January 29, 2007 Minutes

From Austin Toastmasters (Balcones, Club #3407)

  • Balcones Toastmasters January 29, 2007
  • Chapter 3407 District 55
  • Minutes of Meeting


  • The meeting was opened promptly by new President Jake North.
  • A heartfelt Prayer and Pledge was led by Peters.


  • We had two visitors. Long lost son Valdimir Garner brought his wife Amanda. Jack Frick enthusiastically looks forward to joining the group.


  • Mary Buker served as Toastmaster. The theme was the "Friends".
  • Timer was Anne Child.
  • Grammarian was Scott Perry. The word of the day was "unabashed" introduced, in true Scott style, with a self-deprecating example.
  • One Minute Toastmaster was John McMillan stressing the importance of good supporting facts.


  • Table Topics Master was John Allert. This friendly fellow encouraged fellow toastmasters to speak about. Table Topic participants were:
    • Gordon Baker – speaking of lifelong friend Turk McCluskey. (winner)
    • Jonathan Huizingh - He appreciates openness between friends.
    • Vladimir Garner – jumped back into the swing by telling us to "be present" with friend.
    • Leslie Bradstreet - deals with conflict in friendships by backing off.


  • Speaker #1 Sonny Sonntag - "Peace" - a somber perspective on the affects of war, asking us "why?"
  • Speaker #2 Harry Savio - "The Battle of Ermalinda" - his prolonged quest for a Certificate of Occupancy. (winner)
  • Speaker #3 Hollis Baker - "Spring Flowers" - a descriptive tale of when to plant bluebonnets.


  • General Evaluator was Phil Hallmark.
  • Table Topics evaluator was Rick Bradstreet - building on the 1minute theme, encouraging details in table topics.
  • Evaluator #1 for Sonny was Karen Bundy - very moved by Sonny's speech
  • Evaluator #2 for Harry was Antoinette Griffin - encouraged using different voices (winner)
  • Evaluator #3 for Hollis was Jennifer Wagner - caught him jingling his change again. (most improved)


  • We sang "Happy Birthday" to Diane who we are all proud to call our friend. Amanda and Jack commented on the meeting. Control of the meeting was turned back over to Jake North who read schedule was read for our next meeting on February 5th. Only one change, Gordon will relieve Anne from being Timer two weeks in a row.


  • The meeting was adjourned on time.
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