By Kim Gasuras | FreeWire
BUCYRUS—The Bucyrus TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) weight loss support group is still going strong more than six decades after it started.
In 2024, the group had 15 active members and collectively, they lost 142.2 pounds.
“We weigh-in at each meeting and are so supportive of each other, lose or gain,” said Bev Kalb, the current leader of the group.
Co-leader Connie Zellner said the group has been there for each other through many life events, including births, deaths and everything in between.
“We are so supportive of one another. We are definitely like family,” said Zellner.
Jana Hochstetler Taylor was the top loser for 2024, shedding 43.2 pounds.
“I joined the group in 2022, and I am the current treasurer. I could not have lost the weight without the support of this group of amazing people,” said Taylor.
Other current members of the leadership of the local TOPS group include Violet Stockmaster as the Weigher, Cindy Vercruysse as the Secretary, and Dana Blankenship as the Sunshine gal.
Pat Trout and Ilene Studer have been in the group since the 1960s.
“I think I joined in 1964,” said Trout, who only gained 11 pounds while pregnant with her third child because of the support from the group. “I stayed healthy.”
Founded in 1948, TOPS Club, Inc. is the country’s original nonprofit, noncommercial weight-loss support network. The organization’s goal is to help people build healthier habits through practical tools, education, and weekly in-person encouragement.
The Bucyrus group members are part of the millions of people who have taken part in TOPS programs over the years throughout the United States.
“This group gives me accountability with the weekly weigh-ins and a sisterhood that is so supportive,” said Zellner, who leaned on the group after she lost her husband.
Vi Stockmaster said the meetings help her avoid feeling lonely after her husband passed away.
“They are like family and have helped me so much,” said Stockmaster.
Each week the group has a different featured topic, such as a program by Kalb recently on sodium and a presentation by Taylor on the diet tools she uses to stay on track with her weight loss and healthy eating habits.
“We are all friends here. We are a fun and welcoming group,” said Marjorie McCall.
Kalb said the group uses encouraging words whether a member says they have lost weight or gained some weight.
“We do not shame here. We are on a journey and there will be ups and downs. We are here to encourage and help each other,” said Kalb.
Taylor said each member pays $1 at each meeting that goes into a fund to help with donations to local charities, groups and more.
“The first meeting is free, then it is $70 per year for the first two years, then it drops to $49.50 per year,” said Zellner.
Long-time member Cindy Vercruysse said new members are always welcome.
The group meets every Tuesday at St. John’s United Church of Christ, located at 120 S. Lane St. in Bucyrus, with weigh-in at 12:30 p.m. and a short meeting beginning at 1 p.m.
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