August 20, 2013 Meeting Minutes

Cromwell Community Toastmasters

Club 5908 ~ District 53

 August 20, 2013 Meeting Minutes

[My bad - I thought I posted this last week. Sorry it's late! ~~ Hollie]

“Go Big or Go Home”

Attendees:   members attended:  Bo Bogart, Elizabeth Landeen, Cheryl Mason DTM, Phil Mason CC, Donald Ostertag, Sheetal Patel, Hollie Rose CC, Molly Seely, Crystal Storo, and Andrew Watt.

Guests:  Miroslav Grajewski, Mark LaBarge and Catherine Rose

Business Meeting:

The meeting was called to order on time by Phil Mason CC. President, Crystal Storo thanked everyone for coming and then welcomed new members Molly Seely and Andrew Watt. Elizabeth Landeen - VP of Education – spoke about the upcoming speech contest Crystal congratulated: Hollie Rose on receiving her CC; Cheryl Mason DTM on completing her 7^th CL manual and Sheetal Patel on completing her ½ CC.  She spoke of our club’s goal to be a President’s Distinguished Club, Hollie spoke of the Aug. 10^th Leadership Training and Crystal introduced our three guests and they told what brought them to tonight’s meeting.

 Meeting Roles:

Toastmaster:  Crystal Storo

Invocation:  Donald Ostertag - Looking for a non denominational invocation Don inspired us with his and Emily Dickinson’s thoughts on Dwelling in Possibilities.

Word Master:  Hollie Rose

Word - of - the - Day: finesse – extreme subtlety in action, performance or skill, skill in handling a difficult or highly sensitive situation

Table Topics Master:  Bo Bogart

Theme: Theater and movies - Cheryl Mason answered the first question and told us she’d like to see Bob Seeger in concert,  Catherine described Lady Gaga’s meat outfit and

 Andrew acted out three different roles  from the Pirates of Penzance. Molly told us how she picks movies, horror shows are first choice, Miroslav said that the last movie he saw was so gruesome that he and a friend watched a “chick flick” afterwards and Mark told us how he evolved into his current job and how he got his great Mr. Potatohead  tie.

Prepared Speeches:

Speaker # 1:  Elizabeth Landeen

Manual/Project: Competent Communicator/Project 1 Ice Breaker 

Title:  How My Heart Found the West - Elizabeth told us when she was a teenager she visited the southwest and loved it so much she didn’t want to come back to CT. She did come back to CT, but then chose a college that was near the Grand Canyon. Some of the draws are the history and Native American culture, slower lifestyle, easy camping access, less bugs and lower humidity.  She plans to go back someday.

 Speaker # 2:   Andrew Watt

Manual/Project: Competent Communicator/Project 1 Ice Breaker 

Title:  What Do They Really Need?  Andrew spoke of skills, students and how he had to facilitate learning while fading into the background. He then told us three stories, the first one of a backpacking trip where he was carrying a lot of gear. It was a 14 day hike with only 9 minutes at the summit to see the view, but the trip was totally worth it.  The next story was about another hike where he had trouble with the local drinking water and a fellow traveler helped him out by having accessible toilet paper.  His third story was of a 13 year old boy he was restraining so that the boy couldn’t return to the fight he’d been in.  The boy bit Andrew and was warned if he bit Andrew again, Andrew would bite him back. Andrew ended up biting the boy. His conclusion tied the three stories together very cleverly.

Speaker # 3:  Cheryl Mason DTM

Manual/Project:  Competent Communicator/Project 1 Ice Breaker 

Title:  26,37,52  Cheryl told us of the excitement of  their first house, how her husband was a visionary to find it and how family, friends and neighbors turned their first house  into a home.  In the 26 years they lived there, there were celebrations and good times and some not so good times. Cheryl told us that after 37 years in their home her parents moved to a ranch in NH, where they are happy, and after 52 years in their home her in-laws moved into an apartment, where they too, are happy.  Family, neighbors and celebrations make a home and there is much potential.

General Evaluator: Hollie Rose CC

Evaluator # 1:  Phil Mason CC

Evaluator # 2:  Sheetal Patel

Evaluator # 3:  Crystal Storo CC, CL

Functionary Reports:

Ah Counter:  Elizabeth Landeen

Grammarian:  Catherine Rose

Timer:  Donald Ostertag

In closing Crystal gave Ice Breaker candies to Elizabeth, Andrew and Cheryl.  Elizabeth also received her ½ CC.  Congratulations!  Crystal asked new members and guests what they thought of the meeting.  Molly said she watched the functionaries because now that she’s a member she wants to be more involved. Mark had some questions about all the abbreviations.  Miroslav thought Toastmasters could be very useful and might soon sign up to become a member.  Catherine, a member in Hartford is thinking of joining our club. Andrew had fun.

  

Next meeting: September 3, 2013

Respectfully submitted by

Bo Bogart, Secretary

[Posted by Hollie Rose]

Leadership Training August 10th in Manchester

Four of our Cromwell Community Club Officers got up bright 

and early on Saturday morning August 10th, 2013 to attend Toastmasters Leadership Training in Manchester. 

Sheetal Patel, Bo Bogart, Hollie Rose and Elizabeth Landeen pose with David Freedman District 53 Lt. Gov. Marketing.

It was an exciting day, this past weekend, where we got a chance to network with and learn with other members of our respective offices. David Freedman worked the crowd before the opening festivities. 

During the Opening Ceremonies we heard many great speakers from the District 53 Leadership talk about the value and privilege of serving as a Toastmasters Officer, including District 53 Governor Val Albert. I didn't get a good photo of her speaking, but here's Bette McIntire (Lt. Gov. Education & Training) during her presentation on the health of our clubs...

And here's a few more pictures from the day we had...

 

 Elizabeth and Bo and Sheetal, notebooks at the ready!

Here's Bo in the Record Keeping Session taught by Jay Discount. (Photo by Arnie Grot)

And lucky me! All my VPPR classes were taught by Heather Turner - Social Media and Marketing guru from our club last year and owner of Forfeng Designs. Here she is above teaching the basics of Toastmaster Website manipulation and below, leading the open forum for VPPRs.

(Below photo by Arnie Grot)

The day ended with another chance for Jerry Aiyathruai to practice his semi-final speech for the International Convention in Cincinnati next week.

 

 

All in all it was a good day!

  ~~~~~ Hollie Rose

Cromwell Community Toastmasters

Club 5908 ~ District 53

 August 6, 2013

“Go Big or Go Home”

Attendees:   12 members attended:, Tom Alvord ACB, ALB, Bo Bogart, Linda Campbell,  Robert Dalo,  Elizabeth Landeen, Cheryl Mason DTM, Phil Mason CC, Sheetal Patel, Hollie Rose,  Crystal Storo, William Sullivan ACB,ALB,  and Carolyn Warner

Guests:  Jerry Aiyathurai, Joe Markim, Mollie Seely, Andrew Watt and Evan Glenn

Business Meeting:

The meeting was called to order on time by Phil Mason CC. President, Crystal Storo thanked us all for coming and Elizabeth Landeen passed around a sign up sheet for the Fall Speech Contest to be held Sept. 17^th.

 Meeting Roles:

Toastmaster:  Tom Alvord ACB,ALB

Invocation:  Sheetal Patel inspired us with thoughts from Mark Twain.  She spoke of how we are more disappointed by what we don’t do than by what we do and told us the best way to cheer ourselves is to cheer others.

Word Master:  Linda Campbell

Word - of - the - Day: malapropism – noun:  the humorous misuse of a word by confusing it with a similar sounding word

Table Topics Master:  Elizabeth Landeen

Theme: Her recent road trip inspired a travel theme.

 Bill Sullivan answered the first question letting us know he thought the ultimate road trip vehicle might be a VW Bus or a Harley Davidson.  Rob Dalo told us that his family plays name that tune, which is lots of fun in the beginning but the constant changing of the radio channel gets annoying.  Phil shared that he and Cheryl had gone to New Orleans and the food, entertainment and bars there were great.  We heard that if Carolyn Warner was on a trip she would miss sleeping in her own bed and would miss her little dog Joy. Last, but not least, Mollie’s dream trip would be off the beaten path – she has no place in particular in mind but feels she’s on a quest.

Prepared Speeches:

Speaker # 1:  Hollie Rose

Manual/Project: Competent Communicator/Project   8

          (Completing Hollie’s Competent Communication Manual.)            CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Title: A Brief History of the Highway

           

 Speaker # 2:  Sheetal Patel

Manual/Project: Competent Communicator/Project 4

Title:  Caste System in India

Speaker # 3:  Bo Bogart

Manual/Project: Competent Communicator/Project 3

Title:  Two Ears, One Mouth

Speaker # 4:   Jerry Aiyathurai

Manual/Project: Practice for upcoming International Contest

Title:  Unspoken

          GOOD LUCK!!!

General Evaluator: Cheryl Mason DTM

Evaluator # 1: Bo Bogart

Evaluator # 2: William Sullivan, ACB, ALB

Evaluator # 3: Elizabeth Landeen

Evaluator # 4: Round Robin

Functionary Reports:

Ah Counter: Crystal Storo

Grammarian:  Carolyn Warner

Timer:  Phil Mason CC

After Cheryl’s evaluation of the meeting she specifically thanked the Timer and Toastmaster as both positions are much more demanding than they appear.

Crystal asked tonight's guests for feedback.  Mollie said it was enjoyable, Joe was surprised by all the details and many facets, Andrew had a wonderful time and Evan loves the atmosphere and positive energy.  Jerry was thankful for all the feedback on his speech.

  

Next meeting: August 20, 2013

Respectfully submitted by

Bo Bogart, Secretary

Posted by webmaster Hollie Rose

Hot fun in the summertime - meeting minutes July 16th 2013

Cromwell Community Toastmasters

Club 5908 ~ District 53

July 16, 2013

Attendees:  Nine members attended: Linda Campbell, Cheryl Mason, Phil Mason, Sheetal Patel, Hollie Rose, Crystal Storo, Brian Terry, Heather Turner, Carolyn Warner

Guest: Molly Sealy

 

Business Meeting:

 

The meeting was called to order by Acting Sergeant at Arms, Phil Mason. Crystal Storo discussed new business: 2013-2014 Member Goals ( CC and CL charts were provided), August 6th Meeting ( Guest Speaker will be Jerry Aiyathuri, CCAP District 53 winner of the International Speech Contest who will be competing in the World Championship of Public Speaking. At our next meeting he will be giving us a chance to hear his Semi Final speech.), Fall Speech Contest September 17 (Crystal encouraged us to sign up for roles of: Contest Chair, Toastmaster, and Chief Judge and mentioned that we can get credit in the CL manuals for 'Developing Your Facilitation Skills' and 'Teambuilding'.)

 

 

Meeting Roles:

 

Toastmaster: Carolyn Warner

 

Invocation: Carolyn Warner: Carolyn cited the words of Dale Carnegie, "There are always three speeches for the one you actually gave: the one you practiced, the one you gave, and the one you wish you gave."

 

Word Master: Phil Mason, CC

Word - of - the - Day: Venality - noun - A condition of being susceptible to bribery or corruption.  A an example of the usage: The venality of a corrupt judge....

 

Table Topics Master: Heather Turner, ACS CL

 Theme: Think on your feet

 

1. Crystal Storo:   With ten minutes warning, what do you have available to survive a Class 5 hurricane?  Crystal said she is a survivalist and that her mom had introduced her to being prepared. She described her amazing survival kit that is always kept in her car.

 

2. Phil Mason: If you're in your usual supermarket shopping for groceries when the zombie apocalypse struck, what would you grab from the supermarket? Phil said he'd grab a frozen ham, bag of potatoes, hardware, a spatula, frying pans, cleaver, some automotive lubricant or a lighter to fend off the attack, frozen pizzas for a pizza party, or maybe alcohol to help him trick himself into oblivion to the zombie apocalypse.

 

3. Hollie Rose: What do you keep in your car right now that would help you if your car died in the middle of the Nevada desert? Holly said that she could subsist on her many half bottles of water that she's collected in her backseat of her Suburu Forester as well as use a blanket to drape over her car as a means to create shade. She further told us about a trip she had taken through the desert in the 80s in her Chevy van with her cat.

 

4. Sharon Roth: If aliens take over the minds and bodies of people and made them immune to pain, how would you know your best friend hasn't been taken over? Sharon said her best friend is her sister who lives on a ranch in MA and has horses. She would see if her sister had been taken over by aliens, and therefore immune to pain, by sticking her in the arm with a pin. 

 

5. Cheryl Mason: If you could talk to your dog for five minutes, what would you ask?  Cheryl told us about her two pet dogs, Abby and Ginger, and would ask them  " Are we feeding you enough?" and "What do you think of the family you have?" and additionally said it would be nice to have them tell us more about what they think.

 

6. Sheetal Patel: If a man came into your office demanding money, what would you do? Sheetal said she would first offer him water and then hit him on the head with a stapler. She further mentioned it is OK to ask for money but not to steal money.

 

 

Prepared Speeches:

 

Speaker # 1: Linda Campbell

Manual/Project: Competent Communication/Project 7, Research Your Topic

Title: Walk!

 

Speaker # 2: Sheetal Patel

Manual/Project: Competent Communication/Project 4, How to Say It

Title: Caste System in India

 

Speaker # 3: Cheryl Mason, DTM

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

Title: The Travel Challenge

 

 

General Evaluator: Phil Mason, CC

 

Phil commented that although the attendance was a little low due to the heat and vacations, it was a great meeting nontheless. He congratulated Carolyn for taking on the role of Toastmaster for the first time complimented her on how comfortable she was and how prepared, clear.and consistent were the agendas, speech objectives and introductions He reminded us to think about Charlie who is under the weather.  

 

Evaluator # 1: Crystal Storo, CC CL

 

Evaluator # 2: Hollie Rose

 

Evaluator # 3: Sharon Roth, ACGT ALB

 

Functionary Reports:

 

Ah Counter: Cherly Mason, DTM

 

Grammarian: Heather Turner, ACS CL

 

Timer: Brian Terry

 

At the close Crystal said it had been a fantastic meeting, complimented Carolyn for her great job as Toastmaster Phil for his excellent feedback. She asked guest Molly Sealy to express her thoughts about the meeting tonight. Molly had been working on graduate work at the town library next door and on her drive out happened to spot our Toastmaster signs ( thanks Phil!) and turned her car around in order to join us. She gave a short speech describing a bit about her background and her interest in Toastmasters and ended the inspiring words: "Here's to getting out of our comfort zone and making the time and place". She intends to join Cromwell Community Toastmasters.

Crystal reminded us that the next meeting will be held on August 6th and cordially welcomed us to stay for a social get-together after tonight's meeting.

 

 

***If anyone would like to send our friend, fellow Toastmaster, and accomplished Sergeant at Arms, Charlie Hubert a get well card, I know he would so greatly appreciate it. Tom advised it best to send our cards to Charlie's home address, rather than his email address, for the time being. According to Tom, Charlie will likely be away from Toastmasters for a few months. I will send out Charlie's address to members as soon as I receive it from Tom. We sure miss him!

 

 

Next meeting: August 6, 2013

 

Respectfully submitted by

Linda Campbell, Secretary ( filling in for Bo Bogart)

Meeting Minutes for July 2, 2013

Cromwell Community Toastmasters

Club 5908 ~ District 53

July 2, 2013

 

Attendees: Twelve members attended: Tom Alvord, Bo Bogart, Linda Campbell, Chu Chang, Elizabeth Landeen, Donald Ostertag, Sheetal Patel, Hollie Rose, Sharon Roth, Crystal Storo, William Sullivan and Brian Terry,

Guests: Andrew Watt and Durga Yenuga

 

Business Meeting:

The meeting was called to order on time by Donald Ostertag. President, Crystal Storo led a toast to the new year which started July 1, 2013.  The motto for this year is “Go Big or Go Home.”  VP Education, Elizabeth Landeen discussed Competent Communicator and Competent Leader charts which members can fill in at their convenience.  The Cromwell Community Toastmasters 2013–2014 goal is to become a President’s Distinguished Club.  By show of hands members indicated their goals for the coming year.  Bo Bogart told how there were CC and CL manuals available for new members to use.  Hollie Rose spoke of the upcoming Speak documentary, (date and place not yet confirmed) and Elizabeth had a sign up sheet for the Fall Speech Contest to be held Sept. 17^th.

 

 

Meeting Roles:

 

Toastmaster: Donald Ostertag

 

Invocation: Chu Chang - Mission Statement

 

Word Master: Hollie Rose

Word - of - the - Day: Hyperbole – extreme exageration

 Table Topics Master:  Crystal Storo, CC, CL

Theme: Independence Day

Andrew Watt answered the first question, “What if our country had never received independence?”   

Chu Chang spoke about his favorite national leader.

Don Ostertag explained why youth should take an active part in politics. 

Sheetal Patel told us about her most memorable 4^th of July.

William Sullivan let us know that next year he hopes to watch fireworks from the White House.

 

 

Prepared Speeches:

 

Speaker # 1:  Brian Terry

Manual/Project: Competent Communicator/Project 1   Icebreaker

Title: From Chemist to Virologist

 

Speaker # 2: Bo Bogart

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

Title: I Love a Parade

 

Speaker # 3: Linda Campbell

Manual/Project: Competent Communicator/Project 9 Persuade with Power

Title: The Magic Pill

 

Speaker # 4: Hollie Rose

Manual/Project: 5 Your Body Speaks

Title:  Life is a Game

 

 

General Evaluator: Tom Alvord, ACB, ALB

 

Evaluator # 1: Tom Alvord, ACB, ALB

 

Evaluator # 2: Sharon Roth, ACG ALB

 

Evaluator # 3: Round Robin

 

Evaluator # 4: William Sullivan, ACB, ALB

 

Functionary Reports:

 

Ah Counter: Sheetal Patel

 

Grammarian:  Andrew Watt (guest)– Andrew gave a very detailed report and also brought to our attention that other filler words such as: kinda, like, you know were being used and should be tracked so that speakers are aware of their use.

 

Timer: Donald Ostertag

 

At the close of the meeting Crystal asked the guests for their thoughts. Andrew said it was excellent and a lot of fun.  Durga said he will come back.  We hope to see both of them again soon.  After the meeting some members stayed to socialize and enjoy refreshments.  Post meeting social time with refreshments will be a regular feature.

 

Next meeting: July 16^th.

 

Respectfully submitted by

Bo Bogart, Secretary

(A little late getting this to the blog - holidays can cause that. Enjoy the summer everyone!
      ~~~~~ Hollie)