Thursday, August 19, 2010

New Members: Adam Gold, June Montgomery, Cristina Stoia

Dear Toastmasters and Guests,

 

         What an honor it is to announce that Oyster Point Speakers Toastmasters Club  is a President's Distinguished Club for the year 2009-2010. We are one of the best in Virginia!

         The highlight of our meeting was induction of new members. Adam Gold, June Montgomery and Cristina Stoia  are now new Toastmasters. They have already brought so much positive to our Club.

          We had 21 in attendance, including Jean Smith and her daughter Jasmine. Toastmaster of the Evening was Lois Boyle. Tim Tonkovic served as General Evaluator. Wade Miner was Table Topics Master. 

We heard 4 speeches:

          Cristina Stoia, evaluated by Stacey Wallace,  gave an Icebreaker speech. Cristina has such a great story to tell. She was a university student in her native Romania when she applied and got accepted into a summer program at Yale University. She was the first Romanian to have ever done it. While at Yale, Cristina made many international friends. As she put it: "we all spoke with different accents, but we all learnt how to dream in English".  She also completed an MBA Degree at William and Mary despite the fact that it took her twice the time to read and write in English, as compared to her American classmates. Cristina encouraged us to fight for our dreams and not be afraid to fail. Failures will only make us grow in ways we never thought we could.

          John Harman, evaluated by Matt Phillips, gave us a Club Contest Review. John spoke about the upcoming Humorous Speech Contest on September 2.  Contest takes place only twice a year so this is your chance to dazzle your audience with humor! John reminded us that speeches have to contain all original material.  Remember: how effective you are in making your audience laugh will determine your chances for winning the contest. We still need volunteers to fill in roles and contest evaluators will receive leadership credit for their work. Please speak to the Contest Master, John Harman, or Stacey Wallace, VP ED, about volunteering.

         Rick Boyer, evaluated by Nancy Hogg, presented the final speech from Advanced Communication Manual, which fulfilled his requirement for achieveing the title of Advanced Communicator Silver. Congratulations, Rick! His speech, "From Deep Space to Personal Space", took abstract concepts of physics, astronomy and meteorology to convey an important yet clear message.  There are billions of galaxies in the universe. Each galaxy contains millions of stars. To bring it into prespective, the neighborhood we live in has only one star, the Sun. We are but specks! The universe we live in is so vast that it makes us seem utterly insignificant in its great scheme. However, Rick's speech challenged that concept. He showed us how our seemingly insignificant self can have a huge impact on the world.

Using the concept of the "Butterfly Effect", Rick showed us  that our lives are so intricately connected that every single action we take has worldwide implications. Our words and our actions matter. What we do on a daily basis affects everyone who comes in contact with us and who comes in contact with them. Even if it starts with one person, we can make a positive impact on the world. It is only up to us to do it.

          Stan Dalziel, evaluated by Danita Fox, presented his third speech from Persuasive Speaking Manual. Stan's speech touched on a subject most of us are familiar with: we can't find time to do all the things we would like to do. Stan, already very busy,  recently volunteered to help with Children Ministries at church.  He realized that he somehow managed to find the time to fulfil all his voluntary duties. He did that by giving up activities that were time suckers in his day. Stan's advice is to evaluate all activities in our day. Think about what adds positive value to your life? What drains and subtracts from your life? Make a list. Which negative activities could you replace with positive ones? Sometimes a simple act of switching off the TV will free several hours a day for you to start making a positive change in your life. 

         All the speeches were fantastic!

Tim Tonkovic, General Evaluator, provided us with this acronym that aptly described the speakers:

I for Inspirational Cristina

D for Developmental John

E for Extraterrestrial Rick

A for Amazing Stan

Very clever, Tim!

Wade Miner, Table Topics Master, chose a summer vacation theme for the speakers. Participants (Grayson Williams, Lori Hobson, Juan Alvez, and Adam Gold) were asked to highlight their best vacation memories, talk about vacation plans that never went through, and fantasize about perfect get-aways. Adam's tip: live out your day enjoying it to the fullest. Each day is supposed to be like vacation.

KUDOS TO THE WINNERS:

Grayson Williams was BEST in TABLE TOPICS

Stacey Wallace was BEST EVALUATOR

and 

Cristina Stoia was BEST SPEAKER! 

Rick Boyer is new Advanced Communicator Silver. Congratulations, Rick! Thank you for all the hard work that led to your achievement.  

Congratulations! 

Sincerely, 

Magda Brugos

Club Secretary

 

Thursday, August 5, 2010

          Hello Oyster Point Speakers and Guests!

         Another Toastmasters Thursday at Angelo's Pancake and Steak House. What a storm it was! While the weather outside was furious, everyone inside was taking yet another step towards excellence in public communication. We had a guest! Ryan Shipley came to Toastmasters for the first time. Thank you for coming, Ryan. We hope you will visit us again.

        We had 17 Toastmasters and 1 guest in attendance. Toastmaster of the Evening was Nancy Hogg. General Evaluator was Lavorise Love. Table Topics Master was Wade Miner.

          We heard four prepared speeches. Following Toastmasters International speech manuals is a sure pathway to gaining competence in public speaking and receiving formal recognition for this achievement, as well. Thursday speakers were as follows:

          Stacey Wallace (evaluated by Matt Phillips) presented her 6th speech, "How to Support Our Troops". Stacey talked about different ways in which we can show appreciation and support to the military men and women. Sometimes, a simple care package and a thank you letter is what brings a smile on a soldier's face. Stacey mentioned a few websites which support the troops:

http://www.anysoldier.com/

http://www.militaryministry.org/

http://www.puppiesbehindbars.com/

http://www.uso.org/

        Matt Phillips, (evaluated by Magda Brugos), presented his 4th speech, "In the Fast Lane. Cell Phones and Distracted Driving". Matt talked about the dangers associated with using cellphones while driving. The message was clear:  do not text and drive. If you absolutely have to use your phone while driving, think about investing in a head set or simply pull over to the side of the road.

       Christy Gardner, (evaluated by Maritsa Alger), presented her milestone speech, "Stand Up and Speak". Christy talked about overcoming her fear of speaking in public. Over the past 17 months she has transformed from someone who was fearful in front of an audience to a confident communicator and a community leader. Excellent job, Christy!

        John Harman, (evaluated by Stan Dalziel), delivered his speech, "My Cars"  from the Entertaining Speaking Manual. John talked about the fun cars he has had over the years.

          Table Topics speakers were asked questions about their favorite product to sell, what challenges they face in selling and what exhilirates them the most in selling. Participants in Table Topics were Bonnie Parker, Linda Williams, June Montgomery and Rick Boyer. Table Topics Master's (Wade Miner) intent was to equip us to be a better sales force for Toastmasters International so that others can also experience the myriad of positives that come from being an active member of this organization.

AUGUST 5, 2010  RIBBON RECIPIENTS WERE:

JUNE MONTGOMERY for BEST TABLE TOPICS

MARITSA ALGER for BEST EVALUATOR

 and

CHRISTY GARDNER for BEST SPEAKER

Christy has now completed her Competent Communication manual (10 speeches behind her belt) and received her trophy - the CC Badge! Christy is now moving on to Advanced Communication course. Good luck!

CONGRATULATIONS !

P.S. Mark your calendars and get your funny on for September 2. John Harman will be leading Humorous Speech Contest. Sign up today!

See you there!

Magda Brugos

OPS Club Secretary

It's HOT HOT HOT! Thursday, July 15, 2010

         

          Hello Toastmasters Family!


          Even though the summer is in full swing and keeps many Toastmasters busy and away from the meetings, we are still going strong, with 16 in attendance!
We had a brand new visitor, Lori Hobson, and a repeat guest, Edward. We were also pleased to receive a special visit from Justin Hitt, Area 12 Governor.

          Christy Gardner was Presiding Officer of the Meeting, in lieu of Stanley Dalziel. Tim Tonkovic stood in for Matt Phillips as Sargent At Arms. Tim was also Toastmaster of the Evening. Wade Miner was General Evaluator. Wade reminded us how blessed we are to be part of such a distinguished club!

          We heard two speeches on July 15. Dr. Adam Gold presented his second speech from Competent Communication manual. John Harman presented an educational module.
          Adam's Speech, evaluated by Magda Brugos, was a positive toast raised to all Toastmasters. It encouraged us to do what we love, and to be passionate and devoted to it. Adam reminded us that mastering in any area of life takes hard work and dedication.
          John's presentation, evaluated by Justin Hitt, focused on a Toastmaster's promise. John reminded us what it means to be a Toastmaster:
          "As a member of Toastmasters International and my club, I promise:

• To attend club meetings regularly
• To prepare all of my speech and leadership projects to the best of my ability, basing them on projects in the Competent Communication, Advanced Communication or Competent Leadership manuals
• To prepare for and fulfill meeting assignments
• To provide fellow members with helpful, constructive evaluations
• To help the club maintain the positive, friendly environment necessary for all members to learn and grow
• To serve my club as an officer when called upon to do so
• To treat my fellow club members and our guests with respect and courtesy
• To bring guests to club meetings so they can see the benefits Toastmasters membership offers
• To adhere to the guidelines and rules for all Toastmasters educational and recognition programs
• To maintain honest and highly ethical standards during the conduct of all Toastmasters activities "

          Christy Gardner, as Table Topics Master, chose the  improvisational story telling format for this exercise.The participants (visitor Lori Hobson, Rick Boyer, Tim Tonkovic and Bonnie Parker) had to continue a story started by Bonnie. It seems that the pig stealing has become an inside joke! (ask any present Toastmaster for details if you missed the pig story... )


          Word of the day was "Faux Pas", provided by Lois Boyle.  Faux pas is a blunder, or a social mistake. Thankfully, Toastmasters program trains us how not to commit communication faux pas!

And the Ribbon goes to:

Adam Gold for BEST SPEECH

Justin Hitt for BEST EVALUATOR

Tim Tonkovic for BEST TABLE TOPICS

CONGRATULATIONS!

Magda Brugos
Club Secretary
Oyster Point Speakers

The New Year is Here! Thursday, July 1, 2010

          Hello Toastmasters Family!
        
July 1, 2010 marked the beginning of a new Toastmasters year. Happy New Year!
Thank you, all outgoing officers who served the club so well for the past year.


We had such a great meeting! It was an evening we will remember for a long time.
Stanley Dalziel was inducted as our new Club President. Congratulations, Stanley! We have great confidence in you as our new club leader.
Christy Gardner served as Toastmaster of the Evening.  Jessica Ledbetter was General Evaluator.


19 were in attendence, including a "repeat" guest, Greg Eremeev. Thank you for coming again, Greg!


We listened to 4 speeches:
          First was Linda Williams, evaluated by Stan Dalziel. Linda's speech was on the subject on fibromyalgia. Linda gave an account of her first-hand experience of living with fibromyalgia. Linda was diagnosed with this condition 20 years ago.
          Second was Magda Brugos, evaluated by Bonnie Parker. Magda talked about her favorite summer memories and the importance of creating memories.
          Third speech was delivered by Lois Boyle, evaluated by Tim Tonkovic. Her speech, "Just for today. The choice is yours", not only encouraged us to stop and appreciate the beauty in our daily lives but also to get rid of hurry and inattention.
          Last, and certainly not least, was Dr. June Montgomery. June's Icebreaker speech, "Who am I?", melted any ice if there was any. She treated us to a beautiful live performance of  the song "My  Funny Valentine".  This Icebreaker was certainly unforgettable! June's speech was evaluated by Wade Miner.


          Rick Boyer was a Table Topic Master. Rick showed us a different twist on table topics. Participants (Stacey Wallace, Wade Miner, Lavorise Love and Adam Gold) were to show off their communication skills at a country court! The defendant (Wade)  was accused of stealing a pig from his neighbor (Lavorise). Thankfully, Wade had two high-profile witnesses on his side (Stacey and Adam) and the jury decided Wade was NOT guilty of stealing the pig.  They were all great and fun to listen to and watch. Great idea, Rick!

 Ribbon Winners of July 1 Meeting were:

June Montgomery for Best Speech

Adam Gold for Best Table Topics Speaker

Wade Miner for Best Evaluator

CONGRATULATIONS!

Magda Brugos

Club Secretary

Oyster Point Speakers

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Hello Toastmasters Family,


Officer Elections and Induction came between the scheduled speeches and table topics.  Officers for the upcoming year, July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011, are:

President:                     Stan Dalziel
VP Education:              Stacey Wallace
VP Membership:          Christy Gardner
VP Public Relations:     Nancy Hogg
Secretary:                    Magda Brugos
Treasurer:                    Janet Krenn
Sargent At Arms:         Matt Phillips

Congratulations everyone!!  We will have a great year.

Attendance was 24.  Sierra Hargraves, Brittany Pokorny and Greg (from Russia) were our guests.  Linda Williams served as Toastmaster of the Evening.  Table Topics Master was Nancy Hogg.  General Evaluator was John Harman.

Christy Gardner, Speaker #1, talked about the USA as a Nation of Debtors.  $772 Billion in credit is owed to credit card companies.  Stop being part of that figure by not buying things you don't need and can't pay cash for right then.    Matt Phillips told us how to 'Beat the Heat of Summer'.  Schedule outdoor activities carefully.  Pace yourself and stay hydrated.  Speaker #3, Stacey Wallace, told us the secret to getting what you want out of life is a positive focus.  Control your thoughts and feelings.  The Law of Attraction works whether it is negative or positive.  Stay positive!  Stacey Wallace's positive speech won her the Best Speaker ribbon.

Table Topics Master, Nancy Hogg, asked District and Club level officers leadership role questions in this table topics version.  Danita Fox summarized her year as outgoing club president.  Lois Boyle explained what a 'Past President' does.  John Harman talked about his job, the District 66 Governor.  Rick Boyer compared and contrasted officer positions on the district and club level.  Danita Fox received the Best Table Topics ribbon.

Janet Krenn was evaluator for Speaker #1.  Tim Tonkovic evaluated Speaker #2.  Jessica Ledbetter evaluated Speaker #3.  Jessica Ledbetter received the Best Evaluator ribbon.

New Club President, Stan Dalziel, was not present at this meeting.  Stan will be inducted at the July 1, 2010 meeting.

June 26  Summer Leadership Institute  9am to 12 pm.
          http://district66.org/

July 1  New Toastmaster Year begins

Sign up for roles in upcoming meetings:
      http://ops.freetoasthost.info/members/roster.cgi

Final newsletter as club secretary for this run.

Nancy Hogg
Club Secretary
Oyster Point Speakers

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Hello Toastmasters Family,

Twenty in attendance at this meeting. Christine Stoia and June Montgomery are now new members.  Three guests:  Michelle Righenzi, Naomi Lewis and returning guest Edward Florey.  Toastmaster of the Evening was Tim Tonkovic.  Table Topics Master was Stacey Wallace.  General Evaluator was Christy Gardner.

Three speakers on the program.  Speaker #1, Nancy Hogg, talked about reasons to keep a food diary.  Track food and calories in weight loss efforts, track dietary requirements for performance training and track food consumed to correlate for health related problems/issues are three good reasons to keep a food diary.  Magda Brugos, Speaker #2, discussed the role of phytonutrients of fruits and vegetables in the diet.  Speaker #3, Jessica Ledbetter, gave a module on meeting roles and responsibilities of a Toastmasters Club.  Learn by doing.  Magda Brugos won the Best Speaker ribbon.

Table Topics speakers were Rick Boyer, Grayson Williams, John Harman and Matt Phillips.  Matt Phillips won the Best Table Topics ribbon.

Evaluators were Linda Williams for Speaker #1, Lois Boyle for Speaker #2, and Lavorise Love for Speaker #3.  Lois Boyle won the Best Evaluator ribbon.

June 17  Officer Election & Induction
June 26  Summer Leadership Institute  in Glen Allen, VA.
July 1     New Toastmaster year begins

Nancy Hogg
Club Secretary
Oyster Point Speakers

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Hello Toastmasters Family,

Jessica Ledbetter, VP Education, provided the following notes in my absence.  Thanks, Jessica.

Stan filled in as Sergeant at Arms and opened the meeting. Danita then began with new member inductions. We were able to induct one, Janet Krenn, of four new members. We had four guests: Dr. June Montgomery, Jean Smith returned for a second time, Edward Florey returned for a second time, and Christina Stoia.

Toastmaster of the Evening, Tim Tonkovic, introduced the people filling the various roles for the evening. Philip Pedersen started us off with a funny anecdote about his mother-in-law. Stacey Wallace gave us the word of the day: "Plucky" which means having courage or bravery. James Tatum filled in for Listen Up! Master.  Rick Boyer was our timer and photographer. Lois Boyle kept track of the votes. 

There were two speakers for the evening. Lamar Thomas gave his second speech an absorbing subject: Lady Anion panty liners which are for a multitude of uses. He described the product well and kept his composure. The next speaker filled in since we had some cancellations. Wade Miner presented the Service and Leadership module which is part of the Leadership Excellence Series. We were reminded that none of us is as strong as all of us, many hands make light work, and sticks in a bundle cannot be broken.

Table Topics Master Sandy Peterson presented various questions of our guest June, Stan, guest Jean, and Jessica. 

General Evaluator Philip Pedersen lead the evaluation team. Janet Krenn evaluated Lamar's speech and Magda Brugos evaluated Wade's speech.

Best Table Topics speaker was June. Best evaluator was Janet. Best speaker was Lamar.

We adjourned at 8:14 p.m.

Reminder:

June 17 is the officer election/induction.

------

Nancy Hogg

Club Secretary

Oyster Point Speakers