The Devlin T.O.P.S. held its annual mini-rally on Monday, April 11 at Crossroads School. Along with the rally was the celebration of the group’s 25th anniversary.
When you entered the beautifully-decorated room, you could feel the excitement of this special night.
There still are five members who were at the first T.O.P.S. meeting 25 years ago—Lois and Jeanine Shine, Joan Hughes, Trudy Badiuk, and Neila Booth.
Two members started shortly afterwards—Liz Donaldson and Freeda Carmody.
These ladies all were honoured with praise for keeping this active club not only alive but vibrant and successful for a quarter-century.
Organizers of the evening had seen to it that all the other charter members had been invited (even though many no longer attend). About 40 people were on hand the entire evening.
Everyone immensely enjoyed looking through photo albums, reading old articles, and savouring the delicious health-smart supper that was prepared by T.O.P.S. members.
The president of T.O.P.S. sent congratulations, and there also was recognition from La Vallee Reeve Emily Watson. A former T.O.P.S. member herself, she pointed out the importance of good health and fitness.
Reeve Watson then congratulated Devlin T.O.P.S. for their 25 years in our community.
Yvonne Kellar was presented with a gift and recognition as she was the first T.O.P.S. leader 25 years ago.
Bonnie and Becky Chabot also were awarded gifts for their hours of effort to get the group going back in 1980. Rose Darrah also was saluted for her part in our club being what it is today.
The highlight of the evening was when members were awarded for the year.
The Devlin T.O.P.S. Mini Rally Queen for the year was Judy Nielson, with a loss of 35.5 pounds. The local Mini Rally Princess was Beth Brown, who lost 24.5 pounds.
Other prestigious awards were given out to George Hyatt, who captured the Mini Rally King award.
The queens were honoured with crowns and roses. And for a special treat, Allison Booth sang “A moment like this” to pay tribute to these two ladies.
The “Shrinking Person” award went to Judy Nelson with a 24.5-inch loss.
The inches members lose is kept track of because many times members may not be losing as much weight as they think they should be, however, there is a loss in inches.
Brenda Allan was presented with the “inspiration award” for her efforts in keeping members motivated. This award is chosen by the members.
There are several divisions of TOPS, depending on how much weight a member has to lose. Division winners from the past year included Marie Saunders (Division #1), Holly Caul and George Hyatt (Division #2), Beth Brown and Stacy Wilde (Division #3), and Judy Nelson and Wendy Woodgate (Division #4)
An honourable mention also was made to the K.O.P.S. who have kept their goal weight for several years. They included Freeda Carmody (13 years), Josette Vargas (seven years), Maureen Hanson (six years), and Bobbi Morken (four years).
Maureen Hanson also was saluted for travelling the farthest to meetings. She comes from Nestor Falls each Monday night.
The evening ended on a happy note. Many people struggling with their weight were motivated to do something about it while those doing well were more pumped to keep going.
If you would like to join the Devlin T.O.P.S., or have any questions, call Freeda Carmody at 486-3338.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
