Eagles,
Our Holiday Celebration Meeting was full of friends, food,
and fun! We had 21 members and 4 guests. It was a terrific end to the year and
a transition to new beginnings.
Yours Truly served as the Toastmaster of the evening. Ian
Brooks, fresh off a trip from Edinburgh Scotland channeled his inner Scot
to provide a quote. As humorist, I went to the tried and true “somebody walked
into a bar” joke. The reaction of the audience indicated my joke was more
“trying” than “true”.
As we did not want to delay the festivities, we dove
(“dived” also acceptable) right into the speeches.
I gave the first speech, out of the Better Club Series, on
the topic of Mentoring. I shared my memories of mentoring Brad Leete and
how mentoring can serve as the lifeblood of a thriving club. I was delighted to
see fellow Toastmasters reach out to others to form new mentor/mentee
relationships.
Ute Brinkmann was Speaker #2. She shared her holiday
experiences as a youngster in Germany and in the US. As the Japanese say
“Kyūjitsu no ie” which means “Home for the Holidays”. (Thank goodness I don’t
have to pronounce the meeting minutes.) We are very fortunate to have places we
can call home for the holidays….even more fortunate when we can share with
others!
Kat Calhoun was Speaker #3. Her speech was titled
“Wanna Be a Leader”? Kat shared how her life has been full of leadership
experiences and opportunities. Kat explained how she learned and adapted her
leadership styles….Just as important, she saw how people that may not look like
leaders on the outside were strong leaders because of what they had on the
inside.
Last, but not least, was Markus Schumacher, Speaker
#4 with a speech entitled “Reward Yourself”. Markus has been working on a
project at BYK that required extensive travel and that he made time to “smell
the roses” or, in this case, view a beautiful sunrise at the Golden Gate Bridge
in California. As beautiful as his picture was, I’m certain seeing it first
hand was breathtaking.
After the speeches we moved right to the BYK fireplace where
Sandra Centorino hosted a holiday version of Table Topics. We heard
stories about childhood memories and old movies…and making new memories and
watching new movies.
Speaking of old and new…….Our December 16th
meeting marked the handing over of the gavel from President Markus
Schumacher to our new President, Christine Austin. With Markus
moving back to Germany in January, Christine will preside over a thriving Eagle
Club starting next month! Thank you for serving our club, Markus….and thank you,
Christine, for stepping up!
Lastly, a thank you to everybody who joined us for this
special meeting…..And to those that served in roles not mentioned above - Ric
Zabor (Ah Counter), Ian Brooks (Grammarian), Paula Erardi
(Timer), Kate Kelly, Joseph Oddie and Christine Austin
(Evalutors).
Our next meeting is on January 6th! Please log
onto www.EagleToastmasters.com
and sign up for something!
Have a blessed and safe holiday!
Tony Centorino
Eagle Toastmasters Secretary
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