Naval Postgraduate School Toastmasters Club

New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-06T17:02:00.000-08:00

Art Terry started the new year with a bang-up meeting, with the theme of New Years Resolutions.Scott Yeatman got us in the mood with his humorous remarks:Stanley Wong gave his #6 speech My Greatest Benefit of 2011 - which turned out to be his prospective engagement. Congratulations!Stanley was voted Most Improved for the meeting and was evaluated by Jim Burlicon:Sharon Lipinski gave the #2 speech

Year End Highlights

2011-12-09T18:18:00.000-08:00

Jim Burlison was TMoD and chose a theme of Year End Highlights - a time to look back on the past year and reflect on the high points, both as individuals and as a club.Nell Turley won best table topics:Art Terry gave his 35 speech How To De-Escalate the Situation and Survive, and was voted both Best and Most Improved speaker:Art was evaluated by Michelle Banazwski, who was also Best Evaluator:

Thankfulness

2011-11-18T20:43:00.000-08:00

Michelle Banazwski as TMoD had a theme of Thankfulness.Laura Ramos gave the humorous introduction as a poem:Erstwhile member Angi Anderson won Best Table Topics (Angi and her husband Brian, another former member, were visiting Monterey for the day):Amy Treadwell gave her #2 speech Nerves? What Nerves? and was voted Best Speaker:Amy was eveluated by Kate Daniels Kurz, who was selected Best

Guilty Pleasures

2011-10-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

Arnie Buss was TMoD today with a theme of "guilty pleasures." His include WWE wrestling and the reality show "Tough Love."Stanley Wong won Best Table Topics:Shamsul Rahman gave his Icebreaker speech A Kampung Boy and was voted Most Improved Speaker:Shamsul was evaluated by Jim Burlison, who was awarded Best Evaluator:Art Testani gave a #8 speech California Cancer Research Act and was voted Best

Is a Fake Smile Better than No Smile at All?

2011-10-07T17:56:00.000-07:00

Fake smiles - real smiles? Tom Shih addressed this question in today's meeting.Margaret Stevens won Best Table Topics:Scott Yeatman gave his #2 speech How Does a Helicopter Fly? (unfortunately the video starts in the middle of his speech:Scott was evaluated by Sharon Lipinski:Arnie Buss gave a #7 speech A Brief History of Marriage:Arnie was evaluated by Art Testani:

!Sdrawkcab Gniteem

2011-09-30T16:22:00.000-07:00

Club president Sharon Lipinski led our first backwards meeting in a long time and the result was much hilarity!A backwards meeting is exactly that - it runs the entire meeting in reverse order. First the meeting is adjourned, then control returned to the Toastmaster, etc. Speech evaluations are done before the speeches, and table topics questions answered before they are asked.Art Terry's (

Chaos

2011-09-23T19:05:00.000-07:00

Art Terry led an orderly meeting with a chaotic theme!Moyara Ruehsen won best table topics:Sharon Lipinski gave the first speech from the advanced Humorsously Speaking manual, Champagne Giving on a Beer Budget:Sharon was evaluated by Art Testani:Jim Burlison practiced his Humorous Contest speech, The Ah's Have It:The next day, Jim won the Area A1 Humorous Speech contest - congratulations Jim!

The Best Lesson I Never Learned

2011-09-16T15:07:00.000-07:00

Stan Wong was TMoD and chose a thought-provoking theme "The Best Lesson I Never Learned."Scott Yeatman was the humorist:Brian McGinnis won best table topics:Tom Shih gave an advanced speech from the Storytelling manual, Raised by a Fool and was voted Best Speaker:Tom was evaluated by Arnie Buss:Suad Ali gave speech #8 Basic Services and was voted Most Improved Speaker:Suad was evaluated by Kate

This day in History

2011-09-09T20:14:00.000-07:00

Art Testani was TMoD with a theme of "This Day in History."Kate Daniels Kurz was the Humorist:Kate was also voted best table topics speaker:Michelle Banazwski was voted Best Speaker for her #9 speech You Too Can Be a Super HeroMichelle was evaluated by Zeynep Yilmaz:Brian McGinnis earned his CC with his #10 speech Why Toastmasters, and was voted Most Improved:Brian was evaluated by Ali Ibrahim

Software

2011-08-26T16:57:00.000-07:00

Adrian Papacica made his debut as TMoD with a theme of "Software"Kate Daniels Kurz was the humorist:Rolf Ridge won Best Table Topic Speaker:Michelle Banazwski gave her #8 speech The ABC's of Home Canning and was voted Best Speaker:Michelle was evaluated by Art Testani who was selected Best Evaluator:Zeynep Yilmaz gave her #4 speech Interesting Inventions and was voted Most Improved Speaker:Zeynep

Music that Inspires

2011-08-12T18:31:00.000-07:00

Kate Daniels Kurz led a music-themed meeting. Why settle for just speaking when you can sing! Michelle Banazwski was the Humorist: Table Topics Master Suad Ali danced the questions, which were won by Fred Sadler: Ali Ibrahim Yilmaz gave his #3 speech Three Sights to See in Turkey and was voted Most Improved Speaker: Ali was evaluated by Tom Shih: Adrian Papacica gave his #3 speech How to

Humorous & Evaluation Contest

2011-08-05T21:07:00.000-07:00

Jum Burlison and Karen Woodson organized and led a great club Humorous and Evaluation contest! The test speaker was Dan Maschmeier from our sister club Lettuce Speak: The Evaluation Contest was won by Arnie Buss - here are all the contestants. Evaluator Contestant #1 Michelle Banazwski: Evaluator Contestant #2 Brian McGinnis: Evaluator Contestant #3 Arnie Buss: The Humorous Speech

Water

2011-07-29T15:53:00.000-07:00

Rolf Ridge moved fluidly from item to item on the agenda with his fluid theme of "Water"Brian McGinnis gave his #8 speech The Case for the Electric Car and was voted Most Improved:Brian was evaluated by Art Terry, also selected as Best Evaluator:Arnie Buss practiced Losing My Baggage:and was evaluated by Fred Sadler:Table topics was a tie between Moyara Ruehsen and Ali Yilmaz:

How to Start a Story

2011-07-22T21:44:00.000-07:00

Fred Sadler (and his hair) regaled us with stories and more stories as "Mr. Joy of Public Speaking" spread some more joy!Humor was supplied by Nusret Denizci:Best Table Topics was won by Zeynep Yilmaz:Completing the Turkish Trifecta, Erkan Abunaz gave his #2 speech My Love and was voted Most Improved:Erkan was evaluated by Brian McGinnis, who was also Best Evaluator:Art Terry followed with a #3

Listen!

2011-07-15T22:38:00.000-07:00

Sharon Lipinski's theme of Listening proved very thought-provoking in a fantastic meeting! Due to time constraints she was not able to relate all the material she had - please scroll to the bottom of this post to read this great reflection.Jim Burlison was the Humorst:Glenn Woodson won best Table Topics(again!):Nell Turley gave her #2 speech In Case of Fire and was voted Most Improved Speaker:

Summer Vacation

2011-07-08T14:53:00.000-07:00

Michelle Banazwski chose the seasonally appropriate theme of Summer Vacation for this weeks meeting and treated us to a Magical Mystery Tour.Brian McGinnis was the humorist:Returning former member Amy Treadwell won Table Topics:Adrian Papachica gave his second speech in as many weeks with his #2 The Most Important Aspect of a Strong Character, for which he was voted Most Improved:Adrian was

Connection and Independence Day

2011-07-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

The Lipinski Administration was kicked off in grand fashion by first-time TMoD Art Terry, who chose a theme of Connection and Independence Day.Ngan Kim was the humorist:Kate Daniels Kurz was voted Best Table Topics Speaker:Margaret Stevens was voted Most Improved Speaker for her Table Topics:Adrian Papacica gave his Icebreaker speech Do You Know What Shaped Who You Aee Today?:Adrian was evaluated

The Movies!

2011-06-25T17:42:00.000-07:00

Jim Burlison led a creative meeting with the theme of The Movies, with a cast of thousands and stars galore!Rolf Ridge was the Humorist:Tom Shih won Best Table Topics:Art Testani gave the #4 project from the Special Occasion manual, President's Distinguished Division A:Art was evaluated by Arnie Buss, who was selected Best Evaluator:Sharon Lipinski gave a humorous speech What You Should Have

What do you do when you're thrown off balance?

2011-06-17T16:47:00.001-07:00

Natasha Zeligs made her debut as TMoD with a theme of "What do you do when you're thrown off-balance." Natasha showed remarkable balance in leading a fantastic meeting!Kate Daniels was the humorist:Michelle Banazwski won Best Table Topics:Moyara Ruesen was voted Best Speaker and Most Improved with her After Dinner Speech from the advanced manual The Entertaining Speaker, My Swan Song - and Ode to

Cartoon Characters!

2011-06-10T15:02:00.000-07:00

Zeynep Yilmaz debuted as TMoD with a theme of Cartoon Characters.Erkan Abunaz was the humorist:Margaret Stevens won both Tables Topics and Most Improved:Natasha Zeligs gave her #3 speech Wily Coyote and the Road Runner:Natasha was evaluated by Carl Thormeyer:Rolf Ridge gave his #9 speech Solar and was voted Best Speaker:Rolf was evaluated by Moyara Ruehsen:Suad Ali gave her #6 speech We Need to

Pet Peeves

2011-06-03T00:21:00.000-07:00

Stan Wong made his inaugural debut as TMoD with a theme of "Pet Peeves".Rolf Ridge was the humorist:Sharon Lipinski won best Table Topics:Zeynep Yimaz gave her #6 speech The Amazing Ants and was voted Best Speaker:Zeynet was evaluated by Art Testani, who was selected as Best Evaluator:Moyara Ruehsen gave the #2 project from Storytelling advanced manual, The Silent Suffering of Sexual Harassment

The End of the World!

2011-05-27T14:42:00.001-07:00

Tom Shih was a TMoD with a theme for "The End of the World," and thankfully the meeting managed to finish (on time!) without the apocalypse. Good going!Art Terry channeled Dave Letterman for his spot as humorist:Art Testani won best Table Topics Speaker:Brian McGinnis (Most Improved) took another lap on his fast track to CC with the #6 speech The Next Meltdown:Brian was evaluated by Kate Daniels

Hats!

2011-05-20T23:03:00.000-07:00

Ngan Kim debuted as TMoD with a theme of hats - and hats there were on the members at the meeting. Our moms were no doubt rolling their collective eyes at all the hats being worn indoors!Kathy Norton was the humorist.Instead of table topics, each of the nominated club officers gave their respective campaign speech. Sharon Lipinski was voted best speech in this segment:Michelle Banazwski won best

Leon Panetta

2011-05-13T15:57:00.001-07:00

Kate Daniels Kurz chose Monterey's own Leon Panetta, currently the head of the CIA, as the theme for the meeting.Moyara Ruehsen was the humorist:Arnie Buss won Best Table Topics:Brian McGinnis led off with his #5 speech The Five Cookies:Brian was evaluated by Fred Sadler:Ngan Kim gave his #3 speech Army Leadership and was voted Most Improved Speaker:Ngan was evaluated by Michelle Banazwski, who

Acronyms

2011-05-06T23:46:00.000-07:00

OMG, Art Testani chose an unusual theme for today's meeting: Acronyms. TGIF! (LOL!)Natasha Zeligs started out with some humor:Fred Sadler won best table topics:Kathy Norton gave her Icebreaker Speech, Me and Grandma Moses, and was voted Most Improved Speaker:Kathy was evaluated by Rolf Ridge:Katharine Daniels Kurz gave her #7 speech Crushed by Plastic and was voted Best Speaker:Katharine was

April Showers

2011-04-30T22:55:00.001-07:00

Brian McGinnis conducted the meeting with military precision, but was also fun-filled with a theme of April Showers.Art Testani was the humorist:Moyara Ruehsen won Best Table Topics:Erkan Abunaz gave his Icebreaker speech:Erkan was evaluated by Carl Thormeyer:Zeynep Yilmaz gave her #2 speech and was voted Most Improved Speaker:Zeynep was evaluated by Moyara Ruehsen:Arnie Buss practiced his

Idioms and Proverbs

2011-04-22T18:45:00.000-07:00

Nusret Denizci led today's meeting like an experienced pro - and yet it was his first time as Toastmaster of the Day. Wonderful job! The theme was Idioms and Proverbs.Ngan Kim was the humorist:Arnie Buss won best table topics (since it's quite a challenge to videotape oneself whilst speaking, all that was available was the audio):Jim Burlison brought down the house with his hilarious speech The

Spring Cleaning

2011-04-08T16:22:00.000-07:00

Rolf Ridge led an outstanding meeting with the theme of "Spring Cleaning."Carl led Table Topics, which resulted in a tie between Art Terry:And Kathy Norton:Michelle Banazwski gave her #5 speech Ballroom Basics:Michelle was evaluated by Cathy Lee:Brian McGinnis was voted Best Speaker for his #4 speech You Are a Teddy Bear, and I Can Prove It!:Jim Burlison was selected best evaluator for his

Aloha Friday!

2011-04-01T14:24:00.001-07:00

Brian McGinnis debuted as TMoD with an Island theme of "Aloha!" With the members bedecked by Hawaiian shirts, he helped create an Aloha spirit during a fabulous meeting.Fred Sadler was the humorist:Newest member Art Terry won best table topics:Nell Turley was voted Most Improved for her Icebreaker My Name is Nell:Nell was evaluated by Juliette Ferguson:Stanley Wong was voted Best Speaker for his

Introductions

2011-03-25T20:10:00.000-07:00

Sharon Lipinski gave a clinic on Toastmastering in her first time running a meeting here at NPS. With a theme of "Introductions," Sharon demonstrated that she is no newcomer to planing and executing outstanding meetings.Stanley Wong started of as humorist:Table Topics was won by Ali Yilmaz (getting to be a habit!)Art Terry was voted Most Improved for his Icebreaker speech Fear, By Means of

Hail and Farewell to Paul!

2011-03-18T18:04:00.000-07:00

We bid a fond farewell to Paul Salevski, who was the (surprise) theme of the meeting. Paul left with a "bang," giving his #6 speech. We are sad to see Paul leave, and wish him and his family all the best in the future!Juliette Ferguson Humorist (more of a tribute to Paul):Moyara Ruehsen Best Table Topics:Natasha Zeligs Icebreaker (Most Improved) I Dared to Dream:Cathy Lee Evaluates Natasha:Kate

Prayer

2011-03-11T20:00:00.000-08:00

With overall attendance continuing in the mid 20s, Fred Sadler chose prayer as his theme for today's meeting, especially the original Serenity Prayer:God grant me the serenityto accept the things I cannot change;courage to change the things I can;and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time;Enjoying one moment at a time;Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;Taking, as He did,

Current Events

2011-03-04T11:24:00.000-08:00

Our meeting got off to a terrific start with the induction of our newest member, Natasha Zeligs:Glenn Woodson never disappoints when it comes to crafting out-of-the-box meetings, and today was no exception.Sharon Lipinski got us started with good humor:Table Topics was won by Brian McGinnis:Ngan Kim introduced himself to the club with a very moving Icebreaker speech Why I Joined the Army:Ngan was

Chocolate!

2011-02-11T21:19:00.000-08:00

Michelle Banazwski led a scrumptious meeting with the theme of "Chocolate." She came complete with chocolate goodies (yumm!) and an extra treat for the winners.Art Terry was inducted as our newest member - welcome Art!Jim Burlison won best speaker for his #10- speech and received a chocolate goodie as an added bonus.Moyara Ruehsen started us off as the Humorist:Betsy Larkin won Best Table Topics:

Super Bowl!

2011-02-04T16:49:00.001-08:00

TMoD extraordinaire Paul Salevski led a high-scoring meeting with the apropos theme of the Super Bowl. It was complete with the lineup (big hair and all), a Bud-Bowl clone, and team colors - not to mention the fabulous munchies!Carl Thormeyer was the humorist:Zeynep Yilmaz was voted Best and Most Improved Speaker for her Icebreaker First Performance:Zeynep was evaluated by Juliette Ferguson, who

Dr Pepper

2011-01-28T21:05:00.001-08:00

The meeting got off to a great start with the induction of two new members, Ngan Kim and Stanley Wong by club president Moyara Ruehsen:Juliette "Jette" Ferguson led the meeting with the theme of "Dr Pepper". Here Jette shows her different TMoD styles...Suad told a hilarious - and true story.Ali Ibrahim Yilmaz was voted best table topics speaker as well as most improved:Arnie Buss gave a #2 speech

2011-01-21T22:57:00.000-08:00

Betsy Larkin was the humorist:Glenn Woodson won best table topics:Brian McGinnis gave his #2 speech The Rules and was voted best speaker and most improved:Brian was evaluated by Michelle Banazwski, who was selected best evaluator in her first time:Juliette Ferguson gave her #10 speech Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives; congratulations to Juliette on completing her CC manual!

SNULIAFB*

2011-01-14T17:05:00.000-08:00

Glenn Woodson led a social-network-themed meeting, with the alternate agenda of prepared speeches before table topics.Juliette Ferguson was the humorist:Art Testani was voted Best Table Topics Speaker:Ali Ibrahim Zeynep gave his Icebreaker, My Little World:Ali was evaluated by Fred Sadler:Nusret Dunizci gave his #2 speech Disinformation:Nusret was evaluated by Tom Shih:Michelle Banazwski gave her

New Year's Resolutions

2011-01-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

Jim Burlison started 2011 with a bang by leading an exciting meeting with the theme New Year's Resolutions.Brian McGinnis was the humorist:Betsy Larkin was voted best table topics:Tom Shih gave an advanced Storytelling speech, Fishing for Profit:Tom was evaluated by Arnie Buss:

Holidays

2010-12-10T15:02:00.000-08:00

Club presdient Moyara Ruehsen inducts newest member Sharon Lipinski:Rolf Ridge led an action-packed meeting with the theme of "Holidays."The Twelve Days of Toastmasters led by humorist Art Testani:Ali Yildaz was voted Best Table Topics Speaker:Brian McGuinnis gave his Icebreaker, Why is Your Name, and as voted Most Improved Speaker:Brian was evaluated by newest member Sharon Lipinski, who was

Christmas Spirit

2010-12-03T22:40:00.000-08:00

Paul Salevski outdid even himself with a Christmas-themed meeting, complete with lights, refreshments, candy, and gifts.Ali Yilmaz was the humorist:Newest member Zeynep Yilmaz (Ali's wife) won best table topics:Arnie Buss gave (yet another) #3 speech Three More Lessons:Arnie was evaluated by Juliette Ferguson:Moyara Ruehsen practiced a speech she will give to the MIIS graduating class, because of

Elections

2010-11-19T08:18:00.000-08:00

TMoD Art Testani chose Elections as the theme of the day.Guest Scott Seggerman of Planet Ord Toastmasters was voted best speaker for What it Takes to Run an Area-Wide Table Topics Party:Scott was evaluated by Moyara Ruehsen:Nusret Denizci gave his Icebreaker speech:Nusret was evaluated by Carl Thormeyer:Paul Selevski gave his #5 speech, Are You Ready, Daddy?Paul was evaluated by Fred, who was

San Francisco Giants - World Champions!

2010-11-12T08:16:00.000-08:00

Fred Sadler celebrated the recent victory of the San Francisco Giants in the World Series as the theme for this week's meeting.Jim Burlison won Best Table Topics:A guest from sister club Lettuce Speak, Dan Maschmeier, tied for Best Speaker and Most Improved Speaker with his #4 speech Wouldn't You Rather Be Warm?Dan was evaluated by Paul Salevski:Tom Shih gave the #1 speech from advanced manual "

Baby Shower for Caitlin!

2010-11-05T14:43:00.001-07:00

Club President Moyara Ruehsen organized a surprise baby shower meeting for Sergeant at Arms Paul Salevski and his wife celebrating their having adopted Caitlin.Michelle Banezwski's #2 speech, Check it Out: The Library's Influence in My Childhood:Arnie Buss' evaluation of Michelle's speech:Table Topics Part I:Table Topics Part II:

Attitude

2010-10-29T22:04:00.000-07:00

Suad Ali ran a terrific meeting in her first tome as TMoD. Her theme as "attitude" and was capped by her reading Charles Swindoll's poem of that name:Table Topics was won by our guest and former Area A2 Governor Scott Seggerman.Arnie Buss gave a module from the "Better Speaker Series" Beginning Your Speech and was voted Best Speaker:Arnie was eveluated by Moyara Ruehsen:Carl Thormeyer continued

2010-10-22T23:33:00.000-07:00

Juliette Ferguson was TMoD todayCarl Thormeyer channeled his inner George Carlin as Humorist:Jim Burlison was voted Best Table Topics Speaker:Rolf Ridge gave his #6 speech:Rolf was evaluated by Jim Burlison, who was selected Best Evaluator. Unfortunately the video camera malfunctioned during the first part of the evaluation, but here is the rest:Arnie Buss gave the #8 speech from the CC manual, I

2010-10-01T21:01:00.000-07:00

Jim Burlison channeled the Great Carnak in his debut as Humorist:Rolf Ridge was voted Best Table Topics Speaker:Michelle Banezwski gave her Icebreaker speech and was voted both Best Speaker as well as Most Improved:Paul Salevski gave his #4 speech What is Progress:TMoD: Art TestaniHumorist: Jim BurlisonAh Counter: Margater StevensWordmaster: Rolf RidgeGrammarian: Tom ShihVote Counter: Moyara

Change!

2010-09-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

Seventeen members and four guests gave us the largest attendance in several weeks as we tried a few things different.Cat Grant shook things up a bit by trying out a new format, in which the theme is revealed beforehand, and "Opening Remarks" is replaced by a "Humorist" !The changed format involved having a Humorist instead of Opening Remarks. Here is Arnie Buss as the first NPS Humorist:Betsy

The Accidental Toastmaster

2010-09-17T15:01:00.001-07:00

Fifteen members eventually made it to our Toastmasters room for one of the more unusual meetings in many a year.Club President Moyara Ruehsen inducts newest member Ramez Andraus, Jr:Glenn Woodson doing his creative best as TMoD, turned the meeting format topsy-turvy with "The Accidental Toastmaster" theme.The meeting functionaries explained their roles in a round-robin, manner, taking several

Pets

2010-09-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

With 16 members and two guests present, Cathy Lee led an exciting and fun-filled meeting with the theme of Pets. Former member Charlie Ahciarliu from Romania returned for a second straight week before returning home.Elizabeth Mitchell achieved her Competent Leader award and announceed the winner of the August Membership Contest, Juliette Ferguson.This was Elizabeth's last meeting with us,

Winston Churchill

2010-09-03T20:18:00.000-07:00

NPS Toastmasters welcomed back former member Cantemir "Charlie" Ahciarliu and his son Titus, who were visiting the United States from their native Romania. Charlie, who is a full Colonel in the Romanian Air Force working for the Ministry of Defense, earned his CTM at NPS Toastmasters in the early 2000s. Titus is attending Kent University in England. Total attendance at the meeting was 13

Third Grade!

2010-08-27T14:28:00.000-07:00

Paul Salevski ("Mr. S") was our very creative TMoD who took us back and forth between third grade and the present:Opening Remarks by Art Testami:Best Table topics Speaker, Rolf Ridge:Speaker #1, Emily Schell, speech #2 Manifesting Employment: (Best and Most Improved Speaker)Evaluator #1 Arnie Buss:Speech #2, Moyara Ruehsen, speech #3 in the "Special Occasions" advanced manual, Roast of Arnie Buss

Contest

2010-08-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

The annual evaluation and humorous speech contest was held under the able leadership of Arnie Buss. Former member and past club president Ann Jacobson gave the test speech, TestimonialGlenn Woodson came in second with his evaluation:Wendy Goody was voted the winner in the evaluation contest:Paul Salevski gave a humorous travelogue of his time in Naples, Bella Napoli:Juliette Ferguson came in

Pie!

2010-08-06T17:22:00.000-07:00

With 16 members and one guest present, newest member Tom Shih is inducted by Club President Moyara Ruehsen. Tom is a transfer from Wichita Falls, TX Toastmasters Club #305.Rolf Ridge as TMoD chose the tasty theme of "Pie"Arnie Buss gave opening Remarks:Fred Sadler was voted Best Table Topics speaker:Suad Ali was voted Most Improved Speaker for her outstanding Icebreaker:Suad was evaluated by

Cartoons!

2010-07-16T15:13:00.000-07:00

Arnie Buss filled in as Toastmaster for this fun-filled meeting with a theme of "Animated Cartoons". Thirteen members and three guests were present. We were treated to two wonderful Icebreakers by Emily Schell (Best Speaker and tied for Most Improved) and Betsy Larkin (tied for Most Improved). Rolf Ridge was Best Evaluator, while Elie Ishag and Wendy Goody tied for Best Table Topics.Arnie

To Kill a Mockingbird

2010-07-09T16:23:00.001-07:00

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the publication of Harper Lee's classic novel, veteran Toastmaster and Area A1 Governor Fred Sadler chose "To Kill a Mockingbird" as the theme for the day. The novel is a 20th Century classic and is filled with dramatic moments, insights into human bahavior (good and bad) and excellent writing. The 1962 movie, with an Academy award performance by Gregory Peck

Spontaneous Combustion!

2010-07-02T15:09:00.000-07:00

Carl Thormeyer, as TMoD led a variation on the usual tightly structured NPST meeting. Each attendee chose his role for the day from a grab bag prepared by Carl. Even the two "prepared speakers" had to give their five to seven minute speeches extemporaneously and they did a fine job. It was great fun.The Club officers for July-December 2010 were installed by Area A1 Governor Fred Sadler:Wendy

June Weddings

2010-06-25T22:02:00.000-07:00

Our last meeting of the 2009-2010 Toastmasters year was emceed by Arnie with the theme of "Weddings and Marriage" it being June, the traditional month of weddings. The "ewww" factor was raised by the sharing of the origins of June weddings (in the 1500's when people took a bath only once a year in May and by June were only a little bit aromatic - hence the bride's traditional bouquet of flowers).

Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and Chevrolet

2010-06-18T20:12:00.000-07:00

Art Testani's theme was from an old Chevrolet commercial:Throughout the meeting, Art skillfully deconstructed the elements of "Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie, and Chevrolet" to reveal their (non-American) origins.Opening remarks were by Jim Burlison:Tables topics was won by our guest, EmilyFred Sadler gave the #2 speech from Humorously Speaking entitled Cliches and was voted Best Speaker:Fred was

Farewell!

2010-06-11T14:21:00.001-07:00

Club President Art Testani began by inducting Steven Simmons to membership in Club # 2032:Rolf Ridge as TMoD chose the theme of "Farewell" in honor of departing member Tonya Holloway who is off to Georgia. Tonya - we will miss you - please keep in touch.Tenly Connor gave Opening Remarks.Steven jumped right in by winning Table Topics in response to Fred Sadler's question:Cat Grant gave her #3

Appreciation

2010-06-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

Cat Grant as TMod gave us a thoughtfully crafted program with a theme of "Appreciation."Rolf Ridge gave Opening Remarks:Tonya Holloway won Best Table Topics Speaker:Carl Thormeyer gave his second #2 speech:Carl was evaluated by Margaret Stevens, who was selected Best Evaluator by GE Jm Burlison:Arnie Buss gave his seventh #2 speech Three Steps to Forgiveness and was voted Best Speaker:Arnie was

Elections

2010-05-21T15:13:00.000-07:00

New Officers for 2010-2011:President: Moyara RuehsenVP Education: Elizabeth MitchellVP Membership: Jim BurlisonVP Public Relations: Juliette FergusonSecretary: Margaret StevensTreasurer: Carl ThormeyerSergeant at Arms: Arnie BussMeeting Summary:TMoD: Cathy LeeOpening Remarks: Rolf RidgeWord Master: Fred Sadler ("plurality")Ah Counter: Carl ThormeyerGrammarian: Art TestaniTimer: Tonya HollowayVote

Pirates!

2010-05-14T11:48:00.000-07:00

Meeting Roles:Opening Remarks: Cat GrantTMoD: Jim BurlisonWordmaster: Tonya Holloway ("pilfer")Ah Counter: Arnie BussGrammarian: Art TestaniVote Counter: Moyara RuehsenTable Topics Master: Tenly Connor (Most Improved Speaker)Table Topics Speaker: Carl ThormeyerTable Topics Speaker: Tonya HollowayTable Topics Speaker: Moyara RuehsenTable Topics Speaker: Art TestaniTable Topics Speaker: Arnie Buss

Mother's Day

2010-05-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

Tonya Holloway won Best Table Topics:Fred Sadler gave the #1 speech from advanced manual "Humorously Speaking" entitled A Jewel in the Caribbean:Fred was evaluated by Tonya Holloway, who was selected Best Evaluator:Art Testani gave Evaluate to Motivate from "The Successful Club Series":Art was evaluated by Arnie Buss:Moyara Ruehsen was voted Best Speaker for her #4 speech in the advanced manual "

The Pacific Ocean

2010-04-30T17:21:00.000-07:00

Rolf Ridge used the theme of the Pacific Ocean for his first time as Toastmaster of the Day. As General Evaluator Carl Thormeyer pointed out, one wouldn't know it was the first time from the smooth way the meeting was organized and run. Congratulations Rolf!Speaking of Carl, club president Art Testani honored Carl's achieving Advanced Communicator Gold by presenting him with the District

Bingo!

2010-04-23T15:23:00.001-07:00

Tonya Holloway took us waay outside the box with a creative meeting with the theme of "Bingo." The highlight was a running game of "Toastmasters Bingo" where we had to guess which member had done what (like being attacked by a great white shark, winning a beauty contest, teaching dance classes).Elizabeth Mitchell completed her #10 speech and earning her Competent Communicator. Congratulations

Self Improvement

2010-04-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

Margaret Stevens was Toastmaster of the day today with a theme of "Self Improvement" (and Self-Improvement Books).Unfortunately, due to a malfunctioning video camera, all that is available from the meeting are stills.Cathy Lee gave Opening Remarks:Table Topics Master Rolf Ridge called on Art Testani, Cathy Lee, Elizabeth Mitchell, and Jim Burlison, with Art being voted Best Table Topics Speaker:

Change

2010-04-09T20:25:00.000-07:00

Cat Grant debuted as Toastmaster of the day with a theme of "Change."Jim Burlison gave Opening Remarks:Candace Burggeman was voted best Table Topic speaker:Rolf Ridge gave his #3 speech Property Assessed Clear Energy Financing and was tied for both Best Speaker and Most Improved Speaker:Rolf was evaluated by Jim Burlison:Tonya Holloway gave her #9 speech Educating for a Successful Future and tied

The Thrill of Victory, the Agony of Defeat

2010-04-02T22:27:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Mitchell used her alma mater, the University of Kentucky, to illustrate her theme of victory and defeat in today's meeting - how what may seem like a defeat may also be seen as a victory.Acting President Moyara Ruehsen inducts newest member Mirislav Lipowski into the club.We were thrilled to have Candace Bruggeman return after a protracted absence while she was writing her Masters

Laughter & Comedy

2010-03-26T15:39:00.001-07:00

Moyara Ruehsen - a stand up comedienne in her life outside of Toastmasters (when she's not teaching and doing research on the faculty of the Monterey Institute of International Studies) led us with laughter on the theme of comedy.Betsy Larkin being inducted by President Art Testani:Moyara Ruehsen TMoD:Rolf Ridge gave opening remarks:Tonya Holloway was voted Best Table Topics Speaker:Erik Brannon

March Madness

2010-03-19T23:07:00.000-07:00

Arnie Buss was TMoD - his theme was "March Madness" coinciding with the onset of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. In addition to 11 members, there were four guests.Cat Grant gave opening remarks:Jim Burlison as Table Topics Master asked creative questions of Tonya, Arnie, Margaret, Aaron, and Cat. Arnie was voted best table topics speaker with a take on "rebound":Art Testani gave a prepared speech

Elizabeth Mitchell wins Area A-1 Table Topics Contest

2010-03-13T20:56:00.000-08:00

Club # 2032 performed very well in today’s Area contests with Elizabeth Mitchell finishing first in a field of four in the Table Topics Contest. She gave a very well organized and witty response to Toastmaster Rachelle Onishi’s question “Is it ever OK to lie to avoid hurting someone’s feelings? Why or why not?” She will next compete in the Division Contest on the evening of April 23 in Aptos.

Butterflies!

2010-03-12T14:44:00.001-08:00

Cathy Lee, sparkled as TMoD as she presided over a delightful meeting on the theme of Monarch Butterflies - most appropriate since March is the time of their annual appearance in Pacific Grove. Girl Scout cookies appeared - courtesy of Tonya Holloway.Stephen Col's Opening Remarks puzzled us as planned:Table Topics Master Juliette Ferguson called on four members: Arnie, Elizabeth, Tonya, and

And the Winner IS...

2010-03-05T15:54:00.001-08:00

Fred Sadler gave a preview of the weekend's big Hollywood event with an Academy Awards-themed meeting. Dressed for the part in a stunning tuxedo that would have rocked any red carpet, Fred led a fun-filled meeting, culminating in the presentation of a genuine Oscar. 15 members attended.Club President Art Testani welcomed newest member Erik Brannon:Jim Burlison gave Opening Remarks:Best Table

Coworkers

2010-02-26T17:30:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth Mitchell demonstrated superior multitasking abilities by conducting the meeting as TMoD and also delivering a prepared speech! With 11 members and 2 guests, attendance was light, but we made up for quantity with Quality! Elizabeth's theme was "Coworkers" - people who we deal with in our jobs, who can be blessings or annoyances.Aaron Sanchez led off with opening remarks:Moyara Ruehsen

Contest!

2010-02-19T15:15:00.000-08:00

We had to do some last-minute improvising with the contests today. Arnie Buss filled in for Tonya at TMoD for the Table Topics contest. That was a hard-foughyt battle between Elizabeth Mitchell, Rolf Ridge, Carl Thormeyer, and newest member Stephen Col. Elizabeth won, with Carl coming in second. Unfortunatelty, the video camera had shut off and we are not able to bring you the responses - you

Colloquial Sayings

2010-02-12T14:19:00.000-08:00

Tonya Holloway led an exciting meeting full of "holy cow!" information with a theme centered on the background and meaning of common phrases, like "dead ringer" and "upper crust."We started off with one guest, who immediately transitioned to a new member, and shortly thereafter gave his first speech. Now that's acting fast! Here is our newest member Stephen Col being inducted by president Art

Body Language

2010-02-05T17:06:00.001-08:00

Art Testani led the meeting with a theme of "Body Language."Fred Sadler's Opening Remarks:Karen Woodson was voted best table topics speaker:Rolf Ridge was voted Most Improved Speaker for his Icebreaker, with the impromptu title Help, I Forgot My Notes!:Rolf was evaluated by Tonya Holloway:Cat Grant gave her #2 speech entitled What About the Citizens and was voted Best Speaker:Cat was evaluated by

Super Bowl!

2010-01-29T15:06:00.000-08:00

Jim Burlison used the theme of the Superbowl to lead a great meeting. Who would have known otherwise that it was connected with hula hoops or big oil?Cat Grant gave a historical and poetic Opening Remarks:There was a tough battle in table topics between Rolf Ridge, Wendy Goody, and Karen Woodson,with Karen coming out on top for her response about watching the Super Bowl on a big screen tv and

The Rainy Season

2010-01-22T08:34:00.000-08:00

Veteran Carl Thormeyer led a fun-filled meeting with the theme of "The Rainy Season." Acting President Karen Woodson inducted our newest member Rolf Ridge:Arnie Buss led off with opening remarks:Elizabeth Mitchell was voted Best Table Topics Speaker:Carl was surprised by "one last question" from Table Topics Master Cathy Lee - you can almost see the green screen behind Carl during his response!

New Beginnings

2010-01-15T15:03:00.001-08:00

Karen Woodson gave a masterful example of effectively leading a great meeting. With 12 members and 2 guests, a good time was had by all! Her theme was "new beginnings" as befits the new year.Arnie Buss gave opening remarks:Elizabeth Mitchell was voted best table topics speaker for talking about her first day in high school:Jason Lin gave his Icebreaker speech entitled The Appreciation of Family,

Afghanistan

2009-12-04T15:00:00.000-08:00

VPE and TMoD Moyara Ruehsen led a well attended meeting (for this time of year), with 13 members present. Her theme was Afghanistan.Juliette Ferguson called on 5 different table topics speakers...Elie Ishag imagined being a dog handler searching for land mines in Afghanistan:Carl Thormeyer explained how Burkha Barbies could be considered the epitome of capitalism:Newest member Dalton Clarke

Mentors

2009-11-20T17:57:00.001-08:00

With 16 members and one guest present, Elizabeth Mitchell gave us another example of a well-run Toastmasters meeting in her role as TMOD. Her theme was the importance of mentoring.Jim Burlison gave Opening Remarks:Table Topics was expertly run by Cathy Lee. There was a tie for best Table Topics between Carolyn Keeler and Rosetta Ishag:Arnie Buss gave a #4 speech Don't Ask and was voted Best

Singing!

2009-11-13T20:18:00.000-08:00

Today's meeting, with 18 members present, got off to a great start with the induction of newest member Dalton Clarke. Here is Dalton being sworn in by Club President Art Testani:Welcome to club # 2032 Dalton!Aaron Sanchez channeled Julie Andrews in "Sound of Music" with his Opening Remarks:First-time TMoD Margaret Stevens led a song-filled meeting around the theme of "Singing."As a special treat,

Dinner Parties!

2009-11-06T14:29:00.001-08:00

With 13 members and one guest present, our meeting this week got off to a terrific start with the addition of a new member. Here is Club President Art Testani inducting our newest member, Carolyn Keeler. Carolyn is a previous Toastmaster with Monterey Peninsula Toastmasters #934.Lacey Raak, in her first time as Toastmaster of the Day, led a fantastic meeting with the delicious theme of "dinner

All Saints Day

2009-10-30T16:19:00.001-07:00

On Friday 30 October, veteran Toastmaster and DTM Arnie Buss led us through a very exciting meeting with a theme of "All Saints Day". Sixteen members and three guests were present, for the largest attendance in several weeks.Past Area A-3 Governor Bob AstonVisiting Toastmaster and past Area A-3 Governor Bob Aston presented the club with a new timing light and attachments which he made for us as

What's Your Sign?

2009-10-23T14:29:00.001-07:00

First, congratulations to the Division A Humorous Speech Contest winner, our very own Tonya Holloway, who won the Division contest in Aptos last Friday. Come suppert Tonya at the District contest on November 21!Also, congratulations to Lacey Raak, who tied the knot on October 10.Club president Art Testani served as TMoD with an entertaining and creative theme of "Astrology." Art continues to set

Silence is Golden!

2009-10-16T15:56:00.000-07:00

Area Governor Alisha Empleo inducted new officers Moyara Ruehsen: VP Education, Elizabeth Mitchell: Secretary, and Aaron Sanchez: Sergeant at Arms.Elizabeth Mitchell as TMoD created a masterful meeting on the theme of "Silence":Jason Lin was inducted into membership by club president Art Testani.Dennis Hickman's Opening Remarks:Cat Grant won best Table Topics speaker by expertly channeling her

Stock Market Crashes

2009-10-09T14:50:00.000-07:00

You would never know it was Moyara Ruehsen's debut as TMoD! Bringing her economics expertise and considerable stage presence to a timely theme of "Stock Market Crashes". As General Evaluator Carl Thormeyer remarked, "I learned more about stock market crashes today than I have in the rest of my life!" Thirteen members and one (about-to-become-a-menber) guest enjoyed a very fine meeting.Tonya

This Day in History

2009-10-02T19:58:00.000-07:00

With 12 members and one guest present, Tonya Holloway as TMoD led a creative and fun-filled meeting on the theme "This Day In History." She channeled Walter Cronkite as News Anchor and turned our functionaries into reporters from the field. Who knew that October 2 was such a rich day in history?Table Topics Master Moyara Ruehsen provided a creative twist to impromptu speaking by asking that the

Upheavals

2009-09-25T18:30:00.000-07:00

Veteran and Distinguished Toastmaster Carl Thormeyer put on a "how to be an expert TMoD" clinic around the theme "Upheavels". As accomplished leaders do, he stepped into the role when needed at the last minute and put together a crisp and fun filled meeting for the 13 members (no guests) in attendance.Arnie Buss' Opening Remarks were brief and to the point:Moyara Ruehsen won Best Table Topics

Remembering C.S. Lewis

2009-09-18T22:57:00.001-07:00

In his first time as TMoD, Jim Burlison made it look like he has been doing it for years! He led a smooth meeting of 14 members with three prepared speeches, lots of Table Topics, and entertaining information on C.S. Lewis and his writings.Margaret Stevens' Opening Remarks:Joe Tacker was voted Best Table Topics Speaker in response to a question from Bruce Lim:Dennis Hickman gave a polished

Call 911 for Help

2009-09-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

Fred Sadler as TMoD led us through several meanings of 911 on this eighth anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. 911 is the emergency response number though it hasn't always been so. He reminded us that the solution to a public speaking emergency is to come to Toastmasters - not to call 911! Although we only had 10 members in attendance, the meeting was very animated and

Try Something New!

2009-09-04T15:42:00.001-07:00

With 12 members and one guest present, Cathy Lee as TMoD gave us a lesson in being creative and stepping out of the comfort zone to "try new things". She ran a creative meeting filled with wisdom and levity. Those members who missed the meeting due to the Labor Day weekend missed a unique "impromptu" meeting whereby all but the major roles were selected from a "grab bag".

Suffrage

2009-08-28T16:17:00.001-07:00

We ushered out August by ushering in a new member, Aaron Sanchez, a student in the Operations Research curriculum here at the Naval Postgraduate school. Below, President Art Testani officially inducts him into the club:Arnie Buss was TMoD with a theme of "Suffrage" - meaning the right to vote. The word is often associated with "Women's Suffrage," the right of women to vote (which has been in

Humorous/Evaluation Speech Contests (Or Girl's Night Out?)

2009-08-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

What a meeting! Congrats, Tonya and Elizabeth! An all-women contest with no male competitors - whassamatta guys - too tough? Eleven members and four guests (two former members, one honorary member, and one about-to-become member) graced the room as Elizabeth Mitchell and Carl Thormeyer served as Humorous and Evaluation Toastmaster respectively. We were really glad to welcome back Brian

Life Changing Events

2009-08-14T16:21:00.000-07:00

First-time TMoD Kate Daniels led a smooth, educational, and fun-filled meeting with a very appropriate theme for her, Major Life Changing Events. On the verge of just such an event herself, Kate wove the theme throughout the meeting and related it to the functionaries and speakers. Fifteen members and one guest were present.Bruce Lim gave an appropriate and humorous Opening Remarks:Tonya

Tour de France!

2009-08-07T15:40:00.000-07:00

First time TMoD (Toastmaster of the Day) Craig Gabriellini ran today's meeting like a seasoned veteran. With 17 members and 2 guests, Craig's theme of the Tour de France was timely since that prestigious event was recently completed.Tonya Holloway won best Table Topics speaker for her reasons why Prince would be the ideal tandem bicycle partner. Kudos to newer members Nick H and Cate A for their

Back to School!

2009-07-31T16:22:00.000-07:00

With a 50% increase in attendance over last week (16 members and 2 guests), Immediate Past President Fred Sadler presented the Presidents Distinguished Club Blue and Gold ribbon from Toastmasters International to Art Testani on behalf of the club (for achieving all ten club goals during the 2008-2009 year). Yeay team and congratulations to everyone who worked diligently to achieve this club goal

Fiscal Responsibility

2009-07-24T20:37:00.001-07:00

Wendy Goody, a newer NPS TM member but seasoned Toastmaster, led today's meeting with a theme of Fiscal Responsibility. Raising the bar with a printed agenda, Wendy enlisted the assistance of her "Debt Squad" with some (scary) facts about the state of our debt. With a lot of folks on vacation, we had a rather underpopulated meeting of 11 members and one guest, so there was lots of "double duty