Aspinwall #970596 Celebrates Success!
Last evening’s Second Annual Awards Banquet’s theme was “On the Red Carpet.” It was truly as exciting as those awards ceremonies we have all seen for movie, television and stage actors. Inshirah Muhamut, Jamie McLeland and Lisa Corna did an excellent job of planning the evening and deserve our appreciation. Our Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening, Alyson Holler, provided skilled guidance to move the program from one category to the next. Our honored guests, Jim Barnes, Area 4 Governor, Dave Henzel, Division B Governor, Russell Drake, Lieutenant Governor of Education and Stephanie Scott, District Governor, shared inspiring histories of their experience in Toastmasters. We were also privileged to have several spouses and significant others in attendance.
For the second year in a row Aspinwall Toastmasters has been recognized as a President’s Distinguished Club, the highest level attainable in the Distinguished Club Program. This goal was reached under the direction of Sandy Woncheck as President. The efforts of all members combined allowed the club to complete the award requirements. We are well on our way to repeating this achievement for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.
Sandy Woncheck was recognized by District 13 as the Outstanding Club President of the Year for 2010-2011. Thank you, Sandy, for your excellent service to the club.
Aspinwall Toastmasters recognized the completion of requirements for Competent Communicator, Competent Leader, Advanced Communicator Bronze, Advanced Communicator Silver, Advanced Communicator Gold, Advanced Leader Bronze and Advanced Leader Silver. The awards being so numerous, I will highlight just a few. Joe Arnold is our first Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), a goal he reached in the astoundingly short time of only 2 1/2 years . Ilona Berkoben is deservedly our Outstanding Toastmaster of the Year. Peer Review Award winners were Ilona Berkoben, Joe Arnold, Judy Beck and Inshirah Muhamut.
The award recipients included all but the newest members, and in many cases, the recipients of multiple awards. It was awe-inspiring to have the work of many hours over numerous months by so many summarized all in one evening. It makes us realize the vast accomplishments represented by Aspinwall Toastmasters club members. For new members, this confirmed their astute decision to join Aspinwall Toastmasters. Members of many years, with ten new members in as many months, are being challenged to lead new members to attain similar goals. Congratulations to everyone who received an award. Toastmasters is about making advances in speaking and leadership skills, and you should take satisfaction in being recognized for your hard work.
No summary would be complete without including the “bloopers.” We know that Alyson Holler is a seasoned Toastmaster by her reaction to having a contact pop out unexpectedly while introducing a speaker. With aplomb, she calmly announced her difficulties and exited the stage to attend to the problem. When the contact was discovered on the carpet in front of the lectern she retrieved it, put it away, and deftly resumed her duties.
Another light moment that punctuated the evening was the difficulty which many presenters had with Inshirah’s surname. We spent the evening hearing many versions and for those who are still not sure, her last name is pronounced MOO-HA-MOOT, with the emphasis on the first and last syllables. Jamie McLeland’s name has a similar problem. In an effort to avert future difficulties, his last name is pronounced MACK-LEE-LAND, with the emphasis on the first syllable.
From the perfect proportions of the room, to the congenial company, the varied menu, the inspiring display of awards and, most exciting of all, our banner, I think you will all agree with me that the evening was a WINNER.
Judy Beck,Secretary
Aspinwall Toastmasters
Pictured above (from l to r): Dana Morganroth, Sandy Wonchek, Joe Arnold, Alyson Holler, Judy Beck, Ilona Berkoben and Frank Sankey.
Introducing Cavemasters Club #1955508
Cavemasters Club in Boyers, PA off to a great start! Our first new club for the 2011-2012 Toastmaster year began their official Toastmasters meetings with a visit from club mentors and Distinguished Toastmasters Ruth and Calvin Ray. Ruth and Calvin hail from the New Castle area and have been Toastmasters since 1976. In addition to being Distinguished Toastmasters, both have been past District Governors and Ruth is a Past International Director. Cavemasters members feel honored to have such experienced toastmasters as their club mentors.
Shelly Price and Kayla Adams presented their first speech in the Competent Communicator series, the Icebreaker. Shelly’s speech titled, “Those Three Defining Moments” gave wonderful insight into the things she holds very dear in her life. Kayla’s speech titled, “I am” allowed fellow members to see the many facets of her life and emphasized the love and respect she holds for her family and friends. If these two speakers are an example of what this club will have to offer, they are going to have a fantastic line-up.
On October 27, 2011 District 13 officially welcomed this new club into the District 13 Toastmasters family with a Charter Presentation Party celebration at the Red Rock Falls restaurant in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. District Governor, Stephanie Scott presented the official charter member certificates to club members. Russell Drake, Lt. Governor of Education & Training, David Henzel, Division D Governor and club mentors Ruth and Calvin Ray were also in attendance.
Cavemasters currently has 26 members and is open to any federal employee in the Boyers/Slippery Rock area. They meet every Tuesday in their training room from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Guests are welcome; however, prearrangements must be made. http://1955508.toastmastersclubs.org
Pictured above: Kayla Adams, Shelly Price, Ruth Ray, Calvin Ray.
