While the giant, golden, 24-foot-high statue was nowhere in sight in room 204, and the carpet was not exactly red, a rather illustrious and prestigious atmosphere prevailed.Twenty-seven (27) stars, including nine (9) guest-stars were present at the Silver Spring 1314 meeting on March 2nd. As if memories of Oscar Night, just a few days past, were still alive in everyone’s mind, there was sense of excitement. Sgt-at-Arms, Louise Janus, set the tone for the meeting as she alluded to the Oscars, and the meeting progressed in a kind of “epic” fashion.
David Buresh traded his VP-Education hat for the presidential hat, in the absence Mel Bayo, the Club’s president. In true Toastmasters leadership style, coupled with David’s own adaptability, the meeting was lead well, and with ease! Kudos to you, David!
Just a sneak-peak at our guest list: With thanks and commendation to Mike Nolan, our guests included two Silver Spring 1314 past presidents from 1980’s--Stan Lum, president 1980, and Michael Wolfe, president 1984. Stan’s invitees were Glen, Juan, and Jamie—all affiliated with the organization called NOAH. Did you miss Stan’s explanation of the acronym, “NOAH?”
Continuing with the guest list: Lisa Covi, and Gerald Crawford, secretary and president respectively of Monument Toastmasters; Mike Rilee, Area 62 Lt. Gov. Marketing, and president of Do Tell Toastmasters, and Issa, who became our newest member that night. Welcome Issa!
In Shirley Jarvis’ debut leadership role of TMOE, she recalled the Ides of March, a festival celebrating the god of Mars. How fitting! In our own rights, we were celebrating yet another grand time of great leadership, brilliant speeches, and fun-filled interaction. Shirley’s role bore evidence of preparation and a quest for quality.
Una-Mae Kettering assumed the role of Table Topics at last minute, and did a fantastic job! She invited participants to stretch their imagination, loosen-up, and recall favorite memories, mostly from childhood at knee-high. This theme brought out some of the funniest responses. Among the favorites was one from Gerald Crawford. Of the wide variety of fruits with which we are blessed, he imagined himself being a watermelon. Just imagine a great big watermelon falling from several feet high, and breaking into numerous pieces—juice, color, seeds, and all—how many lives would be touched! Really funny, Gerald!
No Oscar statuettes were handed our, but we were entertained by three brilliant, enlightening and entertaining speeches:
Andy Jacobs’ superbly delivered speech, titled: “Should you Change” brought back memories of the old TV game show, a favorite, and counter-intuitive, “Let’s Make a Deal.” Like Monty Hall, the illustrious host, Andy delivered a powerful dose of nostalgia as he achieved the objectives of Project #3. He employed the techniques of speech craft, and sincerity in delivery. Most notably, he did not use notes, and he got to the point! Good job, Andy!
What a treat it was to listen and watch as Maxine Blanks juxtaposed “Crown Jewel,” her speech title, with the Oscars. She then proceeded to edify the group of the Washington Area “Crown Jewels.” The Kennedy Center, the Opera House, and Eisenhower Center for the Performing Arts were all named and illustrated with descriptive language such as grandeur, magnificent, majestic, and spectacular. Oh, and who could forget her props, especially a replica of a shawl worn by Anne Hathaway! Keep the great speeches coming, Maxine!
Merlyn Kettering, Area 62 Governor, captivated the audience. The elements of advanced speech craft and delivery were very evident as he unbundled the mystery in the title: “A Friend, a Mountain.”
With compliments to Louise Janus and Desiree Payne, Social Time was a welcome break—we spared no time in interacting with our guests.
With Joan Phillips as Master Evaluator, this important segment of the meeting really “crowned” it all. Speech evaluators, David Buresh, Pauline Brown, and Mike Nolan all lived up to expectations in providing feedback for the great speeches. The ever-so-important roles of Timer, Grammarian/Ah Counter, and Listener were done by Kim Crews, Craig Schaar, and Tiffany Montero. The degree of listening skills and attention to detail that were noted in the delivery reports were very much appreciated
To help savor the memories of another great meeting, our guests shared their positive impressions of the meeting. Lt-Gov, Mike Rilee congratulated the Club for being the first to achieve President’s Distinguished!
Did you know, that during Past President Michael Wolfe’s 1984 Presidency, he arrived so early for the meeting, that he took advantage of the time and availability of a certain very important book. He read that book in its entirety. Which book was that?
Silver Spring Toastmasters Club 1314 invite you to soar with us!
