Morgantown/Honey Brook townlively.com
JANUARY 4, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXX • NO 48
Volunteering: The Best New Year’s Resolution BY FRANCINE FULTON
As 2023 begins and people make New Year’s resolutions, area nonprofit organizations hope that local residents will resolve to donate their time and talent as a way to make a positive difference in the community.
Compeer Chester County, a nonprofit organization that pairs people living with mental health challenges with volunteer friends from the community, is in need of volunteers. Participants are asked to meet with their friends for four hours each month for at least one year. See Volunteering pg 4
Myrna Duplessie (third from left), who received a KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly) award, is congratulated by other members who previously received the designation, including (from left) Emily Scheurun, Cookie Karaban, Joyce Arters, Joan Laudeman and Josie Davis.
TOPS Members Achieve Weight Loss Goals BY FRANCINE FULTON
lverson 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 weightloss 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
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 www.tops.org.
Compeer volunteer Terry (left) and her friend, Lauren
The Best Of 2022 BY FRANCINE FULTON
As the new year begins, it is a good opportunity to reflect one last time on 2022, a year that featured positive news stories that filled the pages of the Community Courier newspaper. Local pet rescues were highlighted in 2022, specifically those with inspirational stories. Readers learned about a little kitten named Drizzle, who was dumped in the trash and found by a good samaritan who turned him over to Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue (LDAR). See Best Of 2022 pg 5
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Community Calendar . . . .2 Commissioners Present Ag Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 ERAP Eligibility Guidelines Updated . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . .6 House Of Worship . . . . . . .8
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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
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