Coaldale TOPS Club celebrates achievements and milestones

Sunny South News Photo submitted

By Nerissa McNaughton
For the News

TOPS Club, Inc. has been a support for thousands of North Americans on their weight loss journeys since 1948. With a mission to help individuals “Take Off and Keep Off Pounds Sensibly,” TOPS offers a comprehensive program focused on connection, support, and sustainable lifestyle changes. TOPS places emphasis on community and accountability. Through weekly meetings, both in-person and online, members find the support they need to navigate their weight loss goals. The program also includes access to member-exclusive resources like healthy eating tips, recipes, fitness guides, and the exclusive member magazine TOPS News.

TOPS recognizes and celebrates successes in the weight loss journeys of its members. The weekend of May 3rd at the Provincial Recognition Days held in Red Deer, the Coaldale chapter (TOPS 1979AB) had three members recognized for their success for 2023.

Lesley Chapman, Treasurer of TOPS 1979AB, says, “Our leader Dawn Puckett took 1st place in her weight division and received the highest honor that one can achieve – Provincial Queen for 2023 with a loss of 80.5 pounds. Additionally, Dolly Crabb took 1st place in her weight division.”

Chapman herself was also recognized for her KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly) long standing of 23 years, meaning she has stayed within her leeway of 10 pounds since becoming KOPS.

“Our club (TOPS 1979AB) was also recognized for having the best average weight loss per member, of 9.43 pounds,” she continues, “These achievements are mainly due to recognizing the need to lose some weight, making a plan to lose that weight and staying with the plan. At TOPS we provide the help for a member to lose the weight they desire by helping with a plan and encouragement to stay on the plan. At our weekly meetings we have a weigh-in and records are kept by both the member and the weight recorder. We have a member give a talk on weight loss techniques, inspirational stories, or maybe a group discussion on a topic. We do not have a food regimen but rather we follow the Canadian Food Guide or the American Diabetes recommendations.”

Anyone interested in joining TOPS is welcome to drop in as a visitor. The club meets Wednesday evenings at the Coaldale Seniors Center. Hours are 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

“At present we have 15 members, but have plenty of room for more,” Chapman concludes. “Please stop by on a Wednesday evening and see what we are all about. If you join there is a yearly membership charge and a monthly rental charge (for the hall).”