Westfield Weight Watchers Hosts "All About You" Event Friday

In honor of customer appreciation month is hosting its first-ever "All About You" day for members and their guests from 8 a.m to 9 p.m. Friday, March 30. 

The full-day event will feature cooking demonstrations, the chance to meet the author Susan Greeley of 'Cooking With Trader Joe’s-Lighten Up' and an evening fashion show. 

"The idea for this day is that the staff wanted to show our appreciation for our current members; the ones who keep coming and sit in those seats every week," said Dawn Mackey, a leader at the South Avenue Weight Watchers. "So a task force created this idea and reached out to local vendors to donate their services, many of whom are members themselves. It is our first one ever and we hope it can become an annual event."

Other events this month included 'A Lot to Lose' geared toward members who need to lose 100 pounds or more and 'Success Stories Live,' which highlights real weight loss stories told by local members. On Tuesday March 13, seven members shared their stories, including a couple who, together, lost nearly 200 pounds.

"'Success Stories Live' was a dream of leader Ann Thomashow in Westfield and the task force hosted the first one two years ago," Mackey said. "The concept was so successful at motivating and inspiring members it has been picked up by Weight Watchers Corporate and has been implemented nationwide."

Mackey said while the task force includes Thomashow, Nancy Roche and Jane Mebes, many other staff members are responsible for helping create these special events.

"Our territory manager is Fran Timpanaro and she is amazing and gives us the freedom to 'think ourside the box' and let's us run with these ideas," Mackey said. 

Weight Watchers members who attend the event will also be entered in a drawing to win one of nine sets of Broadway show tickets to see 'Peter and the Starcatcher.' Each set includes four tickets and is valued at $484. Other prizes include a gift basket from Laura Mercier and Neiman Marcus, the new cookbook "Cooking with Trader Joes- Lighten Up" by Susan Greely, a yoga Session and more.

Members are welcome to bring guests with them to explore the wide-range of programs. At 9 a.m. a scheduled meeting with Thomashow starts the day. 

With swimsuit season just around the corner, light and healthy food alternatives will be the focus of the afternoon demonstration. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m, members and their guests can check out recipes, demos, and samplings with Becky Solheim and Jackie Mittelhammer, owners of the . Susan Greeley, author of 'Cooking With -Lighten Up' will be on hand to offer recipes and sign copies of her new book.

The afternoon will also include a chance to indulge in aroma therapy with Kate Motz of Swiss Just or a chair massage with Cheryl Mulligan, owner of The C.A.L.M. Approach, Cranford. Non-invasive stress reduction with Reiki practitioner Jeanne Ziobro will also be offered.

From 2 to 3 p.m. Weight Watchers leaders will conduct an e-Tools demonstration. At 3:15 p.m. a 45-minute gentle yoga class will begin. Private consultations with a leader will be available throughout the day. 

The event will be capped off with a fashion show hosted by Dress Barn of Watchung. From 7 to 9 p.m. Weight Watchers members will serve as models, who will have their hair styled courtesy of Salon Bella of Westfield. Michelle Tureski of Neiman Marcus will provide makeup for the models from Laura Mercier.

"The fashion show wish is to be fun, inspiring members to 'Dress their Success'" said Mackey. "Our models are nine Weight Watchers members at various stages of their journey."