Karns City resident named TOPS 2023 Pennsylvania Queen
When she joined the nonprofit TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) in 1999, Vonnie Welton wouldn’t have guessed she would become royalty.
Welton, of Karns City, lost 114.5 pounds through TOPS, a non-commerical weight loss, education and support organization. For her weight loss, Welton was named the TOPS 2023 Pennsylvania Queen, meaning she lost more weight than any other female TOPS member in Pennsylvania and reached her goal weight.
“ (I was) totally surprised; it was an honor that day and it felt good. I was nervous and I was up in front of a lot of people, but it was an honor. Everyone was so gracious,” Walton said.
She also was crowned queen of her local chapter, TOPS 0369 in Kittanning.
Welton had been overweight since she was 6 years old, and fought her weight with other programs in the past with no success, she said in her personal narrative. She started TOPS in 1999 when her sister and friend convinced her to join, as she was at a point of giving up.
“I had gastric bypass surgery, which was a lot of help for me, and I am thankful for that too,” Welton said of her surgery in 2003. “It was good for me, but you have to stick with it. You have to be accountable, you have to go to a club that weighs you once a week, and TOPS has worked for me.”
“TOPS has kept me accountable and given me the tools to be persistent over the last 24 years. I like that TOPS allows us to follow the plan that works for us. They understand there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ solution. What works for me is tracking calories and attending the meetings,” Welton said.
TOPS members meet with doctors who help them to reach their goals. “I have to maintain between 133 and 143 … It’s something you have to do for the rest of your life,” Welton said.
Welton described her TOPS group as a “close-knit family” who helped her to reach her goal. She also loves how they say the “Pledge of Allegiance” together, as “one nation under God” is very important to her, she said in her narrative.
“This journey has been long and winding, and I did not believe I would reach my goal. My chapter kept me accountable through all the ups and downs. Being an example for my granddaughter Julianna, who recently joined TOPS, keeps me on track,” Welton said.
Welton was honored as the TOPS 2023 Pennsylvania Queen in April and May during recognition events throughout the state.
Once members of TOPS reach their goals, they become members of KOPS (Keeping Off Pounds Sensibly). The doctor gives a goal weight for members, and TOPS gives a weight range members should stay in. If they do not stay within the range for three consecutive weeks, they will lose their KOPS status.
Even though she has reached her goal and is a member of KOPS, her work is not done. Welton works out three times a week with her sister-in-law. Her granddaughter, Julianna Farone, is also a member of TOPS. Farone, 16, attended Area Recognition Days with her grandmother.
“My granddaughter has a weight problem and I’d like her to realize that she can get this accomplished young in her life … there’s lots of opportunities for her to keep going and for kids who have problems,” Welton said.
In addition to Area Recognition Days, TOPS also has a fall rally where they celebrate summer achievements, and a picnic at the end of the summer.
