Hi Everyone!

It’s hard to believe that it’s September already. Today is a nice cool day in Wisconsin. Much like autumn – but that is not to last, as the summer temperatures are promised to return early next week. School is once again in session, and it’s time for us to get down to business.

This month there are several updates from the Board of Directors.

  • The TOPS website www.tops.org has had some exciting additions and changes. The opening page now displays before and after pictures of our terrific losers and changes frequently. There are super resources and short videos in the member section. The Leader’s Corner is chocked full of ideas for meetings and for recognition of members.
  • Several Award items will be discontinued when the supply is exhausted. They are P-40, C-119, C-130, and C-513. A new TOPS Theme t-shirt will be introduced in the spring. Several new theme-related charms will also be introduced at that time.
  • Winning chapters in the New Member Bonus contest selected at IRD 2010 in Halifax, Nova Scotia will be listed in upcoming TOPS News.
  • The names of all 50-year KOPS Longevity Award winners shall be displayed on a special plaque at TOPS Club, Inc.
  • TOPS New Member Bonus Contest restarted July 1, 2010 and runs through June 30, 2011. Chapters earn a ticket for each new chapter member joining during this time period. Coordinators will keep track of tickets. One winner will be selected for each Regional Director’s combined area for a total of 9 chapter winners. Winners will be selected and announced by each RD on stage at IRD. A check for $250.00 will be awarded from TOPS Club, Inc. to each chapter selected.

Barb Cady’s message to all: “To be successful in TOPS, an hour or so a week isn’t enough. We need to live the TOPS way pretty much 24/7s. We need to celebrate this healthy journey every day and let the world know how proud we are of what we are accomplishing! Sharing our commitment with the world helps us remember that we are accountable and sharpens our focus. Wearing a TOPS shirt is a fun way to do this. Today, I spotted four other members while walking at the Mall. It was more exciting than Bird Watching! Let’s all be the messengers who create awareness of TOPS to those who do not know about our organization or think we are no longer around. I’m off to search for the rare, purple-shirted, “Chose to Change” TOPSY Bird now! We are alive, alert and ENTHUSIASTIC!”

Leaders - Have you checked out the quick ‘n easy chapter programs on TOPS website yet? Not sure where to find them? Follow these simple directions:

Logon to TOPS’ website and go to the Leader’s Corner

Next click on the Meeting Ideas on the sidebar –

And there you will find the Quick ‘n Easy Programs – these are great programs for you to use at your chapter meetings. And each category has multiple programs within it.

I hope that all of you are planning on attending IRD 2011 in Milwaukee, WI. As a member of the IRD Central Committee, I am excited to invite you to my state for this exciting event. Our committee is busy getting things ready for you and hope that you are excited about our 50s theme. There will be a special tour of TOPS Headquarters offered (watch for more details that will be sent along with your IRD registration). If you would have any questions about IRD, please feel free to ask me.

Several chapters have already reported about their successful “Open House” events. This is the perfect time to welcome back prior members – or those family and friends who need our support. Let me know more about your events. We want to share your success with others.

That’s about it for now. Have a great month – and keep on losing!

I Care –

Bev Staniak