Staff writer
When Kelley Schafers and Stacie Marsden joined TOPS chapter #899, Marion, in January, they became actively involved. They have attracted other young women to the club.
Schafers, 30, and Marsden, 29, have a lot in common. Both grew up in Marion, both are teachers, and both are married with children. They also are next-door neighbors and have family ties.
They take advantage of the situation by doing things together to lose weight, such as walking and water aerobics.
Schafers said she joined TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) for support as a contestant in the first Biggest Loser contest put on by Greenhaw Pharmacy, Hillsboro.
“I knew I couldn’t do it by myself,” she said.
She took 16th in the competition and has lost 48 pounds to date, midway to her goal of 142 pounds.
Schafers said she did it by giving up pop, restricting herself to 1,200 calories a day, and exercising 15-20 minutes a day. She walks and uses an elliptical machine and other exercise equipment.
She said the support of her husband, three children, and extended family members also helps.
“In TOPS, everyone has the same purpose, and they support and encourage one another,” Schafers said.
Marsden said she likes the accountability that comes with having to weigh in prior to weekly meetings. She has lost 20 pounds.
She walks a lot in the summer, uses an elliptical machine during the winter, and is learning to eat smaller portions.
Every TOPS member has a doctor-approved weight goal.
The Marion TOPS chapter was chartered in May 1995 with yearly national dues and monthly chapter dues. It currently has 26 members with an average attendance of 15-18.
Three members are KOPS — Lou Roberts, Hazel Hoffner, and Mary Olson — who have attained their goal and are working to “keep off pounds sensibly.”
Dick Bredemeier is the only male member. He serves as weight recorder and is responsible for keeping weight records. Joan Fitzpatrick is in her third year as president of the group.
Schafers and Marsden are in charge of contests. Some are free but most require money, which is split among contest winners.
Schafers said the position is a natural for her.
“I’m competitive and I like the contests,” she said. “Money is a great incentive.”
Winners also win charms and other prizes.
A different contest is introduced each month.
An ongoing contest involves walking and/or bicycling. Everyone who completes 100 miles gets a charm and free entry into a monthly contest.
There are awards for best loser of the week and best loser of the month.
The chapter established its own “biggest loser” contest for the summer months. Final weigh-in was Monday. Winners will be announced at the next meeting.
TOPS held a fund-raiser at Rosie Plenert’s auction and raised $300 to help several members to attend State Recognition Day in April in Topeka.
TOPS #899, Marion, meets every Monday in the Marion Family Physicians clinic basement at 537 S. Freeborn. Weigh-in begins at 5:30 p.m., and the motivational meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.