Monthl y CA JUNE 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
On June’s TV show, learn about Columbia’s 45th Birthday Celebration; get information about KidsDay; learn about CA’s tennis programs; discover more about CA’s summer activities; learn about the new solar panels at the River Hill Pool; get details on preventing Lyme disease; and more! Watch Columbia Matters online anytime at
ColumbiaMatters.org and YouTube.com/CATVchannel.
Connect with CA!
2 Why I Serve: An Interview with Lyn Fatzie, Member of CA’s Senior Advisory Committee 3 Columbia Festival of the Arts Celebrating 25 Years 8 Be a Part of Your Community Events
Learn more about Spectrum NG at ColumbiaAssociation.org/SpectrumNG.
Introducing Spectrum NG!
By Aria White
CA launches its new customer service system
W
e’ve drafted an Aquatics Master Plan, created redevelopment plans for Symphony Woods Park, finished dredging Lake Kittamaqundi and launched a new company logo. Phew! There’s a lot going on with the Columbia Association (CA) lately. And in another step toward the future, CA launched its new customer service platform, Spectrum NG.© The new platform was developed by CSI Software, a leading provider of software and related services to health and fitness clubs, campus recreation centers, wellness centers, and parks and recreation departments. Spectrum NG is replacing CA’s previous 30-year-old system, Prime. Here’s the part that’s exciting for all CA members: The new system will increase the speed and convenience of transactions and enhance overall customer service capacity at CA facilities. You might be wondering how this will affect your interactions with CA. Not to worry; we’ve aimed to make the transition as easy as possible for everyone. Your previous membership information has been transferred, and members and Columbia Card holders can
continue to use their current membership cards. Spectrum NG also will allow CA to store member photos for easy verification if you ever forget your membership card when you visit a facility. And soon, you’ll be able to access your account information and register for classes and programs online. Another change that will be happening will affect the way guest passes are distributed and redeemed at CA facilities. In Spectrum NG, one guest pass will be used per person, regardless of the person’s age. At renewal, Package Plan Plus members will receive six free guest passes and Package Plan members will receive four free passes. Learn more about the new system and how it will affect your experience at CA facilities by visiting ColumbiaAssociation.org/ SpectrumNG.
It’s easier than ever to find us. Facebook.com/CA.ColumbiaAssociation Issuu.com/CA-ColumbiaAssociation Twitter.com/Columbia_Events YouTube.com/CATVchannel
Top 3 Benefits of Spectrum NG
1. Online Registration 2. Enhanced Customer Service 3. Online Account Management
C A M O N T H LY 1
Why I Serve:
An Interview with Lyn Fatzie A Member of CA’s Senior Advisory Committee
T
By Kathy Huver
here are not so many people who actually can say that a contribution they made has had an
impact on members of their community, but Lyn Fatzie is one of them. From the moment she met Dick Kirchner, former chair of the Columbia Association’s (CA) Senior Advisory
Committee, and attended one of the meetings, Fatzie says she was hooked. As Fatzie aged, she says her failing
events throughout the community,
number one concern is always medial
eyesight left her feeling stranded
such as concerts, plays, the senior center
and the number two is transportation.
Fatzie has always been interested in
without the ability to drive. She looked
at the East Columbia Library and other
In addition to the Senior Shuttle
leadership. “I started with Girl Scouts
around her community and observed
venues. The shuttle is free, thanks to
project, Fatzie also has helped create
and moved up from there,” she laughs.
many seniors who were facing the same
support from the Columbia Association
Neighbor
of
When asked why someone should
issues. So, when given the opportunity
and Howard County Government.
volunteers who provide transportation
serve, Fatzie states, “You get more out
to serve on the CA Senior Advisory
While the infrastructure for the Senior
to seniors on a more individual
of it than you give. The reward is the
Committee, Fatzie jumped at the
Events Shuttle had just recently been
basis. Although not free, Fatzie says
fact that people are glad, it has changed
chance to address one of the greatest
put in place, Fatzie took the bull by the
there is only a small charge, and the fare
their lives for the better!”
challenges facing seniors in Columbia:
horns and began coordinating the
is based on ZIP code.
transportation.
shuttles and encouraging other seniors
When speaking of her mentor and
To ease some of the transportation
in her community to get out and
friend, Dick Kirchner, she likes to say,
please
woes in Columbia, the Senior Events
become active again. Fatzie cited
“He gave me wheels instead of legs. It’s
410-715-3170
Shuttle transports seniors to local
statistics that among seniors, the
not just about transportation; it’s about
ColumbiaAssociation.org.
Ride,
a
network
regaining independence.”
If you’re interested in learning more about CA’s Senior Advisory Committee, contact
Michelle or
Miller
Michelle.Miller@
Welcome to the 2012–2013 CA Board of Directors!
The Columbia Association (CA) Board of Directors for 2012–2013 has recently been installed. On the CA Board this year are returning members Tom Coale, representing Dorsey’s Search; Cynthia Coyle, representing Harper’s Choice; Gregg Schwind, representing Hickory Ridge; Shari Zaret, who will serve as board chairwoman, representing Kings Contrivance; Ed Coleman, representing Long Reach; Alex Hekimian, representing Oakland Mills; Andrew C. Stack, who will serve as vice chairman, representing Owen Brown; Michael Cornell, representing River Hill; Suzanne Waller, representing Town Center; and newcomer Regina Clay, representing Wilde Lake. Learn more about the CA Board at ColumbiaAssociation.org; click on “Get Informed.”
2 C A M O N T H LY
at
Columbia Festival of the Arts Celebrates
25 Years!
By Anita Baxter ooking for something fun to do this month? The Columbia Festival of the Arts will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Friday, June 15–Saturday, June 30. From the beginning, the Columbia Association (CA) has been an avid supporter and generous sponsor of the Columbia Festival of the Arts. Nichole Hickey, executive director of the Columbia Festival of the Arts, said, “Since the inception of the Columbia Festival of the Arts in 1987, CA has been a key partner in our success. In particular, their support enables the festival to continue presenting its free, three-day LakeFest event that launches the 16-day festival each year on the Downtown Columbia Lakefront. Celebrating its silver anniversary this year, the Columbia
L
Festival of the Arts truly appreciates the support and relationship it has enjoyed over the years with the CA.” In addition to its financial support of the festival, CA also provides logistical support for LakeFest. The tents, vendor set-ups, some electricity and water supply are just some of the ways that CA adds to the LakeFest event, according to Sean Harbaugh, CA’s assistant director of Open Space Management. The festival will include a combination of both free and ticketed events including music, a master dance class, film, literature and storytelling, comedy, a juggling workshop and a Chalk-It-Up street painting contest. For more information on activities, performances, schedules and tickets, visit ColumbiaFestival.com.
CNSL Season Kicks Off! By Suzanne Zolnick
T
he 14-team Columbia Neighborhood Swim League (CNSL) kicked off its 2012 season with practice on June 1. CNSL swimmers are CA members and Columbia residents as well as residents from surrounding counties. Kids up to age 18 can join the league. According to CNSL Supervisor Cindy Six, CNSL will have about 2,500 swimmers this season. The league will hold time trials on June 16, the last day for registration. During the summer, CNSL teams will participate in a practice meet and five dual meets. The All-City Championship, held the last weekend in July, will include about 1,000 swimmers from the CNSL teams. Fees, which run from $125 for CA members to $415 for out-of-county participants, include practices, meets, overnights, pep rallies, an end-of-season picnic and a charity event. Six says that CNSL could not run without volunteers. Volunteer team managers are the “backbone” of the teams. They need parents and others to serve as officials, timers, scorers and card writers at Saturday morning meets. Additional volunteer jobs can be done throughout the week at home. Anyone interested in volunteering should see his or her team’s manager. For more information about Columbia Neighborhood Swim League, visit CNSLswimming.org and follow @CNSLSwimming on Twitter.
HAPP Y BIRTH 4 5 DAY
th
COLU M BIA
}
}
June 23 3-10pm
Downtown Columbia Lakefront
Join us
in celebrating Columbia’s 45th birthday with a big bash at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront! The birthday fun will include live entertainment, children’s activities, a brick paver dedication, a walking tour and more!
Information: ColumbiaAssociation.org/Events
C A M O N T H LY 3
get to know Columbia Association’s
whether you want to swim laps or make a cannonball splash, CA has thepool for you! Sha summer re you fun r p Face at CA’hsotos CA.Abook.c poolsof qua om a ti / t
cs !
Home of the “Best Swimmers” Dorsey Hall’s Dorsey Dolphins CNSL swim team holds the most CNSL All City Championship Meet records at 13! Follow @CNSLSwimming on Twitter!
Tallest and Longest Slide Swansfield Mini-WaterPark has an 18-foot high, 105-foot-long slide!
Best for Senior Swimmers Dasher Green, Hobbit’s Glen and Locust Park offer senior outdoor swim hours.
Most Tricked-Out Baby Pools Dickinson, Faulkner Ridge, Huntington, Kendall Ridge, Longfellow and River Hill have slides, teeter totters, or spray features in their baby pools. 4 C A M O N T H LY
Best to Catch a
Movie
Hawthorn (Jun 23 and July 21) and Steven’s Forest (July 7 and Aug 4) will host dive-in movie nights this summer.
Most Wallet-Friendly for Non-Members Faulkner Ridge, Jeffers Hill, MacGills Common, Running Brook and Talbott Springs pools offer low admission rates: $4 Adults and $2 Children (with Columbia Card).
Th
The Most
KidFriendly
Columbia’s first pool
BryantWoods was built in 1967! Best for Lap Swimmers
Events
KidsDay at Hopewell Mini-WaterPark (June 23) and Tri Columbia Kidz Triathlon (July 22) and Camp (July 8) at Clemen’s Crossing.
Jeffers Hill offers lap swimming Mon-Wed & Fri, 4:45pm to close.
Best to Host a Party Hopewell Mini-WaterPark has a large slide, spray ground, 8-lane main pool, several shade structures, and an adjacent field and basketball court.
Most Popular
River Hill averaged 570 daily attendance in 2010!
Most Affordable Swim Lessons
Most Handicap Accessible Clary’s Forest and Dickinson
The Pool Where Dreams Come True
Phelps Luck is home to the annual CNSL All-City Championship Meet.
Best for Night Owls
Faulkner Ridge and Talbott Springs both offer $2 swim lessons for children and adults. Pre-register by calling 410-312-6332.
Last to Close for the Season Steven’s Forest and Swansfield Mini-WaterPark are open Saturday and Sunday, 12-6pm, through September 16.
Bryant Woods and Huntington offer evening hours Friday and Saturday until 10pm.
y! m m yu
es tast his
Best for Pick-up Volleyball Thunder Hill Most Popular Snack Bar Items
Ms. Fields Cookie Sandwich and the Ben & Jerry’s Bar.
Best to Break a Sweat!
Hobbit’s Glen and Locust Park offer outdoor aqua fitness classes.
Follow @Columbia_Pools on Twitter for information on pool closings, news and events at CA’s outdoor pools this summer! C A M O N T H LY 5
Here Comes
The Sun
Solar Panels Arrive at River Hill Pool
T
here’s no doubt that sunny summer days, i.e., packed pool days, mean good business for the Columbia Association (CA). But now they also mean smart business. This spring, CA
expanded its renewable energy usage with the installation of 12 dualpanel solar “trackers” at the River Hill Pool and Neighborhood Center. The solar devices, made by Advanced Technology & Research Corp. (ATR), also
located in Columbia, Md., will be used to supply power for the facility, thus offsetting
array is the latest of many clean energy and sustainability initiatives undertaken by CA.
energy usage and costs. The systems use GPS technology to move with the sun, enabling
Previous projects have included a solar hot water system at Swansfield Mini-WaterPark,
their solar panels to produce 25 to 45 percent more power than fixed solar arrays.
geo-thermal systems to heat and cool the Fairway Hills Clubhouse and LED lights in
The sun might only be with us for a few billion more years, so while it’s still around, we’re trying to capture and utilize as much of its energy as we can. The River Hill tracker
several parking lots. View the solar trackers in motion at bit.ly/rh_solarpanels.
CA Continues Planning for Symphony Woods Park
W
By Jane Dembner
e have some exciting news! In April, the Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning deemed the Columbia
Association’s (CA) Symphony Woods Park final development plan “technically complete.” This means that the park’s proposed first-phase investments will be moving forward for Planning Board consideration.
Symphony Woods is a 36-acre downtown area
to other destinations. In time, an interactive fountain
the park will improve the ecological value of the forest
of CA’s open space system that is shaped
and additional features, restrooms and a café will be
and allow native vegetation to regenerate and thrive.
(roughly) like a doughnut, with Merriweather Post
added.
New trees will be planted where reforestation is desired
Pavilion in the center. The north side of the park
The southern portions of the park (behind and to
and to replace trees lost due to construction activities.
(between Merriweather Post Pavilion and Little
the side of Merriweather) consist of vegetated areas
The new Symphony Woods Park will allow all
Patuxent Parkway) includes the more open and grassy
that include extensive floodplains, substantial forest
to enjoy and gain access to a green, downtown
areas used today as part of festivals such as Wine in the
stands, a stream and a pond. Many of these areas are
urban
Woods.
environmentally sensitive and not suitable for
complemented with enhanced community-
intensive use.
oriented gathering spaces that will provide the
It is this area in which CA will be making substantial
park
with
more
than
2,700
trees
investments with the goal of turning it into a central
Park uses with low environmental impact such as
stage for a wide range of performances,
gathering place and an enhanced downtown setting
walking trails will provide visitors the opportunity to
events, festivals and cultural events. Now, isn’t
for cultural events and performances, art installations
experience the natural beauty of the woods. Woodland,
that
and community events. Wide pathways will provide
pond and stream restoration is also part of the plan for
redevelopment process at ColumbiaAssociation.org/
access to, and wind through, the park and connect it
these park natural areas. Removing invasive species in
SymphonyWoodsPark.
6 C A M O N T H LY
exciting
news?
Learn
more
about
the
Wilde Lake Dredging Project Underway
By Suzanne Zolnick
The project to remove 15,000 cubic yards of sediment from Wilde Lake is almost done! Working in conjunction with the Columbia Association’s (CA) Construction Department and the Columbia-based engineering firm Anchor QEA, project contractor JND Thomas began dredging the lake the week of April 23. The dredging process vacuums sediment and water from the lake using a hydraulic dredge. The mixture is pumped to the staging area and separated. The water, now with improved clarity, is pumped back to the lake. The sediment is removed to a stateapproved disposal site where it is mixed with other organic waste and made into topsoil. The approximately $1.7 million project will benefit the overall health of Wilde Lake and areas downstream, maintain the lake’s water quality and return the lake to its original depth. The project is currently on schedule and is anticipated to be completed by the end of this month. Learn more about the status of CA’s dredging projects at ColumbiaAssociation.org/Dredging.
Get Outside and Get Fit!
✹ Summer Shutdown of CA’s Facilities
Each year, CA closes its fitness facilities for cleaning, renovations and upgrades. Please note the following facility shutdown dates. Columbia Gym Closed June 4-10 Columbia Ice Rink Closed June 10-August 12 Columbia Swim Center Closed August 3-12 Columbia Athletic Club Closed August 20-26 Owen Brown Tennis Club Bubble Closed August 26-September 3 Supreme Sports Club Closed August 27-September 3
While the fitness facilities are closed, families with single facility memberships are welcome at the two open facilities.
Follow Us On Twitter!
Follow us for information on the Columbia Association and its programs, events and initiatives!
By Mary Weeks
Are
you looking for a way to change up your fitness routine? Why not add one of the Columbia Association’s (CA) outdoor fitness
classes and take your workouts outside? CA offers basic training and boot camp classes at all three of CA’s fitness facilities. This military-style workout will take your fitness to the next level. Darrell Gough, sport and fitness specialist, personal trainer and Boot Camp instructor at CA, says, “Don’t be scared to try something new! There is a lot of support for all participants of all fitness levels.” Is swimming more your speed? Well, CA’s 23 outdoor pools are now open, and CA is offering a variety of aqua fitness classes. This year, Aqua Zumba® has been added to the outdoor schedule as well as a toning class. For a list
@CA_intheNews @Columbia_Events @Columbia_Pools @CASisterCities @CNSLSwimming @SportsPark @VolunteerHoward
of aqua fitness classes and schedules, visit ColumbiaPools.org. C A M O N T H LY 7
June
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/Events to learn about more great events happening in Columbia!
Lakefront Wednesdays Concert Series
Wilde Lake Resident Architectural Committee
Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House Exhibit: Sunburst Studio
Salon Series: Tai Chi Chih Presentation
Wednesdays through Jun 27 12-2pm • Town Center Lakefront 410-715-3104.
Tue, Jun 12 • 7:30pm • Slayton House • WLCovenantAdvisor@ ColumbiaVillages.org.
Wed, Jun 13 • 7pm • Columbia Art Center • 410-730-0075.
Thu, May 31-Sat, Aug 11 Reception: Sun, Jun 3 • 3-5pm Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House 410-730-3987.
Town Center Village Board Meeting
Summer Kick-Off Dance (Grades 6-8)
Thu, Jun 14 • 7:30pm • CA Headquarters • For updated dates and times, please visit ColumbiaAssociation.org.
Sat, Jun 2 • 7-10pm Columbia Gym 410-531-8984.
Third Annual Columbia Home Tour Sun, Jun 3 • 11am-5pm Homes in River Hill, Oakland Mills, Kings Contrivance and Wilde Lake ColumbiaHomeTour.org.
Columbia Home Tour Reception
Sun, Jun 3 • 1-4pm • Claret Hall ColumbiaHomeTour.org.
Ice Cream Social
Wed, Jun 6 • 7-8pm • Owen Brown Community Center OBEvents@ ColumbiaVillages.org.
Main and Window Galleries: The Teacher Behind the Work: Celebrating Howard County Art Teachers Thu, Jun 7-Sun, Jun 30 Hours vary Columbia Art Center 410-730-0075.
8 C A M O N T H LY
Wed, Jun 13 • 7pm • Historic Oakland Manor • 410-730-4744.
CA Board Meeting
Lakefront Summer Festival
Mon, Jun 18 through Sat, Sep 15 • Nightly Town Center Lakefront 410-715-3161 or LakefrontFestival.com.
KidsDay
Sat, Jun 23 • 12-3pm • Hopewell Mini-WaterPark • 410-715-3104.
Columbia’s 45th Birthday Sat, Jun 23 • 3-10pm Town Center Lakefront 410-715-3161.
Free Concert in the Courtyard Featuring Kwame Ansah and Fritette Afrobeat Sun, Jun 24 • 6-8pm The Other Barn Courtyard 410-730-1129.
Have a question or comment? E-mail CAmonthly @ColumbiaAssociation.org.