MonthlyA PUBLICATION OF COLUMBIA ASSOCIATIONCAAPRIL 2012

CA MON TH LY 1

Learn more about the Hobbit’s Glen Golf ClubClubhouse Redevelopment Project by visitingColumbiaAssociation.org/HobbitsGlen.

THIS MONTH ON CA’sTELEVISION SHOW

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 Mattersonline anytime atColumbiaMatters.org andYouTube.com/CATVchannel.

Facebook.com/CA.ColumbiaAssociation

Issuu.com/CA-ColumbiaAssociation

Twitter.com/CA_intheNews

YouTube.com/CATVchannel

ConnectwithCA!It’s easier than ever to find us.

In case you haven’t already heard, theColumbia Association (CA) has beenworking hard to create plans to

redevelop the Hobbit’s Glen Golf ClubClubhouse. Last year, the CA Board ofDirectors approved up to $6 million toeither renovate or replace the clubhouse,hiring the H. Chambers Company as thearchitectural/engineering firm to develop

2 CA Releases Third QuarterFinance Report for FY2012

3 Why I Served: An Interviewwith Ed Stern, FormerCA Board Member

8 Be a Part of YourCommunity Events

By Aria White

and design plans for the clubhouse. Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club isimportant to the community and CA considers investing in ouramenities a high priority so that the community continues to beattractive 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 andcommunity members in the redevelopment process. Early inthe process, CA developed the Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club ClubhouseRedevelopment Work Team (comprised of CA staff, Chambers staff,members of CA’s Golf and Greens Advisory Committees andmembers of the community) to provide feedback on theproposed changes.

In addition to the work team, the H. Champers Company also

hosted three community meetings earlier this yearto involve community members in the process.One meeting targeted local golfers, anotherincluded residents from the Harper’s Choice

community and the final meeting targeted thelarger Columbia community. The meetingsfocused on Chambers presenting designsand conceptual options to redevelop theclubhouse. As part of the meeting,Chambers also welcomed comments andfeedback from the community both

verbally and through an exit survey.Now that the community meetings have

been conducted and Chambers hasreceived feedback from local communitymembers and golfers, they will use theinformation gathered to design threeoptions for redevelopment. Following thedirection of the CA Board, Chambers will

create one design option for a completely newbuilding, one for a renovation of the currentbuilding and one “architect’s choice” option. H. Chambers Company will present the threeoptions to the CA Board for their approval this spring.

Interested in learning more about the redevelopment?Visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/HobbitsGlen.

CA Moving Forwardto Redevelop the

Hobbit’s GlenGolf ClubClubhouse

2 CA MON TH LY

Finance Report for FY2012 Released by CA3rd Quarter

➡LearnMoreFor the full report and further explanation of individual variances throughoutCA’s operations, please refer to the FY2012 Third Quarter Board Report, availableat CA Headquarters, 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD 21044 or online atColumbiaAssociation.org/pdfs/GetInformed/ThirdQuarterBoardReport.pdf.

$Community Building/ SustainabilityThe Community Building and Sustainability ServiceBureau completed the third quarter of the fiscal year underbudget in total operating expenses. The CommunityPlanning Department also had total operatingexpenses less than the budget through the thirdquarter. The current projection for the end of the fiscalyear indicates the bureau will complete the year underbudget in total operating expenses.

Community ServicesThe Community Services Division finished the thirdquarter $509,000 ahead of budget. The positive variance

over budget is due to a 5.1 percent increase in total incomeand a 4 percent savings in total expenses. The divisionanticipates completing the year ahead of budget.Some of the important programs that are supported

by the third quarter subsidy of $1,617,000 from theannual charge are the Summer Lakefront Festival,Columbia Archives, Sister Cities, International Day,Columbia Art Center, Volunteer Center Serving HowardCounty, Columbia Teen Center, covenant enforcement feesand access to camps and before and after school care forincome-qualified youngsters. In addition, it providessupport to the village community associations in theamount of $3,772,000.

Organization-wide summary The Columbia Association(CA) finished the first half of FY2012 with a positive variance in theincrease in net assets of approximately $3.2 million. CA anticipates endingFY2012 with an increase in net assets of nearly $5.4 million.Total income of $55.5 million was slightly under budget through the thirdquarter, and 2.2 percent higher than the same period in FY2011. We expecttotal income to be on target for the year. Total operating expenses of $41.2 million for the nine months were nearly8 percent below budget, with a favorable budget to actual variance of $3.4million, and $1.1 million or 2.8 percent higher than the same period inFY2011. Total operating expenses are anticipated to be under budget byabout $2.9 million, or 4.9 percent, for the year.

Open Space ManagementThe Open Space Management Division completed thethird quarter of the fiscal year under budget in totaloperating expenses by $1,437,000 and with a decrease innet assets of $8,589,000. This represents a favorablevariance of $1,884,000 from budget. All departmentsin the division had total operating expenses lessthan 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 toprotect, improve and maintain the environmental assets ofColumbia, which include more than 3,600 acres of openspace, nearly 94 miles of pathways, 167 tot lots, 284footbridges, 34 miles of stream valleys, three lakes and 41ponds and many other amenities.

Sport & FitnessA number of new programs and highlights occurred duringthe first three quarters of FY2012, including the launch ofsmall group training at the fitness facilities; the launch of newkettle bell and TRX training; the initiation of the“Columbia Swims” program; the expansion of rentalspaces at all fitness facilities; the participation of 72kids in the Quick Start tennis program at the AthleticClub indoor tennis facility; the recognition by the UnitedStates Tennis Association Maryland Districts of one of CA’steam members (Liz Baker) as the Maryland LeagueCoordinator of the Year; the launch of the women-only swimtime pilot program at the Swim Center; and the participationof 75 individuals in the 2012 Biggest Winner program.

The division completed the quarter 11.2 percent betterthan budget and 6.6 percent better than FY2011. Overallthe division is projected to complete FY2012 11 percentbetter than budget for the year.

Sales and MarketingSales of new and renewal Package Plan memberships were567 memberships ahead versus same time last year and 135memberships less than budget. Through the third quarterof FY2012, 5,338 Resident Cards have been issued. Other accomplishments include the launch of new

creative with tag lines “Buy now, pay in January”, tomarket memberships; development of marketingmaterials and ads to promote our first Black Friday event,held the Friday after Thanksgiving and our “Ladies NightOut” event; development of the ‘new and improved’ 2012CA Camps Guide. We also began the application process totrademark the new CA logo; designed new creative; andcontinued work on finalizing CA’s brand message.

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

CA MON TH LY 3

I ServedWhy

same values as people in any other village inColumbia.”

“When I first joined the Board, it was not toadvance any personal agen -da of mine; I was really justwanting to listen and tohelp make the bestdecisions for Columbia. Iviewed myself as an in-betweener and a rationalvoice as well as someonewho could offer a differentviewpoint,” Stern says.

Stern admits that he wasvery naïve when he firststarted his board tenure.He also didn’t expect thetime commitment thataccompanied his newposition; however, when helooks back on hisexperience with the Board,he has no regrets. “I wasstarting a business and hadfamily obligations as well,but I still found time toserve because I felt itwas genuinely importantand that I could — and did — make adifference.”

“How can you expect other people to rise up,

serve and take responsibility if you are notwilling to do the same?” Stern says, “A lot ofpeople sit on the sidelines and look to others to

take on service while theyhang in the backgroundand complain. We need totake responsi bil ity for whatwe have created.”

Stern has only words ofencouragement for anyonewho is thinking of runningfor a spot on the CA Boardof Directors or one of theColumbia village boards.“Although it is a bigcommitment, it is alsovery rewarding,” Sternsays.

Stern is currently theCEO of The RedheadCom panies, located inEllicott City. CA hasrecently hired TheRedhead Companies toassist with its branding andmarketing efforts. If you’re curious about

how to become involved inCA as a Board or committee member, informa tioncan be found online at Columbia Association.org/Leadership-Opportunities.

When Ed Stern, a business owner and

resident of River Hill, joined the

Columbia Association (CA) Board of Directors back in 2000, he

really didn’t know what to expect, but he knew that he wanted to

make a difference.

What motivated Stern to join the board initially was his concern

over the perception of many Columbia residents that the River Hill

village was full of wealthy people who had nothing in common with

the rest of Columbia. Part of his goal was to “make people

understand that we’re normal people (in River Hill), we have the

AnInterviewwithEd Stern,FormerCA BoardMemberBy Kathy Huver

VillageBoard

ElectionsDorsey’s SearchApril 21, 8am-2pm at Linden Hall

Harper’s ChoiceApril 21, 9am-3pm at Kahler Hall

Hickory RidgeApril 21, 9am-3pm at the Hawthorn Center

Kings ContrivanceApril 20, 5-7pm and April 21, 9am-1pmat Amherst House

Long ReachApril 21, 9:30am-12pm at Stonehouse

Oakland MillsApril 21, 8:30am-5pm at The Other Barn

Owen BrownApril 21, 9am-4pm at the Owen BrownCommunity Center

River HillApril 21, 9am-3pm at Claret Hall

Town CenterApril 21, 9am-2pm at Vantage PointRoad Park Gazebo

Wilde LakeApril 21, 9am-4pm at Slayton House

Ed SternFormer CA Board Member

4 CA MON TH LY

Compiled by Aria White and John McCoy

G

places peoplew

ProtectingColumbia’sColumbia Association has started a Slow the Flowprogram to reduce the volume of stormwater that runs off during rain, snow and ice storms and then erodes thestreams, lake and ponds in the area.

What is a bio-retention facility?A bio-retention facilityis a large constructedbowl or depression.Modified soil is placed inthe bottom of the facility to increase the amount ofwater that can soak in.Runoff water that flows fromimpervious surfaces is thenfiltered by the soil and collected. Filtered runoff isthen discharged as clear, relatively clean water.

�� ����

����2,300 Trees WerePlanted Last YearApproximately 45 volunteers helped CA plant 400 treesCA was given a grant by the state of Maryland to plant treesTrees help reduce the volume of runoff

MoneyMatters• $8,000 per acre to plant trees ($.20 per square foot)• $300-800 per linear foot for stream restoration, there are40-50miles of streams in Columbia

• $20-30 per square foot to build a bio-retention facilityTwo bio-retention facilities currently built

Homespun Road Bio-Retention Facility Cost approximately $20,000 Holds 10,000 gallons of waterLake 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

WATERS

CA MON TH LY 54 CA MON TH LY

Compiled by Aria White and John McCoy

Get Involved and do your partResidents can help the slow the flow efforts of CA

these meetings, participants were asked to engagein various activities aimed to provide input onhow and why people use the pathways, and wherethey saw needs for improvements or connections.Participants were asked to annotate pathway maps,complete a survey (80 percent said they used thepathways at least weekly) and to think “big pic-ture,” and identify what would encourage them touse Columbia’s pathways more frequently for dailywalking and/or bicycling trips. To this last ques-tion, there were lots of responses: 301 to be exact.Of these responses, 25 percent related to pro -grammatic improvements, such as better direc - tional signs, more connectivity to places peoplewant to go, safer roadway crossings and bettersidewalks and bikeways on roads. Improve ments

ProtectingColumbia’sColumbia Association has started a Slow the Flowprogram to reduce the volume of stormwater that runs off during rain, snow and ice storms and then erodes thestreams, lake and ponds in the area.

What is a bio-retention facility?A bio-retention facilityis a large constructedbowl or depression.Modified soil is placed inthe bottom of the facility to increase the amount ofwater that can soak in.Runoff water that flows fromimpervious surfaces is thenfiltered by the soil and collected. Filtered runoff isthen discharged as clear, relatively clean water.

�� ����

����2,300 Trees WerePlanted Last YearApproximately 45 volunteers helped CA plant 400 treesCA was given a grant by the state of Maryland to plant treesTrees help reduce the volume of runoff

MoneyMatters• $8,000 per acre to plant trees ($.20 per square foot)• $300-800 per linear foot for stream restoration, there are40-50miles of streams in Columbia

• $20-30 per square foot to build a bio-retention facilityTwo bio-retention facilities currently built

Homespun Road Bio-Retention Facility Cost approximately $20,000 Holds 10,000 gallons of waterLake 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

Residents can assist the Slow the Flowefforts 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 growand plant native perennials

• Mulch leaves — instead of raking them — and then leavethem on the lawn

• Plant trees

• Build rain gardens in your yard

• Test your soil

DOYourPart&

GETINVOLVED

Getting it done!Planting trees, shrubsand perennials as well as landscaping,mulching and creatingrain gardens is typicallydone during the

spring and fall months.

What is stormwater runoff?Water that runs off surfaces during rain, ice and snow storms.

����Your LawnColumbia Association is

offering residents a chance

to test their lawn soil for free

to reduce unnecessary

fertilizer application.

Pick up your soil sample bag

at your local village

community center.

WATERS

6 CA MON TH LY

Arevolution is occurring across thecounty and it’s a good thing! Cycling ison the rise. More and more

communities are making investments to makecycling easier and safer.On April 25, at 7:30pm at Slayton House (10400

Cross Fox Lane, 21044), Jennifer Toole will speakto attendees about innovative communities acrossthe US and how they are making way for bicycling.Toole is a nationally recognized leader in bicycleand pedestrian planning and design. Last year weheard from Gil Peñalosa about what’s going on inEuropean cities vis-à-vis walkability and city

planning. This month we’ll learn about UScommunities and their successes.

Jennifer Toole is the lead consultant forConnecting Columbia (ColumbiaAssociation.org/ConnectingColumbia) and founder of TooleDesign Group (tooledesign.com).

RSVP at cycling-innovations.eventbrite.com.Registration for the event is appreciated, but notrequired. This event is part of CA’s Community Building

Speakers’ Series, which hosts thought-provokingspeakers that stimulate us to discuss, engage andbuild our sense of community.

Cycling Innovations FromAcross the US

What’s in theCA Budget?Learn about CA’s budgets for Fiscal Years 2013 and 2014 atbudget1314.blogspot.com. The Behind the Budget web site featuresCA’s President Phil Nelson’s Budget Planning Element document andshort videos written and produced by CA team members.

You can also view the videos on CA’s YouTube Channel, YouTube.com/CATVchannel.

FORWARDTHEPATH

Centennial

These trees have been donated to HowardCounty in commemoration of this year’sNational Cherry Blossom Festival and thecentennial celebration of the 1912 gift.Blossoms of Hope, Howard County’s CherryTree project, has planted trees throughout

Howard County, including three CAlocations: Lake Elkhorn, Wilde Lake andSymphony Woods. Since its inception, theproject has helped plant more than 1,500 treesand raise more than $142,000 to support theClaudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center at

Howard CountyGeneral Hospital.

For more information aboutBlossoms of Hope and a full list of events andactivities during April’s Cherrybrationcelebration, please visit blossomsofhope.com

CONNECTINGCOLUMBIA

COLUMBIACONNECTING

to create a more interconnected andcomprehensive bicycling and walkingcirculation system for health, recreationand transportation purposes in Columbia.Learn more at ColumbiaAssociation.org/ConnectingColumbia.

CA is developing an ActiveTransportation Action Agenda

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.

Plants its seeds in Columbia

By Anita Baxter

By Suzanne Zolnick

CA MON TH LY 7

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!

Dog Day AfternoonSaturday, April 21 • 11am-2pmHopewell Park - 9200 Rustling Leaf, Columbiadog-day-afternoon-2012.eventbrite.comRaindate: Sunday, April 22

RenovationsPlanned forTot Lots

Kids Can Enjoy RecessandGet Healthy Results!

Are 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.

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.”

To learn more about the program, contact Abby Rose at 410-531-8974.

Bosley’s Odeto

Plants its seeds in Columbia

Dog DayAfternoon

Hi,*Spring is here and with it, Columbia Association’s (CA) Open Space Manage -ment 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

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.

April Follow @Columbia_Events on Twitter to learnabout more great events happening in Columbia!

8 CA MON TH LY

COMMUNITY EVENTS

BeAPartOf It!Bernice Kish Gallery atSlayton House Exhibit:Michael Oberman“The Nature of Wilde Lake ... The Final Chapter”Now-Saturday, April 28 Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House.Information: 410-730-3987.

School’s Out YouthVisiting Artist Series(Ages 11-13)Monday, April 27:30am-5:30pm Columbia Art Center. Information:410-730-0075.

“A Walk in My Shoes”InvitationalTheme ExhibitionThursday, April 5-Monday,April 30 Columbia Art Center. Information: 410-730-0075.

Master Gardener:Eat It, Grow ItMonday, April 9 • 7pm Stonehouse. Information:410-730-8113.

International Book ClubWednesday, April 11 • 7:30-9pm CA Headquarters. Information:410-715-3162.

Owen Brown ResidentialArchitectural CommitteeMeetingWednesday, April 11 7:30-9:30pm Owen Brown Community Center.Information: 410-381-0202.

Early VotingExtravaganza(For HickoryRidge Residents)Friday, April 13 • 5-7:30pm The Hawthorn Center.Information: 410-730-7327.

Columbia-WideClean Up DaySaturday, April 14 • 9am-12pm Various locations near Columbiavillages. Information: 410-381-3470.

River Hill 50+ ClubTuesday, April 17 • 7pm Claret Hall. Information:events@villageofriverhill.org.

Family Bingo NightFriday, April 20 • 6-7:30pm Columbia Athletic Club.Information: 410-730-6755.

Lively Arts forLittle 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.

Dog Day AfternoonSaturday, April 21 • 11am-2pmHopewell Park. Information:dog-day-afternoon-2012.eventbrite.com.

Villages ElectionsSaturday, April 21 • Locationsand hours vary by villageView page 3 for details onlocation and times.

Community Flea MarketSaturday, April 21 • 9am-12pm (Rain date: Sat, Apr 28) Amherst House. Information:410-381-9600.

ElectronicsRecycling EventSaturday, April 21 • 9am Claret Hall. Information:events@villageofriverhill.org.

Flea MarketSaturday, April 21 • 8am-1pm Long Reach Village Center ParkingLot. Information: 410-730-8113.

Flea MarketSaturday, April 21 • 9am-1pm The Hawthorn Center.Information: 410-730-7327.

Plant Sale: Annualsand Flowering BasketsSaturday, April 21 • 9am The Other Barn.Information: 410-730-4610.

Mother’s DayCraft/Wellness FairSaturday, April 21 • 10am-2pm Kahler Hall.Information: 410-730-0770.

River Hill VillageBoard MeetingMonday, April 23 • 7-9:30pm Claret Hall. Information: 410-531-1749.

Container GardeningTuesday, April 24 • 7pm Owen Brown Community Center.Information: 410-381-0202.

CA Board MeetingThursday, April 26 • 7:30pm CA Headquarters. For updateddates and times, please visitColumbiaAssociation.org.

Wine TastingFriday, April 27 • 7:30-9:30pm Historic Oakland Manor.Information: 410-730-4744.

Have a question or comment? E-mailCAmonthly@ColumbiaAssociation.org.