A brand-new Afterburner enjoys the Silver Jubilee celebration

Dawn Mercer

The Club had been talking about the Jubilee since I started going to meetings and I knew that would be the best way to get to know folks better (other than the weekly meetings); so I volunteered to bring a dish to share.

The Tuesday meeting before the event, I was (enthusiastically) jumped on by Brenda as to what time I could be at Bobby Bragan Hall on Sunday. My response was, “What time do you need me there!?” Being military has always led me to be first in the trenches (so to speak). Once I arrived early to help set up the event, I was put to work immediately and felt right at ease getting this event to come together. The Afterburners support system was well in action.

Toastmaster geeks confer

From watching Ryan trying not blow up his face (more than once) with the inflation of the balloons, to seeing a gaggle of men (Mike, Aaron, Gary) trying to figure out how to get the slide show to work (for an hour), to all of us ladies prepping food and tables for the lovely spread, I knew this was going to be a fun-filled event.

Once the distinguished guests arrived and the festivities began, I was nothing short of “in awe.” These guests (Distinguished Toastmasters and above), did not fall short of any expectation of greatness that I had envisioned when it was their turn to say a few words. The “testimonials” that Brenda had added into the program left a lasting impression on me. Not only did I get to listen to the  dignitaries and guests but I also heard from our own club members!  I am getting to know you all much better. I am looking forward to my first “educational retreat”!

President Tammy and

another new ribbon!

Two newer members, LaShawn and Holly, gave great speeches. They are very inspirational. Second chances and Confidence (respectively) were their messages, and I found meaning in both.

The food, the people, the respect and the support that was prevalent at the event is why I feel this club is the one for me!

And I had no idea that we had two banners!!!!!! We ran out of space for all the ribbons on one banner?!

Dawn Mercer


P.S. See more photos on the Afterburners website.

Speech contest is all about life

The International Speech Contest was one of my most exciting times since being a part of Toastmasters. I really didn't know what to expect, since I've never partaken of this kind of event before. But the five speakers (George Arndt, Linda Coleman, Ryan Gallagher, Dámaris Thorn and Rose Timmons) showed us what giving a speech is all about.

If you happened to be a judge, and all of the speakers presented first class speeches, then you had no choice but to pick the best subject matter; and even that could be a hard call. For instance, George talked about appreciating life; Linda spoke on the things that would make you have a successful life; Ryan talked on not taking life and our loved ones for granted; Dámaris spoke on life's small appreciative gifts; and Rose on why in life do we pay for bottled water when tap water is cheaper and sometimes better.

Do you see my point? All of these subjects were worthy of attention, and the speakers delivered their messages well. But in this life we have winners and losers. First place went to Linda; 2nd to George; and 3rd to Ryan. Congratulations to all of the speakers.

Phillip Silas