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Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Elections: July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016

President - Gordon Andersen
Education Vice President - Sharon Gifford
Membership Vice President - Sarah Evjen
Public Relations Vice President - Joe Zahner
Secretary/Treasurer - Corina Snoeren
Sgt. at Arms - Anthony Valls

Thursday, May 7, 2015

EGG Capture


Sarah Evjen and Sharon Gifford capture the EGG.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014


Open house tomorrow.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Elections

Elected for 2014-2015 starting July 1, 2014:
President - Sharon Gifford
Education Vice President - Sarah Osmundson
Membership Vice President - Steve Throndson
Public Relations Vice President - Bev Kruegel
Secretary Treasurer - Corina Snoeren
Sgt. at Arms - Gordon Andersen
 

Monday, March 25, 2013

SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
 
And the winner is ... Colleen Seisler, who won the Area 93 Tall Tales Contest last Saturday.  Rarely has it happened that a brand-new Speakeasy member has captured the area title.  Colleen will now go on to compete in the Western Division Contest.  Don't stop now, Colleen.  You have our admiration and our congratulations.
 
There will likely be a flyer, but the division contests will be on Monday, April 8, beginning at 5:45for registration and contests at 6:15, at the Stilts Building on the corner of Excelsior Blvd. and Louisiana Ave. in St. Louis Park.  A $5.00 donation will help cover the cost of snack food that will be served, as well as the cost of awards.  Come help cheer Colleen on.
 
Say hello to our newest member, Brandon Schomberg.  Brandon visited one-and-one-half times, liked what he saw, and signed on.  We will now prove that he has made a smart move.
 
Speaking of signing on, every 6 months we must give Treasurer Cori Judge a check for $45.00 to continue our memberships.  I know that she doesn't mind having payments dribble in, but it would be a courtesy to her to have our dues paid by March 31, so that she won't have to go through all the motions each time another check comes to her.  If you haven't paid yet, please do so very soon.
 
I've attached the latest schedule from Education VP Don Weirens, who has been traveling a lot lately, so he may or may not provide an updated roster.  If you have any change in the line-up, let me know by 1:00 Wednesday, if you possibly can.  Otherwise, we will punt.
 
I probably won't see every member at this week's meeting, but I can hope, can't I?  Surprise me.
 
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Area 93 Speech Contest - March 23, 2013



When:
March 23, 2013 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where:
Edina Public Library
5280 Grandview Square
Minneapolis,MN 55436
USA

Parliamentary Procedures Toastmaster Club

We are invited to this club's speech contest. It would be fun if a group of us could meet there. Possibly we could go out for a bite to eat afterwards.

Saturday morning March 16th! Cori

Please follow the link for further instructions.

Word of the Week: Perspective


Perspective - Point of view, interpreted by the viewer.
SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
 
One more week, members, and we will have our club International Speech Contest and Tall Tales Contest.  That's March 13.  Any member who has completed at least 6 speeches is eligible for the International contest, and all members are eligible for the Tall Tales contest.
 
Take it from me, there is nothing as energizing as competing in a speech contest.  The nerves are a-tingle, there may be sweat, the eyes might blur, and the knees could knock, but when the introduction is over, there's no going back.  It's showtime!  Trust me, you'll love it.
 
We need the help of several members besides the competitors -- a Toastmaster, a Chief Judge, a few judges, a timer, a ballot counter, and a cheering section -- so there's something for everyone to do.  And by the way, it's possible to enter both contests even though it's rare.  I hope we can start signing up to fill those spots this week.  However, we can always add to the schedule at the last minute.
 
The International contest times at a minimum of 4:30 and a maximum of 7:30.  Under or over merits a disqualification, but that's a rule we are allowed to break if we have to.  Tall Tales are between 2:30 and 5:30, and the same rule applies.  In any event, we will send a contestant to the area contest on March 23 if we have to hog-tie and drag a couple of our members there.  We have never knowingly missed a contest.
 
I've attached the latest schedule again, as I think Don is still out of town.  Just be sure to note that everything changes on the 13th for the contests.  What's there now will likely be advanced a week to the 20th.
 
Visitors, you are cordially welcome to observe our contest night on the 13th, just as you are welcome any Wednesday.  Contests are just another part of the comprehensive Toastmasters program.  Come see.
 
Any changes this week?  To me, please no later than 1:00 Wednesday.
 
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News

Friday, February 24, 2012


Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
 
This is it, friends.  This is the big one, a contest that starts here and ends with a World Champion of Public Speaking.  It can happen to any member.  If you intend to enter the competition, please let me know by 1:00 Wednesday, so that I can prepare the contest program.  I swore up and down that we would send a contestant to the area contest on March 5.  Please don't make me be the one, although I will if I have to.
 
The Table Topics Contest is different.  Any member may enter, regardless of length of membership or of manual progress.  You can decide at the last minute to enter this contest, but it would be good to have you on the program, if possible.  Let me know.
 
The Area 93 contests are on Monday, March 5, at the Ridgedale Public Library.  Registration starts at 6:30 and the contests start at 7:00.  We need Speakeasy judges, as well as rooters in the audience.  I hope to see as many of you there as possible.
 
I'm attaching the schedule, even though the contests can be expected to take up most of the meeting.  At least you can see what's on the horizon for the next couple of weeks after this one.
 
Participating in Toastmasters events outside the club is an important part of the overall experience.  We are, after all, working toward not just being able to speak during our meetings, but being able to conduct ourselves with distinction in other situations, whether at work or in other volunteer organizations, or maybe even to speak up before the city council.  End of polemic.
 
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Word of the Week
Felicitous- Apt, fitting, well said.
The Toastmaster's felicitous anecdote set everyone at ease.

fe·lic·i·tous/fəˈlisitəs/

Adjective:
  1. Well chosen or suited to the circumstances.
  2. Pleasing and fortunate.
 

Wednesday, February 1, 2012


Jan 29 (2 days ago)



SPEAKEASY NEWS

Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789


We had five guests last week, the most in a very long time.  Let's hope we impressed them enough to come again.
There's a lot of Toastmasters activity ahead, both inside and outside of our club.  Contests are due any week now, and in addition to the International Speech contest, the auxiliary contest will be Table Topics.  Whereas the speech contest requires contestants to have completed at least 6 manual speeches, the Table Topics contest is open to all members.  The Area 93 contests have not yet been scheduled, but we will have to have our club contest quite soon.  Will you be in it?  Good!
Another event is the District 6 Toastmasters Education and Leadership Institute (TELI) coming on Saturday, February 11.  There are 4 attachments regarding it, and I can tell you that attending a TELI is an experience you won't regret, especially this one.  Headlining the affair is Jana Barnhill, a former international president, who will conduct sessions before and after lunch.  You need not purchase the lunch in order to participate in any and all other sessions.  Have a look at the schedule and decide for yourself.
This week's Speakeasy schedule is also attached, and if anything needs changing, please let me know by 1:00 Wednesday, after which I run to the copy shop with the evening's agenda.
Remember to bring your Leadership manual to every meeting, so that you get proper credit toward the Competent Leader award.
Oops!  Change 2011 to 2012 on the schedule.  We should have seen it.
Gordon Andersen, Editor
Speakeasy News
2 attachments — Download all attachments  
JanaBarnhillannouncement_011012.zipJanaBarnhillannouncement_011012.zip
309K   View   Download  
Schedule_020112.xlsSchedule_020112.xls
12K   View   Open as a Google spreadsheet   Download  

Monday, January 9, 2012

Fw: Toastmasters January 11

 
 
Sent: Sunday, January 08, 2012 10:12 PM
Subject: Toastmasters January 11
 
SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
 
If you haven't already, step up and introduce yourself to Kate MacKenzie, our newest member.  Kate visited twice, liked what she saw and heard, and made that decisive move.  Welcome, Kate, and may your Toastmasters journey be beneficial and pleasurable.
 
Special alert:  On January 25, two weeks from this coming Wednesday, our area governor, Colleen Hamilton, will be training our officers, and all members are welcome to participate.  If you haven't held office yet, or want to know more about offices other than your own, this is a terrific opportunity.  The session, which can take less than an hour, will be held right after our regular meeting.  If you wonder who does what, and what for, here's how to find out.  It's especially helpful if you're following the Leadership track.
 
Now that we're past the holiday season, it's time to get really serious about preparing new speeches.  If you need ideas for speeches, the Internet is loaded with them.  Just be sure to keep your goals in mind and not get distracted by YouTube, etc.  Use Google when needed, but that too is a minefield unless you know where to step.  I often get lost on the Internet and forget why I logged on in the first place.  Easily done.
 
And not incidentally, try to remember to bring your Leadership manual to every meeting.  Competent Leader and Advanced Leader are easily attainable goals, as well as boosts to our self-confidence, just as speaking is.  Use the whole program -- you won't regret it.
 
It was really nice to be back in our regular digs last week.  They had cleaned the room, brought the lectern down, and warmed up the room, in comparison to the one upstairs.  It was appreciated by all.  I told Ross Huseby, our host and the store's general manager, that we are very grateful, no matter where we meet, but he is aware of the lack of heat up there, and came this close to apologizing.  I shrugged it off.  We have one of the finest meeting places among all Toastmasters Club.
 
Leah's schedule is firmly attached as usual.  If you see anything that might need changing, e-mail me before 1:00 p.m. Wednesday.  After that I don't go online until late at night.  If you miss that deadline, you might try calling me at (952) 929-0502, but it may be too late to change the agenda.  I hope to see every member Wednesday night.
 
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
 
 
 

Monday, January 2, 2012

Fw: Toastmasters January 4

 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, January 01, 2012 11:23 PM
Subject: Toastmasters January 4

SPEAKEASY NEWS
Online Newsletter of Toastmasters Club 1789
 
As we return to our regular schedule and, we hope, to our regular quarters, I extend my wish for a refreshed and eager Toastmasters club to resume providing its benefits to all who attend, and for an influx of new members to replace those who in all likelihood will need to leave for other times and places.  It just happens.
 
So, for those on our guest list, please come give us a chance to prove our worth to you.  Trust me, it's not only painless, it's fun too.  As a group, we don't take ourselves too seriously, just enough to accomplish the Toastmasters mission, which is to aid all and sundry in improving speaking and listening skills.  Those of us who have been members for any length of time will tell you that's it's absolutely true.
 
There are activities in and outside the club that will keep us busy for the next several months.  The first is the International Speech Contest, and dates are beginning to be set.  Announcements will be made as soon as I have details.
 
A reminder:  Be sure to bring both of your manuals to meetings and get credit in both the Communication and the Leadership tracks.
 
Leah's schedule is attached, as promised, and if you have a change, please let me know by 1:00 Wednesday, if you possibly can.  If you can't, we'll figure something out.
 
Again, Happy New Year to one and all, and may 2012 treat you like royalty (unless there are demonstrations outside your door).
 
Gordon Andersen
Editor, Speakeasy News
 

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

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

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

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

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

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