“A fabulously spooky” time was had by all this evening at Cheers
Restaurant, filled with haunted sounds, haunted tales and lots
of laughter! From Delene’s digital “box” of sounds to Jan’s
suspenseful tale, the audience was captivated. As one member
wrote: “The dinner meetings are always fun – tonight was no
exception!”
The beginning of the meeting got us off to a great start. Ruth’s
introduction to the Chairman “was very warm and personal, and
set all of us up to enjoy a highly entertaining evening.” As
Chairman, Kate “ran a lively and fun meeting”, and gave “an
interesting introduction to the theme” (The Sound of What
Happens). “Her introduction was well-crafted in introducing the
theme.” “The Man of Many Pockets, Dave S, gave us another
excellent induction – two more new members to add variety to
this ever-growing club!” “Fantastic and fun induction, as
always, Dave!” Dave was also praised for his inspiration: “it
was a lesson to us all from his own personal experience, which
made it that much more significant.” “Hear, hear, Dave! Great
inspiration!” “I simply loved Dave’s 17 pocket costume!”
Our new-inductees and one guest also participated in roles this
evening. New member Susan “chose an excellent word: ‘resonate’,
which fit right in with the evening’s theme.” “Susan gave a
superb explanation of the role of a Wordsmith!” “Great, clear
and concise description of Wordsmith role, with good examples.”
“I wouldn’t have guessed she was new to the club.” “I don’t know
when/if Susan ever got to eat tonight, because her report was so
detailed” – “she caught everything!” Guest Kent filled in as
Jokemaster and was praised for his “animated joke” and for
“having ‘two heads’ and using them well”. “Great fun!” New
member “Michelle was a delight in her first time as Wizard of
Ahs!” “She had a twinkle in her eye and a story to tell about
how the Wizard really is not a wizard at all!! In fact, he has
siblings to help him and Michelle was busy all night policing
their activities. – Unfortunately, she reported that they “are
still at large”, and we will have to be on the lookout next
Monday!” “A highly enjoyable and original take on her role as
Wizard.” “Most creative Wizard explanation I’ve ever heard!” And
as for our timer… “I don’t know what was more fun about Jan K.
tonight: her sense of humour as timer or her fabulous Scrabble
costume!”
Delene’s table topics were “structured in a creative manner” and
“as delightful as her ‘bewitching’ appearance before us this
evening.” In keeping with the night’s theme, she had recorded
some of the “sounds that happen” (“I loved Delene’s ‘special
effects’!”) and played them as cues for the table topic
participants. And what sounds we heard from the speakers: from
tales of terrifying storms, to annoying trick-or-treaters and
frightening ghosts, the audience was treated to a gamut of
stories from spontaneous storytellers. Especially praised was
“the contribution by those who were new or very recent
Toastmasters” and by “member spouses, who were prepared to rise
to the ‘trick-or-treat’ occasion and do Table Topics with us!”
New member “Michelle’s vivid imagery, fun descriptions, and well
developed story” won her the Best Table Topic ribbon. Neville
enjoyed his ‘stint’ as Table Topic evaluator on an ‘onomatopoeic
topic’. “He had something for everyone in a good sandwich.” He
was praised for being “to the point” and for his “good
suggestions! Thanks, Neville!”
The evening’s speaker, Jan F, treated us all to a Norwegian
fairy tale “to the immense enjoyment of everyone!” “Jan F’s
speech was a highlight for me: he was in his element!”
“Holder-hugs all ‘round!” “I am always transported to his dream
world, creative world, wherever he takes us…” “Loved the
costume, Jan! You are a true spinner of tales!” “I liked Jan’s
creative ending to his speech, when he thought he was going to
run overtime, and decided to end the last sentence with the fact
that he could ‘hear the bell ringing, ringing, ringing…!”
His first-time speech evaluator, Dave A., got a “big bravo” for
having “very little time to prepare his notes before he was at
the lectern” “deliver[ing] a thoughtful and insightful
evaluation.” “I think Dave A. perfectly summed up Jan F’s speech
in his evaluation: “He entertained us in all the ways he was
supposed to.” Dave A. was highly praised by most many members
for his “good listening skills” and “well-rounded evaluation”.
Kudos and congratulations also went to Li Ying, who was
“definitely on her mettle with the General Evaluation.” “She
delivered her evaluation with her wonderful warmth and humour,
gave us all suggestions which helped balance the strengths she
saw in us.” For her energetic and insightful observations, Li
Ying won the ribbon for Best Evaluator of the evening.
Everyone is welcome to join us next Monday, November 26, 2007 in
“Learning Through Fun and Friendship”. We look forward to seeing
many familiar faces and some new ones!
Club 1085
