Elverson resident Myrna Duplessie recently received her KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly) award during a meeting of the Morgantown chapter of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), which meets on Tuesdays at 9:15 a.m. at The Torch Community Center in Morgantown.

The award is presented to chapter members who reach their weight loss goal as designated by their physicians. Duplessie was presented with a sash, a pin and yellow roses, and she will also receive a certificate from TOPS International.

Chapter leader Sally Kieffer explained that TOPS is a weight-loss support group. Participants are not asked to buy special food or other diet-related products. Rather, they are encouraged to choose foods they enjoy in moderation and to substitute high-calorie foods with other options.

The local group has been meeting for at least 30 years, including 10 years in Morgantown. Prior to that, the chapter met in Elverson and West Nantmeal. "We have (members ranging) from an 18-year-old to an 85-year-old," said Kieffer, noting that the group is open to both men and women. "It's exciting to watch people get healthy."

TOPS is designed for people of all ages who want to receive help and support to meet their weight loss goals. Each meeting begins with a private weigh-in from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m., followed by a health-related program.

"You only have to say if you gained or lost (weight) - not how much," Kieffer said. "We (then) have a program that gives information - about nutrition, exercise or about an eating habit. Some people will meet for coffee afterwards; others meet to walk or exercise after the group meeting."

TOPS also offers incentives. "We have a contest that encourages people to keep their weight off," Sally Kieffer explained, noting that those who lose weight may be entered into a drawing to win a small monetary prize.

In addition to meetings, the chapter hosts a summer picnic and a Christmas party.

Those interested in joining the group may attend one meeting for free. "They can come check us out, and after that one meeting, they can decide if they want to join or not," Kieffer explained. "There is an annual fee to join set by TOPS International. There is a monthly magazine that comes with that membership. There is also a weekly due of $1."

She added that many people considering weight loss as a goal for the new year are encouraged to give the group a try. "We had two new people join at our meeting (on Dec. 27)," Kieffer noted.

Even though they have reached their goal, it is recommended that KOPS award winners continue to attend meetings. "You are encouraged to stay on indefinitely," said Kieffer. "They provide encouragement to the others trying to get to their goal."

The Torch, 2846 Main St. (Route 23), Morgantown, is located in the Clock Tower Plaza behind Burger King. For more information about the program, visit http://www.tops.org.