You know, we’re still chatting about that first “Community Corner” email we sent to you, our TOPS members and friends.
I said it in my first blog, but a major THANK YOU (again!) for opening the email and taking a few minutes out of your day to interact with it.
The whole thing got me thinking … so many of you had similar questions and comments. There were most definitely some patterns I picked up on.
Should I do a quick “frequently asked questions” blog?
I think so — so with that said, here we are!
Welcome to “TOPS FAQs.”
It’s just like you heard back in school (which, for a lot of us, myself included, I know that was quite some time ago!), but if you have a question, you’re probably not the only one wondering. So let’s take a moment and address the class, shall we?
First FAQ: Are in-person meetings back in session?
Answer: YES, many of them most certainly are! (This does depend on your location).
I know, I know, it was quite a disappointment for many of us when the pandemic really took hold of our globe, and put chapter meetings on hold. That in-person support and accountability is incredibly important.
But the good news is, we’re largely up and running again, face-to-face, so if you’d like to resume your membership or you were waiting on this news, this is your sign – join or rejoin us! We’re (mostly!) back, especially if you’re in the United States.
It’s a little bit more of a “mixed bag” type of situation in Canada, service program administrator Carol Harper told me, but she added, “For the most part, although slow, most of the chapters are back — not to full swing, some just weigh-ins, some doing full meetings, but it is starting to roll out.“
That’s great news.
And of course, if COVID numbers are spiking again where you live or you’re concerned about group gatherings, then you do what feels safe, in your best judgment. Keep that “social distance” in place, or your masks on, and of course, we just want you to make the decision that feels best and smartest to you. Which leads me to our next question …
Q: Can I join online? How does that work?
A: Please do come online! If you live far from a meeting or if, for any reason at all, the online model is what would work best for you, please, join this way! I attended my first online meeting several weeks ago, with facilitator Carol Holtz, and it was such a welcoming atmosphere with important discussions and a relevant program discussion. It didn’t feel like “homework” or anything like that – just a great gathering place with lovely (new!) friends, and of course, zero judgment. Go to our homepage to sign up for the online program, and I’m sure we can find a meeting that fits in with your schedule. There are a LOT of options here!
Q: Where do I find more resources?
A: I received quite a few emails from members, field staffers, etc., looking for recipes, guides and general help online. I get it – things are pretty spread out on tops.org.
Just know this: We do hear and see your feedback, and we’re working toward implementing some improvements.
In the meantime, here’s what I would suggest:
- Log into your TOPS account on our homepage.
- Once you’re on that “My Health Dashboard” page, look to the middle-right, at that My TOPS Resources button. Click it!
- This is one of your best spots to find blogs, calendars, chapter programs, events, recipes, tools, trackers and our fun merchandise. You name it – and it’s probably here.
- Go to that “My Profile” page if you’re looking to access your KOPS history, renewal activity, orders, or any of your personal details. You can get there by clicking on your name in the upper-right corner, once you’re all signed in.
Q: How do I find a meeting?
A: Once you’re on tops.org, click that “Find A Meeting” tab along the top blue bar. Here, you can enter your ZIP code and locate a meeting location to determine what might work best for you.
Q: Who is that adorable 4-year-old pictured in the first email?
A: (I thought a lighter question might be fun – lol). His name is Robby, and he’s my New Year’s Day baby! Born 1/1/2018 – or 1/1, at 1:11 p.m. Pretty coincidental, right?
I hope this answered some of your questions. Keep them coming; my inbox is always open! I’m up late and I do write back – mganley@tops.org.
Glad to have you as our active members and friends!
By Jannette August 2, 2022
I was wondering who recommended me.
By Michelle Ganley August 2, 2022
Hi Jannette,
Are you wondering about the email or the blog? If you received our Community Corner email, it’s because you provided your email address when you signed up as a TOPS member. (Does this answer your question?)
–Michelle
By Jill J. August 2, 2022
Question: can we be in an “in person” meeting and an “online” group as well?
By Michelle Ganley August 2, 2022
Hi Jill!
Here’s the scoop: Online members can go visit an in-person chapter as a visitor like other TOPS members can visit other chapters — and they can even take a travel chart with them to get official weights.
That being said, in-person members can also view the online meeting experience by watching our past meetings that are posted on the TOPS website. (And that’s largely due to Zoom space).
Did that answer your question?
(It was a good one!)
–Michelle
By Darlene August 2, 2022
I Love Your Blog
By Michelle Ganley August 2, 2022
Thank you, Darlene!
By Barbara York August 2, 2022
I really enjoy the newsletter
By Michelle Ganley August 2, 2022
Thanks for reading, Barbara!
By Amy Barr August 3, 2022
How often do they add new recipes to the website?
By Michelle Ganley August 3, 2022
Hi Amy,
We add new recipes monthly. You can check out this page: https://www.tops.org/tops/TOPS/Member/recipes-of-the-month.aspx
and this one: https://www.tops.org/tops/TOPS/MealPlan.aspx
⬆️ these are good places to start!
By Evi Hungerford August 3, 2022
According to the last TOPS magazine, it sounds like members only NEED to weigh in in January and December. Is this in response to Covid issues? But for a support group, this doesn’t seem like a good idea… Is this temporary?
By Wanda Butrim August 3, 2022
I totally agree Evi! As a KOPS I need the accountability of weighing in every week. I gained weight during COVID when we weren’t meeting or weighing in. I definitely know I need to weigh in regularly. Hopefully this is a temporary thing.
By Michelle Ganley August 3, 2022
Hi Evi,
You can keep doing whatever best works for you! 🙂
I know the latest issue of the magazine brought some attention to this rule-change, but no, it’s not new — and it’s not temporary, either.
I’ll definitely pass along your comments!
–Michelle
By Sharon Beard August 3, 2022
I live in Cherish At Central Park in Langford, BC, Canada and the owner of this Independent Living condo asked if I could find info on opening a new branch of TOPS here in our establishment. She knew that I had reached my goal in TOPS and that my branch had disbanded after the Pandemic caused member decrease and an increase in rent.
I need to know what this endeavour would require other than I know we need a minimum of 4 people. From being a member I know we would need a scale, deposit books, membership forms, etc,, but have only been a member, not an officer so I am at a loss now. I contacted Shannon Smale and she put out an email to some of the past members of the branch that closed but I have not heard anything further.
The space would be rent free and a couple of rooms are available to us to likely have about 30 members if required.
By Michelle Ganley August 3, 2022
Hi Sharon,
Will you drop me an email with this info, and I can connect you with the right people? Would love to help you get this figured out!
–Michelle
By Joy Chappell August 22, 2022
Please pass on to whoever it matters: I have been in TOPS since 1997 and I LOVE the new TOPS magazine and the website is getting better all the time. There is still work to be done on the ability to use downloaded forms (like the L-055), but they are getting there. Go TOPS!
By LORRIE ANN PRINCE November 8, 2022
I can’t find the calendars with daily suggestions you sent out in the beginning. Where can I find them the ladies loved it.
By Michelle Ganley November 8, 2022
Hi Lorrie!
You’ll want to go to our website, tops.org, sign in, and then go to:
Members Area – My TOPS Resources – Calendars
Scroll to “Daily Inspirations” and you’ll see the ones we have available, broken down by month. Hope this helps!
-Michelle