Monthly CA A PUBLICATION OF COLUMBIA ASSOCIATION
JAN 2015
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Biggest Winner Competition Starts Soon Haven on the Lake to Host Open Houses Second Quarter Financial Reports for CA
After losing 40 pounds, Sandeep Bansal goes through a
Total Transformation S
By Tripp Laino
FILE Photo
andeep Bansal’s body transformation started with a simple phrase from his older brother, Arun: “If you take care of your body, I promise it’ll take care of you.” Bansal, 24, has transformed his six-foot frame over the last two-and-a-half years, shedding more than 40 excess pounds and reshaping his body to add muscle and tone. He said he got a wake-up call about two years ago when he packed on weight after back surgery. Bansal clocked in at more than 200 pounds and To see Sandeep’s decided to change his life. workouts, visit “I just wasn’t happy with youtube.com/ CATVChannel my image,” he said. “It brought down my self-esteem and confidence as a person. My mom and my brother were very active; they really wanted me to get into the gym.” Starting with simple exercises he could do at home, Bansal eventually got a membership to Columbia Association (CA) from his parents after proving his dedication to getting fit. He
24-year-old Sandeep Bansal has packed on muscle after dropping nearly forty pounds over the last two-and-a-half years.
(See Total, page 7)
Join theConversation!
ColumbiaAssociation.org • Facebook.com/ColumbiaAssociation • Instagram.com/ColumbiaAssn • Twitter.com/ColumbiaAssn • YouTube.com/CATVchannel C A M O N T H LY 1
CA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2014-2015
Reginald Avery, Oakland Mills 443-545-6714 Reginald.avery@ca-board.org
Nancy McCord, Wilde Lake 410-730-2309 Nancy.mccord@ca- board.org
Michael Cornell, River Hill 410-531-9340 Michael.cornell@ca-board.org
Tom O’Connor, Dorsey’s Search 410-336-9269 Tom.oconnor@ca-board.org
Brian Dunn, Kings Contrivance 301-473-0077 Brian.dunn@ca-board.org
Gregg Schwind, Hickory Ridge 443-831-8847 Gregg.schwind@ca-board.org
Jeanne Ketley, Town Center 301-596-1097 Jeanne.ketley@ca-board.org
Andrew Stack, Owen Brown 410-381-8897 Andrew.stack@ca-board.org
Alan Klein, Harper’s Choice 410-992-3025 Alan.klein@ca-board.org
Russell Swatek, Long Reach 410-799-1497 Russ.swatek@ca-board.org
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President’s Update
CA Relocating in August 2015 Dear Friends, Thank you for reading. You’ll be hearing more from me regularly: A “President’s Update” will be featured in every CA Monthly, and there also will be brief videos posted every week on ColumbiaAssociation.org. You may very well have already heard that Columbia Association will be relocating its headquarters by the end of August 2015, moving to Hillside Center. The building is located on Hillside Court off Stevens Forest Road, near Broken Land Parkway and Route 29. With the end of our lease approaching, CA spent the past three years or so looking at numerous locations for its headquarters. Hillside Center is a wonderful space that brings with it so much of what we sought. FILE Photo CA will move into over 32,000 square feet of a nearly 44,000-square-foot building, providing team members with an enhanced work environment and more room than they currently have in the three different buildings that presently house CA’s administrative operations. Hillside is a value-oriented alternative that provides CA with ownership potential, which demonstrates CA’s commitment to being a careful steward of our resources. It is in a safe and convenient location, less than three miles from the Downtown Columbia Lakefront and, once a planned pathway is completed, less than a mile’s walk from Lake Kittamaqundi. And there will be plentiful parking for employees and visitors, a situation that would not be the case as the redevelopment of Downtown Columbia continues. CA remains committed to and is one of the largest property owners in Downtown Columbia. CA owns and manages the lakefront. Haven on the Lake has opened underneath the new Whole Foods Market. I also serve on boards and committees dedicated to Columbia’s downtown. This is a great opportunity for CA. We look forward to hosting you in our new home. Sincerely, Milton W. Matthews Columbia Association President/CEO
Biggest Winner Competition Helps Participants Shed Pounds A By Tripp Laino
sk any fitness guru and they’ll tell you that one of the the hardest parts about losing weight is staying motivated. If that’s your problem, the Biggest Winner competition is here to help. Biggest Winner is in its fifth year as a competition in all of Columbia Association’s (CA) fitness facilities, according to Sam Yurko, CA’s director of personal training, who said the event initially started with just one facility. Each competition has had between 50 and 75 participants, grouped into four-person teams. Participants are measured with the Bod Pod and compete individually and in teams; categories include the individual with the highest percentage of weight lost, the team with the highest percentage of weight lost, and the individual with the highest percentage of body composition change. Prizes include gift cards to CA, as well as some from other local businesses. Yurko said he always hopes for all competitors to be able to hit their weight-loss goals, but even those who fall slightly short of their weight-loss goals often end up with other health benefits from the competition. “If everyone can lose a couple of pounds, that’s great, but your body composition is also changing,” Yurko said. “It’s not all about the weight —
FILE Photo
KEIthan samuELs
Maybe you didn’t lose the weight you hoped, but you increased your lean tissue, your body fat went down, you’re eating better, sleeping better and able to move better.” Last year’s winner was able to accomplish both — Craig Dewing
Biggest Winner includes group training and fitness classes, as well as nutritional counseling, to help you drop excess pounds and transform your body. The competition is in its fifth year at all of Columbia Association’s fitness facilities.
lost 60 pounds on his way to being crowned Biggest Winner 2014. He received entry into the competition as a gift from his wife, and said one of the best parts of the competition was the camaraderie. “I got matched with three women
who were very supportive and got into the team environment,” he said. “We pushed each other, and our personal trainer was very good. We varied greatly in terms of weight and athletic ability, and it was great how she catered things to each of us.” He also spoke highly of the nutrition seminars, where a dietician explained various aspects of diet and nutrition. In previous weight-loss attempts, he said he struggled with curbing his appetite, but was able to move past that with the help of the seminars. Dewing has kept in contact with his teammates, getting together periodically and checking on each other’s progress after the competition. He’s also kept the weight off and found a new passion: running. He likes his new hobby so much that he signed up for a marathon last year, though he was derailed by a leg injury. “I was trying too hard — that’s what caused my injury … but it’s definitely something I’m going to try this spring,” he said. Prices for Biggest Winner range from $399 for Package Plan Plus holders to $549 for non-resident, non-members. To find out more information please visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/ biggestwinner.
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Four Offbeat Ways To Get Fit and Healthy with CA this Winter he icy grip of winter has arrived, sending your favorite outdoor activities to the back of the closet, hiding with the mothballs. But the chill in the air doesn’t mean you can’t find fun ways to get fit and healthy, and Columbia Association (CA) offers a number of ways to help. To assist you in finding some new options for the new year, here are four great choices to burn off some extra holiday calories and improve your overall health and well-being.
1. Skating Rink Supreme Sports Club recently finished remodeling its skating rink, allowing skaters to enjoy a state of the art 12,658 square-foot maple wood skating surface. A 160-pound person roller skating at a moderate pace burns roughly 550 calories per hour, according to the Mayo Clinic, making the skating rink a fun change of pace for winter workouts. Admission is free for CA members; roller skate rentals are $3, inline skate rentals are $4. The rink is open from 7pm to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays and from 1pm to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and on Monday, January 19. Find more at ColumbiaSkateArena.org. 2. Ice Rink Maybe you’d prefer not to run from the winter chill while getting in your exercise. In that case, the Columbia Ice Rink is your destination. Offering a similar calories-burned-per-hour pace as roller skating, the ice rink offers open skate 4 C A M O N T H LY
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sessions, as well as skating lessons and hockey. Admission is free for CA members; skate rentals are $3. For more information visit ColumbiaIceRink.net. 3. Swim Lessons/Open Swim We might be months away from the thoughts of beach bodies, but it doesn’t mean you can’t get in the water now and prepare. Four of Columbia’s athletic facilities — Columbia Athletic Club, Columbia Gym, Columbia Swim Center and Supreme Sports Club — are home to indoor pools, with daily times available for laps or open swim. And if you’re not a strong swimmer, CA has classes to help you out, whether you’re new to the water or want to beef up your skills and improve your techniques. For additional information, visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/Pools. 4. Chiropractic consultations CA offers much more than just ways to work out; it can also help take care of those nagging injuries or aches and pains. All three of Columbia’s athletic facilities — Columbia Athletic Club (second Tuesday of the month), Columbia Gym (third Tuesday of the month) and Supreme Sports Club (first Monday of the month) — offer free chiropractic consultations to CA Members once per month with Dr. Russel V. Antico. The 15-minute consultations include possible diagnosis, causes and treatment options, including recommendations for exercises. Call Dr. Antico to register at 443-259-0235.
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“We know residents are excited to see everything our downtown retreat has to offer, and we’re excited to show it off.” Rob Goldman, Acting General Manager of Haven on the Lake
FILE Photos
Haven on the Lake will host an open house January 10 and 11, giving residents an opportunity to tour the facility, see fitness demonstrations and relax. The retreat, designed to nurture the spirit, body and mind is the first of its kind in the area.
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Haven on the Lake to Host Open House
aven on the Lake – a 25,000 square foot MindBody wellness retreat, combining restorative and health-enhancing experiences, holistic spa services and movement classes designed to nurture the spirit, body and mind – the first of its kind in the area, will host an Open House Jan. 10 and 11. The Open House runs from noon to 4pm, and includes demonstrations, tours and workshops showing off the various classes and services available. “We know residents are excited to see everything our downtown retreat has to offer, and we’re excited to show it off,” said Rob Goldman,
acting general manager of Haven on the Lake and Columbia Association (CA) vice president and manager of special projects. CA has partnered with The Still Point Spa, founded by Marla Peoples and Tori Paide, to provide wellness spa services to the community. The spa has 10 treatment rooms and offers services including acupuncture, Reiki, massage therapy, holistic skin care, naturopathic medicine and nutrition counseling. Workshops at the event include acupuncture and naturopathic medicine, among others. Haven on the Lake has three MindBody movement studios —
Energy, Flow and Vitality — each designed specifically for certain practices and offering classes in a variety of disciplines. Demonstrations at the Open House will include the yoga wall and other classes like barre and pilates. The spa and movement classes were available starting in December, but the Open House offers a premier opportunity to see all that Haven on the Lake has to offer, including the healing environments, which include a movement and relaxation pool, a hot tub with a waterfall overlooking Lake Kittamaqundi, a crystal salt therapy room, steam room, cold plunge and tropical shower.
Unlimited use of the healing environments costs as little as $10 per month per person for CA Package Plan Plus members. Though Haven on the Lake is for adults aged 18 and older, there is also a KidSpace for children ages six weeks to 13 years old at the retreat. To reserve KidSpace during the open house, please call 443-864-0557. Haven on the Lake has a number of packages for use of the healing environments, classes and spa treatments, with a wide range of prices, as well as a la carte availability. For more information, visit HavenontheLake.org or call 410-715-3020. C A M O N T H LY 5
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olumbia Association finished the six months between May 1 and October 31, 2014 nearly $3.2 million better than budget, and $1.8 million higher than the same period in the last fiscal year. Total operating expenses of $29.8 million were 9.9 percent below budget, and $429,000, or 1.4 percent lower than the same period last year. Based on the second quarter results, CA anticipates ending fiscal year 2015 with an increase in net assets of almost $4.6 million. Financial highlights from several of CA’s service bureau chiefs and division directors is below.
2015
CA RELEASES SECOND QUARTER FINANCIAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR
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Community Building and Open Space The Community Building and Open Space Service Bureau completed the second quarter $960,000 under the FY15 budgeted amount for total operating expenses. Noteworthy accomplishments during the second quarter included the completion of substantial portions of the Lake Kittamaqundi Loop Pathway project, which includes the paved portions of the pathway, the boardwalk, enhanced plantings and new seating areas, as well as leading two events — one for removal of invasive plants and the other to plant native plants. The first event was in September at Lake Elkhorn and the second was in October in River Hill.
Sport and Fitness The Division completed the quarter $520,000 and 19.2 percent better than budget (due in part to the timing of operating expenses) and 3.9 percent better than fiscal year 2014. It is expected that CA’s Sport and Fitness Division will be essentially on budget at year end. Highlights from the quarter include the completion of the new front entrance at Columbia Gym, including automatic doors that will help with heating/cooling efficiency and accessibility into the building and the new Hobbit’s Glen Club House, which is now under roof, with interior finishing work and exterior and landscaping finishing work continuing.
Communications and Marketing The Communications and Marketing team had many successful media interactions, including articles with the Associated Press, Baltimore Sun, Business Monthly, Columbia Flier, and others. Articles covered subjects like the “Columbia It Is” exhibit at Columbia Archives, Sister Cities summer exchange info sessions and the Lake Kittamaqundi pathway loop completion. The team also had communication with CA members and the public via email, ad campaigns social media, publications and video packages about subjects including Haven on the Lake, Tennis, Hobbit’s Glen and KidSpace, among others.
Community Services The Community Services Division finished the second quarter $370,000 better than budget. The positive variance is primarily due to increased tuition and enrollment income from School Age Services as a result of increased enrollment in summer school, and an increase in early registrations for the upcoming school year. Program highlights of the second quarter include the official signing of the Sister Cities agreement with Tema, Ghana, a Governor’s Volunteer Service award for the Youth and Teen Center’s Teen Outreach Committee and nearly 350 participants for Columbia Archives BikeAbout on Sept. 13.
Total (continued from page 1)
started hitting the gym daily, and sometimes even twice a day to help lose weight. But even after he started using the gym, he stuck to mostly simple lifts, eschewing more advanced exercises in favor of a rigid, regular workout schedule. “What you have to do is the basics,” he said. “... If you’re too innovative, you forget the fundamentals. It’s about effort and consistency.” Along the way, he dropped to 160 pounds, but Bansal said he feels more comfortable at his current weight of about 180 pounds, with the difference made up in muscle mass acquired from lifting and swimming. Columbia Association personal trainer Darrell Gough said he knows
Bansal and his family well from their gym visits and is tremendously proud of the changes Bansal has made. “We see each other and say ‘Beast mode’ when he’s there to really get into his training,” Gough said with a laugh. “He’s really focused and very committed. He’s made a drastic change … If he’s ever needed help or spotting in the gym, I’ve been there, but other than that, I give him credit for doing all that work himself.” Gough isn’t the only one to notice Bansal’s transformation — Bansal said he’s had numerous CA members approach him in the gym and ask for tips, or to offer encouraging words. “It’s humbling to see people notice your hard work. They say ‘You’re my inspiration’ because they want to make that change too. “As a member of CA, it feels like I’m part of a team.”
CA PHONE NUMBERS CA Headquarters .........................................410-715-3000 CA Membership Service Center.................410-730-1801 Aquatics Office ............................................410-312-6332 Columbia Art Center....................................410-730-0075 Columbia Athletic Club ...............................410-730-6744 Columbia Association Camps ....................410-715-3165 Columbia Gym.............................................410-531-0800 Columbia Horse Center...............................301-776-5850 Columbia Ice Rink.......................................410-730-0322 Columbia SportsPark/SkatePark................410-715-3054
CA A
Board Recap
t the Columbia Association (CA) Board of Directors meeting held Dec. 11, the CA Board approved an easement request from the Owen Brown Interfaith Center for construction of an emergency exit from their planned new addition, and the purchase of a track loader with fiscal year 2015 Capital funds. The board also appointed Cohn Resnick as external auditors for the fiscal year 2015 annual audits of CA’s financial statements and incentive savings plan. The next scheduled Board of Directors meetings are Jan. 8 and 22. Meetings typically begin at 7:30pm 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 are available at ColumbiaAssociation.org/Podcasts.
Columbia Swim Center...............................410-730-7000 Columbia Teen Center ................................410-992-3726 Fairway Hills Golf Club...............................410-730-1112 Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club...............................410-730-5980 Inclement Weather Hotline ........................410-715-3154 Indoor Tennis, Columbia Athletic Club........410-720-0149 Owen Brown Tennis Bubble........................410-381-7255 Supreme Sports Club..................................410-381-5355 The Racquet Club at Hobbit’s Glen ............410-715-3080 Wilde Lake Tennis Club .............................410-730-3767
C A M O N T H LY 7
Community Events Food Drive Month of January Claret Hall, 6020 Daybreak Circle, Clarksville • 410-531-1749 or newsletter@villageofriverhill.org All month long: donate non-perishable food and/or personal items which will go to the Howard County Food Bank. Look for the big blue bin in the lobby.
Estate Planning and Elder Law Essentials Tues. Jan. 6 • 7-8:30pm Historic Oakland Manor, 5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia • 410-730-4744 or tcvillage@columbiatowncenter.org A free interactive workshop designed to explore many estate planning topics, presented by the law firm Elville & Associates. Registration encouraged.
Starlicious Talent Show Auditions Audition 1: Thu. Jan. 8 6-7pm at Columbia Gym Audition 2: Wed. Jan. 14 6-7pm at Columbia Gym Calling all singers, dancers, musicians and more! Seeking performers ages 7-13 to showcase at our 3rd Annual Talent Show! For more information or to register, please call 410-715-3169 or email Melissa.Capo@ColumbiaAssociation.org. Auditions are open to the general public.
Presentation by The Village in Howard Wed. Jan. 14 • 6-8pm The Hawthorn Center • 410-730-7327 Learn about the virtual “village” that will serve folks 55+ by providing services, cultural, educational and social activities to supplement county services to those who choose to age in their own homes.
Gardening Seminar Thurs. Jan. 15 • 7:30pm-9pm Amherst House • Trees, wonderful trees! Free gardening seminar held by Master Gardener Phyllis Yigdall. Snacks will be served.
Lively Arts for Little Ones Fri. Jan. 16 • 10am “Mr. Gabe and the Circle Time All-Stars” The Other Barn, 5851 Robert Oliver Way 410-730-4610 • Brigitta Warren, events@oaklandmills.org/
Visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/Events to learn more about great events happening in Columbia!
Afterschool Storytime at The Other Barn (Part of MLK Week of Service) Thurs. Jan. 22 • 4pm The Other Barn, 5851 Robert Oliver Way 410-730-4610 • Brigitta Warren, events@oaklandmills.org/
Camp Expo Jan. 25 • 2:30-5pm Kahler Hall, 5440 Old Tucker Row, Columbia • Highlighting summer activities for children. Special prize drawings throughout the event, including up to three $100 gift cards towards the camp of choice.
Rainbow Theatre
Family Fun Bingo
Jan. 23 • 10am “Little Red Riding Hood” Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at Slayton House or at www.brownpapertickets.com Keyword Rainbowtheatre
Fri. Jan. 30 • 7:30-9pm Amherst House • Join friends and neighbors for an evening of Bingo at Amherst House. $1 for 6 cards, drinks are $.75, and prizes & snacks are free!
Afternoon Tea
Family Night Bingo and Card Making
Sun. Jan. 25 • 3:30-5pm Historic Oakland Manor, 5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia • 410-730-4744 or tcvillage@columbiatowncenter.org Relaxing Afternoon Tea held in Oakland's charming ballroom. Cost is $28 plus tax per person. Reservations required at least two days in advance.
Fri. Jan. 30 • 7:30-9pm The Hawthorn Center • 410-730-7327 Cards 5/$1, drinks $.75, snacks free. Between games, you can make a Valentine’s Day card for delivery by Meals on Wheels. Craft materials will be provided.
“Creating Columbia: A Mini-Course” Feb. 2, 9 and 16 • 2-3:30pm Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane in the Wilde Lake Village Center 410-715-3103 • Register at CreatingColumbia.EventBrite.com
Book Drive Bernice Kish Gallery Jan. 8-Feb. 14 Slayton House Elaine Hochreiter and David Fried Reception: Jan. 11, 3-5pm Gallery Hours: Mon.-Thu. 9am-9pm; Fri. 9am-5pm; Sat. 9am-2pm Gallery is free and open to the public.
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Thurs. Jan. 22 1-4:30 pm Claret Hall, 6020 Daybreak Circle, Clarksville 410-531-1749 or newsletter@ villageofriverhill.org As part of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and MLK Day of Service, donate gently used books, make a craft, and have a light snack. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Animal Shelter Day of Service at Long Reach Community Assoc. Feb. 6 • 11am-2 pm Stonehouse, 8775 Cloudleap Ct, Columbia • 410-730-8113 Come make pet goodies to donate to the Howard County Animal Shelter. Meet some pets and learn about the shelter or simply drop off donations to aid the shelter.