Current News

July-August 2010

IMPORTANT NOTICE: ORLANDO CLUB #28 WILL BE MEETING ON WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11 and 18 INSTEAD OF OUR REGULAR THURSDAY NIGHTs (AUGUST 12 and 19). WE WILL NOT BE MEETING ON AUGUST 12 and 18, DUE TO MEETING ROOM AVAILABILITY. WE RESUME OUR REGULAR THURSDAY NIGHT MEETING THE AUGUST the 26TH.

Club #28 Qualifies for President's Distinguished Award! Wilner Luders and Ruble Nedumkunnel earns CC Award! Deepti Dhiman wins CL Award! Club International Speech and Table Topics Contests! For more on these and other news, Click on the "CLUB ARTICLES" section above!

A SPECIAL SUMMER CELEBRATION!

THE 2010 Summer Celebration and Installation of Officers for Orlando Toastmasters Club #28 was held on June 24th and was an impressive success! The evening featured great speeches, an excellent evaluation, the "Passing of the Gavel" ceremony and even a new member induction! The meeting room at the Herndon Branch library was packed as along with a number of guests, Professor Christopher Fama from Florida Technological College brought with him his communications class of about 30 students.

For her last time as Sgt. at Arms, Barbara Cusack called the meeting to order. After an uplifting Invocation Monica Walley introduced the night's Master of Ceremonies, Ken Walley.

Ken explained to our guests that this evening was not going to be a "normal meeting" but added that there would be speeches, an evaluation and that he would ask some Table Topics questions himself even though there was no Table Topics session on the Agenda. Bringing up the theme of "Summer" Ken asked returning member Paul Hagge what was the secret to keeping cool in the summer. Much of Paul's advice was to stay indoors with the AC on! Mark Gumula was later asked "What is there fun to do during a hot, Florida summer?" Mark was very enthusiastic about water parks. A great idea since the temperatures have been in the 90's!

Our featured speaker on this special night was our newest club member Frank Adams who was also giving a very special speech: his Ice Breaker Speech! Titled "I AM" Frank gave a remarkable first speech that told of his involvement in an organization called "Family Life". After his first marriage ended in divorce, he became active in the group and now helps to keep families together and build stronger relationships. Among many other things, we learned that Frank is a father, works at Disney World, and volunteers for community work with the "Disney Voluntears" programs.

Next on the Agenda, Ken Blake gave a very upbeat and positive evaluation of Frank's speech. He still nevertheless found room for some excellent advice. Frank received a standing ovation for giving his Ice breaker Speech!

Due to our out-going Club #28 President Deepti Dhiman getting married in her native India, Ken Walley filled in to give her "Farewell Speech". Ken extolled Deepti's leadership abilities, spoke about club membership growth, how the club had produced exceptional meetings and her willingness to try new ideas. Ken noted that the club won it's 8th President's Distinguished Award in the last 10 years under Deepti's watch. He said that Deepti is very proud of this club but, like himself, believes that the best moments of Club #28 are still in the future.

Ken next introduced Area 32 Governor Luvenia Hart who called to the lectern the in-coming officers for the "Passing of the Gavel" induction ceremony. Gov. Hart installed Sgt. at Arms Monica Walley, Treasurer Barbara Cusack, CC, CL; Secretary Malita Clarke, Vice President of Public Relations Mark Gumula, Vice President of Membership Carolyn Stapleton, Vice President of Education Ken Walley ACG, CL and President Wilner Luders, CC.

After the ceremony, new Club #28 President Luders gave his "Inaugural Address". Wilner spoke of the club building a "strong bridge" to leadership and communication opportunities. He spoke that "8 is not enough" when it comes to earning the President's Distinguished Award. He placed membership as a priority and reminded us that he would be counting on everyone for advice. Wilner said that he would like to see a "club inspired!" On this night it was Wilner who inspired us. Wilner received the second standing ovation of the night as our new president!

Ken Walley, seeing that there was still a lot of time left in the meeting, mentioned that he had received an application for club membership from Melanie Rizzo. Ken noted that the club had not had a formal induction of a new member in a long time. He asked new Sgt. at Arms Monica Walley to escort Melanie out of the room. Ken then presided while Melanie was formally voted into the club and had her returned to the lectern. Melanie then took an oath to uphold the "Toastmasters Promise" and was given the third standing ovation of the evening as our newest member!

With still more time left, Ken Blake asked our in-coming Area 32 Governor Elon Horsham to say a few words about why he chose to become an Area Governor. Elon's "off the cuff" speech "Why I Became an Area Governor" was an eloquent presentation about the opportunity to serve in an Area with legendary clubs as well as the great chance to learn leadership outside of the club environment. It would not be a stretch to believe that more than a few Club #28 members would be inspired to become future Area Governors after his speech.

To end the meeting, Ken asked some of our guests what they had thought about this evening's "Summer Celebration". Every guest that was asked including Kayla Sorel-Bazil, Charlie Van Derven, Travis Kemp, Kevin Bauer, Diane Hart and Prof. Christopher Fama all had glowing, positive and enthusiastic comments! After the meeting, Club #28 gained another member when Kayla Sorel-Bazil joined the club! Welcome Kayla!

This special evening was entertaining, inspiring, fun and showcased just what a great future that this club is creating for itself!

I would also like to invite ANYONE who would like to write articles for our web site to e-mail them to me. This web site belongs to every club member and all are welcome to add to it.

TO GO TO "THE PHOENIX" click here for IMPORTANT DATES, PAST ARTICLES, & MUCH MORE!

See you at our next meeting!

Kenneth H. WalleyACG,CL

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