2007 Holiday Table Topics Gift Exchange

The meeting was filled with holiday cheer in a distinctly Toastmasters way as 14 members (and one guest) participated in the annual NPS Holiday Table Topics gift exchange meeting. Ably chaired by TMoD Carl Thormeyer and timed with great precision by Team Anderson, a festive and fun time was had by all.

We got off to a great start as Emilie Staryak chose a quonset-hut shaped present that turned out to be a leather-covered box with Chesapeake-flavored peanuts. She successfully defended her gift against two strong challenges by Angi Anderson and Carl Thormeyer. Here Emilie expresses delight in the reminder of Maryland:
Sterling helps Glenn choose a gift.

Fred attempts to steal Angi's book of questions.Angi successfully defends her gift.

Carl unsuccessfully attempts to steal Emilie's gift.

Vindication and Atonement

A packed meeting was superbly orchestrated by TMoD Alec Metz, on the theme of Vindication and Atonement. With 23 members and one guest, it was a great tournout for the holiday season.

A rousing table topics led by Alex Bein was won by perennial favorite, Brian Anderson who scanned his 100 favorite movies at warp speed, picked a winner and discussed it in the allotted time.

The prepared speeches offered an opportunity for our newer members, with two Icebreakers and a #2. All were outstanding and reveal more talent for our already loaded club. Robin Walker was voted best Evaluator.

December 14 will feature our annual party and gift exchange.

Zeki Yildirim's Icebreaker speech -Traveling:

Steve Skagg's #2 Speech - Happy New Goal:

Alex Simmons' Icebreaker Speech:

The meeting had one bittersweet note as we bid a fond farewell to Ryan Squires, who is graduating from NPS with a Masters Degree in Operations Research and will be heading off for fame and glory. Ryan's wry wit and memorable "West Virginia" grammarian reports will be long remembered.