From the desk of Penny Redner, TOPS Coordinator #556
0-135 Shapell LN NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
(616) 453-7773 E-mail:
September 4, 2007
Dear TOPS Members:
Hi there! Hope you all had a fantastic Labor Day Weekend. I have some updates to share with you. Please be sure to share this with your chapter. Thank You!
1. For those chapters that purchase "optional" liability insurance through TOPS--they are looking for a new insurance company. Your current policies expire around November 20th. If you have any insurance application forms do NOT send them to TOPS. I do not know if they will have a new insurance carrier by the time your policy runs out. When and if TOPS gets another insurance carrier I will be sure to let you know.
2. Weight Recorders--Division 9: For persons who have had weight loss surgery in 2007. Previously, if a person had weight loss surgery during the calendar year their weight loss was figured from their last weigh in prior to surgery to their last weight of the year for division 9. Effective immediately and retroactive back to January 1, 2007--if someone has had surgery this year you will count their weight loss from their first weight of the year to the last weight of the year just like everyone else.
3. The final revisions of the new Weight Recorder Guide and Chapter Guide are being done. "Tentatively" scheduled to be mailed to all Chapter Leaders in October. Chapters will receive one of each guide. A new chapter ceremonies guide will be ready for TOPS January 2008 mailing to Leaders.
4. Clarification: If a member has a prosthesis, he/she shall decide if he/she would like to weigh with it or without it. Common sense should be used to determine the most convenient method for the member.
5. AWARD ORDERS:
The following items have been discontinued: Please cross these items off any L-015 award order forms you may have on hand. Thank You.
C092 - Ewe are TOPS
C063 - Exchange charm
P032 fish pinette.
The following items will be added to the line: Write them on blank lines of L-015 award order if you want to purchase them.
C511 - Bring a Friend link
P036 - oval TOPS music pinette
C512- Quad Keyboard link.
6. In honor of the first TOPS International Convention, KOPS female graduates shall wear black dresses at IRD 2008. At 2008 State Recognition Days all female KOPS graduates will still be wearing white.
7. Upcoming TOPS Auditorium speakers include Nancy Marasco, Barbara Cady and Sandra Seidlitz. Date and topic for each shall be announced on the website and by email to Field Staff.
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September 4, 2007
8. A form to be used by those wishing to bestow a bequest to TOPS Club, Inc. will be made available upon request.
9. All Field Staff were e-mailed the following challenge on September 3rd:
IN THE BLACK CHALLENGE
The President's challenge for 2008 is on!
Using the first weigh-in after IRD 2007, all Field Staff are challenged to record a loss from that weigh-in to their last weigh-in on or before May 31st, 2008. Each Regional Director shall announce the net pounds lost for her area on stage at IRD 2008.
NO-GAIN FOR FIELD STAFF IS THE GOAL
How about joining the fun and going for
a no gain year for your chapter!
President Cady will dye a black streak in her hair at IRD
for each Regional Director's area Field Staff who have no gains.
Good thing I got myself back on track in June so I've lost 11 pounds since IRD in July. This means I've met the GIMME Five challenge. How are your participants doing with the Gimme Five challenge? The form I’d like you to use to report your Gimme Five results will be included with your 2008 weight chart packet given out in November. You will submit this form with your L-010 year end resume. Thanks!
Wanted to remind you all about the TOPS Michigan Website. You’ll find all kinds of ideas for contests and programs, along with updates by your Field Staff and much more. Check it out! http://www.topswonders.com/Michigan/index.htm
On a personal note...... I want to thank you for your thoughts, notes and prayers during my recent health scare July 24th. You may remember I’d let you know I may have had a mini stroke. I've had numerous tests and they have all come back OK. My doctor was pleased with these results but said he still can not rule out it was a mini stroke and that we may never know for sure what it was. Since then I've had a couple spells where I get the same one sided headache and then I feel kind of spacey for 2-3 days but no dizziness or numbness in my leg or arm. So we'll see. In the meantime I'm taking better care of myself by eating healthier and "trying" to give myself one day off a week from TOPS work to read or do whatever I may feel like doing.
I'll end with this thought. Author unknown.
"The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph!"
I care,
Penny