Toastmasters at Wallingford Public Access Association Friday June 21, 2013

Our own Crystal Storo introduces and interviews Rachel Mele on 6-21-2013!
The ever erudite Tom Alvord is in it as well as some of the members of Eagle Toastmasters!

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Meeting Minutes
Cromwell Community Toastmasters

Club 5908 ~ District 53

June 18, 2013

Attendees:    Twelve members attended: Tom Alvord, Bo Bogart Linda Campbell, Rob Dalo, Asha Gangina, Charlie Hubert, Elizabeth Landeen, Phil Mason, Hollie Rose, Crystal Storo, Brian Terry, Carolyn Warner

Business Meeting:

The meeting was called to order by Charlie Hubert. Rob announced that this would be his last meeting serving as president and how great the experience has been for him. Crystal conducted the business meeting offering handouts delineating the following key points: 1) Rachel Mele ACB of the Wallingford Eagle Toastmasters will be speaking at the Wallingford Public Access Association this Friday 6/21 at 7 pm. Rachel will be giving a speech on Toastmasters followed by a Q & A session. Crystal Storo CC, CL will be conducting the interview. The show will be video captured and broadcast on Comcast Xfinity 18, AT&T Uverse 99 and on the public internet. We will be going to dinner afterwards at the Old Dublin in Wallingford. All are invited to come, show support and join us for dinner; 2). TLI - Toastmasters Leadership Institute - Education for all to attend, need 4 of the new officers to attend. Crystal, Elizabeth, Hollie, Sheetal, and Bo have all registered for Aug 10th. Register at: http://d53tli2013.eventbrite.com/# Dates are: June22 - Schenectady, NY, July 13 - Hamden, CT, August 3 - Division A - TBA, August 10 - Manchester, CT; 3). Cromwell Toastmasters is now part of the new Area 32. Starting July 1st our new Area Governor will be Nathan Jaycox from the Energy Club. Area 32 includes Farmington Toastmasters, SBD Power Speakers in New Britain, Energy Toastmasters, CCAT, Middlesex County Toastmasters and Cromwell Community Toastmasters.  The attendance is free and there will also be free food provided.

 

Rob presented Linda with a  'Half CC Educational Achievement Certificate' and Hollie took a pictures. 

Rob further offered a shout out to Hollie for her help with the pictures on our website.

Meeting Roles:

Toastmaster: Crystal Storo CC, CL

Crystal thanked us for coming and encouraged us all to bring guests to the meetings. She thanked Phil for challenging us with the humorous pictures in tonight's Table Topics.

Invocation: Elizabeth Landeen

Elizabeth seconded Rob's theme for this year, " be a player; don't just sit in the stands" citing " go big or go home" as her personal theme and advised each of us to think of a personal theme for the year both for Toastmasters and life in general.

Word Master: Tom Alvord ACB, ALB

Word - of - the - Day: Rhetoric -  noun  - meaning the art of effective or persuasive speech or writing especially figures of speech and composition techniques; more recent usage as language designed to have an impressive effect on the audience but lacking in sincerity or meaningful content. Example:  " All we hear..... is empty rhetoric."

Table Topics Master: Phil Mason CC

Theme: Elaborating on humorous pictures

1. Charlie Hubert: Charlie said his picture reminded him of a 'gear head', a farmer of mechanical things, a cool guy and wondered how the truck got up in the tree and how they would get it out.

2. Brian Terry: Brian related how a friend of his was looking for a parking spot near a building and noted the car in the picture was positioned so the person could get out of the driver's side and that a motorcycle driver in the background is trying to figure out what to do. He further said it's interesting what people will do to get a close parking spot.

3. Linda Campbell: Linda recalled a recent incident where a deer standing on the road suddenly charged her after she clapped her hands in an effort to save the deer from being hit by a car and further related that the man on the motorcycle may have stopped quickly and the goat chasing him just hopped onboard or he might just have an interesting friendship with a goat.

4. Rob Dalo: Seeing a dog dressed in an airplane, Rob mentioned that people are always dressing their pets up in crazy costumes and how his daughters used to dress up their two cats. He said the cats are being tortured as they tortured him with their antics especially in the middle of the night and tonight he will pull out those costumes.

5. Asha Gangina: Seeing a young boy looking at an empty wine bottle that he thought he would enjoy, Asha said it reminded her of her daughter putting everything in the trash can.

6. Carolyn Warner: Carolyn related how she and her boyfriend go on hikes to get into shape and take their dog Joy along with them to Sleeping Giant and Ragged Mountain. She mentioned the way the woman in the picture was carrying her dog is giving her motivation to take her dog on a walk to the beach.

Prepared Speeches:

Speaker # 1: Bo Bogart

Manual/Project: Competent Communicator/ # 1.- Icebreaker

Title: Thank Goodness for Our Friends

Speaker # 2: Tom Alvord

Manual/Project: Competent Communicator

Title: Aristotle and Toastmasters

Speaker # 3: Hollie Rose

Manual/Project: Competent Communicator/ #6. - Vocal Variety

Title: Diaries and Journals

Cromwell Community Toastmasters Incoming Officers  (beginning July 2013):

President: Crystal Storo CC, CL

Sergeant at Arms: Charlie Hubert

Treasurer: Brian Fleming

Secretary: Bo Bogart

VP Public Relations: Hollie Rose

VP Education: Elizabeth Landeen

VP Membership: Sheetal Patel

General Evaluator: Elizabeth Landeen

Elizabeth thanked Charlie for getting everything ready for the meeting, and said, " even in the pouring rain, the signs were out", mentioned how creative the Table Topics pictures were and thanked Phil for such a great idea, said that the interruption during the meeting didn't bother us, explained how much we all learn via the speeches, thanked Hollie for pushing through and giving an alternate speech, noted with specific examples how effective tonight's evaluators were and proposed that we use the round robin technique for evaluation again as it proved very helpful to us all. Elizabeth advised that the round robin evaluation idea could be suggested to the new officers.

Evaluator # 1: Charlie Hubert

Evaluator # 2: All participated using Round Robin technique/ Asha Gangina ( written evaluation)

Evaluator # 3: Rob Dalo

Functionary Reports:

Ah Counter: Brian Terry

Grammarian: Linda Campbell

Timer: Carolyn Warner

Closing: Rob Dalo and Crystal Storo

Asha Gangina informed us that she won't be able to attend meetings for the next six months as she will be moving to Fort Worth, TX  for a new job. She thanked everyone for supporting and helping her and for the friendly environment provided by the Cromwell Community Toastmasters club. We wish her all the best and hope she'll keep in touch with us.

Rob congratulated Bo on her Icebreaker speech and presented her with Icebreaker mints and a ribbon. Crystal and Rob further presented each outgoing officer with a certificate and Toastmaster key chain with his or her office engraved on one side and the Toastmaster International logo on the other. Crystal presented Rob with a beautiful club president award and said " ...you stepped up to the plate...have grown tremendously...providing outstanding dedication and leadership..." Hollie took a photo of Crystal and Rob holding the club president award. Crystal further gave each incoming officer a Club Leadership Handbook, and Elizabeth (VPE) several additional manuals and our new DCP chart and introduced a chart to track everybody's progress ( CC, Advanced Communicator Awards and CL). She recommended that we think about our goals for the                                                                 next year            

 

 Rob reiterated what a successful year it had been and how much he enjoyed being our president. He also noted that the VPE "really runs the club" and that Crystal has lead it "with vigor and passion". He told Crystal that " you made me look good" and thanked her for her "effort, hard work, and dedication". Rob presented Crystal with a 'pair of shoes in a box' for Designer Shoe Warehouse, thanking her for " the passion you bring to the club". Rob ended the meeting with his comment that we could either " sit in the stands or be out on the court....all the fun happens on the court."

Reminder: Crystal asked us to please use the box at the bottom of the agenda page on our website if unable to attend the next meeting.

Next meeting: July 2, 2013

Respectfully submitted by

Linda Campbell, Secretary

Uploaded by Hollie Rose.

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Cromwell Community Toastmasters Meeting Minutes - June 4, 2013

Cromwell Community Toastmasters

Club 5908 ~ District 53

June 4, 2013

Attendees: Eleven members attended: Tom Alvord, Linda Campbell, Rob Dalo, Asha Gangina, Charlie Hubert, Elizabeth Landeen, Donald Ostertag, Sheetal Patel, Hollie Rose, Crystal Storo, Brian Terry

Guests: Richard Franz Jr. (Incoming Div. Governor), Eve Lai, Angie Lai

 

Business Meeting:

The meeting was called to order by Charlie Hubert. Rob Dalo introduced the incoming Division Governor, Richard Franz Jr. and guests and noted the unusual number of empty seats alluding to the nice weather as the cause. Crystal conducted the business meeting and handouts were provided with the following key points: 1). New Area - Governor, Nathan Jaycox, Division Governor Richard Franz Jr.. Area 32 includes Farmington Club, SBD Power Speakers, Energy, CCAT, Middlesex and Cromwell; 2). TLI - Toastmasters Leadership Institute - Education for all to attend, need 4 of the new officers to attend. Crystal, Elizabeth, Hollie, Sheetal, and Bo have all registered for Aug 10th. Register at: http://d53tli2013.eventbrite.com/# Dates are: June22 - Schenectady, NY, July 13 - Hamden, CT, August 3 - Division A - TBA, August 10 - Manchester, CT; 3). Joint Meeting with Glastonbury Toastmasters at their location on Mon, Sept 16th. More details to follow. 4). SPEAK documentary - Any interest? Contact Crystal. A handout on the Toastmasters Revitalized Education Program was also provided. Hollie, our Toastmaster, seconded Rob's comment about the beautiful weather, welcomed members and guests, and provided us with interesting facts about this day in history ( " a day of firsts") and briefly explained some facets of the Revitalized Education Program.

 

Meeting Roles:

 

Toastmaster: Hollie Rose

 

Invocation: Eve Lai

 

Word Master: Brian Terry

Word - of - the - Day: Ubiquitous - adjective - present at all times; omnipresent. A an example of the usage was provided from a technical manual - " The human connective tissue is ubiquitous...".

 

Table Topics Master: Elizabeth Landeen

 Theme: Advice from club members to Elizabeth Landeen as incoming VP Education 

 

1. Rob Dalo: What advice/suggestions would you give to officers going into new roles? Rob said the office of president was an honor, made him a better speaker, got him up on his feet more and gave him the ability to handle things when they change quickly. His advice to the incoming president is to have fun, nothing to be nervous about, friends are cheering for you, you'll meet new people who are friendly and nice, and .....remember to breathe and relax!

 

2. Tom Alvord: Of all our club members who would you like to have give more speeches? Tom said, " Everyone, especially the newest members." He specifically mentioned Asha, Brian and Charlie.

 

3. Brian Terry: Who would you like to have as your mentor and why? Brian told us he would like to be more animated and connect with the audience. He mentioned several people but said he didn't have favorites.

 

4. Charlie Hubert: Regarding Presidents Distinguish Club, what are your ideas to help us reach this goal? Charlie mentioned new members, Heather's excellent job with the Cromwell Community Toastmaster's website, encouraging guests to attend our meetings, mentoring and use of the internet.

 

5. Don Ostertag: What Toastmasters goals are you setting for the upcoming year? Donald said he "wants to get up here more often.... read in front of people."

 

6. Eve Lai: What Toastmaster goals are you setting for the upcoming year? Eve said she would like to give speeches.

 

7. Richard Franz Jr.: What should a VP Education be? Richard said his advice is to enjoy the job, have fun while doing it, don't drive yourself crazy, encourage people to do things and to give speeches, always bring your manuals to the meetings and that one of the six dimensions of leadership is encouragement.

 

Prepared Speeches:

 

Speaker # 1: Asha Gangina

Manual/Project: Competent Communicator/Project 2, Organize Your Speech

Title: Global Warming

 

Speaker # 2: Linda Campbell

Manual/Project: Competent Communicator/Project 5, Your Body Speaks

Title: Those Quirky Detectives

 

Speaker # 3: Richard Franz Jr.

Incoming Division Governor

Inauguration of our 2013-2014 club officers

 

Outgoing officers were thanked for all their hard work during the past year and the incoming officers were inaugurated, beginning their service in July. Photos were taken of the inauguration of our new officers. Thank you Tom! 

 

Cromwell Community Toastmasters Incoming Officers:

 

President: Crystal Storo CC, CL

 

Sergeant at Arms: Charlie Hubert

 

Treasurer: Brian Fleming

 

Secretary: Bo Bogart

 

VP Public Relations: Hollie Rose

 

VP Education: Elizabeth Landeen

 

VP Membership: Sheetal Patel

 

 

General Evaluator: Crystal Storo

 

Crystal noted that everyone had a chance to speak tonight, mentioned that we can learn to grow as evaluators and further said it was helpful to evaluate the evaluators which can provide insight. She described the 'sandwich approach' used by both Charlie and Tom as very helpful and complimented both evaluators on giving the positives as well as suggestions for improvement. Crystal reiterated that the beautiful weather was probably the reason for a lower than normal attendance and reminded us to share if we aren't going to be at the meeting ( block provided at the bottom of the agenda page on the Cromwell Community Toastmasters site). She encouraged members to discuss Toastmasters and bring guests to the meetings. Crystal congratulated Hollie on her role as Toastmaster mentioning her personal energy, the theme of the meeting, her introductions to speeches, her seamless but not effortless manner when leading into each portion of the meeting, and offered a suggestion to encourage members via email to sign up for roles that remain open a day or two before the meeting. She further expressed her excitement about the upcoming year and the new team of officers and also encouraged all members to get involved and share ideas. Crystal mentioned there are two speech contests throughout the year.

 

Evaluator # 1: Charlie Hubert

 

Evaluator # 2: Tom Alvord, ACB, ALB

 

Evaluator # 3: Rob Dalo

 

Functionary Reports:

 

Ah Counter: Charlie Hubert

 

Grammarian: Tom Alvord, ACB, ALB

 

Timer: Donald Ostertag

 

At the close of the meeting Rob said it had been a fantastic meeting and asked the guests their thoughts. Eve responded when asked if she enjoyed herself, " I sure did!" Richard said, " It was an excellent meeting."

Rob announced that the next meeting will be held on June 18th and encouraged us to sign up for roles saying "meetings are so much more fun when you participate."

 

Next meeting: June 18th

 

Respectfully submitted by

Linda Campbell, Secretary