TOPS celebrates 10 years in Valley

Staff Reports

Gardnerville Take Off Pounds Sensibly Chapter No. 141 celebrated their 10th anniversary Thursday. Seven members held their first meeting at Sharkey's in 1999.

The Gardnerville group has grown to 33 members and includes two original charter members, Alice McGreal and Diane O'Neill. O'Neill reached her desired goal after a year and was the first queen of the chapter and has maintained her weight loss for nine years.

Now a worldwide organization, TOPS was founded by Esther S. Manz, who joined friends in the goal to lose weight and support each other. The idea of rewards and recognition played an important part of the plan.

TOPS meets 9 a.m. Thursdays in room 146 of the St. Gall Pastoral Center, 1343 Centerville Lane, Gardnerville. Information, Janet Crago, 782-0240.