Fellow Silver Spring Toastmasters and Guests,
Three cheers are in order for a great meeting on July 21st! The meeting started on time, and with a "bang!" Our Sgt-at-Arms, Louise Janus set the tone with three inspirational quotes.
While the prevailing meeting atmosphere seemed a lot like "Christmas (in July)," the evening's program bore the significance of a "New (Toastmasters) Year."
Yes indeed...Silver Spring 1314 has embraced the motto of District 36--"Let Your Dream Take Flight." Speaking of flight, our new President, Mel Bayo, with his characteristic burst of energy, coupled with the proverbial tail-wind to his advantage, has pledged his efforts to see that the club maintains its President's Distinguished status.
There was something extra-special--actually, there were many things that were extra special about this first meeting of the year. Allow me to mention a few:
First off was the installation of Club Officers (Dream Team) by immediate past president and current Area 62 Governor, Merlyn Kettering. In his usual flamboyant spirit, and his leadership, representative of a truly Distinguished Toastmaster, the Officers expressed loudly and clearly, their commitment to their respective roles. The audience pledged their support, signified by joining hands in a circle, analogous to "strength in unity."
Then Mike Nolan demonstrated his vast knowledge and experience of the Toastmasters brand of leadership. His role as TMOE showed a nice balance between the skills associated with the role, and the light-heartedness that encouraged a jovial atmosphere.
There was also a special recognition of the five (5) current/past Area Governors in attendance, namely: Una Henry-Kettering (past), Merlyn Kettering (current), Bill Aley (current), Clarence Featherson (past), and Eldon Ralph (past).
Three (3) top-notch speeches were given: Maxine Blanks - With the famous phrase, "Like a Box of Chocolates," used as her Ice Breaker speech title, and as a metaphor for variety in life, we learned much about our new member Maxine from her excellent presentation.
David Buresh, in a systematic way, demonstrated how the permutations of the three elements: topic, skill, and audience, are a lot like cooking. Mel Bayo inspired us to either ride in cruise control or accelerate our club efforts. Very fitting speech for the start of the new year!
Still reeling from a busy, but successful year as Area Governor, Una Kettering led like a champion in her role as Master Evaluator. Consistent with the great speeches, were three excellent evaluators: Eldon Ralph, Joan Phillips, and Clarence Featherson. If you have ever been in a "flight" with Clarence, then you know that the cruising altitude is usually short-lived. He really accelerated to new heights, and took all 26 Toastmasters and guests with him--full gestures and all!
Supporting roles were played well by Monica Snyder and Robin Bradshaw as Timer and Grammarian/Wizard of Ahs respectively.
Jim Phillips assumed the role of Table Topics Master on short notice. Kudos to you Jim! With his theme, "Staying Cool," we enjoyed another bout of fun and laughter.
Thanks to our VP- Education, David Buresh, the sigh-up sheet for speakers and leaders for the next meeting showed many spots filled.
Eldon and David provided just the right refreshments to complement the celebratory mood of the meeting. Mingle, mingle was fun as usual.
All four visitors expressed their delight and satisfaction with the meeting. Three indicated their desires to join Club 1314.
Important reminder - Club Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contests on September 1st.
We look forward to another great Club 1314 meeting on August 4th and hope YOU will join us!
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