Big "D" Talk

A View from Inside the TLI Kick-off ...

David Medart — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:11:00 GMT

How many attended the TLI Kick-off, you ask? Well, the large cafeteria for the general session ran out of seats about 15 minutes before it began. There were people standing up all around the room, especially in the far corner, along the center of the back wall, and near the entrance. I already knew that quite a few new members and non-officers attended—including the vice-president for education of a club that chartered on June 28—but I had no idea how many. So, I asked Summer 2010 TLI Chair Tracie Henderson (and 2009-2010 Southern Division governor) if she knew. She replied,

“This weekend was in fact a huge success. We had 358 club officer positions trained! Officers from 113 [out of 146] clubs participated! 48 clubs had 4 or more officers trained! WOW! There were over 400 attendees and we do have an exact number that I can't seem to find right now. Oh, we also had two clubs from District 25 that had all of their officers trained. So, overall it was a great day for everyone involved.”

Wow, indeed!

I got to see several officers from the Hillcrest, Eagles, and ProSpeak clubs that were in my Area 33 last year. One thing’s for sure, once you’ve been an area governor, it forever changes your perspective as a Toastmaster. The classes were full for the first three hours. The first hour, I went to Helen Liu’s class on what is required to a Distinguished Toastmaster; having earned two DTMs and being a recent past district governor, she definitely know how to accomplish that. I took extensive notes on the requirements for the High Performance Leadership (HPL) project; that’s perhaps the most difficult requirement for the Advanced Leader Silver (ALS). At the time, she was close to deciding on her third HPL project!

After that, I returned to the cafeteria where Gary Gillespie—Spring 2009 District 50 Table Topics Contest Winner and Fall 2009 recipient of the Heart of District 50 Award—explained in his inimitable way how to succeed in table topics, both in a club and in contests

It was still packed with long, patient lines for lunch, but some of us had to wait for more of what we paid for to arrive!

The third hour I spent in Lisa Hill's session about the educational series—The Better Speaker Series, The Successful Club Series, and The Leadership Excellence Series while also mentioning the Success/Leadership and Success/Communication Series. There was a fascinating mix of people in the room that included those of us who have presented at least one educational module and at least five new Toastmasters who said they were “just soaking it all in.”

Then I returned to the cafeteria where Spring 2009 District 50 Humorous Speech Contest Winner Cynthia Brown described the unexpected journey she went on and told us how to apply that to our own winning humorous speeches, including the lessons learned during the process and even from the winning speech itself.

All in all, the TLI’s Kick-off was an amazing, educational, and uplifting event that I am very glad I was able to attend. Congratulations to Tracie, Danni, and everyone who helped Dare us to Succeed!

TLI Kick-off a Huge Success!

David Medart — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 21:03:00 GMT

The Kick-off for District 50’s Summer 2010 Toastmasters Leadership Institute was an overwhelming success! The cafeteria in the State Farm Building is a wonderful facility and had plenty of seating last February 13; but, it was standing room only by the time it started just after 9:00 AM! New Sergeant-at-Arms Dan Dodd needed a microphone just so people could hear him even begin the proceedings. I rode with Diane Kirksey and then spoke with a lot of people I had met and worked with over the past year. Apparently, almost all areas now have governors; there are a few openings, though, and at least a couple divisions could use some assistant area governors. We were truly blessed and inspired by LaShunda Rundles, 2008 World Champion of Public Speaking (WCPS), who gave the keynote address; the standing ovation she received was well-deserved!

There were quite a few district officers present from last year who either aren’t holding a district office or are filling a new office this year. District Governor Susan Gardner began by asking us to stand and be recognized for our just-completed service. She showed the list of all the governors and their mottos that District 50 has had since 1994; of course, she just had to recognize that no less than five past District 50 governors were in attendance—Carla Ranger (1999-2000, Select Distinguished District), Jack Balko (2003-2004, Select Distinguished District), Michael Goforth (2006-2007, Distinguished District; 2010-2011 Quality Education Chair), Helen Liu (2007-2008; DTM²), and Les Guse (2008-2009)! Now-Immediate Past District Governor Paulette Harvey couldn’t make it in from Bossier City, Louisiana, but I was glad to see her good friend Patty Kim (last year’s district secretary), did. I was personally inspired by the ever-on-fire Pauline Shirley, Past Distict 25 Governor (1986-1987) and Past International President (1994-1995), who not only cheerfully spoke with many present but arrived early with anticipation to get a good seat in the classes! Susan introduced this year’s new governors by division—almost all of the new D50 Executive Committee was there.

Lieutenant Governor for Marketing Monnica Lamb unveiled her marketing campaign for building clubs and starting new ones; several have already started the process toward chartering. She also announced D50’s Jewels and Gems Membership Campaign through July. Lieutenant Governor for Education and Training Danni Babik announced both the goals set by World Headquarters and the higher goals that she is challenging District 50 to achieve! Susan had some additional comments before we dispersed to officers’ training and elective educational sessions.

I knew that Big “D”’s officers Diane Kirksey and Jennifer Huch were there for training; Brenna Smith was there as well, and Shawnda Corker arrived just before the general session began. So many people attended that I didn’t know until later that Frank Kozel and Mike Weibel also attended—which means Big “D” already has the minimum four officers traned! Brenna, Jennifer, and I stayed all day, as did Area 31 Governor Lee King and Speechcraft Chair Denise Cothern (last year’s Metro Division governor). Shawnda attended classes the first two hours and said she really learned a lot as a brand new Toastmaster. The entire TLI Kick-off was full almost all day and didn’t noticeably thin out until the last hour!

No “Empty Orchestra” Here ...

David Medart — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:32:00 GMT

The regular meeting of the Big “D” Toastmasters on July 8, 2010, was called to order at 6:32 p.m. with our new President Diane Kirksey presiding. She began by reading A Toastmaster's Promise, which every Toastmaster swears to uphold when he or she signs the Form 400 Membership Application and is printed just after the title page of every manual.

The business session started at 6:36, and the minutes of the meetings of June 17 and July 1 were approved as read. (For the sake of time and with the chair's approval, the minutes of the meeting of June 24 were to be e-mailed to the club for approval or corrections.) There were no reports from officers or committees. With new Sergeant-at-Arms Jennifer Huch taking the chair, Diane announced that she had just accepted a new job that will keep her from attending most club meetings for at least the next three months, but she will otherwise remain as involved as possible. Eric Dyson noted that no objections were raised; so, by general consent, Diane will remain an active member and thus able to stay in office. District 50's new Lieutenant Governor for Education and Training Danni Babik enthusiastically announced the Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) Kick-off on Saturday, July 10, at the State Farm Insurance Building in far north Dallas; District 50's own LaShunda Rundles, 2008 World Champion of Public Speaking, is scheduled to be the keynote speaker. The business session ended at 6:48 with no unfinished business.

Stew Carson was first-time Toastmaster of the Evening with the theme of “Karoake,” which he gave a lot of interesting information about throughout the evening. To start with, the word itself comes from two Japanese words that together mean “empty orchestra.” Table Topicsmaster Danni Babik asked questions of four loquacious speakers, all of whom qualified. Prepared speeches—all for Competent Communication manual Project #2 (Organize Your Speech)—were given by Fadi Tabbara, Luke Donev, and Vicky Tamez. General Evaluator John Sessions guided us through the speech evaluations by Jim Wolff, Dan Martínez, and Benjamin Vincent, and then evaluated the meeting as a whole.

The awards went to newlywed Brad Johnson for Best Table Topic, Ben “Can-I-Draw-You?” Vincent for Best Evaluation, and Truffle-maker Luke Donev for both Best Prepared Speech and Outstanding Toastmaster of the Meeting. Our guests were Cory Huddleston, Steven Young, Tamera Ranney, and Jill. The meeting ended at 8:31 p.m., and a good time was had by all.

More Pictures from Officer-Installation Dinner Party ...

David Medart — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:25:00 GMT

The following four images were originally posted in the club Website; but, they are good highlights of the officer-installation dinner party and worth repeating. I cropped and adjusted the brightness, contrast, color, tint, and sharpness as needed before posting.

Victoria Perez was definitely in the moment while being installed as
secretary! Frank Kozel, Jennifer Huch, and Chase Miller look on.

Diane Kirksey installed as president while Keri Boyce, Victoria Perez,
Frank Kozel, and Jennifer Huch look on

Big "D"'s newly installed officers for July-December 2010:
Mike Weibel, Victoria Perez, Frank Kozel, Jennifer Huch,
Joseph Pezanowski's certificate, Diane Kirksey, and Keri Boyce

A little after-dinner Tai-chi, Ben Vincent?

Club Pictures at Officer-Installation Dinner Party ...

David Medart — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:09:00 GMT

Getting ready for our first club portrait since March 2006. Standing: Chase Miller,
Victoria Perez, Luke Donev, Diane Kirksey, Keri Boyce, Fadi Tabbara, Jennifer Huch;
seated: Angelo Pereira and Danni Babik. With so many members present and only
14 remaining from 4-plus years ago, we knew we had to do this!

This is not our club’s new portrait! Mike and Ben wanted a "crazy" picture; so, this is what we managed when the picture was taken. After 61 years, Big “D” Toastmasters still know how to have fun! Back row: Linda Martin, John Lawson, Essam El-Beik, Luke Donev just before he picked me up, David Rouble, Jennifer Huch, Stew Carson, Mac Smith, Frank Kozel, Cliff Hutchinson; middle row: Chase Miller, David Medart, Diane Kirksey, Keri Boyce, Fadi Tabbara, Dan Martínez, Benjamin Vincent, Mike Weibel; front row: Steve Patterson, Shawnda Corker, Victoria Perez, Vicky Tamez, Angelo Pereira, Danni Babik, Mac McAdams, and John Sessions.

“Are you sure they're okay?” “Yes, they look good to me!” Previewing some of
the pictures taken—Diane Kirksey, Keri Boyce, Vicky & Ana Tamez, and Dan Martínez

Officer Pictures at Officer-Installation Dinner Party ...

David Medart — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:47:00 GMT

January-June 2010 officers pose with club banner in
the Pattersons' back yard

One last picture in front of the club banner of Jan.-June 2010
VPPR Mike Weibel, President Steve Patterson, VPE Linda Martin,
SAA Frank Kozel, Treasurer Victoria Perez, and VPM Chase Miller

Newly installed July-December 2010 officers in front of the club banner:
VPPR Mike Weibel, President Diane Kirksey, VPM Keri Boyce, Secretary
Victoria Perez, SAA Jennifer Huch, and Treasurer Frank Kozel

July 1, 2010, Officer-Installation Dinner Party ...

David Medart — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:19:00 GMT

Benjamin Vincent's beautiful (first?) plate of Mexican food shortly after
the officer-installation ceremony at Steve and Janice Patterson's house.

Long-time club member John Sessions conversing during dinner
with fairly new member Luke Donev

Conversation at the dinner table: Keri Boyce explaining something
to Victoria Perez, Jim Wolff, Diane Kirksey, Vicky Tamez, and me

Meet Your New Club Officers ...

David Medart — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:48:00 GMT

Big “D” Toastmasters Club officers for July-December 2010: (top) VPPR Mike Weibel, Secretary Victoria Perez, Treasurer Frank Kozel, and Sergeant-at-Arms Jennifer Huch; (bottom) President Diane Kirksey (also holding VPE Joseph Pezanowski's certificate) and VPM Keri Boyce. (The brown part with writing is District 50's theme and logo “Dare to Succeed.”)
Congratulations and good luck!

July-December 2010 Officers Installed!

David Medart — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:24:00 GMT

Officer Installation Meeting and Dinner Party

The regular meeting of the Big “D” Toastmasters on July 1, 2010, convened at the home of now-Immediate Past President Steve Patterson at 6:30 p.m. and was called to order at 6:40 p.m.with 28 members present for the purpose of vetting and inducting Shawnda Corker who just couldn’t wait to join! This brief business session then adjourned at 6:50.

At 7:07, the host called us back and introduced Distinguished Toastmaster Lee King, the new governor of Area 31, and his assistant Zhanat Elliston. (He was my Metro Division colleague last year as governor of Area 32.) Lee recognized the club’s outgoing officers for January through June 2010 and officially dismissed them. He then called up and inducted each of the incoming officers for the term of July through December 2010—Jennifer Huch, Frank Kozel, Victoria Perez, Mike Weibel,

Keri Boyce, Diane Kirksey, and even Joseph Pezanowski in Australia by way of telephone—charging them with the constitutional duties and expectations of their respective offices. After Diane presented Steve with his past president’s pin, we enjoyed a very good catered Mexican dinner. With so many members present including all but one of the 14 who joined before 2009, the club had its first portrait taken since March 2006!

We were honored by the presence of co-host Janice Patterson and several guests: Louise Smith, Elizabeth Hutchinson, Deniese Sessions—the wives of members Mac, Cliff, and John—plus Wanda Campbell, Clarice Giles, and Ana Tamez. The meeting ended about 8:30 p.m., and a very good, pre-Independence-Day time was definitely had by all!

Make It Happen and Dare to Succeed!

David Medart — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT

On June 30, her last day in office, then-District Governor Paulette Harvey sent a message to all Toastmasters in District 50. Part of what she said was, “As District 50 Governor, it has been my high honor and privilege to have served you during the 2009-2010 Toastmaster year. ...You have done all you can to ‘Make It Happen’ this year through your completion of your Educational Awards and your Leadership Awards.

“...You are to be congratulated and commended for your dedication and commitment to your own individual and collective quests in Toastmasters. I want you to know that each Member, each Club, each Area, each Division are treasured by me. All of you are FANTASTIC! Each of you are Shining Stars in District 50.

“I wish each of you continued success in your Toastmaster journey, and I pray you take advantage of every opportunity to continue to improve your communication and leadership skills. Don't be afraid to step out and test your newly acquired skills. Please continue to spread the word about Toastmasters and continue to bring in new members and form new clubs for District 50.”

“Even though my journey as your District Governor comes to an end, and the gavel is passed to the next District Governor, I will never forget the teamwork, commitment, and dedication all of you have shown this past year. In closing, I would like to thank each of you from the bottom of my heart for helping our District “Make It Happen”.

“Set your dreams, goals, and achievements high as you “Dare to Succeed” in 2010-2011.”

Throughout the 2009-2010 Toastmasters year, it was a genuine priviledge to serve as an area governor with Susan Gardner who was unquestionably an outstanding lieutenant governor for marketing. She always had new ideas for membership building, really knew what she was talking about, and is key to why nine new clubs chartered despite the tough economy. Before that, she was Southern Division Governor for 2008-2009 and Area 56 Governor for 2007-2008; she is a member of five clubs but doesn't admit (yet) to be a Toastmasteraholic! As District 50's Governor for 2010-2011, she has a clear vision for the coming twelve months to take the inspired momemtum of making things happen that we would not otherwise have thought possible to the next level and daring to succeed regardless of our doubts! Set goals, keep the commitment, and you will succeed. I've heard it said, “You never know what you can do until you try!”

Danni Babik has been a member of Big “D” Toastmasters since February 2001; after being convinced to become an area governor a couple years later, she discovered she can't get enough of all things Toastmaster. So, now she also belongs to Leadership Lambda Toastmasters as well as the monthly, advanced clubs ProSpeak, Roving '49ers, and Improv Masters of which she is a charter member. Just as I was beginning to learn more about Toastmasters, she was the Fall 2007 Conference Chair. This spring, I was a judge at four area contests, chaired the Area 33 contest, was a ballot-counter for the Metro Division Contests, and simply enjoyed the Plains Division and both district contests; so, now I know why Danni enjoys going to contests so much! Among the many other things she has done in her passion for educational and personal growth through Toastmasters, she was D50's Quality Contest Chair for 2008-2010. At the Spring 2010 Conference, she was given the district's top award, the District 50 Governor's Communication Achievement Award (formerly called the Heart of District 50 Award). Now Danni is District 50's 2010-2011 Lieutenant Governor for Education and Training, constantly urging us to Learn, Grow, and Enjoy Toastmasters (with or without chocolate)!

Monnica Lamb is someone I am glad to call a friend. She has a terrific sense of humor and credits Toastmasters with getting her to find her potential. I first met Monnica when she was contest master for Big “D”'s club contests in August 2008; at the time, she was governor of Area 45 for 2008-2009. For Metro Division's Spring 2009 Contests, I volunteered to be a sergeant-at-arms, and Monnica was the chief judge. She then served exhuberantly and successfully as Plains Divsion Governor for 2009-2010. Toward the end of my term as an area governor, I enjoyed being in the team for two demo meetings that Monnica headed for clubs on the way to chartering. So, I am very glad for her becoming a member of the district's Senior Three.

Rounding out the district's Senior Seven are Public Relations Officer Georgia Wargetz, Secretary Christine Wilson, Treasurer Timothy Pike, and now-Immediate Past District Governor Paulette Harvey.

Installation Dinner Party for Big "D" Officers!!

David Medart — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:02:00 GMT

Attention members and guests! We're moving our meeting tonight only!

This is a reminder to our members and a notice to our potential guests and diginitaries that our regular meeting on July 1, 2010, is being moved to the home of now-Immediate Past President Steve Patterson in Richardson. What ever for, you ask? Why, it’s none other than the venue for our club's traditional, semi-annual, officer-installation dinner party!

At the beginning of the installation ceremony around 6:45 or so, the officers will be recognized for their service to the club for the past six-month term—three have served for 12 months; they will then be officially dismissed from their constitutional duties. Then, the incoming officers (except one who happens to be on the other side of the world right now) will each be inducted by an appropriate District 50 officer to serve Toastmasters Club #713 for the term of July 1 through December 31, 2010. (Joseph P., you get to inducted separately!) There are often other awards and recognitions that are given and announced.

We will gather at the usual time time of 6:30 p.m. but at Steve's house at 7405 Lynworth Drive, Dallas, Texas 75248. The cost is $10 per person, and it will be catered Mexican food:

Chicken & Beef fajitas

Grilled bell peppers & onions

Black beans, mashed

Rice

Corn salad

Corn & flour tortillas

Guacamole, chips

Verde & rojo sauces

Peach mango tea

Flan (dessert)

The invitation also says "Ice tea provided," but I'm not sure if that is regular tea besides the peach mango tea or not. Since it is catered and it is actually at someone's home instead of at a restaurant, it is a good idea to try to call ahead; however, there is sure to be enough. Rather than post anyone's phone number here, I refer you first to http://dallastoastmasters.com/new-officer/. Go to the Big "D" Toastmasters Club Information Webpage in Toastmasters International's Find a Club section to contact our new Vice-President for Membership Keri Boyce who can forward any necessary information. It officially runs until 8:30, but it may run later!

We will return next week (July 8) to the Princeton Grill's meeting room in the DoubleTree Hotel at Campbell Center when brand-new Competent Communicator Stew Carson will be Toastmaster of the Evening!

Big "D" Toastmasters—A "Perfect 10" Again!

David Medart — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 05:48:00 GMT

Chocolate cake to celebrate the occasion of Big “D” earning its 10th DCP Point!

Congratulations, Big “D” Toastmasters upon becoming a President's Distinguished Club for the fifth straight year and at least Distinguished for at least six consecutive years! But, especially congratulations for achieving the DCP “Perfect 10” for the third year in a row and for 4 out of the last 5 years!

Those who made this possible (besides, of course, Vice-President for Education Linda Martin and President Steve Patterson):

1) Two Competent Communicators: Derek Weinbrenner (8/6/2009) and Melody Hudson (9/17/2009)

2) Two more Competent Communicators: Jonathan Wood (1/28/2010) and Stew Carson (6/17/2010)

3) One Advanced Communicator: Angelo Pereira, Advanced Communicator Bronze (ACB; 6/24/2010)

4) Another Advanced Communicator: Eric Dyson, Advanced Communicator Gold (ACG; 6/24/2010)

5) One Leadership award: Renita Boykin, Competent Leader (CL; 8/27/2009)

6) Another Leadership award: Renita Boykin, Advanced Leader Bronze (ALB; 9/1/2009)

7) Four new members: Achieved September 24, 2009

8) At least four more new members: Achieved October 15, 2009, and sixteen more through May 27, 2010, plus a dual member.

9) At least four officers trained (both terms): 100% officers trained as of August 8, 2009, and February 13, 2010.

10) Semiannual membership report and one club officer list submitted on time (either term): Achieved with both as of September 25, 2009, but also both done again as of March 17, 2010!

Way to go, Big “D”! You really Made It Happen in 2009-2010!

— David Medart, Secretary (July-December 2009, April-June 2010)

Congratulations, Angelo and Eric!

David Medart — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 02:22:00 GMT

Newly earned and awarded: Angelo Pereira, ACB, and Eric Dyson, ACG, ALB

In one big double-whammy, at the regular meeting of the Big “D” Toastmasters Club on Thursday, June 24, 2010, Angelo Pereira earned his Advanced Communicator Bronze award (ACB) and Eric Dyson earned his Advanced Communicator Gold award (ACG)!! Wow! Not only are ACGs not completed very often, but if must be quite unusual—especially among clubs that are not advanced—to have two of its members complete the requirements for advanced communication educational awards in the same evening. On top of that, these two gentlemen have now been members of Big “D” the 8th and 9th longest.

It is so very appropriate for these two particular members of Big “D” to do this: Eric was our vice-president for education for the terms of July 2007-June 2008, with the motto of Big “D” Toastmasters—“A Perfect 10”—which we achieved the week ending May 23, 2008, and with five weeks left in the year!

Meanwhile, Angelo was club secretary for January-December 2007, and was recognized as Outstanding Club Secretary in District 50 for July-Dec. 2007. He followed Eric as VPE for July 2008-July 2009. With Angelo's astute guidance, we again earned the DCP “Perfect 10” the week ending June 12, 2009.

What a journey Angelo took us on in two speeches from The Entertaining Speaker manual, “The Long Road to Constantinople” on June 10 and its sequel “The Longer Road to Brunei”! Eric conducted an outstanding workshop with us for the Success/Leadership program “How to Conduct an Effective Meeting.” Eric went past his scheduled time but was voted Outstanding Toastmaster of the Meeting.

Congratulations to you both, and thanks again for all you have both done for Big “D” these last four years!

"Old School" and A Night of Awards ...

David Medart — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:01:00 GMT

During Keri Boyce's evaluation of Eric Dyson's presentation

The regular meeting of the Big “D” Toastmasters on June 24, 2010, was called to order at 6:29 p.m. President-elect Diane Kirksey, ATMB, CL, give the inspiration and led the Pledge of Allegiance, and then Vice-President for Membership Chase Miller took over at 6:32 as presiding officer and Toastmaster of the Evening. The minutes of the previous meeting were not read.

Chase entertained and educated us on the theme of “Old School” for about ten minutes; occasionally throughout the evening, he successfully engaged us in audience participation.

Table Topicsmaster Jim Wolff, CTM, was enthusiastically welcomed to the lectern by the club in its customary manner and then asked questions of four speakers who were anything but passé. Angelo Pereira, CC, then gave his sequel to “The Long Road to Constantinople,” telling us how his intercontinental wedding and reception concluded in “The Longer Road to Brunei.” After the break, Eric Dyson, ACS, ALB, led in his distinct way the program from the Success/Leadership Series called “How to Conduct an Effective Meeting,” especially a business meeting. General Evaluator Victoria Perez oversaw the individual evaluations by Mac McAdams and Keri Boyce, CC, and then quite effectively evaluated the entire meeting.

The meeting’s awards went to Linda Martin, CTM, for Best Table Topic, Angelo Pereira for Best Prepared Speaker, Keri Boyce for Best Evaluation, and Eric Dyson for Outstanding Toastmaster of the Meeting. Angelo and Eric were especially recognized for have just become an Advanced Communicator Bronze and an Advanced Communicator Gold, respectively! Big “D” accomplishing the resulting “Perfect 10” in the Distinguished Club Program (DCP) was then celebrated with cake and great fanfare. With the meeting now running a little behind, Vice-President for Education gave abbreviated thanks to everyone who made it happen. This makes three straight years Big “D” has achieved the DCP “Perfect 10” and for 4 of the last 5 years! It also makes us a President's Distinguished Club for the fifth straight year.

Our guests were Clint, Shawnda Corker, former member Doris Bobo for the second time, Big “D” friend Wanda Campbell, and Past President Melody Hudson. The meeting ended at 8:35 p.m., and a very good time was had by all.

Another Speech-a-thon! ...

David Medart — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:16:00 GMT

About an hour and a half after the last meeting of District 50's 2009-2010 Executive Committee, Town Norh and Vista Divisions hosted what became more of a "mini"-speech-a-thon, apparently because so many of the clubs and areas in those divisions have already achieved the most goals in the district. Two scheduled speakers didn't show up, but two others of us did. As we got underway, a third speaker arrived.

Jon Ball, a member of Eagles and Metrocrest, gave a speech called “I'm a Bookie,” which at first seemed a curious title for Competent Communication manual Project #9—Persuade With Power. After his rather humorous opening, we realized he wasn't admitting to being a gambling bookmaker but rather is an avid reader of books in any form. Effectively using his trademark humor throughout, he persuasively encouraged us to read as much as we can, also.

I didn't have as much time to organize my thoughts as I did the week before, but I spoke on "Perseverance and Toastmasters” for CC Project #7—Research Your Topic. Metro Division Governor Denise Cothern thought of the title since I couldn't think of one. I spoke on the historical impact of Toastmasters, beginning with the reason Ralph Smedley started his first Toastmasters club in 1905 at age 27. It took 19 years for his concept to catch on because each of the first 3 clubs he started failed less than a year after he was promoted away. The histories of Toastmasters, District 25, and District 50 are fascinating and explain why T.I. is what it is now. In 85 years, the organization has grown from one group of men to more than 250,000 Toastmasters worldwide.

We agreed that the third speaker was the best because her speech inspired us to overcome obstacles in life and was so well-phrased and organized. (I apologize, but I don't remember her name or her speech's title.) I think someone suggested she could improve it and use in next year's International Speech Contest.

Jon and I evaluated each other's speeches; Vista Division Governor Millicent Godfrey hosted the event and evaluated the third speaker. Denise was the timer; and Area 62 Governor Georgia Wargetz evaluated in our CL manuals the speech evaluations by Jon and myself. The Toastmaster of the Speech-a-thon I believe is a member of a club in Vista Division.

This finally made it possible for me to achieve CC by June 30 but still with no guarantee; it also put Jon one speech closer to making Eagles Toastmasters at least a Select Distinguished Club.

Thank you, Denise, Danni, Millicent, and Town North Division Governor Debra Sanford for wanting to wanting give speakers additional chances to help their clubs complete their DCP communication goals! I hope these become annual events!

Highlights—Last Meeting of D50's 2009-2010 EC, part 3 ...

David Medart — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:28:00 GMT

District 50's Senior Seven Leaders for 2010-2011: Paulette Harvey (soon-to-be immediate past district governor), Christine Wilson (secretary), Georgia Wargetz (public relations officer (PRO)), Timothy Pike (treasurer), Monnica Lamb (lieutenant governor for marketing (LGM)), Danni Babik (lieutenant governor for education and training (LGET)), and Susan Gardner (district governor). What had just happened above is Susan had just realized that Tim will be the only man on her team. The called-out comment from Denise and a couple others was that Tim is the group's "token male"—to which Tim beat his chest and responded, "Hey! I'm all man!" That was the best laugh we had all day!

Paulette Harvey's final comments and exhortationas district governor to her District 50 Executive Committee. Current Division Governors Denise Cothern, Millicent Godfrey, and Monnica Lamb in a mini-conference. (Monnica turned around a little too fast for my cell-phone camera to adequately capture her terrific smile).

Highlights—Last Meeting of D50's 2009-2010 EC, part 2 ...

David Medart — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:48:00 GMT

Just after our post-lunch and final break-out session: In front, Zhanat Elliston (incoming Area 31 assistant governor), Dan Dodd (Area 34 governor and incoming D50 Sgt-at-Arms), Metro Division Governor Denise Cothern, and an incoming area governor. District 50 Governor Paulette Harvey introducing the district's leaders for the coming year.

District 50's 2010-2011 Senior Three: Monnica Lamb (lieutenant governor for marketing), Danni Babik (lieutenant governor for education and training), and Susan Gardner (district governor). Susan expressed heartfelt gratitude to Paulette and then led the EC in thanking her with round of applause.

Highlights—Last Meeting of D50's 2009-2010 EC, part 1 ...

David Medart — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:23:00 GMT

This is the first of three with pictures taken at the last meeting of District 50's 2009-2010 Executive Committee. (The district's Senior Three is the district governor, the lieutenant governor for education and training, and the lieutenant governor for marketing. The Senior Seven in District 50 is the Senior 3 plus the public relations officer, secretary, treasurer, and immediate past district governor. The Executive Committee is made up of the Senior 7 plus all the division and area governors in the district.) This was the last EC meeting for me as governor of the current Area 33 in Metro Division; our own Danni Babik was there as incoming LGET and spent a lot of time finalizing the TLI Kick-off's schedule and planning ahead for the Fall 2010 contest season.

The first picture includes Jerry Caspell (currently Area 43 governor and incoming Plains Division governor) facing away. Facing the camera were Area 65 Governor Alan Balthrop (first-year wonder club Timberglen—including DCP “Perfect 10” less than 12 months after chartering—was in his area), Immediate Past District Governor Les Guse, Area 35 Gov. Sally McKelvey, Area 32 Gov. Lee King, and Area 62 Gov. Georgia Wargetz. In the second picture, incoming Area 31 Asst. Gov. Zhanat Elliston was sitting next to Lee King (current Area 32 gov. and next Area 31 gov.) who is talking to Sally with Les to her right; across is Metro Division Governor Denise Cothern with Area 31 Asst. Gov. Tim Pike to her right.

At the bottom, we continued a tradition of celebrating the birthdays since the previous EC meeting. Singing "Happy Birthday" with the rest of us, L to R: District 50 Secretary and Spring 2010 Conference Chair Patty Kim, Area 35 Gov. Sally McKelvey, Area 32 Gov. Lee King, Sergeant-at-Arms Tracey Lynn Ditter, Southern Division Gov. Tracie Henderson, Hospitality Chair Frances Guse (who brought the cake), incoming Area Gov. Lisette Cumberland, incoming Metro Division Governor Joseph Díaz, and District 50 Governor Paulette Harvey.

Lunch break and celebrating May-June birthdays

Meeting Pictures, 6-17-2010 ...

David Medart — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 20:44:00 GMT

Brandon Holloway, Stew Carson, Jennifer Huch,
and Brenna Smith during general evaluation

Meeting's Best Speaker Brenna Smith, Sergeant-at-Arms-elect
Jennifer Huch, and President Steve Patterson after the meeting

Father’s Day ...

David Medart — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 19:58:00 GMT

The regular meeting of the Big “D” Toastmasters on June 17, 2010, was called to order at 6:30 p.m. with a quorum being present and Vice-President for Education Linda Martin presiding. With the person scheduled for the inspiration absent, Sergeant-at-Arms Frank Kozel promptly led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The business session started at 6:33, and John Sessions immediately moved that the minutes of the previous meeting not be read, which was seconded; by voice vote, this motion was overwhelmingly defeated. The minutes of the previous meeting were then approved as read. Treasurer Victoria Perez asked us once again to help with end of the meeting housekeeping. President Steve Patterson then announced the officer-installation dinner party and meeting will be on July 1 at his house and will be catered; details will follow. The business session ended at 6:42 with only Cliff Hutchinson’s unresolved motion as unfinished business.

Frank Kozel served as first-time Toastmaster of the Evening with the theme of “Honoring Our Fathers on Father’s Day.” First-time Table Topicsmaster Jennifer Huch had time to ask questions of no less than six impromptu speakers. Prepared speeches were given by Vicky Tamez, President-elect Diane Kirksey, Brenna Smith, and Stew Carson. General Evaluator Steve Patterson managed the speech evaluations by Chase Miller, Essam El-Beik, Mac Smith, and John Sessions, and then evaluated the entire meeting.

The meetings awards were:
Best Table Topic—John Lawson
Best Prepared Speech—Brenna Smith
Best Speech Evaluation—Mac Smith
Outstanding Toastmaster of the Meeting—Jennifer Huch.

Stew Carson was also recognized for having just become the club's latest Competent Communicator.

Our guests were Craig Hargrove, Hunter Williams, former member Doris Bobo, Michelle Oh for the second time, and Big “D” friend Wanda Campbell. The meeting ended at 8:35 p.m., and a good time was had by all.