Monthl y CA APRIL 2012
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
T H I S M O N T H O N C A’s TELEVISION SHOW
CA Moving Forward
to Redevelop the
Hobbit’s Glen
On April’s TV show, learn about the Columbia village elections; get information on the Recess & Results® program being offered at CA’s fitness facilities; learn more about the bio-retention facilities that have been built by CA; get information on this year’s Dog Day Afternoon event; learn about the challenges facing the new CA Board; discover the benefits of walking on the pathways around Columbia; learn more about the Columbia Archives’ WalkAlong event; and more! Watch Columbia Matters online anytime at ColumbiaMatters.org and YouTube.com/CATVchannel.
Connect with CA!
It’s easier than ever to find us. Facebook.com/CA.ColumbiaAssociation Issuu.com/CA-ColumbiaAssociation Twitter.com/CA_intheNews YouTube.com/CATVchannel
2 CA Releases Third Quarter Finance Report for FY2012 3 Why I Served: An Interview with Ed Stern, Former CA Board Member 8 Be a Part of Your Community Events
Learn more about the Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club Clubhouse Redevelopment Project by visiting ColumbiaAssociation.org/HobbitsGlen.
Golf Club
Clubhouse By Aria White
n case you haven’t already heard, the Columbia Association (CA) has been working hard to create plans to redevelop the Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club Clubhouse. Last year, the CA Board of Directors approved up to $6 million to either renovate or replace the clubhouse, hiring the H. Chambers Company as the architectural/engineering firm to develop
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and design plans for the clubhouse. Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club is important to the community and CA considers investing in our amenities a high priority so that the community continues to be attractive and welcoming to homeowners and businesses in the area. Because this is a large-scale project for CA that impacts the community, CA has been mindful of including local golfers and community members in the redevelopment process. Early in the process, CA developed the Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club Clubhouse Redevelopment Work Team (comprised of CA staff, Chambers staff, members of CA’s Golf and Greens Advisory Committees and members of the community) to provide feedback on the proposed changes. In addition to the work team, the H. Champers Company also
hosted three community meetings earlier this year to involve community members in the process. One meeting targeted local golfers, another included residents from the Harper’s Choice community and the final meeting targeted the larger Columbia community. The meetings focused on Chambers presenting designs and conceptual options to redevelop the clubhouse. As part of the meeting, Chambers also welcomed comments and feedback from the community both verbally and through an exit survey. Now that the community meetings have been conducted and Chambers has received feedback from local community members and golfers, they will use the information gathered to design three options for redevelopment. Following the direction of the CA Board, Chambers will create one design option for a completely new building, one for a renovation of the current building and one “architect’s choice” option. H. Chambers Company will present the three options to the CA Board for their approval this spring. Interested in learning more about the redevelopment? Visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/HobbitsGlen. C A M O N T H LY 1
3rd Quarter Finance Report for FY2012 Released by CA Organization-wide summary The Columbia Association (CA) finished the first half of FY2012 with a positive variance in the increase in net assets of approximately $3.2 million. CA anticipates ending FY2012 with an increase in net assets of nearly $5.4 million. Total income of $55.5 million was slightly under budget through the third quarter, and 2.2 percent higher than the same period in FY2011. We expect total income to be on target for the year. Total operating expenses of $41.2 million for the nine months were nearly 8 percent below budget, with a favorable budget to actual variance of $3.4 million, and $1.1 million or 2.8 percent higher than the same period in FY2011. Total operating expenses are anticipated to be under budget by about $2.9 million, or 4.9 percent, for the year.
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Community Building/ Sustainability The Community Building and Sustainability Service Bureau completed the third quarter of the fiscal year under budget in total operating expenses. The Community Planning Department also had total operating expenses less than the budget through the third quarter. The current projection for the end of the fiscal year indicates the bureau will complete the year under budget in total operating expenses.
Community Services The Community Services Division finished the third quarter $509,000 ahead of budget. The positive variance
over budget is due to a 5.1 percent increase in total income and a 4 percent savings in total expenses. The division anticipates completing the year ahead of budget. Some of the important programs that are supported by the third quarter subsidy of $1,617,000 from the annual charge are the Summer Lakefront Festival, Columbia Archives, Sister Cities, International Day, Columbia Art Center, Volunteer Center Serving Howard County, Columbia Teen Center, covenant enforcement fees and access to camps and before and after school care for income-qualified youngsters. In addition, it provides support to the village community associations in the amount of $3,772,000.
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➡ 2 C A M O N T H LY
LearnMore
For the full report and further explanation of individual variances throughout CA’s operations, please refer to the FY2012 Third Quarter Board Report, available at CA Headquarters, 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD 21044 or online at ColumbiaAssociation.org/pdfs/GetInformed/ThirdQuarterBoardReport.pdf.
Open Space Management The Open Space Management Division completed the third quarter of the fiscal year under budget in total operating expenses by $1,437,000 and with a decrease in net assets of $8,589,000. This represents a favorable variance of $1,884,000 from budget. All departments in the division had total operating expenses less than the budget through the quarter. The current estimate shows that by year’s end, a total of $12,788,000 of annual charge revenue will be required to protect, improve and maintain the environmental assets of Columbia, which include more than 3,600 acres of open space, nearly 94 miles of pathways, 167 tot lots, 284 footbridges, 34 miles of stream valleys, three lakes and 41 ponds and many other amenities.
Sport & Fitness A number of new programs and highlights occurred during the first three quarters of FY2012, including the launch of small group training at the fitness facilities; the launch of new kettle bell and TRX training; the initiation of the “Columbia Swims” program; the expansion of rental spaces at all fitness facilities; the participation of 72 kids in the Quick Start tennis program at the Athletic Club indoor tennis facility; the recognition by the United States Tennis Association Maryland Districts of one of CA’s team members (Liz Baker) as the Maryland League Coordinator of the Year; the launch of the women-only swim time pilot program at the Swim Center; and the participation of 75 individuals in the 2012 Biggest Winner program. The division completed the quarter 11.2 percent better than budget and 6.6 percent better than FY2011. Overall the division is projected to complete FY2012 11 percent better than budget for the year.
Sales and Marketing Sales of new and renewal Package Plan memberships were 567 memberships ahead versus same time last year and 135 memberships less than budget. Through the third quarter of FY2012, 5,338 Resident Cards have been issued. Other accomplishments include the launch of new creative with tag lines “Buy now, pay in January”, to market memberships; development of marketing materials and ads to promote our first Black Friday event, held the Friday after Thanksgiving and our “Ladies Night Out” event; development of the ‘new and improved’ 2012 CA Camps Guide. We also began the application process to trademark the new CA logo; designed new creative; and continued work on finalizing CA’s brand message.
Why I Served W
hen Ed Stern, a business owner and
An Interview with Ed Stern, Former CA Board Member By Kathy Huver
resident of River Hill, joined the
Village Board Elections
Columbia Association (CA) Board of Directors back in 2000, he
really didn’t know what to expect, but he knew that he wanted to
Dorsey’s Search
make a difference.
April 21, 8am-2pm at Linden Hall
What motivated Stern to join the board initially was his concern over the perception of many Columbia residents that the River Hill
Harper’s Choice April 21, 9am-3pm at Kahler Hall
village was full of wealthy people who had nothing in common with the rest of Columbia. Part of his goal was to “make people
Hickory Ridge
understand that we’re normal people (in River Hill), we have the
April 21, 9am-3pm at the Hawthorn Center
serve and take responsibility if you are not same values as people in any other village in willing to do the same?” Stern says, “A lot of Columbia.” people sit on the sidelines and look to others to “When I first joined the Board, it was not to take on service while they advance any personal agenhang in the background da of mine; I was really just and complain. We need to wanting to listen and to take responsibility for what help make the best we have created.” decisions for Columbia. I Stern has only words of viewed myself as an inencouragement for anyone betweener and a rational who is thinking of running voice as well as someone for a spot on the CA Board who could offer a different of Directors or one of the viewpoint,” Stern says. Stern admits that he was Columbia village boards. very naïve when he first “Although it is a big started his board tenure. commitment, it is also He also didn’t expect the very rewarding,” Stern time commitment that says. accompanied his new Stern is currently the position; however, when he CEO of The Redhead looks back on his Companies, located in experience with the Board, Ellicott City. CA has he has no regrets. “I was recently hired The starting a business and had Redhead Companies to family obligations as well, Ed Stern assist with its branding and but I still found time to Former CA Board Member marketing efforts. serve because I felt it If you’re curious about was genuinely important how to become involved in and that I could — and did — make a CA as a Board or committee member, information difference.” can be found online at Columbia Association.org/ Leadership-Opportunities. “How can you expect other people to rise up,
Kings Contrivance April 20, 5-7pm and April 21, 9am-1pm at Amherst House
Long Reach April 21, 9:30am-12pm at Stonehouse
Oakland Mills April 21, 8:30am-5pm at The Other Barn
Owen Brown April 21, 9am-4pm at the Owen Brown Community Center
River Hill April 21, 9am-3pm at Claret Hall
Town Center April 21, 9am-2pm at Vantage Point Road Park Gazebo
Wilde Lake April 21, 9am-4pm at Slayton House
C A M O N T H LY 3
Protecting Columbia’s Compiled by Aria White and John McCoy
WAT
Columbia Association has started a Slow the Flow program to reduce the volume of stormwater that runs off during rain, snow and ice storms and then erodes the streams, lake and ponds in the area.
Money Matters
What is a bio-retention facility?
8,000 per acre to plant trees ($.20 per square foot) • $300-800 per linear foot for stream restoration, there are 40-50miles of streams in Columbia • $
20-30 per square foot to build a bio-retention facility Two bio-retention facilities currently built Homespun Road Bio-Retention Facility Cost approximately $20,000 Holds 10,000 gallons of water Lake Elkhorn Bio-Retention Facility Cost approximately $55,000 Holds 30-35,000 gallons of water
• $
1,800-3,9,00 to install a rain garden depending on size
• $
4 C A M O N T H LY
2,300 Trees Were Planted Last Year Approximately 45 volunteers helped CA plant 400 trees CA was given a grant by the state of Maryland to plant trees Trees help reduce the volume of runoff
A bio-retention facility is a large constructed bowl or depression. Modified soil is placed in the bottom of the facility to increase the amount of water that can soak in. Runoff water that flows from impervious surfaces is then filtered by the soil and collected. Filtered runoff is then discharged as clear, relatively clean water.
ATERS GET INVOLVED
DO & Your Part
Residents can assist the Slow the Flow efforts of CA by doing the following: •
Disconnect downspouts from impervious surfaces and drains that lead to storm sewers and street gutters
•
Mulch areas where grass is difficult to grow and plant native perennials
•
Mulch leaves — instead of raking them — and then leave them on the lawn
•
Plant trees
•
Build rain gardens in your yard
•
Test your soil
Get Involved
and do your part
Getting it done!
Planting trees, shrubs and perennials as well as landscaping, mulching and creating rain gardens is typically done during the
Your Lawn Columbia Association is offering residents a chance to test their lawn soil for free to reduce unnecessary fertilizer application.
these meetings, participants were asked to engage Pick up your soil sample bag in various activities aimed to provide input on at your local village how and why people use the pathways, and where they saw needs for improvements or connections. community center. Participants were asked to annotate pathway maps, complete a survey (80 percent said they used the pathways at least weekly) and to think “big picture,” and identify what would encourage them to use Columbia’s pathways more frequently for daily walking and/or bicycling trips. To this last question, there were lots of responses: 301 to be exact. Of these responses, 25 percent related to programmatic improvements, such as better direcWater that runs off surfaces during rain, ice and snow storms. tional signs, more connectivity to places people want to go, safer roadway crossings and better sidewalks and bikeways on roads. Improvements
spring and fall months.
What is stormwater runoff?
Residents can help the slow the flow efforts of CA
C A M O N T H LY 5
Centennial Plants its seeds in Columbia hrough a partnership between the Columbia Association (CA) and the Howard County Tourism and Promotion office, three Yoshino cherry tree saplings, grown from the original trees gifted to the United States by Japan in 1912, will be planted in Columbia. This is one of the first sets of trees to be donated outside of Washington, D.C., and the first in Maryland. The trees will be planted in October 2012 in Kennedy Gardens, located on the eastern shore of Lake Kittamaqundi, during scheduled renovations and following the CA lake dredging there and Howard County sewer line projects. These trees have been donated to Howard County in commemoration of this year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival and the centennial celebration of the 1912 gift. Blossoms of Hope, Howard County’s Cherry Tree project, has planted trees throughout
Howard County, including three CA locations: Lake Elkhorn, Wilde Lake and Symphony Woods. Since its inception, the project has helped plant more than 1,500 trees and raise more than $142,000 to support the Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center at
THE PATH
FORWARD Cycling Innovations From Across the US
Howard County General Hospital. For more information about Blossoms of Hope and a full list of events and activities during April’s Cherrybration celebration, please visit blossomsofhope.com
revolution is occurring across the county and it’s a good thing! Cycling is on the rise. More and more communities are making investments to make cycling easier and safer. On April 25, at 7:30pm at Slayton House (10400 Cross Fox Lane, 21044), Jennifer Toole will speak to attendees about innovative communities across the US and how they are making way for bicycling. Toole is a nationally recognized leader in bicycle and pedestrian planning and design. Last year we heard from Gil Peñalosa about what’s going on in European cities vis-à-vis walkability and city
A
planning. This month we’ll learn about US communities and their successes. Jennifer Toole is the lead consultant for Connecting Columbia (ColumbiaAssociation.org/ ConnectingColumbia) and founder of Toole Design Group (tooledesign.com). RSVP at cycling-innovations.eventbrite.com. Registration for the event is appreciated, but not required. This event is part of CA’s Community Building Speakers’ Series, which hosts thought-provoking speakers that stimulate us to discuss, engage and build our sense of community.
CONNECTING COLUMBIA
What’s in the CA Budget?
CA is developing an Active
Learn about CA’s budgets for Fiscal Years 2013 and 2014 at budget1314.blogspot.com. The Behind the Budget web site features CA’s President Phil Nelson’s Budget Planning Element document and short videos written and produced by CA team members.
to create a more interconnected and comprehensive bicycling and walking
You can also view the videos on CA’s YouTube Channel, YouTube.com/CATVchannel.
6 C A M O N T H LY
Transportation Action Agenda circulation system for health, recreation and transportation purposes in Columbia.
CONNECTING
Learn more at ColumbiaAssociation.org/ConnectingColumbia.
COLUMBIA
Renovations Planned for Tot Lots By Suzanne Zolnick
Spring is here and with it, Columbia Association’s (CA) Open Space Management Division will renovate six tot lots. According to Project Manager Denis Ellis, CA has 167 tot lots. Each year, on a
*
rotating basis, Ellis and his crews renovate five or six of the lots. In determining which ones to renovate, they look at the age of each tot lot and evaluate the condition. The renovation includes removal of all equipment and replacement with new equipment of
Bosley’s Ode to
the same type. The new equipment will have
safety upgrades. The crews also expand the size
of the tot lots to establish “enhanced safety
zones.” They follow Consumer Product
Safety Commission guidelines in purchasing equipment and in designing the land area.
Ellis says that the renovations will begin
after May 1. The list of specific projects is not
yet finalized but the Columbia villages where
work is to take place will be notified prior to the start of the projects.
Kids Can Enjoy Recess and Get Healthy Results! By Anita Baxter
A
re your kids bored or perhaps out of shape? No worries! Try to mix things up
by enrolling them in the Recess and Results® program, offered by the Columbia Association (CA) at all three CA fitness facilities. The program is designed to
help children stay active and learn about food and nutrition through games and group physical activities. Recess and Results® is different from other organized sports activities. The structure, according to Abby Rose, assistant manager of KidSpace and events coordinator at the Columbia Gym, builds self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment in children. “Everyone gets to play,” she noted.
Dog a D y Afternoon Hi,
my name is Bosley, and I’m here to say, that all Columbia dogs should go to Dog Day!
There’ll be contests to name the best tail-wagger, howler, biscuit-eater, and best dressed to swagger. Open-play areas where we can meet new friends, and doggy shops where we can see new trends. The new doggy dash will make me want to bark, about the pretty scenery all around the park. Our families can check out local non-profits and vets, rescues, daycares and more vendors for pets. Face painting and arty crafts to do, doggies want kids to have fun too. Lots of chances to win gifts, treats and toys, that’ll bring both owners and dogs lots of joy. Remember to bring food and toys for doggies in need, to be given to Animal Advocates of Howard County. Plus demos about obedience and puppy training, and this year it’ll move to Sunday in case it’s raining. An afternoon of treats, fun and play, we promise we’ll be good, ‘cuz we’ll want to STAY!
The benefits of physical activity and learning about
nutrition for children are many. Improved physical and emotional health, weight control and even better sleep are noted rewards of staying active. But one of the most important benefits for children is lifetime learning. Rose stated this simply as, “What children learn now, they will take with them into their adulthood.”
Dog Day Afternoon Saturday, April 21 • 11am-2pm Hopewell Park - 9200 Rustling Leaf, Columbia dog-day-afternoon-2012.eventbrite.com Raindate: Sunday, April 22
To learn more about the program, contact Abby Rose at 410-531-8974. C A M O N T H LY 7
April
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Be A
Part
Of It! Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House Exhibit: Michael Oberman “The Nature of Wilde Lake ... The Final Chapter”
Monday, April 9 • 7pm Stonehouse. Information: 410-730-8113.
Now-Saturday, April 28 Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House. Information: 410-730-3987.
International Book Club
School’s Out Youth Visiting Artist Series (Ages 11-13) Monday, April 2 7:30am-5:30pm Columbia Art Center. Information: 410-730-0075.
“A Walk in My Shoes” Invitational Theme Exhibition Thursday, April 5-Monday, April 30 Columbia Art Center. Information: 410-730-0075.
8 C A M O N T H LY
Master Gardener: Eat It, Grow It
Wednesday, April 11 • 7:30-9pm CA Headquarters. Information: 410-715-3162.
Owen Brown Residential Architectural Committee Meeting Wednesday, April 11 7:30-9:30pm Owen Brown Community Center. Information: 410-381-0202.
Follow @Columbia_Events on Twitter to learn about more great events happening in Columbia!
Early Voting Extravaganza (For Hickory Ridge Residents) Friday, April 13 • 5-7:30pm The Hawthorn Center. Information: 410-730-7327.
Electronics Recycling Event Saturday, April 21 • 9am Claret Hall. Information: events@villageofriverhill.org.
Flea Market
Columbia-Wide Clean Up Day
Saturday, April 21 • 8am-1pm Long Reach Village Center Parking Lot. Information: 410-730-8113.
Saturday, April 14 • 9am-12pm Various locations near Columbia villages. Information: 410-381-3470.
Flea Market
River Hill 50+ Club Tuesday, April 17 • 7pm Claret Hall. Information: events@villageofriverhill.org.
Family Bingo Night Friday, April 20 • 6-7:30pm Columbia Athletic Club. Information: 410-730-6755.
Lively Arts for Little Ones Presents, “Uncle Pete” Friday, April 20 • 10am The Other Barn. Information: 410-730-4610.
Oakland Nights: “Nonesuch Trio” Friday, April 20 • 7:30-9pm Historic Oakland Manor. Information: 410-730-4744.
Saturday, April 21 • 9am-1pm The Hawthorn Center. Information: 410-730-7327.
Plant Sale: Annuals and Flowering Baskets Saturday, April 21 • 9am The Other Barn. Information: 410-730-4610.
Mother’s Day Craft/Wellness Fair Saturday, April 21 • 10am-2pm Kahler Hall. Information: 410-730-0770.
River Hill Village Board Meeting Monday, April 23 • 7-9:30pm Claret Hall. Information: 410-531-1749.
Container Gardening Tuesday, April 24 • 7pm Owen Brown Community Center. Information: 410-381-0202.
Dog Day Afternoon Saturday, April 21 • 11am-2pm Hopewell Park. Information: dog-day-afternoon-2012.eventbrite.com.
Villages Elections Saturday, April 21 • Locations and hours vary by village View page 3 for details on location and times.
CA Board Meeting Thursday, April 26 • 7:30pm CA Headquarters. For updated dates and times, please visit ColumbiaAssociation.org.
Wine Tasting Friday, April 27 • 7:30-9:30pm Historic Oakland Manor. Information: 410-730-4744.
Community Flea Market Saturday, April 21 • 9am-12pm (Rain date: Sat, Apr 28) Amherst House. Information: 410-381-9600.
Have a question or comment? E-mail CAmonthly@ColumbiaAssociation.org.