Working Behind the Scenes

Fall of 2010 was my first time attending the D25 Conference, when my husband and I were brave enough and stepped up as the Volunteer Chairs. Not knowing exactly what to expect, but still, I had so much fun, even though I ended up volunteering myself in different areas.

We all know events like this can always use some extra hands so when the 2011 Spring Conference came I ended up volunteering again, but this time as the Hospitality Suite Chair, where I met and worked with lots of great leaders in our district.

Well, you would think I had enough, but guess what? These past two conferences I’ve been working behind the scenes as the Registration Chair. Both times were very rewarding experiences for me. I learned so much working with fabulous people in this area; the smiles, laughter, and most of all, the lifelong friendships that I can always cherish and that make my Toastmasters journey enjoyable and memorable.

When you plan on attending the next D25 conference, think about lending a hand; and next time you find someone working behind the counter with curlers on, just remember that “doing it right” plus “positive attitude" may be the only thing you need to help out and still have a memorable conference experience. 

Rose Timmons
Fall 2011/Spring 2012 Registration Chair  

"Tornado Alley" meeting was F-5 in Excellence!

May 22 our theme was "Tornado Alley," and this meeting blew all our expectations away!

Antoinette Silas as Toastmaster had all the opportunities covered in advance of the meeting, and our speakers covered a wide range of topics. First, Jodie Sanders brought us a module from the Successful Club Series addressing the Distinguished Club Program. Ryan Gallagher was up next with a side-splitting speech whose title is far too long to publish here, but it involved a yoga lady, a chiropractor, and some violent breathing exercises! Jim Hummel related an amazing and entertaining story about growing up with illegal fireworks, and an "expert" whose fingers mysteriously disappeared year after year. Finally, Gary Chiu gave us a sneak peek at the toast he will offer his brother and future sister-in-law at the upcoming nuptials this weekend. Can you imagine? A Toastmasters meeting that featured an actual TOAST!

We had four exhilarating guests visit with us, and were honored to have our outgoing Area Governor Brendan Bagnell in attendance as well. If you missed Toastmasters tonight, I can't imagine you had more fun than we did. Come back next week and see what you've been missing!

Bill Finds Friends, Fun and Great Speeches at Conference

I was reluctant to attend my first Toastmasters conference. I tried to visualize what it would be like, where I would sit, and imagined myself in the middle of it . . . all by myself.

What I didn't realize, was that there would be friendly, familiar faces at the check-in booth. I didn't consider the sponsored sessions, the awesome stories, and motivational messages I would hear.

I made the mistake of missing out on the Friday night experience, which was unavoidable in my case, due to a calendar impossibly full of obligations.

As I heard about all the fun I missed, I imagined myself smiling widely in the middle of the group, breathing in what must've been a spectacle.

Bill didn't miss ALL the fun!
(Saturday night at Friends at the Forum)

I saw the Friday night photos during the luncheon, and was thankful I hadn't missed this event as I heard Dale Hansen speak.

I believe Toastmasters made me better aware of the subtleties of his hilarious rant . . . the timing, the vocal variety, movement, and the over-the-top style that I yearned to understand and dissect in between my side-stitched laughing.

Now, I can have a greater appreciation for those all-important words I need to watch for whenever I'm prioritizing my calendar . . . "Save the Date!"

Bill Erwin

Phillip's "Awesome" Conference Experience

Phillip is presented with the Outstanding Sergeant at Arms Award
for District 25 at the Awards Luncheon

My Spring Conference experience was awesome. I really did not know what to expect, besides hearing the speech contest, which was great. However, my  favorite part of the afternoon was partaking in the different educational sessions. I got so much out of the two sessions that my wife and I chose. The lunch was great; but during lunch, awards were presented, and I received Outstanding Sergeant At Arms. A simply "awesome" day.

Phillip Silas

It's in YOUR hands!

Some of you know I finally traded in my trusty Jeep Wrangler for a "grown-up car," a sporty little Lexus convertible. It's been an absolute kick to drive! The other day, however, I had a frightening moment in it.

I was stuck in construction traffic on 377 near Cresson. A flatbed 18-wheeler was in front of me, and another large truck was behind me as we slowly crept up an incline. I will never know whether the driver in front of me wasn't paying attention or if he just forgot his truck was on a hill, but suddenly I looked up to see that huge 18-wheeler drifting BACKWARDS towards me!

I was trapped. I couldn't turn left or right, and because of the truck behind me, I couldn't back up, either. In a state of utter panic, picturing what the impact would do to my new car, I honked my horn wildly. Maybe the driver in front of me heard it, or maybe he realized his vehicle was drifting, but thankfully he hit his brakes and stopped about a parking space away from my front end.

I was shaking all over, and for quite some time afterwards, but it got me thinking about things.

Many events in our life are outside of our control. Companies downsize us, significant others leave us, credit card companies inexplicably reduce our available credit, trucks drift backwards towards us. Absolutely none of that is within our control, and we have to respond as best we can. One thing that IS within our control is our future. We can decide how to improve ourselves, and at what pace.

Toastmasters is the only communication and leadership program I know that allows its participants to pace themselves and learn at whatever speed they find acceptable. We have mentors to help keep us on track. We have countless opportunities to participate and experiment. We have evaluations so we know exactly what we're doing well so we can repeat that success, and exactly what needs to be improved so we can address that as well. Even the destiny of the club as a whole rests in the hands of the individual members!

Next Tuesday we will elect officers to oversee the future of Afterburners for the next six months, July through December. It's crucial that each & every member attend that election so we can have a quorum to conduct the business of the club, but also to ensure that every voice is heard and every vote counts.

Don't sit idly and wait for that truck to back up into you. Honk your horn! Raise your voice! Be an active participant in your own future and in the future of Afterburners Club 6191. If you haven't been to a meeting in awhile, rest assured we have missed you and would love to see you again. Tuesday May 15 is the perfect time to tighten your grip on your own future, and the future of the club. After all, it's in YOUR hands!