Meeting Recap: August 13, 2015 (Amusement "Theme" Parks)

Todd McKinney believes that being aware of, and speaking “In Praise of Your Inner Entrepreneur,” will expand your possibilities no matter what kind of life you live or what job you do. As a musician travelling the United States in the 1980’s Todd had a chance to patronize the very first locations of some startup businesses; Ben & Jerry’s in Vermont, Whole Foods Market in Texas and Starbucks in Seattle. Who knew then what they would later become? Speech Evaluator Ellen Caesar liked the message -especially that the blessing of financial success is more likely when your business provides a true benefit.

“Face It to Fix It” is a proposal by Brian Robinson to help address a common problem facing many people dealing with life issues – the unwillingness to ask for help. Brian envisions a crowd funded initiative that would allow him to speak, write a book and start a website to spread that message. Georgia Jones thought it was a worthy project but wanted more detailed, specific information about the goals – not just generalities. Georgia then reminded Brian that if this were a real presentation (ala “Shark Tank,”) a more concise structure and more attention to personal appearance would be required.

Wesley Webster offered a Table Topic segment that allowed everyone to relive their favorite theme park moments. Courtney Willis loves the Disney parks where upon entering you are treated like “the most special person in the world.” Zhenxi Zhang showed great humor by agreeing that he also loved Disney the first time he went – and has gone two dozen times since. Kadisha Currie has scary memories of getting stuck at the top of the Ferris wheel, while Georgia Jones revealed that she no longer can tolerate the roller coaster. Brian Robinson acted out the excitement of the “Green Giant” in Miami, and Todd McKinney remembered the antiquated “Diving Horse” attraction in Atlantic City (it was a real horse!)

General Evaluator Kadisha Currie made special mention of the absent Manuel Saldana who had set up the room perfectly before the meeting. She liked that last minute agenda changes were finalized before the meeting started. Kadisha then complimented Toastmaster of the Day Wesley Webster for being well prepared yet spontaneous at the same time.

Before Kadisha adjourned the meeting, she joined Todd McKinney in presenting the District 46 Club Excellence Award plaque to Immediate Past President Georgia Jones. APS is one of only ten clubs in the District to earn that award and the only advanced club. This is the third year in a row that APS has earned this highest possible District award.