It's Contest Time

What an interesting and motivational afternoon I've had. 

Toastmaster's Division E, Area 47 Governor, Joan Liddington, held her Area International and Evaluation speech contests where Prairie Schooner's representatives Tanya Rac and Jeremy Nelson were present and at their best.  Before a packed meeting room at the Lakewood Civic centre in Saskatoon everyone heard about the adventures of a reformed "Tupperware Lady".  A very humorous presentation by Melissa Edge explained how Tupperware is never referred to as plastic, how cheese balls are always present at Tupperware "Rallies", and if you find that you are your own best customer, it's time to get out while you still can.  Jeremy provided an excellent and positive evaluation of Melissa's presentation.  I am sure she appreciated his feedback.

Tanya also presented an uplifting presentation on the benefits of humour in the workplace.  We now know successful companies embrace humour with their "Fun" departments.  We were also reminded how the employees of Westjet embrace humour and that the American ice cream manufacturer, Ben & Jerry's, have a team dedicated to creating innovative and fun names for their new flavours.  Sounds good doesn't it?

Other members of Prairie Schooners were present, not only to support Tanya and Jeremy but also to support Joan with running the contest.  Richard Jackson assisted by performing the role of Tie Breaker Judge and  Jane Danoczi helped in the role of timer.  Ken Tanner was also in the audience in support of us all. 

Without the aide of these club members the contest would not have ran as smooth as it did. Of course, there were others involved, in front of, as well as behind the scenes.  From those that supplied the great lunch, which included fresh Tim Horton's coffee and fresh home made baking, some still warm from the oven, to those from Area 32 who helped support our contest as we helped supporting theirs.  Contest Chairman Amee Harrison and Chief Judge Paula Noon  ran an excellent program.

Oh, and our contestants Tanya and Jeremy, each place second in a very tough field of competitors.  Congratulations to all those involved especially Tanya and Jeremy.  For those of you that missed this, it was something to be seen.

Welcome to Prairie Schooners new member Sasha

Prairie Schooners is happy to welcome our newest member, Sasha who joined today!   You will enjoy being a Prairie Schooner. We also had three visitors today.  Visitors are always welcome.  If  you are curious about Toastmasters, come watch a meeting in action.

Blast for March 28

We had a great meeting March 21.  We learned about Dawn's early life and values from her IceBreaker Speech and Ken T gave us an excellent educational on debating, to prepare us for the Club's debate meeting April 4th.  During our meeting, Jane Danoczi finished all the requirements for her Competent Leader designation.  Congratulations to Jane, a great accomplishment!!

If you have any green clothes, the theme for March 28 is St Patrick and we have two prepared speeches; Julia and Tanya. 

The following week we have another two prepared speeches; Dawn and Bonnie

The Week of April 4th is our exciting debate with the topic:"That there be mandatory re-certification of Saskatchewan drivers every 5 years"  Jane said that Tony and Julia have not confirmed their participation yet, so she is still open for volunteers in this event. Jane also requires a Chief Judge for the event. Everyone not on the program will be involved in judging as per the judging sheet.

April 11th we have 2 speakers Dawn and Melissa.  This is the first meeting for Melissa following the birth of her baby.

March 31 Jeremy, as winner of our club's Evaluation Contest will be representing Prairie Schooners in the Evaluation Contest and Tanya, as winner of our club's International Speech competition will be representing our club in the Area competition.  The competition will be held at the Cliff Wright Library. Registration starts at 12:30. Let's all try to be there to support Tanya and Jeremy!

Thank you very much to Bonnie  who will be sending the weekly blast for the next 3 weeks while I am on vacation.  If there is anything you want your fellow club members to know during that time, please tell Bonnie.  As always, if you have to be away or if you want to do a speech, please contact Jane.

I'll close with a couple of Irish Blessings:

“As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction!”

“May God bless and keep in good health your enemies’ enemies.”

The birth(s) of a Toastmaster

We had a great meeting in our new location at Tetra Tech last Wednesday.  Most of us had time to stop at Tim Hortons across the hall and pick up a coffee on the way in.  Monique gave a great presentation on pain, complete with Powerpoints.  Brad did a great job as our second ever Jokemaster.  This week (March 8, 2012) the theme for our meeting is Spring and Dawn be giving her Icebreaker speech.  For those who don't know, the Icebreaker Speech is the first speech given by a Toastmaster introducing her/himself to the group.

March 1 our secretary Melissa increased the size of her family by one lovely little daughter, Ana. 8 lbs 21 inches long.  Congratulations to Melissa, Andrew and big sister Abby!

Anastasia  :)

Congratulations to Tanya!!

Congratulations to Tanya Rac, the winner of  the Prairie Schooner's International Speech Contest held Feb 29. Tanya will be representing our club in the Area Competition March 31.  The competition is being held at the Cliff Wright Library.  Registration begins at 12:30.

This week our club is moving to our new location.  We are moving to Boardroom #110 at Tetra Tech., 410 22nd St E (the ground floor of the Saskatoon Square, turn right just before the elevator).  Don't forget and go to our old location!!

Welcome to our newest members, Jay and Kris