The 7k run starts and finishes at the boat dock adjacent to the park's Centennial Lake.  The course will exit the park and run along MD Rt. 108 before returning to the park, following the bike path around the lake.  Centennial Park is located at 10000 MD. Rt.108, just west of U.S. Route 29 in Ellicott City. In addition to the 54-acre lake, the award-winning park features a 2.6 mile paved pathway around the lake and numerous picnic areas and pavilions. 

The run is organized by Bullseye Running, with results posted on its website. Online registration is open now through Wednesday, April 22 (walk-up registration is available the morning of the race). Registration for runners (and walkers) is $35.00 and all proceeds will go to the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, the domestic violence coalition that brings together victim service providers, allied professionals, and concerned individuals for the common purpose of reducing intimate partner and family violence and its harmful effects on Maryland citizens. The organization accomplishes this goal by providing education, training, resources, and advocacy to advance victim safety and abuser accountability. 

Participant packets will be distributed starting at 7:30AM on April 25.  The race begins at 8:30AM.  Packets can also be picked up the night before the event (Friday, April 24 from 4PM - 7PM) at Road Runner Sports, 6630-C Marie Currie Dr., in Columbia/Elkridge. 

The inaugural race, held April 5, 2014, attracted over 200 runners from across the Mid-Atlantic and raised $3,000 for the state-wide, non-profit organization that brings together victim service providers, allied professionals, and concerned individuals for the common purpose of reducing intimate partner and family violence and its harmful effects on Maryland citizens.  

The Ellicott City-based Maryland State's Attorneys' Association is an advocate for the honorable and ethical administration of justice in Maryland, and provides continuing education and additional services for prosecuting attorneys and other personnel affiliated with the 24 state's attorneys' offices throughout the State of Maryland. 

This depends to a large extent on why you prune. Light pruning and the removal of dead wood can be done anytime. Otherwise, here are some general guidelines found on the Arbor Day Foundation website.  

Winter Pruning

Pruning during dormancy is the most common practice. It results in a vigorous burst of new growth in the spring and should be used if that is the desired effect. It is usually best to wait until the coldest part of winter has passed. Some species, such as maple, walnuts and birches, may "bleed"-when the sap begins to flow. This is not harmful and will cease when the tree leafs out.

Pruning Flowering Trees to Enhance Flowering

To enhance the trees that bloom in spring, prune when their flowers fade. Trees and shrubs that flower in mid- to late summer should be pruned in winter or early spring.

To direct the growth by slowing the branches you don't want, or to "dwarf" the development of a tree or branch, pruning should be done soon after seasonal growth is complete. The reason for the slowing effect is that you reduce the total leaf surface, thereby reducing the amount of food manufactured and sent to the roots. Another reason to prune in the summer is for corrective purposes. Defective limbs, the limbs that hang down too far under the weight of the leaves, can be seen more easily.

Next week, Part 3: Proper Pruning Techniques. 

Columbia Association (CA) is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help count the number of pedestrians and cyclists on CA's pathways. Similar to automobile traffic counts, the bicycle and pedestrian counts will help determine the most popular/congested areas of CA's pathway network, possible investments that may improve the users experience and pathway usage trends.

The 2015 Bicycle and Pedestrian Counts will take place in the following locations: Columbia Gateway, Jackson Pond, Lake Elkhorn, Lake Kittamaqundi, Wilde Lake Park and the southern terminus of Tamar Drive. By making a two-hour time commitment, you'll be helping to improve one of the things that makes Columbia special! We would appreciate your help. 

Below are the list of dates, times and locations you can register for (please select one or more). Volunteer registration will close Friday, May 8. Anyone interested in volunteering can fill out a registration form here. An optional training session will be offered on Thursday, May 21.      

• May 23 (11:30AM - 1:30PM)
• May 26 (5PM - 7PM)
• May 27 (5PM - 7PM) 
• May 28 (5PM - 7PM) 
• May 30 (11:30AM - 1:30PM) 

Columbia Gateway counts will be held:

• May 26 (11:30AM - 1:30PM)
• May 27 (11:30AM - 1:30PM)
• May 28 (11:30AM - 1:30PM) 

Slots remain for CA's annual summer Sister Cities High School Student Exchange program with Columbia's sister cities in France and Spain. Students can be in level 2 of Spanish or French and above.  

Deadline for applications has been extended to Monday, March 30. For more information contact Laura Smit at 410-715-3162 or visit the Teen Exchange program online.  

• 10AM Crafts and Balloons 
• 10:45AM Egg Hunt (While supplies last! Please bring your own basket!)
• 11AM Entertainment with Turner, Dean of Magic

This event is especially planned for children ages 2-8. Tickets are required for this FREE event. They are available at Kahler Hall and all village community centers while supplies last. Tickets are for Columbia lien-paying residents only.