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| Teresa and LaShawn in their hats! |
This past weekend, several Afterburners members attended the District 25 Conference “The Road to Success.” On Friday night, Sergeant at Arms Gary Chiu proudly carried in both of our club banners during the Banner Parade. Toastmasters International President-Elect Michael Notaro presented us with a ribbon for accomplishing our Dream BIG commitment of President’s Distinguished.
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| The hat ladies — Pat, Teresa and Linda |
Our very own Brenda Daniels was the Friday night Chair and Toastmaster. She opened the weekend’s festivities with “Toastmasters Start Your Engines” which was taken from the NASCAR-themed decorations. The “HATtitude” contest was so much fun, with ladies and gentlemen donning all different types of hats. Linda Coleman, Teresa Wilburn, LaShawn Carter, Gary Chiu and Pat Quick all got into the spirit by wearing some great hats; some fashionable and some downright funny.
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| Gary interviews LaShawn |
The Table Topics contest, presided over by the busy Gary Chiu, was kicked up a notch when Afterburners member LaShawn Carter competed on the district stage. She did a fantastic job and made every member present proud at how poised she was and how articulately she spoke.
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| District 25's Outstanding Club Officers |
On Saturday during the Awards Luncheon, our website,
afterburners.us, was chosen as the Best Club Website, Jodie Sanders was named the Outstanding Vice President Public Relations and Gary Chiu was named Outstanding Sergeant-at-Arms. Everyone at Afterburners knows that Jodie and Gary are outstanding, but now so does everyone else. Congratulations, Jodie and Gary!
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| George and Pat |
After hearing the incredible speeches given during the International Speech Contest, it was time to dress in our best for the Saturday night Installation of Officers and DTM Ceremony. Cheers were shouted as George Arndt escorted Division A Governor Pat Quick in the Dignitary Parade and all members in attendance were all smiles as Setma Maddox received her DTM and Brenda Daniels received DTM number two.
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| Pat, Gary, Brenda and Setma |
You would think that we would be just exhausted after all that fun, but we still had strength to make it to the Hospitality Suite hosted by Rose Timmons and Linda Coleman. They put out a spread of food that would make any restaurant jealous. I heard people talking about the delicious fare and the warm welcome they received from Linda and Rose. Kudos to both!
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| Steven and Rose |
Also, a big “you done great” to Steven Timmons who assisted with Registration and did all the badges and tickets, behind-the-scenes work that was essential to a smooth member experience.
If you missed this year’s conference, you can make the next one. Mark your calendars for November 18-19, Fall Conference, “Let it Shine.” I’m already making plans to attend and I hope you will join me.
Pat Quick
See more pictures of
Conference attendees and the
DTM ceremony.
