Monthl y CA JULY 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 Why I Serve: An Interview with Newly Elected CA Board Member Brian Dunn 3 CA Hosts Monthly World Languages Cafés at Wegmans 8 Be a Part of Your Community Events
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER WITH CA!
Learn more about summer events at ColumbiaAssociation.org/Events
get the latest
on what’s
happening at Columbia Association with
thisweek@CA a brief weekly
video series. you can watch the
videos online anytime at bit.ly/thisweekatca
Summer is finally here! And there are so many fun activities and events going on around Columbia this year. Here’s a quick breakdown of some amazing things to do this summer offered by Columbia Association (CA). By Aria White Connor
AWESOME POOLS
When you think of summer, you most likely think about hanging by the pool, splashing around with the kids or relaxing with a refreshing dip in the water. Visit one of CA’s 23 outdoor pools this season for a splashing good time in the sun. Info: ColumbiaPools.org
MORE FITNESS OPPORTUNITIES
We all know summer is swimsuit season, and CA is offering plenty of new outdoors fitness classes so staying healthy and in shape can be fun. This year, there will be fitness classes being offered at the Stevens Forest Pool Fitness Pavilion throughout the week. See what classes are being offered on page 6. Info: bit.ly/summergroupfitness
MAZING CONCERTS
Connect A
with CA! It’s easier than ever to find us. ColumbiaAssociation.org/CAToday
Facebook.com/CA.ColumbiaAssociation Issuu.com/CA-ColumbiaAssociation Twitter.com/ColumbiaAssn YouTube.com/CATVchannel
If you enjoy live music, don’t miss this year’s free Summer Lakefront Festival concerts. Live bands will perform at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from now until Aug. 18. Info: LakefrontFestival.com
ZESTY VILLAGE FUN
Every village in Columbia regularly hosts activities for kids, families and mature adults, including game nights, luncheons and pool parties for residents. See what’s happening in your village this month on page 8.
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NTRIGUING MOVIES
Check out free movies every Monday and Friday, from now until Aug. 23, and then on Fridays and Saturdays through Sep. 14, at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront. The movies
include The Hunger Games, Madagascar 3, Iron Man, and The Avengers. Info: LakefrontFestival.com
NEAT ART CLASSES
Looking to explore your creative side this summer? The Columbia Art Center can help you get in touch with your inner artist with classes, seminars and outings this summer with courses ranging from photography and painting, to ceramics and flower arranging. Info: ColumbiaArtCenter.org
GREAT TEEN FUN
CA Camps is offering several summer camps just for teens, including Camp Discovery, Camp Make a Difference, All Stars Sports and Trek. Info: ColumbiaCamps.org
For more events, visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/Events.
C A M O N T H LY 1
KidSpace!
LittleBakers’ PARTY 5+ For Ages
t day party a th ir b d e m e Enjoy a th ia Athletic Club arty the Columb ith a Little Bakers’, P playing n chef’s hats w o KidSpace w ir e th g creatin . Party
joy ents Kids can en and refreshm eir own za iz p g tin a e games and d decorate th Bakers’ mix, bake an o ls a ill w rs ives a Little e ce go re o ls a recreate ach child so they can s e cupcakes. E p ci re e d homema spatula and . nce at home their experie Ca youll today r 410 party atot reserv e -7
15316 9
Why I Serve An Interview with Newly Elected CA Board Member Brian Dunn By Aria White Connor
n April, Columbia residents elected representatives to serve on the Columbia Association (CA) Board of Directors for 2013-2014. Three new members were elected this year, including newcomer Brian Dunn, who previously served on the Kings Contrivance Village Board of Directors.
I
Why did you decide to run for a seat on the Columbia Association Board of Directors?
You can also enjoy other themed parties at Columbia Athletic Club’s KidSpace location, such as WeeSpace, Be A Hero, Princess Party, Dino Party, Magic Carnival, Moonbounce and more!
r e d n U he tars t S ®
ug 11 orest Pool A , 4 1 s: Jul vens F Sunday 8:30pm Ste 7®
Enjoy a 40-minute land Zumba class followed by Aqua Zumba® Under the Stars! Cost: Mbr $12, Non-Mbrs $16 • Rain dates: July 21, Aug 18
For more information, contact Megan.Cooperman@ColumbiaAssociation.org
2 C A M O N T H LY
Dunn: Because I love this place, and I want
to play a part in ensuring its future success.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term? Dunn: I think we need to continue to
Brian Dunn
address our aging infrastructure and I would also like to see ground break on the Inner Arbor plan.
Why do you think it’s important for community members to be involved with the CA Board?
Dunn: Because the decisions made by the CA Board affect everyone
living here. It behooves them to pay attention and to let us know how they feel, good or bad.
What do you bring to the CA Board?
Dunn: I think my best asset is my ability to connect with people. I come into this position with an open mind, and will do my best to build consensus on issues when possible. I am looking forward to learning all I can about all the positive things we do for Columbia.
How would you suggest other community members get involved with the Columbia villages and the CA Board?
Dunn: Come to a meeting, attend an event or participate in one of the many services CA offers. Sometimes all it takes is one small thing and your whole world opens up.
Learn more about the current CA Board of Directors at ColumbiaAssociation.org, click on “Get Informed.”
Ni hao 안녕하세요
Hello
CA Hosts Monthly World Languages Café at Wegmans By David Greisman
T HAD SEEMED OF LATE THAT the only French I could remember was this: “Je m’appelle David. J’ai étudié de français pour cinq ans, mais j’ai oublié ma français.” (I’m David. I studied French for five years, but I forgot my French.) I probably butchered that sentence, too. Second languages can fade if you don’t practice speaking them and listening to them. And so there is much to gain — and regain — from Columbia Association’s (CA) World Languages Café. The World Languages Café is hosted on the fourth Wednesday of every month on the second floor café in Wegmans, a grocery store located at 8855 McGaw Road in east Columbia. It runs from 7 to 9pm, but people can drop in and out at their leisure, and they can even visit a variety of tables where different languages are being spoken. During my visit, the languages available included Arabic, French, Hebrew, Italian, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and even English. These tables are for those who want to speak a
I
language they already know or are learning, for those who want to increase their fluency by speaking and listening, meet others who enjoy learning languages, pick up useful phrases to use when traveling — or even to recall a childhood language. I started just by listening to those speaking in our sizable group, retraining my ears to recognize syllables and words, and then to translate them in my mind. Eventually I joined in as best as I could. After all, my French classes were in middle and high school during the ‘90s, and then for one semester of college all the way back in 2005. Words and phrases began to come back, little by little. It was good practice and made me want to revisit the language. Studying is important, but speaking and hearing the words are key. The World Languages Café is a great idea. I left feeling — how do you say — très heureux. Very happy.
Bonjour
Hola
worldlanguagescafé Monthly Evenings of Conversation, Food & Culture!
Are you interested in an event where you can speak a language yo u know or are learning? Want to meet new people who also enjoy learning lang uages? If so, be sure to check ou t the Columbia Association’s (CA) new World Language Cafés, being held at the upstairs café in Wegmans of Columbi a. The next café will be he ld on Wednesday, July 24, fro m 7–9pm. Visit ColumbiaAssociation.or g/Multicultural for the languages being offered at upcoming sessions.
CA encourages people of all ages at the World Language Cafés. C A M O N T H LY 3
money matters Everything you need to know about the finances of CA are here for your review!*
Columbia Association’s
4th
Quarter
REPORTS
OrganizationWide
Community Services
Columbia Association (CA) finished FY 13 with an unaudited increase in net assets of $4.1 million, greater than budget by $776,000 or 23 percent. Total income of $64.1 million was 1.4 percent over budget for the year, and 2.5 percent higher than FY 12. Total operating expenses of $60 million were 7.8 percent higher than FY 12.
The Community Services Division finished FY 13 $1.8 million over budget due to a CA Board-approved grant of $1.6 million to the Inner Arbor Trust for Symphony Woods. Total income increased 9.7 percent from the previous year and 5.9 percent over budget, mainly due to increased tuition and enrollment income from camps and school age services.
Open Space Management
Sales and Marketing
The Open Space Management Division completed the year under budget in total operating expenses by $2.1 million and with a lower than budgeted decrease in net assets by $2.7 million. Total operating expenses for all of the departments in the division were below budget for the year.
Columbia Association’s Sales and Marketing team continues to sell and promote memberships and programs through various media including print ads in local newspapers and magazines, direct mail pieces to residents and members, digital advertising, flyers, posters and more. The Sales and Marketing team is continuing its partnerships with Howard County Tourism and Howard County Ethnic Community Summit.
Community Building/ Sustainability The Community Building and Sustainability Service Bureau completed the following initiatives: redesigned and rededicated Kennedy Gardens; implemented watershed management projects; continued replacement of Downtown Lakefront decking; continued design and engineering work for the Columbia Dog Park; and released the “Sales Price Trends, Columbia, Maryland: Residential and Non-Residential Sales, 2000-2010.”
Sport and Fitness Sport and Fitness provided thousands of hours of fitness and recreation for members and residents in FY 13. The division completed the year behind budget primarily as a result of two significant items. First, an accounting change resulting from the new computer system enables CA to defer all fee income until services are provided. Second, repairs and maintenance expenses were significantly over budget because of unanticipated repairs required to better maintain CA’s facilities.
For further explanation of individual variances, please refer to the FY13 Fourth Quarter Board Report, available at CA Headquarters, 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia MD 21044, or online at ColumbiaAssociation.org (click on “Budget”).
4 C A M O N T H LY
Are you wondering why you pay an annual charge? Go to WhyIPayCA.org! The average Columbia resident household pays an annual charge of just $0.64 a day, per person. This gives all of us open space, lakes,
MORE INFORMATION
can be found regarding CA and the issues on the horizon
in Fiscal Year 2014 by visiting ColumbiaAssociation.org.
bridges, pathways, village community centers, tot lots and concerts; reduces the cost for camps, pools, gyms, golf and tennis; helps support projects such as village center master planning;
Columbia Association FY 2014 Approved Budget ($000’s) Summary of Funds, Expenditures and Annual Borrowings
where the money comes from
$67,963
watershed protection and restoration;
Interest and Others $434 - 0.7%
and more.
Borrowings $3,484 - 5.1% Commercial Annual Charge $11,866 - 17.5%
We invite you to go to WhyIPayCA.org to learn more about where your annual charge goes. The more you know, the
Sport and Fitness Income $26,044 - 38.3%
more we think you’ll feel good knowing how much you get for your money. Residential Annual Charge $22,036 - 32.4% Community Services Programs $4,099 - 6.0%
s
where the money is used
CA’s Budget for
FY2014
CA’s Fiscal Year 2014 budget was approved by CA’s Board of Directors in January 2013. The total revenues for the FY 2014 budget are $1.2 million higher than the FY 2013 budgeted total revenues. The budgeted total operating expenses for FY 2014 are $61 million, which is about $1.3 million higher than FY 2013 budgeted total expenses.
$67,963
Capital Expenditures * $9,594 - 14.1%
Sport and Fitness Programs and Facilities $25,366 - 37.3%
Administrative Services $2,099 - 3.1% Contingencies/Other $1,990 - 2.9%
Village Community Associations $4,686 - 6.9%
Debt Repayment $6,293 - 9.3%
Board of Directors $999 - 1.5% Open Space Management $10,646 - 15.7% Community Services Programs $6,290 - 9.2%
* Total Capital Expenditures of $11,416 have been decreased by $1,822 due to certain unallocated non-cash adjustments. * The most recent financial statements and independent audit report are located at ColumbiaAssociation.org. This data representation is not in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). C A M O N T H LY 5
ENJOY COOL SAVINGS THIS SUMMER
pm dio • Car days, 12pm uesdays, 7 Sun ba T pm ly Zum esdays, 7 i m a n •F d e Chi W Hula • Tai t s ily Ho itnes • Fam ynesian) F m 0am (Pol days, 7p , 10:3 s s r y u a h d i T Fr ) Yoga n mat • Flow g your ow (brin ®
©
NEW
summer
group
s s e fitnclasses at Steven ’s
Forest P ool
CA will be hosting summer group fitness classes at Steven’s Forest Pool Fitness Pavilion. Classes will run through August 9. All classes are free (excluding yoga) for CA members and open to non-members who pay the admittance fee to the pool. For more information, email Megan.Cooperman@ColumbiaAssociation.org
Second
Sunday
Swim
E 3 FRES DAY
ENJOY THE CA OUTDOOR POOLS FOR FREE ONCE A MONTH! Residents who live on CA-assessed property and have a valid Columbia Card can access the CA Outdoor Pools for free on the second Sunday of July and August. Visit ColumbiaPools.org for pool locations and times. And visit the Columbia Association Membership Service Center, located at 10221 Wincopin Circle in Columbia to sign up for a free Columbia Card. 6 C A M O N T H LY
Columbia Association (CA) is working hard to improve the energy efficiency of its facilities. Numerous projects are under development or are being implemented today that will help CA Celebrate with Savings reduce utility costs, Move over, fireworks. Energy-efficient lower its carbon footappliances are the stars of the show this 4th of July! With in-store discounts and rebates print and improve the up to $350, you could save a bundle on the season’s top performers. Choose from sustainability of its ENERGY STAR Certified water heaters, operations. CA residents can also clothes washers, refrigerators, freezers, By Jeremy Scharfenberg
: lude c n i dway ses Clas Dance Broa
take important steps to be more energy efficient, and there are numerous incentive programs available through the Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) Smart Energy Savers Program. Columbia residents already contribute financially to these programs through the EmPOWER Maryland initiative, so participation is a smart thing to do.
Is your home ready for the summer? Beat the heat and upgrade to ENERGY STAR certified A/C and other HVAC equipment and services and take advantage of rebates up to $1,150. You could save even more if you qualify for federal tax credits up to $300* available through Dec. 31. Go geothermal and get a $500 rebate, plus a federal tax credit worth 30 percent of the cost with no upper limit.
Coolest Home on the Block
room A/C units and dehumidifiers.
Get rewarded for recycling this summer. If you have an old working refrigerator or freezer collecting dust in your garage or basement, get it picked up for recycling and you’ll get a $50 reward from BGE. Unplugging and recycling it could save up to $100 per year in avoided energy costs. Plus, if you recycle a room A/C unit at the same time, you’ll receive an additional $25. For more information on how you can help improve the sustainability of our community and save money at the same time please go to bgesmartenergy.com/residential.
Recycling Rewards
*Consult a tax advisor for more information.
CA Announces Six Winners of the Maggie J. Brown Spirit of Columbia Scholarship Award olumbia Association (CA) has been rewarding outstanding high school seniors for their dedication to community service for more than 25 years. Earlier this year, CA awarded the Maggie J. Brown Spirit of Columbia Scholarship Award, a $2,500 scholarship, to six high school seniors who have shown extraordinary dedication to performing community service. This year’s winners were Alexandra Berges, from Marriotts Ridge High School; Faith Hahn, from Long Reach High School; David Lazris, from Wilde Lake High School; Sean Salisbury, from River Hill High School; Kristina Titus, from River Hill High School; and Anasia Wharton, from Hammond High School.
C
Columbia Association Board of Directors 2013-2014
Columbia Matters
TV Schedule The Columbia Matters TV show can be seen online, any time at YouTube.com/CATVchannel. You can also catch the show on TV on the following channels:
Comcast Channel 96 & Verizon Channel 41 Tom Coale Dorsey’s Search 443-630-0507 TCoale@gmail.com
Alex Hekimian Oakland Mills 410-730-2583 AlexHekimian@hotmail.com
Mondays..............................................11am, 4pm and 7pm Saturdays .................................................................8:30pm
Comcast Channel 98 Mondays .............................................12pm, 4pm and 8pm Tuesdays .............................................10am, 2pm and 6pm Wednesdays .................................................12pm and 4pm Thursdays............................................10am, 2pm and 6pm Fridays ...........................................12pm, 4pm and 7:30pm Saturdays ............................................12pm, 4pm and 8pm
Michael Cornell River Hill 410-531-9340 MichaelCornell@comcast.net
Nancy McCord Wilde Lake 410-730-2309 Nancy.McCord@LNF.com
Cynthia A.S.H. Coyle
Gregg Schwind
Harper’s Choice 410-997-7637 CashCoyle2@aol.com
Hickory Ridge 410-992-5043 Gregg.Schwind@usdoj.gov
Comcast Channel 99 & Verizon Channel 44 Mondays.................................................................10:30am Tuesdays .............................................10am, 2pm and 6pm Wednesdays ...................................................8am and 7pm Thursdays.................................................................7:30am Fridays.......................................................8am and 7:30pm Saturdays ....................................................................10am Sundays .................................................................11:30pm
Important CA Phone Numbers CA Headquarters ...................................................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
Brian Dunn Kings Contrivance 301-473-0077 BrianJDunn@gmail.com
Andrew Stack
Columbia Ice Rink.................................................420-730-0322
Owen Brown 410-381-8897 Andy.OBCA@gmail.com
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
Russell Swatek Long Reach 410-799-1497 Swatek1@yahoo.com
Suzanne Waller Town Center 410-730-9132 SUZYQ1104@aol.com
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
July
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Summer Lakefront Festival
Now-Sat, Sep 14 • Nightly Downtown Columbia Lakefront ColumbiaAssociation.org/Events.
Maryland Art League – Mixed Media Exhibit
Now-Thu, Aug 15 • Bernice Kish Gallery • 410-730-3987.
River Hill Independence Day Parade Thu, Jul 4 • 9am • Along Great Star Drive • 410-531-1749. Thu, Jul 4, 11, 18, 25 • 7pm Kahler Hall 410-730-0770.
Game Night (Every Thu)
Oakland Mills Community Safety Forum with HCPD Tue, Jul 9 • 7pm • The Other Barn 410-730-4610. Wed, Jul 10 • 7:30-9pm Columbia Archives 410-715-3162.
International Book Club
Town Center Village Board Meeting Wed, Jul 10 • 7pm Historic Oakland Manor 410-730-4744.
CA Board of Directors Meeting Thu, Jul 11 • 7:30-11pm CA Headquarters 410-715-3000.
Wet and Wild Watercolor Workshop Sat, Jul 13 • 10am-3pm Columbia Art Center 410-730-0075.
Sat, Jul 13 • 6-9pm • Columbia Athletic Club • 410-730-6755.
Movie Night
Mon, Jul 15-Fri, Jul 26 9am-3:30pm • Slayton House Camps@WildeLake.org.
Camp of the Arts
8 C A M O N T H LY
Family Pool Party
(For Town Center & Wilde Lake Residents Only) Tue, Jul 16 • 6-8pm Running Brook Pool Events@WildeLake.org.
Girls’ Night Out: China Plate Earrings Fri, Jul 19 • 6:30-8:30pm Columbia Art Center 410-730-0075. Fri, Jul 19 • 9am-3pm Supreme Sports Club 410-381-7559.
Spa Day
Sat, Jul 20 • 12:30-3:30pm Oakland Mills Interfaith Center 410-730-1129.
Hispanic Health Fair
Visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/Events to learn about more great events happening in Columbia!
Wed, Jul 24 • 7-9pm Wegmans Café • 410-715-3162.
World Languages Café
CA Board Operations Committee Meeting
CA Board of Directors Meeting
Family Pool Party
Thu, Jul 25 • 7:30-11pm CA Headquarters 410-715-3000. Mon, Jul 29-Fri, Aug 9 9am-3:30pm Slayton House Camps@WildeLake.org.
Camp of the Arts
Mon, Jul 29 • 7:30-11pm CA Headquarters
Wed, Jul 31 • 6-8pm Hawthorn Pool 410-730-0770.
Have a question or comment? E-mail CAmonthly@ ColumbiaAssociation.org.