October 15 meeting

President Glenn Lewis opened the meeting at 1:05 p.m. and welcomed club members and guests. He introduced invocation leader Eric Darnell, who read parts of a letter from Thomas Jefferson on democracy and differences of opinion. Glenn led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Glenn then opened the business part of the meeting. He announced that the Peace Speakers officers would meet October 28 at 1 p.m. He also reminded everyone that the club would be participating in the Community Hunger Walk October 19, and encouraged members who haven’t paid dues for the next 6 months to send a check to treasurer Ada Middleton as soon as possible. Perry made a motion that the minutes for the October 1, 2008 meeting be approved without corrections. The motion passed.

Glenn introduced special guest Ashish Parekh, Area 37 Governor, Toastmasters International, and invited him to say a few words. Parekh explained the criteria for becoming a Distinguished Club. These include meeting goals in membership growth, timely submission of dues, completion of Toastmasters manuals, and attendance at officer training sessions. He encouraged club members to work toward becoming a Distinguished Club, and to participate in next year’s International Speech Contest. He announced that the next officer training session would be January 29. The Humana Speaks Up club is offering a mentoring session November 18 on how to help new members.

Glenn introduced Toastmaster Eva Stimson to begin the educational program. She introduced the speaker of the day, Becki Moody (pictured above and below), who gave her “Get to the Point” Project #3 speech from the Competent Communication Program. Becki’s topic was “The Month of Living Dangerously,” about her participation in National Novel Writing Month.

Eva introduced members of the Evaluation Team. Each person explained his/her responsibilities: Table Topics—Perry Chang; Speech Evaluator—Glenn Lewis; Ah Counter/Grammarian—Perry Chang; Timer/Vote Counter—Perry Chang.

Perry introduced the word of the day: sobriety.

Eva introduced Table Topics Master Perry Chang, who invited six people to speak on topics related to the theme of “Fall Holidays.” Those present were invited to vote for the best Table Topics speech.

Eva then called for reports from the evaluation team. Speech Evaluator Glenn Lewis said Becki did not seem to be nervous when delivering her speech. He gave her high marks for using humor, not depending on notes, good flow and transitions and a strong opening. He had no suggestions for improvement.

Timer Perry Chang reported the following times:

Becki Moody’s speech was 5 minutes, 53 seconds.
Glenn Lewis’s evaluation was 2 minutes, 40 seconds.
Table Topics— Eric Darnell (58 seconds); Betsy Blocker (1:00); Ashish Parekh (1:04); Christy Riggs (38 seconds); Gwen Clay (51 seconds); Glenn Lewis (52 seconds)

Ah Counter/Grammarian Perry Chang reported that the word of the day was used 1 time during the meeting. He noticed only a handful of “ahs” and grammatical errors.

Vote Counter Perry Chang announced that Gwen Clay received the most votes for best Table Topics speech.

Following closing remarks, Toastmaster Eva Stimson returned the meeting to President Glenn Lewis. Glenn said he had noticed more excitement and commitment among club members in recent weeks, and he hopes that will continue. He reminded everyone that the next meeting was scheduled for November 5 in Conference Room B. He then adjourned the meeting at 1:59 p.m.


-- Eva Stimson

Hunger Walk

On a Sunday afternoon in mid-October - as a service project - half a dozen of us walked in the Community Hunger Walk (a fund-raiser for Dare to Care and local international hunger relief), around the Waterfront and downtown (and around the building where we usually meet, the Presbyterian Center) across the 2nd street (or Clark Memorial) bridge to Indiana and back and back to Waterfront Park. Our treasurer, Ada Middleton; and president, Glenn Lewis (pictured below), spearheaded this activity (thanks, Ada and Glenn!).



Leading the way back across the bridge from Indiana were Glenn, spouse, our secretary, Eva Stimson, and her dog.



The air started out crisp and fall-ish, but it also turned out to be sunny and even warm day.

-- Perry Chang

October 1 meeting

In the absence of President Glenn Lewis, presiding officer Perry Chang opened the meeting at 1:01 p.m. He led the invocation, reading from the book Celestial Carousel, by Bill Joyner.

Perry welcomed club members and guests, and invited all of those present to introduce themselves around the table. He then led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Perry then opened the business part of the meeting. Betsy Blocker made a motion that the minutes for the September 17, 2008 meeting be approved without corrections. The motion passed.

Treasurer Ada Middleton reminded members that their six-month dues for Toastmasters were to be paid by October 1. She said she had received dues from four people so far. She encouraged members to pay before the due date next time so Peace Speakers can be recognized as a “distinguished club.”

Ada also reminded everyone that the Peace Speakers club will be participating in the Hunger Walk on Sunday, October 19. She said she has information about the walk for those who are interested. Participants must register online, and the registration fee is $25. She said two people from the club had registered so far.

Perry then began the educational program, noting that a number of club members are prepared to give speeches in the next few months. He introduced the speaker of the day, Eric Darnel (below), who gave his “Organize Your Speech” Project #2 speech from the Competent Communication Program. Eric’s topic was “Buyer Beware: The Nuances of Purchasing Electric Guitars.” He demonstrated two types of guitars, Fender and Gibson, and explained how to tell if a guitar is damaged.

Perry encouraged those present to use the index cards on the table to evaluate one of the participants in the meeting. He introduced members of the Evaluation Team. Each person explained his/her responsibilities: Table Topics—Ada Middleton; Speech Evaluator—Betsy Blocker; Ah Counter/Grammarian—Becki Moody; Timer/Vote Counter—Eva Stimson.

Becki Moody introduced the word of the day: caustic.

Perry introduced Table Topics Master Ada Middleton (pictured with her back to the camera - above top), who invited five people (including Eddie Sanders - pictured below) to speak on topics related to the theme of “Health.”

Perry then called for reports from the evaluation team. Speech Evaluator Betsy Blocker said Eric’s speech was well organized, interesting and informative. She gave two suggestions for improving the speech: speak louder and give it a stronger opening.

Ah Counter/Grammarian Becki Moody reported that space fillers were used 32 times during the meeting: 11 times during the introductory portion; 8 during Table Topics; 8 during Eric’s speech; 5 during Betsy’s evaluation. The word of the day was used 5 times.

Timer Eva Stimson reported the following times:

Eric Darnell’s speech was 5 minutes, 53 seconds.

Table Topics— Patricia Longfellow (43 seconds); Lisa Daly (1:30); Eddie Sanford (43 seconds); Betsy Blocker (41 seconds); Joelle Anderson (1:15)

Vote Counter Eva Stimson announced that Betsy Blocker and Joelle Anderson had tied for best Table Topics speech. Ada Middleton gave them each a bag of healthy treats.

Perry Chang invited the guests to share questions or comments about the meeting. He offered a closing wish for “new vision,” and reminded everyone that the next meeting was scheduled for October 15 in Conference Room 4000. He then adjourned the meeting at 1:50 p.m.

-- Eva Stimson