NASHUA – An installation service was held Friday, July 22, by TOPS Chapter NH 0131 of Nashua to install newly elected leaders.

They are Claire Kelly, of Hollis, chapter leader, and Paula Shannon, of Nashua, co-leader.

Other board members installed were Sally Sanborn, of Merrimack, secretary; Pat Burant, of Hollis, treasurer; Alline Gerow, of Nashua, weight recorder; and Joyce Plamondon, of Hudson, assistant weight recorder.

"The best gift I have ever given myself was to join TOPS in 1996," Kelly said. "I had been diagnosed several years earlier with diabetes and hypertension, and with counting calories and exercise, was able to take off 30 pounds, but the pounds started to come back on. A friend invited me to a TOPS meeting in 1996, I joined TOPS and never looked back.

"I have held several positions over the past 20 years and have lost 30 more pounds. Among the many added benefits are the supportive friends I have made over these past years."

"I joined TOPS in 2006," Shannon said. "I was diagnosed with a serious heart condition, and my doctor recommended that I join TOPS to lose the weight so my heart didn’t have to work so hard.

"In 2012, I reached my goal weight and was the best loser in Connecticut for 2012."

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Chapter NH 0131 meets at 9:30 a.m. Fridays on the lower level of the Nashua Baptist Church, 555 Broad St.

– Submitted by
TOPS Chapter NH 0131