You can revive your resolutions to shed those extra pounds by joining in the "SAAC the Weight Challenge" sponsored by the Southern Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce (HometownAnnapolis.com).
Board member Jacque Mullin suggested the idea for a communitywide weight-loss challenge roughly modeled after television's "Biggest Loser." She and her husband Dave own a tub and surface refinishing company in Churchton - Finishing Touch - and she plans to lead by example by also competing in the four-month competition, which runs through June 16.
Contestants will pay a $20 individual or $30-per-twosome entry fee, attend Saturday's weigh-in and registration ceremony and monthly weigh-in meetings until the June 16 finale at the South County Festival, where four winners will be announced, male and female first-place finishers and runners-up. Prize packages are still being assembled, including a personal trainer session and other healthy offerings.
"We think all the participants will really be winners, in their own way," said Shelita Fanciulli, the chamber's executive director. "The hope is that they will bond and be a support to each other, as they see each other at the monthly weigh-in meetings, and since they live in the same communities. The goal is to promote a healthy lifestyle, and to tackle weight loss in a fun way with a support team."
That community support will extend to restaurants, since 10 to 12 are considering menu alterations to accent healthy meal choices, and Ms. Fanciulli said Whitman's Catering and Thursdays in Galesville are already on board.
Health-oriented businesses are invited to sponsor the event - like the South Anne Arundel County Dance Conservatory, whose director, Ken Armstrong, has volunteered to maintain the confidential weight lists of all participants. A privacy screen will shield the scale at weigh-ins, and organizers promise that only the winners' weights will be revealed when their before-and-after results are announced at award time.
"We have an oral commitment from Del. Bob Costa, that he plans to join the challenge," said Ms. Fanciulli, "and Councilman Ed Reilly said he plans to be there too."
The winner will be selected based on a percentage of body fat ratio rather than a pound-vs.-pound race.
The weigh-in will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Deale Elks Lodge on Drum Point Road. Call the chamber for more information at 410-867-3129.
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