July 20, 2009 SRT Meeting Celebrates Lunar Landing
A clever folded program at each seat was the first clue we were in for an exciting evening celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the U.S. Moon Landing, July 20, 1969. We knew that because there was the cow jumping over the moon, a witch riding her broom across the face of the moon, plus an astronaut on the moon in the center! We were eager to get the formalities of the evening handled so Toastmaster, Donna Satchell could begin her program.
President Claudia Brogan welcomed back returning past member, Cindi Light following her sojourn in California. Our Area Governor, Dean Kolbinsky, also spent the evening with us. Our meeting was limited to two speakers so we would have time to formally thank and release our current club officers and install our new SRT officers.
Donna Satchell introduced her evaluation team with one change, Kelly Vandever filled in as General Evaluator for Jon Schwartz. Claudia chose ASPIRE as the word of the day which speakers used at least 10 times or more. Then Donna delivered facts about Apollo that few of us knew or remembered. The astronauts had only twenty seconds of fuel remaining when they returned to earth. That drew a large audience gasp.
Merrilee Morris was up first to speak. She chose to do an Ice Breaker since she hadn’t done one since 1999. “An Explanation of My Life” carried us from WWII to current day Merrilee with a unique organization woven with joy, sorrow, and humor. She’s not quite old as dirt, but she’s pushing vintage!
Next, we had the pleasure of hearing John Cargile’s humorous speech for his Dogwood Club competition, “How to Draw the Audience . . . A lot of Inspirational Material.” John used excellent props and a wonderful low keyed delivery to create a lot of laughter. Hopefully club feedback will help push him into the winner’s circle for his club. Way to go, John!
Kelly wrapped up the evening with her General Evaluation Team. We all respected our allotted time, including break, Iris recorded one person, and Claudia caught several folks using questionable grammar. Donna smoothly turned the meeting over to President Claudia Brogan.
Claudia spoke briefly on her year as president of SRT. Putting it mildly, it was one heck of a year, we’re tired, but we are still here! Merrilee called each of the out going officers to the front of the room to thank them for their service and to release them from their offices.
The new officers were called forward, raised their right hands and were read the pledge of office to which they answered, “I so promise.” The membership then responded to their pledge to support the officers with “I will.” The new officers were declared installed.
President Bill Kovach thanked and praised Claudia and her team for their year of hard work. He presented her with a lovely engraved Toast Master Plaque. Bill briefly touched on the future direction of our club before adjourning the meeting.
The schedule for our August 3rd meeting is not in place. Be sure to check your e-mails and listen to your phone messages as you just might be on the agenda. Please support our new SRT officers with your presence, your ideas, and even a little affection, as they start their new duties!