Monthl y CA JAN 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
THIS MONTH ON
On January’s show, learn about the Biggest Winner weight loss and fitness contest; get helpful information on memberships offered through the Columbia Association; learn about some of the programs at CA for women and the women-only swim time pilot program; discover more about the Buy-A-Brick program and how you can add your name to the Downtown Columbia Lakefront; learn about CA’s Watershed Management Plan; and more!
Watch Columbia Matters online anytime at ColumbiaMatters.org
StayFit *
It’s easier than ever to find us. Facebook.com/CA.ColumbiaAssociation Issuu.com/CA-ColumbiaAssociation Twitter.com/CA_intheNews YouTube.com/CATVchannel
3 Why I Serve: An Interview with Regina Clay, Wilde Lake Village Board Member
* 4 Snowmaggedon or Not, It Still Needs to be Cleared 8 Be a Part of Your Community Events
Visit ColumbiaAssociation.org and click on “Get Fit” to learn more about CA’s fitness facilities and programs.
in 2012 with Columbia Association
S
ince the year just started, you’re probably starting to think about your resolutions for 2012. Are you thinking about trying to lose those stubborn 20 pounds that you’ve been carrying since before Thanksgiving?
Want to build muscle in your arms? Or maybe you’re just trying to maintain your overall physical health. Many of us have resolutions that we want to keep. Instead of dropping your new plans by next month, check out all of the options the Columbia Association (CA) offers to help you stick with and reach your fitness goals. CA’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for people living and working in Columbia, and one of the ways we do that is to provide facilities and programs that help people get in shape so they can feel and look awesome!
Fitness Programs/Classes
Connect with CA!
2 CA Releases Second Quarter Finance Reports for FY2012
As you may already know, CA has three
Personal Training* CA Personal Trainers Will Guide You to a New Level of Fitness!
By Aria White
fitness facilities: Columbia Athletic Club, Columbia Gym and Supreme Sports Club. Each one has unique features that make them great. Supreme Sports Club is open 24/7, which is great for the night owls and the early birds in Columbia. Columbia Athletic Club features a hot water therapy pool for relaxing water exercises and classes. If you’ve got a family that enjoys working out, Columbia Gym offers the perfect family setting with an aerobic gym, drop-in basketball, indoor swimming, a baby pool, KidSpace, family changing rooms and more. For some of us, working out in a group is more fun and motivating than sweating it out alone. CA offers group fitness classes to give members a chance to socialize while participating in an exercise class taught by certified instructors. Classes range from basic aerobics to hip hop dancing to kick boxing. And if those are too fast-paced for you, CA also has mind/body classes to relax you and get you in shape. In addition to the yoga offerings, there are T’ai Chi and Qigong (a less complex form of T’ai Chi) classes. There are also some sporadic boot camp continued on page 4
The new year is a great time to begin a fitness routine, and if it’s been a while since you last exercised, a personal trainer can help get you started! A CA certified personal trainer can help
you design a workout program using your specific goals, needs and challenges. You can sign up for one session or multiple sessions to get the most for your money. Or, if you want the
experience of a personal trainer mixed with group fitness, sign up for group training sessions with a friend or two. Visit ColumbiaFitness.org/PersonalTraining to learn more!
C A M O N T H LY 1
Second Quarter Finance Report
Released by CA for FY2012
Organization-Wide Summary The Columbia Association (CA) finished the first half of FY2012 with a positive variance in the increase in net assets of approximately $2.3 million (13.2 percent). CA anticipates ending FY2012 with an increase in net assets of approximately $4.2 million. Total income of $48.7 million was on target, and 2.3 percent higher than the same period in FY2011. We expect total income to be on target for the year. Total operating expenses of $28.6 million were 8 percent below budget, with a favorable budget to actual variance of $2.5 million, and $784,000 or 2.8 percent higher than the same period in FY2011. Total operating expenses are anticipated to be under budget by $1.7 million or 2.8 percent for the year.
Community Building and Sustainability The budget for the bureau was created by shifting and distributing line items from the Open Space budget center and newly approved funds for the new initiatives mentioned above. Although some variances appear from the initially redistributed and reallocated budget line items through the second quarter of FY2012, it is not anticipated that these will adversely affect the year end outcome. The current projection for the end of fiscal year indicates the
Columbia Association Summary of
Funds, Expenditures and Annual Borrowings FY2012 Estimate as of October 31, 2011 ($000’s)
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service bureau will complete the year better than budgeted in total operating expenses.
Community Services The Community Services Division finished the second quarter $594,000 better than budget. The positive variance compared to budget is due to an 8.8 percent increase in total income and a 7 percent savings in total expenses. The division anticipates completing the year better than budget. Some of the important programs that are supported by the subsidy of $1,257,000 from the annual charge are the Summer Lakefront Festival, Columbia Archives, Sister Cities, International Day, Columbia Art Center, Volunteer Center Serving Howard County, Columbia Teen Center, covenant enforcement fees and access to camps and before and after school care for income-qualified youngsters. In addition, it provides support to the village associations in the amount of $2,488,000.
% Open Space Management
The Open Space Management Division completed the second quarter of the fiscal year better than the budget in total operating expenses by $901,000 and with a decrease in net assets of $5,815,000. This represents a favorable variance of $1,201,000 from budget. All departments in
WHERE THE MONEY COMES FROM Sport and Fitness Income $24,864 - 36.0%
Residential Annual Charge
$21,555 - 31.2%
Business Annual Charge
$11,607 - 16.8%
Borrowings
$6,451 - 9.4%
Community Services Programs
$3,786 - 5.5%
Interest and Other
$784 - 1.1%
LearnMore
For the full report and further explanation of individual variances throughout CA’s operations, please refer to the FY2012 Second Quarter Board Report, available at CA Headquarters, 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD 21044 or online at ColumbiaAssociation.org/PDFs/GetInformed/SecondQuarterBoardReport.pdf.
2 C A M O N T H LY
the division had total operating expenses less than the budget through the quarter. The current estimate shows that by year’s end, a total of $13,689,000 of annual charge revenue will be required to protect, improve and maintain the environmental assets of Columbia, which include more than 3,600 acres of open space, nearly 94 miles of pathways, 167 tot lots, 284 footbridges, 34 miles of stream valleys, three lakes and 41 ponds and many other amenities.
Sport and Fitness A number of new programs and highlights occurred during the first two quarters of FY2012, including the launch of small group training at the fitness facilities; the largest number of participants ever in the Columbia Neighborhood Swim League, with 2,507 swimmers on 14 teams; the new Quick Start tennis program for kids 10 and under, which had 72 kids playing at the Athletic Club indoor tennis facility; and an all-time record number of players in the USTA (United States Tennis Association) League Play, with 3,139 players. The division completed the quarter 8.5 percent better than budget and 6 percent better than FY2011. Overall the Division is projected to complete FY2012 12 3.0 percent better than budget for the year. continued on page 7
WHERE THE MONEY IS USED Sport and Fitness Programs and Facilities
$24,695 - 35.8%
Capital Expenditures
$11,295 - 16.4%
Open Space Management
$10,583 - 15.3%
Debt Repayment
$8,101 - 11.7%
Community Services Programs
$5,820 - 8.4%
Village Community Associations
$4,283 - 6.2%
Administrative Services
$1,563 - 2.3%
Community Development and Sustainability
$1,605 - 2.3%
Board of Directors
$1,110 - 1.6%
Other
$2 - 0.3%
Why I Serve:
Village Board Elections
Interested in running for a spot on your village community
An Interview with Regina Clay, Wilde Lake Village Board Member
association’s board or the CA Board of Directors (Columbia Council)? Check out the deadlines for each village below. Petition packets and more information can be found at each village community center. Visit ColumbiaVillages.org
By Aria White
for village community center contact information.
T
he Wilde Lake Village Board got a bit more awesome when Regina Clay was elected in April of last year. Clay, a Wilde Lake resident and busy single mother of two, joined the board after being inspired to add some diversity and a unique perspective to the community association. The Wilde Lake Village Center is currently considering a redevelopment and as a part of the village board, Clay has had a front-row seat to the updates and developments in the process, in addition to having the charge to help regulate architectural guidelines and provide opportunities for residents to connect, engage and learn with one another. New to the board this year, Clay says so far the experience has been fulfilling. “The Wilde Lake Village Center is in the midst of a redevelopment. Being intimately involved in the process of redeveloping the center into a vibrant community icon has been the best part of being on the board for me so far,” Clay says. In addition to volunteering on the Wilde Lake Village Board, Clay keeps busy by helping with other local community organizations including Jack and Jill, Inc., Fostering Futures, Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, the Thurgood Marshall Democratic Club of Howard County and the NAACP of Howard County. Although she doesn’t serve in a leadership capacity for each organization, she devotes her time and remains involved in each one. She is also an ordained minister and she works on voter registration in the county. Clay says she almost didn’t run for the Wilde Lake board because of her other commitments in the community. “I fit it in the best I can. I have a great support system in my parents and my family in terms of helping out with my children, so that’s how I try to fit it all in,” she says. “I decided to run for the board because of an article I read in the Baltimore Sun that talked about diversity on the CA Board and the Columbia village boards,” Clay says. “I was very moved and thought, ‘instead of talking about it, I need to be about it,’ and I decided to run. My children and their future
Photo by Epic Media, LLC
Regina Clay, Wilde Lake Village Board Member in Howard County also inspired me to run for a seat on the board.” Not everyone has what it takes to be an effective community leader. According to Clay, leaders need to be transparent, have the ability to think outside the box and have the ability to reach people who wouldn’t normally be associated with the village community associations. “I use Facebook and video messages and other techniques to reach people in the community who are sometimes unreachable,” Clay says. “A leader also has to be willing to listen. Communications isn’t just talking, it’s also listening.” It’s important for Columbia residents to be involved in the village community association by attending board meetings and staying informed about topics the boards are discussing. “Everyone’s voice is important and everyone’s voice needs to be heard, and that’s why it’s important for everyone to be involved so we can get their different perspectives on important issues,” Clay says. For anyone who’s interested in serving the community by running for a leadership position on a village board or the CA Board of Directors, Clay suggests attending some board meetings and listening to some of the relevant issues. She also says it’s helpful to talk to other people in the community in which you’re thinking about running to see what they think about the different issues. Elections for the boards are held in April each year for open positions (review the article to the right for submission deadlines). Visit ColumbiaAssociation.org for more information on the Columbia villages and the CA Boards of Directors.
Dorsey’s Search
Oakland Mills
Nomination period: Mar 1-21 Election Day: Apr 21, 8am-2pm at Linden Hall (4765 Dorsey Hall Drive in Ellicott City) Seats available: Three on village board
Nomination period: Feb 20-Mar 9 Election Day: Apr 21, 8:30am-5pm at The Other Barn (5851 Robert Oliver Place in Columbia) Seats available: Eight on village board, one on Columbia Council
Harper’s Choice Nomination period: Mar 1-Mar 14 Election Day: Apr 21, 9am-3pm at Kahler Hall (5440 Old Tucker Row in Columbia) Seats available: Three on village board, one on Columbia Council
Hickory Ridge
Owen Brown Nomination period: Mar 1-21 Election Day: Apr 21, 9am-4pm at the Owen Brown Community Center (6800 Cradlerock Way in Columbia) Seats available: Three on village board, one on Columbia Council
River Hill
Nomination period: Mar 1-17 Election Day: Apr 21, 9am-3pm at the Hawthorn Center (6175 Sunny Spring in Columbia) Seats available: Five on village board, one on Columbia Council
Nomination period: Mar 1-21 Election Day: Apr 21, 9am-3pm at Claret Hall (6020 Daybreak Circle in Clarksville) Seats available: Two on village board
Kings Contrivance
Town Center
Nomination period: Mar 1-21 Election Day: Apr 20, 5-7pm and Apr 21, 9am-4pm at Amherst Hall (7251 Eden Brook Drive in Columbia) Seats available: Three on village board
Nomination period: Feb 1-Mar 9 Election Day: Apr 21, 9am-2pm at Historic Oakland Manor (5430 Vantage Point Road in Columbia) Absentee ballots due: Apr 20, 3pm Seats available: Two on village board, one on Columbia Council
Long Reach Nomination period: Mar 1-21 Election Day: Apr 21, 9:30am-12pm at Stonehouse (8775 Cloudleap Court in Columbia) Seats available: Three on village board
Wilde Lake Nomination period: Feb 13-Mar 8 Election Day: Apr 21, 9am-4pm at Slayton House (10400 Cross Fox Lane in Columbia) Absentee ballots due: Apr 20, 5pm Seats available: Five on village board, one on Columbia Council
C A M O N T H LY 3
Sn❆wmaggedon or Not, It Still Needs To Be Cleared A Look at Who Manages Snow Removal in Columbia
T
By Aria White
his time of year is often associated with after-holiday sales, new year’s resolutions and snow. Many of you are probably concerned about the snow removal in your neighborhood and the streets and sidewalks that you encounter on a daily basis. You might find yourself wondering who is in charge of removing the snow from the highway you take to work or the street you live on.
❅
Since the next Snowpacolypse might be around the corner, allow me to take this time to let you know how the Columbia Association (CA) and the Howard County government handle snow removal in our area. CA removes snow from the open space areas that are owned by CA, while the Howard County government handles the removal of snow on highways and public streets. If you
Stay * Fit 4 C A M O N T H LY
belong to a homeowners or condo association that owns the street you live on, that association is in charge of plowing your street and in some cases (if you’re lucky enough) sidewalks.
Open Space Areas
CA’s Open Space Division clears snow found on the pathways; footbridges; overpasses and underpasses; and areas around the lakes and tot lots owned by CA in the community. CA also removes the snow around the buildings and property managed by the village community associations, such as Claret Hall in River Hill and The Other Barn in Oakland Mills. While it is true that certain parts of CA’s open space land connects, or comes close, to private property, CA does not remove any snow from residential sidewalks. When there is a snow storm, CA diligently clears snow from the open space areas, and CA-owned facility parking lots and sidewalks. However, if you’re concerned about a particular area that needs to be cleared, you can contact CA’s Open Space office at 410-312-6330 or contact your local village community center to let them know.
for clearing public streets and highways in the county. Property owners and renters who live on private roads are responsible for clearing their own streets and sidewalks if they are not taken care of by a homeowners association. If you’re not sure if you live on a private road, call the Howard County Real Estate Division at 410-313-2330. County roads are prioritized for service by the HCDPW into primary, secondary and residential categories. Primary and secondary roads are cleared first to ensure that public safety vehicles can travel safely. You can also track real time progress of snow plows during a storm. Learn more
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Snow and Schools
CA cares deeply about the safety of Columbia residents and we want parents to rest assured that it will be safe for their kids to walk on well-cleared pathways. Through a partnership with the Howard County Public School System, CA makes clearing pathways that lead to elementary and middle schools a priority following a snow storm on a school day. The HCDPW has partnerships with CA, the Howard County Public School System, the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks to ensure that bus stops in the county are as clear as possible. No matter where you are in Columbia, you can feel secure in knowing that CA and the HCDPW are working hard to make the streets and pathways safe to travel. Bring on the snow!
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Snow removal in Howard County is handled by Columbia Association and the Howard County government.
Roadways and Public Streets
The Howard County Department of Public Works (HCDPW) is responsible
continued from page 1 parties and and classes programs, Zumba Zumba® parties toward residents those ageage 5555 and over. geared toward and over. CA is also starting its Biggest Winner weight loss and fitness contest on Saturday, January 14. Participants in the contest will enjoy a motivational and supportive way to lose weight and learn how to live a healthier lifestyle. (Learn more about the Biggest Winner contest on page 6.)
about snow removal in Howard County by visiting co.ho.md.us and clicking on Bureau of Highways.
Membership
IYouknow you’re how probably mightwhat be thinking, can I thinking, how can you take advantage take advantage of the fitness oppor of the fitness opportunities while you tunities while still being motivated to still have the motivation to stick with stick with my resolutions? You can your resolutions? You can sign up sign up for a Package Plan or for a Package Plan or Package Package Plan Plus membership to Plan Plus membership to enjoy enjoy access a varietyofof sports sports access to atovariety activities and many recreational facilities. Columbia Association also
offers Individual Facility memberships if you’re only interested in visiting one facility. If you live on CA-assessed property, you can also get a Resident Card to pay-as-you-go. For those without without memberships, memberships,CA also also offers moremore thanthan 90 miles of pathCA offers 90 miles ways for walking, bikingbiking or jogging of pathways for walking, around Columbia to encour or jogging around Columbia to age a healthy lifestyle free oflifestyle charge!free For more encourage a healthy information, of charge! please call 410-730-1801.
Women-Only Swimming at CA The Columbia Association (CA) recently began a women-only swimming pilot program. The pilot offers women-only swim times on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30-2pm in the Program Pool at the Columbia Swim Center. The program began in October and will run through the end of this month.
People Acting Together in Howard (PATH), a multi-racial, multi-faith, county-wide citizens’ organization rooted in local congregations and associations, approached CA about the need for women-only swim times. CA recognized this need and saw this request as a chance to partner with a local organization to help serve all Columbia residents, regardless of race, income, gender or religion.
When Columbia was founded in 1967, Jim Rouse envisioned it as a community that would
Wins&
Honorable Mentions
from Howard Magazine’s Best of Howard County Readers’ Poll Personal Trainer Honorable Mention Vicki Burns (Columbia Athletic Club) and Stella Fanzone (Columbia Athletic Club) Place to Rent for Special Occasions Winner Historic Oakland Honorable Mention The Other Barn (Oakland Mills Village Center)
welcome diversity, and this program is one way that CA is helping to ensure that Columbia
Place for a First Date
remains integrated and accepting of all people. This program is for all women of all ages.
Honorable Mention Lakefront Activities
Male children under age six are also welcome.
Golf Course
This program is just one women-only feature of CA. There is also a Women’s Gym
Winner Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club Honorable Mention Fairway Hills Golf Club
located in the Supreme Sports Club and the Columbia Gym. These areas of the fitness facilities provide female members with a setting where they can feel comfortable to exercise
Gym/Health Club
and recreate in a women-only setting.
Winner Columbia Athletic Club Honorable Mention Supreme Sports Club and Columbia Gym
CA has been exploring the need for women-only programs as well as other aquatics issues
Kids’ Activities
in the Aquatics Master Plan, which is being finalized early this year. For more information,
Honorable Mention Columbia Association Venues and Scheduled Activities View all of the winners at bsun.md/sYmKxR
visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/AquaticsMasterPlan.
If you have any questions about this program, visit http://bit.ly/vlTksx to view CA’s women-only swim time frequently asked questions.
Aquatics Master Plan Update, Tuesday, January 31 Public Board Work Session The CA Board’s Planning & Strategy Committee will hold a public work session on the draft Aquatics Master Plan on Tuesday, January 31 at 7pm at Claret Hall, located in the River Hill Village Center. Following a presentation on the highlights of the plan, community members can ask questions or comment on the recommendations. To accommodate families with young children, CA’s Community Services Division will offer free childcare during the session. Prior reservation is required by no later than January 17. Please send your request including the name(s) and age(s) of your child(ren) to: Bunny.Egerton@ColumbiaAssociation.com.
The Aquatics Master Plan is a long-term plan for CA’s aquatics facilities. The goals of the master plan are to engage the Columbia community in an inclusive process for the future of Columbia’s aquatics program; provide a framework for Columbia aquatic facilities that balances current and future community needs given changing demographics and resource constraints; and establish implementation priorities for the future of Columbia
In 2012, I Will... Oh, no! Not that word again! Resolutions. We all set them; even here at CA! If you need some inspiration, take a cue from some CA team members who’ve set some goals for 2012.
aquatics. The plan’s development is currently in its final phase of a three-phase process. Following the review of the draft plan by the CA Board and the community at this meeting, the master plan will be finalized. For more information on this project, please visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/AquaticsMasterPlan.
For more information about the work session, or to register, please visit draft-aqua-plan-review.eventbrite.com. Registrations are appreciated, but not required.
Happy New Year!
“Drink less coffee and maybe cut out all caffeine. BUT continue to be as crazy and high energy when I teach Zumba®! So if you see me taking coffee from the coffee machines at the gyms, feel free to give me one of those “no, no, no” looks!” -Megan Cooperman, Group Fitness Instructor “Find all the things that I don’t need, but packed up anyway (I just moved)!” -Shawni Paraska, Director of Community Health Sustainability Division “Do a ‘Jean Claude Van Damme’ split between two strength training machines in all three CA gyms by my 45th birthday — February 14, 2012!”-Darrell Gough, Personal Trainer/Sport & Fitness Specialist “Train for my second half marathon. I did my first in 2011 and it was so much fun!” - Andrea Wilmoth, Webmaster What’s your resolution for 2012? Tell us on Facebook at Facebook.com/CA.ColumbiaAssociation. C A M O N T H LY 5
Connecting Making Going Places Easier, Greener, and More Fun By Kelly Cooper n the evenings of January 10 and 11, CA will host the first public meetings for the Connecting Columbia project. The goal of the Connecting Columbia project is to create an Active Transportation Action Agenda that will result in a more interconnected and comprehensive bicycling and walking circulation system for health, recreation and transportation purposes. CA’s Director of Community Planning Jane Dembner believes the timing on this project couldn’t be better. “There’s a lot of momentum and community support here in Columbia, and across the nation, for enhancing walking and biking networks. We have an excellent base with our current pathways and we’re looking to move it forward,” says Dembner. The meetings will be set up like an open house from 7:30-9pm. Community members are encouraged to stop by any time during the meeting to learn about the project and to suggest ideas to improve walking and biking in Columbia, especially improvements to CA’s 93.5-mile pathway system. A brief presentation introducing the
project team and describing the
O
project, goals and objectives will occur at approximately 8pm. Before and after the presentation, there will be several stations for residents to make suggestions and recommendations.
CONNECTING
COLUMBIA
In October, CA awarded the contract for this project to Toole Design
Group,
a
nationally
recognized planning and engineer-
ing firm specializing in bicycle and pedestrian planning and design. A 16-member citizens’ task force has also been formed to provide guidance to CA and consultants as they work to create an CONNECTING Active Transportation
COLUMBIA
Action Agenda. The
project is anticipated to be completed by June. For more information on this project, please visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/ConnectingColumbia. MEETING DETAILS Both meetings will feature same content Tuesday, January 10 • 7:30-9pm Owen Brown Community Center, 6800 Cradlerock Way in Columbia
Wednesday, January 11 • 7:30-9pm Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane in Columbia For more information about the meeting, or to register, please visit connecting-columbia-publicmeetings.eventbrite.com. Registrations are appreciated, but not required.
®
fitness
All the fun of a dance party with all the benefits of a hardcore workout. Each class features aerobic interval training and toning moves performed to upbeat Latin and salsa-inspired music. For a complete schedule of Zumba® Fitness classes, visit ColumbiaAssociation.org and click on “Get Fit”.
6 C A M O N T H LY
BIGGEST of WINNER 2012? Who Will Be The
By Erin McPhail ne of the most common New Year’s resolutions that people make on December 31 is to lose weight. Well, the Columbia Association (CA) can help people meet and maintain their weight loss goals, and the Biggest Winner Contest is just the program that can do it! The Biggest Winner Contest is back and it’s bigger than ever. Biggest Winner is an eightweek weight loss and fitness contest that is being offered at all three of CA’s fitness facilities. Participants will compete against other teams to achieve personal and team goals. This year’s contest kicks off on Saturday, January 14, at the Columbia Gym from 12-2pm In last year’s contest, participants lost a total of 440 pounds in eight weeks. There were 56 participants and 14 personal trainers who did the program. The new goal for 2012 is to lose more than 1,000 total pounds in the same eight-week period, and there are already more trainers on board to help. Participants, who can be either a CA member or non-member, will compete in teams of four. Each team will receive two, one-hour sessions per week with a CA personal trainer. “The trainers’ role in the Biggest Winner Contest is very important, and they play a huge role in their team’s success,” says CA Personal Trainer Darrell Gough. “The trainer is a good guide and is there to inspire their team. The trainer gives the team the juice they need to get going with the fitness program. Trainers love to keep people motivated!” Participants will also have access to a two-month Package Plan Plus membership or a two-month upgrade to a Package Plan Plus membership and a number of prizes, discounts and health seminars throughout the contest. The ultimate prize of being named the “Biggest Winner” will be awarded to both the individual and the team with the best percentage of weight loss. Former Biggest Winner champion, Monica Herber, really benefited from the program, which she completed in 2008. As of today, Monica has still kept off her weight and is maintaining her healthy lifestyle. “Biggest Winner is a fabulous program. I really enjoyed it because I got to meet with a trainer and my team twice a week. It helped me to be more accountable for my eating habits because you got points for keeping a diary of your food. It created structure and incentive for exercising regularly. I also liked the variety of workouts that my trainer put together. I am actually thinking about doing it again this year,” Herber says. As part of the contest, there will also be a Bod Pod Challenge. Biggest Winner participants can choose to take part in the Bod Pod Challenge to receive pre- and post-Bod Pod Metabolic and Body Composition tests. Currently used to test participants on the Biggest Loser reality show, these tests will show body change in pounds of fat lost and pounds of lean mass (muscle) gained, providing a detailed and accurate body analysis. Prices for the Biggest Winner Contest vary, so if you would like to get more information or to register, please contact Sam Yurko at 410-715-5509 or email BiggestWinner@ColumbiaAssociation.com. You can also view this month’s episode of Columbia Matters, which discusses this year’s contest. Columbia Matters can be viewed online at ColumbiaMatters.org or on YouTube at YouTube.com/CATVChannel — under the playlist “In-Studio Guest.”
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Second Quarter Finance Report continued from page 2
Sales and Marketing
By Laura Moreno-Hill
weekly standings and schedules will be posted. Playoffs will
Are you ready for some “fútbol” this winter? Think soccer
take place on Saturdays and Sundays. Awards will be given
(not American football). Columbia Gym is now offering an
to the tournament champion and runner-up.
eight-week, full court, indoor soccer program for youth ages
“Columbia is a major center for youth soccer in the
6-13. The program runs from January 21 through March
nation, and Columbia Gym is pleased to offer an
11 and includes a playoff tournament.There will be separate
opportunity for players of all skill levels to play and improve
boys and girls divisions with a maximum 12 players per
skills indoors during the winter months in a safe, fun and
team. Individual players and teams are welcome to join. All
competitive environment,” said Steve Mendelsohn, general
players receive participation medals and T-shirts. Each team
manager of Columbia Gym.
will play at least one game per weekend and will have
Registration deadline is January 16. Cost is $110 for members
rotating schedules. Saturday games are between 12-8pm.
and $135 for non-members. Register before January 7 to take
and Sunday games are between 1-7pm in the Columbia
advantage of the early bird discount! The cost is $90 for
Gym’s Main Arena.
members and $115 for non-members. Space is limited! Call
Official referees and scorekeepers are provided; and
Columbia Gym at 410-531-0800 for additional information.
Howard County Launches New Notification System Howard County Government has launched its new notification system, NotifyMeHoward, to inform residents about severe weather in the area, special events, closings, volunteer opportunities, upcoming projects, potential scams or fraudulent activities, county road projects and other county news items. You can also sign up to receive e-newsletters and news about classes and events from the Howard County Library, information and updates regarding parenting and child care issues and information for older adults and caregivers. Subscribers can build their own menu of alerts so that they will only receive the messages they want. Sign up for this free service at NotifyMeHoward.org and select the type of alerts you want to receive. Residents can sign up for rapid enrollment by texting HOWARD to 411911. Subscribers who use rapid enrollment will receive tornado warnings and anything else sent to “All Subscribers.” You can also find more information about the service by visiting NotifyMeHoward.org and clicking on “New User” or the frequently asked questions (FAQ) tab. In case you weren’t already aware, Columbia Association has its own notification system for facility closings and delays. You can sign up for CA’s notifications by visiting ColumbiaAssociation.org/Notify so you can know before you go!
LakeKittamaqundi Dredging Complete Lake Elkhorn and Wilde Lake to be Dredged in 2012 By Mary Weeks
All dredging equipment has been removed.
Maintenance dredging began at Lake Kittamaqundi,
Lake Elkhorn is currently scheduled to be dredged in
located in Town Center, in August 2010 and was
the summer of 2012 and Wilde Lake in the fall. The
completed at the end of 2011. Lake Kittamaqundi is
dredging of the remaining two lakes has been staggered
one of three man-made lakes in Columbia, in addition
so that CA may operate its summer camps without
to Lake Elkhorn and Wilde Lake.
interference.
The contractor removed 47,000 cubic yards of sediment
Package Plan memberships were up 127 memberships over last year and 183 memberships more than budget. Through second quarter of FY2012, 4,801 resident cards have been issued. We expect our direct mail, e-mail marketing and print advertising campaigns to bring in new members. Other accomplishments include outreach to area realtors and property managers; partnership with the Howard County Chamber of Commerce Young Professional Network; development of a new logo, creative and continued work on finalizing CA’s brand message; and participation in Womenfest and 50+ Expo. We will continue to promote the Why I Pay CA campaign and our successful print, direct mail and e-marketing campaigns to advertise the value of CA memberships, outdoor pool memberships and golf memberships.
Learn More
For the full report and further explanation of individual variances throughout CA’s operations, please refer to the FY2012 Second Quarter Board Report, available at CA Headquarters, 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD 21044.
Dog a D y Afternoon Bring your pooch
to Dog Day Afternoon!
Sat, April21• 11am-2pm Hopewell Park • Free Event Columbia residents and their canine friends are invited to an afternoon of entertainment, contests, treats and fun activities for pets and their owners. Area pet vendors will be on hand to supply information on how to keep your dogs happy and healthy. Rain date Sun, April 22 • 11am-2pm For more information, call 410-715-3104 or visit ColumbiaCalendar.org.
Don’t miss the fun!
Log on to ColumbiaAssociation.org/Dredging for more
from the lake. Sediment was dewatered and transported
information or the latest updates on Columbia Association’s
by truck to a land reclamation facility for beneficial reuse.
dredging project. C A M O N T H LY 7
January
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Be A
Part
Of It! Chicago Style Step Dancing
Tuesday, January 3Tuesday, February 7 • 7-8:30pm Stonehouse. Information: 410-730-8113.
Public Hearing on the Proposed Draft of FY2013 and Conditional FY2014 Budgets Thursday, January 5 • 7:30pm Slayton House. Information: ColumbiaAssociation.org.
Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House Exhibit: Joanna Kos, Paintings and Bruce Blum, Photographs
Thursday, January 5Saturday, January 28 Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House. Information: 410-730-3987.
8 C A M O N T H LY
10-Week Interactive Spanish Class for Children
Visit CAmonthly.org for event details and a listing of many more events!
Grow It! Eat It! Spring Vegetable Gardening
Meet and Greet for Active Adults (Ages 55 and over)
Tuesday, January 17 • 7pm Claret Hall. Information: 410-531-1749.
Wednesday, January 25 7:30-9pm Hawthorn Center. Information: 410-730-7327.
Dorsey’s Search Resident Architectural Committee Meeting
Calligraphy with Sandy Olson
Wednesday, January 18 Linden Hall. Information: 410-730-4005.
•
7pm
Kings Contrivance Village Board Meeting Wednesday, January 18 7:30-10pm Amherst House. Information: 410-381-9600.
Free Master Gardeners Seminar: Great Beginnings for Beginning Gardeners
Thursday, January 19 7:30-9pm Amherst Hall. Registration is required. Information: 410-381-9600.
Oakland Nights Music Series: Pianist Linda Reed
Saturday, January 7 9:30-10:15am (ages 5-6) and 10:30-11:15am (ages 3-4) Stonehouse. Information: 410-730-8113.
Friday, January 20 • 7:30-9pm Historic Oakland Manor. Information: 410-730-4744.
CA Board Meeting
Friday, January 20 • 10am The Other Barn. Information: 410-730-4610.
Thursday, January 12 • 7:30pm CA Headquarters. For updated dates and times, please visit ColumbiaAssociation.org.
School’s Out Program for Grades 1-8
Monday, January 16 Full Day: 7:30am-5:30pm; Half Day: 7:30am-12pm Columbia Art Center. Registration is required. Information: 410-730-0075.
Lively Arts for Little Ones
Winter Afternoon Tea
Sunday, January 22 • 3:30-5pm Historic Oakland Manor. Reservations are required. Information: 410-730-4801.
School’s Out Program for Grades 1-8
Monday, January 23 Full Day: 7:30am-5:30pm; Half Day: 7:30am-12pm Columbia Art Center. Registration is required. Information: 410-730-0075.
Thursday, January 26Thursday, March 1 • 10-11:30am Columbia Art Center. Registration is required. Information: 410-730-0075.
Rainbow Theatre: Professor Horn’s Puppet and Magic Show
Friday, January 27 • 10am Slayton House. Tickets are required. Information: 410-730-3987.
Pajama Party: Featuring “Shrek Forever After”
Friday, January 27 • 7pm Owen Brown Community Center. Parent supervision is required. Information: 410-381-0202.
Camp Expo
Sunday, January 29 • 2:30-5pm Kahler Hall. Information: 410-730-0770.
CA Board Planning and Strategy Committee Work Session on the Aquatics Master Plan
Tuesday, January 31 • 7pm Claret Hall. Information: ColumbiaAssociation.org/ AquaticsMasterPlan.
Save the Date: Master Gardener Seminar: Creating a Backyard Habitat
Thursday, February 2 Kahler Hall. Information: 410-730-0770.
•
7pm
Have a question or comment? E-mail CAmonthly@ColumbiaAssociation.com.