Meeting Recap: June 11, 2015 (Club Officers Elections)

Dear APS Members and Guests,One great year for APS has set the stage for the next, as Toastmaster of the Day Manuel Saldana and other members exercised their right of suffrage at the club officer election. Visiting Toastmasters were Len Lubarsky, Renee Rosenberg, Esther Nelson, Norma Tellez De Gomez, Jinquan Liang who served as Timer and Wesley Webster who became the newest APS member. “Suffrage” was the Word of the Day presented by Grammarian Kadisha Currie.

Marcia Berry wants us to know that “You Can Change Your Age,” because your “functional age” (age your body functions at) is not the same thing as your chronological age. It all has to do with how healthy eating and living habits can stimulate positive epigenetic changes in your DNA. Translation: if you eat less sugar and more broccoli, you will live long and prosper! Speech Evaluator Len Lubarsky was impressed with Marcia’s audience engagement and storytelling ability, but wanted more specific facts to back up her assertions.

Guest speaker Renee Rosenberg gave us “Three Tips for Decluttering Your Closet.” Going in with a soft heart, taking pictures of what you throw away and keeping three things that you really love are the keys to making your task easier. Derek Chen praised the practical topic, clear organization and the humor but thought Renee could increase audience connection with more focused, individual eye contact.

A well-rested and relaxed Georgia Jones talked about “Walking the Camino” through northern Spain. Georgia walked the 500 mile Camino Frances reaching Santiago de Compostella ahead of schedule, so continued on another 100 miles to the coastal town of Muxia. Georgia shared some photos with a computer slide show that included an upbeat soundtrack (the popular “I’m Gonna be 500 miles” by the Proclaimers) while telling us of her amazing, life changing journey. Georgia set out to find peace and solitude – and found it, sometimes walking five miles at a stretch without seeing another person – only to gain even more appreciation for the blessings she already has. Kadisha Currie found the speech to be totally inspirational and liked the question and answer segment, but wanted Georgia to assist our comprehension by slowing down when mentioning the many unfamiliar place names.

After consulting with Toastmasters International to check rules regarding officers elected in absentia, Georgia Jones conducted the officer election with only three elected officers actually at the meeting. Most candidates were running unopposed, while former APS officer Eloise Johnny graciously withdrew her nomination to give Kadisha Currie a clear path to election. Both candidates for VP Education were absent so Marcia Berry spoke on behalf of Jacqueline McIntyre and Todd McKinney spoke on behalf of Neerja Purang.

The APS Officer team for 2015-2016:

President: Marcia Berry

VP Education: Neerja Purang

VP Membership: Kadisha Currie

VP Public Relations: Brian Robinson

Secretary: Todd McKinney

Treasurer: Pam Burke

Sergeant at Arms: Manuel Saldana

General Evaluator Harry Aneziris made light of an email snafu that unexpectedly caused the meeting to be held in the 49th floor Boardroom and to start late, thereby preventing the usual Table Topics from taking place. Harry also regretted that the guests were not introduced until the end of the meeting.

At meeting’s end Marcia Berry presented Georgia and APS with the perfect 10 trophy from District 46, and with a special gift: A book about walking the Camino, so Georgia can relive her wonderful experience any time she chooses.

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Todd McKinney

VP Education, Advanced Public Speakers