Club President James E gaveled the meeting to order at 5:29.

Opener Joe F snuck in just as he was being called on to deliver his opening. Joe said that he wasn’t sure that he had already had the greatest day of his life – that day may be yet to come!

Toastmaster (and current Lt. Governor of Training and Education, and newly elected District Governor for next year!) Michelle echoed that theme that the best day is yet to come. Despite the fact that she had two excellent days in the last 4, she’s sure that the best day is yet to come.

Speaker # 1, Anna, talked about “UFO Timeline and Topics”. There have been a lot of UFO “events” in recent history – most folks think that Roswell, NM in 1947 was the first, but not so…..there was a sighting in 1941 in California. There have been several significant events in the intermediate years, most recently in the 2006 in Chicago. These “significant” events had multiple witnesses, and/or physical evidence. Turns out that there have been multiple sightings that were somewhat proximate to nuclear weapons facilities. The point to this discussion is that there is more going on that we really understand, and we need to be open to the possibilities.

Speaker # 2, James, did another Ice Breaker – about Knowing Your Limits. He found out that neck fusion (2 vertebrae) does put some limits on what he’s been able to do. Surprisingly, it has affected his ability to prepare a speech! Turns out that he does a fair amount of rehearsal, and the physical demands of movement are sometimes too much. His physical limits are quite real – and when he exceeds them, he really gets reminded of them.

Table Topics Master (Mistress?) Julie had us describe things from the perspective of animated characters. Daffy Duck, Betty Boop, Smokey Bear, Willie Wonka (of the Chocolate Factory), Jessica Rabbit, Popeye the Sailor, and Oscar from Sesame Street.  Guest Jenee took a topic, and was awarded Alice in Wonderland.

1^st Time General Evaluator Denise led an experienced evaluation Team. Mary evaluated Anna’s speech, and Fred evaluated James. Former Valley Girl Melissa, as Grammarian, noted the inappropriate use of the word “like” by a couple of speakers.

Toast of the Day to Anna – for tackling a speech one week after her Ice Breaker

Most Improved Speaker went to James

Best Table Topics went to Bill, Melissa, and Jenee (3 way tie)

Best Evaluator went to Fred and Denise (tie)

Notes:

• Bill mentioned the need for better instructions for the camera and videographer.
• James discussed the Conference – there were many NNs there. Scott won the District Evaluation Contest. Michelle gave a very moving speech about one of our Club members. We won 3 awards:  for DCP, for best communication award in Division B. We also had the 2^nd best Web Site in the Division.
• Michelle mentioned that we have 3 district officers – Michelle as District Governor, Melissa as Secretary, and James as District Treasurer.
• We still have a need for Club Officers.

Richard

Club Secretary