SALT LAKE CITY-- The Mt. Pleasant Chapter 321 of Take Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS), a non-profit weight loss group, recently sent three members to attend TOPS state recognition days in Salt Lake City, where the members received various awards and recognitions.

Mt. Pleasant Chapter 321 Queen Sandra Vincent was elevated from TOPS to Keeping Pounds Off Sensibly (KOPS) status. Vincent also participated in a candle lighting ceremony in which the KOPS members encircles the audience.

Chapter Leader Carolyn Jensen was honored as the chapter leader with the greatest weight loss in the state during 2008. She was also recognized as the state's first place division winner with a loss of 44 pounds. Jensen received a plaque and a pin for her accomplishements.

Each year the TOPS Recognition Days has a theme, with "TOPS of the Morning to Ye" as the 2009 theme. Heather Whitman and LaRaine Kellet made posters for the Mt. Pleasant chapter which was awarded third place for the "attire" category.

TOPS is an international organization dedicated to helping people lead a healthy lifestyle and as a group lends support to those who need to lose weight.

Local chapters meet once a week where weight goals are set and programs are presented along with other activities to help with weight loss.

Once a year Utah TOPS chapters meet for State Recognition Days to recognize all members for their commitment to attending meetings and working toward a realistic weight goal.

Mt. Pleasant Chapter 321 would like to encourage all who wish to join, to attend a meeting Thursday evenings at 5:15 p.m., at the Mt. Pleasant Elementary School, 55 East 100 South. For more information call Jan Jacobsen at 435-436-8886 or Colette Sparks at 435-462-2367.