May 22, 2014
Harper's Choice Voice
The e-newsletter for the Village of Harper's Choice

Keeping You Informed

UPDATE: We regret that the e-newsletter we sent this afternoon had an error in the date for our next Village Board meeting. It is on June 3 and has been corrected in this message.

This weekly e-newsletter 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.
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On Fridays in the month of June, we will randomly select a member of our community to win a Rita's gift card. There will be a variety of ways to enter the contest to win:

  • Answer the question we will ask each week in the e-Newsletter beginning next week.  
  • Like and Share the specific contest related posts you will see throughout the coming weeks. Hint: Remember to Like us on Facebook 
Covenant Corner: Sidewalks and Sidewalk Maintenance
The responsibility for the maintenance of sidewalks in the public right-of-way throughout Harper's Choice and Howard County falls to the adjacent homeowner. If the sidewalks adjacent to your home are in disrepair (cracked, heaving or breaking apart, etc.) it is your responsibility to repair or replace those sidewalk blocks. If the damage is caused by a street tree or water main, then the county is responsible. If you see an area of sidewalk that is lifted and causing a trip hazard, please contact us or call the County at 410-313-7450 to report the problem; the County will temporarily patch the problem until permanent repairs can be made.
Did You Know...
HCPD Has a Free Bike Registration Program
Register your bike with Howard County Police Department. This free service for Howard County residents allows you to manage your bike information and report the details if your bike is stolen. Upon registration, HCPS will mail you an assigned serial number to identify your bike. Sign up for the Bike Registration system today!
Water, Dish Soap, and an Aluminum Pan Can Get Rid of Stink Bugs
A group of researchers from Virginia Tech have discovered that you can get rid of 14 times more stink bugs than costly kits from the store using nothing but a pan of water, a light, and some dish soap. Check out this article for more details and tips!
Howard County Master Gardeners Need Your Help
Native trees and shrubs within the wildlife meadows and along the trails bordering them are often overrun with invasive plants. Several invasive vines in particular are a
problem. Join the Master Gardeners for Trailside Vine Cutting on May 27 from 9-11:30AM at the Trotter Road entrance of the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA). Together, you will work to control these dreadful vines as part of the ongoing effort to prevent the mature trees from being choked, shaded, or toppled. As a bonus, we will hear from a guest speaker that will teach participants about the various species of ferns we encounter while working. For more information, contact Aylene Gard, Master Gardener, 410-992-9889 or Jeff Claffy, Assistant Natural Resources Manager, MPEA, 410-313-6209.

Architectural Committee Meetings
Changes made to the exterior of homes in Harper's Choice require the approval of the Village Architectural Committee. The AC meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:30 PM to review applications. The deadline to submit applications for approval is two weeks prior to the next meeting date. The committee meets only once in August. Please plan your summer alterations with the following meeting schedule in mind: 6/10, 6/24, 7/8, 7/22, 8/19. 


Village Board Meetings
The Village Board meets the 1st Tuesday of every month at 7:00PM. The next meeting is scheduled for June 3. Agendas and Meeting Minutes can be found on our website.

Columbia-Wide 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.
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.

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.

Harper's Choice Events
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Summer Pool Parties
Mark your calendars and get ready for our annual pool parties with a new twist!

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]