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The Albert Lea Chapter 979 of TOPS will celebrate their 48th anniversary on Thursday. The open house will be part of the regular meeting, which starts with the weigh-in time at 8:30 a.m. and the meeting time of 9:30 a.m. The group meets at the Senior Center in the Skyline Plaza. It’s also a reunion of former members.

The chapter was started on Oct. 12, 1975. TOPS is Take Off Pounds Sensibly, a nonprofit weight loss group that was founded 75 years ago. It now has chapters in all states and Canadian provinces. It’s not a pill or diet or purchased meals, but to choose your own journey toward a healthy lifestyle. Personal weight goals are established, and members encourage you with the weekly weigh-in to get to goal. When goal is reached, one becomes a KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly) member. The 979 chapter meetings have programs, contests, prizes, recipes and inspiration.