TOPS MN 979  will have an open house and reunion on Thursday. It is the 40th anniversary of the start of the chapter. The chapter meets at senior center in Skyline Plaza.

Weigh-in is from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. and the educational meeting is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. During the open house there will be a program about the history of the chapter.

Members receive encouragement to lose and keep weight off and therefore have a healthier lifestyle. Those interested in just seeing what kind of program TOPS offers or who would like to renew old friendships are invited to attend.

The TOPS club is concerned with obesity and lifestyle and fits with the Albert Lea Area Blue Zones Project.

TOPS is the acronym for Take Off Pounds Sensibly is an 80-yr-old International organization and is non-profit. According to a press release, this makes the organization a cheaper alternative.

Groups meet weekly to weigh-in and get motivated to keep off pounds sensibly.

The minimal membership covers the meeting place costs, awards, local incentive contests and educational programs and a motivational magazine, TOPS News.

A doctor or dietitian provides the diet and TOPS provides the do it.

Albert Lea has four chapters. Three meet on Thursdays. The morning chapter 979 meets at the senior center, the afternoon and evening groups meet at First Lutheran Church.

A Tuesday evening group meets at Trinity Lutheran Church. Times may be found on the tops.org website.

One of the hints of the Blue Zones Project is to be with like-minded citizens, and this will improve your longevity and quality of life. TOPS is a way to accomplish this goal.