Middlesex Toastmasters Meeting Notes November 14, 2013

Middlesex Community College, Middletown, CT
Presiding Officer Jennifer C began the meeting at 7:00 with club business.  Our guests from the last meeting at Portland library enjoyed their visit.  District 53 conference is happening on Sat 11/16, and district leader training will happen 12/7

Meeting attendees (9):  John Bell, Ann-Marie Cannata, Jennifer Cimilluca, Jonathan

Herron, Maria Johnson, Michael O’Brien, Rob Schaff, Judy Thompson, There was one guest, Dave Pelland from Park City TM club.

Functionaries:

Invocator- Jennifer C

Toastmaster- Jennifer C

Word of the Day- XX

Humorist-John B (A duck in a bar asking for grapes)

General Evaluator- Judy T

Timer-John B

Ah-Counter- Jen C

Grammarian- Maria J

Table Topics- Ann-Marie C, Ann-Marie challenged us to think about what we are grateful for, and what gives us JOY.   She offered starter ideas with slips from an envelope ranging from best birthday, vacation, pet, what you were doing when you were 8…..  We voted for “best” TT, Judy T was chosen

Speakers:

Dave Pelland                 Preparation for the Humorous Contest at the district conference, Title:  “The Laundry Secret”

Dave weaved a tale of conspiracy, reporting how “stagnating sock sales” prompted sock producers to come up with a way to quietly and secretly remove a sock or two from the clothes dryer.   The club evaluated Dave’s speech, round robin.

Rob Schaff                   CC Manual speech #1, Ice Breaker, Title:  “Fifty Three Weeks” 

Rob re-introduced himself to the club after a 53 week absence by telling us what he has so busy with.  Work, family and friends, can consume all of us.  Life is settling down and Rob hopes to join us at TM more often this year.  Jonathan H evaluated Rob’s speech.

Ann-Marie Cannata      Specialty Manual speech #2, Title:  “Uplift the Spirit” 

Ann-Marie continued her theme of gratefulness and joy with an inspiring story of her daughter’s child bearing experience.  We felt like we were in the delivery room!  Ann-Marie reminded us why it is important to feel the depth of joy.  Michael O evaluated Ann-Marie’s speech.

 

Jen ended the meeting with words of inspiration.  Julia Cameron, “The Artist Way”, discover your creativity, Never ask if you can do something, say instead, do it.

The meeting started on time and ended at 8:45

Middlesex Toastmasters Meeting Notes November 7, 2013

Portland Library, Portland, CT
Presiding Officer Jennifer C began the meeting at 6:20 turning the meeting immediately to the Toastmaster for the evening, Murali P.  This was a joint club meeting with Air Line Trail TM club at the Portland Library.

Meeting attendees (8):  John Bell, Jennifer Cimilluca, Charnaie Gordon, Maria Johnson, Michael O’Brien, Ramesh Padavala, Murali Pemmaraju, Judy Thompson, there were three members from the Air Line club in Colchester.  Our guests were asked to introduce themselves.  A few tidbits from the Air Line club, the “mercy rule”, is invoked if a speaker has more than 10 Ah’s or ums.  A “double clutch” like I, I will is something to listen for if you are the Ah counter.  This joint meeting was a wonderful opportunity to share.

Functionaries:

Invocator- Murali P

Toastmaster- Murali P

Word of the Day- Judy T (extol)

Humorist-John B (The dedication of a Boston Red Sox Fan)

General Evaluator- Charnaie G

Timer-Ramesh P

Ah-Counter- Frank K

Grammarian- Maria J

Table Topics- Judy T, Judy asked members to talk about Portland places and events.  How do you relate to these?  The Library, the bridge, the fair, St Clemens, the food of Middletown……….

Speakers:

Michael                         O’Brien            CC Manual speech #7, Research your Topic, Title:  “A New Heath Indicator, Heart Rate Variability”

Michael told us about the correlation of the time interval between your heart beat and a person’s willpower.  We all have “Flight or Flight, and Pause and Plan” reactions to life.  This fascinating new research may indicate your “health” in the future.   Steve I evaluated Michael’s speech.

Jennifer                        Cimilluca         CC Manual speech #6, Vocal Variety, Title:  “Believing without Seeing” 

Jen challenged us to ask ourselves if we believe in ghosts.  Taking us to Gettysburg, Jen related historical facts about ghost encounters and shared a personal recollection that had us all believing.   Dave M evaluated Jen’s speech.

Murali ended the meeting with words of inspiration.  If you think you can, you can.  If you think you can’t, you can’t.  Either way you are right.

The meeting started on time and ended at 7:45 

Middlesex Toastmasters Meeting Notes October 24, 2013

Middlesex Community College, Middletown, CT

Presiding Officers  Michael O’Brien and Ramesh Padavala began the meeting at 7:00 sharp and reviewed club business.  We will have a joint club meeting with Vernon TM club at the Portland Library on Nov 7.  The meeting will start at 6:15 and end at 7:30.  

Sign up for roles at: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AjG6pI5GMSnldHBfdFdaeF9VN1FBWGp4anR3c2ttS1E#gid=0

The address for the Portland Library is 20 Freestone Ave.  Go over the Arrigoni Bridge, AKA the Portland Bridge, at the second light, turn right on Freestone Ave.  Freestone is the first street after the Rite Aid.  Go one block and turn left into the library.

Meeting attendees (6):  John Bell, Maria Johnson, John Keppler, Michael O’Brien, Ramesh Padavala, Judy Thompson

Functionaries:

Invocator- Michael O

Toastmaster- Michael O

Word of the Day- XX

Humorist-John B (Tips on a good memory)

General Evaluator- Michael O

Timer-John K

Ah-Counter- Ramesh P

Grammarian- Ramesh P

Table Topics- Ramesh P, Ramesh asked us thought provoking questions:  What would you ask a psychic about the future, what did you get in trouble for as a child, dream vacation….. Everyone hurried, no kidding, to the front of the room to participate, first time ever!  What fun.

Speakers:

Maria Johnson              CC Manual speech #2, “Organize your Speech”, Title:  Everything I ever Wanted to Know about Life I Learned in an Apple Orchard

Maria told us about her first “dream” job at Lyman orchards.  Maria learned ten lessons about life in one year by paying attention to her daily work in an apple orchard.  Wonderful words of wisdom we can all live by.  Judy evaluated Maria’s speech.

John Bell                      CC Manual speech #5, “Your Body Speaks”, Title:  “My Birthday Surprise” 

John told us a wonderful action packed story about his opportunity to drive a NASCAR race car at Stafford Springs.  I felt many emotions while John described with words and actions what he experienced during his test and solo drive around the track.  John K evaluated John’s speech.

Michael ended the meeting with words of inspiration.  Sometimes our path to growth is challenging, but it is always well worth it.

Next meeting is at Portland Library on 11/7

The meeting started on time and ended at 8:15

Middlesex Toastmasters Meeting Notes October 10, 2013

Middlesex Community College, Middletown, CT

Presiding Officer, Jennifer C began the meeting with club business.  Judy Thompson was called to the front of the room and Jen presented her with a gift to mark her CC certificate achievement.  The area contest participants, Maria and Murali were recognized.  The division contest is next Weds at Berlin, then the district contest on Nov 16.  We will have a joined club meeting at the Portland Library on Nov 7.  Our three guests introduced themselves and told us how they heard about the club.  Area Governor Nathan Jaycox was also introduced.

Meeting attendees (13):  John Bell, Jay Broderick, Jennifer Cimilluca, Maria Johnson, John Keppler, Michael O’Brien, Ramesh Padavala, Murali Pemmaraju, Judy Thompson.  There were three guests, Michael, Robin, and Darlena.  Area governor Nathan Jaycox attended

Functionaries:

Invocator- Jennifer C

Toastmaster- Jay B

Word of the Day- Judy T (permeate)

Humorist-John B (What do you feed your babies)

General Evaluator- Michael O

Timer-John B

Ah-Counter- Nathan J

Grammarian- Judy T

Table Topics- Jennifer C, Jen gave us a handful of ideas with suggested tag lines to get our thoughts flowing.  Everyone was invited to pick their own poison.  There was a tie for best TT between our guest Michael H and John K.

Speakers:

Ramesh Padavala         Storytelling Manual speech #4, “The Touching Story”, Title:  Cricket, the Game

Ramesh told us about his love for the game of Cricket.  The game came to him later in life because of his friendship with Murali P.  Back injuries put him on the sidelines.  Against the advice of family and friends Ramesh continues playing.  Love vs Love.  Murali evaluated Ramesh’s speech.

Maria Johnson              Preparation for Division Contest, Title:  “Diamond in the Fluff” 

Maria told us a wonderfully humorous story about a missing diamond from a ring her mother gifted to Maria when she achieved her half century mark.  We went from Maria’s backyard, to Middletown, enjoyed an introduction to Maria’s husband, and finally the “discovery” was revealed.  The club did a round robin evaluation of Maria’s speech.

Preparation for Division Contest, Title:  “Tourist Talk” 

Jen took us on vacation to many locations with her words and explained what happens when some tourist get frazzled while traveling.  Turns out there is a reason for their confusion, they are just asking the wrong questions.   Jen translated the question behind their question.  The club did a round robin evaluation of Jen’s speech.

Our guests shared their thoughts on the meeting, Nathan gave the club feedback and encouragement, then Jen ended the meeting with words of inspiration.

Next meeting is at Middlesex on 10/24

The meeting started on time and ended on time

Area 32 Contest Results -- October 9, 2013

Middlesex was represented last night at the Area 32 contest by Murali Pemmaraju (2nd place finisher in the Evaluation Contest) and Maria Johnson (winner of the Humorous Contest).     

Maria will go on to compete at the Division C contest (as will Murali if the evaluation winner cannot go on).    The contest will be held on Wednesday, October 16th at the Northeast Utilities building at 107 Selden Street, Berlin (visible from the Berlin Turnpike, on the right heading northbound).     The contest starts at 7pm but doors will be open at 6:30 for refreshments, networking, and briefings.

Middlesex Toastmasters Speech Contest notes, September 26, 2013

Middlesex Community College, Middletown, CT

Presiding Officer, Jennifer C began the meeting explaining the agenda for the night, speech contest and club business.  Jen introduced Ramesh who was the Fall Speech Contest Chair and Contest Master.  This dynamic duo explained the TM mission, contest rules, and purpose for each component of the contest. 

 

Meeting attendees (12):  Jay Broderick, Jennifer Cimilluca, Sonia Dean, Siva Digavalli, Charnaie Gordon, Jonathan Herron, Maria Johnson, Michael O’Brien, Ramesh Padavala, Murali Pemmaraju, Judy Thompson.  There was one guest, Tom Alvord

 

Functionaries:

Contest Chair- Ramesh P

Chief Judge- Jen C

Sgt at Arms- Maria J

Timer-Sonia D, Siva D

Ballot Counter- Judy T

Test Speaker- Tom A

 

Humorous Speaker Contestant:

 

Maria Johnson              Title:  “Diamond in the Fluff”

 

Maria told us a wonderfully humorous story about a missing diamond from a ring her mother gifted to Maria when she achieved her half century mark.  We went from Maria’s backyard, to Middletown, enjoyed an introduction to Maria’s husband, and finally the “discovery” was revealed. 

 

Tom Alvord                   CC Manual Speech #5, “Your Body Speaks”, Title: What if There’s Nothing Wrong With You After All?

TEST SPEAKER

Tom talked about his family and some challenges of growing up with 14 siblings.  He made us remember that we have ALL been asked at one time or another, “What is wrong with you”?   He shared the moment he realized nothing was wrong with him at all.

 

Speech Evaluation Contestants:

 

Murali Pemmaraju and Michael O’Brien

 

Murali and Michael took their turn evaluating Tom’s speech.  Both highlighted impactful areas of the speech and gave tips for improvement

 

The ballots were counted, Ramesh interviewed the contest participants and the winners were announced.

 

Maria and Murali will move on and compete at the Area 32 Contest.  Date & Time TBD

 

The meeting started on time and ended at 8:30

Middlesex County Toastmasters Meeting Notes 9/12/13

Middlesex Toastmasters Meeting Notes September 12, 2013

Middlesex Community College, Middletown, CT

Presiding Officer, Jennifer C began the meeting with club business.  Michael O’Brien was called to the front of the room and Jen presented him with a “long timer” seasoned 8 year Middlesex TM anniversary gift.  The “Moments of Truth” survey will focus the club on three main goals.  Increased Interclub Activities, Mentor Program, and Improving the Atmosphere of the Club.  The club continues voting for the best Table Topics speech.  There are speaking opportunities at the Valley Shore TM club on 9/23 if anyone is interested in practicing on a new audience.   Jen reviewed our DCP status, encouraging everyone to pay their dues before Oct 1.  Bring to the next meeting if possible.  The VP of Public Relations officer position is still open for anyone who is interested.  Ramesh reminded us about the Fall Speech Contest which will be at Middlesex Community College on 9/26.

Meeting attendees (12):  John Bell, Jennifer Cimilluca, Sonia Dean, Charnaie Gordon, Maria Johnson, Daniel Moran, Michael O’Brien, Ramesh Padavala, Murali Pemmaraju, Arun Sodani, Judy Thompson.  There was one guest, Sheila Bell

Functionaries:

 

Invocator- Jennifer C

Toastmaster- Jennifer C

Word of the Day- XX

Humorist-John B

General Evaluator- Murali P

Timer-Maria J

Ah-Counter- Daniel M

Grammarian- Maria J

Table Topics- Daniel M, Dan’s theme for TT revolved around football, tis the season!  Dan shared personalities that had a football past and present and then asked us great questions that related to the personalities stories.  Maria won best TT for the evening. 

 

Speakers:

 

John Bell                      CC Manual speech #8, “Getting comfortable with Visual Aids”, Title:  Chair Message

 

John used his “visual aid,” a massage chair to explain how to give a message and then highlighted the many health benefits therapeutic message provides.  His wife Sheila was the lucky “client”.  Charnaie evaluated Dan’s speech.

 

Ramesh Padavala         Storytelling speech #5, “Bringing History to Life”, Title: Mahatma Gandhi

 

Ramesh gave us a unique snapshot of history revealing the powerful impact Mahatma Gandhi had on India’s people and the country’s journey to independence.  Jennifer evaluated Ramesh’s speech.

 

Judy Thompson                        CC Manual Speech #10, “Inspire Your Audience”, Title: The French Chef

 

Judy talked about the inspiration of food.  Passion, memories, and tradition.  How can we all make the most of the power of food in our own lives and more importantly in the lives of others.  Sonia evaluated Judy’s speech.

 

Michael O’Brien                        CC Manual Speech #6, “Vocal Variety”, A Mother’s Advice

 

Michael reminded us, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all”.  Be more positive and encouraging with each other.  The impacts for the giver and receiver of that kindness are remarkable.  Arun evaluated Michael’s speech.

 

Jen ended the meeting with words of inspiration from Robert Fulghum

 

The meeting started on time and ended on time 

Middlesex Cty Toastmasters Meeting Notes 8/22/13

Middlesex Toastmasters Meeting Notes August 22, 2013

628 Luther Ridge, Middletown, CT

Presiding Officer, Jennifer C began the meeting with club business.  Holly Lincoln was called to the front of the room and Jen presented her with a one year TM anniversary gift.  The club will try something new for the next few meetings, vote for the best Table Topics speech.  Ramesh reminded us about the Fall Speech Contest which will be at Middlesex Community College on 9/26.  Everyone is encouraged to do a prepared Humorous Speech, a Speech Evaluation, or fill any role open for the contest.  Ramesh asked everyone to return their completed member profile sheets.   

After the business, prepared speeches, and evaluation portion of the meeting completed, we broke up into 3 groups to discuss the Moments of Truth survey.  Each group rated the club on the 2 categories they were given to discuss.  Then we voted on the top.

            Mentoring Program

            Inter club events

            Improving club programs

 

Meeting attendees (11):  John Bell, Ann-Marie Cannata, Jennifer Cimilluca, Siva Digavalli, Jonathan Herron, John Keppler, Holly Lincoln, Daniel Moran, Michael O’Brien, Ramesh Padavala, Judy Thompson

Functionaries:

 

Invocator- Ramesh P,

Toastmaster- Ramesh P

Word of the Day- Siva D

Humorist-John B

General Evaluator- John K

Timer-Michael O

Ah-Counter- Judy T

Grammarian- Siva D

Table Topics- Jon H, Jon tailored each table topics “challenge” to each participant pulling inspiring personal stories from everyone.  Siva won best TT for the evening. 

 

 

Speakers:

 

Holly Lincoln                 CC Manual speech #4, “How to say it”, Title:  Happiness in Hawaii

 

Holly took us on vacation to the islands of Hawaii.  Maps, pictures and a personal travel log, everyone lived vicariously and wanted to make Hawaii their next vacation destination.   Jonathon Herron evaluated Holly’s speech.

 

Daniel Moran                Storytelling speech #3, “The Moral of the Story”, Title: No Man Left Behind

 

Dan related a personal story of friendship, heroism, and courage.  Dan was able to elicit strong emotional reactions from the audience, keeping us vested till the end of the story.  Ann-Marie Cannata evaluated Dan’s speech.

 

Jennifer Cimilluca         Non Manual Speech, Title: Moments of Truth

 

Jen explained the “Moments of Truth” survey so the club would have a better understanding of what the survey was and why we were asking everyone to participate in the conversation about the clubs health.

 

The meeting started on time and ended mostly on time 

Middlesex County Toastmasters Meeting Notes August 8, 2013

Middlesex Toastmasters Meeting Notes August 8, 2013

628 Luther Ridge, Middletown, CT

Presiding Officer, Jennifer C began the meeting with club business.  Jen explained the VP of Public Relations position remains open.  Anyone interested in filling and or sharing the role can contact Jen.  Our guest, Corey, introduced herself.  Club members introduced themselves, shared how long we have been in TM, and a small snippet about why we joined.  Ramesh reminded us about the Fall Speech Contest which will be at Middlesex Community College on 9/26.  Everyone was encouraged to do a prepared Humorous Speech, a Speech Evaluation, or fill any role open for the contest.  The club will conduct “Moments of Truth” survey at the 8/22 meeting.  Ramesh handed out member profile sheets for members to fill out.  This brief questionnaire will help us focus on our personal goals at TM.

Meeting attendees (8):  Jay Broderick, Jennifer Cimilluca, Sonia Dean, John Keppler, Daniel Moran, Michael O’Brien, Ramesh Padavala, Judy Thompson

Functionaries:

Invocator- Judy T  There can never be too much kindness or fairness, share it with everyone!

Toastmaster- Judy T

Word of the Day- Jennifer C

Humorist-John K

General Evaluator- Ramesh P

Timer-Sonia D

Ah-Counter- John K

Grammarian- Jennifer C

Table Topics- Jennifer C, Jen brought quarters with various mint dates and asked us to pick three coins and speak about a moment in history, what was happening in our lives, or anything linked to the date on the coin.  This was a fruitful topic, everyone spoke to, or past the 2 min red signal.  Well done!

Speakers:

Jay Broderick               CC Manual speech #4, “How to say it”, Title:  Small Business Fraud, a Primer

Jay explained how prevalent fraud is in the work place, and outlined potential signs of pilfering.   Jay also gave us a few pointers on how to prevent fraud.   Michael O’Brien evaluated Jay’s speech.

 

The meeting started on time and ended 15 minutes early

Middlesex Toastmasters Meeting Notes July 25, 2013

Middlesex Toastmasters Meeting Notes July 25, 2013

628 Luther Ridge, Middletown, CT

Presiding Officer, Jennifer C began the meeting with club business.  The first officer meeting was held 7/18.  Jen explained the VP of Public Relations position is open.  Anyone interested in filling the role can contact Jen.  Hard copies of the Toastmasters Roles were on hand for review.  Jen will e-mail anyone who wants a copy, just let her know.  Area governor Richard Franz attended the meeting and installed the 2014 officers.  Ramesh announced the Fall Speech Contest will be at Middlesex Community College on 9/26.  Reach out to Ramesh if you are interested in participating by giving a Humorist speech, a Speech evaluation, or filling any meeting roles.  Charnaie challenged us to get the Toastmasters word out.  Various cards explaining the benefits of participating in Toastmasters were available to take and post at work or any other place people might see it.

 

OFFICERS

            President                                  Jennifer Cimilluca

            VP of Education                        Ramesh Padavala

            VP of Membership                    Michael O’Brien

            Treasurer                                 Jay Broderick

            Secretary                                 Judy Thompson

            Sergeant at Arms                     Maria Johnson 

Meeting attendees (9):  Jennifer Cimilluca, Siva Digavalli, Richard Franz, Charnaie Gordon, Maria Johnson, John Keppler, Daniel Moran, Michael O’Brien, Ramesh Padavala, Judy Thompson

Functionaries:

 

Invocator- Charnaie G 

Toastmaster- Charnaie G

Word of the Day- Jennifer C, (Gregarious)

Humorist-Maria J

Table Topics-Judy T

General Evaluator- Jennifer C

Timer-John K

Ah-Counter-Michael O

Grammarian- Richard F

Speakers:

Michael O’Brien:   CC Manual speech #8, “Keeping the Commitment”, Michael outlined the Toastmasters Promise and what it can mean to all of us.

 

Siva Digavalli:       TP Manual, Siva explained a scientific topic in layman terms. Schizophrenia: symptoms, treatments and pharmacology

The meeting started on time and ended 15 minutes early