ca monthly, october 2014

Don’t be haunted this October by yourenergy bills. Find out more on page 6.

MonthlyA PUBLICATION OF COLUMBIA ASSOCIATIONCAOCT 2014

CA MON TH LY 1

2 CA Releases FirstQuarter Finance Reportfor FY 2015

4 Battling Cancerand Finding SolaceThrough QiGong

8 Be a Part of YourCommunity Events

A Fishmonger’s Shop” is nowat Lake Kittamaqundi indowntown Columbia. There is

a “Tiger at Rest” in Ellicott City. Andbe on the lookout for an “ApproachingStorm” at Centennial Park.These paintings are three of six replicas

from the collection at The Walters ArtMuseum that can be found in prominentoutdoor locations throughout HowardCounty as part of the museum’s “Off theWall” exhibition.“By taking artwork ‘off’ the Walters’

walls and bringing it outside of theBeltway, we hope it will inspire people toexplore the wonderful parks, galleries andcommunity centers in Howard County— and remind them that the greatcollections of the Walters are trulypublic,” said Coleen West, executivedirector of the Howard County Arts Council.Look near The People Tree at the Columbia

Lakefront to see “A Fishmonger’s Shop,” an1873 painting by an English artist namedFrederick Walker. The other paintings are:• “Approaching Storm,” by Emile van

Marcke de Lummen, located at Centennial Park,north entrance, 9801 Old Annapolis Road,Ellicott City.

ColumbiaAssociation.orgFacebook.com/ColumbiaAssociationInstagram.com/ColumbiaAssnLinkedIn.com/Company/ColumbiaAssociationTwitter.com/ColumbiaAssnYouTube.com/CATVchannel

It’s easier than ever to find us.withCA!Get Social

CHECKOUTCA’s communityengagement site at

InspireColumbia.com.

Columbia!Inspire

youtalkweLISTEN! Off theWall

“

(continued on page 7)

Famous Art Comes to Columbia Lakefront, Howard County

Scott Kramer/Howard County Government“A Fishmonger’s Shop” is unveiled at LakeKittamaqundi. From left: Coleen West, executivedirector of the Howard County Arts Council; Howard County Executive Ken Ulman; Julia Marciari-Alexander, executive director of The Walters ArtMuseum; and CA President/CEO Milton W. Matthews.

• “Mud Pies,” by Ludwig Knaus, located atRobinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane,Columbia.• “The Painter and His Model,” by AlfredStevens, located at the Howard County ArtsCouncil, 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City.• “Tiger at Rest,” by Antoine-Louis Barye,located at Roger Carter Community Center, 3000Milltowne Drive, Ellicott City.

2 CA MON TH LY

CA RELEASES

FIRST QUARTER FINANCE REPORTFOR FY2015Columbia Association (CA) finished thefirst quarter of Fiscal Year 2015 at $2million, or 7.9 percent, over the budgetedincrease in net assets and at $1.2 millionhigher than the same period in FY 2014. The total income of just over $43 million

was essentially flat for the quarter, and itwas $615,000 higher, or 1.4 percent, thanthe same period in FY14. The totaloperating expenses of $15.3 million werebelow budget by 10.4 percent. That figureis $611,000 lower, or 3.8 percent, than thefirst quarter of FY14. Although it is early in the year for these

projections, CA does anticipate endingFY15 with an increase in net assets ofapproximately $3.9 million.

The Community Buildingand Open Space ServiceBureau completed thefirst quarter of FY15 at$512,000 under the

budgeted amount for totaloperating expenses. Among the

highlights from the first quarter: Columbia DogPark opened in May.

Through the end of the first quarter atotal of 264 people had obtained annualDogPark registrations, and there havebeen an additional 272 daily visitors. Thelast required permit for the LakeKittamaqundi pathway loop project wasreceived, and construction is underway.

KidsDay for the community at theColumbia SportsPark; offered inexpensivelessons and safety training to 124participants through the “ColumbiaSwims” program; had 2,380 participantson 14 teams in the ColumbiaNeighborhood Swim League; held groupfitness programs at the Stevens ForestPool pavilion; and hosted 375 participantsat the CA Kids Triathlon.The First Tee golf programs had more

than 400 participants in the spring and summer sessions. The JuniorDevelopment and Competition TennisProgram launched in May with 174 kidsenrolled. And the game of Pickleball hasbeen introduced to Columbia.

The Community ServicesDivision finished thefirst quarter of FY15 at$514,000 better thanbudget, primarily due to

increased income fromSchool Age Services thanks to increasedenrollment in summer school and anincrease in registrations for the upcomingschool year. In addition, $190,000 of grants fees

expenses were written off in the firstquarter relating to the State of Marylandassigning a $190,000 bond bill grantfrom CA to Inner Arbor Trust Inc. forthe design and construction of SymphonyWoods Park. There also were savings inoperating supplies, rentals and taxesthroughout each of the expense lines.Some of the important programs

supported by the first-quarter subsidy

A total of 34 rain gardens were installed,bringing the number installed as part ofCA’s cost share program to 152. CA, withthe help of 40 volunteers, completed thefirst bicycle and pedestrian count. Thedata collected from these counts will helpCA better understand user demographicsand establish a baseline of usage forcomparison with future counts.CA continues to monitor planning and

land use development initiatives in Columbia.The “Planning and Development Tracker”is updated online and can be seen atColumbiaAssociation.org/Transparency/Columbia-planning-development-tracker.

The Sport and FitnessDivision completed thefirst quarter of FY15 at$427,000 better thanbudget, or 3.9 percentbetter than FY14, due

mainly to the timing ofoperating expenses. It is expected that thedivision will be essentially on budget forthe year. Among the highlights from thefirst quarter:Construction was completed on a new

facility at the Owen Brown Tennis Cluband Bubble. Work continues on the newHobbit’s Glen Golf Club clubhouse andturn house. CA participated in the“World’s Largest Swim Lesson;” hosted

CommunityBuilding andOpen Space

Sport andFitness

CommunityServices

(continued on page 6)

Organization-wideSUMMARY

CA MON TH LY 3

Brian Dunn, Kings [email protected]

Reginald Avery, Oakland [email protected]

Michael Cornell, River [email protected]

Alan Klein, Harper’s [email protected]

Tom O’Connor, Dorsey’s [email protected]

Andrew Stack, Owen [email protected]

Russell Swatek, Long [email protected]

Gregg Schwind, Hickory [email protected]

Nancy McCord, Wilde [email protected]

Jeanne Ketley, Town [email protected]

CA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2014-2015

R egister now for “Columbia Speaks.CA Listens,” which will be hostedby the Columbia Association Board

of Directors on Saturday, Oct. 18.The community-input meeting will be

held at the Wilde Lake InterfaithCenter, which is located off TrumpeterRoad across from Wilde Lake HighSchool. It will be held from 9:30 a.m.to noon. A social hour from 8:30 to9:30 a.m will precede the event.Pre-registration at ColumbiaSpeaks.

EventBrite.com is encouraged.

CA is seeking to hear from adiverse cross-section of theColumbia community regardingsome specific issues that areimportant to the community.Facilitators will help moderate themeeting and guide discussions.Child care will be provided at the

meeting. Those seeking assistancewith transportation should [email protected]. CA will also beproviding methods for those who cannot

attend in-person to still be able toparticipate electronically and to submitcomments afterward. More informationon this option wil l be posted atColumbiaAssociation.org.

Be Heard on Oct.18 WhenColumbia Speaks

4 CA MON TH LY

While Battling Cancer, Haven Instructor Found

By David P. Greisman

Keithan Samuels/Columbia AssociationEven while battling cancer, Felicia J. Ho sought to get to Qigong classeswhenever she could. Ho will teach QiGong at Haven on the Lake.

The cancer had started in oneof Felicia J. Ho’s breasts andspread to her lymph nodes.She had been diagnosed inthe beginning of 2011, and

the chemotherapy, radiation and surgerieslasted for nearly all year. Sometimes shedreamt that she didn’t have cancer. Othertimes her battle with cancer would fill herdreams. Ho would rouse from sleepbelieving that it was all but a nightmare.Sadly, cancer was still the only reality.Throughout, the QiGong (pronounced

“Chee-gung”) classes Ho participated inthrough Columbia Association were herrespite and her joy.“It was my heaven on earth, like the

light at the end of my tunnel,” Ho said.“The challenge was to still be a mom, takecare of my son, run a household and stillstay together. All I had to go do was getmyself to a QiGong class and it would justhelp me process. There’s something aboutQiGong that releases the emotions andengages the spirit in play.”There’s been no evidence of cancer for

more than a year and a half. The 43-year-old Clarksville resident can now look backat the role QiGong played during herbattle. And as an instructor at ColumbiaAssociation’s (CA) new Haven on the Lakemind body retreat, Ho speaks highly of thenumerous benefits that QiGong canprovide.“It’s an exercise that works on the

mind, body and spirit and to heal all threeaspects,” she said. “And most importantly,it’s fun!”QiGong utilizes the ancient Chinese

art of meditation and energy cultivation

by performing specific postures, slowgentle movements, controlled breathingand mental focus. Regularly engaging inQiGong can bring balance and harmonyto the entire mind and body, promotehealing and increase vitality.It is one of several mind body

movement classes offered at Haven on the Lake, which is expected to open in December on the lake level of the new Whole Foods Market indowntown Columbia. More informationon the wellness retreat can be found atHaven OnTheLake.org or by calling443-864-0557.Ho grew up in Columbia, graduated

from Wilde Lake High School and thenmoved to Pennsylvania to get her

bachelor’s degree from Bryn MawrCollege. She later headed west to theUniversity of California, Los Angeles,earning her master’s degree in East AsianLanguages and Cultures. She recentlyreceived her Ph.D. in the same subject.Ho returned to Howard County with

her husband, Lan-Feng Tsai, and theirson, who is now 11. She started taking Tai Chi and QiGong classes throughColumbia Association and began teachinga few years ago.She is looking forward to what Haven on

the Lake will bring to the area.“I think it’s sometimes hard for us all to

take a breath and take the time to heal,”Ho said. “Haven is a perfect place torealize how much we really deserve that.”

SolaceThroughQiGong

CA MON TH LY 5

Haven on the LakeBegins to Take ShapeConstruction is underway at Haven on the Lake, the Mind Body Wellness Retreat opening in December on the lake level of the new Whole Foods Market in downtown Columbia. From left: A sign marks the main entrance to Haven on the Lake. Emily Talbot, Haven on the Lake’s general manager, discusses construction progress in one of the movement class studios. Framing and drywall is now complete. Haven’s main entrance is located on the south side of the former Rouse Companyheadquarters building. Learn more about classesand membership at Haven on the Lake by visitinghavenonthelake.org or by calling 443-864-0557.

• BGE’s new Natural Gas ConnectionProgram: BGE has announced that it willwaive its fee for those who switch to itsnew Natural Gas Connection Program.That’s savings of up to $2,000, dependingon your home’s proximity to the gas line.Gas furnaces bring warmer air and heat

your home quicker. Gas water heaters canwork twice as fast as electric ones. Andthey can save you money. Install bothand your annual heating costs will be, onaverage, 45 percent lower than electricalsystems (actual savings may vary).There’s also BGE’s Smart Energy Savers

Program, which offers rebates rangingfrom $300 to $1,000 for high-efficiencygas furnace and central A/C equipment,as well as a $150 rebate on ENERGYSTAR-certified gas water heaters.The offer runs through Dec. 15. For

complete details and information onrestrictions, go to BGESmartEnergy.com/Gas or call 877-685-7377.

6 CA MON TH LY

By Jeremy Scharfenberg

O ctober brings Halloween, and it’salso Energy Awareness Month.What are some things that

Columbia residents can do to avoidbeing haunted by their energy bills?• Turn it off: Even energy-efficient light bulbs and equipment should beturned off if there is no other reason forit to be on. And be on the lookout for“phantom” usage from chargers or otherelectronic equipment that still use energywhen they are turned off but stillplugged in.• Get a smart thermostat:Use programmedsettings to reduce air conditioning andheating needs. Raising your thermostat bya few degrees in summer and lowering it afew degrees in winter can have a significantimpact on energy consumption.• Go natural:Utilize passive strategies suchas daylighting and outside air ventilationwhen possible.• Buy ENERGY STAR: When purchasingelectronic equipment, look for theENERGY STAR label.• Utilize incentives: Participate in BGE’snumerous incentive programs such asHome Performance with ENERGYSTAR to get information and financialassistance for energy efficiency projects.Fall is also a great time to replace your

porch, garage and other outdoor lightingwith long-lasting, energy-saving compactfluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). BGE’s SmartEnergy Savers Program can help you saveup to $2.25 on select ENERGY STAR-certified CFLs and up to $5 on selectcertified LED lighting.For more information on how you can

help improve the sustainability of ourcommunity while also saving money, go toBGESmartEnergy.com/Residential.

byYour Energy Bills

First Quarter Finance Report for FY2015

from the annual charge are: theLakefront Summer Festival; ColumbiaArchives; the Sister Cities program;Columbia Art Center; the Youth andTeen Center @ The Barn; covenantenforcement fees; and access tocamps and Before and After SchoolCare for income-qualified youth. Inaddition, it provides support to thevillage community associations in theamount of $1.37 million.

Total memberships were 221 ahead of the same time last year. Single-facilitymemberships increased by 235, while

Package Plan memberships droppedslightly by 14.Columbia Association’s Sales and

Marketing team develops print ads,direct mailings, online advertising, social

media advertising and othertactics to promote and sellmemberships and programs.Among the notable

efforts is the launch of theonline Activities Guide,

which is interactive and featuresthe ability to register online for classes,make notes on pages and more. Viewit at ColumbiaAssociation.org/ActivitiesGuide.

Don’t Be Haunted

(continued from page 2)

Sales andMarketing

Jeremy Scharfenberg is CA’s energy manager.

CA MON TH LY 7

CA Board RecapA t the Columbia Association (CA) Board

of Directors meeting held on Sept. 11,the CA Board heard a presentation on

the feasibility study for a new bridge inDowntown Columbia. The CA Board alsoapproved the process and schedule for thecoming budget, approved the appointment of an at-large representative to CA’s WatershedAdvisory Committee, and approved IRS forms.A work session on zoning was scheduled

for Thursday, Sept. 18, which is after

CA Monthly went to press.The next scheduled Board of Directors

meetings are Thursday, Oct. 9 and Oct. 23.Meetings typically begin at 7:30 p.m. and are held at CA Headquarters, 10221 Wincopin Circle. For current CA Board of Directors meeting

minutes and agendas, visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/Agendas. Podcasts from board meetings also are available atColumbiaAssociation.org/Podcasts.

The Howard County Officeon Aging’s annual 50+EXPOwill return on Friday, Oct.

17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at WildeLake High School, 5460Trumpeter Road.Columbia Association (CA) is

proud to once again be a sponsorof the 50+ EXPO. Stop by CA’sexhibit area in the school GuidanceOffice during the 50+ EXPO andlearn about all of the programs,events and activities that CA offersto the mature adult community.CA’s exhibit area also willinclude personal training andgroup fitness demos. Here isa schedule: 11 a.m., KettleBells; 11:30 a.m., GolfFitness; 12:30 p.m.,Zumba Gold (low-impact)For more information on the

50+ EXPO, call 410-313-5980.

IMPORTANT CA PHONE NUMBERS50+EXPO to Returnon Oct.17

• “Wildflowers with aView of Dublin,” byAndrew Nicholl, located at theNorth Laurel CommunityCenter and Park, 9411Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel.There are nearly three

dozen other paintings in theBaltimore area for the “Off theWall” exhibition. For a map,go to TheWalters.org/OffTheWall.“We tried to choose works

that have relevance to thelocations in which we placethem,” said Julia Marciari-Alexander, executive director ofThe Walters Art Museum,which is located at 600 N.Charles St. in Baltimore.“A Fishmonger’s Shop,”

which depicts exactly what thetitle describes, was selected for the Columbia Lakefrontbecause it brings together fish,commerce and recreation.“The Walters Art Museum

has shared its impeccablecollection of art for 80 years andwe are extremely proud toexpand that tradition at outdoorspaces in Howard County,”Marciari-Alexander said. “Asthe community experiencesreproductions of these famouspaintings, we invite residents ofthe county to visit us and see thereal works of art in person.”Funding for this exhibition

comes from a $6,000 grantfrom the Howard County ArtsCouncil’s Outreach Howardgrant program, which is funded by the Howard CountyGovernment.

Off theWall(continued from page 1)

CA Headquarters........................................................410-715-3000CA Membership Service Center ..................................410-730-1801Aquatics Office .........................................................410-312-6332Columbia Art Center ..................................................410-730-0075Columbia Athletic Club ..............................................410-730-6744Columbia Association Camps .....................................410-715-3165Columbia Gym ...........................................................410-531-0800Columbia Horse Center ..............................................301-776-5850Columbia Ice Rink .....................................................410-730-0322Columbia SportsPark/SkatePark .................................410-715-3054Columbia Swim Center ...............................................410-730-7000Columbia Teen Center ................................................410-992-3726Fairway Hills Golf Club...............................................410-730-1112Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club ..............................................410-730-5980Inclement Weather Hotline.........................................410-715-3154Indoor Tennis, Columbia Athletic Club ........................410-720-0149Owen Brown Tennis Bubble ........................................410-381-7255Supreme Sports Club..................................................410-381-5355The Racquet Club at Hobbit’s Glen..............................410-715-3080Wilde Lake Tennis Club ..............................................410-730-3767®

8 CA MON TH LY

October Visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/Events to learn about more great events happening in Columbia!COMMUNITY EVENTS

To Your Health: HowCommunity Design Can Promote HealthyLifestylesThu, Oct. 2 • 7-9pm Oakland Mills MeetingHouse • 410-715-3166

Rock Your Jeans: Kickoff and FashionShowSun, Oct. 5 • 11am-1pm Columbia [email protected]

Salon Series with Gene OishiMon, Oct. 6 • 7pm Columbia Art Center 410-730-0075

CA Board of DirectorsMeeting Thu, Oct. 9 • 7:30pm CA Headquarters 410-715-3000

Family Bingo NightFri, Oct. 10 • 7:30-9pmStonehouse at Long ReachCommunity Association410-730-8113 • Bingo cardsare 5 for $1 and drinks areavailable for purchase.

Fall Community Clean-UpSat, Oct. 11 • 10am-1pm Amherst House 410-381-9600

Bod Pod Metabolic and Body CompositionTestingSat, Oct. 11 • 8am-noon Columbia Athletic Club410-730-6744

12th Annual OaklandMills Cultural Arts FestivalSat, Oct. 11am • 11-4pm The Other Barn 410-730-4610

Fall Senior LuncheonThu, Oct. 16 11:30am-1pm Historic Oakland 410-730-4744. Free to Town Center residents.

Community EnergyMeetingThu, Oct 16 • 7-8 p.m.Stonehouse at Long ReachCommunity AssociationLearn how to save up to 65percent on energy upgrades.retrofitbaltimore.org/columbia

School’s Out LunchFri, Oct. 17 • noon-1:15pm The Hawthorn Center 410-730-7327• $5 per person. Space is limited.Call to reserve your spot.

Town Center Fall Yard SaleSat, Oct. 18 • 9am-noon Vantage Point Road Park410-730-4744

Columbia Speaks CA ListensSat, Oct. 18 • 9:30am-noonWilde Lake Interfaith [email protected] at ColumbiaSpeaks.EventBrite.com

Afternoon TeaSun, Oct. 19 • 3:30-5pm Historic Oakland 410-730-4744 • Reservationsrequired. $28 plus tax per person.

Discover Downtown Columbia 5k (and 1-mile Fun Run)Sun, Oct. 19 • 9am The Mall in Columbia’s new plaza area. 5k is forages 10 and older, fun run is for ages 10 and younger. Register online at DiscoverDowntown5k.com/register

Gallery Tour: AnnapolisWed, Oct. 22 9:30am-3:30pmColumbia Art Center 410-730-0075 • $45 per person

CA Board of DirectorsMeeting Thu, Oct. 23 • 7:30pm CA Headquarters 410-715-3000

Haunted Hallow’s EveFri, Oct. 24 • 6-8pm Claret Hall and River Hill Village Center • 410-531-1749

Lively Arts for LittleOnes Presents: Pam the KindersingerFri, Oct. 24 • 10am The Other Barn 410-730-4610

Pumpkin Painting and PizzaFri, Oct. 24 • 5:30-7pm Owen Brown CommunityCenter • 410-381-0202. $2 per person. Pumpkin andpizza included. Must call to reserve your pumpkin

Explore Lake Kittamaqundi with Ned TillmanSat, Oct. 25 • 9-11am CA Pathway around Lake Kittamaqundi. Must register with Ned [email protected].

Long Reach Halloween PartySat, Oct. 25 • 1-3pm Stonehouse • 410-730-8113

Transformations in Color, Lightand Line Exhibit Reception

Sat,Oct. 25 • 3-5pm Slayton House • 410-730-3987

50+LunchThu,Oct. 30 •11:30am-1pmThe Hawthorn Center 410-730-7327• $5 per person.Space is limited. Call to reserve your spot.

Halloween HijinxFri, Oct. 31 • 4:30pm Slayton House Theatre 410-730-3987

ca monthly, october 2014

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