May 15, 2014
Harper's Choice Voice
The e-newsletter for the Village of Harper's Choice

In with the new
Welcome to the new Harper's Choice Voice! We hope you like the new layout and design of our weekly e-newsletter. This serves as a recap of news and events we share with our community throughout the week via other social media channels. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter to receive more regular announcements and information from us.

Introducing CA's New President

The Columbia Association (CA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Milton W. Matthews will be the next president/CEO of Columbia Association. Mr. Matthews was most recently the CEO of the Reston Association, an organization similar to CA that is located in Reston, Virginia. Reston Association covers more than 11.5 square miles and is home to more than 65,000 residents.

 

"I have known for a long time that Columbia is a special place," Matthews said. "Columbia Association has a reputation for providing quality, innovative and responsive services and programs, and I am honored to have been chosen to be a part of this exceptional organization. I look forward to working with the CA Board of Directors and the staff at CA and the 10 villages, and becoming involved with the Columbia community and, in general, Howard County."

 

As CEO of the Reston Association from 2004 to 2013, Mr. Matthews oversaw day-to-day operations, managed both the operational and capital budgets, and oversaw a staff of full-time and part-time employees. Among his previous positions held are city manager, assistant city manager and director of finance and administration for the city of Webster Groves, Missouri. He has a master's degree in city and regional planning from The Ohio State University, as well as a master's degree in public administration from Syracuse University's Maxwell School.

 

"Mr. Matthews brings skills and experience from having operated an organization similar to CA, as well as skills acquired in previous positions as a city manager," said Andrew Stack, chairman of CA's Board of Directors. "He is familiar with CA and has worked with CA staff on several occasions."

 

Mr. Matthews will take over as president of Columbia Association on June 2. Susan Krabbe, vice president and chief financial officer of CA, is serving as Interim President of CA until then.

Learn more about our soon-to-be president!
Covenant Corner: Cul-De-Sac Civility
Maintenance of the cul-de-sac islands throughout Columbia is the responsibility of the owners whose homes or driveways face the cul-de-sac island. We encourage residents to take turns mowing or have each family contribute and hire a service (or better yet, a young person in the neighborhood) to take care of the mowing, leaf removal, weeding, etc. The important thing to remember is that this is to be a shared responsibility.

Please note: No sports equipment, permanent or temporary, may be placed on, in or around the cul-de-sac, as per County code.

 

Want to Improve Your Cul-De-Sac Island?

Cul-de-sac grants of up to $200 are available to improve the island on your street. Contact the Covenant Advisor for more information.

 

Covenants and property maintenance standards

One of our primary responsibilities is to uphold the village covenants. Our covenants require approval for exterior changes, set minimum standards for maintenance and help protect the aesthetics of our community. We need YOU to do your part by assessing the exterior of your home for curb appeal. You help maintain our neighborhoods when you:

  • store bulk items and debris out of view of the street and neighboring properties
  • weed and edge your landscape beds
  • sweep the debris from your curbs and street gutters.

A little effort costs nothing but time and gives much in return. Let's work to keep Harper's Choice the Best Choice!  

 

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Harper's Choice Summer Swim Team
Looking for a fun activity for kids this summer? Attend the Harper's Choice Swim Team kick-off event on May 17 from 2PM-4PM at Swansfield Pool. This is a great time to meet the coaches, get questions answered, and register. Practice starts May 27. All
Upcoming Events
Columbia Home Tour Logo
DogPark Grand Opening
May 24 from 10AM - 2PM at 5901 Rivendell Lane. Complete your Columbia DogPark Application in advance so your pet(s) can enjoy the off-leash areas. Annual and daily membership options are available for residents and non-residents.
Summer Reading Kickoff
May 31 from 10AM - 2PM at the Miller Branch. Kick off summer with face painting and crafts for kids, Wii games and a scavenger hunt for teens, and instant prize drawings for adults. Don't miss the Mount Hebron High School Pep Band, Bubble Science and Eric Energy. More info.

Columbia Home Tour
June 1 from 11AM - 5PM. Tickets are on sale now at all of the village centers. Tickets are $20 in advance per person. Proceeds will benefit Rebuilding Together Howard County. This event is presented by the Villages of Columbia and the Columbia Archives. Learn More.

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Columbia KidsDay
June 7 from 10AM - 1PM at the Columbia SportsPark. KidsDay is an annual welcome-to-summer event hosted by Columbia Association.

KidsDay is a free event and open to the public. Come learn more about youth programs, classes, camps and special offers from various Columbia Association departments.

Summer Pool Parties
Mark your calendars and get ready for our annual pool parties!

Longfellow
July 8 from 6P - 9PM

Swansfield
August 7 from 6PM - 9PM

Hobbit's Glen
August 14 from 6PM - 9PM

National Night Out
An annual tradition throughout Columbia! Join us for food, fun, laughter and music as we gather together to celebrate our community.

August 5 from 6PM - 9PM in the courtyard on Joseph's Square at the Harper's Choice Village Center. Watch for more details in the coming weeks!

Stay Connected
Village Manager
Cathy Murphy
Facility Manager
Covenant Advisor

Community Outreach Coordinator

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5440 Old Tucker Row  Columbia, MD 21044  410-730-0770  [email protected]