PAST COORDINATOR NEWSLETTERS

APRIL 2010

Good day,

I hope this message finds you well and active, gearing up for summer, enjoying the weather and a busy time of year for outdoor activities. 

Thank you to the executive who spend the time caring and doing for the chapter, past and present alike. The FUNshop was a blast and I hope you are able to bring back something that you heard, shared or saw, to show your chapter that “Change is Good…You Go First!”  Please read this email to your chapter, and then post it somewhere for everyone to see for the next few weeks, please. 

Area Captain Donations:

Area Captains do not receive any money for IRD, and as such you have sent me a donation to help supplement some of their cost.  I would like to thank those chapters who have donated this year and if you haven’t yet done so, it’s not too late.    

Over the past year I have heard many statements from different members and non members talking about what’s what in TOPS. 

Here are a few ‘Myth & Facts’ that I’d like to share with you.

TOPS MYTH:

You need to have a goal slip to join TOPS?

TOPS FACT:

You need $30.00 or $15.00 for teens/spouse of a TOPS member and that’s it!  You do not need a goal slip when you join or soon after.

KOPS MYTH:

You have to become a KOPS once you reach goal

KOPS FACT:

We encourage members to maintain their goal weight and experience being a KOPS but the choice is yours.

TOPS MYTH:

You have to weigh in if you attend a meeting.

TOPS FACT:

We encourage members to weigh in, as we are a weight loss support group, however, our focus in support, and if a member does not want to weigh in, they are welcomed to stay for the rest of the meeting.  However, they need to be told that they are marked as AB and the consequences of 4 AB’s in the row will be applied, both to TOPS members and KOPS members which is loss of division winner and KOPS status. 

TOPS MYTH:

We are not allowed to advertise

TOPS FACT:

We are non profit & non commercial organization, but we can find ingenious ways of advertising. There is an advertising fund, which is generated by the TOPS “Ad pin’ that is sold at PRD, to help supplement some advertising.  If you are interested in the pink flag pin, at $4.50, please let me know. They make a great gift at chapter. 

If you have a question and didn’t know if it was MYTH or FACT, please ask and we’ll set it straight. 

Yearly Financial Audit

Treasurers, it’s your turn to complete a yearly audit of the financials books from April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010.  Please send it along with the March 2010 bank statement to me.  Receipts and photocopied cheques are not necessary, thanks.  Please use the provided headquarters form for your audit and I’m looking forward to hearing from everyone.  If there are any questions, please contact me, thanks.

President’s Challenge ~ Cut & Burn

Are you participating in the 2009-2010 President's Challenge to Cut 100 calories a day and Burn 100 calories a day! Making small changes can result in as much as a twenty-pound loss in a year. That would be a terrific contribution to our goal of a million-pound loss among TOPS members, which has been extended to the end of 2010!

IRD 2010 ~ International Recognition Days~ “Set Your Sites on Harbour Lights” in Halifax

Are you ready?  Is your calendar marked off?  Log onto www.tops.org on May 10 at 9 pm, click onto the Auditorium Chat with Maimie Parker and Debra MacLean, as they invite you to "Set Your Sites on Harbour Lights" and discuss IRD which will take place July 15-17 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It’s not too late to register as a matter of fact, now is a good time.  Come on down to the east coast, come to IRD and stay awhile and enjoy the east coast hospitality.   

PRD 2010 ~ Provincial Recognition Days ~ Carry a Torch For TOPS in Peterborough

Wow, how did that happen?  It seems that we were just talking about bulletin #2 and May is almost here.  By now you will have your hotel confirmation information and getting ready for PRD ~ May 27 -29^th, come Carry a Torch for TOPS. I’m looking forward to seeing you Carry Your Torch for TOPS, see you soon.   

Chapter Challenge

Guess what?  It definitely is not a myth but is a fact ~ you and I will welcome the TOPS members from all over Ontario to come and visit us in 2012, as we celebrate PRD ‘somewhere’ in our area!  I’ll work on finding a place; you work on a theme and I’m looking forward to hearing the different ideas and suggestions.  If you are interested in working on the PRD committee please let me know.   

TOPS News

I wanted to remind you how great your TOPS News is and how it can play such an important role to both the individual member and your chapter.

The information in there is overwhelming.  Did you know that in the February issue you can win a Free TOPS retreat?  Check it out, it’s worth the read; and so much more.

Well, I’m going to sign off now, knowing that you have your GPSS (Goal Pursuing System Sensibly) turned on and realizing that Change is not only Good, but needed.  Take care.    

 "Setting my Sites on Harbour Lights"

             Halifax, Nova Scotia

                             Carol

MARCH 2010

Good day,

The clocks have changed and we have forwarded into spring-time weather and Spring is officially around the corner ~ with that fresh feeling in the air and a time of new beginnings.  Congratulations to the executive of 2010-2011, for being part of an important part of your chapter and I’d also like to acknowledge those who played an active role last year, from all of us at TOPS, thank you.  There are just a few notes for your chapter members, thank you for being the email contact and insuring these newsletters are shared at chapter. 

IMMEDIATE ATTENTION:  TOPS Headquarters

The Dr. Oz Show is seeking men and women of any age who have reversed their heart disease through natural methods, like diet, exercise, or other lifestyle changes.  It doesn't matter where they live, but if chosen, the members should be willing to appear on national television to share their story.   If you know of any members who may be interested in this opportunity, please send me their name, age, hometown, phone, and email address by this Friday, March 19, at 2 p.m. EST, and I will forward the information to the producers of the show.

Kimberly Greene

Phone: 414.354.0200 x110

Fax: 414.354.5317

Cell: 262.930.8111

Kimberly@rspr.com

FUNshop:  This day is designed with the executive in mind, as we gather together to learn, share and encourage new and returning executive to understand their role, learning the new rules and how was can make TOPS fun!  By now you have March 29^th on your calendar, looking forward to seeing you there.      

Bylaws:  It’s that time of year when you take a moment in your chapter and review your bylaws.  Have a copy ready for everyone to read during weigh in or to take home and read; then during the meeting or the following week, ask if everyone has read them, have any questions about them.  If there are no changes, state they will be kept as read and noted in the secretary’s minutes.  If there is a change to be decided upon, have a vote.  Send me a copy if there has been a change, which also includes your dues, meeting time or day as well.  You can scan/fax it to me, if you wish.  Attached is are sample bylaws for those new chapters who may need a guideline.   

Yearly Audit:  The end of March is nearing and all present treasurer’s should be gathering their quarterlies together, so you can do a quick yearly audit, send it to me, along with a copy of your March bank statement. 

IRD:  Wow, hard to believe that time is marching on and we are less than 4 months away from ‘Setting your sites on Harbour Lights’ as we gather with your TOPS pals on July 15-17 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  On behalf of your Area Captain, I would like to thank your chapter for their donations made to the Field Staff.  You can find all necessary forms to register on line at www.tops.org or in your TOPS News. 

PRD: Are you ready to Carrying Your Torch for TOPS, at Peterborough this year?  Your hotel and PRD registrations are due; please check the appropriate dates for the recognition presentations.  If you have an Alumni KOPS who will be receiving a longevity award, please be sure that you have sent me a longevity form, S-051, for the award.  The heart shape award no longer comes with a necklace so be sure that your KOPS is aware of that.   If you have any questions about PRD, please ask. 

"Carrying the Torch for TOPS, because I Believe!"

Carol

February 2010

Good morning!

It's the last week of February and that means March is around the corner….and that means elections are on their way, to be held on the first week of March.  If there are any issues about the date, please let me know.  Be sure to read your

new chapter manual which you received if there are any questions about elections, as there are changes to the rules.  Even if all your executive wish to stay as their present position or a new one, elections must be held.  Once your elections are complete, send the officer’s chart to me, ASAP. 

If you are able, you are welcomed to fax or scan the chart if you wish and then mail the original, thank you. 

Resume:

Okay, this is it! Most should have your resumes; please check out the certificates ASAP to ensure all is good.  Be sure to share the resume results with your weight recorders as they did such a wonderful job spend a few moments and thank your weight recorders for the awesome job they do. 

Executive:

Your Area Captain is planning an Executive FUNshop to be held in the couple of months; everyone is welcomed as the day will be geared towards the executive.  Please be sure to bring your new chapter manual with you.  I’m looking forward to seeing you there.   

Advertising:

If you are interested in advertising please let me know and we can work together.  What a great gift for your division winner or chapter members.  One great idea is an OPEN HOUSE or Welcome Back meeting and include the entire chapter to help plan your event.  Even if you’ve never had a visitor before, this is still advertising that you are there and available.  To help with advertising, don’t forget that I have the TOPS logo ad pin for sale at $4.50 each. 

Odds & Sods:

Leader Login information has been updated and the attached form is the instructions on how to log onto our website.  Please request membership forms and My Day Ones for your new members through me on a chapter supply form.    Your TOPS News is the main source of what’s happening in TOPS, new and old alike. ‘Goodies in the mail’ is a small section that indicates what has been mailed out to the chapter from headquarters.  There are programs, recipes and much, much more for everyone. 

TOPS Website:

You have got to check out our website, if you haven’t done so lately.  I have attached the “NEW” website leader instruction and the good news is that changes were made to the website to simplify the login process.  Yes, for security reasons there has to be a second login when going to the membership database but I think it is easier now.  Check your February TOPS News for changes on the website, it is amazing and what a great tool for your chapter programs. 

Take care!

‘I BELIEVE ’

Carol

January 2010

Good day,

It’s amazing just how fast time passes by; here it is, nearing the end of January.  Chapter resumes are coming near the end of stage 2; by the end of the week I will have the Area resume complete so that they can be calculated along with the rest of the Ontario weight charts, to see who will be our winners at PRD 2010, in Peterborough as we ‘Carry a Torch for TOPS’.  I would like to thank all the Weight Recorders & Assistant Weight Recorders who have worked so hard on chapter resumes.   The dedication of time spent on the paperwork, the rules and charts are truly amazing.  Thank you, for all you do.    

How is ‘BURNi’ doing in your chapter?  Are you doing the ‘Cut and Burn’ challenge that was given to us from Barb Cady?  We can do this, keep it going!  I am attaching a sample template of a TOPS year and there are some specific dates, as in elections and other dates included just as suggestions.  It gives you an overview of what the year looks like in TOPS.  You are welcomed to adjust it according to your chapter functions as planned. 

You received two Chapter Manuals which have replaced the old Chapter Guide and Weight Recording Guide.  Please be sure to shred or recycle your old books as they are no longer of any use.  Be sure to put them into a binder as they are designed with 3-hole punch sheets for convenience.  One copy is for the leader/co leader and the other is for the Weight Recorder/ WR assistant.   

‘Why wait for spring…Join TOPS Now!”  It’s a catchy theme; why not give it a try.  January & February are great months for an OPEN HOUSE.  If you plan one, please let us know and we can help you advertise and get set up for the event.  

The first week of March is chapter elections throughout TOPS; a nervous time for some and anxious time for others.  A chapter’s survival depends on the executive.  I have been asked if an existing executive wish to remain on the executive, does an election need to take place.  Yes, elections are necessary no matter who is staying at what position on the executive.  If you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call.

Come “Set your Sites on Harbour Lights at our International Recognition Days, IRD, being held in Halifax, Nova Scotia on July 15, 16 & 17^th as this promises to be one of the best.  Everything is at your finger tips as you log onto the TOPS website at www.tops.org and click onto Events and there you will find all the information about IRD, including registration.  TOPS encourages Field Staff to attend IRD so that they will be a part of the event and share with their chapters what they have learned; to help encourage and motivate you.   As Area Captains receive no monies for attending, I would like you to consider a donation for them to help defer costs, sent directly to me, please.       

I have TOPS ad pins -$4.50 and the red TOPS bags @ $15.00 (It’s My Time) if you are interested.   

I would like to wish everyone a ‘happy, healthy and successful New Year!  May you achieve your dreams and maintain your goals in the coming months.  Take care of yourself, there is only one like you ~ and you can make a difference.

"Don’t lose site of what’s important to you.

Remember to pay attention”

TOPS hugs,

Carol

charper3@cogeco.ca

November 29, 2009

Hello TOPS Pals,

It’s true; the end of the year is approaching! Have you prepared yourself for the season?  Are you ready?  Have you done what set on doing for yourself this year? Have you reached your goal or desired destination?  Remember small steps, starting with the first one, go for it!   Rallies are all over now and every one of them was very enjoyable and excellent.  Thank you to all those volunteers who work so hard on rally for their area.  The leaders have been sent a package that will have your weight charts for next year.  What a great time to have your members sign their charts, have that all cared for and not worry about it. 

REMINDERS

WEIGHT CHARTS:

Are you weight charts in order?  Do you have the information at the top of the page filled in?  Have you figured out what division everyone is in?  Are the charts signed by the member?  Do you need any membership numbers?  It won’t be long now and I’m anxious to be doing the resumes.  Be sure mail them to me by January 8, 2010.  If you need any help whatsoever, be sure to contact me, please.

MEMBERSHIPS AND FORMS: ( L-012 supply order form attached)

Please check your chapter supplies and ensure that you have at least 5 membership forms and 5 My Day ones on hand.  If you are short of any forms, except for the Award order forms, as they are replaced by headquarters, please send me a request for them.  Soon you will all be receiving your TOPS News, with a present to you from Headquarters.   

New Memberships:  Be sure to let new members know that if they wish to purchase The Choice is Mine and/or the workbook, they can do so on the membership form; $16.00 for the Choice is Mine (discounted) and $10.00 for the workbook.  This is ONLY available to order on the membership forms for new members.

Renewals: I have been told that membership forms are being held back until the exact date they are due, which can cause a lapse in membership as it will not get to headquarters until it is past due.  Ask your members to bring in their renewals as soon as they get them in the mail.  With the year end just around the corner, it is wise to have everyone renewed throughout the holidays. If someone is a division winner and their membership is due throughout the holidays and are inactive, it will disqualify them.  If you need a list of your active membership, please check the website or I would be only too happy to help you out on that.  Please do not use a blank renewal form in replacement of a lost form.  Simply fill out a new form, put their membership number at the upper left corner and/or write RENEWAL along the top of the form. 

TEENS/SPOUSE MEMBERSHIPS: 

Spouses and teens have a membership of $15.00, understanding that they will not receive the TOPS News.  If they wish to receive the TOPS News and they do have that choice, then the membership fee is $30.00. 

MAINTENANCE FORMS:  (L-20 Maintenance form attached)

Your chapter maintenance is due January 1, 2010 and I would like to remind you to send it in with your year end resume.  Insurance forms are being requested, which I will be more than happy to send to the chapters.  You only need to worry about this if your meeting place has requested insurance. Be sure to send American funds directly to headquarters.  The year of insurance is November 20, so if you send your request in January or June, it will still be renewable November 20 of that year.  Send in your request the beginning of October to be sure that there will be no lapse in the policy. 

CUT & BURN CHALLENGE: 

How is it going with the new president’s challenge?  Are you spending time at chapter discussing how everyone is doing with the challenge?  With the holidays close at hand and about to surround us with all its joys and stresses, remember that’s it’s okay to say NO

And meet Barb’s challenge of cutting 100 calories and burning 100 calories.

TOPS WEBSITE UPDATE:  www.tops.org

Wow, it’s time you went and checked out our website, it has certainly grown to be a wealth of information.  You will find many new features, if you have not already seen them.  Krames Online Health Education Library is a great resource on many health issues; the first in a series of Health and Wellness videos prepared by Juli Ulrey on Weight Loss Basics is available and there will be a new video each month.  Go and check it out and see how you can enhance your chapter meetings with the available information. 

OPEN HOUSES:

Now’s the perfect time to set your calendar for an open house if you already haven’t done one this fall.  Advertise it throughout the holiday season geared for January/February.  What a great way to enhance your chapter and invite people to join you in a healthy lifestyle change.  I have various ads that I’d be happy to share with anyone.  I’m here for you, so all you need do, is ask. 

'There is nothing better than the encouragement of a good friend.  Thank you to the executive for all you do & to the members who continue to support you throughout the year.”

Carol