Acting Sgt-at-Arms for the evening, David Buresh got the meeting to a bright and energetic start at 7:30pm. President Mel Bayo capitalized on the momentum as he announced the recently received President's Distinguished award for club 1314. Immediate past President Merlyn Kettering was recognized for his outstanding leadership that helped our club maintain its high standards.
Table Topics provided a 30 foot view of Toastmasters and was a tribute to our visitors. Participants shared the various means by which they showcased their effective speaking and leadership skills in the workplace.
Fresh from his hiatus, past Club President Craig Schaar with much confidence and mastery of the role of TMOE, set the stage for "Dreams to Take Flight". Bill Aley and Clarence Featherson ensured that there was no shortage of energy to fuel the flight.
The evening's speeches were as varied as they were thought provoking.
Eldon Ralph's Interpretive Reading project entitled "Gray Matter" was a perfect choice. The vocal variety in delivery saw the characters come alive, as the audience learned about how bonds between people, even of disparate backgrounds, can be formed. Move over Robin Williams,Eldon does voice much better!
Dorothy Jefferson, with her characteristic poise and confidence, in rare pedagogic style, and with visual aids, delivered Project #8 from the Competent Communicators Manual, entitled "The Care and Feeding of the Soul". She emphasized that, "The longest journey one will ever take is the journey from the heart to the soul." Where are you on your journey to the soul?
Remember how you reacted the last time you shook shook a can of soda then popped the top? Then you'll get what I mean when I say Bill Aley took the speaking area like a storm!
Judging from the title, his hip pocket speech entitled "When You Intend to Fly, It's That First Step" seemed innocuous, but then he unleashed his full complement of energy and in real Bill Aley fashion, leaped from the floor to the top of a chair, and with the vocal variety and gestures to support each move. Yes indeed, we journeyed with him through his dream as he realized the mantra "Make Your Dreams Take Flight!" And then....we all exhaled!
Speech evaluators Mel Bayo, Clarence Featherson and Marcia Snyder did justice to the speakers' efforts as they provided valuable feedback.
As with every successful meeting, the supporting roles of Timer's Report, Grammarian/Ah Counter and Listener's Report were done with keen attention to details. Commendations are in order for David Buresh, Maxine Blanks and Ellen Segal.
Many thanks to Joan and Jim Phillips for the tasty treats! Mingle, mingle was a great time of fellowship and meeting our first time visitor Tony and returning visitors Tara and Tasha.
To crown it all, Master Evaluator Robin Bradshaw did a superb job as she conducted the review and analysis of the entire meeting. In just a few words, the meeting was fun filled and productive.
Our Club President's concluding remarks were filled with satisfaction and optimism. Optimism because Club 1314's contestants were set and ready for the upcoming Area 62 Contests!
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