MonthlyA PUBLICATION OF COLUMBIA ASSOCIATIONCAJAN 2012

C A M O N T H LY 1

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 Mattersonline anytime atColumbiaMatters.org

Facebook.com/CA.ColumbiaAssociationIssuu.com/CA-ColumbiaAssociationTwitter.com/CA_intheNewsYouTube.com/CATVchannel

Connectwith CA!It’s easier than ever to find us.

**

Since the year just started, you’reprobably starting to think about yourresolutions for 2012. Are you thinking

about trying to lose those stubborn 20pounds that you’ve been carry ingsince before Thanks giving?Want to build muscle in your arms? Or maybeyou’re just trying to maintain your overallphysical health. Many of us have resolutionsthat we want to keep. Instead of droppingyour new plans by next month, checkout all of the options the ColumbiaAssociation (CA) offers to helpyou stick with and reach yourfitness goals. CA’s mission is toenhance the quality of life for peopleliving and working in Columbia, and oneof the ways we do that is to provide facilitiesand programs that help people get in shapeso they can feel and look awesome!

Fitness Programs/ClassesAs you may already know, CA has three

fitness facilities: Columbia Athletic Club, Columbia Gym andSupreme Sports Club. Each one has unique fea tures that makethem great. Supreme Sports Club is open 24/7, which is greatfor the night owls and the early birds in Columbia. Columbia AthleticClub 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 anaerobic 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 funand motivating than sweating it out alone. CA offers

group fitness classes to give members a chance to socializewhile 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 addi tion tothe yoga offer ings, there are T’ai Chi

and Qigong (a less complex form of T’ai Chi)classes. There are also some spora dic boot camp

continued on page 4

By Aria White

Visit ColumbiaAssociation.org and clickon “Get Fit” to learn more about CA’s fitnessfacilities and programs.StayFit*

in2012withColumbiaAssociation

PersonalTraining*CA Personal TrainersWill Guide You to aNew Level of Fitness!

The new year is a great time to begin a fitness routine, andif it’s been a while since you last exercised, a personaltrainer 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!

2 CA Releases Second QuarterFinance Reports for FY2012

3 Why I Serve: An Interviewwith Regina Clay, Wilde LakeVillage Board Member

4 Snowmaggedon or Not, ItStill Needs to be Cleared

8 Be a Part of YourCommunity Events

2 C A M O N T H LY

SecondQuarter FinanceReportReleased by CA for FY2012Organization-Wide SummaryThe Columbia Association (CA) finished the first half ofFY2012 with a positive variance in the increase in net assetsof approximately $2.3 million (13.2 percent). CAanticipates ending FY2012 with an increase in net assets ofapproximately $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 percentbelow budget, with a favorable budget to actual variance of$2.5 million, and $784,000 or 2.8 percent higher than thesame period in FY2011. Total operating expenses areanticipated 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 anddistributing line items from the Open Space budget centerand newly approved funds for the new initiativesmentioned above. Although some variances appear fromthe initially redistributed and reallocated budget line itemsthrough the second quarter of FY2012, it is not anticipatedthat these will adversely affect the year end outcome. Thecurrent projection for the end of fiscal year indicates the

the division had total operating expenses less than thebudget through the quarter.

The current estimate shows that by year’s end, a total of$13,689,000 of annual charge revenue will be requir ed toprotect, improve and maintain the environmental assets ofColumbia, which include more than 3,600 acres of openspace, nearly 94 miles of pathways, 167 tot lots, 284footbridges, 34 miles of stream valleys, three lakes and 41ponds and many other amenities. Sport and FitnessA number of new programs and highlights occurred duringthe first two quarters of FY2012, including the launch ofsmall group training at the fitness facilities; the largestnumber of participants ever in the Columbia NeighborhoodSwim League, with 2,507 swimmers on 14 teams; the newQuick Start tennis program for kids 10 and under, whichhad 72 kids play ing at the Athletic Club indoor tennisfacility; and an all-time record number of players in theUSTA (United States Tennis Association) League Play, with3,139 players.

The division completed the quarter 8.5 percent betterthan budget and 6 percent better than FY2011. Overall theDivision is projected to complete FY2012 12 3.0 percentbetter than budget for the year. continued on page 7

Columbia AssociationSummary of Funds,Expendituresand AnnualBorrowingsFY2012 Estimate as ofOctober 31, 2011 ($000’s)

WHERE THE MONEY COMES FROMSport 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%

!

WHERE THE MONEY IS USEDSport 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%

LearnMoreFor the full report and further explanation of individual variances throughout CA’s operations, please refer to the FY2012 Second Quarter Board Report, availableat CA Headquarters, 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD 21044 or online atColumbiaAssociation.org/PDFs/GetInformed/SecondQuarterBoardReport.pdf.

%service bureau will complete the year better than budgetedin total operating expenses.Community ServicesThe Community Services Division finished the secondquarter $594,000 better than budget. The positivevariance compared to budget is due to an 8.8 percentincrease in total income and a 7 percent savings in totalexpenses. The division anticipates completing the yearbetter than budget.

Some of the important programs that are supported bythe subsidy of $1,257,000 from the annual charge are theSummer Lakefront Festival, Columbia Archives, SisterCities, International Day, Columbia Art Center, VolunteerCenter Serving Howard County, Columbia Teen Center,covenant enforcement fees and access to camps and beforeand after school care for income-qualified youngsters. Inaddition, it provides support to the village associations inthe amount of $2,488,000.Open Space ManagementThe Open Space Management Division completed thesecond quarter of the fiscal year better than the budget intotal operating expenses by $901,000 and with a decreasein net assets of $5,815,000. This represents a favorablevariance of $1,201,000 from budget. All depart ments in

C A M O N T H LY 3

An Interview withRegina Clay, Wilde LakeVillage Board Member

Why IServe:

Village BoardElections

By Aria White

Interested in running for a spot on your village community

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

for village community center contact information.

Regina Clay, Wilde Lake Village Board Member

The Wilde Lake Village Board got a bitmore awesome when Regina Clay waselected in April of last year. Clay, a Wilde

Lake resident and busy single mother of two,joined the board after being inspired to add somediversity and a unique perspective to thecommunity association. The Wilde Lake VillageCenter is currently considering a redevelopmentand as a part of the village board, Clay has had afront-row seat to the updates and developments inthe process, in addition to having the charge tohelp regulate architectural guidelines and provideopportunities for residents to connect, engage andlearn with one another.

New to the board this year, Clay says so far theexperience has been fulfilling. “The Wilde Lake VillageCenter is in the midst of a redevelopment.Being intimately involved in the process ofredeveloping the center into a vibrantcommunity icon has been the best part ofbeing on the board for me so far,” Clay says.

In addition to volunteering on the Wilde LakeVillage Board, Clay keeps busy by helping withother local community organizations includingJack and Jill, Inc., Fostering Futures, Girl Scoutsof Central Maryland, the Thurgood MarshallDemocratic Club of Howard County and theNAACP of Howard County. Although she doesn’tserve in a leadership capacity for each organization,she devotes her time and remains involved in eachone. She is also an ordained minister and she workson voter registration in the county.

Clay says she almost didn’t run for the WildeLake board because of her other commitments inthe community. “I fit it in the best I can. I have agreat support system in my parents and my familyin terms of helping out with my children, so that’show I try to fit it all in,” she says.

“I decided to run for the board because ofan article I read in the Baltimore Sun thattalked about diversity on the CA Board andthe Columbia village boards,” Clay says. “Iwas very moved and thought, ‘instead oftalking about it, I need to be about it,’ and Idecided to run. My children and their future

in Howard County also inspired me to run fora seat on the board.”

Not everyone has what it takes to be an effectivecommunity leader. According to Clay, leaders needto be transparent, have the ability to think outsidethe box and have the ability to reach people whowouldn’t normally be associated with the villagecommunity associations. “I use Facebook andvideo messages and other techniques to reachpeople in the community who are sometimesunreachable,” Clay says. “A leader also has to bewilling to listen. Communications isn’t just talk -ing, it’s also listening.”

It’s important for Columbia residents to beinvolved in the village community association byattending board meetings and staying informedabout topics the boards are discussing.“Everyone’s voice is important andeveryone’s voice needs to be heard, andthat’s why it’s important for everyone to beinvolved so we can get their differentperspectives on important issues,” Clay says.

For anyone who’s interested in serving thecommunity by running for a leadership positionon a village board or the CA Board of Directors,Clay suggests attending some board meetings andlistening to some of the relevant issues. She alsosays it’s helpful to talk to other people in thecommunity in which you’re thinking aboutrunning to see what they think about the differentissues. Elections for the boards are held in Aprileach year for open positions (review the article tothe right for submission deadlines).

Visit ColumbiaAssociation.org for moreinformation on the Columbia villages and the CABoards of Directors.

Dorsey’s SearchNomination period: Mar 1-21Election Day: Apr 21, 8am-2pm at Linden Hall (4765 Dorsey Hall Drive in Ellicott City)Seats available: Three on village board

Harper’s ChoiceNomination period: Mar 1-Mar 14Election Day: Apr 21, 9am-3pm at Kahler Hall(5440 Old Tucker Row in Columbia)Seats available: Three on villageboard, one on Columbia Council

Hickory RidgeNomination period: Mar 1-17Election Day: Apr 21, 9am-3pm at the Hawthorn Center (6175 Sunny Spring in Columbia)Seats available: Five on village board,one on Columbia Council

Kings ContrivanceNomination period: Mar 1-21Election Day: Apr 20, 5-7pm andApr 21, 9am-4pm at Amherst Hall(7251 Eden Brook Drive in Columbia)Seats available: Three on village board

Long ReachNomination period: Mar 1-21Election Day: Apr 21, 9:30am-12pmat Stonehouse (8775 Cloudleap Court in Columbia)Seats available: Three on village board

Oakland MillsNomination period: Feb 20-Mar 9Election Day: Apr 21, 8:30am-5pmat The Other Barn (5851 Robert Oliver Place in Columbia)Seats available: Eight on village board,one on Columbia Council

Owen BrownNomination period: Mar 1-21Election Day: Apr 21, 9am-4pm at theOwen Brown Community Center (6800 Cradlerock Way in Columbia)Seats available: Three on villageboard, one on Columbia Council

River HillNomination period: Mar 1-21Election Day: Apr 21, 9am-3pm at Claret Hall (6020 Daybreak Circle in Clarksville)Seats available: Two on village board

Town CenterNomination period: Feb 1-Mar 9Election Day: Apr 21, 9am-2pm at Historic Oakland Manor (5430 Vantage Point Road in Columbia)Absentee ballots due: Apr 20, 3pmSeats available: Two on village board,one on Columbia Council

Wilde LakeNomination period: Feb 13-Mar 8Election Day: Apr 21, 9am-4pm at Slayton House (10400 Cross Fox Lane in Columbia)Absentee ballots due: Apr 20, 5pmSeats available: Five on village board,one on Columbia Council

Photo by Epic Media, LLC

Snow removal inHoward County ishandled by ColumbiaAssociation and theHoward Countygovernment.

StayFit

continued from page 1pro grams, Zumba parties and classesgeared toward residents age 55 and over.

CA is also starting its BiggestWinner weight loss and fitness conteston Saturday, January 14. Participantsin the contest will enjoy a motivationaland supportive way to lose weight andlearn how to live a healthier lifestyle.(Learn more about the Biggest Winnercontest on page 6.)

MembershipI know what you’re probably

thinking, how can you take advantageof the fitness opportunities while youstill have the motivation to stick withyour resolutions? You can sign upfor a Package Plan or PackagePlan Plus membership to enjoyaccess to a variety of sportsactivities and many recreationalfacilities. Columbia Association also

offers Individual Facility membershipsif you’re only interested in visiting onefacility. If you live on CA-assessedproperty, you can also get a ResidentCard to pay-as-you-go.

For those without memberships,CA also offers more than 90 miles of pathways for walking, biking or jogging around Columbia toencourage a healthy lifestyle free of charge!*

StayFit

continued from page 1pro grams, Zumba® parties and classesgeared toward those age 55 and over.

CA is also starting its BiggestWinner weight loss and fitness conteston Saturday, January 14. Participantsin the contest will enjoy a motivationaland supportive way to lose weight andlearn how to live a healthier lifestyle.(Learn more about the Biggest Winnercontest on page 6.)

MembershipYou might be thinking, how can I

take advantage of the fitness oppor -tunities while still being motivated tostick with my resolutions? You cansign up for a Package Plan orPackage Plan Plus membership toenjoy access to a variety of sportsactivities and many recreationalfacilities. Columbia Association also

offers Individual Facility membershipsif you’re only interested in visiting onefacility. If you live on CA-assessedproperty, you can also get a ResidentCard to pay-as-you-go.

For those without memberships, CAalso offers more than 90 miles of path -ways for walking, biking or joggingaround Columbia to encour age ahealthy lifestyle free of charge! For moreinformation, please call 410-730-1801.*4 C A M O N T H LY

""

# #

Sn wmaggedon or Not,It Still Needs To Be Cleared A Look at Who Manages Snow Removal in Columbia

"

By Aria White

This time of year isoften associated withafter-holiday sales,

new year’s resolutions andsnow. Many of you areprobably concerned aboutthe snow removal in yourneigh bor hood and the streetsand side walks that youencounter on a daily basis.You might find yourselfwondering who is in chargeof removing the snow fromthe highway you take to workor the street you live on.Since the next Snowpacolypse might bearound the corner, allow me to take thistime to let you know how the ColumbiaAssociation (CA) and the HowardCounty government handle snowremoval in our area. CA removes snowfrom the open space areas that are ownedby CA, while the Howard Countygovernment handles the removal of snowon highways and public streets. If you

for clearing public streets and highways inthe county. Property owners and renterswho live on private roads are responsible forclearing their own streets and side walks ifthey are not taken care of by a home ownersassociation. If you’re not sure if you live ona private road, call the Howard CountyReal Estate Division at 410-313-2330.

County roads are prioritized for serviceby the HCDPW into primary, secondaryand residential categories. Primary andsecondary roads are cleared first to ensurethat public safety vehicles can travel safely.You can also track real time progress ofsnow plows during a storm. Learn more

about snow removal in Howard Countyby visiting co.ho.md.us and clicking onBureau of Highways.

Snow and SchoolsCA cares deeply about the safety of

Columbia residents and we want parentsto rest assured that it will be safe for theirkids to walk on well-cleared pathways.Through a partnership with the HowardCounty Public School System, CA makesclearing pathways that lead to elementaryand middle schools a priority following asnow storm on a school day. The HCDPWhas partnerships with CA, the HowardCounty Public School System, the

Howard County Depart -ment of Recreation andParks to ensure that busstops in the county are asclear as possible. Nomatter where you are inColumbia, you can feelsecure in knowing that CAand the HCDPW areworking hard to make thestreets and pathways safe totravel. Bring on the snow!

belong to a homeowners or condoassociation that owns the street you liveon, that association is in charge ofplowing your street and in some cases (ifyou’re lucky enough) sidewalks.

Open Space AreasCA’s Open Space Division clears snow

found on the pathways; footbridges; over -passes and underpasses; and areas aroundthe lakes and tot lots owned by CA in thecommunity. CA also removes the snowaround the buildings and propertymanaged by the village communityassociations, such as Claret Hall in RiverHill and The Other Barn in OaklandMills. While it is true that certain parts ofCA’s open space land connects, or comesclose, to private property, CA does notremove any snow from residentialsidewalks.

When there is a snow storm, CAdiligently clears snow from the open spaceareas, and CA-owned facility parking lotsand sidewalks. However, if you’re con -cern ed about a particular area that needsto be cleared, you can contact CA’s OpenSpace office at 410-312-6330 or contactyour local village community center to letthem know.

Roadways and Public Streets

The Howard County Department ofPublic Works (HCDPW) is respon sible

*

C A M O N T H LY 5

“Drink less coffee and maybe cut out allcaffeine. BUT continue to be as crazy andhigh energy when I teach Zumba®! So ifyou see me taking coffee from the coffeemachines at the gyms, feel free to give meone of those “no, no, no” looks!”-Megan Cooperman, Group Fitness Instructor

“Find all the things that I don’t need, butpacked up anyway (I just moved)!”-Shawni Paraska, Director of CommunityHealth Sustainability Division

“Do a ‘Jean Claude Van Damme’ splitbetween two strength training machines inall three CA gyms by my 45th birthday —February 14, 2012!”-Darrell Gough,Personal Trainer/Sport & Fitness Specialist

“Train for my second half marathon. I didmy first in 2011 and it was so much fun!”- Andrea Wilmoth, Webmaster

What’s your resolution for 2012?Tell us on Facebook atFacebook.com/CA.ColumbiaAssociation.

from Howard Magazine’s Bestof Howard County Readers’ Poll

Oh, no! Not that wordagain! Resolutions.

We all set them; evenhere at CA! If you need some inspiration, take

a cue from some CAteam members who’ve

set some goals for 2012.

Happy New Year!

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

welcome diversity, and this program is one way that CA is helping to ensure that Columbia

remains integrated and accepting of all people. This program is for all women of all ages.

Male children under age six are also welcome.

This program is just one women-only feature of CA. There is also a Women’s Gym

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

and recreate in a women-only setting.

CA has been exploring the need for women-only programs as well as other aquatics issues

in the Aquatics Master Plan, which is being finalized early this year. For more information,

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 31Public 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

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.

Wins HonorableMentions&

In 2012, I Will...

Personal TrainerHonorable Mention Vicki Burns (Columbia Athletic Club)and Stella Fanzone (Columbia Athletic Club)

Place to Rent for Special OccasionsWinner Historic OaklandHonorable Mention The Other Barn (Oakland Mills Village Center)

Place for a First DateHonorable Mention Lakefront Activities

Golf CourseWinner Hobbit’s Glen Golf ClubHonorable Mention Fairway Hills Golf Club

Gym/Health ClubWinner Columbia Athletic ClubHonorable Mention Supreme Sports Club and Columbia Gym

Kids’ ActivitiesHonorable Mention Columbia Association Venues and Scheduled ActivitiesView all of the winners at bsun.md/sYmKxR

It Still Needs To Be Cleared A Look at Who Manages Snow Removal in Columbia

6 C A M O N T H LY

By Kelly Cooper

On the evenings ofJanuary 10 and 11, CAwill host the first public

meetings for the ConnectingColumbia project. The goal of theConnecting Columbia project isto create an Active TransportationAction Agenda that will result in amore interconnected and compre -hen sive bicycling and walkingcirculation system for health, recreation andtrans portation purposes.

CA’s Director of Community Planning JaneDembner believes the timing on this projectcouldn’t be better. “There’s a lot of momentumand community support here in Columbia, andacross the nation, for enhancing walking andbiking networks. We have an excellent base withour current pathways and we’re looking to moveit forward,” says Dembner.

The meetings will be set up like an open housefrom 7:30-9pm. Community members are encour -aged to stop by any time during the meeting tolearn about the project and to suggest ideas toimprove walking and biking in Columbia,especially improvements to CA’s 93.5-mile path -way system. A brief presentation introducing the

project team and describing theproject, goals and objectives willoccur at approximately 8pm.Before and after the presentation,there will be several stations forresi dents to make suggestions andrecommendations.

In October, CA awarded thecontract for this project to TooleDesign Group, a nationallyrecognized planning and engineer -

ing firm specializing in bicycle and pedestrianplanning and design. A 16-member citizens’ taskforce has also been formed to provide guidanceto CA and consultants as they work to create anActive Transportation Action Agenda. Theproject is anticipated to be completed by June.For more information on this project, please visitColumbiaAssociation.org/ConnectingColumbia.

MEETING DETAILS Both meetings will feature same contentTuesday, January 10 • 7:30-9pm Owen Brown Community Center, 6800 Cradlerock Way in ColumbiaWednesday, January 11 • 7:30-9pmSlayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane in ColumbiaFor more information about the meeting, orto register, please visit connecting-columbia-public-meetings.eventbrite.com. Registrations areappreciated, but not required.

ConnectingMaking Going Places Easier,Greener, and More Fun

By Erin McPhail

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions that people make onDecember 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 BiggestWinner Contest is back and it’s bigger than ever. Biggest Winner is an eight-week weight loss and fitness contest that is being offered at all three of CA’sfitness facilities. Participants will compete against other teams to achievepersonal 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 sameeight-week period, and there are already more trainers on board to help.Participants, who can be either a CA member or non-member, will competein teams of four. Each team will receive two, one-hour sessions per week witha CA personal trainer. “The trainers’ role in the Biggest Winner Contest is veryimportant, and they play a huge role in their team’s success,” says CA PersonalTrainer Darrell Gough. “The trainer is a good guide and is there to inspire theirteam. The trainer gives the team the juice they need to get going with the fitnessprogram. Trainers love to keep people motivated!”

Participants will also have access to a two-month Package Plan Plusmembership or a two-month upgrade to a Package Plan Plus membership anda number of prizes, discounts and health seminars throughout the contest.The ultimate prize of being named the “Biggest Winner” will be awarded toboth the individual and the team with the best percentage of weight loss.

Former Biggest Winner champion, Monica Herber, really benefited from theprogram, which she completed in 2008. As of today, Monica has still kept offher weight and is maintaining her healthy lifestyle. “Biggest Winner is a fabulousprogram. I really enjoyed it because I got to meet with a trainer and my team twicea week. It helped me to be more accountable for my eating habits because you gotpoints for keeping a diary of your food. It created structure and incentive forexercising 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. BiggestWinner participants can choose to take part in the Bod Pod Challenge toreceive pre- and post-Bod Pod Metabolic and Body Composition tests.Currently used to test participants on the Biggest Loser reality show, these testswill 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 moreinformation or to register, please contact Sam Yurko at 410-715-5509 or e-mail BiggestWinner@ColumbiaAssociation.com. You can also view this month’sepisode of Columbia Matters, which discusses this year’s contest. ColumbiaMatters can be viewed online at ColumbiaMatters.org or on YouTube atYouTube.com/CATVChannel — under the playlist “In-Studio Guest.”

BIGGESTWINNER

WhoWill Be

The

of2012?

All the fun of a dance party with all the benefits of a hardcore workout. Each class features aerobicinterval training and toning moves performed toupbeat Latin and salsa-inspired music. For acomplete schedule of Zumba® Fitness classes, visitColumbiaAssociation.org and click on “Get Fit”.

®

CONNECTINGCOLUMBIA

CONNECTINGCOLUMBIA

fitness

C A M O N T H LY 7

Sales and MarketingPackage Plan memberships were up 127 memberships over last yearand 183 memberships more than budget. Through second quarter ofFY2012, 4,801 resident cards have been issued. We expect our directmail, e-mail marketing and print advertising campaigns to bring in newmembers.

Other accomplishments include outreach to area realtors andproperty managers; partnership with the Howard County Chamber ofCommerce Young Professional Network; development of a new logo,creative and continued work on finalizing CA’s brand message; andparticipation in Womenfest and 50+ Expo.

We will continue to promote the Why I Pay CA campaign and oursuccessful print, direct mail and e-marketing campaigns to advertise thevalue of CA memberships, outdoor pool memberships and golfmemberships.

Learn MoreFor the full report and further explanation of individual variancesthroughout CA’s operations, please refer to the FY2012 Second QuarterBoard Report, available at CA Headquarters, 10221 Wincopin Circle,Columbia, MD 21044.

Second Quarter Finance Report continued from page 2

LakeKittamaqundi Dredging CompleteLake Elkhorn and Wilde Lake to be Dredged in 2012

By Mary WeeksMaintenance dredging began at Lake Kittamaqundi,

located in Town Center, in August 2010 and was

completed at the end of 2011. Lake Kittamaqundi is

one of three man-made lakes in Columbia, in addition

to Lake Elkhorn and Wilde Lake.

The contractor removed 47,000 cubic yards of sediment

from the lake. Sediment was dewatered and transported

by truck to a land reclamation facility for beneficial reuse.

All dredging equipment has been removed.

Lake Elkhorn is currently scheduled to be dredged in

the summer of 2012 and Wilde Lake in the fall. The

dredging of the remaining two lakes has been staggered

so that CA may operate its summer camps without

interference.

Log on to ColumbiaAssociation.org/Dredging for moreinformation or the latest updates on Columbia Association’sdredging project.

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!

Howard County LaunchesNew Notification System

By Laura Moreno-HillAre you ready for some “fútbol” this winter? Think soccer(not American football). Columbia Gym is now offering aneight-week, full court, indoor soccer program for youth ages6-13. The program runs from January 21 through March11 and includes a playoff tournament.There will be separateboys and girls divisions with a maximum 12 players perteam. Individual players and teams are welcome to join. Allplayers receive participation medals and T-shirts. Each teamwill play at least one game per weekend and will haverotating schedules. Saturday games are between 12-8pm.and Sunday games are between 1-7pm in the ColumbiaGym’s Main Arena.

Official referees and scorekeepers are provided; and

weekly standings and schedules will be posted. Playoffs willtake place on Saturdays and Sundays. Awards will be givento the tournament champion and runner-up.

“Columbia is a major center for youth soccer in thenation, and Columbia Gym is pleased to offer anopportunity for players of all skill levels to play and improveskills indoors during the winter months in a safe, fun andcompetitive environment,” said Steve Mendelsohn, generalmanager of Columbia Gym.Registration deadline is January 16. Cost is $110 for membersand $135 for non-members. Register before January 7 to takeadvantage of the early bird discount! The cost is $90 formembers and $115 for non-members. Space is limited! CallColumbia Gym at 410-531-0800 for additional information.

Bring your poochto Dog Day Afternoon!

Sat,April21•11am-2pm

Hopewell Park•Free EventColumbia residents and their canine friends are invited to an afternoon of entertainment, contests, treats and

fun activities for pets and their owners. Area pet vendorswill 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!

Dog DayAfternoon

January Visit CAmonthly.org for event detailsand a listing of many more events!

8 C A M O N T H LY

COMMUNITY EVENTS

BeAPartOf It!Chicago StyleStep DancingTuesday, January 3-Tuesday, February 7 • 7-8:30pmStonehouse. Information:410-730-8113.

Public Hearing onthe Proposed Draft ofFY2013 and ConditionalFY2014 BudgetsThursday, January 5 • 7:30pmSlayton House. Information:ColumbiaAssociation.org.

Bernice Kish Gallery atSlayton House Exhibit:Joanna Kos, Paintingsand Bruce Blum,PhotographsThursday, January 5-Saturday, January 28 Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House.Information: 410-730-3987.

10-Week InteractiveSpanish Classfor ChildrenSaturday, January 79:30-10:15am (ages 5-6) and10:30-11:15am (ages 3-4) Stonehouse. Information: 410-730-8113.

CA Board MeetingThursday, January 12 • 7:30pmCA Headquarters. For updated datesand times, please visitColumbiaAssociation.org.

School’s Out Programfor Grades 1-8Monday, January 16 Full Day: 7:30am-5:30pm; Half Day: 7:30am-12pm Columbia Art Center. Registration isrequired. Information: 410-730-0075.

Meet and Greet forActive Adults(Ages 55 and over)Tuesday, January 17 • 7pmClaret Hall. Information: 410-531-1749.

Dorsey’s SearchResident ArchitecturalCommittee MeetingWednesday, January 18 • 7pmLinden Hall. Information: 410-730-4005.

Kings ContrivanceVillage Board MeetingWednesday, January 18 7:30-10pmAmherst House. Information: 410-381-9600.

Free Master GardenersSeminar: GreatBeginnings forBeginning GardenersThursday, January 19 7:30-9pmAmherst Hall. Registration is required.Information: 410-381-9600.

Oakland NightsMusic Series:Pianist Linda ReedFriday, January 20 • 7:30-9pmHistoric Oakland Manor. Information:410-730-4744.

Lively Arts forLittle OnesFriday, January 20 • 10amThe Other Barn. Information: 410-730-4610.

Winter Afternoon TeaSunday, January 22 • 3:30-5pmHistoric Oakland Manor. Reservationsare required. Information: 410-730-4801.

School’s Out Programfor Grades 1-8Monday, January 23 Full Day: 7:30am-5:30pm; Half Day: 7:30am-12pmColumbia Art Center. Registration isrequired. Information: 410-730-0075.

Grow It! Eat It! SpringVegetable GardeningWednesday, January 25 7:30-9pmHawthorn Center. Information: 410-730-7327.

Calligraphy withSandy OlsonThursday, January 26-Thursday, March 1 • 10-11:30amColumbia Art Center. Registration isrequired. Information: 410-730-0075.

Rainbow Theatre:Professor Horn’sPuppet and Magic ShowFriday, January 27 • 10amSlayton House. Tickets are required.Information: 410-730-3987.

Pajama Party: Featuring“Shrek Forever After”Friday, January 27 • 7pmOwen Brown Community Center.Parent supervision is required.Information: 410-381-0202.

Camp ExpoSunday, January 29 • 2:30-5pmKahler Hall. Information:410-730-0770.

CA Board Planning andStrategy CommitteeWork Session on theAquatics Master PlanTuesday, January 31 • 7pmClaret Hall. Information:ColumbiaAssociation.org/AquaticsMasterPlan.

Save the Date:Master GardenerSeminar: Creatinga Backyard HabitatThursday, February 2 • 7pmKahler Hall. Information: 410-730-0770.

Have a question or comment? E-mailCAmonthly@ColumbiaAssociation.com.