Hyun James Kim / Special to the Home News
Former Boulder City Councilwoman Gene Segerblom goes through a series of pictures from the Boulder City Fat Club’s history at her home in Boulder City. The social club and weight loss group has been going on annual trips with the proceeds of the donations from its members for the past 12 years.
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008 | 6:18 p.m.
Fat Club member Sarah Denton weighs in at the start of a club meeting at the home of former Councilwoman Boulder City Councilwoman Gene Segerblom in July. Weighing in before their meeting determines who reached their goal for the week and who did not. If a member does not reach their goal, they contribute a few dollars into a collective pot used to finance a portion of their annual club trips. Last year, the whole group traveled to Sante Fe, N.M.
A cup of black coffee has minimal caloric impact.
So, the Boulder City Fats can feel good about getting together every Monday morning for a cup of joe with their gossip and weigh-ins.
Twenty-five years ago, Gene Segerblom assembled the semi-serious weight-loss club after gaining eight pounds on a family river trip.
Now, 11 members strong with several original members still active, the group still meets around Segerblom's sunroom table for weekly motivation.
Each "Fatso," as club members call themselves, shows up shortly after sunrise and performs the decades-old ritual: pay $1 to Arlene Troop, the bookkeeper, if his or her week's weight loss goal was met — $3 if not.
The Fats take a trip almost every year with the proceeds — each contributing more when the club treasury won't suffice.
In June, everybody went to Santa Fe, N.M. In the past, the group has traveled to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Lake Powell and the Grand Canyon.
The scales get left downstairs at Segerblom's place.
Danny Ahlstrom joined the small club about two years ago, when he retired as public administrator for Clark County.
"They thought I was fat, so they invited me," he said with a laugh.
Some members were his old friends already— Segerblom taught him in high school, and he's known another Fat, Ralph Denton, since his childhood.
Those long-standing relationships are what keep him coming back weekly.
"Its the accountability," he said. "It's always in the back of my mind. It's nice having a group like that."
Cassie Tomlin can be reached at 948-2073 or [email protected].
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