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Eric Dyson as Spring 2009 District 50
International Speech Contest Master
Last November, I realized as club secretary that Big “D” currently only has two Advanced Communicators Silver; of those, only one has been able to continue in the Toastmasters Communications and Leadership Tracks and has accomplished a lot in a short time. So, on behalf of the club, I ordered a Member Achievement Name Badge for Eric Dyson for his current achievement and in recognition of all that he has done for his home club. But, his attendance and mine didn't match for the next four months with one exception (but the meeting was already running overtime). On March 18, 2010, at the end of a meeting co-incidentally but appropriately themed “Celebrating You,” I was finally able to present him the badge. I left the summary list of his accomplishments in his 3½ years as a Toastmaster, but that was just as well because time was running short. I promised then to the club that I would post that list online because two-thirds of the members have joined in just the past 15 months, so most would not yet comprehend its significance. Here is that list with a few updates:
October 12, 2006—Joined Big “D” Toastmasters Club
March 2, 2007—Won 2nd place in Area 31’s Evaluation Contest
June 7, 2007—First time as Toastmaster of the Evening; theme was “Toastmasters” (answered a lot of my questions as a prospective member)
June 21, 2007—Earned his Competent Communicator award
July 2007–June 2008—Big “D” Vice-President for Education, leading us to the DCP “Perfect 10” on May 23, 2008
October 2007—Won 2nd place in the Metro Division Humorous Speech Contest (StarBuck’s anyone?)
Feb. 13, 2008—Earned his Competent Leader award
March 13, 2008—Won Big “D” club International Speech contest; placed third in the Area 31 contest shortly thereafter
April 22, 2008—Became an Advanced Communicator Bronze
July 11, 2008—Became an Advanced Leader Bronze
Aug. 7, 2008, and Feb. 12, 2009—Big “D” Club Contest Chair
July 2008–June 2009—Vice-President for Membership of Big “D” and Park Central Toastmasters plus Governor of Area 74 in District 50! (possibly another Toastmasteraholic?)
Sponsored the GT3 Galleria Towers Toastmasters that chartered on Feb. 23, 2009, earning Presidents’ Distinguished Area
Mentored RAC Masters Club that chartered on June 2, 2009
May 16, 2009—Spring 2009 District 50 International Speech Contest Master
June 6, 2009—Became an Advanced Communicator Silver
October 2, 2009—Competed in the Area 31 Evaluation Contest
February 25, 2010—Officially began his High Performance Leadership (HPL) project with its opening speech
May 8, 2010—Runner-up in Vista Division Tall Tales Contest (about George Washingmachine and his dad!)
Eric, thank you for all you have done and continue to do for Big “D,” District 50, and Toastmasters International! We can hardly wait until your next accomplishments while hearing speaches about Toastmasters, 401(k)s, golf, cell phones, or whatever (including April 1's unforgettable imitation of Keri Boyce)! |
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| Posted by David Medart at | | | |
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 What an exciting and unusually eventful Election Night Big "D" had on Thursday, June 3! With President Steve Patterson away on business (at least he has steady work now!), Vice-President for Membership Chase Miller opened and closed the meeting as a whole and presided over the brief, regular business session; and, Vice-President for Education Linda Martin chaired the election business session. Some of us learned some things along the way, too. (Yours truly was ballot-counter.) First-time Table Topicsmaster Luke Donev presided over an exhilarting round of six questions with the Word of the Day "lame duck", which was officially used by everyone! (Good use of the word "eponym," Luke—your future Word-of-the-Day choices as grammarian should prove very interesting!) The first two pairs included rebuttals of the original response—the 3rd & 4th used and defining the eponymn "(Danni) Babiking" vs. gerrymandering! Joseph Pezanowski won the award for Best Table Topic Speaker.
We had no less than three contested races, and it was the first time in at least several years that any races had been contested! Besides that, three candidates had someone to speak on their behalf. This meant several brief and sometimes humorous campaign speeches were given. Probably the funniest was Brenna Smith not only speaking for Jennifer Huch but talking like her and opening with a life-sized photo of Jennifer's face hiding her own! (I believe Brenna said something to the effect that "Payback is coming!") John Sessions spoke for Mike Weibel and announced Mike is just about to fulfill his campaign promise from 6 months ago: The updated club Website is will be launched very soon! Keri Boyce did a good job of speaking on Victoria's behalf. The campaign speeches by Diane Kirksey and Joseph Pezanowski counted as CC manual speeches and were solid enough to win even in contested races.
After each campaign speech, the Big "D" Toastmasters Club proceeded to elect these officers to serve for the term of July-December 2010:
President—Diane Kirksey, ATMB, CL
Vice-President for Education—Joseph Pezanowski, CTM
Vice-President for Membership—Keri Boyce, CC
Vice-President for Public Relations—Mike Weibel, CTM, CL
Secretary—Victoria Perez, TM
Treasurer—Frank Kozel, TM
Sergeant-at-Arms—Jennifer Huch, TM Congratulations also to Luke Donev, soon-to-be-wed Brad Johnson, and Fadi Tabbara for running for VPM, treasurer, and sgt-at-arms, respectively. Look for one or more of them to run for office again in November!
We had two guests, but they both had to leave early. It was very good to have Cliff Hutchinson in our midst for the first time since April 8 and Angelo Pereira back from his wedding reception in India! The meeting ended at 8:25 p.m., and a good, electoral time was had by all. |
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| Posted by David Medart at | | | |
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We Honor Our Fallen Service Men and Women on Memorial Day ...
Our regular meeting on May 27, 2010, was called to order at 6:30 p.m. with President Steve Patterson back at the helm. The business session started at 6:36 with the minutes of the previous meeting approved as read. Nominating Committee Chairman John Sessions reported the nominees for club office for the next 6-month term: Diane Kirksey for president, Joseph Pezanowski for vice-president for education, Luke Donev and Keri Boyce for vice-president for membership, Mike Weibel for a second term as vice-president for public relations, Victoria Perez and Brenna Smith for secretary, Brad Johnson for treasurer, and Jennifer Huch and Fadi Tabbara for sergeant-at-arms. (These will be the first contested races at Big “D” in a long time!) The club then inducted Vicky Tamez and Gabriel Muñoz-Fitch as its newest members. The business session ended at 6:56 with no unfinished business.
Diane Kirksey, ATMB, CL, was Toastmaster of the Evening and appropriately appreciative with the theme “Memorial Day,” which was coming up Monday, May 31. First-time Table Topicsmaster Dan Martínez asked questions of four decorated speakers. After Essam El-Beik gave his extemporaneous icebreaker “My Life,” the other prepared speeches were delivered by Stew Carson (“The Brutal Ballet” about hockey), Annette Okai (“Contradictions and Conspiracies”), and Eric Dyson, ACS, ALB (“Cell Phone Evolution” for the advanced manual Humorously Speaking). General Evaluator Jim Wolff received his customary welcome J then guided us through the speech evaluations by Jennifer Huch, David Medart, Joseph Pezanowski, and David Rouble. Jim then expertly evaluated the meeting as a whole.
The meeting's decorations earned were:
Best Table Topic—Gabriel Muñoz
Best Program Speaker—Eric Dyson
Best Speech Evaluation—Joseph Pezanowski
Outstanding Toastmaster of the Meeting—Eric Dyson.
After Vicky and Gabriel joined, Annette’s niece Marti Henri was our only guest. The meeting ended at 8:33 p.m., and a good time was had by all. (It is definitely good having you back, Diane.) |
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| Posted by David Medart at | | | |
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Keri Boyce, Reality TV Hostess!
Our regular meeting on May 20, 2010, was called to order right on time again with Vice-President for Education Linda Martin presiding. The business session started at 6:34, and the minutes of the previous meeting were approved as corrected. The unfinished business postponed from April 29 was finally postponed indefinitely!
John Sessions announced that the Nominating Committee—now comprised of Mike Weibel, Eric Dyson, and himself as chairman—is seeking preferably willing candidates for club office. Linda Martin announced that she will carry her vote and President Steve Patterson’s proxy at Saturday morning’s District Council Business Meeting. With the unusual number of contested races for District 50 offices, Danni Babik introduced as well as possible (with so many new club members) the candidates for district governor and lieutenant governor marketing; with Danni out of the room, Area 33 Governor David Medart introduced the candidates for lieutenant governor for education and training (LGET).The club voted on who Linda should cast the club’s votes for district governor and lieutenant governor marketing—and our own Danni Babik as LGET. Danni began to make one more motion for the club’s vote for our Metro Division governor, but Eric Dyson called for the orders of the day. For further details and for how we didn't follow very well Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, yours truly defers to Parliamentarian Diane Kirksey’s extensive notes! The business session ended at 7:00 with no unfinished business.
Toastmaster of the Evening Keri Boyce enthusiastically hosted the theme “Reality TV” and was continually dismayed at how many participants do not watch it! (At least two of us don't even watch TV!) But thank goodness, that didn't deter her one bit. Table Topicsmaster Eric Dyson asked amazing questions of four extemporaneous speakers. The prepared speeches were very different icebreakers by Luke Donev and Daisy Santosh, Jennifer Huch’s second speech, and Danni Babik’s practice campaign speech. General Evaluator Joseph Pezanowski guided us through the speech evaluations by John Sessions, Mike Weibel, and Frank Kozel; after we provided Danni some valuable feedback, Joseph evaluated the whole meeting. Finally, Keri cautioned us how not to become a "nonebrity"!
The awards went to “Hot Soccer Mom” Victoria Perez for Best Table Topic, “Stretching” Jennifer Huch for Best Speaker, eloquent Mike Weibel for Best Speech Evaluation, and “Juggling” Luke Donev for Outstanding Toastmaster of the Meeting. We were graced with four guests, all first-timers. The meeting ended at 8:39 p.m., and a good time was had by all. |
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| Posted by David Medart at | | | |
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Way to go, Big "D" Toastmasters, and a particular congratulations to the efforts led by our enthusiastic, two-term Vice-President for Education Chase Miller! Only 9 of 150 active clubs in District 50 got at least 5 new, dual, or reinstated members between February 1 and March 31—and we were the only club that got seven!
One-third of the winning clubs are Metro Division clubs. Also, Metro Division Governor Denise Cothern and Area 32 Gov. Lee King are members of Dallas Singles, District 50 Quality Contest Chair is a member of Big "D" and Leadership Lambda (and 3 others!), and Area 31 Asst. Gov. Tim Pike is a member of 2 Change U as well as Eagles in Area 33. (Oh, and yours truly is governor of Area 33.) I think I detect a "Mighty Metro" connection! |
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| Posted by David Medart at | | | |
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The regular meeting of the Big “D” Toastmasters on May 13, 2010, was started right on time with Vice-President for Education Linda Martin presiding. The business session started at 6:35 , and the minutes of the previous meeting were approved as read. Business proceeded rather uneventfully with no reports, unfinished business, or new business. President Steve Patterson then announced that he had appointed himself chairman of the club’s Nominating Committee and that John Sessions had agreed to help; a total of three members is needed to search for and nominate candidates for the elections scheduled for June 3. John Sessions then called for the orders of the day and the business session ended at 6:42 with only the unfinished business postponed from April 29.
  
John Sessions, ATMG, was Toastmaster of the Evening with the theme of “The Battle of the Sexes” because of the tennis match on Mother’s Day 1973 when 55-year-old, former tennis star and self-styled chauvinist Bobby Riggs defeated Margaret Court but set the stage for the nationally televised match four months later that he lost to 30-year-old Billie Jean King. Table Topicsmaster Mike Weibel, CTM, CL, lobbed thought-provoking questions at four speakers with no double-faults. After Fadi Tabbara gave his icebreaker “Inspiration or Desparation?”, the other prepared speeches were given by Stew Carson (“Lucky Luke”), Halil Kiper (“Ride Safely”), and Dan Martínez (“The Power of She”). General Evaluator Steve Patterson, CC, oversaw the speech evaluations by Brandon Holloway, Mac Smith, Brad Johnson, and Annette Okai, and then evaluated the meeting as a whole.
The meeting's awards went to Joseph Pezanowki for Best Table Topic, Stew Carson for Best Speaker, Brad Johnson for Best Speech Evaluation, and Linda Martin for Outstanding Toastmaster of the Meeting. We were graced with five guests: Kay Lynn Dill, James McGee, Gabriel Muñoz for the second time, Victoria (Vicky) Tamez for her third visit, and former longtime member Therese Rockwell. The meeting ended at 8:28 p.m., and a good time was had by all. |
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| Posted by David Medart at | | | |
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| It was another educational and entertaining meeting on May 6, 2010 when Jim Wolff stepped up as Toastmaster of the Evening with the theme of "Green Acres". Showing his commitment to his chosen theme, Jim opened the meeting by regaling everyone with his rendition of the series' theme song, right through Lisa's part (as played by Eva Gabor). There was no doubt it was going to be a fun evening, and also that Jim, uh, well, won't be giving up his day job for a singing career anytime soon! :)
The meeting started on time, and the Inspiration and Pledge was led by newest member (and then still just a guest) Luke Donev. Not sure how that happened, but it went well and Luke proceeded to become a Big "D" member during the business session that followed.
First time Table Topics Master Brandon Holloway asked questions of four erudite speakers. Prepared speeches were given by Brenna Smith, Mac McAdams (his icebreaker!) and John Sessions. General Evaulator Halil Kiper guided us through the speech evaluations by Steve Patterson, Victoria Perez and Dan Martinez, and then proceeded to do a nice job evaluating the meeting as a whole.
The awards went to Danni Babik for Best Table Topic, Brenna Smith for Best Speaker, Steve Patterson afor Best Evaluation and Brandon Holloway for Outstanding Toastmaster of the Meeting. Our guests were Mark Sheppard and former Toastmasters Danette Tidwell and Gwen Aragon. The meeting ended at 8:27pm and a good time was had by all. |
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| Posted by Mike Weibel at | | | |
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| What do you get when you mix Toastmasters, Big "D" and the first weekend of May? An entertaining Big "D" meeting with the appropriate theme of "The Kentucky Derby". Toastmaster of the evening Steve Patterson gave everyone a chance to spend a little time reflecting on horse racing's big annual event, as well as leading a fun evening of speeches and entertainment.
It was another well attended evening as we had seven (no kidding!) guests along with a full house of members. Happily 3 of those guests were added to our membership role that night and will begin developing their public speaking skills in short order.
Table topics were interesting as we found out among the various speakers that Victoria's apparently got skills (gambling skills, that is) although she hasn't used them in quite a while. Table topics was followed up by 3 good speeches, a full set of evaluations and generally another fun and entertaining meeting. Joseph raised a motion at the business meeting that has been heard before, to find ourselves a bigger room, and one of these days we may have to force the issue. Eric Dyson suggested that the motion be taken up by committee, so we'll see if that gets some traction in the weeks to come.
Be sure to drop by this week when veteran Big "D" member and all-around-good-guy Jim Wolff flexes his muscles as Toastmaster of the evening. What theme might Jim select? You'll have to show up to find out.
I wasn't able to stay until the end, but given that Mac Smith was in attendance I'm sure he would be able to confirm that "a good time was had by all". |
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| Posted by Mike Weibel at | | | |
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 Aye and begorrah! Should ye have even a wee bit of doubt about Mike's comments about BenJamN O'Vincent, this is a miniaturized copy of his agenda. (Two members' agendas we always look forward to are Ben's and Danni Babik's because of their creativity.) During the break, I whimsically told him, "I think I recognize someone here!" Ben broke into a wide grin and said, "You think??" (He drew himself as a modern St. Patrick and his wife as the Irish fairy.) We have learned that a meeting with Ben as Toastmaster of the Evening is a meeting not to be missed!
The luck o' the Irish to you all! |
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| Posted by David Medart at | | | |
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Not that we'd ever mistake Ben for a leprechaun, but since St. Patrick's Day was his theme last week, I just wanted to avoid any confusion. Despite barely having his voice from the very start of the meeting, Ben showed up, bowed up and came through like the pro he is as Toastmaster of the evening. Nice job, Ben.
It was another full house with plenty of regular members, three (I think) new guests, and best of all 2 ice breakers from a couple of new members who clearly have an "A" game, Annette and Brandon.
Our Big "D" Pres showed he's become toughened to the task of running a business session when Steve refused to accept Cliff's motion to end the business session since the allotted time had expired. Noting that there was still a full 60 seconds left, he would have none of it and continued the session just a tad longer ha! It seems there's something to this "leadership skills" training notion after all.
We then moved into an entertaining table topics round led by Victoria (first time as Table Topics Master??) ..... then it really got good. As I mentioned, we had 2 ice breakers (first speech by a new toastmaster) by Annette and Brandon, and both were very good. Regular speeches were then rounded out by a good speech by Chris Emerson and battling clean up and hitting one out of the park was John Lawson with "Leaders and MisLeaders". Sorry for the baseball metaphors - it is spring training now, you know.
Chase Miller brought things home as General Evaluator, and by the time we were done it was another lively, entertaining and informative meeting that was enjoyed by all.
On a sad note though, at the end of the meeting we learned we are losing our current Secretary, Gracie Amaya. Gracie made a tough but understandable decision for her own values, but we do hate to lose her. Sometimes it just ain't fair.
Up front for this week, we have Vanna, er, no wait ... Linda Martin as your Toastmaster of the evening. I have no idea what her theme will be, but I'd bet it will be a fun night, good speeches and maybe a laugh or two. Hope to see you there.
* Of course, visitors are always welcome! |
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| Posted by Mike Weibel at | | | |
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