Courtesy photo Michelle Epps, left, Gail Locke and Linda Briggs during a weigh-in for Scale Back Alabama.

Scale Back Alabama offers support

Wendy’s word

“Wuv, tru wuv is wot bwings us togeder tooday. May wuv, tru wuv, fowow you foweva...” No, this is not my latest Elmer Fudd impersonation, but one (and in my opinion, one of the only) funny lines in the 1987 comedy “The Princess Bride.”

One of the sweetest memories of my father-in-law, Tommy McDougal Sr., who passed away in August, was the ability to make people laugh. It’s what we still smile about when remembering his gift to the world: a true sense of humor. Even during the most serious of family moments, he would simply state, “Wuv, tru wuv,” saying it just as it was in the movie, and we would all laugh hysterically.

As we celebrate Valentine’s Day on Wednesday, my prayer for you is that you will experience a day of memories, laughter, smiles, and most of all, of love, true love.

Let’s see what the “chatter” is for today ...

Scale Back Alabama

It seems that after the New Year, there is always a weight loss craze. I don’t have statistics, but I would venture to guess that getting in shape is one of the popular resolutions. Many dedicated health enthusiasts will stick to it, while others lose interest or lack the commitment and support to make their fitness dreams a reality. “Scale Back Alabama” offers a team approach and may just be what you have been waiting for.

This eight-week weight-loss program began with an official statewide weigh-in on Jan. 22 at Parkway Medical Center and will end with a similar weigh-in March 19.

“It is designed to help people lose weight and do so in a healthy manner, by eating sensibly and exercising,” said Parkway marketing director Belinda Bullard.

The competition involves teams of three to five people who are competing to see who can lose the most weight on a percentage basis. Members of the winning statewide team will be announced April 2 and receive $1,000 per person, compliments of Barber Dairies.

“At the kickoff we were thrilled to see 170 individuals sign up, representing more than 40 teams,” Bullard said.

To be eligible for the state prize, you must have signed up at an official weigh-in site on Jan. 22. Although you will not be eligible for the statewide prize if joining after that date, you can still continue your goal of losing weight and exercising.

Feel free to use the lesson plans included on the Web site as guidance for the right foods to buy, the correct portion sizes and many other great health tips.

As an official weigh-in site, Parkway Medical Center will have one designated day when teams that do not have access to a scale can come by the hospital and weigh their team and then send in their results. Each week now through March 12, on Mondays from 3 to 6 p.m., a scale will be available. The final weigh-in for all teams will be March 16.

Watch for exciting information as teams work together to make their dreams of healthier bodies come true. For more information, visit the official Web site at www.scaleback
alabama.com or call Parkway Medical Center’s contacts Rosemary Gates, 301-3719, or Bullard, 301-3428.

Decatur Newcomers

Decatur Newcomers Club will meet Wednesday at the Burningtree Country Club beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Guest speaker Marilyn Ragan from the Department of Human Resources will address the Exceptional Neighbors Program, targeting abused, neglected and exploited elderly. This will be the club’s charity of the month, to which a donation will be made.

In addition to monthly programs, the club also offers day trips and lunches out. For more information or for luncheon reservations, call Stacie Thompson, 751-4773.

Women’s Chamber

The Women’s Chamber of Commerce will meet Friday at Decatur Country Club beginning at noon. Hostesses for the meeting will be representatives from Decatur General Hospital.

Special guest Michael Tubbs of Community Action will talk about how people can make a positive difference in the community.

Tammy Reeves and Karen Tidwell, chairwomen for the 2007 spring tour of homes, will elaborate on plans for the tour and garden party on April 29. The homes featured on this year’s tour are located in City View Estates.

Plans for a spring membership drive are under way. Anyone interested in membership information may call Jayne Kissam, 306-0351.

Cost for Friday’s luncheon is $11, and reservations are requested. Call Brenda Hartman, 351-6581, by Tuesday.

Hospice training

Hospice of the Valley will hold a volunteer orientation Feb. 20 for anyone interested in becoming a hospice volunteer. Training will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hospice office in Decatur, 240 Johnston St. S.E.

Patient care volunteer opportunities include relieving caregivers, providing companionship and running errands for patients.

Other opportunities include fundraising assistance and support, assisting at health fairs and speaking at church or civic groups. The latest volunteer opportunity is assisting at The Locket, the new gift shop.

Pre-registration is required by Friday. For more information, call Connie Landers or Debbie McGregor, 350-5585.

That’s all for now. It’s been great chattin’ with ya! Let me know what is going on in your little corner of the world. If it’s special to you and features any of the great people who live in our community, then it will make a great Chatterbox item. Just e-mail me at ddchatterbox@yahoo.com, or call me at 350-5730. I look forward to hearing from you.

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