BlueCache Card

NOTICE:

If you don't have a BlueCache card, 

you will miss *Crystal Hot Springs!

*FREE Thursday January 27th!

Get your card and more information on how to get discounts 

and free stuff from over 200 businesses in Cache Valley!

Visit the MASA Office TODAY to get yours!

 

www.bluecache.com

 

Biggest Loser Update

Please keep track of any exercise you do at home! We have decided that you may get a point for working out on your own at home...so, get on the treadmill or pull out a workout DVD and get going! Just keep track of what you do each day and either bring your exercise log into the office each Saturday or email it to me at hillaree.childs@gmail.com!

We are trying to be fair and allow as much flexibility in working out as possible.  There really is no great way for us to verify that you did work out at home so please be honest when filling out your trackers!  

 Also, only a few individuals have completed the exercise survey! We would really love for more people to complete it so that we can adjust the MASA workout days/times to better work with your schedule! You will get a point for completing the survey!!!!

Good luck this week!

No Nutrition Class Tomorrow!

There will not be a nutrition class tomorrow (January 22nd)! The nutrition class will actually begin next Saturday! We will still have the workout group at 7:05 a.m. and the weigh in at 8:00 a.m. Hope to see you all there!

Biggest Loser Update and Links

We hope you all have had a great week so far! Don't forget that TODAY is the Wellness Expo! It runs from 10:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. You can get 2 points for attending it and filling out the verification form.  You can get to the verification form by clicking on the following link: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFdabXphUGJVVnpldmJ4eWJ1RF91aHc6MQ.  We hope that the Expo provides you with some good information. 

Also, as indicated in the Biggest Loser packet, you can get a point for joining Burgandy Keel's Pound for Pound challenge.  You can access it at: http://www.pfpchallenge.com/Teams/default.aspx.  In the search field type in Utah Army National Guard and search by team name.  Go ahead and register and commit to either losing a certain number of pounds by May 28th or maintaining your current healthy weight through May 28th. 

We are trying to gather some information from all of our participants as to whether it is helpful to you for MASA to organize workout classes and if so, when it is most convenient for you to come to these classes.  We have prepared a survey to help us gather this information.  Please take a few minutes to let us know your preferences and needs.  For those of you who are participating in the Healthy Habits Makeover, you will get a point for completing the survey.  Make sure to leave your name and apartment number when indicated so you can get that point!  You can access the survey by clicking on the following link: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dFJuOXJ5dmk1U3dPejVnRUhJYlRQbHc6MQ#gid=0

We are so excited for all of you who are choosing to participate in our Biggest Loser and Healthy Habits Makeover programs.  Don't forget to come to the MASA Office on Saturday for a workout at 7:05 a.m., weigh-ins at 8:00 a.m., and a nutrition class at 8:30 a.m.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns please feel free to contact Hillaree Childs at hillaree.childs@gmail.com.  Hillaree is also available in the MASA Office on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Biggest Loser Kick-off

We want to thank all of you who attended our kick-off today.  Also, a special thank you to Burgandy Keel for coming and speaking to us! It was great to have her! Overall, today was a great success!

Don't forget about the goals that we all set today! 

Personal Goals:

1) Lighten up and laugh!

2) Like yourself! 

3) Take responsibility!

Health Goals:

1) Drink water! Remember you need 1/2 of your body weight in ounces!

2) Organization! Plan and Record!

3) Sleep! Rest, meditate, etc. for 15 minutes a day!

Tips from Burgandy:
It's not about losing weight.  It's about keeping commitments to yourself!

Do not drink your calories! 

Burgandy also encouraged everyone to visit her Facebook fan page for inspirational stories! 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Burgandy-Keel-Fan-Page/124769807572879

We also want to invite everyone out to our first workout on Monday, January 17 at 7:05 a.m. in the Aggie Village Community Center (connected to the laundry).  We will be doing a cardio workout (instead of PiYo). Hope to see many of you there! Remember, points are given for attending these workouts (for those doing the Healthy Habits Makeover).  

Again, thanks to all who attended.  If you were unable to attend today but would still like to participate then you may pick up a packet from the MASA Office and email hillaree.childs@gmail.com for more information.

Have a great weekend!

The Biggest Loser!

Are you ready to take control of your life and fight for the title of The Biggest Loser - MASA? Perhaps you already feel in control of your life and are maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight.  Or, you may be a parent with a desire to teach your young children how to live a healthy lifestyle right from the start.  Whichever the case may be, you are invited to participate in the first ever, The Biggest Loser - MASA!

The program is designed to help EVERYONE achieve a healthier lifestyle.  It is also designed to give EVERYONE a chance to win big prizes! How does a $250 rent credit sound? Or, a new bike for the younger ones? So, get your running shoes on and let's go!

The kick-off for The Biggest Loser - MASA will be  this Saturday, January 15th at 1:00pm in the Lundstrom Center Conference Room.  The keynote speaker will be Burgandy Keel, a contestant from last season's NBC The Biggest Loser! 

If you are unable to attend Saturday's kick-off, but would still like to participate, then please email Hillaree Childs at hillaree.childs@gmail.com to obtain more information.  The Biggest Loser - MASA is sponsored by USU Housing and Residence Life.  Everyone is welcome to participate.  However, only MASA residents will be eligible for the giveaways.

Spring 2011 Extension Center Classes

The USU Extension Center Classroom is located in the same building as the Aggie Village Laundromat, 1200 East 1150 North.  Enter through the Northwest door.  If you would like to share with others, we invite you to consider teaching a class.  If you are interested in any of the following classes, please contact the individual teacher.  Call Theresa Christensen at 797-3277 for more information regarding classes or teaching classes.

ADULT CLASSES:

Cooking Better for Less- Are you tired of trying to think of what to cook for dinner?  Come and learn from other homemakers about new cooking recipes and money saving tips for your family.  Kids welcome.

When: Tuesdays 11:00-12:30 – Starting Jan 11^th.

Cost: Free, Playroom available for kids.

Contact: Theresa Christensen at 797-3277

Better Homes and Families – A class that will cover any topics requested.  Come learn about finances, canning, parenting, etc.

When: Thursdays 11:00-12:30 – Starting Jan. 13^th.

Cost: Free, Playroom available for kids.

Contact: Theresa Christensen at 797-3277

International Wives Club- A fun class for international wives.  Learn about American culture.  Hands on activities.  Meet other women from your own country, as well as other countries. Free babysitting available.

When: Tuesdays 2:00-3:00 – Starting Jan 11^th.

Contact: Elisabeth Laron at 753-7110

English Tutoring- An informal beginning English class for international adults.  Conversational English, come and practice your English in a relaxed, conversational setting.

When:  Tuesdays 9:30-10:30 – Starting Jan. 11^th.

Contact: Theresa Christensen at 797-3277

Sewing - Do you have a stash of unfinished sewing projects lying around your home? Come finish them.  Would you like to learn to sew?  Come and learn.  Beginning and Advanced sewers welcome.

When: Wednesdays 11:30-2:30 – Starting Jan 12^th.

Cost:  Participants provide own materials.

Contact: Theresa Christensen at 797-3277

Biggest Loser – Join MASA’s Biggest Loser competition! Exercise group Monday-Saturdays from 7:05 to 7:50 a.m. Weekly weigh-in and Nutrition class on Saturdays from 8:00-9:00 a.m. Kick-off on Saturday, January 15^th at 1:00 p.m. at the Lundstrom Building.  Guest speaker will be Burgandy Keel (last season contestant)!

CHILDREN’S CLASSES:

Cloverbuds Preschool Program- For children ages 3½ -5.  We will explore and learn about many different topics. Parents are welcome to participate.  We are starting a waiting list for summer semester.

When:  Monday’s 10- 12 and 1:00-3:00 pm

            Starting Jan. 10^th.

Cost: $45 for the semester.

Contact: Theresa Christensen at 797-3277

Dance (Pre-ballet/creative dance) – Dancers will be exploring creative movement, shapes, levels, locomotors and much more as they become familiar with expression through dance! Classes will start Jan 10^th.

When: Monday’s 4 – 4:45 pm

            Wednesday’s 10:15 – 11 am

Cost: $35 per semester (once a week)

          $65 (twice a week)

Contact: Kiersten Lewis 890-3282

Doodle Art Alley-Fine Arts Academy – Take your child’s creativity for a ride by exploring the magic of Fine Arts, sculpture, painting, photography and much more – will be introduced and experimented with in this fun filled class. For kids ages 3-5.

When:  Thursday’s 2:30 or 3:30 pm

Cost:  $45 per semester

Contact: Samantha Snyder - Phone 797-6526 or email samtsnyder@gmail.com

January MASA Gram

A Message from Your Area Coordinator 

Shannon Jolley

Dear MASA Residents:

Happy New Year! It’s never too late to make a resolution and I’m resolving to take charge of my health. I hope you will join me in that goal by participating in MASA’s Biggest Loser! This will be our first year running this program and we have arranged for big prizes and even celebrity guests! Talk to your RA for more details…

In an effort to reduce the number of fliers posted in MASA, my new assistant, Hillaree Childs, has developed a MASA Blog. We will use this blog more and more to disperse information in our area. Check it out at: http://usumasa.blogspot.com/.

Parking has received some complaints about the parking spaces reserved for the laundry mat and community center. Residents are using these spaces for personal and overnight use. The MASA office will be working with Parking to better monitor and ticket these spaces between 10am-5pm, Monday-Saturday. If you have concerns with this, please contact me directly at shannon.jolley@usu.edu or 797-3263. Best wishes as you return to school!

A Note from your Area Government!

Welcome back! As your Area Government we look forward to this next semester and all the fun events that will be happening, but most of all we look forward to serving all of you and your families again.  Below is a schedule for our next Area Government meetings. We invite everyone who wishes to get involved in their community and help make a difference here in family housing to join us at these meetings.  If you would like more information about the MASA Area Government and how you can become a part of our committees please contact our Area Government Advisor (Kaitlyn Allen) at k.durb@aggiemail.usu.edu.

January 12^th –Council Meeting at 7:30 pm in the MASA Office

January 19^th – RHA General Council Meeting at 7:30 pm in the Lundstrom Building

January 26^th –Council Meeting at 7:30 pm in the MASA Office

Facilities Spotlight

Mold comes in many forms and colors. Some species of mold can adversely affect your health, causing illness or allergic reactions to those who are sensitive. Mold can also damage or stain walls, shelves, and carpeting if left unattended.  We strongly encourage all residents to follow these guidelines:

 Keep all furniture, bedding, or storage at least 6 inches from exterior walls any time the weather may drop below 35 degrees (this also applies to items in the closets).

 Use your fan/vent anytime you use steam (cooking / vaporizers / hot showers / etc).

 Wipe out all windowsills and do not allow water or condensation to pool.

 Keep your thermostat set at or above 65 degrees (never lower even while on vacation).

 Open doors and windows for 15 minutes per day to allow for fresh air flow.

Clean all mold up as soon as it is noticed; Housing provides a mold cleanup kit to assist residents, call 797-3117 to use it.

Front Office Reminders

This is a friendly reminder that sidewalk permits are necessary in order to drive on the sidewalk.  You may get a sidewalk permit from the MASA office if you are moving in or moving out.  Failure to obtain a sidewalk permit may result in a ticket.  Thanks for your cooperation in this matter!

Fire Marshal Letter

Greetings to all residents from the Fire Marshal’s Office, I hope that your holidays have been
good. Since this is the cold weather season it is an excellent time to discuss space heaters and
their use and safety precautions. Almost every week throughout the winter months I receive
a residential death notice from the U. S. Fire Administration, we want everyone to respect the
hazard of the appliance and use caution and common sense when using heaters. The general
rules to these devices are; allow a 3 foot clearance between the heater and anything that
burns, always plug the heaters directly into an outlet to avoid overheating of cords, use the
heater only as long as required, shut off the heater whenever it is not in use, place the heater
on a level surface, and always shut the heater off when no one is home to watch it.

When purchasing a space heater, look for the types that have ceramic elements or the oil
filled types. There are too many vendors to list the approved manufacturers, so look for the
ones that have UL listing, 1,500 watts or under, a self limiting element temperature setting,
automatic tip over protection, a built in timer that does not exceed an 8 hour time limit, a
programmable thermostat that is built in, and a thermal limiter to protect against overheating.

No open element or metallic element heaters are allowed (anything that glows red when on).
Also no fuel fired heaters are allowed (kerosene, propane, etc.)

Many have commented that this is an extreme amount of rules just to have a space heater.
This is true but when you see the amount of deaths caused every year by them, I am amazed
that the State allows them on their property at all. So if we want to keep using them on
Government property we need to do so safely.

Please be careful this time of year to avoid slips and falls on the ice as well, this is one of
the leading causes of death and injury in America. If you have any questions about heaters or
anything else fire related, just call the USU Fire Marshal’s office and we will be glad to answer
your questions.

Thanks,

Shane Maughan, Deputy Fire Marshal