January 10, 2017 minutes

​The January 10th meeting of T-Toasters of Vinings was brought to order by acting Sergeant at Arms Lori and her assistant Zachary promptly at 6:00.  In attendance were 14 members and 4 guests.  The meeting was led by Toastmaster Marcus with a theme of “No Resolve in Resolutions”.  As our new VP Membership, Marcus hopes to find out exactly what guests hope to get out of Toastmasters. 
General Evaluator Devin led a team which included Grammarian Lori, Ah-Counter Jasmine, Timer Theresa, and Ballot Counter Beverly.  Lori’s Word of the Day was “audacious” meaning “extremely bold or daring”.
 
Suzanne was the first of three prepared speakers.  She gave a presentation based on CC project 9 entitled “What If”.  Suzanne encouraged listeners to take a 21 day fast from complaining.    She began by asking the audience to clap if they’d ever complained about the traffic, the weather or the opposite sex.  Suzanne covered three rules: 1. Focus on the resolution, 2. Start your day with a positive message or song and 3. Just let it go.  Kristina served as Suzanne’s Evaluator.  She commented on her sincerity, conviction, passion, and use of statistics from credible sources.

Next up to the lectern was Matt.  He presented a project from Special Occasion Speeches entitled “A Toast to the Georgia Bulldogs”.  Matt’s love for the Georgia Bulldogs began when he was 12 years old.  Through the team’s ups and downs, he has continued to cheer them on and has high hopes for the year ahead.  Andrea, the evening’s Best Evaluator, noted Matt’s ability to inspire even non-fans.  She complimented his passion and looks forward to his next project.

The final prepared speaker for the evening was George with an advanced level project entitled “VPE: Declassified”.  As the newly appointed VPE for T-Toasters, George has been exploring the responsibilities his role entails and decided to share his findings with the group.  They include: Planning, organizing and directing the club program, submitting education awards, coordinating contests, and running the mentorship program. Greg served as George’s Evaluator and noted his stellar PowerPoint presentation, as well as his excellent opening.
 
Table Topics Master Jim asked his three participants the same question: What is your goal for the new year?  George was up first.  He said his goal is threefold: to spend more time at the gym, to be a better boyfriend and to be a better son.  Jatika’s goals included leaving South Carolina, competing in the International Speech Contest, and earning her DTM.  Ken, the evening’s winner, hopes to silence his critics while taking big, audacious risks. 
 
Lori congratulated Theresa, Matt, George, Marcus, Jim, Ken and Jasmine for using the Word of the Day and noted several colorful and descriptive turns of phrase: Suzanne“21 day fast”, Matt’s “dawgs” (complete with Southern drawl), and “Not just beating them but picking them up and body-slamming them to the ground”, Marcus’s “My condolences, Matt,” “I will hold my punches” “pinnacle” and “volun-spire”, Jatika’s “Time for me to take care of me” and “step up your game”, Jim’s “to regale us”, Ken’s “silence the inner voice”, Andreas’ “weaving the lives together”. 
 
Timer Theresa reported the following times: Suzanne 7:28, Matt 4:21, George 5:06, George 1:08, Jatika 2:21, Ken 1:45, Kristina 2:37, Andrea 2:09, Lori 2:17, Jasmine 1:07, Theresa :47. 
Jim’s announcements including kudos to Marcus and Devin on their jobs ell done, and he encouraged us to continue to support each other.  Our thoughts are with our friend Christian as he mourns the loss of his grandmother.

​There will be an officer meeting and Post-Toasties next week after the meeting.
The District 44 Spring Conference will be held May 4-5 at the Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta Hotel.  See www.d44conference.org for more information.  At this conference we will celebrate our two new DTMs Jatika and Lee.  Congratulations ladies!  We are so pround of you!