Monthly CA DEC 2013
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
2 Give Back with the Holiday Guide to Giving 3 Snow Removal in Columbia 8 Be a Part of Your Community Events
Learn more about Columbia’s Sister Cities by visiting ColumbiaAssociation.org/Multicultural
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happening at Columbia Association with
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Tema, Ghana By David Greisman
T
he community of Columbia, Maryland, now has a new sister city — Tema, a planned city of more than 160,000 people on the coast of the West African country of Ghana. Tema is located just east of the capital, Accra.
Tema is Columbia’s third sister city and its first in Africa. This new relationship was established as a result of the efforts of Columbia Association’s (CA) Tema Sister City Committee. The connection between Columbia and Cergy-Pontoise, France, was established in 1977, while the connection with Tres Cantos, Spain, dates back to 1990. “Tema is one of a handful of planned communities in Africa,” said Willie B. Lamousé-Smith, professor emeritus of Africana studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. “Tema was selected to meet the criterion of a relationship with a township whose creation and administration is similar to Columbia’s experience.” These relationships between communities create avenues for cultural exchanges. Columbia’s relationships with its European sister cities have included art and cuisine exchanges, as well as annual high school student exchanges, according to Laura Smit, the program manager for CA’s International Exchange and Multicultural Programs. CA hosted a “Ghana Fest” cultural event in November, featuring Ghanaian music, dance performances, speakers, art displays and food. An exhibit of Ghanaian art is scheduled to be on display at the Columbia Art Center in May 2014. Meanwhile, students in a geography class at Long Reach High School are expected to speak
via Skype with their counterparts in Tema. The Tema Sister City Committee is focusing on developing virtual exchanges via online video chats between high schools in Columbia and secondary schools in Ghana; connecting Rotary clubs and religious institutions in both towns; showcasing Ghanaian art and music programs; and conducting artist exchanges. For more information on CA’s International Exchange and Multicultural Programs, contact Laura Smit at 410-715-3162 or e-mail her at International@ ColumbiaAssociation.org. C A M O N T H LY 1
WINTER FUN at the Columbia Ice Rink
Give Back With the
‘Holiday Guide to Giving’ By Mary Weeks
By Mary Weeks
The holidays are a great time to help those less
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A FUN NEW activity for your family to participate in this holiday season? Ice skating at the Columbia Ice Rink is a fun activity that everyone can enjoy. If you don’t know how to skate, the Ice Rink offers a Learn to Skate program for ages 3 and up. If you want to take your ice skating to the next level, hockey and figure skating programs are also available. The Columbia Ice Rink is an NHLsized rink located at 5876 Thunder Hill Road in the Village of Oakland Mills. Rachelle Weisberg, Columbia Ice Rink general manager, said, “Public skate sessions are a popular activity for local kids, especially the Friday night sessions with a live DJ and disco lights.” The Ice Rink will have additional public skating sessions during the holidays. Call the public session hotline at 410-730-0321 for dates and times. For more information about the Columbia Ice Rink, call 410-730-0322 or visit ColumbiaAssociation.org.
fortunate than yourself, and there are plenty of nonprofits in this area that could really use your help. Every year, the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County publishes a “Holiday Guide to Giving” as a resource to help volunteers find local nonprofit and public agencies in need of help and donations. “The holiday season inspires people to want to give back,” said Mickey Gomez, executive director of the Volunteer Center. “They want to donate food to families in need or organize a collection to support a local nonprofit or volunteer. The guide makes it easy to find ways to do all of these things and more.” This is the first year the Howard County Office on Aging has been included in the “Holiday Guide to Giving,” said Darlene Vaselaros, the office’s volunteer coordinator. “I feel it is a great way to inform people about our organization and the
needs that are out there.” If you don’t have money to donate, volunteering your time also is a good way to give back. The guide includes listings of organizations seeking volunteers. “Being a part of the ‘Holiday Guide to Giving’ provides a two-fold blessing for Neighbor Ride,” said Colleen Dumais, community outreach coordinator for Neighbor Ride. “Exposure in the guide brings new volunteers to Neighbor Ride, which, in turn, enables us to continue to give the gift of independence to the seniors we serve.” Visit VolunteerHoward.org/ HolidayGuide to view this year’s guide. Anyone unable to access the guide online can call the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County at 410-715-3176 to request a physical copy.
LadiesNight Out Sat, Dec 7 6:30-9:30pm Supreme Sports Club
Eat, drink and shop at Ladies Night on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 6:30–8:30 p.m., at Supreme Sports Club. More than 25 shopping booths will feature exciting and unique jewelry, handbags, gift baskets, must-have kitchen accessories, makeup and more.
Admission is $10 per person. For more information or tickets, contact Vanessa Braswell at 410-381-2775 or Vanessa.Braswell@ColumbiaAssociation.org. 2 C A M O N T H LY
CA’s Citizens Academy Gets Residents Excited!
By Erin McPhail
EXCITE COLUMBIA NOW HAS ALUMNI! THE FALL 2013 CLASS OF CA’S citizens academy, Excite Columbia, completed its coursework and graduated in late October. Excite Columbia is a five-week program, implemented by Columbia Association’s (CA) Communications and Community Engagement Department. The main goal of the program is to educate, inform and give residents an in-depth view on how CA operates and serves the community. Excite Columbia also provides a forum for CA and community members to interact and engage with one another. The next session of Excite Columbia will take place in February. If you would like to be placed on the waiting list, please e-mail Communications@ColumbiaAssociation.org. There is a seat in our classroom waiting for you!
The fall 2013 class of CA's citizens academy, Excite Columbia. From left: Jean Salkeld, Joel Hurewitz, Roger Chang, Robert Chasnow, Katharyn Sunderman, Cherie Beck, Joann Rodriguez, Monica Parikh, Lorraine Seelaus, Sharonlee Vogel and Ilia Baskakov (not pictured: Long Chen).
InspireColumbia
All Time Active Users
Leaderboard (As of November 12, 2013)
Andrew W14
1222
Timothy D3
964
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO LIVE IN THIS COMMUNITY? What ideas do
Shirlene B
906
you have to shape the future of Columbia? Share your thoughts,
Julia M10
814
ideas and suggestions on Columbia Association’s (CA) community
Jessamine D1
600
As an incentive to keep sharing and collaborating, CA has included
Bill S30
580
a Rewards Store on InspireColumbia.com. The more you share,
Kirsten C2
506
Debbie N
464
to umbrellas. Big thanks to our top contributors so far! Keep the great ideas
Meredith B1
462
and comments coming.
Mike F11
456
Username
Points Earned
engagement site, InspireColumbia.com.
comment and rate, the more points you earn. Once you earn enough points, you can cash them in for rewards that range from T-shirts to water bottles
Look for the Star Over the Holidays By Jeremy Scharfenberg
If you are buying gifts this holiday season, look for the ENERGY STAR® label so that perfect gadget is also energy efficient, cheaper to operate and helps protect the environment. Thousands of different products have earned the ENERGY STAR label, from appliances to cordless phones. Products that have earned the ENERGY STAR label meet strict standards for performance and reliability. According to the Consumer Electronics Association, the average household owns 24 consumer electronic devices, and these devices are responsible for 15 percent of total household electricity use; this represents a great opportunity to reduce energy consumption by purchasing products with the ENERGY STAR label. Relative to conventional models: • ENERGY STAR certified Blu-Ray players use 45 percent less energy. • ENERGY STAR qualified computers will use between 30 and 60 percent less energy, depending on how they are used. • ENERGY STAR certified televisions are, on average, more than 25 percent more energy efficient. • ENERGY STAR qualified decorative light strings, many of them based on LED technology, use at least 65 percent less electricity. • ENERGY STAR certified battery chargers use 30 percent less energy, on average. By choosing to purchase ENERGY STAR versions of consumer electronic devices this holiday season, we are helping to reduce energy consumption and fight climate change. Look for the ENERGY STAR label, and give the gift that will keep on giving. For more information on BGE’s rebates for certain consumer products, please go to BGESmartEnergy.com/Residential. For more information about ENERGY STAR labeled products, please go to EnergyStar.gov/products. C A M O N T H LY 3
TOP10
4.
INITIATIVES FROM
Directional signs were placed on a 1.5-mile segment between Wilde Lake and Lake Kittamaqundi.
CONNECTING
COLUMBIA It’s been a little more than a year since Columbia Association (CA) implemented the Active Transportation Action Agenda, also known as “Connecting Columbia.” Much has already been done, with more to come. Here are the “top 10” initiatives implemented so far:
CA is working to address crosswalk and intersection improvements. CA has partnered and advocated with Howard County. The county has received a grant from the Maryland Department of Transportation. It’s still being evaluated which crosswalks and intersections will be improved and made safer with this funding. Work should begin in 2014.
CA completed the pathway signage pilot project. Directional signage was placed on a 1.5-mile segment between Wilde Lake and Lake Kittamaqundi. CA plans to move forward with additional directional signage.
1.
2.
CA implemented its first 10-foot wide pathway. A segment of pathway alongside Lake Kittamaqundi by Kennedy Gardens meets CA’s new 10-foot wide standard for primary pathways. This meets national standards and provides an easy passing width. CA completed planning and began engineering for a loop around Lake Kittamaqundi. That project is expected to be completed by late 2014, pending permitting and approval process. The loop will be 2 miles in length.
5.
CA has continued to participate as a member of Howard County’s Bicycle Master Plan Technical Advisory Committee and as a member of the State of Maryland’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Advisory Group. CA is advocating for and encouraging the county to provide on-street bikeways and other needed connections and has worked with the state’s committee to include recommendations related to advancing innovative stormwater management techniques for multi-use pathways.
3. 4 C A M O N T H LY
6.
CA and Howard County were awarded a bike sharing grant. This grant allows CA and the county to partner on a feasibility study for a bike share program.
8. 7.
CA developed a pathway app for smartphones. Those using the app can use it to locate CA facilities and to find routes for pedestrians and cyclists.
CA granted an easement to Howard County for a cross-Columbia pathway. The easement is along the frontage of Symphony Woods for a portion of the pathway that will improve east-west Columbia non-motorized transportation and is to be constructed by the Howard Hughes Corporation from Howard County General Hospital to Blandair Park.
CA partnered with the county’s volunteer mounted pathway patrols. Howard County Police Department’s volunteer unit provides an extra set of eyes and ears for law enforcement efforts.
9.
CA and Howard County staff shadowed Baltimore’s bicycle count program. Learning how Baltimore counts bicycle users will help CA and the county monitor pathway usage, which CA hopes to begin in spring 2014.
10.
A 2-mile loop around Lake Kittmaqundi is expected to be completed by late 2014. C A M O N T H LY 5
Holiday Fun
Snow Removal in Columbia
WE LOVE TO HEAR
By Aria White Connor
A Columbia Dog Park Expected to Open by Spring 2014 COLUMBIA ASSOCIATION’S (CA)
Q:
What do you enjoy most about the holidays? Dayle Hodge: Driving around the many back/side streets of Columbia and finding the decorated houses. They’re such treasures. Heather van der Vossen: The smile on my daughter’s face when she opens something she really wanted and squeals in excitement determined to get it out of the torture chambers they call boxes. Jessie Patterson: Looking at my daughter and other kids when they see Santa, presents, Christmas lights and snow! Also being around with families and friends and enjoying warm yummy food! Pamela Winter: Dazzle Dash! Nicolle Crunkleton Brazil: Spending time with family and Christmas music and movies! 6 C A M O N T H LY
Columbia DogPark is scheduled to open by spring 2014, giving the grounds
s winter approaches, many of you might be wondering who is in charge of removing the snow from your neighborhood and the
streets and sidewalks that you use on a daily
❄
basis. With the next snowstorm just around the corner, let me take this time to let you know
how Columbia Association (CA) and the Howard County government handle snow removal in our area. CA’s Open Space Division clears snow found on
❄
from you. Join us on Facebook for an ongoing conversation. Last month, we asked the community what they enjoy most about the holidays. Check out some of the responses below. (Responses recorded as is)
the pathways, footbridges, overpasses and
underpasses, and areas around the lakes and tot lots
owned by CA in the community. CA also removes
❄
snow around the buildings and property managed
additional time to mature and be in
by the village community associations. CA does not
optimal condition for four-legged foot
remove any snow from residential sidewalks.
traffic. Located on 2.7 acres off of
The Howard County Department of Public
Rivendell Lane in Harper’s Choice,
Works (HCDPW) is responsible for clearing public
Columbia DogPark will be open daily
streets and highways in the county. Property owners
from sunup to sundown. There will be a
and renters who live on private roads are responsible
nominal registration fee for yearly
for clearing their own streets and sidewalks if they
packages, as well as an option for one-
are not taken care of by a homeowners or condo
day entry. An exact opening date will
association. If you’re not sure whether you live on a
be announced in the future.
private road, call the Howard County Real Estate
For more information, contact CA’s Open Space Management Division at 410-312-6330.
Division at 410-313-2330. You can track real time progress of snowplows during a storm. Learn more about snow removal in Howard County and how to track snowplow progress by visiting co.ho.md.us and clicking on the
COMING SOON: A new Columbia Association website will be available soon at ColumbiaAssociation.org.
Bureau of Highways. Through a partnership with the Howard County Public School System, CA makes clearing pathways that lead to elementary and middle schools a priority following a snowstorm on school days. The HCDPW has partnerships with CA, the Howard County Public School System and the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks to ensure that bus stops in the county are as clear as possible. Each year, CA and the HCDPW work hard to make the streets and pathways safe for travel.
Columbia Association
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 410-992-5043 Gregg.Schwind@usdoj.gov
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
CA BOARDRECAP
At the Columbia Association (CA) Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, Oct. 24, these recommendations for action items were approved:
✱ The External Relations Committee voted to support three recommendations from the Village/ CA Relationship task force, including:
✱ The board moved that the compensation study contingency expense will be reviewed and approved by the board.
• Changing the title of this “issue” from “Improving Relationship/ Communication with the Villages” to “Support of CA/Village Collaboration.” • Reviewing and updating the document “A Collaborative Endeavor” to develop new ways to ensure that new CA staff, village board members, village managers and staff understand their roles. • Looking at the six relationships within the village/CA relationship.
✱ The board approved the Planning and Strategy Committee’s modified set of recommendations for proposed Category I and II capital projects and new operating initiatives in the draft FY 2015 and conditional FY 2016 budgets.
✱ The board voted to move $250,000 into the FY 2015 budget for indoor pool architectural engineering costs and to move money for storefront fitness into FY 2016.
✱ The board voted to eliminate call center construction from the FY 2015 capital budget. For current CA board meeting minutes and the agenda, please visit bit.ly/CABoardMeetings. A podcast of the meetings also is available at bit.ly/CABoardPodcast.
C A M O N T H LY 7
December
COMMUNITY EVENTS
50+ Holiday Lunch
9pm • 410-730-8113
(Registration Required)
Sister Cities Summer Exchange Informational Meeting
Thu, Dec 5 • 11:30am-1pm The Hawthorn Center 410-730-7327
Mon, Dec 9 • 7-8pm CA Headquarters • International@
Holiday Teas
ColumbiaAssociation.org
Thu, Dec 5 • 4:30-6pm Historic Oakland Manor 410-730-4744
International Book Club
Holiday Celebration Thu, Dec 5 • 6-8:30pm Owen Brown Community Center • 410-381-0202/ Events@OwenBrownVillage.org
The Polar Express Thu, Dec 5 and Fri, Dec 6 5:30pm and 7:30pm The Other Barn • 410-730-4610 OaklandMills.org
Wed, Dec 11 • 7:30-9:30pm Columbia Archives 410-715-3162 • International@ ColumbiaAssociation.org
CA Board of Directors Meeting Thu, Dec 12 • 7:30-11pm CA Headquarters
Visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/Events to learn about more great events happening in Columbia!
410-715-3000
Holiday Teas Thu, Dec 12 • 4:30-6pm Historic Oakland Manor 410-730-4744
ELF Family Movie Night Registration Required
Sat, Dec 14 and Sun, Dec 15 Dec 14-5:30 and 7:15pm; Dec 15-4:30 and 6pm Columbia Ice Rink
(Hickory Ridge Residents Only)
ColumbiaFSC.com
Fri, Dec 13 • 7pm The Hawthorn Center Info@HickoryRidgeVillage.org
Holiday Breakfast Sat, Dec 14 • 9:30-11am Columbia Gym • 410-531-8984
Lunch with Santa Sat, Dec 14 • 11:30am-1pm Amherst House • 410-381-9600 KCEvents@ColumbiaVillages.org
Breakfast with Santa Breakfast with Santa Sat, Dec 7 • 9-11am Claret Hall • 410-531-1749
Events@OaklandMills.org
The Nutcracker on Ice (Columbia Figure Skating Club)
Sat, Dec 14 • 9am and 9:45am • The Other Barn 410-730-4610
The Nutcracker Performance by the Columbia Chamber Ballet Sun, Dec 15 • 3pm Stonehouseat the Long Reach Village Center • 410-730-8113
Town Center Holiday Party With Volunteer Recognition Sun, Dec 15 • 6-7:30pm Historic Oakland Manor 410-730-4744
World Languages Cafe
Holiday Cookie Tasting Social
Wed, Dec 18 • 7-9pm Wegmans-Upstairs Cafe 410-715-3162
Sat, Dec 7 • 1-2pm Historic Oakland Manor 410-730-4744
Pizza with Santa
Snacks with Santa
HCEvents@ColumbiaVillages.org
Sat, Dec 7 • 2-3:30pm Owen Brown Community Center • 410-381-0202/
Cookies with Santa
Events@OwenBrownVillage.org
Sat, Dec 21 • 11am Kahler Hall
Sat, Dec 21 • 2-3:30pm Amherst House • 410-381-9600 KCEvents@ColumbiaVillages.org
Ladies Night Out Sat, Dec 7 6:30-8:30pm • Supreme Sports Club • 410-381-2775
Holiday Lights Tour 50+ for Long Reach Residents Sun, Dec 8 • 6-9pm • Bus pick up at Longwood House at 6pm, party at Stonehouse at 7:30pm, bus drop off at Longwood at 8 C A M O N T H LY
Oakland Music Cafe: “Two for the Show Duet” Sun, Dec 22 • 3:30-5pm Historic Oakland Manor 410-730-4744
Snack-n-Slide Mon, Dec 16; Thu, Dec 27; Fri, Dec 30 • 12-4pm Columbia Swim Center 410-730-7000