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Monday, December 19, 2011

News (no meetings)

 
SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
Just so that no one can say I didn't announce it, there will be no meetings of Speakeasy Toastmasters for the next two weeks, i.e., December 21 and 28. No one can say that TM interfered with his or her Christmas shopping, or with holiday travel, or with entertaining out-of-town visiting relatives and/or friends, or with anything else during the next 18 days. We will, of course, resume our regular Wednesday meetings on January 4.
Perhaps there will be time available to simply "think" about that next speech, and maybe even time to write it. By taking advantage of that extra time, another speech might be just that much closer and another evaluation will help point to even more improvement in speaking skills.
One thing I know we are all hoping for is the return to our regular meeting room. We always manage to have successful meetings, no matter where they are held, but they just seem a bit better in our home base. Now if I can only remember to call and have the lectern taken down those stairs. Note: There is no elevator in the building.
I'm attaching Leah's schedule for 1/4/12 and I'll attach it again in the coming weeks, so that there are no surprises, such as happened to one of our members during the last few weeks (no name, but we can guess). Naturally, it can happen to anyone, but probably not more than once - I think. Let's hope.
This missive will appear again next week, so be sure to download the schedule and prepare for your assignments. May all the holiday joys be yours.
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
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Monday, November 28, 2011

News (Ken Covington Obit)

 
SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
Members and guests have noticed that the Word of the Week is sometimes done in a rather elaborate fashion, while others are somewhat crude but readable (mine). The creator of the better ones has died, and only long-time members will remember Ken Covington. He passed away last Thursday at the age of 90. Visitation is from 5 to 8 on Monday and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, with funeral services at 11 a.m. Tuesday -- all at Gearty Delmore Funeral Chapel at 3888 West Broadway in Robbinsdale (55422).
Had a nice e-mail from Larry Berle, our representative in Arizona, who says he is making great progress through the manuals and owes his commitment to Toastmasters to Speakeasy, which is where he started several months ago. I keep him informed about our club via our Sunday evening newsletter, and he could drop in on us at any time. Good.
The latest schedule from Leah is attached (I now do that first thing so I don't forget). The three meetings are the last of 2011, since we will be taking December 21 and 28 off so that members can spend more time spending money and boosting our economy. Any spare time left can be used to write those great speeches we're just itching to create. Do it -- you'll never be sorry.
Also, we can always make room for more speeches. We have the room until 8:30, but seldom go that long.
Speaking of the room -- the one upstairs where we'll be meeting for the rest of the year -- in the words of Peg Meier, a Star Tribune former columnist, "bring warm clothes." That's also the title of a book of hers that sold very well, especially here in the North Country. Yes, it's cool up there, but we're sturdy stock, we are, and we can handle it, perhaps with an extra sweater or a heavier jacket. Or do I exaggerate?
As for this week, if anyone has a change, let me know by 1:00 Wednesday, or we'll have to scribble all over your name on the agenda. Not a pretty picture. See you all at the meeting.
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
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Monday, October 31, 2011

News

 
SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
Come one, come all. Speakeasy's open house is this Wednesday, and we're marking the occasion with a short regular meeting, goodies, and a chance for visitors to learn what Toastmasters is all about.
If you know of someone who should be a Toastmasters visitor, now is the time to put the arm on him or her and urge attendance at this special event. If you are a recent inquirer and haven't been to a meeting yet, now's the time. I guarantee, it won't hurt a bit.
Three cheers for Cori, Don, and Dorothy for making all the arrangements, including baking ***** (come and taste), and spreading the word via posters and personal contact. We are fortunate to have such enthusiastic members, and I hope we get some more from this special evening. We do so much good for so many people that it's a shame more don't know about us. But we're trying. Yes we are.
So that our visitors get the best impression of our procedures, I hope we all remember to applaud everything. Also, everyone should help in welcoming our visitors, introducing ourselves by name and offering to sit with them and answering any questions they might have. If we all work together on this, we may just get a new member or two or three.
Advance notice: By tradition, we take 3 meetings off during the holidays -- the night before Thanksgiving, and the two Wednesdays during the year-end holidays, which this year are the 21st and 28th of December. We will resume our full schedule on January 4.
For those working their way through the beginning manuals, please remember to bring them with you to meetings so that you can get full credit for speaking, and for the activities in the Leadership manual. There are evaluation forms for every activity in the manual, so even if you're not scheduled, we may need to have you fill in on a duty and you might as well get credit for it.
The schedule for our open house is attached. If you have a duty but run into difficulties, please let me know by 1:00 Wednesday afternoon so that the agenda can be as correct as possible. See you all at the meeting.
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

News & Open House

 
SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
It's on! Speakeasy is having an open house on November 2, which is a week from this coming Wednesday. Notices have been and are being sent to the local media and flyers are being posted conspicuously. Cori Judge is the prime mover on the project, and is performing admirably. All we can do now is hope that some guests appear.
Historically, Toastmasters has been one of the world's best-kept secrets, despite herculean efforts to give that idea a rest. There are many who have said to themselves, "I've got to look into that someday." But so many never do, for reasons unfathomable. I went through that sort of period myself, almost 31 years ago. I made only one false start, having found a club nearby, marked it on my calendar, looked at the calendar on the day chosen, and wondered if there wasn't something else more important to do. Sadly, I found something.
Sound familiar? I'm guessing that sort of thing happened to most of us, but those who grabbed themselves by the collar and hauled themselves to a meeting have never looked back. We have gained so much in so many areas, it's impossible to describe it all. So let's get ready to welcome our visitors on November 2. We'll talk about it this week.
We do have other items on this week's agenda, and they are described on the attached schedule from Leah. As is our custom, if you are listed for a particular performance (I don't like "duty"), but run into difficulty and can't make it, let me know by 1:00 Wednesday so that I can make the agenda as correct as possible. Thinking ahead, I hope we can be fully organized for our open house, so that visitors are fooled into thinking we do it all the time. It'll be a neat trick. See you Wednesday.
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

news

 
SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
Good news! For those who have wondered about the absences of our president, Gene Welch, please note that all is OK. Gene has been busy with some extremely important personal matters, and expects to return very soon.
Bad news! We still don't have renewal checks from all of our members. There's no penalty for renewing late, but it is a nuisance for treasurer Dorothy to have to send in renewals individually. If you are still one of the missing, please have pity and mail your check to Dorothy Woodard, 4747 Upton Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55410. (Got it right that time.) C'mon, have a heart.
Now that the summer is over and fall activities have begun in so many ways, have you set goals for your upcoming Toastmasters year? The best way to get full benefit from TM is to take the time to write those book speeches, and deliver them for evaluation by your fellow members. Also, don't forget to use Toastmasters for previewing presentations you have to give at your job. Leah Meyer did just that last week, and I predict she'll knock their socks off. Or has already.
Autumn is also a time for many people out there to seek help with their public speaking. There is no better place for it than Toastmasters, as we all know, and if you know anyone - co-worker, friend, family member, etc. - invite him or her to a meeting. You'll be doing someone a huge favor, as you also already know. We do need a few more members, as so many, through no fault of their own, must miss meetings on occasion. With a larger member pool, we are better assured of fully effective meetings and a chance for every member to participate. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open.
I'm hesitant to use this space for personal gain, but members have expressed an interest in the progress of my book. I'll use just these 3 lines to direct your browsers to http://www.englishrepairman.com/.
The schedule is attached, as usual. If you need to make a change, try to let me know by 1:00 Wednesday. Otherwise, we'll find a way to adjust and adapt. I hope to see most of you at the meeting.
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
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Saturday, September 24, 2011

Fw: Congratulations to Mike Cook - Area 93 Tall Tales Speech Contest Winner

 

Please join me in congratulating Mike on his successful speech last night.  He will go on to represent Area 93 in the Western Division Tall Tales contest on October 6th.  Please come out to cheer him on if you are able! (See the attached flier)

 

Also, thank you to each of the volunteers who came out to the contest last night to help make it a success and support Mike's ability to proceed to the next level.  We literally could not have done it without you and I am personally very grateful for your support!

 

Keep in mind that there are many speech contests going on this week and next in our Division and in the District as a whole.  If you have never been to one, it is a great experience.  Check out the D6TM.org website to find one that fits your schedule.

 

Thanks!

 

 

Colleen Hamilton

Senior Research Director

----------------------------------------

GfK Custom Research North America

Consumer Sector

8401 Golden Valley Road, Suite 100

Minneapolis, MN 55427

Tel. +1 (763) 542 0807

Cell +1 (612) 598-6881

Fax. +1 (763) 542 0864

colleen.hamilton@gfk.com

www.gfkamerica.com

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Monday, August 8, 2011

news

 
SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
I'm hoping that everyone has made good use of the time off during our every-other-week hiatuses. I was able to skip shaving on Wednesday, and that was a plus since I hadn't anywhere to go that day at all. Dare I risk it again next week? Perhaps; perhaps not. Play it by ear.,
This week we again have only one speaker scheduled, so anyone who has a speech ready, let Leah and me know and we'll put you on the program. I'm guessing that things will pick up after the State Fair closes, and we resume regular weekly meetings on the 7th.
ALERT: The Area 93 Humorous Speech Contest is set for September 17 at the Ridgedale Public Library. That means we will have to have our club contest fairly soon, no later than September 14 and getting the winner's name to our area governor immediately. Tight schedule, I know, but we have no choice. Please consider competing, as it is one of the special benefits of Toastmasters, where we get together with other clubs and their members.
Never mind if you don't have a barn-burner: Just performing in a different speaking venue is both a thrill and a challenge. So what if you don't win? It's the doing that counts. Think about it.
There's an auxiliary contest too, but I can't find my note on it. It will be one you can't prepare for, like Table Topics or Tall Tales, or maybe Evaluation, so you don't need to know right now anyway.
Did you know that there's a Farmer's Market barely a stone's throw from where we meet? It's at the St.Louis Park Rec Center Plaza and it runs from 3 to 7 p.m. every Wednesday. Might come in handy.
Any changes to the schedule should come to Leah and me by 1:00 Wednesday. I hope to see a lot of our members, and a guest or two as well. Until then,
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
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Thursday, July 28, 2011

Interesting Words

Tony V. writes:
I found an interesting word related to a scientific paper on mice.
Quiescent, meaning being at rest, inactive, or motionless. Mice with Down Syndrome apparently lose quiescence, being too active.

Interesting Tony, I've never heard that word before so I had to look up how it is pronounced. I would have thought it was a two syllable word but no - it has three. See the following for more info on this interesting word. Cori J.


qui·es·cent

adj \-sənt\



Definition of QUIESCENT




1

: marked by inactivity or repose : tranquilly at rest


2

: causing no trouble or symptoms <quiescent gallstones>

— qui·es·cent·ly adverb


See quiescent defined for English-language learners »


See quiescent defined for kids »


Examples of QUIESCENT




  1. quiescent loungers recovering from the Thanksgiving feast>


Origin of QUIESCENT


Latin quiescent-, quiescens, present participle of quiescere to become quiet, rest, from quies
First Known Use: 1605


Related to QUIESCENT





See Synonym Discussion at latent


Rhymes with QUIESCENT


canescent, decrescent, depressant, fluorescent, incessant, increscent, liquescent, pearlescent, rufescent, suppressant, turgescent


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Saturday, July 23, 2011

News

 
SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
IMPORTANT: Do not go to Byerly's this week, unless you need groceries.
We voted last week to cut back our summer schedule to every other week, in view of reduced attendance for various reasons, mostly about vacations, etc. So we're not meeting this week. We will meet on July 27, August 10, and August 24, and will resume a full schedule beginning on September 7.
If you have a speech ready, or expect to soon, Leah wants you to let her know so that she can schedule you in on the date of your choice, especially during the shortened period. We don't want any member to miss any opportunity to proceed through the manuals.
Members even remotely thinking about become professional speakers will want to know about drawing for an 8-session course in exactly that. There will also be a free TELI and a free conference. If you are interested, get your name in the drawing by e-mailing our district governor, Catherine Rai-Cardenuto. Even if you dismiss the possibility, any of these can be good for anyone. It costs nothing to give it a shot. Send the e-mail to Catherine@FestiveFinale.com. Good luck. There's no deadline date given, so do it now while you think of it.
The attached schedule is here because we always have one. OK, so it's short, but it's still informative.
See you a week from Wednesday.
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
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Monday, July 11, 2011

Fw: Toastmasters July 13

 

SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
 
Let us all welcome each other back after a week off in celebration of Independence Day, the real name of the Fourth of July.  I did a little pondering during the week about our nation's great history and how it all started.  No other country has matched the marvelous success our system of government has attained, even in light of recent disturbances in various seats of various governments, city, state, and who knows what else.  And no matter how things develop, Toastmasters will continue on its mission of helping people develop as public speakers and as leaders.
 
I'd like to remind everyone that we're considering taking more time off during the summer months because of so much vacation travel, etc.  We will be discussing it during the next couple of meetings, so give it some thought and decide whether it will slow your progress or not.  We don't want to stand in the way of any member's working through the manuals, especially the first one.
 
We have a new area governor, who will be paying us an official visit in the near future.  She is Colleen Hamilton, and I hope we are close to full strength in attendance when she comes.  We are 15 in number, but a few of us have had conflicts in recent times.  However, no matter how many attend, we always manage to have a proper meeting, along with a few laughs.  (Hint, hint:  Try to find a joke,  We've been running dry.)
 
The TELI is this Saturday, as we all know.  I won't repeat the information here, but by now we also know to look on the district Web site - www.d6tm.org - if we need more details.
 
You may also want to check that site to see who our new district officers are, maybe some you know?  Everything changes on July 1 each year, so keeping up takes a little effort.  (I'll do it soon, OK?)
 
As usual, get any changes to me and Leah by 1:00 Wednesday so that the agenda is as correct as possible.  See you all at the meeting.
 
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
 
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Monday, June 27, 2011

Fw: Toastmasters June 29

 

SPEAKEASY NEWS
    Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
 
In spite of cold, wind, and rain, the Speakeasy summer picnic happened as planned.  Most of our members were there, and, as usual, a fine assortment of delectables was on the groaning board.  Unfortunately, we were chilled to the bone by the time we left, so we didn't get a chance to play Cori's game.  We'll be doing that at this week's regular meeting.
 
Just to remind everyone, we won't be meeting next week, on the 6th.  The Independence Day holiday is a bit too close, and many will want to take advantage of an extra day, so we'll shut down for a week.
 
Unless any other member wants to give a speech this week, Tony Carlson will have the floor to himself.  Tony is finishing his CC award, and the club will buy his badge as soon as the paperwork clears.  It's always great when a member makes it to another level, and Tony deserves our accolades.  Hip, hip, ... well, you know.
 
We had high hopes that Speakeasy would again be recognized as a Distinguished Club, but, alas, it was not to be.  We needed 4 or 5 new members, and they simply didn't appear.  But as they say in sports, "Wait'll next year!"  I am extremely optimistic.  We have several members working their way toward CC, and at least one zeroing in on an AC (Advanced Communicator), so there should be plenty of points to put us over the top.  After July 1, everything we do counts toward a whole new year.
 
I'm attaching another flyer for the TELI coming up on July 16.  If you can go, I guarantee you'll not be disappointed.
 
Unless I hear otherwise, the agenda will reflect the attached schedule.  At 1:00 Wednesday I check my e-mails, then prepare the agenda.  I hope to see a good crowd at the meeting this week.
 
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
 
 
 
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Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Fw: Confirmation of Officer Assignments

In addition to the assignments below, Gordon Andersen is our newsletter editor and Gene Welch is our webmaster.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 10:53 AM
Subject: Confirmation of Officer Assignments

 
 
 

Dear Gene,

The following assignments are now on file at World Headquarters. Thank you for keeping your club officer assignments current.

Officers for Club 00001789 - Speakeasy Club

President   Gene P. Welch, ATMG   01-Jul-2010 – 30-Jun-2011
VP Education   Leah J. Meyer   13-Apr-2011 – 30-Jun-2011
VP Membership   Kristy S. Wisneski   20-Apr-2011 – 30-Jun-2011
VP Public Relations   Corinne Louise Judge   13-Apr-2011 – 30-Jun-2011
Secretary   Dorothy J. Woodard, ATMB   01-Jul-2010 – 30-Jun-2011
Treasurer   Dorothy J. Woodard, ATMB   01-Jul-2010 – 30-Jun-2011
Sergeant at Arms   Tony Osman, ACB, CL   01-Jul-2010 – 30-Jun-2011


  
 
Toastmasters International | 23182 Arroyo Vista | Rancho Santa Margarita | CA | 92688 | www.toastmasters.org 		 
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Sunday, May 29, 2011

Fw: Toastmasters June 1

 

SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
 
We have elected our new list of officers for the coming year, which begins on July 1.  They are:
President:  Gene Welch
Vice-President Education:  Leah Meyer
Vice-President Membership:  Kristy Wisneski
Vice-President Public Relations:  Cori Judge
Secretary-Treasurer:  Dorothy Woodard
Sergeant-at-Arms:  Tony Osman
 
President Gene will be sending the list to International HQ shortly.  The membership thanks the above for their service to the club and their fellow members.  Leadership, of course, is the other half of the Toastmaster program.  Congratulations to us all.
 
Our summer picnic date is almost set.  Mark Wednesday, June 22, on your calendars.  All that's needed is paying to reserve the covered area at Wolfe Park, which is where we were last year.  I will be charging the $55 fee to my credit card on Tuesday, and we can discuss the possible need to collect a small donation from attendees and a partial contribution of our club treasury.  We lucked out on the weather last year, and I'm sure we can do it again.  If not, we always have our regular room as our backup location, if needed.
 
We need only 5 new members by June 30 for us to win Distinguished Club status.  Please keep on the lookout for people who need us, and they are legion.  Toastmasters has often been called "the world's best-kept secret."  When I ask friends and acquaintances if they've heard of Toastmasters, more than a few say they haven't.  So that creates a double problem:  A lot of people who need us don't even know we exist.  That just isn't right.  Let's spread the word, and let's remember that they can always say no, with no harm done.  I'm doing the same.
 
In addition to the regular schedule, I'm attaching the announcement of the July 16 TM Education and Leadership Institute (TELI), which is calling for volunteer presenters. All members are eligible to participate.
 
This week as usual, get changes to me by 1:00 Wednesday.  Leah is presently incommunicado.  See you at the meeting.
 
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
 
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Wednesday, May 25, 2011

News

SPEAKEASY NEWS

Online Newsletter for Toastmasters Club 1789

Congratulations to Tony Osman, Speakeasy's Toastmaster of the Year! We all know how hard Tony works as sergeant-at-arms, and how dedicated he is to filling any and all meeting duties. He will now be considered for TMOY for Area 93, gauged against candidates from 5 other clubs. We should know in a few weeks.

(My computer is playing some kind of game I'm not familiar with, so you'll have to bear with me. Or it may be AOL, which won't give me the welcome screen. I do, however, receive and send e-mails, so maybe this will work. Two files are supposed to be attached, one being this week's schedule, the other being who knows what? I'm sure someone will tell me.)

We lost two speakers last week, through no fault of their own, so I had some fun and winged one. It's also called "walking out on a limb," but after 30 years experience, it just fell into place. Every Toastmaster, eventually, should be able to do it. I guarantee you that it gets the juices flowing, and former member Ken Covington was even better at it than I am. When you decide to try it, just remember that no one will think less of you if you should falter. We are all on the same side.

We still have more than a month to round up a few new members. Please do what you can to "gently" suggest to a friend or co-worker that it would be good to look in on a Toastmasters meeting just to see how it works. Once you get your guest through the door, the rest of us will get busy impressing your friend as a group. If you'll remember, that's what got you and me into TM in the first place. It'll work again.

Nominating Committee chair Dorothy Woodard is soon to announce the slate of officers for the coming year, which begins July 1. If you've thought long and hard about it and decided to take the plunge for the first time, let Dorothy know right away. We need to notify our international HQ of the changes a bit before that date. So, c'mon in, the water's fine, the jobs are easy, and the rewards are great.

As usual, changes to me by 1:00 Wednesday and to Leah if time allows. See you at the meeting.

Gordon Andersen

Editor, Speakeasy News

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Sunday, May 1, 2011

Realignment & District 6 Spring Convention

Speakeasy is still in Area 93 after the District 6 realignment. There was a quorum at the business meeting and District Officers were elected. Jane Rischmiller got the Lou Novack award. The contests were excellent!
Gene
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Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Fw: Confirmation of Officer Assignments

In addition to the officers reported to Toastmasters International Speakeasy has:
Newsletter Editor - Gordon Andersen
Webmaster - Gene Welch
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 8:11 PM
Subject: Confirmation of Officer Assignments

 
 
 

Dear Gene,

The following assignments are now on file at World Headquarters. Thank you for keeping your club officer assignments current.

Officers for Club 00001789 - Speakeasy Club

For the period 01-Jul-2010 to 30-Jun-2011

President Gene P. Welch, ATMG
VP Education Leah J. Meyer
VP Membership Kristy S. Wisneski
VP Public Relations Corinne Louise Judge
Secretary Dorothy J. Woodard, ATMB
Treasurer Dorothy J. Woodard, ATMB
Sergeant at Arms Tony Osman, ACB


  
 
Toastmasters International | 23182 Arroyo Vista | Rancho Santa Margarita | CA | 92688 | www.toastmasters.org 		 
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Monday, April 18, 2011

News

 
SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
Fellow Toastmasters, we need to designate a Toastmaster of the Year for Speakeasy, and I have just come up with a stunning idea: In order to give all members a vote, including any who may not be able to make a meeting where final voting is done, why not vote online? I'm proposing that each member send me his or her nomination for TMOY (as it's often abbreviated). I'll collect all responses and huddle with at least one other member to determine the winner. If anyone has objection to this method, speak up now. (Understand that this takes me out of contention, but I've had the honor more than once already, so I don't need it again. I'm the perfect ballot counter.)
Anyone want to organized a summer picnic? It's getting later every week, and it's a great opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills. It may even fulfill a requirement in the Leadership manual.
The District 6 Spring Convention, which includes the district International Speech Contest and the Evaluation Contest, is coming up at the end of the month, April 29 and 30, and will be held this year in Plymouth. Full details are on www.d6tm.org. You can register for Friday night or all day Saturday or both.
We have until June 30 to sign 4 more members in order for us to qualify as a Distinguished Club. That's a little more than 2 months, which is not a lot. The Internet helps, of course, but personal invitations are better at getting prospects to attend. Keep those eyes and ears open and that next new member may be someone you know.
I don't mention it often, but this is the one way members can talk to all members. If you have a suggestion for change or improvement, tell me about it and I'll pass it along, with or without your credit, as you choose.
Are you working the Leadership Track along with the Communications Track? Bring both manuals to meetings and get them filled in so you can gain the awards and move on to the next level. We don't win money or worldwide fame, but we do get great personal satisfaction from our achievements in Toastmasters. It takes just a little effort.
OK, so I forgot to attach the schedule last week. This time I attached it first thing so I wouldn't forget again, and I'm all atwitter anticipating what our speakers will talk about. (No, I'm not on Twitter, and I resent the online site for co-opting a perfectly good expression.)
Changes? Get them to me and Leah as soon as you can when you know. Deadline is 1:00 Wednesday. I'm hoping for a full house.
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
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Monday, April 4, 2011

 
SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
 
The time we do NOT look forward to has arrived.  We are losing seven members at this dues-renewal time, all of whom have had major changes in their circumstances and are unable to continue in Speakeasy.  We can hope, however, that they will eventually find other clubs, so as not to lose the important benefits of Toastmasters.  We truly do wish them well, and invite them to visit when they can.
 
I'm keeping everyone on the list at least this one time, and reminding those leaving us that they can reinstate in any club at any time, without any charges except for regular (proratable) dues.
 
We are now at 16 members, but I'm sure that will resume an upward climb as more find us on the Internet.  We should also be keeping an eye out for prospective members as we continue on our daily ways.  Mention Toastmasters when the opportunity presents itself, and create the opportunity when you can.  Dropping the TM name casually in conversation sometimes results in stirring up interest.  It happened to me over the weekend during a chat about something totally unconnected, but it broke the ice and who knows what might happen.
 
Any ideas for Toastmaster of the Year?
 
This Thursday is the Western Division International Speech Contest and Evaluation Contest.  I'm attaching the flyer with all details.  If you can make it, I guarantee you'll enjoy it.
 
Remember that I check my e-mails at 1:00 Wednesday for changes to the agenda that may pop up at the last minute.  It all helps.
 
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
 
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Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Fw: Toastmasters contests March 9

 

SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
 
We continue to grow.  Please welcome John Kelly and Kristy Wisneski into our club.  One reason they happen to be joining at the same time is they will soon become a wedded pair.  Yes, they are "affianced," a word you don't hear often -- about as often as "betrothed."  Anyway, they have our congratulations and our sincere best wishes.
 
CONTESTS!  THIS WEEK!  ARE YOU READY?  Attached is the regular 3-week schedule, with this week's assignments for the International Speech and Evaluation Contests, to be held on this Wednesday.  Jessica has very carefully covered all positions, and it appears that the speech contest will come first, with one speech to be used as the target speech for the evaluation contest.  I will have official forms for both contests, so that everything will go smoothly.
 
So far, only Tony Osman has entered as a speech contestant.  If any other member is even thinking about entering, please do it.  We don't really need competition as much as we need participation.  Contests add spice to the Toastmasters experience, and present opportunities to speak before different audiences.  Trust me, you won't regret it.
 
In case you wonder what happened to the Word of the Week and Table Topics, we omit them on contest nights, unless there is a lot of time left.  In years past, we have had several contestants in both contests, and sometimes no time left of our 2-hour allotment.  I'd really like to see that happen again.
 
Most of you know that the Area 92 contests are on Thursday, March 24, and I've just now put it on my own pocket calendar.  I'll send the official flyer out again next week, but this time I'll just note that the contests will be held at 6700 Excelsior Blvd., which is better known as the "Stilts Building" on the corner of Excelsior and Louisiana Ave.
 
Dorothy will have my head if I don't mention that dues are due for the next six months.  They are $36.00, payable to Speakeasy Toastmasters and are being collected by Cori Judge in Dorothy's absence these 2 weeks.  Dues must be in to International HQ by April 1 and if takes a few days for the money to get to California (don't ask).  Help make Dorothy's job easier by getting your checks to Cori ASAP.  Your club thanks you.
 
I usually call for changes by 1:00 Wednesday, and if you intend on adding your name as a contestant, I can still get you on the agenda by that time.  Go for it!  See you Wednesday.
 
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
 
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Sunday, February 13, 2011

Speakeasy News

 
SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
 
Closer, ever closer creeps the day of reckoning -- the day of the International Speech Contest in Speakeasy.  Are you thinking about it?  Are you preparing a dynamite speech?  You can use one you've already given if you rework it so that it's a new piece.  Speeches are supposed to be original, but that doesn't eliminate a topic, only the form of the first one.
 
No speech?  How about the evaluation contest?  We need to send one speaker and one evaluator to the area contest on March 24, having had our club contest on March 9.
 
Remember, only the speech contest requires 6 completed manual speeches.  Anyone may compete in the evaluation contest.
 
 
We'll also need a Toastmaster, a chief judge, a target speaker for the evaluation contest, 1 or 2 timers, 2 ballot counters, and a handful of judges.  That's a lot, you say?  We've handled much worse regarding bodies to fill the various positions, and we can do it again.  For example, speech contestants can be evaluation judges, and vice versa.  Trust me, it'll work.
 
I'd mention officer training, but Gene has kept officers informed.  We need 4 officers trained before sometime in February, I think.
 
Jessica has put together the next 3 weeks schedule, which I am attaching herewith.  If you see any need to change anything, be sure to let me know by 1:00 Wednesday, and Jessica before then, if possible.  It's always good to have a clean agenda (bad choice of words?).
 
Heard a good joke lately?  We need more than one per meeting, I'm sure you'll agree.  I get mine from the Internet, courtesy of several friends who send me mostly stuff I can't use, but once in a while there comes a good one.  This week?  Well, we'll see.  See you Wednesday, that is.
 
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
 
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Monday, January 31, 2011

 
SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
 
Let's hear a big hello to Code Sternal, our newest member.  Code is joining Toastmasters as part of his preparation to take on a new job later this year in New York City.  You'll see on the attached schedule that he's jumping right in and giving his icebreaker this week.  That's what we like.  Welcome, Code, and may your Toastmasters career be everything you hope it will be.
 
(Code brings our membership up to 19, highest in quite a while.)
 
I'm adding two more attachments this week.  One is an invitation to a job-seeking seminar, and there is no cost.  If you, or someone you know, are looking for employment (or a better job), it could be well worth your time.
 
The other has to do with individual and club progress, particularly concerning the Distinguished Club Plan (DCP).  When an individual Toastmaster achieves, the club achieves as well.  The two main benefits we derive from TM are personal satisfaction in improving our skills, and the recognition by our organization and by our peers.  Mostly, though, it's the pride we take in our accomplishments.
 
Remember that there are contests coming up, sooner than we think.  Let's all really consider taking a part, whether it be actually competing, or serving in other capacities, such as judges, timers, etc., or even as Toastmaster or chief judge at club, area, division, and district contests.  The International Speech contest is the one leading to the crowning of the World Champion of Public Speaking, and that champion is right now in some club somewhere, and it could be here.  How about that?
 
The HPL mentioned on one of the attachments stands for High Performance and Leadership project, and we have the materials to take it on.  Gene will explain more as we consider it.
 
Wednesday, 1:00, is when I go online to look for e-mails from members needing to change the agenda.  Then it's off to the printer.  I hope to see as many members as possible that night.  More guests, too.
 
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
 
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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

 
SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
 
This week, Area Governor Nancy Knoth will honor us with her semiannual official visit.  Through her, the district keeps track of our progress as a club, mainly to see if we are doing OK and to offer help if we need it.  Our club is part of an international organization that has a great reputation even among nonmembers, with several "celebrities" as former or current members.  Nancy will not only participate in our meeting, but will present announcements of future activity, in our area and in our district (6).
 
Have you thought about entering the upcoming contests, either as a speaker or as an evaluator?  It's a great experience, with many personal rewards just for taking the plunge.  There are no winners or losers per se, because everyone wins just by competing.  Trust me.
 
This week, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed, we should be in our regular meeting room, the Community Room.  Last week I had a look inside and all it really needed was a good vacuuming, as all the stuff that was being worked on was mostly gone.  Shouldn't be a problem.
 
Are you remembering that there are two tracks in Toastmasters?  There's the speaker track, and there's the leadership track.  It's the leadership manual that members are most likely to leave at home, where it's of little use.  Bring it along and get credit for just about every function during a meeting.  Complete the assignments and you'll receive a very nice certificate from international headquarters, suitable for framing.  Really, it is classy.  Do you know where your manual is?
 
I hear through the grapevine that one of our members is about to give a speech to another organization, or maybe has done so already.  This is a way of broadening the Toastmasters experience by putting ourselves in front of an audience of complete strangers.  It's a real challenge, one that I hope we'll all one day accept.  There is a district Speakers Bureau, and any member can be added to its list of presenters.  And no, you don't have to be of professional caliber; all you need is a message you feel would be of benefit to the audience, or at least informative.  If you're interested, go the district Web site for more details.
 
The schedule is attached.  Changes to me by 1:00 Wednesday, please.
 
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
 
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Monday, January 10, 2011

Speakeasy News

 
SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
 
OK, so we had to trudge upstairs again last week, but I have been assured (?) that our regular room will be available to us this week.  But, well, we will cope, no matter what happens.  Nothing can stand in the way of a Speakeasy meeting.  So there!
 
The AG is coming!  The AG is coming!  AG stands for area governor, and our Area 93 governor, Nancy Knoth, will pay an official visit on January 19.  Hey, that's next week.  Nancy will sit down with President Gene and EdVP Jessica to prepare a report to the district office on how and what we as a club are doing and what we expect to accomplish in the next few months.  These visits take place twice a year, and we can expect a few announcements from Nancy, if only as reminders and invitations.
 
Nancy will also be seeking likely candidates to replace her on July 1.  I've been an AG and it's very easy (the way I did it).  Consider it.
 
If I may have your undivided attention, I will announce a few particulars of the upcoming International Speech Contest.  Our club contests will be on March 9, and the Area 93 contests will be on Thursday, March 24, at the Stilts Building (not its real name) on the corner of Excelsior Blvd. and Louisiana Ave., just west of Methodist Hospital.
 
The subsidiary contest this time will be an Evaluation Contest.  Here's how it works:  All contestants hear what is called a "target" speech.  All contestants except the first contestant are escorted from the room.  This is so that no contestant hears another contestant before his or her turn comes.  Back they come, one at a time, escorted by the contest sergeant-at-arms.  I say that because our elected sergeant-at-arms may wish to enter the contest, in which case someone else would have to serve in that capacity.  Clear?  Good.
 
The schedule is attached, because I remembered to attach it before I started writing this.  Good thinking, no?  If you have any changes to it that we can use to our advantage, please get them to me by 1:00 Wednesday p.m.  We've been a bit short on speeches lately, so see if you can add another to your busy schedule.  We'll always have at least one, but more is better.  See you at the meeting.
 
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
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Monday, January 3, 2011

Fw: Toastmasters January 5

 
----- Original Message -----
From: Gene Welch
Sent: Monday, January 03, 2011 9:32 AM
Subject: Re: Toastmasters January 5

If you need the TELI presentation application go to http://www.d6tm.org - Gene
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, January 03, 2011 12:56 AM
Subject: Toastmasters January 5

SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
 
Do I really have to say Happy New Year again?  Looks like I just did.
 
We are back in action after a holiday rest (?) and ready to step up to the speaker's lectern.  Jessica has provided a schedule for the next few weeks so that everyone can plan ahead.
 
Speakers are still needed for the upcoming TELI, I think.  I can't get the attachment to open, so I'll attach it here and hope it makes it to you.  If it's too late, well, I tried.
 
The International Speech Contest is not as far off as one might think.  I don't have all the details yet, but stay tuned.  They're coming.
 
This week we should be returning to our regular room.  I'll stop in on Monday and double-check.
 
I hope you don't mind if I keep this short this time.  I've had a very bad day with a mistake I made on eBay.  Take my advice:  Don't hit the wrong button -- you could get lost in the depths of the online void.
 
Changes?  Get them to me by 1:00 Wednesday.  See you at the meeting.
 
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
 
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