TOPS Chapter #9139 morning meeting

TOPS Chapter 9319 El Dorado Springs met in the Methodist Church on Thursday April 19, 2018, for their weekly weigh-in and meeting.

Leader Sheryl Ann Walker called the meeting to order.  Carol led us in singing “Hey Look Me Over.”

Sheryl reminded us she and Marilyn get here at 7:15 to open the building. We only have from 7:30 to 8:30 to weigh-in because the weight recorders need a few minutes to get their figures together. Please try to be here before 8:30 to weigh-in to make it easier for everyone.

Marilyn led us in a series of exercises. She gave us a couple of tips she found and thought interesting. One of the healthiest habits you can have is walking.

And say Thank You, being polite can improve your life.

Marilyn had one award that did not get presented on Recognition day: Marie received the award for “Sunny Side Kick.”

Sheryl led us in roll call. Twenty-four weighed in today. The chapter had a net loss of 14.8 lbs. Weeks best loser was Judy Knight with a loss of 4 lbs. Congratulations Judy.

Linda Hall reached her KOPS Status today. 

Contest: Pat and Sheryl are neck and neck for first place.

Marble game: Carol won the right to draw and won the winning one. She received $30 + in cash. Chapter received the other half. A new game will start soon.

Sheryl asked the chapter if we would be interested in joining the El Dorado Springs Chamber of Commerce. She feels this would be helpful to us in getting our information out to the public. The cost is $75 a year. The benefits are they will advertise for us, our information will go in welcome packets to new residents of El Dorado, we can attend Chamber meetings and talk about our chapter. After a discussion Carol made motion we join the Chamber and LJ seconded the motion. Sheryl will contact Jackson to join and see if they have a pro- rated amount since we are joining in mid-year.

Sheryl read a letter from Claudia reminding us of SRD which is about six weeks away. Friday night is “Dress Up time. Chapters are encouraged to dress as their favorite movie cast and or characters.

LJ is dressing as Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatian’s. Jean is going as a dalmation, Steve and Juanita are dressing as dalmations and Susan and Marie are also. It will be fun and anyone else going encouraged to do it, as well. Costume can be a white shirt with black dots painted or pinned on, white tights, or pants with black dots, dog ears fashioned from a head band.

Jean had the program today. Her program was based on the hand out Claudia gave us when she did her Area Captain Presentation called “What Support Means To Me.” Members were to fill out a questionnaire about what they liked and what they wanted from TOPS. Thirteen members filled out their forms. The results were:

Applause four, Cards two, Ceremonies five, Chapter programs eight, Charms/pins as awards three, Cheers four, Competition five, Complements four, Contests two, Discussions 10, Emails three, Events (SRD Rallies) three, Facebook messages six, Group exercise eight, Hugs six, Phone calls one, prizes one, progress charts three, Roll call six, Texts three, weigh-in 11.

So even though we as a group we complain about the exercise we all know we need it. Same as the weigh-ins. We hate to face the scales but we do it.

Jean then turned the program over to Carol who brought us samples of Jack Fruit. This was featured in the recent TOPS Magazine. Jackfruit originated in India. Today, it is grown throughout southern Asia and parts of both Africa and South America. It is a fruit and can grow up to 100 pounds. It can be found both fresh and canned in health food stores here. Carol bought a canned version and her husband made several samples of it. It can be a meat substitute.  It is low in calories and very low in fat.  Carol’s husband made a stir fry using carrots, and cabbage adding a teriyaki sauce to some and some he fixed plain. Several members found it tasty while others did not like it. It has the look of chicken and takes on flavors it is served with. Thank you, Carol, for the samples.

With no other business meeting was adjourned with our song and motto. If It Is To Be It IS Up To Me.

TOPS #MO 9319 meets each Thursday Morning in the Methodist Church at 201 E Broadway, El Dorado Springs. Weigh-in starts at 7:45 a.m. the meeting begins at 8:45 a.m. 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 70 years.  We welcome women and men of all ages and couples are encouraged to join. We currently have two couples in our group who have found it fun and encouraging. 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, Linda Hall at 417/876 6467, TOPS toll-free number 1 800-932-8677 or you can find us on the web at www.tops.org.

Come and join us.