Monthly CA APR 2014
A P U B L I C AT I O N O F C O L U M B I A A S S O C I AT I O N
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3 Columbia Elections Coming Up on April 26 8 Be a Part of Your Community Events
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Columbia Elections
By Aria White Connor
The Columbia village elections are coming up on Saturday, April 26. Each of the 10 villages in Columbia has a board that regulates the village’s covenants, organizes activities for residents and determines the architectural guidelines
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2 CA Releases Third Quarter Finance Report for FY 2014
for the village neighborhoods. In addition, each village also elects one Columbia Council representative to serve as a member of the Columbia Association (CA) Board of Directors.
Columbia Villages The village community associations around Columbia each play an important role in the community. The village boards direct the business affairs of the community association, so if there’s something you’d like to see more of in your village, or an issue that you want solved, be sure to vote.
Columbia Council, a.k.a. CA Board of Directors The CA Board of Directors reviews policies and budget matters, develops strategic initiatives for the association, addresses community issues and appoints the CA president. Since the CA Board is the governing body of CA, it’s essential that residents have a say in who sits on the board. The villages of Harper’s Choice, Hickory Ridge, Oakland Mills, Owen Brown, Town Center and Wilde Lake have a Columbia Council seat open this year. Election times and locations vary; check out a complete schedule on page 3. C A M O N T H LY 1
CA Releases
Third Quarter Finance Report for FY 2014 Organization-Wide Summary Columbia Association (CA) finished the third quarter of FY 2014 with financial results $1,756,000 more than the amount budgeted, and $499,000 above the same period in FY 2013. Total income of $56.7 million was slightly less than what was budgeted for the period, and slightly more than the same period in FY 13. Total operating expenses of $43.4 million were 4.6 percent less than the amount budgeted, and $305,000 higher than the amount spent in the same period in FY 13. CA expects to finish FY 14 with an increase in net assets of approximately $3.8 million. During the third quarter, the Finance team both led and supported the beginning of the two-year budget process for fiscal years 2015 and 2016, working especially with new division and service bureau directors to develop their budgets. The budgets were approved by the CA Board in late February. Finance team members are also integral participants in the numerous projects currently underway at CA, such as Haven on the Lake and the new Hobbit’s Glen Clubhouse in addition to the daily support of CA facilities, programs and community services.
Improvements, Community Planning, Watershed Management, Open Space Management Administration, Land Maintenance, Fleet Maintenance and the RV Park. Noteworthy accomplishments during the third quarter include completion of the construction of Columbia DogPark; snow and ice removal efforts; coordination with the Howard County government on the county’s initiative to redevelop Long Reach Village Center; preparation for and implementation of the first public meeting as part of the ongoing management of the Columbia Market Analysis study; preparation of the public review draft of the Community of a Lifetime: CA’s Comprehensive Plan for Older Adults and participation in two public meetings; continuation and monitoring of planning and development initiatives in Columbia and update of the “Planning and Development Tracker.” The latest version is available online at ColumbiaAssociation.org/ planninganddevelopment. The service bureau ended the third quarter $2,003,000 under the FY 14 budgeted amount and is projected to be under budget by $1,601,000 for the year.
Community Building and Open Space
Community Services
The Community Building and Open Space Service Bureau is made up of two divisions (Open Space Management and Community Building) and includes the functions of Landscape Services, Capital 2 C A M O N T H LY
The Community Services Division finished the third quarter $103,000 under budget and anticipates ending the year essentially on budget. The positive variance is primarily due to small savings throughout many of the expense lines.
There were several highlights in the third quarter. The International Exchange and Multicultural Programs’ Ghana Fest, held at Slayton House on Nov. 17. The Youth and Teen Center Teen Outreach Committee began collecting and sorting clothing donations for the 5th Annual Clothing Drive. The School Age Services Department implemented the SASSY program this year, purchased alternative exercise equipment and is working with the personal training department that developed and is implementing child-geared workout classes. Summer Camp registration began Jan. 16 and introduced online registration. Columbia Archives hosted a three-part mini-course, Creating Columbia: 50 Years Ago Today.
Sales and Marketing Total active memberships increased from 20,026 during the same period last year to 20,949 through Jan. 31, 2014. Package Plan memberships have increased by 410, while single facility memberships have increased 513 memberships compared to last year. Some of the highlights that will be the focus of spring 2014 efforts include the following: • The Marketing Team is part of the Haven on the Lake planning team and is developing a marketing plan for the retreat’s summer 2014 preview event and the grand opening. • Golf memberships, Haven on the Lake memberships and general CA memberships will be the focus of spring advertising efforts in both digital and print. • Golf and tennis will be the focus of radio (continued on page 3)
Columbia Elections Coming Up on April 26 Below is a listing of the times and locations for each Columbia village election, which will be held on Saturday, April 26. Dorsey’s Search 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Linden Hall DorseysSearch.ColumbiaVillages.org
Oakland Mills 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at The Other Barn OaklandMills.org
Changes Coming to
Harper’s Choice 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Kahler Hall HarpersChoiceCommunityAssociation.org
Owen Brown 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Owen Brown Community Center OwenBrownVillage.org
By David Greisman
Hickory Ridge 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Hawthorn Center HickoryRidgeVillage.org Kings Contrivance Fri, April 25, from 5-7 p.m. and Sat, April 26, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Amherst House KingsContrivanceVillageAssociation.org Long Reach 9:30 a.m.-noon at Stonehouse LongReach.org
(continued from page 2) and online streaming video ads on ESPN980 during their coverage of the major golf and tennis tournaments, including the Masters and US Open.
Sport and Fitness The Sport and Fitness Division finished the third quarter below budget due mainly to much lower than expected revenue. Some program and operational highlights from third quarter include: Wellness retreat: The development of CA’s new mind body wellness retreat was named Haven on the Lake, and the combined team is working together on marketing and pre-sales initiatives. CA selected George Vaeth and Associates (GVA) of Columbia to handle all detailed engineering and
River Hill 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Claret Hall VillageofRiverHill.org Town Center 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Vantage Point Road Park ColumbiaTownCenter.org Wilde Lake 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Slayton House WildeLake.org
architectural work for the project. Fitness and related Programs: • Best of Howard County: In early December, Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club, Columbia Gym and team member Bonnie Pace were honored by Howard County residents in the “Best of Howard County 2013” awards. • Zumbathon Fundraiser – Supreme Sports Club: On Dec. 7, ZFitness MDs hosted a Zumbathon Fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for the work of La Clinica de Pueblo, a local charitable organization that attempts to positively impact the HIV epidemic in the Baltimore/Washington region. • CA’s three fitness centers experienced more than 100,000 visits during January 2014.
Long Reach Village Center art of the Long Reach Village Center could soon be changing owners as part of a county government plan to redevelop and revitalize the center. “The Long Reach community has long been concerned over the decline of the village center. We’ve heard those concerns and can’t wait any longer to act,” said Howard County Executive Ken Ulman. “Vacancies, security and maintenance are real issues, and we now have a unique opportunity to make progress.” On March 5, the County Council voted to declare the village center an urban renewal area. This legislation was needed to allow the county to purchase the shopping center and create the necessary redevelopment plans. The county plans to purchase a portion of the village center from America’s Realty and then focus on short- and long-term improvements. “In the short term, the county would hire a professional property manager and will undertake immediate efforts to improve the appearance of the property,” the county said. “Longer-term redevelopment plans will be developed with (continued on page 4)
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C A M O N T H LY 3
Dog Day Afternoon Returns on May 3 et your bark on! Columbia Association (CA) is excited to announce that it will be hosting the eighth annual Dog Day Afternoon on Saturday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hopewell Park, located at 9200 Rustling Leaf in Columbia. CA invites local canines — and their people — to an afternoon of contests, treats, activities and lots of tail-wagging fun. New this year will be pet communications readings with pet communicator Emerald DuCoeur and performances by comedy dog act Mutts Gone Nuts. Admission to Dog Day Afternoon is free. Registration is encouraged but not required via ColumbiaAssociation.org/DogDay.
G Pets and their people enjoy a romp in the park at last year’s Dog Day Afternoon. CA will host the eighth annual event on Saturday, May 3 at Hopewell Park.
Changes Coming to
Long Reach Village Center (continued from page 3) ongoing community feedback.” Though nothing has been decided, the county government would consider relocating its Howard County Arts Council and Center for the Arts to the village center, which also is home to Columbia Association’s (CA) Columbia Art Center. Separate from the county’s plans is a decision by Celebration Church, which is located in the center, to purchase the vacant grocery store and expand into that building. Meanwhile, CA, the Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning and the Howard County Economic Development Authority are jointly undertaking a “Columbia Market Analysis and Economic Development Services” study. The study is evaluating the market status and future potential of Columbia’s village centers, as well as market relationships and opportunities for the Snowden River Parkway and Dobbin Road areas. Work is expected to be complete by this June. 4 C A M O N T H LY
North Africa and Middle East Culture Fest Next Month! By David Greisman elebrate the cultures of North Africa and the Middle East at an afternoon full of cultural entertainment demonstrations. The North Africa and Middle East Culture Fest will be held on Sunday, May 18, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Howard County Library System’s Miller Branch, which is located at 9421 Frederick Road in Ellicott City. It will highlight the countries of Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. The event is free and is a collaboration between Columbia Association (CA) and the Howard County Library System. “There are many misconceptions
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in the United States about that part of the world, and a lamentable lack of knowledge about the people and cultures of that area,” said Pat Fisher, who heads up CA’s International and Multicultural Advisory Committee. “We don’t realize how much influence that region has had on Western cultures for centuries, and how much our cultures owe to theirs.” Snacks and refreshments will be available at the North Africa and Middle East Culture Fest. People will be able to pick up a “Culture Café Passport” and complete it for door prizes by visiting exhibitors’ tables. For more information, contact Laura Smit, at 410-715-3162 or International@ColumbiaAssociation. org.
Spotlight on Columbia Residents:
An Interview with Mrs. Maryland By David Greisman
Z
ereana Jess-Huff doesn’t see her pageant wins as mere prizes, but rather as significant platforms. After winning Mrs. Texas in 2008, she spoke on behalf of mental health awareness. And now that she wears the sash and tiara of Mrs. Maryland 2014, Jess-Huff hopes she can bring more attention to ovarian cancer. Both are personal causes for Jess-Huff, a 34-year-old who moved to Columbia’s village of Kings Contrivance in 2013. Her family has a history of depression and bipolar disorder, and she works as the chief executive officer for an organization that assists with Maryland’s public mental health system in Maryland. And two years ago, JessHuff was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer.
“I was in emergency surgery the following morning,” Jess-Huff said. “They pulled out a two-anda-half pound tumor, and two smaller ones were the size of baseballs. It’s so deadly, you’re just truly lucky if you survive. And if you do survive, you have an obligation to give back. For me, it’s about advocacy and awareness. “It’s time to think outside the bra,” she said. “We’ve given a lot of awareness and education to breast cancer, and rightly so. But I think there are other cancers that we’ve got to start looking at. Ovarian cancer moves so swiftly. It’s silent, and it mimics so many symptoms. She has been free of cancer since the fall of 2012. Jess-Huff ’s first pageant win actually came about two
Zereana Jess-Huff decades ago in Niceville, a small city on the panhandle of Florida: “I won Little Miss Mullet in 1993,” she said.
“That’s a fish pageant, not a hair pageant.” She earned an undergraduate degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Tennessee, then received master’s and doctorate degrees in counseling therapy from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. After nine years in Texas, Jess-Huff received a job offer in Maryland. Her husband’s company also has offices here. And so she, Michael and their daughter, Hannah (who is 11), came to Columbia, drawn here by the county’s school system and the community itself. “It had a small-town feel. It was relatively suburban, which is important to us,” she said. “We have a daughter. We wanted a safe neighborhood. Everything is convenient. I love it.”
Lakefront
Wednesdays Wednesdays, May 7-June 25 • 12-2pm Downtown Columbia Lakefront • FREE Event
Join the downtown Columbia community for free lunchtime concerts every Wednesday featuring various musical artists at Lake Kittamaqundi. Call 410-423-1891 for details or visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/LakefrontWednesdays. C A M O N T H LY 5
Columbia Association Celebrates Earth Month olumbia Association (CA) is celebrating Earth Month by highlighting some of the many initiatives currently underway to make CA’s operations more sustainable and also empowering the community to take similar actions. CA operations impact the environment in numerous ways through the management of our facilities and open space. Below we highlight aspects of our operations that impact energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, watershed quality and waste management.
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Energy and GHG Emissions. CA is actively working to reduce the energy consumption and GHG emissions associated with its operations. Numerous upgrades have been made throughout CA’s building portfolio to reduce lighting loads, improve the efficiency of air conditioning and water heating equipment and operate our facilities so they use less energy. Reducing CA’s energy consumption by 10 percent will save approximately $250,000 in utility costs and reduce GHG emissions by 1,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) each year. There are numerous 6 C A M O N T H LY
options available to help Columbia residents reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions as well. CA has launched a Columbia Home Energy Efficiency Upgrade Cooperative to guide residents through the ENERGY STAR® home improvement process. And there are other ENERGY STAR initiatives, some sponsored by Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), to obtain incentives for energy efficient products and activities. To learn more about these BGE programs, visit BGESmartEnergy.com. To learn more about ENERGY STAR, visit energystar.gov.
Watershed Quality. CA’s watershed management program has been working hard to implement the Watershed Management Plan accepted by the CA Board of Directors in 2009. Stormwater runoff carries sediment into our streams, causes stream bank erosion and fills our lakes and ponds with the sediment. The runoff includes nitrogen and phosphorus carried off of lawns and pet waste from sidewalks and lawns, all of which end up in our lakes and ponds and degrade water quality. Program
achievements to help address these issues include planting eight acres of trees, the construction of 10 bioretention facilities, and 3 large-scale stream restoration projects.
CA invites all residents and businesses to celebrate Earth Month and to help us make Columbia a more sustainable community. As part of the Plan’s community engagement efforts, 107 residential rain gardens have been built through the CA Rain Garden Cost Share program and more than 500 soil samples have been analyzed for residents. Learn more by visiting ColumbiaAssociation.org/ watershed or the Howard County webpage, LiveGreenHoward.com/ Water.
Waste Management. CA actively works to manage its waste in a sustainable manner. From scrap metal recovery to plant material mulching and composting, CA is helping to reuse resources and divert materials away from
landfills. These efforts help to reduce indirect GHG emissions associated with raw material production and landfill disposal. CA is also helping members of the community manage their waste in an environmentally friendly manner by providing recycling stations throughout our facilities and in open space. Pet waste management stations have also been installed, and recently fishing line recycling stations been provided at some of our lakes and ponds. Fishing line can be harmful in multiple ways when left or discarded around our lakes. It is harmful to birds, fish, turtles, frogs and other animals by impairing movement and causing internal complications if ingested. Next time you are fishing at a lake or pond, please take a moment and drop off your tangles, leaders or old line in one of our fishing line recycling stations and help keep our waters healthier and cleaner. CA invites all residents and businesses to celebrate Earth Month and to help us make Columbia a more sustainable community.
CA Board of Directors 2013-2014
Michael Cornell River Hill 410-531-9340 MichaelCornell@comcast.net
Cynthia A.S.H. Coyle Harper’s Choice 410-997-7637 CashCoyle2@aol.com
Brian Dunn Kings Contrivance 301-473-0077 BrianJDunn@gmail.com
Alex Hekimian Oakland Mills 410-730-2583 AlexHekimian@hotmail.com
Nancy McCord Wilde Lake 410-730-2309 Nancy.McCord@LNF.com
Tom O’Connor Dorsey’s Search 410-336-9269 TomFOC3@Verizon.net
Gregg Schwind Hickory Ridge 443-831-8847 Gregg.Schwind@yahoo.com
Andrew Stack Owen Brown 410-381-8897 Andy.OBCA@gmail.com
Russell Swatek Long Reach 410-799-1497 Swatek1@yahoo.com
Suzanne Waller Town Center 410-730-9132 SUZYQ1104@aol.com
CABOARD RECAP At the Columbia Association (CA) Board of Directors meeting held on Thursday, Mar. 13, these recommendations for action were approved: • The board, staff, and two members of the Older Adult Work Team discussed the draft “Community for a Lifetime: CA’s Comprehensive Plan for Serving Older Adult Community.” Staff will give village managers copies of the draft plan for review and comment. The Senior Advisory Committee was asked to recommend priorities and metrics. • The board approved CA’s contract with the State Highway Administration for the Old Columbia Road easement. • The next scheduled meetings will be held on Thursday, April 10 and 24. • Meetings are held at CA Headquarters, which is located at 10221 Wincopin Circle, across the street from The Mall in Columbia. Meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. For current CA Board of Directors meeting minutes and agendas, visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/ agendas. Podcasts from board meetings also are available at ColumbiaAssociation.org/Podcasts.
IMPORTANT CA PHONE NUMBERS CA Headquarter ..................................... 410-715-3000 CA Membership Service Center............... 410-730-1801 Aquatics Office.......................................410-312-6332 Columbia Art Center................................410-730-0075 Columbia Athletic Club............................410-730-6744 Columbia Association Camps..................410-715-3165 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 Teen Center.............................410-992-3726 Fairway Hills Golf Club............................410-730-1112 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 Supreme Sports Club............................. 410-381-5355 The Racquet Club at Hobbit’s Glen ...........410-715-3080 Wilde Lake Tennis Club...........................410-730-3767 C A M O N T H LY 7
April
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/Events to learn about more great events happening in Columbia!
Searching for Spring Egg Hunt Sat, Apr. 5 • 10-11:30am Columbia SportsPark • Contact your Columbia Village Association
Long Reach Day of Service with Howard County Adoption Facility Wed, Apr. 16 • 11am-2pm Stonehouse • 410-730-8113
Remembering Jim Rouse Fri, Apr. 25 • 5pm Wilde Lake Park Columbia.Archives@ ColumbiaAssociation.org
Town Center Candidates’ Forum Tue, Apr. 8 • 7-8:30pm Vantage House • 410-730-4744
Afternoon Tea Thu, Apr. 17 • 4:30-6pm Historic Oakland Manor 410-730-4744 Reservations required
Flea Market at Amherst House Sat, Apr. 26 • 9am-noon Amherst House Parking Lot • 410-381-9600
Long Reach Village Elections Sat, Apr. 26 9:30am-noon Stonehouse LongReach.org
CA Board of Directors Meeting Thu, Apr. 10 • 7:30pm CA Headquarters 410-715-3000
Master Gardeners: Container Gardening Tue, Apr. 22 • 7-8:30pm Historic Oakland Manor• 410-730-4744
Shred & E-Cycle Sat, Apr. 26 • 9am-1pm Hawthorn Center (rear parking lot) Joan@HickoryRidge Village.org.
Oakland Mills Village Elections Sat, Apr. 26 • 8:30am-5pm The Other Barn OwenBrownVillage.org
Lively Arts for Little Ones Presents: “Oh! Susannah” Fri, Apr. 11 • 10am The Other Barn 410-730-4610
Salon Series: History of the Universe Wed, Apr. 23 • 7pm Columbia Art Center 410-730-0075
Visions of Hope Gala Reception Fri, Apr. 11 • 6-8pm Columbia Art Center 410-730-0075
Master Gardener “Birds in Your Backyard” Wed, Apr. 23 • 7pm Stonehouse • 410-730-8113
Owen Brown Yard Sale Sat, Apr. 12 • 8am-3pm Owen Brown Community Center 410-381-0202
Harper’s Choice Village Elections Sat, Apr. 26 • 9am-3pm Kahler Hall HarpersChoiceCommunity Association.org Hickory Ridge Village Elections Sat, Apr. 26 • 9am-1pm Hawthorn Center HickoryRidgeVillage.org
Spring Break Skate Mon, Apr. 14-21 • 1-4pm Supreme Sports Club ColumbiaSkateArena.org Closed Easter Sunday CA Board of Directors Meeting Thu, Apr. 24 • 7:30pm CA Headquarters 410-715-3000 8 C A M O N T H LY
Dorsey’s Search Village Elections Sat, Apr. 26 • 8am-1pm Linden Hall DorseysSearch. ColumbiaVillages.org
Kings Contrivance Village Elections Fri, Apr. 25 (5-7pm); Sat, Apr. 26 (9am-1pm) Amherst House KingsContrivanceVillage Association.org
Long Reach Flea Market Sat, Apr. 26 • 8am-noon Long Reach Village Center • 410-730-8113
River Hill Village Elections Sat, Apr. 26 • 9am-3pm Claret Hall VillageofRiverHill.org Town Center Village Elections Sat, Apr. 26 • 9am-2pm Vantage Point Road Park (Rain Location: Historic Oakland Manor) 410-730-4744 Wilde Lake Village Elections Sat, Apr. 26 • 9am-3pm Slayton House WildeLake.org SAVE THE DATE: Dog Day Afternoon Sat, May 3 • 11am-3pm Hopewell Park 410-423-1891