By Tripp Laino

Sandeep Bansal’s body transformationstarted with a simple phrase from his olderbrother, Arun: “If you take care of yourbody, I promise it’ll take care of you.”

Bansal, 24, has transformed his six-foot frameover the last two-and-a-half years, shedding morethan 40 excess pounds and reshaping his body toadd muscle and tone. He said he got a wake-up callabout two years ago when hepacked on weight after backsurgery. Bansal clocked in atmore than 200 pounds anddecided to change his life.“I just wasn’t happy with

my image,” he said. “It broughtdown my self-esteem and confidence as a person. My mom and my brotherwere 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 toColumbia Association (CA) from his parentsafter proving his dedication to getting fit. He

Biggest WinnerCompetition Starts Soon

Haven on the Laketo Host Open Houses

Second Quarter FinancialReports for CA

CA MON TH LY 1

MonthlyA PUBLICATION OF COLUMBIA ASSOCIATION JAN2015

ColumbiaAssociation.org • Facebook.com/ColumbiaAssociation • Instagram.com/ColumbiaAssn • Twitter.com/ColumbiaAssn • YouTube.com/CATVchannelJoin theConversation!

56CA 3

(See Total, page 7)

After losing 40 pounds, Sandeep Bansal goes through a

FILE Photo

24-year-old Sandeep Bansal has packed on muscle after dropping nearly forty pounds over the last two-and-a-half years.

Total Transformation

To see Sandeep’sworkouts, visityoutube.com/CATVChannel

2 CA MON TH LY

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 itsheadquarters 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 bringswith it so much of what we sought. CA will move into over 32,000 square feet

of a nearly 44,000-square-foot building, providingteam members with an enhanced work environment and more room thanthey currently have in the three different buildings that presently house CA’s administrative operations. Hillside is a value-oriented alternative thatprovides CA with ownership potential, which demonstrates CA’scommitment 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 plentifulparking 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

Brian Dunn, Kings Contrivance301-473-0077Brian.dunn@ca-board.org

Reginald Avery, Oakland Mills443-545-6714Reginald.avery@ca-board.org

Michael Cornell, River Hill410-531-9340Michael.cornell@ca-board.org

Alan Klein, Harper’s Choice410-992-3025Alan.klein@ca-board.org

Tom O’Connor, Dorsey’s Search410-336-9269Tom.oconnor@ca-board.org

Andrew Stack, Owen Brown410-381-8897Andrew.stack@ca-board.org

Russell Swatek, Long Reach410-799-1497Russ.swatek@ca-board.org

Gregg Schwind, Hickory Ridge443-831-8847Gregg.schwind@ca-board.org

Nancy McCord, Wilde Lake410-730-2309Nancy.mccord@ca- board.org

Jeanne Ketley, Town Center301-596-1097Jeanne.ketley@ca-board.org

CA BOARD OF DIRECTORS2014-2015

FILE Photo

CA Relocating in August 2015

President’sUpdate

CA MON TH LY 3

Biggest Winner CompetitionAsk any fitness guru and

they’ll tell you that oneof the the hardest partsabout losing weight is

staying motivated. If that’s yourproblem, the Biggest Winnercompetition is here to help.Biggest Winner is in its fifth year

as a competition in all of ColumbiaAssociation’s (CA) fitness facilities,according to Sam Yurko, CA’sdirector of personal training, whosaid 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 theBod Pod and compete individuallyand in teams; categories include theindividual with the highestpercentage of weight lost, the teamwith the highest percentage ofweight lost, and the individual withthe highest percentage of bodycomposition change. Prizes includegift cards to CA, as well as somefrom 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 benefitsfrom the competition.“If everyone can lose a couple of

pounds, that’s great, but your bodycomposition is also changing,” Yurkosaid. “It’s not all about the weight —

Maybe you didn’t lose the weightyou hoped, but you increased yourlean tissue, your body fat went down,you’re eating better, sleeping betterand able to move better.”Last year’s winner was able to

accomplish both — Craig Dewing

lost 60 pounds on his way to beingcrowned Biggest Winner 2014. Hereceived entry into the competitionas a gift from his wife, and said one ofthe best parts of the competition wasthe camaraderie.“I got matched with three women

who were very supportive and gotinto the team environment,” hesaid. “We pushed each other, andour personal trainer was very good.We varied greatly in terms of weightand athletic ability, and it was greathow she catered things to each of us.”He also spoke highly of the

nutrition seminars, where a dieticianexplained various aspects of diet andnutrition. In previous weight-lossattempts, he said he struggled withcurbing his appetite, but was able tomove past that with the help of the seminars. Dewing has kept in contact with

his teammates, getting togetherperiodically and checking on eachother’s progress after thecompetition. He’s also kept theweight 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’sdefinitely something I’m going totry this spring,” he said.Prices for Biggest Winner range

from $399 for Package Plan Plusholders to $549 for non-resident,non-members. To find out more information please visitColumbiaAssociation.org/biggestwinner.

Helps Participants Shed PoundsBy Tripp Laino

FILE Photo

Biggest Winnerincludes grouptraining and fitnessclasses, as well as nutritionalcounseling, to help you drop excess pounds and transform your body. Thecompetition is in its fifth year at all of ColumbiaAssociation’s fitness facilities.

KEIthan samuELs

4 CA MON TH LY

To Get Fit and Healthy with CA this Winter

T he icy grip of winter hasarrived, sending your favoriteoutdoor 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 andhealthy, 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 extraholiday calories and improve your overall health and well-being.

1. Skating RinkSupreme Sports Club recently finishedremodeling its skating rink, allowingskaters to enjoy a state of the art 12,658square-foot maple wood skating surface.A 160-pound person roller skating at amoderate pace burns roughly 550calories per hour, according to the MayoClinic, making the skating rink a funchange of pace for winter workouts.Admission is free for CA members; rollerskate rentals are $3, inline skate rentalsare $4. The rink is open from 7pm to10pm on Fridays and Saturdays and from1pm to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays,and on Monday, January 19. Find moreat ColumbiaSkateArena.org.

2. Ice RinkMaybe you’d prefer not to run from thewinter chill while getting in your exercise.In that case, the Columbia Ice Rink isyour destination. Offering a similarcalories-burned-per-hour pace as rollerskating, the ice rink offers open skate

sessions, as well as skating lessons andhockey. Admission is free for CAmembers; skate rentals are $3. For moreinformation visit ColumbiaIceRink.net.

3. Swim Lessons/Open SwimWe might be months away from thethoughts of beach bodies, but it doesn’tmean you can’t get in the water now andprepare. Four of Columbia’s athleticfacilities — Columbia Athletic Club,Columbia Gym, Columbia Swim Centerand Supreme Sports Club — are home to indoor pools, with daily times availablefor 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, visitColumbiaAssociation.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 andpains. All three of Columbia’s athleticfacilities — Columbia Athletic Club(second Tuesday of the month),Columbia Gym (third Tuesday of themonth) and Supreme Sports Club (first Monday of the month) — offer free chiropractic consultations to CAMembers once per month with Dr. Russel V. Antico. The 15-minuteconsultations include possible diagnosis,causes and treatment options, includingrecommendations for exercises. Call Dr. Antico to register at 443-259-0235.

1

2

3

4

FourOffbeat Ways

H aven on the Lake –a 25,000 square footMindBody wellnessretreat, combining

restorative and health-enhancingexperiences, holistic spa services andmovement classes designed tonurture the spirit, body and mind –the first of its kind in the area, willhost an Open House Jan. 10 and 11.The Open House runs from noon

to 4pm, and includes demonstrations,tours and workshops showing off thevarious classes and services available.“We know residents are excited to

see everything our downtown retreathas to offer, and we’re excited toshow it off,” said Rob Goldman,

acting general manager of Haven onthe Lake and Columbia Association(CA) vice president and manager ofspecial projects.CA has partnered with The Still

Point Spa, founded by Marla Peoplesand Tori Paide, to provide wellnessspa services to the community. The spa has 10 treatment rooms and offers services includingacupuncture, Reiki, massage therapy,holistic skin care, naturopathicmedicine and nutrition counseling.Workshops at the event includeacupuncture and naturopathicmedicine, among others.Haven on the Lake has three

MindBody movement studios —

Energy, Flow and Vitality — eachdesigned specifically for certainpractices and offering classes in avariety of disciplines.Demonstrations at the Open Housewill include the yoga wall and otherclasses like barre and pilates.The spa and movement classes were

available starting in December, butthe Open House offers a premieropportunity to see all that Haven onthe Lake has to offer, including thehealing environments, which includea movement and relaxation pool, ahot tub with a waterfall overlookingLake Kittamaqundi, a crystal salttherapy room, steam room, coldplunge and tropical shower.

Unlimited use of the healingenvironments costs as little as $10 permonth per person for CA PackagePlan Plus members.Though Haven on the Lake is for

adults aged 18 and older, there is alsoa KidSpace for children ages six weeksto 13 years old at the retreat. Toreserve KidSpace during the openhouse, please call 443-864-0557.Haven on the Lake has a number

of packages for use of the healingenvironments, classes and spatreatments, with a wide range ofprices, as well as a la carte availability.For more information, visitHavenontheLake.org or call410-715-3020.

CA MON TH LY 5

“We know residents are excited to seeeverything our downtown retreat has to offer, and we’re excited to show it off.”Rob Goldman, Acting General Manager of Haven on the Lake

Havenon the Laketo Host Open House

FILE Photos

Haven on the Lake will host an open house January 10 and 11, giving residents an opportunity to tour the facility, see fitnessdemonstrations and relax. The retreat, designed to nurture the spirit, body and mind is the first of its kind in the area.

6 CA MON TH LY

CA RELEASESSECONDQUARTERFINANCIAL REPORTFOR FISCALYEAR

Columbia Association finished the six months betweenMay 1 and October 31, 2014 nearly $3.2 millionbetter than budget, and $1.8 million higher than the

same period in the last fiscal year. Total operating expensesof $29.8 million were 9.9 percent below budget, and$429,000, or 1.4 percent lower than the same period lastyear. Based on the second quarter results, CA anticipatesending fiscal year 2015 with an increase in net assets ofalmost $4.6 million. Financial highlights from several of CA’sservice bureau chiefs and division directors is below.

Community Buildingand Open SpaceThe Community Building and Open SpaceService Bureau completed the second quarter$960,000 under the FY15 budgeted amountfor total operating expenses.Noteworthy accomplishments during the

second quarter included the completion ofsubstantial portions of the Lake KittamaqundiLoop Pathway project, which includes thepaved portions of the pathway, the boardwalk,enhanced plantings and new seating areas, aswell as leading two events — one for removalof invasive plants and the other to plant nativeplants. The first event was in September atLake Elkhorn and the second was in Octoberin River Hill.

Communications and MarketingThe Communications and Marketing teamhad many successful media interactions,including articles with the Associated Press,Baltimore Sun, Business Monthly, ColumbiaFlier, and others. Articles covered subjects like the “Columbia It Is” exhibit at ColumbiaArchives, Sister Cities summer exchange info sessions and the Lake Kittamaqundipathway loop completion.The team also had communication with

CA members and the public via email, adcampaigns social media, publications andvideo packages about subjects includingHaven on the Lake, Tennis, Hobbit’s Glenand KidSpace, among others.

Sport and Fitness The Division completed the quarter$520,000 and 19.2 percent better thanbudget (due in part to the timing of operatingexpenses) and 3.9 percent better than fiscalyear 2014. It is expected that CA’s Sport and Fitness Division will be essentially onbudget at year end.Highlights from the quarter include the

completion of the new front entrance atColumbia Gym, including automatic doorsthat will help with heating/cooling efficiencyand accessibility into the building and the new Hobbit’s Glen Club House, which isnow under roof, with interior finishing work and exterior and landscaping finishingwork continuing.

Community Services The Community Services Division finishedthe second quarter $370,000 better thanbudget. The positive variance is primarily dueto increased tuition and enrollment incomefrom School Age Services as a result ofincreased enrollment in summer school, andan increase in early registrations for theupcoming school year. Program highlights of the second quarter

include the official signing of the Sister Citiesagreement with Tema, Ghana, a Governor’sVolunteer Service award for the Youth andTeen Center’s Teen Outreach Committee andnearly 350 participants for Columbia ArchivesBikeAbout on Sept. 13.2015

CA MON TH LY 7

At the Columbia Association (CA) Board of Directors meetingheld 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 areavailable at ColumbiaAssociation.org/Podcasts.

started hitting the gym daily, andsometimes even twice a day to helplose weight. But even after he started using the

gym, he stuck to mostly simple lifts,eschewing more advanced exercises infavor of a rigid, regular workoutschedule.“What you have to do is the basics,”

he said. “... If you’re too innovative,you forget the fundamentals. It’sabout effort and consistency.”Along the way, he dropped to 160

pounds, but Bansal said he feels morecomfortable at his current weight ofabout 180 pounds, with thedifference made up in muscle massacquired from lifting and swimming. Columbia Association personal

trainer Darrell Gough said he knows

Bansal and his family well from theirgym visits and is tremendously proudof the changes Bansal has made.“We see each other and say ‘Beast

mode’ when he’s there to really getinto his training,” Gough said with alaugh. “He’s really focused and verycommitted. He’s made a drasticchange … If he’s ever needed help orspotting in the gym, I’ve been there,but other than that, I give him creditfor doing all that work himself.”Gough isn’t the only one to notice

Bansal’s transformation — Bansal saidhe’s had numerous CA membersapproach him in the gym and ask fortips, or to offer encouraging words. “It’s humbling to see people notice

your hard work. They say ‘You’re myinspiration’ because they want tomake that change too.“As a member of CA, it feels like

I’m part of a team.”

Total(continued from page 1)

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

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

CA PHONE NUMBERS

BoardRecapCA

8 CA MON TH LY8 CA MON TH LY

Community Events Visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/Events to learn more about great events happening in Columbia!

Food Drive Month of JanuaryClaret Hall, 6020 Daybreak Circle,Clarksville • 410-531-1749 ornewsletter@villageofriverhill.orgAll month long: donate non-perishablefood and/or personal items which will goto the Howard County Food Bank. Lookfor the big blue bin in the lobby.

Estate Planning and Elder Law EssentialsTues. Jan. 6 • 7-8:30pmHistoric Oakland Manor, 5430 VantagePoint Road, Columbia • 410-730-4744 ortcvillage@columbiatowncenter.orgA free interactive workshop designed toexplore many estate planning topics,presented by the law firm Elville &Associates. Registration encouraged.

Starlicious Talent Show AuditionsAudition 1: Thu. Jan. 8 6-7pm at Columbia GymAudition 2: Wed. Jan. 14 6-7pm at Columbia GymCalling all singers, dancers, musiciansand more! Seeking performers ages 7-13 to showcase at our 3rdAnnual Talent Show! For moreinformation or to register, please call 410-715-3169 or emailMelissa.Capo@ColumbiaAssociation.org.Auditions are open to the general public.

Bernice Kish GalleryJan. 8-Feb. 14Slayton HouseElaine Hochreiter and David FriedReception: Jan. 11, 3-5pm Gallery Hours: Mon.-Thu. 9am-9pm; Fri. 9am-5pm; Sat. 9am-2pmGallery is free and open to the public.

Presentation by The Villagein HowardWed. Jan. 14 • 6-8pmThe Hawthorn Center • 410-730-7327Learn about the virtual “village” that willserve folks 55+ by providing services,cultural, educational and social activitiesto supplement county services to thosewho choose to age in their own homes.

Gardening Seminar Thurs. Jan. 15 • 7:30pm-9pmAmherst House • Trees, wonderful trees!Free gardening seminar held by MasterGardener Phyllis Yigdall. Snacks will beserved.

Lively Arts for Little Ones Fri. Jan. 16 • 10am“Mr. Gabe and the Circle Time All-Stars”The Other Barn, 5851 Robert Oliver Way410-730-4610 • Brigitta Warren,events@oaklandmills.org/

Afterschool Storytime at The Other Barn (Part of MLK Week of Service)Thurs. Jan. 22 • 4pmThe Other Barn, 5851 Robert Oliver Way410-730-4610 • Brigitta Warren,events@oaklandmills.org/

Rainbow TheatreJan. 23 • 10am“Little Red Riding Hood” Tickets are $5and can be purchased at Slayton Houseor at www.brownpapertickets.comKeyword Rainbowtheatre

Afternoon TeaSun. Jan. 25 • 3:30-5pmHistoric Oakland Manor, 5430 VantagePoint Road, Columbia • 410-730-4744 ortcvillage@columbiatowncenter.orgRelaxing Afternoon Tea held in Oakland'scharming ballroom. Cost is $28 plus taxper person. Reservations required atleast two days in advance.

Camp ExpoJan. 25 • 2:30-5pmKahler Hall, 5440 Old Tucker Row,Columbia • Highlighting summeractivities for children. Special prizedrawings throughout the event,including up to three $100 gift cardstowards the camp of choice.

Family Fun Bingo Fri. Jan. 30 • 7:30-9pmAmherst House • Join friends andneighbors for an evening of Bingo atAmherst House. $1 for 6 cards, drinksare $.75, and prizes & snacks are free!

Family Night Bingo and Card MakingFri. Jan. 30 • 7:30-9pmThe Hawthorn Center • 410-730-7327Cards 5/$1, drinks $.75, snacks free.Between games, you can make aValentine’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 Center410-715-3103 • Register atCreatingColumbia.EventBrite.com

Animal Shelter Day of Service at Long ReachCommunity Assoc.Feb. 6 • 11am-2 pmStonehouse, 8775 Cloudleap Ct,Columbia • 410-730-8113Come 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.

Book DriveThurs. Jan. 22 1-4:30 pmClaret Hall, 6020 DaybreakCircle, Clarksville410-531-1749 ornewsletter@villageofriverhill.orgAs part of Martin

Luther King, Jr. Day and MLK Day of Service, donate gently used books, make a craft, and have a light snack. Childrenmust be accompanied by an adult at all times.