Monthly CA A PUBLICATION OF COLUMBIA ASSOCIATION
New hours!
MAY 2016
CA’s Customer and Member Service Center will be open Mon-Fri from 10am-7pm, and Sat from 10am-5pm.
Get lost! TRAVERSING CA’S MILES OF PATHWAYS
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By Tripp Laino
he mercury continues to climb, making May the perfect time for outdoor exploration — and there’s no better place to enjoy it than CA’s 94 miles of pathways and more than 3,600 acres of open space. “People are taking advantage of our
(See Pathways, page 3)
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PHOTO BY J.M. EDDINS JR.
Columbia Association’s 94 miles of pathways and more than 3,600 acres of open space offer residents opportunities for recreation and fitness.
outdoor areas — there’s certainly plenty to explore and enjoy,” said Sean Harbaugh, CA’s assistant division director of Open Space Management. “In fact, we invite you to ‘get lost’ as you traverse CA’s miles of pathways.” To help keep that space looking its best, about 60 staff members from CA’s open space
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Pinterest.com/ColumbiaAssn C A M O N T H LY 1
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CA
Board Recap
t Columbia Association’s (CA) Board of Directors meeting held March 24, CA’s Board reappointed CohnResnick as external auditors for the FY 16 annual audits of CA’s financial statements and Incentive Savings Plan and revised the desired outcome for Strategic Issue B to state: “To develop an implementation plan to attract and retain young adults.” Additionally, CA’s Board asked staff to monitor the amount of revenue from the annual charge used to subsidize operating costs of CA sport and fitness programs, services and facilities; develop membership pricing that offers a significant difference between resident and nonresident membership prices; and develop a new membership structure and process that is less complex and can be easily understood and used online, as well as continue to sell memberships to nonresidents. CA’s Board of Directors was scheduled to meet again on April 28, after CA Monthly went to press. The agenda included reports from six Board committees and CA’s representatives to the Inner Arbor Trust Board of Directors; a vote on proposed changes to the CA Board committee structure; and votes on the proposed new membership structures and rates. CA’s Board typically holds a work session on the second Thursday of each month and a meeting on the fourth Thursday. The next Board meeting is scheduled for May 26. For more information, go to ColumbiaAssociation.org.
Hot ticket! Find tickets to this summer’s hottest events and attractions, like concerts at Merriweather Post Pavilion, Orioles tickets and entry into amusement parks like Kings Dominion and Hershey Park at CA’s Customer and Member Service Center. For more information, call 410-730-1802 or email CMSC@ColumbiaAssociation.org.
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Columbia Festival of the Arts returns in June
olumbia Festival of the Arts and Columbia Association (CA) share a long history of presenting arts and entertainment throughout not only Columbia, but also across Howard County and throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. As a founding benefactor, CA has supported the Festival since its inception in 1987. Grant funding is only part of the puzzle; CA’s Open Space staff provides significant in-kind support for the Festival during our Free Weekend each year, helping to create the infrastructure that brings the arts to our community each summer. To this day, Columbia Festival of the Arts has received more support from CA than from any other single entity. That helps Columbia Festival of the Arts achieve its mission of presenting a world-class celebration of the arts — with entertainment that attracts, engages and inspires the broad and diverse community it serves. In support of this vision and mission, the Festival has extended the celebration by making the Festival a year-round event. “Arts For Every Season” continues in 2016 with the summer-themed Festival, “Silk Road Stories,” which runs from June 10 through June 26, including a kickoff for the first Columbia Film Festival on June 24-25; classical pianist Sejoon Park on June 11; Sundance Film Festival Shorts on Tour on June 12; Koresh Dance Company on June 17; and a Bollywood Dance Spectacular called Mystic India on June 18, among others. The Festival’s traditional free festival days at Lake Kittamaqundi (not to be confused with CA’s Lakefront Summer Festival) have now moved to Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods for a dynamic new outdoor arts experience with live bands, arts and crafts vendors, food, strolling entertainers and more. This year’s inaugural free “Weekend In The Woods” runs on Saturday, June 18 from 10am to 6pm and Sunday, June 19 from noon to 6pm. In addition to D.C.’s high-energy brass band Black Masala, the Glenelg Jazz Ensemble — a classic crowd pleaser — will join the outdoor celebrations. Festival patrons and sponsors alike sing their praises for the Festival and echo a common theme that builds enthusiasm for the coming years: “I believe the arts is an outlet that lifts your spirits and all your troubles seem to disappear,” they say. “The Festival is a needed entity in the county and provides an opportunity for visitors near and far to come to a venue that features well-known performances from around the world. The festival has something for everyone at prices that are affordable.” We hope that you enjoy this summer’s Festival. And check back at ColumbiaFestival.org for announcements on the events to come this fall and winter. Todd Olson, Robert Neal Marshall, Diana Forbus, Dave Simmons and Melissa Rosenberg Columbia Festival of the Arts
Pathways (from page 1)
and landscape crews (plus some contractors) maintain the pathways, grass and recreation areas, according to Harbaugh. In early spring, crews plant tens of thousands of flowers around CA facilities, as well as locations near welcome signs and village signs. Staff also inspect those signs and will clean, paint or make minor repairs as needed as part of preparing for the spring and summer seasons. The pathways also get regular inspections and maintenance — the growth of tree roots and the freezing and thawing in winter can cause cracks and breakages. Summer thunderstorms occasionally bring down trees and branches, so staff search for and remove limbs around facilities and pathways after storms. Damaged trees around facilities are removed, while in open space areas the trees are sometimes downed and then moved to areas free of pedestrians, Harbaugh said. While the pathways occasionally play host to organized running and walking events, most of their use comes from residents running, biking or simply taking a walk to enjoy the scenery. Crews are in the process of widening some of CA’s pathways, allowing more room for pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
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“We’re widening a lot of the main routes and the pathways to 10 feet, or slightly narrower depending on the area — we’re trying to avoid cutting trees down unnecessarily,” said Rob Plummer, project manager for CA. “We’re working at Lake Kittamaqundi widening the areas next to the bridges and then we’re going over to Lake Elkhorn to fix that up and widen it.” If you’re looking for ways to explore CA’s pathways, you can purchase a paper map at the Customer and Member Service Center or download the free Columbia Association: Pathways app, which highlights CA’s pathways, facilities and lakes, as well as the village center buildings that CA owns and maintains. This mobile app allows people to use a series of map tools to help make their outdoor experience more enjoyable. There is also a “Locate me” GPS feature allowing users to find CA facilities, view photos and highlight a route for walking, running or biking there. App users can also obtain information about Columbia Association and contact CA if they notice damage to tot lots or pathways. If you see an area of concern on CA property, you can also call 410-312-6330 or email Open.Space@ColumbiaAssociation.org. Find out more information at ColumbiaAssociation.org/Pathways.
CA to host 10th annual Dog Day Afternoon
eep calm and bark on! CA is excited to announce that it will be hosting the 10th annual Dog Day Afternoon on Saturday, May 14, with extended hours this year — 10am-4pm at Columbia DogPark. The park is located at 5901 Rivendell Lane, off Cedar Lane and adjacent to Cedar Lane Park, near the Harper’s Choice Village Center. CA invites local canines — and their people — to a free afternoon of contests, treats, activities and lots of tail-wagging fun. Pet communicator Emerald DuCoeur will be back by popular demand this year, providing pet communications readings ($10 for 10 minutes). T-shirts, pet drawings and microchipping also will be available; visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/DogDay for more details. Only cash will be accepted. A rain date has been set for Sunday, May 22 at the same time and location.
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
CA BOARD OF DIRECTORS2015-2016 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 Brian Dunn Kings Contrivance 301-473-0077 Brian.Dunn@ca-board.org Janet Evans Long Reach 724-516-0550 Janet.Evans@ca-board.org Jeanne Ketley Town Center 301-596-1097 Jeanne.Ketley@ca-board.org
Nancy McCord Wilde Lake 410-730-2309 Nancy.McCord@ca-board.org Gregg Schwind Hickory Ridge 443-831-8847 Gregg.Schwind@ca-board.org Andrew Stack Owen Brown 410-381-8897 Andrew.Stack@ca-board.org Chao Wu River Hill 240-481-9637 Chao.Wu@ca-board.org
Note: This is as of April 22; CA Monthly went to press before the April 30 elections
C A M O N T H LY 3
May Community Events Diversity Matters: Building on Columbia’s History as an Inclusive Community
Thursday, May 5 • 7:30-9pm Featuring University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) President Freeman A. Hrabowski III. Named one of “America’s Best Leaders” by U.S. News & World Report and one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World” by TIME magazine. Sponsored by CA and the African American Community Roundtable of Howard County. Registration is not required but is appreciated at ColumbiaAssociation.org/DiversityMatters Child care will be provided upon request. Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Road. Mondays, May 9, 16, 23, 30 • 6-6:45pm An exciting way for kids grades K-8 to move and have fun while learning to dance. Free for KidSpace members, all others $8 per child. Columbia Gym KidSpace, 6151 Daylong Lane. Call 410-531-8984 or email Pam.Spong@ColumbiaAssociation.org
Kids Dance Fitness
Beale Street Puppets Present “Dig Those Dinosaurs” Puppet Show
Friday, May 6 • 10am Slayton House Theatre, 10400 Cross Fox Lane. Call 410-730-3987 or email events@wildelake.org
More Than S’mores: An Afternoon of Fun on Land and Water
Saturday, May 7 • 1-4pm Enjoy fun camp activities like archery, canoeing, arts and crafts and roasting marshmallows and making s’mores. Free for all families. Space is limited and all children must have a parent or guardian present during the campfire. Register at ColumbiaAssociation.org/ MoreThanSmores. For more information, contact the CA Camps office at 410-715-3165.
Outdoor Mother’s Day Free Community Yoga at Haven on the Lake
Growing and Maintaining a Fescue Lawn
Friday, May 20 • 7pm Free for Haven on the Lake members; $25 nonmembers. Space is limited. Haven on the Lake, 10275 Little Patuxent Parkway. Call 410-715-3020 or email Group.Fitness@ColumbiaAssociation.org for more information or to register.
Saturday, May 7 • 9:30am Bring your own mat. Class will move indoors in inclement weather. Haven on the Lake, 10275 Little Patuxent Parkway. Call 410-715-3020 or email Group.Fitness@ColumbiaAssociation.org for more information or to register.
Sunday, May 8 • 10am Bring your own mat. Class will be canceled if it rains. Space is limited. Call 410-715-3020 or email Group.Fitness@ColumbiaAssociation.org for more information or to register.
Harper’s Choice CommunityWide Red Ribbon Yard Sale
Saturday, May 14 • 6:30-9pm Make pet-themed crafts and enjoy a showing of Hotel for Dogs at this fun family night presented by the River Hill Teen Advisory Committee. Proceeds benefit Warrior Canine Connection and Fidos for Freedom. Pre-register at Claret Hall: $2 per person or $5 per family. Claret Hall, 6020 Daybreak Circle. Call 410-531-1749 or email newsletter@villageofriverhill.org
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Outdoor Walks Return
Adventure Day
Tuesday, May 10 • 7pm Stonehouse, 8775 Cloudleap Court. Call 410-730-8113 or email Events@longreach.org
Saturday, May 7 • 8am-noon Visit HarpersChoice.org for complete list of participating streets. Susan Coghlan; 410-730-0770 or events@harperschoice.org
Thursday, May 5 • 10am Lake Elkhorn, meet at Hopewell Pool Saturday, May 21 • 10am • Dorsey’s Search, meet at Dorsey Hall Pool “Exploring Columbia on Foot” will be led by award-winning environmental author Ned Tillman, who will guide discussions on the nature, history and future of these wonderful outdoor settings. Registration is not required. Call 410-312-6330 or email Open.Space@ColumbiaAssociation.org. Friday, May 20 • Full Day 7am-6pm, $50 per child • Half Day 7am-1pm, $25 per child. Offered most days when Howard County public schools are out; join us for fun-filled days of games, arts and crafts, swimming and much more! A delicious pizza lunch and morning and afternoon snacks are included. Register via phone at 410-531-8984 or in person. Columbia Gym KidSpace, 6151 Daylong Lane. Call 410-531-8984 or email Pam.Spong@ColumbiaAssociation.org
Pilates Day: Free Mat Pilates at Haven on Lake
Congressional Art Competition
Saturday, May 7 • 2-4pm Congressman John Sarbanes will be announcing the winners of the 2016 Congressional Art Competition at 3pm. Light refreshments will be served. Columbia Art Center, 6100 Foreland Garth • 410-730-0075
Visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/Events to learn about more great events happening in Columbia!
Pet-A-Palooza
Yoga with Live Music
Saturday, May 21 • 6-9pm Enjoy an evening of fun activities, games, a children’s movie and pizza! Ages 4 and up. KidSpace/PPP members $10 per child, $16 per family; Columbia Cardholders $12 per child, $18 per family; nonmembers $14 per child, $20 per family. Columbia Gym KidSpace, 6151 Daylong Lane. Call 410-531-8984 or email Pam.Spong@ColumbiaAssociation.org
KidSpace Movie Night
Owen Brown Festival at Lake Elkhorn
Saturday, May 21 • noon-6pm Music entertainment, food vendors, walking parade, interactive activities and activities for children. Lake Elkhorn, 7200 Dockside Lane. Saturday, May 21 • 9:30am Kid-friendly short bike ride exploring the paths of Dorsey Hall. Dorsey Hall Pool, 4649 Columbia Road. For more information, visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/Archives or call 410-715-6781.
Dorsey’s Search RideAbout
Construction and Rehabilitation of the CMS Rain Garden and Outdoor Classroom
Friday May 27 • 9am-3pm (1-2 hour shifts) Clarksville Middle School, 6535 South Trotter Road. Check in at main office; activity is in the rain garden behind the media center. Wear a hat and sunscreen. Be prepared to get your hands dirty. Simone Smith (CMS Green Team Coordinator) 617-690-9890 or email simone.smith@gmail.com.
Outdoor Pools Season Opening
Saturday, May 28 • noon All 23 CA outdoor pools open for the season! For a complete list of all CA Aquatics events and programs, visit us online at ColumbiaPools.org. Aquatics@ColumbiaAssociation.org Sunday, June 12 • 10am-1pm Shop for deals and treasures! River Hill Village Center parking lot, 6020 Daybreak Circle. Call 410-531-1749 or email newsletter@villageofriverhill.org.
River Hill Flea Market
Free Outdoor Yoga at Haven on the Lake
June 12 • 10-11am (weather dependent) Haven on the Lake, 10275 Little Patuxent Parkway. RSVP required. Call 410-715-3020 or email HOL@ColumbiaAssociation.org