April 28, 2008 Minutes

From Austin Toastmasters (Balcones, Club #3407)

Balcones Toastmasters Notes for 28 March 2008

Monday’s meeting used Table Topics Time to share with each other remembrances of Al Mouton, a grand past member of Balcones. Many of us “old timers” told neat stories of Al and his days in TM. Al was indeed a Renaissance Man who worked constantly in giving of himself: his time, his energy, his money and his dedication. Perhaps, after his family, Al’s greatest love was his leadership in Boy Scouting. Our prayers are for Janis, his wife, and all his family. May they find peace.

• Steve Gonzales brought a most important message in a speech, "Estate Planning." Steve, I am not known as "Good Time Charlie," but my bank balance lookes like it. Steve discussed better ways to use monies and IRA's.

• Scott Perry brought a speech entitled "The American Dream." White picket fence, green mowed grass, and "A Mortgage Impossible." Who is to blame for this fiasco? Who was it that said, "We have found the enemy, and he is us?" Some possum in a swamp... how fitting.

• An 'Ice Breaker' from an Iowa Pig Farmer has got to be good... and it was. Mike Prentice admitted to having 42 first cousins, and that's just for starters. Going to college the largest titled course in the "Cs" was Computer Science. So picked it. So we gave him the Blue Ribbon. And this was "Part I." Looking forward to "Part II" soon.

Mike won the ribbon for "Best Speech". Dan Naden won "Best Evaluator" with the green ribbon and 'everything'. Steve won the "Most Improved" ribbon.