End of Year Party

As out-going Sgt@Arms, Kathy stretched out the call to order as long as possible, savoring her last chance to be in control of the proceedings. Tony Li inspired us with his invocation: a recitation of a poem about public speaking (look ma, NO NOTES).

“Eye-Contact is an excellent art,
Use it and reach to every heart.

Speak with love, speak with tact,
Speak from the heart, it will have impact”

Soon-to-be Past-President Falan welcomed new visitors Reynard and Gary, and welcomed back frequent visitor David Gold. Then she thanked and praised the officers and members who had made her term as President so successful and fun.

After a brief break for a trip to the food table, Falan introduced the Toastmaster/Table Topics team of Stan and Ollie…er, I mean Bertha and Gayle, in black jackets and bowlers. They treated the members and guests to a rollicking round of topics related to our experiences in the past year. If we had put it to a vote, Paul Burke might well have taken the ribbon for his exuberant exhibition of how, even if you come to Toastmasters speaking Gibberish, you can learn to speak in front of people. Falan remembered all the encouragement and support and growth she experienced as an officer and a gentleman,…oops, I mean an officer and a member; Kathy’s favorite evaluation was the one she gave at the area contest, David was pleasantly surprised by the warmth and the diversity of the group, and Gene and Cynthia each recalled what had surprised them most during the year.

Kathy Hendry