hank's minutes 12/21/16

​Carin debuted as Toastmaster for the 15 members (including newest member Kristina Williams) and two guests for the last meeting of 2016.  Carin’s theme was “music; first and favorites”.  She queried the audience about their favorites and memories including first concerts as well as revealing some of her memories and favorite tunes.  Word of the day was Celebration – Observe; Behave as expected during holidays.
 
Simmy was the first of three speakers with “Pursuit of Happiness”.  She allowed as how one may be wired to go one way but is forced to go another.  Toastmasters has challenged her mindset about how she communicates.  She acknowledged the help of the members – particularly Anne’s mentoring regarding posture, poise, and presence.  Andrea followed with “The Power of One”.  She was facing her greatest fear in that she had not memorized her speech.  She pointed to three historical figures and how each had been a force for change – Abraham Lincoln with the abolishment of slavery, Columbus as the precursor to the colonization of America, and Hippocrates and the change to the view of medicine.  It only takes one to ignite a passion.  Ask yourself what impact you want to have on the world.  Beverly, the evening’s winner batted cleanup with “Holding a Grudge”.  She spoke as the grudge that held sway over she and her brother’s relationship for 20 some years and how it was all consuming.  She kept us all on an emotional edge throughout and it was quite entertaining.
 
Greg P. continued the musical theme as Table Topics Master.  Michelle picked Nat King Cole’s “Oh Christmas Tree” as her favorite Christmas song.  Kam picked C. C. Winans as the artist she would most like to write a song about her life.  Newest member Kristina Williams said that radio stations should not be allowed to play Christmas music until after Thanksgiving (amen!).  Returning guest Zeal Okogeri, the evening’s winner had everyone in stitches over the misunderstanding between the Honolulu cabbie and himself when he told him he was traveling on GO! Airlines.  Hank talked about the importance of the music in the Rocky movies and segued into his first concert attendance.
 
Lee directed the evaluation portion of the meeting.  Brice assessed Simmy, Gregg H. reviewed Andrea, and Lori critiqued Beverly.  Hank reported on the grammar and the shilly-shallies, and Justin delineated the timing.
 
Semiannual Toastmaster Leadership Institute training will be in two sessions on Saturday, January 28th from 9:00 to 1:00 and 12:00 to 4:00.  Officers must attend one of the two sessions as a goal towards our club achieving President Distinguished status again this year.  Any other members are encouraged to attend for general knowledge and/or to learn what specific officer functions are.  The club will pay the fee for any member wishing to attend.  Just let me know and I will take care of your registration. 
 
Here’s wishing you all a Merry Christmas, a Happy Chanukkah, and a Happy New Year.
 

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