TOPS MO #9319 welcomes two new members

TOPS Chapter 9319 El Dorado Springs met in the Bethel Free Will Baptist Church, 1300 S Summer St, El Dorado Springs Thursday, April 15, for their weekly weigh-in and meeting.

Linda Hall, Leader called the meeting to order.

Carol led us in singing “Eating Fewer Calories”

We said our TOPS and KOPS pledges.

Linda H led us in roll call and walking report. Sixteen members weighed in. Week’s best loser was Laura with a loss of 4.0 lbs. Congratulations Laura.

We welcomed two new members today. Ray, Judy B’s husband joined and Pat joined today as well. We are so excited to have these two new members in our chapter and support them on their journey to a healthy lifestyle.

Today is Chapter Recognition Day. Linda Hall and Carol S prepared and presented the awards.

First were the Division awards. Each chapter has several divisions based on your starting weight. Chapter division winners had to lose at least 10 pounds from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. Awards are based on 2020 results.

LJ won 2nd place in Division 3 with a loss of 10.6 lbs.

Sue C won 1st place in division 4 with a loss of 15.6 lbs.

Pam L won 1st place in division 2 with a loss of 22.2 lbs.

Laura H won 1st place in division 3 with a loss of 37.6 lbs.

Warren H won 2nd place in the men’s division 2 with a loss of 12.8 lbs.

Chris W won 1st place in Men’s division 2 with a loss of 22.2 lbs.

Linda and Carol prepared a TOPS timeline from the year TOPS was founded in 1948 until present with the years each of our members became TOPS King or Queen.

KOPS being honored today were:

Judy B, joined in 2018 for 2nd time, lost 32.4 pounds to goal she was chapter Queen (2018)

Juanita joined in 2016, lost 52.4 lbs. to goal and was chapter queen in 2017, her husband Steve lost 43.8 lbs. to goal and was Chapter King, State King runner up and 2nd place state division 2 winner. They could not be here today but we hope to see them soon.

Marilyn, joined in 2011, she lost 21.2 lbs to goal and was runner up queen in 2011. She has kept her KOPS status for nine consecutive years.

Jean L joined in 2004, in 2005 she lost 45.5 lbs. to goal and was runner up queen. She has kept her KOPS status for 15 consecutive years.

Carol joined in 2001 she lost 19.5 lbs. to goal in 2002 and was chapter queen.

Marie joined in 2000 she lost 21.5 lbs. to goal in 2004 and was chapter queen that year. Her husband Bob, was state king runner up that same year and they were first couple given permission to cross the stage together at State Recognition Days.

Linda H, Linda joined in 1989 in 2005 she reached her goal by losing 52.5 lbs. and was queen runner up that year.

Juda W, joined in 1968 (she was one of the charter members of TOPS). Juda reached her goal a couple of times during that time but due to life happening she lost her KOPS status. She never gave up and in 2020 reached her goal by losing 51.2 lbs

Juda Wosoba Chapter Queen 2020 taken April 15, 2021

We are proud to crown Juda as our Chapter Queen. In recognition of Juda’s longtime membership and determination a special gift was presented to her. At TOPS headquarters there is a memorial garden in recognition of Esther Manz who started TOPS. Stones for the memorial garden can be purchased to honor a current or former member. Our chapter purchased a stone for Juda to be put in this garden.

In closing Linda and Carol led us in a rededication ceremony and pledge.

Thank you, Linda and Carol, for the hours of work you put into this program. It was really special.

With no other business Linda closed with her quote of the day. “For every reason It’s not possible, there are hundreds of people who have faced the same circumstances and succeeded” Jack Canfield.

And Our Motto “IF IT IS TO BE IT IS UP TO ME.”

TOPS #MO 9319 meets each Thursday Morning in the Bethel Free Will Church 1300 S Summer, 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 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 Linda Hall at 417 876 7404, TOPS toll-free number 1 800-932-8677 or you can find us on the web at www.tops.org.

Come and join us.