Congratulations to our January Best Losers.
Helen and Kandi–January 15
Patty–January 29
Helen and Kandi–January 15
Darcy–January 22
Patty–January 29
Betty K.–January 29
Great job, everyone. Be sure to congratulate our losers and give yourself a pat on the back, too for all your efforts.
At our August 7 meeting, Kathy installed the 2014-15 officers and led a ceremony focused on reflecting upon our goals and rededicating ourselves to our weight loss journey. I feel confident that I can speak for everyone who attended that it was a moving and motivational ceremony.
Before I go into the details and highlights of the ceremony, I want to thank Kathy for all her hard work. The ceremony was inspirational to me, and I am sure that it was to others, also. I can’t convey in words what a beautiful ceremony it was visually with the candles shining in the dim light, as well as it being emotionally and spiritually moving.
Here are the highlights:
Kathy presenting the rededication ceremony.
Officer Installation
Outgoing Officers
Officers were installed. Kathy gave each officer their charge. Here are Kathy’s words to us:
Incoming Officers
Patty, as our new Treasurer, you are essential to us, as you keep track of all of our monies coming in and going out. You have the task of keeping track of our funds. This Treasure Chest charm represents the job you will do this year. It also represents the many thanks from the rest of us for taking on this job. We appreciate you and your willingness to serve.
Jana, this Explorer charm represents you. As Secretary, you will keep track of our meeting notes. As a techy person, you are helping to bring our TOPS club into the real and virtual world. We appreciate your willingness to take us into the 21st century as we explore avenues to keep TOPS relevant in this day and age of technology. We appreciate you and your willingness to serve.
Bert, this crown represents the many hats you will wear as Co-Leader. You have just stepped down as Leader and you have a great knowledge of what is happening with TOPS, with our local club and with each office. We appreciate you and your willingness to serve.
Darcy and Betty, our Weight Recorder and her Assistant. You all are such a pleasure to be around. Your gentle spirits soothe us as we approach that scale each week. Darcy, this heart has a key inside which represents the wealth of information you keep track of for us for our International organization. The pearls represent the members of the club and our gift of doing the right thing each week so that we can approach the scale with confidence. Betty, this timepiece charm represents the timeliness, the reminder that we are accountable to ourselves and each other each week. We appreciate both of you and your willingness to serve.
Jessie, this door represents your new office as Leader. You will lead us through this door and on our journey for next year. It looks like a Secret Garden door. May we find friends and support for each other as we move through this door. We appreciate you and your willingness to serve
And we have one last charm.
Patty, how privileged we are to have the State Coordinator here in our chapter. This charm represents the Life Line TOPS is for us and you are at one end. But remember, that we are here for you. This is a big year for you. Don’t forget that we are at the other end and we are here for you, too! We appreciate you and your service to TOPS!
Rededication Ceremony
Next Kathy led us in a rededication ceremony. From the Rededicaton Ceremony*:
The installation of new officers marks the beginning of a new TOPS year – a perfect time for all members to remember what brought them to TOPS in the first place, and to rededicate themselves to continue their quest – whatever it might be
Kathy lit candles symbolizing continuity from one year’s officers to the next, support from fellow TOPS members, TOPS and KOPS pledges, movement (e.g., exercise), and a food plan. The lights were turned off and we took a moment to reflect upon our personal thoughts.
Lighting candles
*The rededication ceremony was written by Area Captain Jeanie Druebert.
Fun Day in Shattuck
Area Recognition Day (AKA Fun Day) for the second quarter of 2014 was held in Shattuck. Although it was quite a westward trek for most chapters, there was a great turn out and a great time was had by all. This Fun Day had a Hawaiian theme, and we saw many grass skirts, and a lot of coconutty people!
Several chapter members were recognized for their accomplishments, including Patty for most weight lost and Betty K., our newest KOPS. Way to go! We’re proud of you.
Also, chapter officers were installed at Fun Day. Outgoing officers were recognized for their hard work and dedication, and incoming officers were given their charge for the next year.
Here are pics of our chapter and a link to the area newsletter with more pics and area news.
Patty showing off her Hawaiian prize.
Patty and Bert doing their best hula girl impression.
Break time is a good excuse for chatting.
Betty K., our newest KOPS.
September 4, 2014 Meeting Highlights
The meeting was called to order by Jessie.
Roll Call
Roll was called by Darcy. Present were 16 TOPS and 1 KOPS for a total of 17 in attendance.
We lost 13.25 lbs and gained 10.75 lbs for a net loss of 2.5 lbs.
Jessie was the TOPS Best Loser and Patty was the fresh weight Best Loser.
Meeting Business
Bert drew a white macaroni and Lelia encouraged us to throw something away for the “Trash It” challenge.
We saw the area newsletter, in which Maria put several pics from Fun Day and thanked many for their hard work.
The results of our 50/50 basket at Fun Day were announced. The split was $24/$24.
Program
Linda lightened things up with some humorous quotes.
Jessie led a game in which we had to answer some really hard questions about our weight loss goals and struggles. Thanks, Jessie, for helping us think about our goals.
As you probably know, Patty had her surgery this past week. Bert reports that she is doing well and recovering quickly. I know we all wish her the speediest of recoveries. And, to Patty, drink that water! We’re all rooting for you.
The meeting closed with prayer.
Anita Callfield speaks about taking action.
At our Aug 28 meeting, Anita Callfield spoke about her lifestyle changes after she was diagnosed with diabetes. At a routine check up, Anita’s doctor noticed that she lost weight without trying, had “fruity” breath, which is a sign of ketoacidosis, and general malaise. Her blood sugar and A1C were at dangerous levels and she had to start taking insulin injections immediately. She described herself at the time as an “out of control” diabetic. She knew she had to start making changes out of fear of diabetic complications. “Fear is a great motivator,” she said.
Anita started following an “Action Plan,” which consisted of changes in diet, exercise, managing stressors, and regular medical check ups and testing. Specifically, she suggested the following:
Anita’s Action Plan
As Anita mentioned, exercise can help regulate blood sugar. Regular exercise increases your body’s sensitivity to insulin, and since insensitivity to insulin is the cause of type II diabetes, can help fight the disease.
You may have also been surprised to hear that relaxation can have a positive impact on the health of diabetics. Stress reduction and relaxation can help one maintain a healthy weight, which, of course, is essential to both diabetics and non-diabetics alike.
Here are the titles of the books Anita referenced in the program:
60 Ways to Lower Your Blood Sugar — Dennis Pollock
The New Bible Cure for Weight Loss — Don Colbert, MD
The Bible Cure for Weight Loss and Muscle Gain — Don Colbert, MD
The Glycemic Load Diet — Rob Thompson, MD
Wheat Belly: A 30 Minute Summary — Dr. William Davis
Anita presented a very interesting program and gave us a lot to think about. Thanks Anita, and thanks, Tammy, for arranging the program.
August 28, 2014, Regular Meeting
The meeting was called to order by Jessie.
Roll Call
Darcy called roll. Present were 15 TOPS, 3 KOPS, and 1 visitor for a total of 19 in attendance.
We lost 19 lbs and gained 7 1/4 lbs for a net loss of 11 3/4 lbs. Way to go us!
Wayne was the TOPS best loser and Patty was the fresh weight best loser. Great job!
Contests
Lelia’s name was drawn for the macaroni challenge. She drew a white macaroni.
Then, we threw something away for the “trash it” challenge. For example, Lelia threw away her excuses not to exercise.
Program
Our guest speaker, Anita Callfield, told us her story about lifestyle changes she made after being diagnosed with diabetes. She had some very interesting things to say. Thanks, Tammy, for arranging this program.
Closing
The meeting closed with prayer.
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Jessie. All members participated in the flag salutes and TOPS pledge. Kathy and Betty K. recited the KOPS pledge.
Roll Call
Bert called roll: Present were 17 TOPS and 2 KOPS, for a total of 19 in attendance.
We lost 12.75 lbs and gained 15 lbs, for a net gain of 2.25 lbs.
Patty was the TOPS and fresh weight best loser, and Betty K. was the KOPS best loser.
Contests
Macaroni contest: Lelia drew a white macaroni. Money was collected for next week’s drawing.
Announcements
Patty will be having surgery Sept. 2. We all wished her well.
Fun Day is Saturday in Shattuck. Hawaiian Luau is the theme. The pre-party is at Maxi’s house Friday night. All are encouraged to come even if they can’t make it to Fun Day.
New Business
It’s time once again to review and revise the bylaws. So far, a few changes were made, including the following:
The above is our progress so far. We had to table the discussion due to time. We have a guest speaker next week, so revisions are tabled for two weeks. Be sure to come join the discussion. The bylaws state who we are as a chapter, and we can only do that if we have input from everyone.
Also, Allie distributed a handout with some ideas for changing the way SRD funds are allocated. We have lots to discuss!
Next Week’s Topic
As mentioned earlier, a guest speaker is coming to deliver the program next week. She will be explaining the glycemic index and discussing the “Glycemic Load Diet.” This will be great information for all!
Closing
The meeting closed with prayer.
(L-R) Bert, Jessie, Linda, Jana.
TOPS OK0013 2014-15 Officers
Officer elections were held at our July 3, 2014 regular meeting. I’m happy to report that everyone ran a clean campaign and mud-slinging was kept to a minimum. In addition, there were no problems with hanging chads. Newly elected officers are as follows:
Co-leader: Bert
Secretary: Jana
Treasurer: Linda
And our fearless leader will be…
Jessie!
Congratulations new officers, and thanks for doing such important jobs for our chapter! Also, thank you to the outgoing officers for a year of hard work. Our chapter couldn’t have had the successes we did this year without you!
For this week’s program, Jana and Maxi presented, “Get Physical.” The program emphasized making exercise fun. We watched a video of Jana and Maxi doing different exercises, learned the Electric Slide, and had a scavenger hunt. They also handed out, “TOPS 10 Free Ways to Exercise in and around Stillwater,” which was a list of low or no cost ways to exercise.
Patty, Tammy, Jessie, and Allison were the team that won the scavenger hunt. Congrats, guys! They were definitely the most imaginative! Lol.
Click the link below to get the printable pdf of the handout:
TOPS 10 Free Ways to Exercise in or Around Stillwater
Below is the video we watched to learn the Electric Slide.
http://youtu.be/XGx1ebUxMCE
Wayne was the fresh weight Best Loser.
What a Great Loser!
Wayne was this week’s fresh weight Best Loser. He is on quite a losing streak! Great job, Wayne. We know what hard work and dedication it takes to lose like you have been doing.
Jana (not pictured) was this week’s TOPS Best Loser.