Monthl y CA DEC 2012
A P U B L I C AT I O N O F C O L U M B I A A S S O C I AT I O N
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COLUMBIA ASSOCIATION’S
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(CA) 2013 BIGGEST WINNER FITNESS PROGRAM.
3 Aquatics Feasibility Studies Update 8 Be a Part of Your Community Events
Learn more about the Biggest Winner program at ColumbiaFitness.org/PersonalTraining
By Aria White Connor
Win Big
POUNDS IS AT THE TOP OF THE
Connect
2 CA in the Spotlight: An Interview With Darrell Gough
Biggest Winner participants compete in teams of four, and each team receives 2 onehour sessions with a CA personal trainer per week. Participants also receive a weight loss solution journal, and trainers will provide each team with nutritional advice along the way. At the end of the competition, the individual and the team with the highest percentage of weight loss are awarded prizes. There also will be a Bod Pod Challenge taking place. Participants will take Bod Pod metabolic and body composition tests before and after the competition. These tests show body change in terms of pounds of fat lost and pounds of lean mass (muscle) gained, which provides participants with a detailed and accurate body analysis. Prizes will be given to participants with the greatest decrease in percentage of body fat. “Participants can join the Biggest Winner and get their New Year started by getting healthier!” said Sam Yurko, director of
personal training at CA. “I want to encourage participants to let our Biggest Winner trainers and your Biggest Winner team provide you with the education, motivation and confidence to help you reach your weight loss goals.” Registration for the program is available at all three CA fitness facilities. Kick-off will be held at Columbia Gym on Saturday, Jan. 5, from 11am-1:30pm. Training for all teams will begin the week of Jan. 7, and teams will have the opportunity to train at any of the three fitness facilities. The program lasts eight weeks and will culminate in a success celebration on Mar. 9 at Supreme Sports Club from 11am-1pm. The program will cost $340 for Package Plan Plus members, $379 for Package Plan members, $499 for CA Resident NonMembers and $519 for Non-Members. The fee includes two months of Package Plan Plus Membership. For more information, visit ColumbiaFitness.org/PersonalTraining.
C A M O N T H LY 1
singularsensations
✶
Singular Sensations December 6 6-8pm Columbia Art Center E NJOY COL UMBIA ART CE NT E R’S HOL IDAY E XHIBIT ION, FE AT URING ART WORK IN AL L ME DIA.
A C t h g i l t Spo in the
h w wit e i v r e t h An Inrrell Goug Da
DARRELL GOUGH PERSONIFIES FITNESS, AND that isn’t just for his own sake, but for the sake of others as well. As a personal trainer who also teaches Aerobox, boot camp and cross conditioning
The exhibition runs from Dec. 6-16, with a reception with live music on Thursday, Dec. 6, from 6-8pm. Art for sale will include functional pottery,
classes for Columbia Association (CA), Gough believes he must practice what he preaches. Gough moved with his family to Columbia in
fiber, glass, jewelry, paintings, photography, cards, mixed media and more!
1976, taking his first job with CA in 1989 as a camp
Visit ColumbiaArtCenter.org for more information.
counselor at Supreme Sports Club. After working part-time in various roles there and at Columbia Athletic Club, he took a full-time role with CA about five years ago. His official job title is “member success coach.”
Columbia Association
School’s Out Artsy Fun Day Jan. 21, Jan. 22 Columbia Art Center
Gough says his family motivated him to make fitness a large part of his life. “Just seeing my father and how active he was. He was really motivational, because he wanted his boys to be really active and do the sports that he did, so he wanted us to be in football and do wrestling,” he said. “What I enjoy about my job, I just love the interaction with the people,” Gough said. “A good personal trainer needs to live what they do. I really feel like it’s hypocritical for a personal trainer to have somebody do something, or tell you that you need to eat right, and they’re not eating right as
Come for a fun-filled day of art and creativity! Kids will enjoy cool art projects on days when school is out.
well. I’m a real stickler for that. … I won’t ask anybody to do anything that I wouldn’t do, but if you want that challenge, oh yeah, I’m going to give you that challenge.”
FULL-DAY: 7:30AM-5:30PM ($50 PER CHILD) HALF-DAY: 7:30AM-NOON ($25 PER CHILD) Visit ColumbiaArtCenter.org or call 410-730-0075 for more information.
Every month, “CA in the Spotlight” highlights a different CA team member. For the full text of this interview, as well as a video, go to bit.ly/darrellg. And for more stories, please check out CA’s blog at ColumbiaAssociation.org/CAtoday.
2 C A M O N T H LY
Dive Into Fun By Aria White Connor
W
ho says swimming has to stop just because winter is starting? Columbia Swim Center is hosting a variety of fun activities to keep you and your family splashing this month. If movies are your thing, check out the
two events being held this month at the Swim Center that feature a movie presentation to enjoy as you swim. Senior Matinee Movie When Wednesdays, 12:30-2:30pm on the following dates December 12, January 23, March 6, and April 17 What Enjoy swimming and a movie at Columbia Swim Center. December’s movie will be Casablanca. Cost $3/Package Plan Plus Members; $5/Club Members; $8/Columbia Card Holders; $10/Non-Members Registration You can register online at ColumbiaAssociation.org/login. Dive-In Movie When Saturdays, 7:30-10:30pm on the following dates December 15; January 26; March 9 and April 20 What Watch a holiday movie while you swim. December’s movie will be Elf. Cost $3/Package Plan Plus Members; $5/Club Members; $8/Columbia Card Holders; $10/Non-Members Registration You can register online at ColumbiaAssociation.org/login.
Next month, Columbia Association (CA) will be hosting a few activities at SplashDown (pending its reopening this winter). Snack and Slide SplashDown When Mondays, 2-4pm on January 21 and February 18 What Attendees can enjoy ice cream, soda, chips and SplashDown admission Cost $5/Package Plan Plus Members; $12/Club Members; $15/Columbia Card Holders; $17/Non-Members SplashDown Teen Night For Grades 6-9 When Fridays, 7-9pm on January 25; February 22, March 22 and April 26 What Teens can splash around and take unlimited SplashDown rides while listening to music. Cost $4 with valid Howard County school ID. For more information on fun upcoming aquatics programs, visit ColumbiaPools.org or Facebook.com/CA.Aquatics.
Enjoy swimming year-round at Columbia Swim Center.
Aquatics Feasibility Studies Update
graphics that depicted examples of future possibilities. CA staff and representatives of Williams Architect/Aquatics hosted the meeting to provide a
By Mark Scott
n September, Columbia Association (CA)
Both feasibility studies are
began two aquatics feasibility studies as
being conducted by Illinois-
directed by the CA Aquatics Master Plan.
based consultant Williams
I
forum for public inquiry and comment. The second open house was
master plan
held Nov. 27 at the Hawthorn Center and focused on more
One study explores the possibility of remov-
Architect/Aquatics,
ing SplashDown when it is no longer viable to
will make recommendations
operate and replacing it with a new, family-
to the CA Board of Directors
friendly amenity. The other study looks into
in January after sufficient planning and
public and from members of CA’s steering
converting an existing outdoor pool site into
public meetings.
committee.
which
specific options for both projects based on the feedback from the
The first of two open houses was held Oct.
PDF files of the open house displays can be
plan process discovered high demand for more
24 at the Owen Brown Community Center. It
found at ColumbiaAssociation.org/Aquatics
indoor options. Dasher Green, Locust Park
included a presentation of the studies, with
MasterPlan.
and Talbott Springs are the three existing
updates on current conditions and findings
You may email additional comments,
outdoor pools still in the running to become
presented at display stations around the
questions or suggestions to Aquatics@
the possible conversion site.
perimeter of the room. Displays also had
ColumbiaAssociation.org.
a year-round indoor pool, since the master
C A M O N T H LY 3
give back to your community
this holiday season
By Mary Weeks
The Volunteer Center Serving Howard County’s Annual Holiday Guide to Giving can help show you how and where to donate your goods, time and money this year.
The Giving Season According to CharityNavigator.org, 24 percent of people make donations between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. There’s something about the holiday season that really puts people in the giving spirit. There are so many people who want to give but may not have money to donate. Donations don’t just come in monetary form: donating your time is also appreciated during this time of the year. Either way, the Holiday Guide to Giving is a great resource to put you on the right path to helping those in need. What is the Holiday Guide to Giving? The Holiday Guide to Giving is an annual publication that the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County publishes to provide resources for those seeking volunteer opportunities with non-profit organizations in the area. Also included in the guide are donation needs for these organizations. Helpful Hint: For families or groups looking specifically to volunteer at a local soup kitchen during the holidays, now is a good time to put that plan in place. On the first page of the guide is a list of soup kitchens that are looking for volunteers to help feed those in need. How long has the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County been publishing the guide? The guide has been published since 2002. This publication is unique for the volunteer center, whose core mission is to provide opportunities for volunteerism. Mickey Gomez, executive director of the volunteer center said, “The purpose of the guide is to help individuals and groups discover what agencies need, in their own words, for the holidays.” 4 C A M O N T H LY
Have organizations listed in the guide found it helpful to their organization? Types of donations being requested can range from food to gift cards. Each agency has a specific list of items that they need. The Salvation Army is one of the many agencies listed in the guide and has been listed since 2002. Executive Director of the Salvation Army Columbia office Windy Kidd states, “The Holiday Guide to Giving gives the community a chance to see what our needs are, and the response has been great!” The Salvation Army Angel Tree displays angels and stockings with gift ideas and information about a local child or adult in need. The tree is located in the lobby at CA Headquarters, 10221 Wincopin Circle in Columbia. Those interested in donating can choose an angel or a stocking, take it to the volunteer center to confirm their choice, then purchase and drop the gift off to the volunteer center by Dec. 6. The Doghouse of Joy is another charitable project taking place this season. People can donate new items for animals: dog and cat treats, washable dog and cat toys, blankets and towels, etc. These items will be accepted at the volunteer center through Dec. 31.
Where can residents go to find opportunities to give back throughout the year? The Volunteer Center Serving Howard County has a variety of volunteer opportunities year-round. To learn more about how you can give back to your community through volunteering, visit VolunteerHoward.org or call 410-715-3172.
To get a copy of this year’s Holiday Guide to Giving, please visit VolunteerHoward.org/ Publications.
C A M O N T H LY 5
Communicating With CA: An Interview With CA’s New Director of Communications, Celeste Olinger By David Greisman
C
paths and open space areas offer a little outdoor adventure or a calm breath of serenity, in addition to the athletic offerings that complement active lifestyles and make Columbia a great place to live, work, play and enjoy.”
What attracted you to move across the country and work with Columbia Association?
What are you looking for, and what should residents look for, when it comes to how CA and the community communicate?
eleste Olinger joined Columbia Association (CA) as its new director of communications on Oct. 22 and brings more than 25 years of public relations and communications experience from federal, state and local branches of government to the organization. She comes most recently from Northglenn, Colo.
spa day
Nourish Your Body and Rejuvenate Your Skin
Olinger: “I was attracted to Columbia Association because it is a progressive community recognized by the public for its best practices and voted multiple times to the Top 10 list of livable communities. I was interested in becoming a part of a team where I could contribute my skills and experience while further enhancing my career aspirations.” You’re new to the area, but what do you think of Columbia so far? Olinger: “As a newcomer to the area, I am in awe with the aesthetic or natural beauty of the community. The meandering
Olinger: “More community engagement, including looking at ways to Celeste Olinger, Columbia Association’s involve residents in idea-sharing to Director of Communications identify and solve issues of community interest. I would like to see communication become a little more interactive. Rather than us just passing information to the community, I would like to encourage residents to engage in conversations and dialogue about CA so we can get their perspective. In the upcoming months, we will be asking residents what they would like to see and how they would like us to communicate.”
@ Columbia Gym!
Teens, Parents Invited to Learn More About CA’s
Monday, December17
2013 Sister Cities Exchange Program
Pamper yourself with services from the Still Point Spa While you are relaxing, your kids can enjoy two hours of KidSpace activities, including games, arts and crafts, music, and more. Pre-registration is required. Call 410-531-8984 to register.
arents and teens interested in learning about the annual
of a French or Spanish student. After returning to the United
summer Sister Cities High School Exchange Program
States, students will then host their French/Spanish
are invited to attend one of our informational sessions hosted
counterparts for another two weeks. Throughout the trip, there
by Columbia Association (CA).
are organized group activities for the participants, both abroad
P
The sessions will take place at CA Headquarters, located at 10221 Wincopin Circle in downtown Columbia, on Thursday,
The program fee is $650 for Columbia residents and $790
Dec. 6; and Wednesday, Jan. 9. Both are scheduled to be held
for non-Columbia residents, excluding airline tickets. Airline
from 7 to 8pm. Each session will include teen and parent
tickets may range from $1,100 to $1,500 per participant.
alumni of the program, as well as Laura Smit, program
Applicants must be high school students residing in Howard
manager for CA’s international exchange and multicultural
County and must have completed high school level three of
programs, all of whom will speak and answer questions about
French or Spanish by the end of the current academic year or
the month-long program.
have the equivalent language fluency. The application deadline
Teen participants spend approximately two weeks of cultural
6 C A M O N T H LY
and in the U.S.
is Feb. 22.
and linguistic immersion during the summer in one of
For an application or more information, please visit
Columbia’s sister cities: Cergy-Pontoise, France, or Tres
ColumbiaAssociation.org/TeenExchange, or contact Laura Smit at
Cantos, Spain. During this time, they are hosted by the family
410-715-3162 or International@ColumbiaAssociation.org.
Rosy-Nosed Recreation
❅
At the Rink Give thegift of T fitness By Mark Scott
he fall/winter public skating season is in session at Columbia Ice Rink! There’s something about a rosy-nosed workout on the ice that makes for great winter fun and fitness. New to the ice? No worries; there are walkers to help beginners skate
safely. And if you really want to learn, the Learn to Skate Program will get you going. Each student (ages 3 and up) can sign up for weekly 25-minute lessons that run six to seven weeks. You more advanced up-and-coming freestyle stars can practice your routines during the freestyle sessions. Bring your CDs and perfect your routines in 45-minute time slots using Columbia Ice Rink’s sound system. And let’s not forget the sticks and pucks. The Brandon LaDue Instructional Ice Hockey Program was created to provide an affordable and safe learning atmosphere for children ages 6 through 12. The rink’s scheduled Stick and
❄ Personal Training! this holiday season with
Puck Sessions give you time to practice skating, puck handling and shooting. Helmets, gloves, skates and sticks are required. Bring your own pucks! There are also times scheduled for pickup hockey, which can give you a chance to scrimmage with other players. Game on. Columbia Ice Rink is a great place for family fun, fitness, recreational outings and social get-togethers. Public Sessions are Monday-Thursday, 12-2pm; Friday, 3:30-5:30pm and 8-10pm (with a live DJ); Saturday, 2-4pm; and
Receive
10% Off!
3 or 6 Session One-On-One Personal Training Packages
Sunday, 1:15-3:15pm and 7:30-9:30pm (closed Christmas Day). For more information on Columbia Ice Rink activities, please email
Learn about CA’s
Ice.Rink@ColumbiaAssociation.org or call 410-730-0322.
❆
holiday hours and discounts on personal training packages this season at ColumbiaAssociation.org.
People of all ages can enjoy skating at the Columbia Ice Rink. C A M O N T H LY 7
December
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House: Nov/Dec Exhibit Izya Shlosberg: “Between Us Angels” (Paintings) and Brian P. Miller: “Splendid Cite” (Parisian Photographs) Exhibit runs now thru Wed, Dec 19 • Mon-Thu, 9am-9pm; Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat, 9am-2pm Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House JBlack@ColumbiaVillages.org.
Holiday Teas With Harp Music Thu, Dec 6 & 13 • 4:30-6pm Historic Oakland Manor 410-730-4744.
Singular Sensations: Annual Holiday Exhibition (Fine arts and crafts at $150 or less) Reception: Thu, Dec 6 • 6-8pm Exhibit Runs Dec 6-16 Columbia Art Center 410-730-0075.
Visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/Events to learn about more great events happening in Columbia!
Snacks with Santa Sat, Dec 8 • 2-4pm Owen Brown Community Center 410-381-0202.
Holiday Lights for Long Reach Seniors Sun, Dec 9 • 6-9pm Stonehouse • 410-730-8113.
International Book Club Wed, Dec 12 7:30-9pm • CA Headquarters 410-715-3162.
The Polar Express Thu, Dec 13 and Fri, Dec 14 • 5:30pm and 7:30pm • The Other Barn 410-730-4610.
CA Board of Directors Meeting Thu, Dec 13 7:30pm • CA Headquarters • For updated dates and times, please visit ColumbiaAssociation.org.
Pizza with Santa Sat, Dec 15 • 11am Kahler Hall • 410-730-0770.
Holiday Celebration Thu, Dec 6 • 6:30-8:30pm Owen Brown Community Center • 410-381-0202.
Cookies with Santa Sat, Dec 15 • 2-3:30pm Amherst House AmherstHouse.org.
Breakfast with Santa Sat, Dec 8 • 9am and 9:45am The Other Barn 410-730-4610.
Rock Your Jeans Closing Celebration
Holiday Breakfast
Nutcracker Performance
Sat, Dec 8 • 9:30-11am Columbia Gym KidSpace 410-531-8984.
Sat, Dec 15 • 2pm • Supreme Sports Club • 410-381-5355.
Sun, Dec 16 • 3pm Stonehouse • 410-730-8113.
Lunch with Santa Sat, Dec 8 • 11:30am-1pm Amherst House AmherstHouse.org.
8 C A M O N T H LY
Have a question or comment? E-mail CAmonthly@Columbia Association.org.