Even before entering the meeting room you could feel the energy
and hear the buzz. It was a night of three Big Events: The
Induction of a new member, the Election of our Incoming
Executive, and two out of the three speeches would be Ice
Breakers! Then, to top it off, two of the three Guests are
applying to become members
Using “very effective bridging throughout!”, Don wore three of
the four Big Hats this night: Chairman, Induction Officer, and
Election Chairman.
As Chairman: “Don had a unique ability in this role – he was
incredibly smooth, correct, efficient, and charming.” “His
demonstration of leadership as he steered us through a
non-standard agenda was remarkable.” “In this position he
followed protocol closely, and gave a short, succinct and
incisive commentary.” “He was the very professional Chair of a
special meeting which invoked, as necessary, an unusual number
of protocols. Well Done! Led with speed and good cheer.”
As Inducting Officer: “Excellent Induction by a veteran member!”
(“The Induction of yet another Dave ”)
“The Induction was conducted most professionally and
courteously.”
As Election Chairman: “Don’s facilitating of the election of
club officers was professional and timely.” “The club elections
were handled with skill, aplomb, professional observance of
protocol, and vivacity by Don (and Pam)”.
And re the Election: “Pam gave an excellent and informative
introduction to the election process at our club, and I
especially appreciated her description / explanation of the
unique and special aspects of our club.” “What an excellent
session of Club Elections!” “It was very interesting to watch
the formalities and protocols of the election process. Of
special interest was the fact that the Chairman must ask three
separate times for ‘any other nominations from the floor.’” “It
was remarkable that we had two excellent candidates for
President.” “In true form of the spirit of our club, it was
amusing but heartwarming to hear all 4 speakers – the two
candidates and their Seconders – not only mention, but speak
well of the opposition!” “A Highlight and Congratulations to our
Incoming President, Jim Sinclair, and the excellent Club
Executive members who were voted in last night: Education – Kate
Elliott, Treasurer – Karen Arnold, Membership – Li Ying Kao,
Public Relations – Hilary Mackey, Secretary – Elena Zevakhina,
Sgt. @ Arms – Omar Hung.” Hilary’s response to her election
likely echoes many of the others’: “It will be good to step up
to the plate and be supported to take a new leadership role.”
What better theme for election night than ‘leadership’:
“Leadership skills are very beneficial for me as I manage a team
of software developers. This meeting was very educational for me
as I learned what leadership means to different people based on
their work / life experiences.” “Dave S.’s comment about being a
leader is going up on my wall: “It’s like working in a cemetery:
you’ve to a lot of people under you, but no one’s listening.” “I
really liked Jan’s insights into when / where leadership goes
awry, as he instructed us with his word of the day on how to
‘delegate’ like a responsible leader’.”
“Hilary made an excellent stage left and restarted her Joke in
time to deliver a jab in the ribs of law enforcement. The punch
line and hiccup in the joke were both well delivered and good
fun.” “I had arrived needing a ‘lift’, and Hilary’s Joke helped
turn my evening around ”
“It was good! The audience loved it!!”
“Omar’s role as Timer was crucial and ‘timely’, as he kept a
potentially unwieldy meeting on time. Good to see you back, Omar ”
“He did a terrific job all evening and ended with a very
detailed report!”
“Jill, in her Inspiration, set a good example for us in not
having to have our words recorded to the letter. Her delivery,
without notes, as aptly noted by Stuart in his General
Evaluation, merely enhanced the sincerity of the moment.”
The fourth Big Hat was elegantly worn by Karen, who Hosted and
Toasted the second half of the meeting. “Karen’s Introductions
to all three Speakers were absolutely excellent!”
All three speeches were “an inspiration”, “well done”,
“excellent!”, “outstanding”. “We should have charged at the
door!!!” “Nahid’s speech was very moving, and Dave A.’s and
Kate’s were very funny.” “The Ice Breaker speeches were
exceptional!” “Wonderful to have two Ice Breaker speeches at one
time! - especially so soon after both members joined.” “I was
really impressed by our two brand new members tonight, and so
very much interested in their speeches!!” “We all appreciated
the Ice Breaker Speeches by Nahid and Dave A. They did a superb
job.” “Our two new speakers have a great deal to offer the
club!” “Dave A. has a composed, self-assured and easy going
approach!” “He was very calm and natural, and had good
eye-contact.” “Kate: what can I say … kudos!” “It was
hilarious!” “Just so funny!” “Filled with humour and vivacity.”
“I loved her love bug speech. The story will stay with me for a
long time.” “This was one of the best speeches that I can
remember being presented.”
“Dave S. gave a very thorough Evaluation.” “I admire his ability
to use his recollections of elements of Speakers’ past
performances when evaluating their current projects, as he did
this night for Nahid.” “Most memorable to me were Ruth’s
positive comments, delivered with such warmth, in her evaluation
of Kate’s speech.” “Jim’s evaluation covered all the essential
points! Very compact!” “Loved Jim’s humour in his evaluation of
our newest Dave’s Ice Breaker. Also a good quality in our new
president ”
Stuart’s Table Topic Evaluations and Jim’s Speech Evaluation
tied for the Best Evaluator Award.
What a night! The Induction of a new member, two of our three
Guests expressing the desire to be Inducted as well!, an
exciting Election, and three outstanding Speeches. “What more
could you hope for?” you might ask … The inclusion of a Table
Topics Session!!! Apologies for the necessary omission in this
meeting, and the promise of a ‘back to normal’ Agenda (complete
with Table Topics) for our next meeting on Monday May 14th. You
already know: Guests are Always Welcome.
*Please Note: Due to the Victoria Day holiday on May 21st, there
will be no meeting that night.
Club 1085
