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  

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

Hats off to the Spring Conference!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

Fall Conference highlights

On Friday night, Gary Chiu kicked it off in the Banner Parade with not one, but two banners representing Afterburners. Afterburners' first-timers were Steven and Rose Timmons. By the way, Steven was the Volunteer Coordinator for the conference. I know you'll be proud of your club members, because everyone did something extra (other than just attend the conference). What a wonderful meal, dynamic evaluation contest, and outstanding guest speaker, Craig Valentine, 1999 World Champion of Public Speaking, a funny, funny, funny, guy.

Saturday morning started with the Leadership Breakfast, a biiiiigggg breakfast buffet. Setma was collecting tickets (now if you want someone who will enforce the rules, Setma is your woman, no free meals here). Guess who made it to breakfast? You guessed it — Brenda Daniels.

One of the highlights of the Leadership Breakfast was a skit performed by yours, mine, and our own Division A Governor, Pat Quick, along with the division's Area Governors and Gary Chiu. The title of the skit was “Mission Impossible.” They entered the room to the theme music of the old tv show, wearing black trench coats, black hats, black sunglasses, and black pistols — you get the picture. Their mission was to inform us of our accomplishments as clubs. It was a blast! The guest speaker Michael Meier from Seoul, South Korea, was dynamic.

During one of the Educational Sessions, Brenda Daniels had the honor of introducing Safaraz Nazir, who taught on the subject of  “Go for the WOW: How to Create Memorable Speeches.” Afterburners was the sponsor for his session.

The District Awards Luncheon was Fantastic, desert was Fabulous and the guest speaker, Jennifer Johnson,  spoke on the Future belonging to those who act on making their dreams a reality. (NOTE to readers – the three “F’s”.)

Rose Timmons and Linda Coleman helped on the decorating committee, preparing for the Humorous Speech contest. Great contestants, and oh! so funny.

What we all were waiting for, the climax of the Conference, started with the Dignitary Parade. When Pat Quick walked in, on the arm of her escort George Arndt, it was breathtaking. It is or should be every Toastmaster’s dream to be in that line-up. Guest speaker Kimberly Davis, Founder/Director of OnStage Leadership, inspired us to color outside of the lines, while we “Live in the Color of Our Dreams.”

NOW…The DTM ceremony was a sight to behold. This gives me goose bumps, because as a Toastmaster you have a good idea about what the journey was like. There were 11 individuals who stepped up to receive this award because they conquered obstacles, overcame disappointments, and invested in others to reach the pinnacle, and obtain the prize.

We are so proud of our own newest Distinguished Toastmaster! Pat Quick, congratulations on your accomplishments!

Well, I just wanted to give you little excerpts from the Conference; hope to see you at the Spring Conference.

Linda Coleman

Keep up with what's happening on the D25 website

The next big District 25 event is the Fall Conference, Nov 19-20.
It's time to make your plans!
Go here for specific information.

The Dream Big Commitment List — is your name on it?

Or just go to the D25 main page and look at everything going on.

Joyce's Journey to a New World

When the District 25 Spring Conference was first mentioned at one of our Toastmasters meetings, I did not give it much thought. In my mind, I knew that I was not going to attend. Although I really enjoy Toastmasters and look forward to the weekly meetings, I had no intention of getting that deeply involved. After all, I only wanted to learn to quell my fears and become more comfortable speaking in front of strangers.

Fortunately, a couple of weeks before the conference our illustrious president, Pat Quick, mentioned it again. This time it piqued my interest. There was something in her voice that made it sound like this was an event not to be missed. Consequently, I talked to my husband Rodney, who is also a Toastmaster, and we agreed it would be a good thing to do. 

After deciding to attend this conference, I had such a difficult time registering that I almost decided not to go.  However, I have never been one to give up easily, so I persevered, and we attended.  Going to this event was a wise decision because it opened my eyes to a whole new Toastmaster world. Everyone was nice from the beginning to the end.  

When the festivities began on Friday night, Gary Chiu, our masterful Sergeant at Arms, represented Afterburners well. He marched in with not one, but two, Afterburners banners filled with ribbons.  Shortly after, the area governors and their teams presented us with hilarious skits.

The night ended with the Tall Tales competition. I was in awe as I sat and listened to several far-out tales and wondered how one’s imagination could be so great to come up with such outrageous stories. I was fascinated as I heard about the clown-eating bull and captivated as I journeyed with the Georgia Peach as she tried to find her way home. There were several wild stories told that night, but only three people could win. However, in my opinion, they were all winners. It took courage, preparation and a big imagination to stand before their Toastmaster peers and present those stories.

The next day was packed full of interesting educational sessions to attend. These sessions offered education, inspiration and infused a little motivation into everyone who attended them.  I was very inspired after hearing LaShunda Rundles' story of faith and endurance. This young lady won the International Speaking competition in 2008 but was plagued by life-threatening illnesses shortly after. She could have given up, but she chose to fight. She looked past her condition and circumstances and focused on facing her obstacles rather than surrendering.

Ms. Rundles was one of several people who offered inspiration that day. That same theme emanated throughout the speeches presented in the International Speech contest that afternoon. Evaluating to motivate others and learning to live my life to its fullest potential also served as nourishment for my soul that day.

The evening culminated with a lovely dinner, good fellowship and a Distinguished Toastmaster Ceremony. I received much more than money could ever pay for that weekend. I witnessed genuine love, respect and friendship among the attendees. After seeing all of that, learning how to become a better public speaker is just icing on the cake. Attending the conference was a weekend well spent.

Joyce King