Morrison Diet Club (MDC) has been active for decades. They welcome everyone; currently, there are 12 female members in the support group.
MDC member Pam Pickens noted, “We have weigh-in every Monday morning at Bethesda Lutheran Church-ELCA, 301 W. South Street, Morrison, starting at 9:00 a.m., with a meeting at 9:30. We’re done by 10:00. Our oldest member is Dorothy DeMay, who will be 90 in December. Yes, we will be celebrating!”
Andrea Dalton is President; Bonnie Hudson is Treasuer. The club is noted for creating innovative motivational activities. For example, Pickens stated, “This time of year, we have a challenge to help us kick-start the holiday eating season–which one of our members says ‘starts with Halloween candy.’ We decided on a group challenge to ‘Lose a Turkey.’ Each member pledged to lose a certain number of pounds during the six week period, anywhere from two-to-five pounds usually. Our team challenge is to lose a whole turkey. Beginning Monday, October 11, for six weeks the nine of us have tracked our progress. Then we will donate our ‘turkey’ money to the [Morrison Friends] Food Pantry in Morrison, IL.”
Of the nine who accepted the challenge, eight lost from one-to-five pounds; one stayed at the same weight. Their imaginary turkey, ie., pounds shed, totaled 32.25!
“The check was for $50. Nine of us kicked in $5, and the club donated the last $5. Normally, we would split the pot among the individuals who met or exceeded their personal [monthly weight loss] goal,” Pickens explained. “This year, we all decided to donate the proceeds to the [Morrison Friends Food Pantry.] Win, win, indeed!”
