2 Why I Serve: An Interview with Aquatics Master Plan Task Force Chair Carlton Haywood
Monthl y CA FEB 2012
3 Behind the Budget 4 Be a Part of Your Community Events
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 CA’s TELEVISION SHOW
On February’s TV show, learn about the Connecting Columbia project; get information on the restaurants
Creating a Connected Columbia
Learn about the Connecting Columbia project by visiting ColumbiaAssociation.org/ConnectingColumbia.
Developing a 21st Century System for Biking & Walking
Proposed FY2013 and Conditional
A
FY2014 Budgets; find out about
Transportation Action Agenda (ATAA). As well, and soon, the Howard County government will begin to
the recently implemented senior
develop a Bicycle Master Plan; and CA and the county have agreed to work cooperatively on the two projects
discounts at CA; learn about CA’s
to minimize gaps and overlaps in the analysis.
snow removal plan; and more!
CA and Howard County Working Side-By-Side
in Columbia that are gone but not forgotten; dig deeper into the
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
s most of you are already aware, Columbia Association (CA) maintains more than 93 miles of pathways around Columbia. Many residents enjoy using CA pathways for recreation, fitness and transportation. In an effort to create a connected and comprehensive pathway system that will
encourage residents to bike and walk around town more, CA is in the process of developing an Active
CA is mainly focused on improving the CA pathway system, but to really improve connectivity for biking and walking, we will also include recommendations for the county roadway and sidewalk connections and crosswalk and intersection investments that may be needed to improve connectivity and safe routes. While CA is already at work on the ATAA — commonly known as Connecting Columbia, the county anticipates it will start their own Bicycle Master Plan this spring, just at the time we are drafting recommendations. That is why it will be even more important that the county and CA staff meet regularly as the studies move forward. As a first step, county staff will be meeting with the ATTA task force this month to brief the group of 16 volunteers advising CA on Connecting Columbia on the scope and schedule of the master plan. County and CA staff have long-standing and good working relationships and recently applied jointly for a state grant to undertake a feasibility study for a bike sharing program in Howard County. Prior to beginning the Connecting Columbia project, CA team members spent time examining
the existing paths and searching for areas where there are disconnects in the system, needed curb cuts to improve biking transitions between pathways to roadways and opportunities for improved linkages. During this assessment process, CA began to identify main pathways that could help residents get across Columbia with ease. CA provided the results of the preliminary field work to Toole Design Group, the consultants for this project. Nationally recognized experts in pedestrian and bicycle planning and design, they also know Columbia —company president Jennifer Toole lives in Hickory Ridge!
CONNECTING
COLUMBIA
Next Steps The Connecting Columbia project aims to improve the CA pathway system and increase the amount of bicycling and walking throughout Columbia by developing an implementable agenda of priority projects, including plans for a pilot signage project to make it easier to navigate the pathway system. Toole will also be making recommendations for roadway connections needed to create a more usable, convenient and safe system for biking and walking. “I think there’s great interest in this project because continued on page 3 C A M O N T H LY 1
Columbia’s Aquatics: Why I Serve:
Learn about the Aquatics Master Plan by visiting ColumbiaAssociation.org/AquaticsMasterPlan.
Planning for the Future By Aria White ver the next 10-20 years, the demographics in our area are expected to change dramatically. Because of this prediction, the Columbia Association (CA) has been developing an Aquatics Master Plan this past year to help ensure that we can continue to meet the aquatics needs of our everchanging community. We are now nearing the end of the project and are in the process of finalizing the master plan. For those of you who don’t know, the final master plan will document the existing conditions of CA’s aquatics venues, assess the future needs of the community and make recommendations for future investments and enhancements of our aquatics facilities and associated programs. We reached out to aquatics experts for information about the trends occurring in pool construction, enhancement features and programming. CA consulted with ten aquatics management experts; nationally-recognized consultants; aquatics design professionals; and recreation and aquatics association staff members. In addition, CA also conducted interviews with three other communities–two planned communities (Reston, Va., and The Woodlands, Texas) and one jurisdiction (Portland, Ore). The result was a scan of what’s going on around the country related to aquatics facilities; the information from the scan was put into a CA-published document, Aquatics Industry Trend Report. A large part of the master plan process has been community engagement. In addition to the thoughts and opinions of aquatics experts, we also took time to listen to residents and CA pool users. We established an Aquatics Master Plan Task Force, made up of community members, to advise and provide guidance to CA team members on the development of the plan. We also created an online Aquatics Commenting Tool and hosted public meetings and workshops to educate the community on the master plan process.
O
Learn additional details about the Aquatics Master Plan and view the draft plan online at ColumbiaAssociation.org/AquaticsMasterPlan. 2 C A M O N T H LY
An Interview with Carlton Haywood, Aquatics Master Plan Task Force Chair By Aria White
arlton Haywood, an avid swimmer in Columbia, knows what it means to dedicate his free time to give back to a community that has given him so much. Haywood, chair of the Aquatics Master Plan Task Force and CA’s Sport & Fitness Committee, has been a regular swimmer in Columbia for more than 10 years. He first discovered the opportunity to volunteer and join the Columbia Aquatics Advisory Committee (CAAC) by visiting the CA Pools web site (ColumbiaPools.org). “I simply thought that because I value CA’s swimming programs I should contribute a little of my time to help,” Haywood says. “I had no particular gripe or complaint; rather, I appreciated the benefits for the community.”
C
Like some other community leaders, Haywood’s offerings for residents. In order to ensure that the amenities role in community leadership began gradually, and offerings are continuing to benefit residents, it’s serving on one committee, then another, then another. essential that we have a core group of leaders to provide “Since joining the CAAC, I have enjoyed working with the feedback and input on behalf of the larger community. “CA other resident volunteers and with CA staff, and the exists for the benefit of Columbia residents who are a experience has been rewarding enough that I’ve agreed to community of diverse interests and so, to be successful, CA take on progressively more involved needs input representing many roles as vice-chair and then chair of points of view,” Haywood says. In his the CAAC,” Haywood says. He also leadership positions, Haywood says started as a member and then he brings to the table patience and a became chair of the Sport & Fitness quantitative approach to problem Committee, which is an umbrella solving. He also adds, “A leader must group for the golf, tennis, fitness and be willing to acknowledge different aquatics advisory committees. points of view and recognize that the When he’s not serving the leader’s responsibility is to promote Columbia community, Haywood a community agenda rather than a spends his time working as the personal agenda.” director for Program Operations at If you’re curious about how to the Interstate Commission on the sign up for a committee, information Potomac River Basin working to can be found on the CA web site protect Maryland’s water resources. (ColumbiaAssociation.org). For And his passion for water extends those of you who are interested in beyond swimming and his day job; getting involved with CA, Haywood Carlton Haywood Haywood has also been involved in suggests talking to someone who’s Aquatics Master Plan Task Force Chair Maryland’s Tributary Teams since already involved in the committee 1995. The teams are composed of members of local you’re looking at to see if the committee’s schedule and government agencies and non-profit watershed mission are right for you. “Ask yourself if you want to get organizations that provide feedback on the state’s initiatives involved in order to find solutions that are right for the for restoring water quality in our streams and in the community or solutions that are right for you.” Haywood Chesapeake Bay. “In recent years, I’ve chaired the Middle says. “The most significant contributions come from Potomac Tributary Team and, currently, I lead the statewide volunteers who are motivated by the former rather than the Stakeholder Advisory Committee for Watershed Implemen- latter.” tation Plans,” Haywood says. For more information about the Columbia Aquatics Advisory I’m sure many Columbia residents would agree that this Committee, which is currently looking for new members, visit is a unique community because of all of its amenities and ColumbiaPools.org to download an application.
Check It Out! Behind Columbia Association’s Budget Interested in learning where and how the Columbia Association (CA) is planning to spend money in the next two years? Check out CA’s Behind the Budget web site at
You can also view the Proposed FY2013 and
ColumbiaAssociation.org/Behind-the-Budget-
Conditional FY2014 Operating and Capital
FY13-14 to learn the planning and thinking behind
Budgets online at ColumbiaAssociation.org,
the Proposed FY2013 and Conditional FY2014
click on the “Budget” tab or watch the Behind
Operating and Capital Budgets and watch corres-
the Budget videos at YouTube.com/CATV
ponding videos featuring CA team members.
channel.
Maggie J. Brown Spirit of Columbia Scholarship Award
Applications Now Being Accepted! Columbia Association (CA) is now accepting applications for the Maggie J. Brown Spirit of Columbia Scholarship Award, which is given annually to Columbia high of school seniors who have shown exceptional effort in providing community service to benefit Columbia residents and those in the Columbia area. CA has been awarding this scholarship for more than 20 years. This year, up to six $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors. Applicants must live on CA-assessed property or have a parent who works full-time on CA-assessed property, have a minimum of a C-average and have demonstrated a history of volunteering and service to the Columbia community. Applications can be found at ColumbiaAssociation.org/Scholarship. The deadline to submit applications is March 15. For more information, please call 410-715-3161. 2012
SPIRIT
Columbia
Columbia AssociationVideos Now on YouTube!
continued from page 1 with higher energy prices and the focus on fitness these days, we’re thinking about how we can use our infrastructure so people can get around Columbia for short trips, without cars” says Jane Dembner, CA’s director of community planning. The Connecting Columbia project will culminate in an implementable action agenda that establishes priorities for improvements to Columbia bicycling and pedestrian network. The project is anticipated to be completed by early summer. Learn more by visiting ColumbiaAssociation.org/ConnectingColumbia.
SHARE YOUR OPINION ON THE PATHWAY SYSTEM IN COLUMBIA! Visit the interactive Google map to share your feedback on the conditions and connections of the existing pathways: http://bit.ly/Ay0XRo. Take the Connecting Columbia survey to let CA know where and when you use the pathways and share your comments on areas in need of improvement: http://bit.ly/wOfNJg.
Dog a D y Afternoon Bring your pooch
to Dog Day Afternoon!
Sat, April21• 11am-2pm Hopewell Park • Free Event Columbia residents and their canine friends are invited to an afternoon of entertainment, contests, treats and fun activities for pets and their owners. Area pet vendors will be on hand to supply information on how to keep your dogs happy and healthy. Rain date Sun, April 22 • 11am-2pm For more information, call 410-715-3104 or visit ColumbiaCalendar.org.
At the end of 2010, CA launched its YouTube channel, YouTube.com/CATVchannel, to make our videos more accessible online and on mobile devices.
Don’t miss the fun!
CA will be using the channel to help Columbia residents receive updates and become more aware of the programs and services being offered by CA. CA’s channel features segments and episodes from CA’s TV show, Columbia Matters. To make viewing easier, there are playlists on the channel that clump similar content together, including In-Studio Guests, Explore Columbia, Discussions with Phil, Health with Dr. Oken, 50 Plus and Behind the Budget Videos. Subscribe to CA’s YouTube channel at YouTube.com/CATVchannel to receive notices when new videos are posted. C A M O N T H LY 3
February
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Be A
Part
Of It!
CA Summer Camp Early Registration
Now-Tuesday, February 28 Information: ColumbiaCamps.org or Camps@ColumbiaAssociation.com.
Camp Oasis Summer Camp Registration Begins
Monday, February 6 Stonehouse. Information: 410-730-8113.
Master Gardener Seminar: Creating a Backyard Habitat
Hickory Ridge Village Board Meeting
Thursday, February 2 Kahler Hall. Information: 410-730-0770.
Monday, February 6 • 7:30pm Hawthorn Center. Information: info@hickoryridgevillage.org.
•
7pm
Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House February Exhibit Thursday, February 2 through Monday, February 27 Free Reception: Sunday, February 12 Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House. Information: 410-730-3987.
Family Bingo Friday, February 3 • 7-8:30pm The Other Barn. Information: 410-730-4610. 4 C A M O N T H LY
Town Center Village Board Meeting Wednesday, February 8 • 7pm Historic Oakland Manor. Information: towncenter@columbiavillages.org.
Free Gardening Seminar: Creating a Rain Garden Thursday, February 9 7:30-9pm Amherst House. Information: 410-381-9600.
Visit CAmonthly.org for event details and a listing of many more events!
Wine Glass Painting for Valentine’s Day Thursday, February 9 Kahler Hall. Information: 410-730-0770.
•
7pm
Wednesday, February 15 • 7pm Owen Brown Community Center. Information: 410-381-0202.
Family Movie Night: “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” Friday, February 10 Claret Hall. Information: villageofriverhill.org.
•
Grow It, Eat It! Spring Vegetable Gardening
7-9pm
CA Teen and Middle School Advisory Committee’s Ninth Annual Battle of the Dance Friday, February 10 • 7-9pm The Other Barn. Information: 410-715-5523.
Fancy Flowers Cupcakes Friday, February 10 6:30-8:30pm Columbia Art Center. Preregistration is required. Information: 410-730-0075.
Dorsey’s Search Resident Architectural Committee Meeting Wednesday, February 15 Linden Hall. Information: 410-730-4005.
7pm
Rainbow Theatre Friday, February 17 • 10am Slayton House Theatre. Information: wlevents@columbiavillages.org.
Columbia Association Teen Advisory Committee’s Dance Party for Howard County High School Students Friday, February 17 • 7-10pm The Other Barn. Information: 410-715-5523.
Valentine’s Dance (Grades 6-8)
55 and Better Meet and Greet
Friday, February 10 7:30-9:30pm Columbia Gym. Information: 410-531-8984.
Tuesday, February 21 Claret Hall. Information: villageofriverhill.org.
Casino Night
•
•
7pm
CA Board Meeting
Saturday, February 11 • 7-10pm Owen Brown Community Center. Information: 410-381-0202.
Thursday, February 23 • 7:30pm CA Headquarters. For updated dates and times, please visit ColumbiaAssociation.org.
Out of the Bins Art Sale
Free Bellydance Class
Saturday, February 11 11am-4pm Slayton House Theatre. Information: wlevents@columbiavillages.org.
Thursday, February 23 • 5:30pm Columbia Gym. Information: 410-531-0800.
Salon Series: What Makes a Great Film? Wednesday, February 15 • 7pm Columbia Art Center. Information: 410-730-0075.
Sunday Afternoon Tea at Historic Oakland Sunday, February 26 • 3:30-5pm Historic Oakland Manor. Information: 410-730-4744. Have a question or comment? E-mail CAmonthly@ColumbiaAssociation.com.