Wa-Rite

Wa-Rite is a female-only club that meets on Friday mornings from 9-10 in Clubhouse 3, Room 1. Weigh-ins are from 8-8:45. Dues are $10 a year, plus 10 cents upon signing in. LW ID cards must be shown. Women who want support on their weight-loss journey and to meet like-minded people are welcome to stop by no later than 8:45 to weigh-in and complete the registration paperwork.

On May 30, the club’s recordkeeper Darleen Gardner shared that the members lost 16 pounds for the week. Julie Campbell was named the biggest loser with a 3-pound loss. She accomplished her weight loss by cutting portions in half, snacking on hard-boiled eggs or yogurt , giving up salt and sugar, and processed and fried foods.

Bev Bender was named a queen of the month and interviewed by club president Judy Chambers. Bender said that her family believed she was born to be a princess, so she felt comfortable being interviewed while carrying her official, welldeserved title. Born in Far Rockaway, New York, Bender was raised in Hollywood and eventually moved to Lakewood where she grew up with older and younger brothers. She got her college degree in Santa Cruz and later moved to San Francisco and worked different jobs. She got her master’s degree writing her thesis on gerontology: helping seniors with humor.

Being involved with Toastmasters gave Bender the confidence she needed to become a motivational speaker and eventually a certified laugh leader.

Bender holds Laughing for the Health of It sessions at Optum HCC, helping Leisure World residents to improve their lives through laughter. Talented and funny, she has everyone at the club laughing with her jokes, stories, and witty remarks.

The weekly food for thought was: “You can learn new things and create healthy habits.”

—Jan Friedland