TOPS MO # 9319 El Dorado Springs (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) met in the Church of Christ meeting room on Thursday, Jan. 4.

Leader, Sheryl Walker opened the meeting and Kay led us in singing “New Year’s Song.”

Marilyn led us in some stretching exercises she then demonstrated how to do the “plank” and did it very well. Then she led us in some dancing to music.

We said our pledges and Sheryl led us in roll call. Twenty-Two members weighed in today. Jan T was the week’s best loser with a loss of 5.2 lbs. this was over a two-week period but even divided by two she lost 2.6 per week.

Sheryl turned the floor over to Marilyn and Carol to present the awards for December.

Marilyn reported we had a net gain of 8.4 lbs. in December. Not too bad for a holiday month.

Angie won the drawing of names of those with perfect attendance for the month of December. She will receive a month of free dues.

KOPS in Leeway and below goal in December were: Marilyn, Sharon, Juanita, Steve and Melanie. KOPS in Leeway for December were: Marie, Lynda, Jean and Carol.

Sheryl received a certificate for back in black and perfect attendance.

Sue C. received a certificate for back in black with perfect attendance, certificate and charm for 20 lbs. to goal on 8-31-17.

Susan S. certificate for back in black with perfect attendance, certificate for 20 lbs. to Goal on Nov. 9, 2017, certificate and charm for 30 lb. loss Dec. 28 2017.

Marie received certificate and charm for her three-year KOPS anniversary.

Carol presented Marilyn her certificate and charm for her six-year KOPS anniversary and a certificate and charm for her KOPS in Black. This means she was not out of leeway at all the past year.

It was noted Linda H is very close to her goal.

Marie won the right to draw for a marble but did not get a winning one.

Warren reported on the new contest he has found for us to do. This one is called “Change Your Year.”

The cost to join is $2 which needs to be paid in quarters. TOPS & KOPS will be separate. Each member receives a container with their name on it and their quarters in it. Each week a member loses they can take a quarter from their container. If they gain, stay the same or are absent they must add a quarter. KOPS at or below goal can take a quarter out of the container, if they are over goal they must add a quarter. If they are over goal and lose they do not take a quarter. If they miss a meeting they add a quarter.

First TOPS and first KOPS to empty their container wins. If there is a tie, winnings will be split evenly. Contest goes till jar gets empty. Contest would start with next week’s weigh in.

Warren made motion we adapt this contest, Susan 2nd and motion carried.

Sheryl Ann noted we have been billed for our yearly maintenance fee of $48.

Potato Bake: rent will be paid to the Community Center.

Church Fund: the jar for the Church fund contained $92.19 at the end of the year. Marie donated enough to bring it to over $100.00. Sue will get a check to them as a thank you for allowing us to use the building.

The chapter lost a total of 952.8 lbs. in 2017. This was rounded up to 953 lbs. This results in us being able to donate $476.50 to The Food Pantry and $476.50 to the Senior Center. Robbie made motion we do this and Jan 2nd. Motion carried. Sheryl will get with representatives of these organizations for the presentation.

Sheryl Ann read a newsletter from Sylvia.

With no other business we closed with our song “The More We Get Together” and our motto “IF IT IS TO BE IT IS UP TO ME”.

TOPS #MO 9319 meets each Thursday morning in the Church of Christ meeting room at 302 E Hospital Road, El Dorado Springs. Weigh in starts at 7:45 a.m. the meeting begins at 8:45 and is over by 10 a.m.

Are you ready to stop dieting and start making real changes? TOPS can help you reach your weight-loss goals by providing you with the tools, information, support, and accountability you need to be successful. After all, this has been a winning formula for TOPS members just like you for nearly 70 years. We welcome women and men of all ages. We encourage healthy eating and offer support through our chapter and the National Chapter of TOPS. We have a lot of fun in our weight loss journey and make lifelong friendships. First visit is free with no obligation.

For more information call Sheryl Walker at 417/876-5699 or Linda Hall at 417/876-6467. Or TOPS toll free number 1 800-932-8677 or you can find us on the web at www.tops.org.

Come and join us.