TOPS ON 5376 Meaford appreciates the support of three local businesses and would like to say, “Thank you.”

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) encourages men and women to take off pounds sensibly by changing their behaviours and attitudes around food and adding more activity. As part of a healthy lifestyle, which leads to a healthy body size, we encourage our members to find new ways of rewarding and giving themselves a pick-up rather other than resorting to “comfort” foods or plain old overeating.

TOPS is a not-for-profit member driven organization which supports members with their goal of a healthy lifestyle. Members pay a small annual fee to TOPS Inc. which includes a magazine issued ten times a year. They also pay minimal weekly dues of $2. Members are encouraged to weigh-in and attend the weekly meetings and to participate in the running of the meetings and the chapter.

Three Meaford businesses have chosen to support the local TOPS members as they lose on their way to a healthy body and mind. Derron Bodell, owner of the Flower Shop, ensures a beautiful single rose is prepared each week for the highest loser. Janine and Bryan Doucette, owners of Solitudes Spa and Tanning Studio, provide a gift certificate for a free manicure to our monthly high looser. Dr. Jodie L. Doran, DC and RMT, Yes! Chiropractic, is offering a massage for the winner of our three month lifestyle contest during which each member can gain up to five points a week.

All three businesses are offering an alternative to food rewards which supports good emotional and/or physical health. TOPS Meaford is very appreciative of these gifts. Thank you! You are part of losers being winners!

TOPS Meaford meets on Wednesday evenings at Bethany Church of the Nazarene at 34 Trowbridge St. W. Entrance at the back door (food bank). Weigh-in start at 5:45 pm with the meeting starting at 6:30 pm. For more information about TOPS, check our website www.tops.org or phone 226-668-0020. New people are welcome anytime. The first meeting is free.

When you walk into Solitudes Spa and Tanning Studio in the beautiful town of Meaford, you immediately sense you’ve entered a soft and soothing, very private place. Flickering candles, tranquil music, and lavender-chamomile infused freshness ebb away your tension. Solitudes’ guests relax in cosy terry robes, sipping their favourite teas.

Janine Doucette, who co-owns Solitudes with her husband Bryon, has extensive training in all spa treatments, and specializes in advanced skin care, hot stone massage, facials and body wraps. “I believe that when you cross the threshold of the spa, you leave all your cares and troubles at the door,” says Janine. “Whether you stay an hour or a full-day, you’ll leave relaxed, revitalized, and glowing.”

By Janine Doucette -

“I grew up in the health and beauty industry. My mother worked in a salon, and I’ve had a passion for the business since I was a young girl growing up in Oakville. I love this industry and I’ve applied and continuously expanded my skills for over 20 years. My husband Bryon and I moved to Meaford 12 years ago, and I started my business by offering my services out of our home.

Bryon and I have traveled extensively and no matter where we go, we seek out spas. That’s how we’ve picked up new ideas, products and treatments for our own business. It’s always been our goal to give our clients the very best, to make them feel and look great. I love to share what I’ve learned over the years with people who come into our spa.

Those were great years, and I built a loyal base of very fine clients. But our success just outgrew the home-based operation. We needed to accommodate the growth Meaford has experienced over the past few years, and Bryon and I decided we wanted to be part of Meaford’s vibrant downtown.

What we envisioned was a cosy spa, a relaxing haven in this beautiful little town. People would get the high-end health and beauty treatments they would expect in a big city or resort area, without having to travel far. We wanted our spa to be tranquil, spotlessly clean and personable, a quiet, intimate space where guests relax and enjoy an exclusive, full-spa experience. We carry the best product lines available, such as Clayton Shagal European skin-care products.

In August 2007, we opened Solitudes Spa on Meaford’s main street. My intense background in the industry allows me to provide all the services we offer at Solitudes. Bryon is co-owner and our spa manager, and we also offer the skills of Michelle Anderson and Leah Rae to complement our spa services.

Bryon and I love Meaford and believe it’s important to get out into our community. I coach soccer, and as a family, we take every opportunity to hike and ski, and to walk our two Schnauzers. It’s a busy life, and I very much believe in the benefits of Yoga and meditation to balance that. I feel that to look great, you have to feel great from within…

www.solitudesthespa.com