2006-2007 Orange Book: Internet Directory
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is the oldest international, non-profit, non-commerical weight loss support group in the world. Founded in 1948 by Esther Manz of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, TOPS has over 200,000 members in 10,000 chapters throughout the U.S., Canada and other countries worldwide.

Organized in 1964, Ramona’s TOPS chapter meets every Thursday from 6:30- 7:30 p.m. at Grace Church on Barger St. Weigh-in is from 5:30-6:20 p.m. The group consists of 20 TOPS and 4 KOPS (what you become when you have lost your weight and now want to Keep Off Pounds Sensibly) and welcome new members (dues are $24 per year).

“We’re like a family,” says Joan Spaulding, the group’s weight recorder. She is the one whom everyone has to face when they come in to weigh themselves to see whether they have lost or gained. But their secret is safe with her and with all the other members of the group. “You can say whatever you want and it won’t go outside of the group,” she says.

The organization provides programs and books on weight loss and is dedicated to assisting its members in their efforts to safely and sensibly lose weight and retain their weight loss.

The Ramona chapter’s leadership group currently consists of Janice Moran, leader; Cheryl Clarke, co-leader; Dimple McCullough, treasurer; Grace Terrazas, secretary; Joan Spaulding, weight recorder.

Every spring San Diego and Imperial County TOPS members meet for Area Recognition Day, usually in Mission Valley. They have workshops and graduations for the ones who have reached their goal. They recognize “royalty” i.e., those who have lost the most weight. They also recognize members who have been in TOPS the longest. Mrs. Spaulding has been a member for 30 years.

She and another longtime member, Mary Bonner, will be attending International Recognition Day in Atlanta, Georgia in July of 2006. That convention will include “royalty” from all over the country, plus workshops and motivational speakers.

TOPS (TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY) Phone 789-0238