Labor of Love Open House

A Labor of Love

Afterburners Open House Meeting on August 30, 2016, was a grand success!  In fact, we earned a Golden Gavel ribbon for the great number of members present, many special guests, no changes to the agenda, and we began and ended on time!  PLUS......we had a special array of FOOD!  Toastmasters meetings don't get any better than that!

To our delight, special guests Veronica Sites (left), District 25 Representative, and International Director David McCallister (center) pushed the greatness of our meeting off the charts!  They are pictured above with President Setma Maddox (right).   Additionally, Afterburners is the home club to three Area Directors — Area 11 Director, Holly Trinh; Area 13 Director, Aileen Hummel; and Area 24 Director, Kim Story — all present at our Open House.

To add to the excitement, our best speaker was Verlin Yoder (right) delivering his 2nd speech from the Competent Communication manual.  Verlin cleverly relayed his SMART goals using the analogy of entering the "Hotten than Hell" bike race of 100 miles in Wichita Falls.  He is pictured here with Best Evaluator Jim Hummel, and winner of Table Topics Antoinette Silas.

Our efforts paid off too as we garnered a couple of new members in the process!  All told, we can agree that being a Toastmaster is truly a Labor of Love.  You may view more photos here.

Why Am I Still a Toastmaster? Because I Learned How to Speak and Lead — and I Love It

Jodie Sanders —
the classic club underachiever

Let's go back to September, 2008, when I first joined Afterburners. I had recently been laid off and job prospects were horrible, especially for people my age. Being at a loose end, I thought Toastmasters was as good a way as any to occupy my time.

Speaking skills? Didn't really need them for anything. At the time, our club didn't emphasize the CL manual, so the subject of leadership skills never came up. I took a year and a half to do five speeches. I was the classic club underachiever.

Then I was drafted as Vice President Public Relations. Surprisingly, my commitment to Toastmasters started to grow. I finished my Competent Communicator and I started doing advanced speeches.

At that time, I had no particular plans to take my Toastmasters involvement any further. Then two things happened. First, I was asked to be the News Editor for our district. Because I was not planning to be a club officer again, I thought “I’ll have plenty of time for this.” Then the second thing happened. Our club’s newly-elected president moved out of state, and I was asked to take her place. When I said yes, I thought to myself “Am I crazy?”

Now I was really, truly, and deeply into Toastmasters. Being News Editor was fun. And being the president was a challenge, and that experience developed my leadership skills like lifting weights builds muscles!

This year, I am an area governor. I oversee and assist six Toastmasters clubs to better serve their members and to reach their goals. My favorite part is celebrating their successes with them — like a new member joining or someone making their 10th speech.

Four years ago, I would never have imagined that I would be excited about giving lots of speeches, but a big plus of my current position is that I get to do just that. Now, I never turn down an opportunity to speak. As far as being a leader goes, both big and small leadership opportunities come my way quite often now. As a Toastmaster, I feel I am truly flying high!

Jodie Sanders

Why Am I a Toastmaster? The Answer Is in a Story

Phillip Silas

That is a simple enough question, but I have so many answers. However, I will narrow it down to one answer with a story.

One summer growing up, I was sick with some kind of summer flu that kept me bedridden, close to the house and away from regular summer fun. My friends and I were all a part of the local recreational boxing club. And that summer would prove to be a breakout year for the better boxers. Needless to say, I was considered one of the better boxers.

Well, of course I wasn't able to compete because of my illness, but my higher-ranking slot as a "better boxer" had to be filled. So it was filled with a not-so-better fighter. Long story short, all the fighters received a boxing jacket because of their participation.

Having that boxing jacket was like winning an Olympic medal, and the glory, status and perks you receive from the world.

As I go through my daily routines in life, and interject through conversations that I am a Toastmaster, I seem to always receive a sense of awe. So, because of this response and feeling, I will always be involved with Toastmasters, because to me, I finally got my jacket.

Phillip Silas

How Did I Get to Toastmasters?

Bill Erwin

Why am I a Toastmaster? First I have to tell you how I got here, then I'll explain why I’ve stayed with the club even after it met my needs.

As a kid I moved frequently, so I found ways to keep myself busy without having to socialize. I was tested for Autism at a school in Oklahoma because I rarely talked to other kids. This proved to my teacher I wasn't the "stupid kid" she claimed me to be, and I was soon offered a slot in a higher grade.

However, my social skills were *lower* than those of my peers, and I missed that opportunity to keep myself challenged. I survived high school by inventing the concept "fake it until you make it,"  (someone else named it).  I hardly spoke to anyone, and worked after-school jobs that required minimum people skills.

Fast forward a few different job titles to my current employer, and I can say I had "made it" . . . almost. I still had difficulties speaking in front of groups unless I had worked through 100% of the details, and I couldn't "speak on my feet" at all. That’s why I joined Toastmasters.

During my first speech, my hands shook noticeably, as I told my life story to a group of 30 or so people. It was something I knew about, but I hadn’t put it into words before. This helped me "break the ice."  Performing different roles at the club acclimated me to speaking under new situations. Table Topics started as a short but painful vaccine, but it helped me build immunity to speaking with no preparation.

But you want to know why I'm still a Toastmaster, right? It's simply about the people, and their stories. I watch them become better speakers right before my eyes. My favorite part is watching them become mentors, and seeing them “pay it forward” to the next new member who is wondering...

Why did I come here?

Bill Erwin

Why Am I (Still) a Toastmaster?

Tammy Bailey

Many of you have heard me talk about my boyfriend Russ and his family. They live on a farm in Weatherford, and almost every weekend he goes out there. If I'm not otherwise occupied, sometimes I'll investigate the idea of going along, so I'll ask, "What are you doing at the farm today?" Inevitably, his answer is, "Oh, I don't know, but there's always SOMETHING to do!"

That's the way it is with Toastmasters. There's always something to do.

Many people join, complete their Competent Communication manual, then split with their ten speeches and a CC designation. But that's just not me. When I joined Toastmasters in 2006, I decided from the outset that if there was a goal, an ultimate "something" that could be achieved, that's what I was going to do, or else I wasn't going to do it at all. I set my sights on achieving the Distinguished Toastmaster designation, and by November 2008, I'd done it. The question in my mind at that time became, "Now what?"

"Now what?" turned out to be easily answered. I was a club officer, so there was no taking my DTM and riding off into the sunset. I had responsibilities to fulfill, and so I continued to come to meetings. After that officer term, I started serving in another capacity, and then another. People were depending on me for leadership, feedback, and assistance, and there was just no way I was going to let them down without a darn good reason.

If you're a club officer, you have leadership responsibilities. If you're on the agenda at a meeting, you have an obligation to prepare for your role to the very best of your ability. If you're not on the agenda for a particular meeting, you have the privilege of applauding and cheering on those who do have opportunities to fill, and in case one of them can't make it, you may get the opportunity to step up and be a leader yourself.

That's the beautiful thing about Toastmasters and why I'm still here after six years and two DTMs: There's always SOMETHING to do!

Tammy Bailey, DTM

The Value of Toastmasters for Me

Laura Stewart

It has been a lifelong dream of mine to be a motivational speaker. Once I made a recent decision to retire, I have been thinking of creating the many opportunities of how I can be of service to others. I realized that Toastmasters would be a perfect experience to prepare me to achieve my goals.

I believe that I am a natural-born storyteller. Being the third of six children, my first captive audience was my younger brother and sisters. For years, I entertained (some call it babysitting) by gathering my audience on the bed as I told tales with a Texan's gift of exaggeration. My reputation grew as our family got larger and included co-workers and friends. I find it incredible the insatiable appetite people have to feel uplifted and giddy.

Upon my recent retirement, I have had many moments of reflection on my life and deciding on which qualities and gifts I have to use to carry me into the next chapter of my life. It is totally my gift of telling tales and making others laugh. Nothing gives me more delight than to see someone who was feeling blue begin to chuckle and see their burden lightened — even for just a moment.

I believe that Toastmasters will be the perfect vehicle to help me refine my skills and find my authentic voice. I have great admiration of the Afterburners group as I realize the wealth of integrity and sense of service the members of this group have. I have found a safe haven to help me get settled up with my fears and anxieties as I gain the courage and confidence needed to become a public speaker. From there, the opportunities are limitless!

Laura Stewart

The Only Thing to Fear — Yes You Already Know

It’s here! The beginning of a new era is looming close by. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the time has finally come for me to take my turn as an officer for our club. Crazy, huh? I always knew this day would come, I just didn’t realize how nerve-wracking it would be for me. You see, I too am afraid of change. I don’t know what becoming an officer will do to me! YIKES! (nail biting…) 

Then, I think. I took a chance when I came to Toastmasters. I was determined to embrace the ups and downs of becoming a better speaker. I admitted to myself that, in reality, the downs were only placed by me, feeling that I could not be successful. As time went by, Toastmasters gave me the opportunity to grow and be a more confident presenter. Reflecting on this, and with the support of my club, I truly feel that while this may be a daunting task, we are a team. Better yet, we are family. And with my family of Afterburners I look forward to being your Vice President Public Relations. OOoooOOOooo, sounds fancy. My resumé will think so too ;)

So, here we go again. New to me as it may be I am determined to work hard, keep my sanity intact and help guide my fellow officers and club members on the path that our club has always been on. And I plan to enjoy it!

Saraí Olmos

Judge Not, Lest Ye Be Judged – Unless It Is Your Opportunity

Last year, I was invited to step up to District Leadership as the District Chief Judge. I accepted the position and only found out later how many people had stepped off the tracks in front of me in order for me to get the full force of the train heading my way.

The District Chief Judge opportunity is probably the hardest thing I have ever done. I laid cross-ties in the dead of winter in The Colony so that is saying something.  All kidding aside, I enjoyed every minute of the year. Toastmasters are a super group and I learned that I had a great deal of support from all the excellent Judges and Chief Judges throughout District 25.

I also served as VP – Education of the Afterburners Toastmasters Club and Club Mentor/Interim President for Tarrant County Toastmasters. These are both great clubs full of great people and a tribute to the Toastmasters organization.

As stressful as it was at times, we had two excellent contest seasons with 72 great contests, casting around 900 ballots total. As a group, the District 25 Judging community never let the District down and I wish to thank each and every one for their fantastic support of the contests this year.

Steven Timmons

A Dream Opportunity for Aaron

Some teens during the summer get a summer job or even sit around and do nothing at all. I am doing the opposite of that. Last summer, I went to the United Kingdom and I had a great time soaking up the culture and the customs. This year, I have the pleasure of going to the greatest university in the world’s summer school.

Harvard has always been a dream of mine since I can ever remember. Now that I am actually going to this school it seems kind of like a dream. The very thought to be accepted to even their summer school is a great honor in itself. This is truly just a stepping stone into bigger and better things. The things that I will learn at the college will be phenomenal.

Starting June 24, I will be living the college life for six weeks. I will be eating, sleeping, and studying within the college livelihood. I also have the opportunity to be taking classes which will give me college credit. I will have the chance to meet tons of people from around the world and get to experience so many cultures from around the world.

This will be my longest time away from home and I am not that worried it as much. I guess since I have been across the globe already and this just being on the eastern seaboard shouldn’t be that bad even for six weeks. I guess I can’t be overexcited or even overly worried either. I guess just I have to be nonchalant about it. I realize that I could goof off and party rock until the break of dawn, but I think opportunities like these can’t be taken for granted. They must be used to their fullest capacity.

All in all, I am most grateful and blessed to have a mother who would do everything in her power to help me achieve my goals. So, this summer is definitely is going to be a blast.

Aaron Robinson

And the Beat Goes On!

On June 1, 2012, I celebrated 25 years of membership in Toastmasters. I have been a member of Afterburners since August 1991 during those 25 years.

Many times I am asked "WHY" stay around for such a long time. My response has always been that over the years, I have found many reasons to stay, but none good enough to leave!

I have a confession to make. For the 2012-2013 Toastmaster year, I had decided to be just a "POT, a plain ole Toastmaster." My determination was strong. I was going to rest next year.

THEN, a marvelous opportunity presented itself. The incoming Lt Governor Education and Training, Dean Lampman, asked me to serve the Members of District 25 as the District Training Chair. What an opportunity! I had never expected to be asked for this role because I had said many times, "they won't let me do that because we would not start before 10 am." My Toastmaster friends know that the morning hours are not my best of the day.

Here I am, incoming D25 Training Chair, helping to plan the summer sessions for Toastmasters Leadership Institute. We will celebrate the fabulous opportunity for our Club Officers to be the best they can be by becoming trained Club Officers. Our elective classes will offer a variety of topics for any Toastmaster to attend.

I can't wait for the party!

Brenda Daniels DTM
D25 Training Chair 2012-2013

The Wider World in Toastmasters — My Excellent Venture Outside Our Club

As I finish my year as President of Afterburners, I am also finishing a year of doing another Toastmasters opportunity — that of District News Editor. Last spring, Diana Patton (then the Lt. Governor Education and Training), called to ask if I was interested in the Newsletter Editor job. I took a deep breath and said "If the newsletter is still going to be a 30-page PDF file that comes out once a month, then no, I am not interested. I think that kind of newsletter is obsolete."

She said "No, we want to do something completely different, and we want you to help us decide what that will be." That sounded too good to pass up. "Okay, I'll do it."

My experience in starting the Afterburners "Burning News" was quite helpful. I quickly learned how to use Constant Contact, the web-based email platform the District was already using. As the District officers talked about how they wanted to communicate with the members, we developed the concepts of Hot Topics, Action NOW, and the D25 News blog so we could reach people in quick and flexible ways.

Sometimes it was a lot of work but I learned about the workings of the District and our clubs, and met many new people. The really marvelous part of the experience was being a pioneer. I blazed a trail for future News Editors, essentially inventing my own job as the year went on. It's been an opportunity I am so glad I didn't miss.

Jodie Sanders

Gary Chiu Steps Up as District 25 PRO

I have been asked on more than one occasion why I volunteered to become a District Officer. Simply put, the linchpin binding each level of Toastmasters together, from the club, to the area, to the division and the district, relies upon those willing to step up and heed the call. We all volunteer our time, effort, and sometimes, our personal funds in order to grow the Toastmasters organization. Our reward is simply the knowledge that we furthered a cause we all strongly believe in, and helped those climbing the trail behind us.

I am going to be your District Public Relations Officer (PRO) during the 2012-2013 term. Why does a Toastmasters District need both a Lt. Governor of Marketing and a PRO? Essentially, the LGM tracks the officer list submissions,  dues payments,  member retention, all things related to new club formation, sponsors, mentors, and coaches. Mind you, these are just a few of the many tasks that our hard-working LGM takes on!

If the LGM can be said to be “looking inward” and concerning herself with the above duties, the PRO “looks outward” and is considered the mouthpiece of the District. Among my duties, I lead external Marketing efforts to promote Toastmasters to the public at large, work directly with Division and Area Governors to assist them in recruiting for their respective areas, and assist with the promotion of various District activities throughout the year (e.g. Spring and Fall Conference). When the LGM and PRO are both working at their peak efficiency, interested guests will be persuaded by the PRO to either join an existing club, or, the LGM might decide form a new club if a minimum of 20 members can be found. This is how our District GROWS!

In conclusion, I am honored and excited to be your Public Relations Officer for 2012-2013. Together, I am certain we will achieve some outstanding accomplishments!

Gary Chiu

The Value of Evaluation

An opportunity to write a short blog for Holly who is gifted with enthusiasm, courage and an unending smile. Some years ago I lost the thought of blending humor and health. In a recent attempt at a humorous speech about chocolate that thought was reignited. Not by the speech, but  by the evaluations that I received. That speech was a failure in and of itself. The learning that came from the response to that speech has been an inspiration to an age old ambition. I am back on the pursuit of a humorous presentation of health information. I respect and appreciate the value of honest and thoughtful evaluation.

Jim Hummel

Speaking (and Writing) Take Courage

Steven Thorn is a Professional Writing Senior at the University of Oklahoma. In Toastmasters, he is a Competent Communicator and Competent Leader. In 2009, Steven finished second in the District 25 International Speech Competition. Steven has published three short stories on Kindle, Nook, and iTunes. The Phoenix Guardian, a Young Adult Fantasy, is his first novel.

Steven Thorn

 As a public speaker and a writer, I find that speaking and writing have much in common. They both require courage. Most Toastmasters can understand why public speaking takes courage. Many of us are in Toastmasters to overcome our fear of public speaking.

But writing isn’t done in public. I usually write in the privacy of my home. So why is it scary?

Writing is scary because, like public speaking, it makes you vulnerable.

Before your words can mean something to someone else, they have to mean something to you. That means you have to open up. You have to share what’s important to you, and you have to hold it up to the world and declare, “This is what I have to say. This is a piece of my heart.”

That’s frightening.

But it’s also exhilarating. There’s nothing like writing something that people can relate to and enjoy.

When I competed in the 2009 International Speech Competition, my favorite moments were when I established emotional connections with the audience. My speech, “You Don’t Need to Be a Wizard,” was about overcoming fear and insecurity. I talked about the friends and family who have helped me in my struggles: people that “brought light to my darkness.” The speech was very personal. It was rewarding to see people laughing—and crying—along with me.

Steven won the Division C International Speech Contest in 2009
with his family's support.

In the same way, writing The Phoenix Guardian has been very rewarding. When I wrote the book, certain passages moved me to tears. Other parts of the book still make me laugh, even though I’ve read the story dozens of times. I love it when readers tell me which passages made them laugh or cry. It’s very touching to know that people have connected with my story.

The writing and publication of The Phoenix Guardian took about nine months. The majority of the writing was done last fall for my “Writing the Novel” class at the University of Oklahoma. I finished the book in the spring semester. The entire process was guided (and edited) by my writing instructor, Mel Odom, a prolific author who has written over 150 novels.

I decided to self-publish The Phoenix Guardian, adding a novel to my bookshelf of self-published works. One day, I hope to write for a traditional publishing house, but for the time being, I’m thrilled with the success that The Phoenix Guardian has received. The book has sold over 100 copies and the reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. Writing the book took a lot of time, courage, and work, but it was worth it. I’m thankful that people are taking the time to read and share this story with me.

Steven Thorn

Book Synopsis:
On the planet Mithris, humanity is at war and the gods don’t care. Serena is an eighteen year-old girl who doesn’t care about the gods—or anything else. Unfortunately for Serena, a mysterious girl named Natalie Bliss falls out of the sky and into her path.
Natalie claims that Serena must help her save the world. Natalie holds the answers to Serena’s true identity—a revelation that links Serena to a world she never believed in. Terrible dangers lie in store for them. Serena and Natalie must escape from assassins, survive a world war, and convince the negligent gods of Mithris to intervene before it’s too late for mankind.

LINKS:

Amazon Paperback
http://www.amazon.com/The-Phoenix-Guardian-discover-identity/dp/1470165929/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1334757425&sr=1-9

Amazon Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/The-Phoenix-Guardian-ebook/dp/B007PAFNYQ/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1332955422&sr=8-7

Moments of Truth

Tuesday night I presented a module from the Successful Club Series called "Moments of Truth". This is a one-hour module that I attempted to present in 10-15 minutes (truth be told, I was over 18 minutes, but I gave it a shot!).

A Moment of Truth is an episode when a prospective member comes in contact with any aspect of the Toastmaster experience & forms an impression of the club's quality and service. We must be mindful at all times of the impression our club makes on others, because we are only in existence to serve the needs of our members. Although some of them overlap in different areas, each is important in creating a positive Moment of Truth for our members.

Our Executive Committee is dedicated to creating the best experience possible for our members. I have emailed this to all our members for feedback, but if you are a guest reader of this blog, I hope you will take a few moments to consider how well your club meets the six criteria set forth in "Moments of Truth."

First Impressions

Member Orientation

Fellowship, variety and communication

Program planning and meeting organization

Membership strength

Achievement recognition

First Impressions:

Each guest is greeted at the door & introduced to other members

Each guest is given a name tag & asked to fill out an information card

Meeting room is set up in a professional manner

Location is easily accessible & user friendly

Guests are encouraged to participate in the meeting & comment on their experience

Guests are invited to join the day of their visit.

Member Orientation:

New members are formally inducted and receive a pin & basic manuals

Mentors are assigned

Discuss the educational program benefits with new members

Survey the new member's learning needs

Assign a speaking role as soon as possible

Continue to make new members feel welcome by encouraging them to participate on an ongoing basis

Fellowship, Variety & Communication:

Members greet guests & make them feel welcome

VP Education plans enjoyable, dynamic programs

Regularly scheduled social events

Members are encouraged to participate in Area, District & International events

Inter-Club events are encouraged

Club newsletter/blog is published regularly

Program Planning & Meeting Organization:

Program & Agenda are publicized in advance

All members know their responsibilities and prepare to carry them out to the best of their abilities

Speeches originate from the basic & advanced Communication & Leadership manuals

Meetings begin & end on time

Creative Table Topics & theme meetings are featured

Positive, helpful evaluations based on project objectives & speaker's learning needs

Membership Strength:

Maintain a minimum of 20 members

Members are retained

Actively promote our club in the community or within the sponsoring organization

Continually plan varied & exciting club programs

Recognize Toastmasters who sponsor new members

Regular participation in membership building program

Recognizing Accomplishments:

Member's completed educational requirements are promptly submitted to World Headquarters

Member progress chart maintained & displayed at each meeting

Formally recognize member achievements

Recognize Club, District & International leaders

Member and Club achievements are publicized

Distinguished Club Program (DCP) is used for planning & recognition

Meet Steven Timmons, VP Education

Ryan Gallagher

In this, the second entry into my semi-annual interview series, our new VP Education, Steven Timmons, found some time in his busy schedule to answer my questions - all for the benefit of our readers. Hopefully y'all will get some insight into what makes him tick. In the meantime, I'm gonna try and make this interview thing happen more frequently than twice a year. Prepare yourself. You could be next.

Steven Timmons

1. What is your favorite book and/or movie and why?


My favorite book is probably Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. It has been sometime since I read it; however, I always remember the surprises as the story progressed and the plot was revealed. I am much more of a movie buff. I have always liked "Urban Cowboy" with John Travolta. Growing up in Mansfield, I really identified with John's character, except the dancing and it is a favorite time in my life.

2. Give a specific example of how Toastmasters has impacted you positively.

I find that I have made a lot of friends and acquaintances that I would not have made otherwise. The ability to speak and use my brain is a big win for me. However, I hope that I have made some friends that I will know for a lifetime.

3. What is the speech that you have given of which are you most proud, and why?

That would have to be my CC Manual Project 6, "Why I could never be Steve Erwin." It was the first time I got through a speech without notes and I felt a real sense of accomplishment when I executed the speech with all the body language and vocal variety I had planned.

4. Out of all the accumulated experiences in your life, what is the single piece of advice you would impart to your kids (if you have them) or your family, and why?

Always maintain your integrity. When others attack you needlessly or unfairly, it is all that you have to know that you have done the right thing. In Boy Scouts, I was always taught to do my best. That was all that anyone could expect of someone else.

5. Has your life gone how you thought it would? Why or why not and what do you think you might have done differently, if anything?

Life has presented me with many adventures I did not foresee. When I was standing outside the airport in the Philippines in the pouring rain, I thought to myself that I might have made a mistake. However, I have held on through the years and I find that the adventures continue to be surprising and enjoyable. I take each situation, try to learn from it what I should and then move on to the next obstacle.

6. Do you have a favorite quote, or a quote-of-the-moment that motivates you? If so, what is it and why do you find it motivating?

That would have to be Act Your Wage! by Dave Ramsey. Through Dave's wisdom, I have regained my life in so many ways. When you try to live outside of your means, you are robbing yourself of your future. When Dave discusses that if you don't have a plan for your money then all of those creditors have a plan for your money, he is really more right then you can ever know. Now I maintain a budget to keep a grasp on my reality. I find that I am more fulfilled than when I would run wild with my credit.

7. Anything else you want to share with Afterburners?

If you take the time to plan to live, you can live your dreams. Without a plan, you are just on a journey. How will you ever know that you have arrived?

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.

Dream Big — by the numbers

The numbers are in and they have been crunched. I would like to share a few facts with you.

Afterburners had 41 commitments, more than twice as many as any other club in District 25, in all areas with the exception of High Performance Leadership (HPL) projects. This was 8.5% of the 483 member commitments made across the entire district.

Our 25 completions, again more than any other club, comprised 12.14% of the 206 completions made across the district. We stacked up an impressive 61% completion rate against the district's 43% completion rate. Our club outperformed District 25 by an 18% margin. This speaks to the commitment of our club members to meet the challenge and succeed.

I would like to thank each of our members who participated in the Dream Big Challenge:
George Arndt, John Bacon, Tammy Bailey, Ron Baker, Tom Brents, Gary Chiu, Brenda Daniels, Linda Coleman, Ryan Gallagher, Saraí Garcia, Greg Geis, Mike Kelly, Joyce King, Rodney King, Setma Maddox, Pat Quick, Jodie Sanders, Antoinette Silas, Phillip Silas, Dámaris Thorn, David Thorn, Rosita Timmons, Steven Timmons, Teresa Wilburn. Every one of you made a difference.

I would especially like to recognize Jodie Sanders and Ryan Gallagher for all of their hard work keeping track of the completions and the website reporting.

Steven Timmons, CC, CL
Chairman of the Club Dream Big
Public Relations Campaign

Reaching a high level of Competent Leadership

When the Dream Big campaign kicked off last fall, six Afterburners committed to earning their first Competent Leader award. All six of those members have now reached their goal, nearly two months before the district's deadline:

Jodie Sanders	November 18
Dámaris Thorn	January 4
Joyce King	January 21
Gary Chiu	February 14
Linda Coleman	March 23
Steven Timmons	March 23

Two of them describe their CL experiences and offer advice and encouragement for those who are still working on, or have not started their CL manuals.

Perfecting my pitch

Gary Chiu

The Leadership Track requires Toastmasters to serve in a multitude of roles in order to obtain the CL, and has encouraged me to “stretch” myself and my abilities to the fullest. Without the CL, I would probably never have had the opportunity to “pound the pavement” soliciting food and beverage donations for a Humorous Speech contest last year. Through this process, not only did I discover that the manager at Jamba Juice is willing to dress up in a banana suit and make fruit smoothies for future Toastmaster events, but I had an opportunity to practice delivering quick but concise “Sales Pitches” as I went door-to-door downtown. That last skill is extremely helpful in day-to-day activities to promote your ideas to supervisors or other persons of influence; the information about the banana suit causes me nightmares.

My advice for those still working toward your CL: Make every opportunity count. Determine what activities you can participate in for credit, and get someone to sign off when you’ve completed that activity. Toastmasters provides an abundance of valuable opportunities, and a bit of initiative and creativity on your part will not only fulfill the requirement, but allow you to learn something about yourself in the process. Don’t pass up the chance to learn how to expand your learning circle!

Gary Chiu, CC, CL

Gaining confidence in myself

Linda Coleman

It's been a challenging but wonderful experience. At the very beginning I didn’t take it seriously enough, because it looked like too much to accomplish. Once I committed to complete the manual for the “Dream Big” contest, it was on. On a regular basis Jodie Sanders and Steven Timmons always offered their help, ensuring I stayed on task. When I realized their commitment to me, I got on board with the concept of “Growth” and began the journey.

Completing role after role caused me to gain confidence in myself as a leader and a communicator. I stepped out of my shell. The most difficult but the most meaningful accomplishments were in Project 8 [Motivating People] and the roles as General Evaluator. Please understand, I have not arrived, but I am a work in progress and so are you. Completing your “Competent Leader” while you work on your “Competent Communicator” may seem difficult, but it’s not. I encourage you to “JUST DO IT” (swish!!).

Linda Coleman, CC, CL

A Distinguished Toastmaster, indeed!

Afterburners Toastmasters Club is thrilled to be able to congratulate Setma Maddox on achieving her Distinguished Toastmaster award!

According to Afterburners president Tammy Bailey, "Setma's presentations have always been of the highest caliber, impressive from the very first time I ever visited Afterburners, and I know she has worked extremely hard to reach this goal. She is a wonderful mentor, either in an official or unofficial capacity, and Afterburners is very fortunate to count her among our members."

Setma says: "I am so excited about accomplishing this goal after so long. Seeing each of you grow each time I hear you speak or perform a role in a meeting showed me that I needed to finish what I started in 1999. Now I get to do it all over again! This time with a much better understanding of what it means to other people to be active in the club, division, and district as well as what I can learn of the experience.  I hope all of you will realize this goal in the near future. It is AWESOME!"

Setma, YOU are awesome. Distinguished, indeed! We are so proud!