3
February Community Events Wednesday, Feb. 3 • 7pm Learn how to replace some of your lawn with a rain garden in this presentation from River Hill’s Watershed Advisory Committee.• Claret Hall, 6020 Daybreak Circle, Clarksville • 410-531-1749 newsletter@villageofriverhill.org
Rain Garden Presentation
Thursdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 • 7:15pm Celebrate your romance at our fourweek tango dance class; $20 per couple. 6800 Cradlerock Way • 410-381-0202 events@owenbrownvillage.org
Tango Dance Class
Friday, Feb. 5 • 11am-2pm Schools are closed, so enjoy the afternoon making pet toys for the animals at the Howard County Animal Control and Adoption Center. Donations will be collected at Stonehouse until Feb. 5. Call for more details or list of items requested from the shelter. • Stonehouse, 8775 Cloudleap Court • 410-730-8113 events@longreach.org
Animal Shelter Extravaganza
Rainbow Theatre – School’s Out presents “Mad Science”
Friday, Feb. 5 • 10am An interactive show filled with colors and exploration for preschoolers. Slayton House Theatre, 10400 Cross Fox Lane • events@wildelake.org Saturday, Feb. 13 • 7am-10pm It’s the NBA’s All-Star weekend and CA has something special for our own allstars — you! Visit select CA sport and fitness locations all day on Saturday, Feb. 13 for free special fitness classes, demonstrations, activities, giveaways and more — including working out for free in all fitness areas at CA’s three fitness clubs. Open to the public. Visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/AllStar for more info.
All Star Day Open House
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Village Representatives to CA Board of Directors
Saturday, Feb. 20 • 10am Tuesday, Feb. 23 • 7pm Ever thought about running for election to be your Village’s rep to the CA Board of Directors? Learn about CA and what this position entails at one of the upcoming information sessions. Both sessions will be held in the boardroom at CA Headquarters. Thursday, Feb. 18 • 7:30-9pm Master Gardener Kent Phillips will present a free seminar with great tips to maximize your space by using containers. Snacks are provided; call to register. • Amherst House, 7521 Eden Brook Drive 410-381-9600 • Dawn Linthicum – kcevents@columbiavillages.org
Container Gardening Seminar
Thursday, Feb. 18 • 3-4pm Free presentation by Mike Kerwin of the Howard County Bird Club. Learn how to attract and identify birds in your backyard. Historic Oakland Manor, 5430 Vantage Point Road 410-730-4744
It’s for the Birds!
Visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/Events to learn about more great events happening in Columbia!
Free Bike Clinic at Slayton House
Saturday, Feb. 20 • 2-4pm Free bicycle registration by the Howard County Police Pathway Patrol Unit, complimentary safety check by Princeton Sports and complimentary bike and helmet fitting by Princeton Sports and 90+ Cycling. Slayton House, Wilde Lake Village Center, 10400 Cross Fox Lane • 410-730-3987• events@ wildelake.com – Carol Hobelmann
The Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House
Reception: Feb. 21 • 3-5pm (Free and open to the public) Thursday, Feb. 18 – Monday, March 28 Yolanda Koh (Watercolors and Ink on Yupo) and David Pumplin (photography) Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane Carole Black, Gallery Director 410-730-3987 • gallery@wildelake.org
1960s: The Soundtrack of Our Lives
Monday, Feb. 22 • Noon Join us for lunch and take a trip down memory lane as we relive the sounds and sights of the tumultuous ’60s. Free for Owen Brown residents; $5 for residents outside of Owen Brown. 6800 Cradlerock Way • 410-381-0202 events@owenbrown village.org
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Lively Arts for Little Ones Presents: Musical Fun with Mr. Hyson
Friday, Feb. 26 • 10am A lively introduction to the arts for little ones. The Other Barn, 5851 Robert Oliver Place • 410-730-4610 events@oaklandmills.org Saturday, Feb. 27 • 10am Hands-only CPR Training by HC Fire and Rescue. The Other Barn, 5851 Robert Oliver Place • 410-730-4610 events@oaklandmills.org
Hands-Only CPR Training
Lunch and Learn: Movies That Inspired Great Musicals
Friday, March 11 • Noon-1pm Free presentation by singer/musical authority Steve Friedman. Historic Oakland Manor, 5430 Vantage Point Road • 410-730-4744
Baby Expo: Prenatal through Preschool
Saturday, March 12 • 10am-2pm More than 30 vendors, informational speakers and children’s activities. Owen Brown Community Center, 6800 Cradlerock Way 410-730-4610/410-381-0202 events@oaklandmills.org or events@owenbrownvillage.org Tuesday, March 15 • 7:30-9pm Are you transitioning to natural hair or just wanting to learn more healthy hair techniques? A parent with multiracial kids — and the hair to show for it? If so, this class is for you! Pre-registration required for this free event; space is limited. Stonehouse, 8775 Cloudleap Court • 410-730-8113 events@longreach.org
Natural Hair Care Workshop
Snack and ® at ColumbiaWibit Swim Cente r Pr
esidents Day, Feb. 15 • Noon4p Come jump, sp m lash, play and race throug h our new inflatable water course! Admission includ es chips, ice cream and a drink. Columbia Swim Ce 10400 Cross Fo nter, x Lane 410-730-7000 • Aq ColumbiaAssoc uatics@ iation.org
Plants to Use vs. Plants to Lose and Fescue Lawn Care
Wednesday, March 16 • 7pm Plan your garden with the help of Master Gardeners and the River Hill Watershed Committee. Claret Hall, 6020 Daybreak Circle, Clarksville • 410-531-1749 newsletter@villageofriverhill.org