Lakeland Leading Ladies
Two lesbians were voted Cutest Couple in Polk County in The Ledger’s Cutest Couples contest. Susan Michel and Kim Hall of Lakeland submitted their photo “Love Will Find a Way” and came in first, surpassing their 181 competitors to garner 1,360 votes — more than twice what the second-place photo received. The two women have been together for 15 years, and were legally married in 2008 in San Francisco and have lived in Lakeland for the entirety of their relationship.
“That was one of the reasons we entered the contest,” Michel told The Ledger. “We wanted to send a message that there’s a hope for the future.” Michel says her formidable social media skills were one reason they were able to get so many votes in the final round. “We rallied friends and family and pledged to donate 100 percent of our winnings,” she said. “I know for some people, it was about validity of the gay and lesbian community and for some it was about principle: They wanted to send a message that we have strength in numbers.”
Girth Control
A new weight loss/nutrition group has formed at The Center. After Weight Watchers® unexpectedly pulled their franchise from the location, members who had signed up started their own group. “It disturbed us,” The Center's director said after receiving notice that Weight Watchers® did not want to have their meetings there. Stephens said he's sent numerous communications to the franchise but has to receive a response as to why they discontinued the group. However, more than 30 members are already signed up for the new weight loss support group. The group presented by Nutrition Bear, a local physical fitness and nutritional product company with certified personal trainers and nutrition consultants, meets Mondays at 6:30pm. The focus of the group is to help you develop a healthy lifestyle which includes stress reduction, exercise, proper hydration, proper nutrition and an improved outlook on life. Somebody might want to give Jennifer Hudson a heads up.
