We're Having a Party and you're invited!
Friday, May 20, 2016
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Bo Song Takes 2nd at Area 24 International Speech Contest -- April 8, 2016
Bo Song wowed the judges and the audience taking 2nd place at the 2016 Area 24 International Speech Contest on Friday, April 8th. He will compete in the Division B contest on Monday, April 18th if the contest winner, Chris Gaffney from the Wallingford Eagles' Club is unable to participate. Ogewu Agbese was the Contest Master, and several other Middlesex members helped Contest Chair / Division B Director Crystal Storo as well.
Present to cheer Bo on, and to help him celebrate after his speech, were Mark Schultz, Jen Cimilluca, Lina Yisehak, Ann Meacham, Ogewu Agbese, Gia Khalsa, and Kim Price.
The Middlesex County Toastmasters next meet on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 7pm. The meeting will be held at Wesleyan University's Exley Science Center in the Woodhead Lounge. The GPS address for Exley is 265 Church Street -- parking is available in Lot D off Lawn Avenue.
Monday, May 12, 2014
The Middlesex County Toastmasters Club is pleased to announce that actress and playwright Mara Dresner will be our guest on Thursday, May 22nd. She will be presenting "Behind the Curtain: Using Acting Techniques for Your Best Performance."
Mara will be sharing breathing, vocalization, and relaxation techniques to help calm the butterflies in public speaking and turn your next speech into your best performance.
Mara will be sharing breathing, vocalization, and relaxation techniques to help calm the butterflies in public speaking and turn your next speech into your best performance.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Middlesex County Toastmasters Meeting Notes January 23, 2014
Middlesex Community College, Middletown, CT
Presiding Officer Jennifer C began the meeting with club business. 2/27 will be a club contest, the categories are International and Tall Tales, and we will be hosting an area contest in March.
Meeting attendees (11): John Bell, Jennifer Cimilluca, Maria Johnson, John Keppler, Michael O’Brien, Ramesh Padavala, Rob Schaff, Judy Thompson, there were two guests. Mark returned from our last meeting, Ann, and our guest speaker, Ute Brinkman
Invocator- Judy Thompson
Toastmaster- Judy Thompson
Word of the Day- XX
Humorist-John B (Acorn growing up to be a tree)
General Evaluator- Rob S
Timer- Jennifer C
Ah-Counter- Ramesh
Grammarian- Ramesh
Table Topics- John Keppler, John presented members with a variety of topics. Work ethic, e-mail etiquette, the economy, investments, how to make a better world, memories from high school, what is good about the cold?
Speakers:
Maria Johnson CC Manual speech #7, Research your Topic, Title: “Plagiarism: You Can’t Make This Up”
Maria told us about the challenges she faces as a teacher with Plagiarism. Actual stories about her students, their misconceptions about “stealing” the work of others, and what we can do to avoid the offense. Ann evaluated Maria’s speech.
Ute Brinkman Specialty Speeches speech #1, Speak off the Cuff, Title: “My Two Sons”
Ute shared her inspiring story about personal commitment. She has reached out to help 2 boys with shelter and education, and has a vision to grow her two boys to thirty boys. Michael O evaluated Ute’s speech.
Jen asked our guests what they thought of the meeting. All three enjoyed the welcoming aspects of the club. Ute encouraged the club to fill ALL the speaking slots at every meeting. Perhaps reach out to other clubs who may be short on speaking slots and invite them to our club for the opportunity. Ute, our guest speaker, won Table Topics!
Middlesex County Toastmasters Meeting Notes January 9, 2014
Russell Library, Middletown, CT
Presiding Officer After wishing everyone a Happy New Year, Jennifer C began the meeting with club business. Jen congratulated Rob Schaff with a 7 year anniversary gift. Our next meeting will feature a guest speaker. 1/25 is the next opportunity for officer training, 1/23 will be an officer meeting. 1/27 will be a club contest, the categories are International and Tall Tales
Meeting attendees (11): John Bell, Jay Broderick, Jennifer Cimilluca, Siva Digavalli, Maria Johnson, Michael O’Brien, Ramesh Padavala, Judy Thompson, there were three guests, Emily, Mark, and Karen
Invocator- XX
Toastmaster- Siva D
Word of the Day- Jay B (Kegalater)
Humorist-John B (Mother in law Christmas present)
General Evaluator- Jennifer C
Timer-Emily O
Ah-Counter- John B
Grammarian- Judy T
Table Topics- Michael O, Michael asked members to talk about several topics. What we would do at our local warming centers. What would you tackle first, losing weight, exercising or quitting smoking? What are your New Year’s resolutions? What is your relationship with your library?
Speakers:
Ramesh Padavala Entertaining Speaker speech #1, The Entertaining Speech, Title: “My First Cruise Experience”
Ramesh took us on his first cruise to the Bahamas. He went from his wife’s shopping preparations to the layout of the ship. Promising to tell us more in a future speech, our appetites are whet. John K I evaluated Ramesh’s speech.
Rob Schaff Specialty Speeches speech #2, Uplift the Spirit, Title: “The Beginners Mind”
Rob talked to us about seeing our world the way we do when we are new to a task, challenging us to be open to all possibilities and be engaged in the process. Go ahead and embrace your discomfort while being gentle with yourself. Jay B evaluated Rob’s speech.
Jen asked all two guest what they thought of the meeting and would they return. Both said they would. Mark, one of our guests, won Table Topics!
The meeting started on time and ended at 8:15
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Middlesex Toastmasters Meeting Notes December 12, 2013
Middlesex Community College, Middletown, CT
Presiding Officer Jennifer C began the meeting at 7:05pm.
Presiding Officer Jennifer C began the meeting at 7:05pm.
Club Business: Our next meeting will be Thursday, January 9th, from 7-8:15pm at the Russell Library (Hubbard Room, 2nd Floor), as Middlesex Community College will be closed. We’ll be back at the college on January 23rd.
District 53 training (Toastmasters Leadership Exchange, or “TLE”) for club officers and any other interested Toastmasters began on 12/7 and will be continuing at the Division and Area levels in January. Dates to be announced as they become available.
The District 53 Leadership will be hosting a time of fun and networking at “Jan Jam”, to be held Saturday, January 11th at the Church of Christ, Manchester. More details to come.
Meeting attendees: Jennifer Cimilluca, John Keppler, Michael O’Brien, Rob Schaff. There was one guest, Ashley Oliver
Functionaries:
Invocator- Jennifer C
Toastmaster- Jennifer C
Word of the Day- Michael (assiduous:
1. constant; unremitting: assiduous reading. 2.constant in application or effort; working diligently at a task; persevering; industrious; attentive: an assiduous student.)
Humorist- Jennifer C (an accountant joke, with apologies to Jay and Kay)
General Evaluator- John Keppler
Timer- Ashley
Ah-Counter- Michael
Grammarian - Michael
Table Topics- Michael offered some Thanksgiving and New Year’s-themed Table Topics in which all participated, including our guest, Ashley.
Speakers:
Rob Schaff Competent Communicator Manual speech #, 8 (Objective: Get Comfortable with Visual Aids), Title: “Bad Eye Contact”
Rob used the story of Bokito, the “World’s Most Famous Gorilla” to remind us that not everyone has the same views about eye contact, and that while eye contact is important, there can be too much of a good thing. http://nowiknow.com/gorilla-goggles/
Rob’s speech was evaluated by Jen. With his speech on Thursday, Rob completed his fourth Competent Communicator manual. With Judy’s CC earlier in the Toastmasters year, Middlesex now has four points in the Distinguished Club Program.
Jen ended the meeting with words of inspiration from H. Jackson Brown, Jr., author of “Life’s Little Instruction Book”: Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
The meeting ended shortly after 8pm.
Thursday, November 21, 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
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
Monday, November 11, 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.
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
Sunday, October 27, 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
Sunday, October 13, 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.
Wednesday, October 2, 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
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Middlesex County Toastmasters Meeting Notes 9/12/13
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
