Monthl y CA OCT 2011
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
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Log on to CAmonthly.org for these additional features:
2 CA Releases First Quarter Finance Report for FY 2012 3 Health Minute with Dr. Harry Oken 4 Be a Part of Your Community Events
Separate, But Working Together
Learn more about CA’s programs and events for kids by visiting ColumbiaAssociation.org
Disaster Volunteer Information and Orientation Sessions Expanded Village Events Calendar Events at Columbia Association
THIS MONTH ON
On October’s show, learn about what’s going on at the Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center; get an update on host Deneitra’s health status; find out about CA’s School Age Services programs; learn about CA’s 2013-2014 budget; discover the importance of getting your annual flu shot; get information about the grant that the Columbia Teen Center received from the Horizon Foundation; and more!
Watch Columbia Matters online anytime at ColumbiaMatters.org. Columbia Matters airs Mondays at 11am, 4pm and 7pm and Saturdays at 8:30pm on Comcast channel 96 and Verizon channel 41; Mondays and Fridays at 12pm, 4pm and 8pm, Wednesdays at 12pm and 4pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10am, 2pm and 6pm, Saturdays at 12pm, 4pm and 8:30pm and Sundays at 10am, 4:30pm and 6:30pm on Comcast channel 98; and Mondays at 10:30am, Tuesdays at 7:30am, Wednesdays at 8am and 7pm, Thursdays at 7:30am, Fridays at 8am and 7:30pm, Saturdays at 10am and Sundays at 11:30pm on Comcast channel 99 and Verizon channel 44.
By Aria White
ummer camps, pools, before and after school care, art classes, festivals and more … CA does a lot. Do you ever find yourself wondering what exactly CA is in charge of? And what programs and activities are handled by other organizations and agencies in Howard County? CA doesn’t determine This is the first of a series of school openings or closing or school-run programs articles that will explain the and activities, but there are several programs and difference between CA-run activities that CA offers programs and programs run by through its partnership with HCPSS. other agencies in the county. This month, we’ll explore children’s programs that CA organizes, the programs that are run by the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) and the programs that CA partners with the school system to provide. “It’s important for CA to work with the schools because federal guidelines and best practices show that children benefit from seamless integration of services,” says Leslie Barnett, assistant director of the CA Community Services Division. “Parents appreciate the extension of the school day with CA because children are safe, comfortable, able to study with friends, yet it’s affordable too!” says Diane Martin, director of Student, Family and Community Services for HCPSS. If you have questions about HCPSS programs, visit hcpss.org or call 410-313-6600. For more information about CA’s programs, please visit ColumbiaAssociation.org. Learn about CA’s School Age Services by watching this month’s Columbia Matters TV show at ColumbiaMatters.org.
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Two girls enjoy the great outdoors during part of their After School Care program.
CA PROGRAMS KidsKorner A TV segment, a web site, quarterly socials and a monthly e-newsletter geared toward kids ages 5-12. KidSpace Interactive play areas located at all three fitness facilities that give kids a place to be entertained while their parents work out. Summer Camps CA offers summer camps in facilities all around Columbia for kids ages 3-18. HCPSS PROGRAMS Black Student Achievement Program The program assists HCPSS to achieve the goal of closing the achievement gap as it relates to black students. Gifted and Talented Program The G/T Program seeks to recognize and develop the talents of advanced-level learners. CA AND HCPSS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS Before and After School Care CA offers before and after school care at several HCPSS schools, providing kids a safe, fun environment. CA Points CA partners with various HCPSS schools to offer incomequalified children the chance to enjoy CA facilities based on their academic and behavioral performance.
C A M O N T H LY 1
CA Releases First Quarter Finance Report For FY2012
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olumbia Association finished the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2012 (FY 2012) on July 31 with a positive variance in the increase in net assets of approximately $1.5 million (6.1 percent). CA anticipates ending FY 2012 with an increase in net assets of approximately $3.8 million. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Total income of $41.2 million was essentially on target for the first quarter, and 2.8 percent higher than the same period in FY 2011. We expect total income to be on target for the year as well. Annual charge revenue is on budget for the year; membership income is under budget, the membership income variance compared to FY 2011 is mainly because of the correction of coding new membership sales at the fitness facilities, which is offset for by Package Plan revenue; fee income was lower than budget due mainly to the change in leadership of a major tennis program; and other income exceeds FY 2011 and the FY 2012 budget for the quarter and for the year-end estimate, due to greater than anticipated grant revenue for watershed and water quality projects. Total operating expenses of $14.8 million for the quarter were almost nine percent below budget, with a favorable budget to actual variance of $1.4 million, and two percent higher than FY 2011, an increase of $284,000. Depreciation expense is under budget. Interest expense is under budget due to lower than projected interest rates on credit line borrowings and the intentional delay in obtaining new long-term financing. During the first quarter, the Financial Services and Internal Audit teams prepared for and participated in the annual independent audits performed by Clifton Gunderson, LLP. Over the first quarter of FY 2012, the IT Division focused on mission-critical infrastructure issues related to cloud technologies for business applications; assessment of telephone solutions and requirement; and disaster recovery and business continuity needs. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/ SUSTAINABILITY
The Community Development/Sustain2 C A M O N T H LY
ability Service Bureau (soon to be known as Community Building and Sustainability) was new in FY 2011 to the annual program of CA. The major components of this Service Bureau include departments formerly associated with the Open Space Management Division; these are Landscape Services and Capital Improvement Projects. Two new areas of endeavor for CA that began in FY 2011 are also part of CDS; these include community planning and watershed management. The community planning component includes the newly-approved community planner position and the two part-time community organizer positions, also approved by the CA Board for FY 2011. The watershed manager position was also newly-approved by the CA Board and in direct alignment with the Board-approved Columbia Comprehensive Watershed Plan and the initial 18 retrofit projects for the Lake Elkhorn watershed. The budget for the bureau was created by shifting and distributing line items from the Open Space budget center and newly-approved funds for the new initiatives. Although some variances appear from the initially redistributed and reallocated budget through the first quarter of FY 2012, it is not anticipated at this time they will affect the year-end outcome.
of several residents, the program started an International Book Club. Some important programs that are supported by the first quarter subsidy of $865,000 from the annual charge are: the Summer Lakefront Festival, the Columbia Archives, the Sister Cities program, the International Day Festival, the Columbia Art Center, the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County, the 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 associations in the amount of $1,203,000 to fund village elections, covenant enforcement personnel, village board activities, community building maintenance and community-building programs and services that residents enjoy in the community centers.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT
The Community Services Division finished the first quarter $453,000 better than budget. It is anticipated that all budget centers should meet or exceed budget at year’s end. During the first quarter, the Summer Lakefront Festival continued to attract large crowds; before and after school care was provided during the additional week of the school year; and at the request of the Howard County Board of Education, the School Age Services program ran before and after summer school programs in four schools this summer. The International Exchange and Multicultural Programs had a successful summer youth exchange. At the request
The Open Space Management Division completed the first quarter of the fiscal year better than budget in total operating expenses by $450,000 and with a decrease in net assets that was lower than budget by $644,000. All of the departments in the division had total operating expenses less than the budget through the quarter. The Land Maintenance Department expenses were less than budget in most line items through the first quarter. Close to normal weather conditions, a timing variance in the implementation of the Lake Elkhorn watershed retrofit projects and the development of a water quality monitoring plan contributed to keeping costs down. The current estimate shows that by year’s end, a total of $13,974,000
LEARN MORE For further explanation of individual variances throughout CA’s operations, please refer to the FY12 First Quarter Board Report, available at CA Headquarters, 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD 21044.
Learn more about CA’s First Quarter Finance Report, visit CAmonthly.org for an extended version of this article.
of annual charge revenue will be required to protect and maintain the environmental assets of Columbia. SALES AND MARKETING
Sales of Package Plan memberships were up 618 units over last year and were down 127 units versus budget. Through the first quarter of FY 2012, 3,535 Resident Cards have been issued. Total membership sales were 288 behind budget, but 628 ahead of last year. We expect the continued success of our direct mail, e-mail marketing and print advertising campaigns to bring in new members. Other significant accomplishments in the first quarter of FY 2012 include the $10 voucher campaign; the free ride campaign; providing sales and services to thousands of residents who visited the Membership Service Center; and distributing the CA Activities Guide to 36,000 resident households. In the spring of 2011, we launched a new advertising campaign featuring CA’s President, Phil Nelson. We will continue to promote the Why I Pay CA campaign and the value CA residents receive for their assessment, with signage displayed on pathways and tot lots, along with updated creative material. We will also continue our successful direct mail and emarketing campaigns to advertise the value of CA memberships, outdoor pool memberships and golf memberships. SPORTS AND FITNESS
Highlights of the quarter for the Sport and Fitness Division include the opening of the 23 outdoor pools, the continued success of the Columbia Neighborhood Swim League, participation in the Get Active Howard County program, participation in The First Tee of Howard County at Fairway Hills and a robust summer camp offering and program. In addition, the renovations to the driving range, irrigation dam and bunkers at Hobbit’s Glen were completed. Special events and programs included National Dance Day and the successful launch of specialized small group personal training continued on next page
Have a question for a CA expert? E-mail your questions to CAmonthly@ColumbiaAssociation.com. Please include your name, village of residence, phone number and e-mail.
Flu Prevention Health Minute with Dr. Harry Oken
Q: How can I protect myself from the flu? A: All of us come in contact with other
About Dr. Harry Oken Columbia Association’s Medical Director Dr. Harry Oken is a clinical professor of medicine at University of Maryland School of Medicine. Oken is board certified in internal medicine and is a fellow of American College of Physicians. Read an extended bio online at CAmonthly.org. This column is intended to provide only general information that may be of interest to the public and is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for specific medical advice. Any questions regarding your personal health and medical issues should be directed to your physician.
people on a daily basis and when you’re around other people, there’s an increased risk of picking up an infectious disease, such as the flu. This year, 5-20 percent of our population will be affected by the flu. Of those people, approximately 200,000 people will be hospitalized. The death rate for seasonal influenza is usually 30,00040,000 people per year. For seasonal flu, it is recommended that everyone get a vaccination. Influenza is very contagious. Within the first 24 hours of catching the flu, before you even have symptoms, you’re actually starting to excrete the virus, so you are already very contagious. At the gym during flu season, there are lots of opportunities to pick up the flu. To prevent catching or spreading the flu: • Disinfect your equipment before you start working out. Use the provided wipes to wipe down the equipment, remember to also wipe the equipment when you finish. • Use hand gel frequently to protect yourself from catching the flu virus. • When you shake hands with other people, make sure that you clean your hands right afterward, or even better, don’t shake hands at all. The flu vaccination this year will be a trivalent formula, which will include a vaccine for H1N1. For people who have already had an H1N1 vaccination, this will serve as an additional booster. This year’s vaccine has no live components and the most common side effect of a flu shot is a sore arm. Remember that getting regular exercise improves your health, and therefore makes you more resistant to getting the flu. Be sure to wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and get your flu shot. To learn more about how to protect yourself against the flu, watch this month’s Health Minute with Dr. Harry Oken segment on CA’s TV show Columbia Matters at ColumbiaMatters.org.
First Quarter Finance Report For FY2012
continued from previous page such as kettle bells, TRX and Zumba® Circuit. The division completed the first quarter 13.4 percent better than budget and 13.6 percent better than FY 2011. Nine of the Sport and Fitness facilities exceeded budget in the first quarter. They include: Administration, Columbia Swim Center, Columbia Athletic Club, Columbia Gym,
Supreme Sports Club, Fair way Hills, Columbia Ice Rink, Columbia SkatePark and Columbia SportsPark. The facilities that fell short in the first quarter were the Outdoor Pools, Member Advantage, Hobbit’s Glen, Columbia Horse Center and Tennis. Overall, the division is projected to complete FY 2012 8.9 percent better than budget for the year.
Hear My Voice Teen Day and Teen Idol Singing Competition Sunday, October 9 • 3-6pm Downtown Columbia Lakefront Join CA for this free event featuring giveaways, live bands and a teen singing competition! Information: 410-992-3726.
Aquatics Master Plan Public Meetings Tuesday, October 11 • 7-9pm Slayton House Wednesday, October 12 • 7-9pm Owen Brown Community Center CA is hosting two public meetings to encourage residents to share their opinions about the future of Columbia’s aquatics facilities and programs. Information: 410-715-3166 or Scott.Templin@ColumbiaAssociation.com. Visit aquatics-master-plan-publicmeeting.eventbrite.com to register.
Halloween Zumba® Boo-Bash Saturday, October 22 • 4-5:30pm • Columbia Athletic Club Dress up and celebrate Halloween with Zumba® fitness! Adults (14 and older) can participate in a Zumba® fitness class Halloween style. Children can enjoy their own ZumbAtomic® class. Classes will meet for refreshments, costume contests, games and more! Register by October 17 by calling 410-730-6744.
kidsk rner
contest
Contest: Halloween is coming up in a few weeks, a time for candy, pumpkins and dressing up as scary monsters. This month, celebrate Halloween by drawing the scariest monster you can imagine. Write a few sentences explaining what makes the monster so scary. You could win a $25 Applebee’s gift card! Visit CAmonthly.org and click on KidsKorner to enjoy this month’s features!
KidsKorner on TV Last month on KidsKorner on TV, co-hosts Kristin and Jalen visited the new Robinson Nature Center in Columbia, which opened on September 10. What did you think of the episode? Where do you think Kristin and Jalen should visit next? Send your show ideas to CATVshow@ColumbiaAssociation.com. Watch KidsKorner on TV online anytime at ColumbiaMatters.org. C A M O N T H LY 3
October
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Be A
Part
Of It!
Visit CAmonthly.org for event details and a listing of many more free events!
Breakfast Storytime Series: Trains Saturday, October 15 Kahler Hall. Information: 410-730-0770.
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10am
Town Center Village Yard Sale Saturday, October 15 9am-12pm Vantage Point Road Park. Seller registration is required. Information: 410-730-4744.
Saturday Morning Art (Ages 5-10) Saturday, October 15 10-11:30am Columbia Art Center. Preregistration is required. Information: 410-730-0075.
School’s Out Friday, October 21 Full Day: 7:30am-5:30pm Half Day: 7:30am-12pm Columbia Art Center. Preregistration is required • 410-730-0075.
CA Board Meeting
Girls Night Out—Fancy Folded Flutterby Book with Carol Zika
Thursday, October 13 • 7:30pm CA Headquarters. For updated dates and times, please visit ColumbiaAssociation.org.
Hear My Voice Teen Day and Teen Idol Singing Competition
Rain Garden Seminar by Master Gardeners
Sunday, October 9 • 3-6pm Downtown Columbia Lakefront. Information: 410-992-3726.
Aquatics Master Plan Public Meeting Tuesday, October 11 • 7-9pm Slayton House. Information: 410-715-3166 or ColumbiaAssociation.com/ AquaticsMasterPlan. 4 C A M O N T H LY
Thursday, October 13 • 7pm Kahler Hall. Information: 410730-0770.
Rainbow Theatre: Uncle Pete with Kids Friday, October 14 • 10am Slayton House Theatre. Information: 410-730-3987.
Afternoon Tea Thursday, October 27 4:30-6pm Historic Oakland Manor. Reservations are required. Information: 410-730-4744.
Friday, October 28 • 5-7pm Amherst House. Information: 410-381-9600.
Friday, October 28 • 4:30pm Slayton House. Information: 410-730-3987.
Wednesday, October 12 • 7-9pm Owen Brown Community Center. Information: 410-715-3166 or ColumbiaAssociation.com/ AquaticsMasterPlan.
Saturday, October 8 10am-12pm Columbia Art Center. Preregistration is required. Information: 410-730-0075.
Thursday, October 27 • 7:30pm CA Headquarters. For updated dates and times, please visit ColumbiaAssociation.org.
Wilde Halloween— Halloween Fun with Bob Brown Puppets
Thursday, October 6 Kahler Hall. Information: 410-730-0770.
Cannelloni Kids’ Cooking School Class— A Taste of Fall (Ages 5-12)
CA Board Meeting
Thursday, October 20 10am-3:30pm Columbia Art Center. Preregistration is required. Information: 410-730-0075
Aquatics Master Plan Public Meeting
7pm
Monday, October 24 • 7pm Columbia Art Center. Information: 410-730-0075.
Halloween Happenings Baltimore Art Tour— Montgomery County Galleries, Glen Echo Park, Bethesda Galleries
Long Term Care Insurance Seminar •
Salon Series— Mountainview Blue Grass Concert
Friday, October 21 6:30-8:30pm Columbia Art Center. Preregistration is required. Information: 410-730-0075.
Scarecrow Making and Hayrides Saturday, October 22 • 11am-1pm Kings Contrivance Village Center. Information: 410-381-9600.
Halloween Zumba® Boo-Bash Saturday, October 22 4-5:30pm Columbia Athletic Club. Information: 410-730-6744.
Oakland Night Music Series Friday, October 28 • 7:30-9pm Historic Oakland Manor. Information: 410-730-4744.
Halloween with Turner Dean of Magic Saturday, October 29 Kahler Hall. Information: 410-730-0770.
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1pm
Halloween/AutumnThemed Cupcakes (Ages 5-13) Saturday, October 29 10:30am-12:30pm Columbia Art Center. Preregistration is required. Information: 410-730-0075.
Have a question or comment? E-mail CAmonthly@ColumbiaAssociation.com.