Teamwork!

Glenn Woodson returned after a hiatus in the east to preside over a fabulous Toastmasters meeting. His theme was "Teamwork" and Glenn expertly led his team through a meeting that the attendees didn't want to end. With 17 members and 8 guests, it was full, vibrant and exciting - the perfect ending to club president Fred Sadler's glorious reign over the past year. The club's continuing success is due both to the inspiring leadership of Fred and his officer team - and to the contribution of all members. We are indeed a team, and we thank Glenn for reminding us of that fact.

For Opening Remarks, Fred led a rousing cheer of "GO TEAM" that pumped up members and guests - a very appropriate response to calls for "BIGGER!"

Although the highlight of the meeting was Emilie Staryak's #10 speech, earning her Competent Communicator, it was also a bit sad as it is her last meeting with the club before she and husband Aaron (in attendance as a guest) ship out of Monterey. Emilie, we will miss you!

A surprise guest, former member and past club president Angi Anderson who now resides in Santa Maria some three hours driving time away, appeared to the delight of all who remember her so fondly. Jim Burlison as Table Topics master gave us one more opportunity to hear one of Angi's Table Topics:

Arnie Buss was voted best Table Topic speaker:


Bruce Lim provided us with another next peak experience, delivering his #3 speech titled Conversation Skills. Bruce demonstrated his skills in public speaking, and garnered Most Improved speaker:


Bruce was expertly evaluated by Wendy Goody:


The pièce de resistance, Emilie Staryak's #10 speech titled Share Your Story inspired and moved all members and guests to tell their own story. We were in fact moved to our feet and gave Emilie a standing ovation. She has been an inspiration to club members and served effectively and faithfully as VP Public Relations and VP Education. Congratulations Emilie!


Emilie was evaluated by incoming club president Art Testani, who was selected Best Evaluator:


Glenn threw in a different ending and a first for the club - a Mad Libs using words generated by the meeting's functionaries: