THE OLDEST CLUB EAST OF THE ROCKIES

 The Historic Record of Orlando Toastmasters Club #28

February 2008 Edition, Produced by the office of the VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC RELATIONS, Paul Hagge, CC. EDITOR: Kenneth H. Walley, ACG, CL; PUBLISHER and ORLANDO TOASTMASTERS CLUB #28 PRESIDENT: Dennis Gola, ACS, CL.

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Contents:

• CLUB OFFICERS, CLUB HISTORY & UPCOMING EVENTS (To the right of your screen)

• MEMBERSHIP IS UP AT 28! By Kenneth H. Walley ACG, CL (October 2008)

• CLUB #28 HUMOROUS SPEECH AND EVALUATION CONTESTS ANOTHER GIANT SUCCESS By Kenneth H. Walley, ACG, CL (September 2008)

• WHAT'S GOING ON? By Kenneth H. Walley ACG, CL (August 2008)

• WHO WE ARE...AND WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN US! By Kenneth H. Walley ACG, CL (July 2008)

• MEET OUR NEW LEADERS! By Kenneth H. Walley A CG, CL (June 2008)

• GREAT SPEECHES! By Kenneth H. Walley ACG, CL (May 2008)

• TOASTMASTERS SELLS! By Keneth H. Walley ACG, CL (April 2008)

• DUES ARE DUE! (and what a deal!) By Ted Corcoran, DTM Ed. by Kenneth H. Walley (March 2008)

• Article: A "CONTAGIOUS" CONFIDENCE By Diana J.Walley ACG, CL (February 2008)

• Article: #3 By Kenneth H. Walley ACG, CL (January 2008)

• Article: MAY YOUR HOLIDAYS BE FILLED WITH JOY!!! By Kenneth H. Walley ACG, CL (December 2007)

• Article: WELCOME TO TOASTMASTERS! By Kenneth H. Walley ACG, CL (November 2007)

• Article: ORGANIZE YOUR SPEECH! By Kenneth H. Walley ACG, CL (October 2007)

• PAST OFFICERS AND CONTEST WINNERS

• PRESIDENT'S DISTINGUISHED CLUB RECORDS, 1999 to Present 

MEMBERSHIP IS UP AT 28!

By Kenneth H. Walley ACG, CL (October 2008 Edition)

Orlando Toastmasters Club #28 is growing! Over the past four months the club has added a number of new members to its roll and already these members are making a giant difference in the success of our club! Jessie Baker, Ed Dimayuga, Jesus Serrano, Monica Walley, Ebony Langston and Deepti Dhiman have all delivered dynamite Ice breaker Speeches and have taken on meeting roles such as being the Timer, General Evaluator and Table Topics Master! Deepti and Monica have even tried their hands at being the Toastmaster.. .and they have done very well I might add. John Bonowitz-Coffey re-joined the club and has also been a wonderful champion of our group. These newer members are giving Orlando Toastmasters Club #28, the "Oldest Club East of the Rockies" a new vitality and they have made our already exciting meetings even more enjoyable and interesting! If you are interested in becoming a part of this new generation of great Orlando Toastmasters, we meet every Thursday night at 7:00 pm at the Downtown Orlando Public Library. 

Starting in October, the club is seeking support from some of its past alumni to become "supporting members". These are past members who are no longer able to attend meetings on a regular basis but still want to help the club by retaining membership and paying dues. They are certainly welcomed. There could be no better time than now to help lend their encouragement to Club #28 as now the club has had to take on the extra cost of paying for the library meeting room on a weekly basis. Also, supporting members will be helping the club in it's President's Distinguished Award Goals for the 2008-2009 Toastmaster year. Last year Club #28 was unable to qualify for the award because our membership was less than the required 20. This year, we hope to far exceed that total and also win our 7th Club President's Distinguished Award! Club #28 won Toastmaster's highest honor for 6 consecutive years from 1999 to 2006.

As the club treasurer, I thank all of those who paid their dues on time. I am happy to report that Club #28 is strong and adding a new member almost every week. I believe that it will not be long before we top the 25 member mark! Hopefully in October!

In other news: I was at the Area 32 Humorous Speech and Evaluations Contests on September 21st to compete in both of those contest representing Club #28. Also representing our club was our Club #28 Humorous Speech Contest winner Barbara Cusack. I am happy to report that Barbara did extremely well in the contest and had the entire room in stitches with her very funny speech titled "Queen of Clean!" ! Barbara did not win, but she did our club very proud in her 1st Area Contest! I was in the Evaluations Contest and i had the good fortune of taking home the 2nd place trophy for Club #28. You can cheer on the Area #32 Humorous Speech winner, Leonardo Lippett and the Evaluation Contest winner, Jimmy Moore at the Division 'C' Contest which will be at the Rollins College Bush Auditorium on October 1th at 11am. I guarantee that you will hear some great speeches and see some excellent evaluations as well!

See you at our next meeting!

CLUB #28 HUMOROUS SPEECH AND EVALUATION CONTESTS ANOTHER GIANT SUCCESS

By Kenneth H. Walley ACG, CL (September 2008 Edition)

On September 4th 2008 Orlando Toastmasters Club #28 achieved a masterful success with the brilliant performances of it's 2008 Humorous Speech and Evaluations contestants! This was an evening that was enjoyed by all who attended and superbly highlighted the talent, dedication and creativity of the entire club.

"Starring" as the Contest Master for his first time was veteran Club #28 member Bob Blaydes, CC. Bob shined throughout the evening leading the proceedings with a sharp insight, a quick wit and some very funny humor. 

The first contest of the night was the Evaluation Contest. In order to have an evaluation contest, a speech must be given for the contestants to evaluate. The contestants, as well as everyone in the room, was in for an oratorical treat! "Test" Speaker Luvenia Hart, CC from the Orange County Club #129 came through with an impressive speech titled "Open Minded". The speech was an autobiographical portrait of herself as she learned from encountering different cultures. These included people that she met as she grew up in Louisiana, served in our Armed Forces and visited far away countries such as Thailand. It was an electric speech and an entrancing performance. 

Faced with the tough task of evaluating such an excellent speech were the contestants Stephen Bentley, Dennis Gola, ACS, CL and Ken Walley ACG, CL. The Evaluation Contest Sgt. at Arms Monica Walley helped make sure the contest went smoothly as each contestant gave his evaluation. All three evaluations would have won most club, area or division evaluation contests. That such high quality work could be found at only the club level made it particularity hard for the judges to pick a winner. Coming in second in the contest was Ken Walley and taking the first place trophy was Dennis Gola.

Last year's Humorous Speech Contest was hailed as one of the best ever in the entire 75 year history of the club. This year's contest may have exceeded that lofty level. Hilarious speeches were delivered by all four contestants. Going first was Barbara Cusack who had everyone holding their sides with laughter with her speech "Queen of Clean!"  Barbara told about her career cleaning houses and reflecting on her own family's lack of, shall we say, organizational skills? Her speech was a hit! Dennis Gola went next with a speech titled "Like a Rock!" . This speech dealt with Dennis on a quest to control his temper as a Minor League Umpire and how he found serenity... in a most unlikely place. Speaking third was Jamie Waters who had the entire room in hysterical laughter with a wonderful speech titled "The Two Biggest Waste of Land". Jamie's speech, given in exquisite deadpan, proposed that we should combine graveyards and golf courses. "Nothing would give me more pride than to have engraved: My name, by birth and death dates and Hole #5: Par Four, 425 yards. It could serve both as a dual  yard marker and headstone." Following Jamie's speech was Ken Walley who's speech titled "Runs Great!" told his story about teaching his daughter to drive and buying a used car with limited funds. In Ken's speech, even the most horrible lemons always won the praise of the salesman... "It Runs Great!!" 

Four very funny speeches and each of them had the entire room laughing. These speeches were lauded by many as some of the funniest orations that they have ever heard at any Humorous Speech contest! Ken Walley again came in 2nd place once that the judges votes were counted. The winner for the Orlando Toastmaster's Club #28 2008 Humorous Speech Contest was Barbara Cusack!  

A number of dignitaries were on hand for the contests including Helen and Michael Joseph (both DTMs). One of our guests on this special night was Jesus Serrano was so impressed that he joined Orlando Toastmasters Club #28 on the spot! Welcome Jesus!

The contests could not have succeeded without the help of our club members who stood in as functionaries and participants. here is a list of those people, along with a sincere THANK YOU from Club #28:

Contest Organizer: Ken Walley; Contest Master: Bob Blaydes; Sgt. at Arms: Jose Lopez; Invocation and Pledge: Ebony Langston; Evaluation Contest Sgt. at Arms: Monica Walley; Vote Counters: Ed Dimayuga and Deepti Dhiman; Raffle Master: John Bonowitz-Coffey; Chief Judge: Helen Joseph; Timer: Jose Lopez and our Contestants: Stephen Bentley, Barbara Cusack, Dennis Gola and Ken Walley. 

 

WHAT'S GOING ON?

By Kenneth H. Walley ACG, CL (August 2008 Edition)

The past month has been such a great month for Orlando Toastmasters Club #28 it is hard to know where to begin.

I guess I should congratulate Dr. Michael Deichen CC, CL who earned his Competent Leader award. As our Vice President of Education, Dr. Deichen has taken an interest in the leadership of this club and it is good to see that the club itself has renewed a passion in earning the Leadership goals of the Distinguished Club Program! Leadership and Communication go hand in hand and Dr. Deichen has set a great example for all of us Toastmasters to follow.

More congratulations should be extended to Paul Hagge, CC who completed his 10th speech in the Toastmaster's Basic Manual to earn his Competent Communicator Award! Paul had to leave the club due to work obligations after originally joining in 2001 but then he returned a little over a year ago to tenaciously reach his CC goal. His speech titled "Finish Line!" was a powerful testimony to the success of the Toastmasters program. Paul's company is sending him on a business trip to India in August and September. Paul plans to set up a company Toastmaster's club while there during his trip!

New member Monica Walley joined the club in July and instantaneously became an important part of the club. In her first month, Monica served twice as the Table Topics Master and delivered her Ice Breaker! Wow! Monica, by the way, is the daughter of Orlando Club #28 Toastmasters (Ken and Diana Walley) and the step-sister of another past Club #28 Toastmaster, Robin Knight, CC. Not to be outdone, new member Stephen Bentley mastered the job of Table Topics Master, gave his second speech and rewarded us with a tremendous performance as Toastmaster, his first time in that position!

Speaking of the Toastmaster role, I cannot remember two better examples of how to be a great Toastmaster then on the two consecutive weeks when the position was superbly crafted by Barbara Cusack on July 10th with the theme "Getting Your House in Order!" and on July 17th with the theme "Vacations!" by Toastmaster Susan Deichen. These two meeting were interesting, fun and truly enjoyable.

Jose Lopez, another "newer" member (he joined in May) has also turned out to be a leader in Club #28. His dedication to his craft as our Sgt. at Arms has gained the attention, and gratitude of everyone in the club.

Before I end this article, I should note that a brief look into the future has the month of August teeming with fantastic toastmaster potential. While we are preparing for our Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contests the first week in September, we are also planning a 2nd annual "Family Reunion meeting" that was such a great success last year! August is shaping up to be just as grand as July was. Now is the time to come to a meeting! I'll see you every Thursday night at 7:00pm at the library!

  

WHO WE ARE... AND WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN US!

Edited by Kenneth H. Walley, ACG, CL (updated from an old 1996 Club #28 brochure, *Author unknown)

THE ORLANDO TOASTMASTERS CLUB #28:

'We unravel the Tongue Tied!"

The oldest club East of the Rockies!

Toastmasters International began in 1924 in California. It now boasts over 450,00 members in over 8000 clubs in more than 60 countries worldwide. This year, 2008, the Orlando Toastmasters Club #28 is celebrating its 75th year anniversary, having according to club history, been founded in 1933. It was the first Toastmaster club in Orlando. Also according to  tradition, included in its membership is United States President Franklin D, Roosevelt as well as many local community leaders such as long time Orange County Tax Collector Earl K. Wood, DTM. The club charter, #28 has been held continuously since May 27th 1948 thus giving us claim to being the "Oldest Club East of the Rockies." 

Despite this long history we are not stuck in tradition. This is a warm, friendly and sincere group of professionals seeking self-improvement in a supportive and fun atmosphere. We are a dynamic group of people who are dedicated and committed towards helping each other to become better communicators and leaders. In fact, our mission is: "To provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has an opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills which in turn foster self-confidence and leadership skills."

MEETING FORMAT

Our meetings begin at 7:00 pm and lasts about an hour and a half. The meeting called to order by the club's Sergeant At Arms (Jose Lopez) who introduces our President (Dennis Gola ACS, CL). After the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, the President introduces the Toastmaster for the evening who is responsible for conducting  the meeting.The meeting is broken into three segments.

TABLE TOPICS: This is an opportunity for every member to practice their impromptu skills. Members are given questions that may humorous, serious, related to current events or sometimes just plain zany. They are then give 1-2 minutes to respond to the question.

PREPARED SPEECHES; Each week there are 2-3 scheduled speakers on the program who give prepared speeches. The topics are the speaker's choice. However, they are required to complete a "project" from one of the Toastmaster manuals. The "Competent Communicator" manual, referred to as the "Basic Manual" has 10 projects. Each project is designed to develop a specific speaking skill, such as mastering vocal inflections, learning body and hand gestures or how to use props. Most speeches are 5-7 minutes long. Members completing the Basic Manual are deemed "Competent Communicators or "earning their CC". 

EVALUATIONS; Designated club members give  2-3 minute oral feedback to the speakers as well as a written evaluation of each speech. This is not criticism as most people expect but an opportunity to point out the things that the speaker did well, as well as areas for improvement. Encouragement is the main ingredient for a good evaluation. Being an evaluator also helps members develop their listening skills as the must be attentive to every detail of the speech presentation. This helpful analysis is the most valuable aspect of the Toastmasters experience.

RIBBONS: To recognize excellence, ribbon are presented for the Best Table Topics response, Best Speech and the Best Evaluation as well as a "Most Improved" ribbon which can go to anyone who spoke during the entire meeting. Voting is conduced throughout the meeting and guests are encouraged to vote too. If you choose to participate in Table Topics you may even take home a ribbon!

COSTS

Dues are collected twice a year in March and September. International dues are $4.50 a month and club dues are $10.00 every six months. New members pay a one time $20.00 initiation fee to Toastmasters International which covers the cost of manuals that are received within 2-3 weeks. In addition, members receive the monthly Toastmasters Magazine as part of their dues. The club also will soon be collecting a $2.50 per week donation to offset the cost of the meeting room.   

GUESTS

Guests are always welcome free of charge! Guests are requited to join after their 3rd free visit but are to enjoy the benefits and develop your communication skills you will want to get started right away. Guests are encourged to participate in Table Topics but if you want to pass on your first time, we will understand. 

LOCATION 

The Orlando Toastmasters Club #28 meets every Thursday evening at 7:00 at the Downtown Orlando Public Library, 3rd floor meeting rooms. If this time or location does not suit your schedule, we would be happy to provide you with information on one of the over 20 clubs that meet in the greater Orlando area. For more information please call Ken Walley at 407 856-9885.

Club officers July-December 2008: President Dennis Gola ACS, CL; Vice President of Education: Dr. Michael Deichen, CC, CL; Vice President of Membership: Barbara Cusack; Vice President of Public Relations: Paul Hagge, CC; Secretary: Susan Deichen; Treasurer: Ken Walley; ACG, CL and Sergeant at Arms: Jose Lopez.

This club will change your life!

*Those members listed on the 1996 Orlando Toastmasters Club pamphlet were the Club Officers 1996-1997: Sandi Norwood, President; Diana Walley, VP Education; Judy Holsclaw, VP Membership; Mark Caspermeyer, VP of Public Relations; Tom Permar; Secretary-Treasurer and Steve Wilmarth, Sergeant at Arms.

MEET OUR NEW LEADERS!

By Kenneth H. Walley ACG, CL (June 2008 Edition)

Few clubs are as blessed with such natural leaders as Orlando Toastmasters Club #28. On May 29th the Club confirmed it's new slate of officers for the July through December 2008 Toastmaster term. This might be the best group of officers in it's 75 year history.

Taking office will be President-elect Dennis Gola ACS, CL. Dennis has been Orlando Toastmasters Club #28's President once before, serving only last year in 2007. Dennis also served as President for Orange County Toastmasters Club #129 besides holding other positions including the Area 49 Assistant Governorship that he is now currently serving in. Dennis is a renown speaker who has won many speech contests in the District. He is a community leader who has earned the respect of Toastmasters for his insightful decisions and strong leadership.

Dr. Michael Deichen, CC, is taking over the #2 spot in the club from his wife, Susan Deichen, who served as the Vice President of Education during the last Toastmaster term. Dr. Deichen is no stranger to Toastmaster leadership roles, he has already completed a term as the club's Vice President of Membership. Mike is working on his Competent Leadership goal and just recently earned his Competent Communicator Award in March.

The Vice President of Public Relations position will be handled by veteran Toastmaster Paul Hagge Paul first introduced himself to Club #28 in 2001 but was away from the club for an extended time. He rejoined the club a year ago and is approaching his CC award in the near future. This is his first officer position. Over the years Paul has built a reputation for dependability, being a remarkable storyteller as well as serving as a great example of Toastmaster excellence!

The Vice President of Membership position could not be in more capable hands. One of #28's most enthusiastic members, Barbara Cusack has become an inspiration to all who arrive at our club. Her irrepressible personally and impressive ability to win over others makes her a natural for the Membership role. I have a feeling that this club will grow by leaps and bounds over the next six months!

The Secretary for our next term is Susan Deichen who, besides being a very busy Kindergarten Teacher, mother and Toastmaster working towards her CC award, she also has done an outstanding job as our past Vice President of Education. Many of club #28's members believe that her speeches are some of the best that they have ever heard. Bright and articulate, she volunteered to take on a new officer position as our Secretary!

The Sergeant-at-Arms office is one of the most demanding of all of the club leadership positions. It requires a great deal of responsibility and dependability. in fact, without a Sgt. at Arms, it would be impossible to even have a Toastmasters meeting! Taking on this duty is one of our newest members, Jose Lopez. Jose joined only a month ago and in that brief period of time he has made a huge, positive impact on our club! Taking on a new challenge is typical of Jose.

Our Treasurer is Ken Walley, ACG, CL who has served at every other club position except for the Treasurer role. He truly looks forward to this new learning experience. Ken is also our Immediate Past President of Club #28 but has no plans to relax in his Toastmaster duties over the next six months.

With this group of extraordinary officers, the Orlando Toastmasters Club #28 can be assured of another six months of superb leadership! When you see any of these new officers, please congratulate them on their new roles!

 

GREAT SPEECHES!

By Kenneth H Walley ACG, CL (May 2008 Edition)

A few year ago Orlando Toastmasters Club #28 held a special meeting with the theme: "The Best of 28". The idea behind the meeting was that the club members would vote on their choice of the best speeches that they had ever heard at Club #28 over the past five or so years and those toastmasters would be invited back to give a "command performance" at this special occasion. The meeting was held in the beautiful and historic Dr. Phillips House at the Courtyard at Lake Lucerne on June 30th 2005. It was indeed, a night to remember! I was hoping that in the near future that Club #28 would be able to do this again.

Over the past six months Club #28 has heard some remarkable speeches. You never know what speech you are going to hear when you arrive at a Club #28 meeting! I cannot remember the last time that I did not learn something, be entertained or inspired by, a speech that I have heard at Club #28. Lately, our club has been on fire with high quality, astounding speeches!

At last week's meeting (May 1st, 2008) for example Eddie Selover gave a humorous speech about being an 'Eddie' titled "Edward Ho!" The speech had everyone laughing. The week before Jamie Waters also did a humorous speech titled "A Waste of Land" about combining cemeteries with golf courses ("Golfatoriums" as he called them) and we were again holding our sides with laughter. 

We had speeches to inspire us such as the brilliant speech by Bob Blaydes titled "Connections". It was one of the absolute best speeches that I've ever heard in Toastmasters. The speech told us how a single moment in time can change the rest of our life. That speech won our International Speech Contest. Susan Deichen's speech "The Little Seed in the Paper Cup" challenged me to learn from my inner child...from the wisdom of kindergartners!

Other speeches truly touched our hearts. Barbara Cusack's speech "Positively Beautiful" about the HIV virus, left no emotion untouched. This was another powerful speech that will stay with me for the rest of my life. 

Some speeches were deceptive and delightful with hidden surprise endings as good as any novel. Louis Cianfrogna's wonderful speech titled "Allen Hengst" was about the mystery person in the office...and it kept us entranced from the first word to the last!

Some speeches paint pictures of history and bring it to life. Joe Cannizzaro's speech "The Irony of the Great Leap Forward" not only stripped away the myths and legends of Chairman Mao, but it opened our eyes as well. Dennis Gola's speech titled "The Interesting Thing About July" was about the lynching of a black man named July Perry in the 1920's who simply tried to register to vote. This speech had incredible insight and meaning, even in today's "modern" world.

One of our ice breakers stands out as well: Jose Lopez's excellent 1st speech, "Big Thinking" introduced us to some harrowing, dangerous stories, bitter disappointments and inspirational challenges...as well as to a real American hero with a very bright future. Joe Cannizzaro's speech "College in Australia" was a very different speech but no less captivating. He told us of some wild days in his youth with an exotic background.

Dr. Mike Deichen's speeches have both entertained AND educated me. His speech "The Mass Psychology of Voting" was surprising because the topic truly became fascinating thanks to his superb skill behind the lectern. 

I did not get to list here all of the great speeches that I have heard at Club #28. These are just some of the impressive speeches and they are only from the past six months! This list grows longer with each meeting. As I said before, you never know what you will heard when you attend a Club #28 meeting. I CAN tell you that you will not leave without learning something and every once in a while, perhaps from a great speech, that "something" can change your life.

 

TOASTMASTERS SELLS!

By Kenneth H. Walley ACG, CL (April 2008)

Very few people in this world have a job that does not rely upon sales of some kind or another. Selling a product, selling of an idea or an innovation... or even a future experience are simply parts of the day -to-day business world. If nothing else, many jobs depend upon the "selling" of oneself. Can Toastmasters help?

The Toastmasters program was built upon the two pillars for successful sales: Confidence and Communication. The long tested,  tried and true Toastmasters program is a surefire way of creating salesmen who are goal oriented and organized to achieve highest sales benefits possible. A salesperson without communication skills is more than likely to fall behind his competitors, even if his or her wares "will sell themselves". 

Toastmasters teaches the basics of sales: "Make it unique" and "keeping it simple and easy to understand"  while placing the spotlight on the speaker's strong points in delivery and personal speaking style. You learn speaking patterns and formats to structure that will put your presentations in the best possible viewpoint. The contrast of before and after situations, the new contemporary psychology that has replaced the outdated high-pressure, hard-sell techniques and abilities to state problems and offer solutions are all a part of the communication learning process of Toastmasters. Advance manuals deal with interpersonal relationships, public relations and becoming a professional speaker. Even one advanced Toastmaster project actually teaches "The Sales Training Speech"!

Results come quickly for the potential salesperson in Toastmasters. The Basic Manual helps even the greenest novice to overcome the  fear of public speaking and helps build confidence...among many other attributes. As you progress through the Toastmaster program the dynamics of understanding the speaker-audience relationships, as well as buyer-seller connection become easier. It is a "hands on" approach in a setting that encourages experimentation in a "safe" setting. Indeed, any organization that relies upon sales for it's success would do well to require Toastmasters as part of it's company training program!

While the Toastmaster is learning confidence in their own communication abilities, they are also learning how to gain the confidence of their prospect. While learning how to present themselves and creating a better self-image, Toastmasters are also learning to present a better image for their product as well. While learning how to create bonds, establish a connection or association they are learning the essential building blocks of effective selling! 

There is more! much more, and to find out about how Toastmasters can help you become a better salesperson all you have to do is visit a Toastmasters Club and see for yourself. One visit and you will want to join! There is one, Orlando Toastmasters Club #28, that meets in the Orlando Public Library at 7:00pm every Thursday night! I never miss a meeting and I hope to see you there.

DUES ARE DUE (and what a deal!)

By Ted Corcoran, DTM                       Edited by Kenneth H. Walley (March 2008)

Our past International President Ted Corcoran, DTM in the February 2004 edition of The Toastmaster magazine came up with a "top ten" list for paying your dues in March. In case you missed that article so many years ago, I would like to revisit it with you.

Here is Ted's TOP TEN REASONS YOU SHOULD CONTINUE YOUR MEMBERSHIP ANOTHER SIX MONTHS!" (Drum-roll please...)

#10: You will continue to receive the "The Toastmaster" magazine every month. Its full of interesting articles.

#9: You will enjoy the company of your friends on a regular basis.

#8. You will have fun because Toastmasters usually have a lot of fun.

#7. You will become a member of an international organization with a network of clubs in 80 countries [Ed. Note: And growing!]

#6: You will help another members by your evaluation speech or your mentoring.

#5: You will help your club achieve its goals and perhaps achieve Distinguished status. Aren't you proud of your club?

#4: You can finish another educational program. Have you at least earned your CC? Less than 25,000 members accomplished this last year (in 2003). Leaving Toastmasters without a CC is like leaving college without a degree.

#3: You will add to your levels of emotional intelligence, thus increasing your interpersonal and leadership skills.

#2: You will be a better speaker, listener and thinker. Isn't that why you joined in the first place?

And...the #1 Reason for paying your dues...Since you became a Toastmaster, you have changed for the better in many ways, imagine how much better you'll be in another six months!!!

Our international President make some very good points and it is important that we get our dues paid into our Treasurer Joe Cannizzaro. Remember dues must be in the mail by April 1st. Our dues are very small compared to the cost of a college class and our communication and leadership training is the best in the world!! Indeed, Toastmasters is the best deal on Earth. Not many organizations can make THAT claim! See you at our next meeting!

CONGRATULATIONS TO BOB BLAYDES, the winner of the Area 49 International Speech Contest and DENNIS GOLA  the winner of the Area 49 Table Topics contest!!!!Keep it up at the Division 'C' Contest later this month! We wish you both the very best!!! 

A "CONTAGIOUS" CONFIDENCE

By Diana C. Walley, ACG, CL (February 2008)

Talent of any kind, often takes years to develop. Through time, lessons, general interest, encouragement, we all have seeds in which to grow special talents that we already possess. I have a talent, for instance, in seeing talent in others. Likewise, I thrive when others see talent in me too! I bet most of you are like that, but I have met a lot of people who either fail to see their own potential, are beaten down by circumstances, or other excuses we label for our own limitations. I've been just as guilty of that myself at times.

Funny thing though, ONLY you can make yourself grow. No one can do that for you. You will grow. You may grow a "Frowny face" or a "happy face" nevertheless, you WILL grow! Will YOU be happy with your life, when all is said and done? That is, after all what is most important. Think of it this way, I know you have heard the old cliché: "It's not what time we have left that matters most, it's what we do with the time that we have left!"

So make life count! Have fun along the way! Do for others! Make LASTING impressions while you CAN!

Develop your talents while you grow as an individual in Toastmasters Club #28! We offer Communications and leadership programs at an unbeatable price! Even our low cost of membership is prorated!

In our club alone we have sprouted seeds that have flourished since 1933! One is our local tax collector, Earl K. Wood, DTM and another, James Webb, CTM  who went on to win 3rd place in the Toastmasters International speech contest for the WORLDWIDE DIVISION! My husband Ken was one of James mentors! Proud of our club? You bet I am! I've only seen our club grow since 1992! I take a PERSONAL PRIDE in everyone's achievements and it only make me happier when I have a hand in it!

When James Webb walked through our door for the first time, I recognized his talent. He was a Weatinghouse-Siemans employee with only two basic manual speeches. James wanted to move ahead faster in a professional speaking career and use his talent. After we first heard him speak, I am proud to say, I approached him and told this handsome young man of 32 years old that he had a confidence in himself that was contagious! He took that seed (compliment) and soon thereafter joined our club. My husband Ken, was assigned to be his mentor. James, would go on to earn his CTM  with our club and later formed his own communications company...and you know the rest!

I'm a good mentor too, but Ken (and others) mentored James well past the "normal guidance level", at James's request, resulting in a special trophy that he later presented to Ken. 

That's what club do! We sprout people. Just finding the right club and proper environment that enhances growth potential is the key. I truly believe that. Just look at me. I used to be relatively shy and my husband was worse than I! I had to literally force Ken Walley to come in and give us a try...Believe it or not!

I started this "walk" to personal growth and development in 1992, but this is the first year i EVER felt confident enough to actually SIGN UP for an International Speech contest! Because of Ken, because of James, because of the club, because of CONTAGIOUS CONFIDENCE! Confidence, when offered abundantly produces results!

IMAGINE what hidden "talents" are in you that you didn't even know you had! Let us see that in you too! Join me, along with anyone that wants to follow, to create a Speaker's Bureau! After my last "outing" ...a speech I did for a solid hour to the Mensa Organization in their Regional Annual Convention that called "Smarti Gras '08", they even asked if  I was interested in joining them by the way!!! They were boosting MY confidence a bit!

For instance I decided to start my own "personal" Speaker's Bureau since I couldn't find ANYONE confident enough to do what I wanted to do. Amazing, but true, was that the ONLY  "critique" from such a prestigious group that I heard was that "I spoke too much of others", like about my husband's talent, but as one Mensa member said, "He isn't here...you are!"

Abby, a  Mensa member said that "I had made her WHOLE ENTIRE DAY!" Others there were just as kind with their praise and I had a blast doing it! That was all I could talk about for a solid week! I hope others will join this "Speaker's Bureau" and also give speeches outside of the club when the opportunity arises! This was a great experience!

As I said before, I also joined the list of participants in this year's International Speech contest (I'm not that confident however in that yet), but we'll see, you never know what will grow from a sprout if its watered by contagious confidence!

At this website and at our meetings, every week, we brag about or winners with others getting "honorable mentions" as well. We know sometimes how we all need a boost in our confidence meters So come to an Orlando Toastmasters Club #28 meeting this week and water your seed of confidence!

More on the Speaker's Bureau in upcoming articles, or better yet, come to one of our meetings and ask!

#3

By Kenneth H. Walley, ACG, CL (January 2008)

I am delighted to have opportunity once again to serve as President of Orlando Toastmasters Club #28, the "Oldest Club East of the Rockies"! This is the third time I have had the pleasure of being your President. The first time in 2001, I had only been a toastmaster of a little over a year. I was nervous at the prospect of taking on such a new responsibility. At the end of my term however, I had learned volumes from that experience. The most important that I took with me I believe was: I had learned more, a lot more, from my fellow officers and Toastmasters than I ever could have taught them.

A little over a year ago in 2006, I again served as the President of this great club. For a second time I became a much better leader because of the experience. This time around however I believe that the most important thing that I learned was: That one person cannot do this all by himself. This club is far bigger than any one person. That is why the call it a "Club"! I needed all of the help that I could get. 

I expect that I will learn many new things as I go through "Round #3". That I have so much more to learn is the precise reason that i took on this job for a third time. I truly look forward to growing in knowledge and wisdom as a Toastmaster and as a leader. 

I must admit that I have a tough act to follow. our Immediate Past President, Dennis Gola, ACS, CL not only completed his duties as President, but he transcended them. He was a shining example of Leadership and Competence. As i have said before: "Dennis is one of the most effective presidents that this club has ever had." He was resourceful, compassionate and skillful in conquering every challenge that was set before him. Dennis led with passion, imagination and with common sense. He will certainly serve as a valuable resource to me. This club owes him a great deal of thanks to him!

 Thanks also to his fellow officers Bob Blaydes, CC; Sarah Stack, Eddie Selover, Cathy Goonen and Ken Blake, ACS, CL. all of them made important contributions to our club. Thank you all for your leadership!

My goals are simple. First, we will keep building membership. We are growing and getting stronger as a club! I want to put a focus on not only bringing in new members but keeping the ones who join and helping them reach their Toastmaster goals. I pledge to follow up on Dennis's plan to return past members back into the fold. I see no reason why we cannot have a membership base of 30 or 40 members by the end of June! Our meetings are great. We simply have the best meetings of any club, anywhere! We will keep looking for imaginative ways to make our programs better!

We still have an outside chance of winning the President's Distinguished Award! Let's go for it! I also see a need to get our members involved in the leadership path of our program. We have the power to once again achieve the legendary status this club deserves! We really do have a great club here!

I want to thank Joe Cannizzaro. I want to thank Susan and Mike Deichen, Barbara Cusack and Ben Jackson. All of them are taking on leadership positions for the first time! I also want to thank Dennis for bringing back his leadership experience with him to a new officer position. Thank you for walking down this leadership path with me. 

With this staff I can see that Club #28 is in very good hands for the future. i pledge to do my best and work my hardest to create the most positive and rewarding Toastmasters club this side of the Rockies...or anywhere else for that matter. I have a feeling that this next term is going to be a great one. 2008 will be a great year because of the great peple that we have in this club.

Happy New Year to everyone!

MAY YOUR HOLIDAYS BE FILLED WITH JOY!!!

By Kenneth H. Walley, ACG, CL (December 2007)

WOW! It seems hard to believe that this year is almost over and Toastmasters Club #28 has added another great chapter to its long history. When I look back at 2007, what I remember most about the start of the year was how much I was worried about the challenges that this club was  faced with and was this club up to the task of overcoming them. I should not have worried. This club rose to those challenges and exceeded all expectations. 2007 will be a great year filled with wonderful memories. When I look at the upcoming year, 2008 I can envision our best year ever!

Looking back: We had an awesome "Family Reunion" meeting in August that was hosted by President Dennis Gola. We were blessed with the return of such Club #28 legends as Ed Carmona, Dr. Ross Thomson, Russell Russ, Adam Scoggins, Tony Betts, and  Michael and Helen Joseph. Our International Speech and Table Topics Contests in March had brilliant speeches by Ken Blake, Bob Blaydes, Dennis Gola and Brian Wheeler. Scott Waechter won the event with a speech titled "What's Your Price?". The Table Topics Contestants were Angela Abreu, Andrea McManus, Dr. Princess Anita, and our winner Venky Allensky. The Humorous Speech and Evaluations Contests in September also turned out to be a stellar achievement as well! Dr. Mike Deichen, gave a very funny speech as did Eddie Selover, Ken Walley and our winner was Ken Blake! In the Evaluation Contest, Tom Jamieson gave a "test" speech, fittingly about humor, which was reviewed by Ken Blake, Dennis Gola, Eddie Selover and Bob Blaydes. Dennis won that contest and went on to take the top prize at the Area 49 contest!

Some of the best meetings that Club #28 has ever had in its 70+ year history were produced in 2007! Some of my favorites were: the January 25th 2007 "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" themed meeting; the March 1st "In My Next Life" meeting; the May 17th "Odd Jobs" meeting had some great stories of strange jobs our members have held. the June 7th "Ideas" meeting had some really great ideas, the August 9th Chocolate!" themed meeting featured chocolate for everybody! Other great meetings were: the November 8th "Oxymoron!" meeting and the wonderful November 18th "Favorite Things" meeting. Just to name a few. Indeed, I cannot remember a year in which the club has had so many great meeting and the quality of our meeting has been so high. 

If the meetings were awesome... the speeches where spectacular! Who can forget Brian Wheeler's "Facing the Storm" about his family's struggles in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina? Bob Blaydes's incredible speech "Juror #308" left a lasting impression on all who heard it. Scott Waechter's award winning speech "What's Your Price?". Andrea McManus's CTM speech "Touching Lives" touched mine and a few others. Jack Nguyen's "Pi" speech was really impressive as was Dennis Gola's "The Captain and the Stormy Sea", Eddie Selover's "Dry", Ed Carmona's "Sail, Rudder and Keel", Dr. Mike Deichen's "Global Warming", Cathy Goonen's "A Dose of Reality", Susan Deichen's "The Little Seed in the Paper Cup" and Paul Hagge's "Sometimes It's OK to Sleep With the Lights On". There were so many other great speeches by Angela Abreu, Dr. Princess Anita, Ryan Viloria, Venky Allensky, Diana Walley and Ken Walley...it is just impossible to list them all here!

The Ice Breakers were truly amazing! We started off with one of the best Ice Breakers ever given anywhere by Eddie Selover which recounted his experiences at Ground Zero on 9/11. Dan Ashworth, Jack Nguyen, Cathy Goonen, C.J. Jackson, Barbara Cusack, Helman Romano, Dr. Mike Deichen, Mari Chumley, Joe Cannizzaro, Ben Jackson, and Gadston Fuller all gave their Toastmasters Ice Breaker speeches in 2007. Sung Ho Han's Ice Breaker was powerful and moving. Titled "Proud to be a Failure" it proved that he was anything but a failure. Susan Deichen's Ice Breaker titled "Lost and Found" was both humorous and enduring. Jose Cotelo's Ice Breaker titled "Evolution" at our Christmas party sounded like something from a wonderful novel! My favorite Ice Breaker  however was Sarah Stack's March 15th speech titled "My Story" which showed that she was a remarkable speaker even if she has only give just one speech.

Every Orlando toastmasters Club #28 meeting of 2007 was a rewarding experience.

It would be a great mistake to overlook those who served as club officers over the last year and worked so hard to create a truly positive learning environment such as Club #28. Our Presidents were two of the best in our club history: Angela Abreu and Dennis Gola. Andrea McManus, Cathy Goonen and Ken Walley filled in the Vice President of Education position. Ken Blake was our Vice President of Membership for two terms as was Sarah Stack who served as Vice President of Public Relations. Bob Blaydes was out Treasurer throughout 2007 and Ken Walley and Eddie Selover both served as the club's Secretary. Ken Walley also chipped in as Sergeant at Arms for the 2nd term, Scott Weachter did the honors for the first term. From all of us who are members at #28 past and present, we sincerely thank you for your leadership!

2008 will be our BEST YEAR EVER! I know that we have some challenges ahead, like we did last year, but overcoming challenges and becoming even better is what this vlub does best. I know that 2008 will be tremendous year of learning, friendship and fun!

I wish everyone at Orlando Toastmasters Club #28, its members, past members, guests, friends and family, along with all of those of the Orlando Public Library staff a very merry Christmas and a very happy holidays and the most wonderful and joyous New Year!

 

WELCOME TO TOASTMASTERS!

By Kenneth H. Walley ACS, CL (November 2007)

Since we have so many new members joining our club, I re-read some of the articles in the front of the basic manual. I should do this more often. It is a great reminder of why Toastmasters is such a great investment. I realized that a lot of the confidence, self-assurance and respect I have gained over the past few years are directly related to Toastmasters. 

While serving in the various officer positions and while mentoring others, i have learned a great deal about leadership. Speaking of leadership skills, we will be seeking new officers for the upcoming Toastmasters term of January through June 2008! I highly recommend that if you are offered a club leadership position that you do not pass up on this excellent opportunity to grow in leadership knowledge! These skills have served me well!

Table Topics have taught me to think and react quickly, to keep my wits sharp and speak "off of the cuff"... which is very handy in everyday situations. I have learned to organize my thoughts and to present them clearly and with confidence. From being an evaluator I have learned how to give advice and how to encourage others while helping them to improve. Most importantly, I have learned how to LISTEN to others. How to listen correctly has been as important a Toastmasters lesson as how to speak correctly.

The Toastmasters program is self-paced but the remarkable thing about Toastmasters is that I am still learning even after all of these years. I guess how quickly you learn depends on how much effort you put into the program. If you go at a fast pace or if your pace is a slow one, Toastmasters always encourages you to do your best. You can actually see the positive results in your life! Best of all, Club #28 is a positive, friendly, supportive environment where it is a pleasure to learn and grow. 

Millions, yes millions, of people from all over the globe have benefited from the time-tested (Toastmasters was founded in the 1920's!) programs you will find right here in Orlando Toastmasters Club #28, or for that matter, any other local Toastmasters club. Our club, by the way, is the "Oldest Club East of the Rockies!" No wonder why we are so proud of who we are and what we do.

Toastmasters is an investment in yourself. One of the very best investment that you can make. If you attend meetings regularly, prepare for and fulfill the meeting assignments, help others to reach their goals and serve as an officer when called upon to do so, then you will be astounded at how quickly and how completely your communication and leadership skills will improve! Toastmasters does not even cost a lot to become a member and the rewards are, to quote a popular commercial...priceless!

To all of our new members: We truly welcome you with open arms! We will do our best to help you in any way that we can. We look forward to seeing you each week. As you reap the benefits of Toastmasters we will gain great satisfaction in watching you grow and improve. That is because those of us who have been with toastmasters for some time know the joy and the enrichment that you will experience. We ask only one thing: that you let others know of what a great thing we have going on here!

ORGANIZE YOUR SPEECH!

By Kenneth H. Walley ACG, CL (October 2007)

AN unorganized speech is the worst kind of communication disaster! If people are attempting to figure out what you are trying to say, they will not be listening to what you ARE saying. Without organization, the speaker will quickly lose face with his or her audience and credibility flies out the window. If the speech is poorly crafted, the points that you wished to get across will be quickly forgotten, and harder to understand! Your audience is entitled to a speech that has forethought and preparation, a speech that will lead them in steps from the start to the finish.

A great speech is as much a part of the audience as the people listening to it. Select a topic that your audience can relate with. The more interesting the topic is to your listeners, the more successful your speech will be. Current events, everyday experiences, ideas that are part of your field of expertise, family, community issues, etc. all command the attention of different groups. 

OPENING, BODY AND CONCLUSION:

Your opening should catch the audience's attention. it should bring the meaning of your speech into focus. A startling question or a challenging statement, a quotation that is powerful, the use of a prop that speaks "a thousand words" or even a bit of theatrics will often make for a memorable start to a speech. The opening should transition smoothly into the heart of the speech.

The Body of your speech should have at least three main points, each being supported by a sub-point and other material. Make each point clear and understandable. For example... In a speech about Orlando you might use, Point one: Orlando is a great place to grow up. Point two: Orlando is a wonderful place to earn a living. Point Three: Orlando is a great place to retire. Support the main point with sub-topics supported by personal stories, historical facts, anecdotes. Making your topic "personal" brings your audience closer to you.

Use statistics to give your points an "official" credibility. The testimony and opinions of experts, or even the "common man", gives your main points weight. Quotes from the famous will also spice up any speech. When appropriate, use visual aids to make your points easy to understand. Charts, models, physical objects and pictures can bring numbers more to life and give words stronger meaning. Always keep on track, make your support relevant to your main point. 

 The Conclusion is best when it has a call to action or at least ends in a way that the audience will remember and will "take with them" when the leave. The conclusion should start with a review of your main points and end with a final remark or challenge. 

That a speech is well prepared does not mean that it should be read. This is not a bed-time-story! This is a speech! I have found that working from an outline is a simple and effective way to organize a speech. I try to memorize most of or all of my opening and conclusion. From the body of the speech I try to "speak from the heart" as much as possible. A speech without passion is a dead thing. 

According to the Toastmasters Communication and Leadership Program Manual: there are different ways of approaching how to support your speech that will help you achieve your objectives with more power. A Chronological approach is organized by time. Spatial speeches follow a direction. A Causal speech tends to show cause/effect relationships. Comparative speeches use contrast of different proposals. Topical speech splits the major topics into sub-topics. Problem-Solution speeches present a problem and work towards a solution. Depending on the type of speech, you will need to choose what will work best when you assemble your outline. 

As our Basic Manual states: "Remember to select an appropriate outline which allows your listeners to easily understand your speech. Make your message clear, with supporting material directly contributing to that message. Use appropriate transitions when moving one idea to another and create a strong opening and conclusion!"

If you are ready, then you can 'WOW' them!

Notes: Congratulations to Dennis Gola who won our Area 49 Evaluation contest on September 26th and also to Ken Blake who came in 2nd Place for the Humorous Speech Contest! Also congratulate Eddie Selover, who will be competing for a different club in the Humorous Speech Contest at Division! Come cheer them on at the Division "C" Contests October 7th, 2007 at the Rollins College Bush Auditorium from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.

See you at the Library on Thursday night!

PAST OFFICERS & CONTEST WINNERS

July-Dec. 2008 President Dennis Gola; VPE: Mike Deichen (Ken Walley) ; VPM : Barbara Cusack; VPPR: Paul Hagge (Stephen Bentley); Secretary: Susan Deichen; Treasurer: Ken Walley; SAA: Jose Lopez. Humorous Speech & Eval. Contests: Contest Master: Bob Blaydes ; Chief Judge: Helen Joseph ; 1st Pl. Hum. Speech: Barbara Cusack ; 2nd Pl. Hum. Speech: Ken Walley ; 1st Pl. Eval.: Dennis Gola ; 2nd Pl. Eval.: Ken Walley. 

January-June 2008 President: Ken Walley (Dennis Gola); VPE: Susan Deichen; VPM: Mike Deichen; VPPR: Dennis Gola (Ken Walley); Secretary: Barbara Cusack; Treasurer: Joe Cannazzaro; SAA: Ben Jackson. International Speech & T.T. Contest: Contest Master: Ken Walley; Chief Judge: Roxie Steadman 1st Pl. Speech: Bob Blaydes; 2nd Pl. Speech: Ken Blake; 1st Pl. T.T.: Dennis Gola; 2nd Pl. T.T.: Ken Blake.

July-Dec. 2007 President: Dennis Gola; VPE: Cathy Goonen/ Ken Walley; VPM: Ken Blake; VPPR: Sarah Stack; Secretary: Eddie Selover; Treasurer: Bob Blaydes; SAA: Ken Walley. Humorous Speech & Eval. Contest: Contest Master: Sarah Stack ; Chief Judge: Luvina Hart; 1st Pl. Hum. Speech: Ken Blake 2nd Pl. Hum. Speech Eddie Selover; 1st Pl. Eval.:Dennis Gola; 2nd Pl. Eval.: Ken Blake.

January-June 2007 President: Angela Abreu; VPE: Andrea McManus; VPM: Ken Blake; VPPR: Sarah Stack; Sec.: Ken Walley; Treasurer: Bob Blaydes; SAA: Scott Waechter. International Speech & T.T. Contest: Contest Master: Ken Walley Chief Judge: Diana Estremera 1st Pl. Speech: Scott Waechter; 2nd Pl. Speech: Ken Blake; 1st Pl. TT: Venkey Allenky:; 2nd Pl. TT: Andrea McManus;

July-Dec. 2006  President: Ken Walley; VPE: Angela Abreu; VPM: Ken Blake VPPR: Darryl Stephens; Sec.: Bruce Wigel; Treasurer: Brian Lewis; SAA: Andrea McManus Humorous Speech & Eval. Contest: Contest Master: Warren Lakhan Chief Judge: Roxie Steadman 1st Pl. Hum. Speech: Ken Walley 2nd Pl. Hum. Speech: Brian Lewis 1st Pl. Eval.: Ken Walley 2nd Pl. Eval.: Andrea McManus.

Jan.-June 2006 President: Laurie Heinitz; VPE: Ken Walley; VPM: Dr. Ross Thomson; VPPR: Ed Carmona; Sec.: Mark Cox/ Ed Morris; Treasurer: Ed Morris; SAA: Angela Abreu. International Speech & T.T. Contest: Contest Master: Ken Walley Chief Judge: Lani Wynne-Hampton 1st Pl. Speech: Brian Wheeler 2nd Pl. Speech: Ed Morris 1st.Pl. T.T.: Dennis Gola 2nd Pl. T.T.: Russell Russ.

July-Dec. 2005 President: Barbara Lott; VPE: Laurie Heinitz; VPM: Joe Bowie Jr,; VPPR: Ken Walley; Sec.: Mark Cox; Treasurer: Dr. Ross Thomson; SAA: J.P. Grace. Humorous Speech & Eval. Contest: Contest Master: Laurie Heinitz Chief Judge: Delsa Deihl-Banks 1st Pl. Hum. Speech: Ed Carmona 2nd Pl. Hum Speech: Ross Thomson 1st Pl. Eval.: Ken Walley 2ns Pl. Eval.: Barbara Lott.

January-June, 2005 President: Ed Carmona*; VPE: Russell Russ; VPM: Joe Bowie, Jr.; VPPR: Barbara Lott; Sec.: Laurie Heinitz; Treasurer: Dr. Ross Thomson; SAA: Mark Cox. International Speech & T.T. Contest Master: Ed Carmona, Chief Judge: Helen Joseph,  1st Pl. Speech: Ken Walley, 2nd Pl. Speech: Phil Sumanpow, T.T. 1st Pl.:Ken Walley,  T.T. 2nd Pl.:Steve Litt.

July-Dec. 2004President: Dr. Ross Thomson*; VPE: Edward Carmona; VPM: Dr. Paul Layman / Joe Bowie, Jr.; VPPR: Diana J. Walley; Secretary: Laurie Heinitz; Treasurer: Barbara Lott SAA: John Walker/Ken Walley. Humorous Speech & Eval. Contest: Contest Master: Dr. Ross Thomson. Chief Judge: Brenda DeArmond. 1st Pl. Hum. Speech: Ed Carmona. 2nd Pl. Hum. Speech: Joe Bowie Jr.  1st Pl. Eval.: Barbara Lott. 2nd Pl. Eval: Steve Litt.

Jan.-June 2004  President: Adam Scoggins*; VPE: Tony Betts; VPM: Brian Wheeler; VPPR: Diana Walley; Secretary: Ed Carmona; Treasuer: Dr. Ross Thomson; SAA: Chris Moore / (Assistant: Ken Walley); International Speech & T.T. Contest Master: Diana Walley  Chief Judge: Ann Kelly 1st Place Speech: James Webb. 2nd Place Speech: Joe Bowie Jr. 1st Place T.T.: Dennis Gola. 2nd Place T.T.: Sam Ryan.

July-Dec. 2003: President: Adam Scoggins* VPE: James Webb / Tony Betts VPM: Brian Wheeler VPPR: Ken Walley / Diana Walley Secretary: Tseganesh Gudeta Treasurer: Debbe Ryan SAA: Mark Cox Humorous Speech & Eval. Contest Master: Ken Walley; Chief Judge: Jeanine Stroud ; 1st Place Speech: Tony Betts 2nd Place Speech: Joe Bowie Jr. 1st Place Eval.: Dennis Gola 2nd Place Eval.: Steve Litt

Jan-June 2003: President: Diana Walley*; VPE: Adam Scoggins; VPM: Brian Wheeler; VPPR: Ken Walley; Secretary: Tseganesh Gudeta; Treasurer: Debbe Ryan; SAA: Mike Hare; Editor: Ken Walley. International Speech & T.T. Contest  Master: Debbe Ryan; Chief Judge: Richard Gump; 1st Place Speech: Ken Walley, 2nd Place Speech: Adam Scoggins, 1st Place T.T.: Ken Walley, 2nd Place T.T: Dennis Gola. 

July-Dec. 2002: President: Deborah Ryan*; VPE: Diana J. Walley; VPM & VPPR: Kenneth H. Walley; Secretary: Tseganesh Gudeta; Treasurer: Robert Murphy ( Assistant: Paul Hagge); SAA:  Tony Betts Editor: Ken Walley. Humorous Sp. & Eval. Contest Master: Diana Walley; Chief Judge: Ed Goddard; 1st Place Speech: Ken Blake; 2nd Place Speech Ken Walley; 1st Place Eval. Ken Walley; 2nd Place Eval. Debbe Ryan.

Jan- June 2002: President: Deborah Ryan*; VPE: Kenneth H. Walley; VPM: Michael Joseph; VPPR: Diana J. Walley; Sec.: Tseganesh Gudeta; Trea: Helen Joseph; SAA: Robert Murphy; Editor: Diana Walley. International Sp & TT Contest Master: Ken Blake; Chief Judge: Carree Jewell; 1st Place Sp.: Robert Murphy; 2nd Place Speech: Ken Walley; 1st TT: Dennis Gola; 2nd TT: Ken Walley.

July-Dec. 2001: Pres: Michael Joseph*; VPE: Doug Baggett (Asst. Ken Walley); VPM: Dennis Gola (Asst. Helen Joseph); VPPR: Ralph Cowell; Sec: Ken Walley; Trea: Helen Joseph; SAA: Dennis Rookwood/ Diana Eve Rosenberg; Editor/Web: Diana Walley. Hum Sp. & Eval. Contest Master: Gabrielle "Gabi" Mercier; Chief Judge: Alie Weber; 1st Pl. Sp: Ralph Cowell; 2nd Pl Sp: Diana Eve Rosenberg. Eval. 1st : Ken Walley; Eval. 2nd: Deborah Ryan.

Jan-June 2001: Pres: Ken Walley*; VPE: Michael Joseph; VPM: Ralph Cowell; VPPR: Nancy Cowell; Sec. & Trea.: Helen Joseph; SAA: Robin Knight; Ed: Diana Walley. Int. & TT. Contest Master: Kenneth H. Walley; Chief Judge: Anne Marie Burns; 1st Pl. Sp.: Ralph Cowell; 2nd Pl. Sp: Ken Blake; 1st TT: Michael Joseph; 2nd TT: Dennis Gola.

June-Dec. 2000: Pres: Helen Joseph*; VPE: Ken Walley; VPM: Michael Joseph; VPPR: Nancy Cowell; Sec. & Trea.: Linda Buttery; SAA: Dwayne Black (Asst. Ken Walley). Hum. Sp & Eval. Contest Master: Michael Joseph; Chief Judge: Gale Watzel; 1st Pl sp.: Ken Walley, 2nd Pl. Sp.: Ken Blake; Eval 1st Pl. : Michael Joseph; Eval. 2nd Pl.: Ken Walley.

Jan.-July 2000: Pres. Dorothy Day Otis* / Linda Buttery (Asst. Helen Joseph) VPE: Scott Greenwood / Ken Walley; VPM: Helen Joseph; VPPR & Sec.: Linda Buttery; Trea.: Wayne Fogel (Asst. Helen Joseph); SAA: Ken Walley. Intn. Sp & TT Contest Master: Dorothy Day Otis; Chief Judge: Ali'e Weber; Sp 1st Pl.: Ken Blake; Sp. 2nd Pl: Ash Mahavir; 1st TT: Ken Walley; 2nd TT: Wayne Fogel. 

July-Dec. 1999: Pres: Ralph Cowell*; VPE: Helen Joseph; VPM: Michael Joseph; VPPR: Kristen Vennum; Sec: Dorothy Day Otis; Trea.: Nancy Cowell /Wayne Fogel; SAA: Scott Greewood. Hum. Sp. & Eval. Contest Master: Ralph Cowell; Chief Judge; Alie Weber; 1st Pl. Sp: Ralph Cowell; 2nd Pl: Diane Shaheen; Eval. 1st: Michael Joseph; Eval. 2nd: Dorothy Day Otis

 

Jan.-June. 1999: Pres. Helen Joseph; SAA: Ken Blake. 1997: Pres. Maytee Amador (?)

 

July-Dec. 1996: Pres. Sandi Alexander; VPE: Diana Walley; VPM: Judy Holsclaw; VPPR: Tom Permar; Sec & Trea. : Mark Capermeyer; SAA: Steve Wilmarth. Toastmaster of Year 1996: Diana Walley**

 

Jan.-June 1996: Pres. Mary MacNeil; SAA: Steve Wilmarth.

 

July-Dec. 1995: Pres. Tom Permar; VPE: Mike Shamp; VPM: Judy Holsclaw; VPPR: Gloria Kemp; Sec.: Hubert Warner; Trea.: Kaye Robinson; SAA: Steve Wilmarth.

* President's Distinguished Club. **Only Year (so far) Awarded.

ANY INFORMATION ON OUR HISTORY & PAST OFFICERS, PLEASE CONTACT KEN WALLEY at kwalley@cfl.rr.com IF YOU HAVE ANY PRE-JULY 1999 CLUB #28 AGENDAS OR LITERATURE PLEASE CONTACT ME SO WE CAN "FILL IN THE BLANKS" THANK YOU!

 

 

PRESIDENT'S DISTINGUISHED AWARDS

 July 1999 to JUNE 2000 Presidents: Ralph Cowell, Dorothy Day Otis.

Goal #1 Two CTMs: Scott Greenwood, Kristen Vennum.

Goal #2: Two More CTMs: Ken Walley, Ken Blake, Wayne Fogel

Goal #3: One ATM: Diana Walley, ATMB

Goal #4: One More ATM: Dorothy Day Otis, ATMG

Goal #5: One CL, AL or DTM: Helen Joseph, CL

Goal #6: One More CL, AL or DTM: Dorothy Day Otis, CL

Goal #7: Four New Members: Ken Walley, Monica Rowskevitz, Rebecca Ballentine, Mary Fitzgibbons

Goal #8: Four More New Members: Mark McDevitt, Tisha Rumph, Roland Ramkassoon, Barbara Armstrong, Shinita Carter, Tom Hereford, Chris Turner, Anne Burns, Dwayne Black, Christy Sanchez

Goal #9: Minimum of Four Officers Trained for Each Period: (7/1-12/31 and 1/1-6/30): COMPLETED

Goal #10: One Semi Annual Membership Report and One Club Officer List Submitted on Time: COMPLETED

 

JULY 2000 through JUNE 2001: Presidents Helen Joseph and Ken Walley

Goal #1: Two CTMs: Linda Buttery, Alex Logiou

Goal #2: Two More CTMs: Nancy Cowell, Robin Knight, Dennis Gola

Goal #3: One ATM: Ken Walley, ATMB

Goal #4: One More ATM: Diana Walley, ATMS, Ken Walley ATMS, Diana Walley, ATMS

Goal #5: One CL, AL, or DTM: Ken Walley, CL

Goal #6: One More CL, AL, or DTM: Ralph Cowell, CL

Goal #7: Four New Members: Michael Joseph, Alex Logiou, Edmond Solomon, Barbara Maynard

Goal #8: Four More New Members: Farooq Akram, Joe Ferra, Joan Durant-Bryan, Jocelyn Clarke, Mark Cox, Jackson Young, Robin Knight, Steve Ashkenaz, Doug Baggett, Juan Tito, Dennis Rookwood, Dennis Gola, Robert Murphy

Goal # 9: Minimum of Four Club Officers Trained for Each Period (7/1-12/31 and 1/1-6/30): COMPLETED.

Goal #10: One Semiannual Membership Report and One Club Officer List Submitted on Time: COMPLETED..

 

JULY 2001 through JUNE 2002: Presidents Michael Joseph and Debbe Ryan

Goal #1: Two CTMs: Michael Joseph (3rd), Tseganesh Gudeta

Goal #2: Two More CTMs: Helen Joseph and Michael Hare

Goal #3: One ATM: Ken Walley, ATMG

Goal #4: One More ATM: Ken Blake, ATMB

Goal #5: One CL, AL, or DTM: Ken Blake, CL

Goal #6: One More CL, AL, or DTM: Debbe Ryan, CL

Goal #8: Four New Members: Debbe Ryan, Diana Rosenberg, Melissa Torres, Steve Jackson

Goal #9: Four More New Members: Tseganesh Gudeta, Michael Hare, Linda Dabney, James Liebl, Robin Knight (Rejoin), Sam Ryan, Paul Hagee, Judith Martin, Richard Gump, Pete Carrion

Goal # 9: Minimum of Four Club Officers Trained for Each Period: (7/1-12/31 and 1/1 - 6/30): COMPLETE

One Semiannual Membership Report and One Club Officer List Submitted on Time: COMPLETE

 

JULY 2002 through JUNE 2003 Presidents: Debbe Ryan and Diana Walley

Goal #1: Two CTMs: Diana Walley (2nd), Adam Scoggins

Goal #2: Two More CTMs: Goal not reached.

Goal #3: One ATM: Mike Hare, ATMB

Goal #4: One More ATM: Ken Walley, ATMB (2nd)

Goal #5: One CL, AL or DTM: Sam Ryan, CL

Goal #6: One More CL, AL, or DTM: Tseganesh Gudeta, CL

Goal #7: Four New Members: Caprice Martin, Vernonika Alexander, Brian Wheeler, Tony Betts

Goal #8: Four More New Members: Adam Scoggins, Mark Cox (Rejoin), Joe Griggs, Joe Bowie, Steve Litt, Hector Amezquita, Ed Carmona, Ross Thomson, Nancy Dunn, Tim Kennedy, Jim Stitt

Goal #9: Minimum of Four Club Officers Trained for Each Period (7/1-12/31 and 1/1- 6/30): COMPLETED

Goal #10: One Semiannual Membership Report and One Club Officer List Submitted on time: COMPLETED.

 

JULY 2003-JUNE 2004 Presidents: Adam Scoggins (Two Terms)

Goal #1: Two CTMs: Brian Wheeler, Tony Betts

Goal #2: Two More CTMs: Dr. Ross Thomson, Mark Cox, James Webb

Goal #3: One ATM: Tseganesh Gudeta, ATMB

Goal #4: One More ATM: Ken Walley (2nd) ATMS 

Goal #5: One CL, AL or DTM: Steve Litt

Goal #6: One More CL, AL or DTM: 

Goal #7: Four New Members: Greg Seibert, Laurie Heinitz, Jannine Ynchaustegul, Earl K. Wood (Rejoin), Barbara Lott. 

Goal #8:  Four More New Members: Chris Moore, Darren Koltow, Eva Garrick, Russell Russ, Dr. Paul Layman, Monique Egelhoff, Darlissa Grifith, Jordan Ellington, Arthur Layman, David Dyrek, Ed Layman. Paul Hagge

Goal #9: Four Club Officers Trained for Each Period (7/1-12/31 and 1/1-6/30): 1ST PERIOD COMPLETED/ 2ND PERIOD COMPLETED .

Goal #10: One Semiannual Membership Report and One Club Officer List Submitted on Time: COMPLETED. 

 

JULY 2004 through JUNE 2005 Presidents: Dr. Ross Thomson and Ed Carmona

Goal #1: Two CTM: Barbara Lott, Russell Russ

Goal #2: Two More CTM: Laurie Heinitz 

Goal #3: One ATM: Brian Wheeler ATMB, Ross Thomson, ATMB

Goal #4: One More ATM: Ed Carmona, ATMB, Ken Blake, ATMS

Goal #5: One CL, AL, or DTM: Ed Carmona, CL

Goal #6; One More CL, AL or DTM: Dr. Ross Thomson, CL

Goal #7: Four New Members: Andy Schrader, Robert Guerrero, John Loblack, John Walker

Goal #8: Four More New Members: Melissa Baldauf, Michelle Crane, Phil Sumampow, David Landers, Dr. Lisa Palmer, Wanda Diaz, Jennifer Mattison, Tamara Blaze, J. P. Grace, Ed Morris, Janet Rodriquez, Serita Morgan

Goal #9: Four Club officers Trained: for each period: (7/1-12/31) and 1/1-6/30): 1ST PERIOD: Pres. VPE, VPPR, Sec., Trea, SAA (Make Up Training 7/31/04)2ND PERIOD: Pres. VPE, VPPR, VPM, Sec., (Planet TM) 

2ND PERIOD:

Goal #10: One Semiannual Membership Report and one Officer List Submitted on Time:   

 

JULY 2008 Through June 2009 Presidents: Dennis Gola and

Goal #1: Two CC:

Goal #2: Two more CC

Goal #3: One ACB, ACS OR ACG:

Goal #4: One more ACB, ACS or ACG:

Goal #5: One CL, AL or DTM: Dr. Michael Dichen

Goal #6: One more CL, AL or DTM

Goal #7: Four New members: Monica Walley, John Bonowitz-Coffey

Goal #8: Four More New Members:

Goal #9: Four Club officers Trained for each period: (7/08) and (1/09)

Goal #10: Officer lists reported to TI  for 6/08 and 12/08. Dues reports submitted on time for both periods.