"TOPS . . .  A Safe Harbor"

2011 State Recognition Days

Meet our Winners!

ROYALTY

Pictured L-R are Runner Up Queen, Claire Blier, ME 0207 Sanford, Queen, Cel Paquette, ME 0090 Randolph,

King Richard Gile, ME 0110, Litchfield, & Runner Up King, Clark Nay, ME 0217 Mechanic Falls

KING

Richard Gile

My name is Richard Gile.  Like many others before me, I had tried other weight loss programs prior to finding success with TOPS.  After each of my three attempts, I would just pack on the pounds with a few more.  I had reached the conclusion that I was always going to be a “fat, loveable teddy bear”, which I had convinced myself was okay.

I soon realized that shopping for clothes was no easy task.  It seemed my legs had gotten shorter and my waist had gotten bigger.  Of course, it only seemed that my legs had shrunk because of the extra weight.  My wife had to alter all my pants because it was impossible to find pants with a 42 inch waist and 26 inch legs.  

Eventually, shopping for clothes became the least of my problems.  I discovered that I had cancer in a kidney and had it removed.  Fortunately, the cancer was totally contained within the kidney.  The doctor told me that my remaining kidney had to work way too hard because of weight related issues.  He told me I HAD to go on a salt-free diet and eliminate the sweets, especially the donuts which I so love.  I still have sleep apnea, but my blood pressure and diabetes are now under control. 

My road to success began on June 10, 1992 when I joined TOPS.  It took me a while, but I reached my goal on March 3, 2010.  I am now a KOPS and feel like a young 80 year old!  Thank you TOPS 0110 Litchfield for your support!

Queen

Cel Paquette

In January of 2009, I came across the story of 2007 TOPS Maine and International King Joel Marsh and his tremendous weight loss.  Jaw on the floor, and size 28 derriere in the car, I drove myself to TOPS ME 90, Randolph.  I joined and started my journey at 289.5lbs. I wanted to be thinner, healthier, and a better role model for my daughter.  With each fork in the road I kept straight on the highway of lean meats and vegetables. 

Now instead of Obesityville I have a new address: 131 Lost Avenue, Size 8 City in the State of Healthy.  I like it here!

KING RUNNER-UP

Clark Nay

Hello, my name is Clark Nay.  I was born in Poland, Maine in 1951 and grew up living with my father.  As a child I was very active like other children and I got plenty of exercise.  Because of this, I was never overweight as a child and as a young adult.  In 1969 I joined the Marines at the age of 18 and at that time in my life, I weighed about 147 pounds.  At the end of my marine tour, I was weighing 180 pounds and was at a very healthy weight.  At 20, I met my wife Samra, and worked at Marcel Paper Mill for ten years.  During this time, my wife and I had three children, Tammy, Jason and Jeremy.  Back then, my wife primarily cooked for the family and was conscious about having healthy wholesome foods and I was able to stay around 172 pounds.

Through all these years I was a smoker and I quit in 1998 and this was when the weight started to pack on.  My highest weight was 208.  In 2006 my wife got me interested in joining TOPS.  During this time, I looked to my health because my father had passed due to diabetes.  I enjoy going to TOPS as my TOPS pals give me lots of encouragement and motivation to help me stay focused in my health and make better eating choices.  I look forward to the meetings and TOPS events.  In 2010 I reached my goal weight of 175 and now thanks to my wife, my TOPS family and my determination, I am a KOPS.

QUEEN RUNNER-UP

Clair Blier

During my younger days, I was reasonably slim.  But after marriage and five pregnancies, the weight just kept staying with me.  All that weight and arthritis was making it difficult to do stairs, which is when I decided something needed to be done.  I tried Weight Watchers and Terry Rowden’s Diet.  But as you all know, once you stop all that weight comes back.  TOPS was mentioned at work by a fellow worker and I thought I’d try it.  I finally reached my goal after six long years.  It wasn’t easy, but it worked. 

I couldn’t have done it without all the TOPS friends helping along the way.  Just knowing they’re there when needed was all the help necessary.  My thanks to TOPS and especially thanks to all the TOPS friends in Sanford. 

Best Average Loss

TOPS ME 0291, Newport

9.95 pounds per member in 2010!

Division Winners Attending SRD

Male

Div. 1, 1st Place - Frank Doray, TOPS ME 0134, Fairfield

Div. 1, 2nd Place - Paul Inkpen, TOPS ME 0011, Saco

Div. 2, 1st Place - Wayne Hewins, TOPS ME 0291, Newport

Div. 2, 2nd Place - Claude Saucier, TOPS ME 0011, Saco

Div. 3, 1st Place - Edward Godin, TOPS ME 0092, Windham

Div. 3, 2nd Place - David Hawkins, TOPS ME 0011, Saco

Div. 4, 1st Place - Cark Nay, TOPS ME 0217, Mechanic Falls

Female

Div. 1, 1st Place - Robin Tardif, TOPS ME 0134, Fairfield

Div. 1, 2nd Place - Sharon Henson, TOPS ME 0110, Litchfield

Div. 3, 2nd Place - Nancy Osier, TOPS ME 0377, Old Orchard Beach

Div. 4, 1st Place - Stacy Irish, TOPS ME 0113, Sanford

Div. 4, 2nd Place - Barrie Dowling, TOPS ME 0277, So. Paris

Div. 5, 1st Place - Ruth Taylor, TOPS ME 0277, So. Paris

Div. 7, 2nd Place - Donna Pooler, TOPS ME 0118, Fairfield