Our Sergeant at Arms, Louise Janus, started us off precisely at 7:30pm with the Pledge of Allegiance and an opening citing the autumnal changes surrounding us in the Washington D.C. area. Images of the pastoral scenes of baseball and the rough and tumble moments in football filled this thoughtful beginning and set the stage for a transition into the business portion of the meeting.The recap of club business had three focal points: the Toastmasters Distinguished Club Program (DCP), the upcoming Division F Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contests and the welcoming of our guest, 2010-11 Division D Governor, Jim Cline.
The baton was then passed to the Toastmaster of the Evening, our Vice President of Education, David Buresh who strode to the lectern with his characteristic energy and enthusiastic smile. We were treated to pumpkin colored programs as a foreboding of the last day of this month. David's introduction of our Table Topic Master led us into the first speaking portion of the evening which began with a feeling of "Trick" but in the end was all "Treat".
Fiona Morrissey's Table Topics theme "Getting to Know You" had a fun, tongue-in-cheek opening that had club members thinking, "I wonder what she's going to ask me?" The respondents' answers had the room rolling in laughter. Thanks Eldon, Jim, Una and Mary for the fun responses and GREAT JOB Fiona!
Then quick as a flash, it was time for the prepared speeches.
Kim Crews let Silver Spring Toastmasters know "What Really Goes On In the Man Cave" during her speech about Fantasy Football. Did YOU know it all began in 1962, and currently has 30 million participants in North America who invest an average of $134 per person per year on their sporting passion? Outstanding work Kim and yet another step closer to that Competent Communicator's designation!
Next, our Vice President of Membership, Joan Phillips answered the question, "Was All That REALLY Worth It?". Her story told of a training contract she was involved in that eventually landed her in the Beverly Hilton at the AFI Lifetime Achievement Awards. While it's best to have her tell it since you'll enjoy it more, the core of her answer to the question posed in the speech title rests in a single letter: "D".
"The Rent is Due", delivered by Maxine Blanks, began with her singing a piece of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On". Her speech reminded everyone attending that activism is not only our right but our responsibility. A stirring call to action and fantastic job on your second project Maxine!
Finally, our very own Area 62 Governor and club member, Merlyn Kettering treated #1314 to the speech that earned him the role of Contest Master at the 2010 District 36 Fall Conference. Influenced by two of the greatest speeches ever delivered on American soil, Merlyn entreated us all to Make Our Dreams Take Flight.
WOW, break time was ELECTRIC! The chatter, laughter and smiles engulfed Room 204 while everyone enjoyed the fare provided by Merlyn and Una Mae Kettering.
In playing Master Evaluator for the evening, I had the pleasure of introducing our Evaluators. Each was effusive in their praises of the speakers' efforts while being particularly helpful with the specificity of the suggestions for improvement. EXCELLENT evaluations were delivered and 3 of the 4 Evaluators were Una Mae Kettering, Tiffany Montero and our Treasurer Mike Nolan.
Also, outstanding examples of a Timer's, Listener's and Grammarian's Report were provided by Oswaldo Ortega, Eldon Ralph and Louise Janus respectively.
With EVERY meeting Silver Spring Toastmasters continues to gain more and more momentum. Because of the heartfelt contributions of members looking to improve themselves and help others do the same, this truly is a club on fire.
You can feel the connection, the excitement when you enter Room 204 at Marvin Memorial Methodist Church on the first and third Wednesdays of every month.
Whether you're already a member or visiting us online, we invite YOU to......
Come Soar With Us!
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