November 6, 2009 – First time Toastmaster Maria Asencio juggled last 
minute agenda changes while Sergeant-at-Arms Chris King helped keep her on task. Each role myrmidon performed without a hitch. Gary Dunmyer inducted four new members: Stan Orlowski, Christina Worley, MJ Demetriades, and Dee Snowden. Welcome to Freddy's Forum!
Jim Sturgis was haunted after discovering his slave-owning ancestry until he was set free by Amazing Grace and a strong sense of faith. Is it possible that standards for potable water are more stringent than those for drinking water? While Regulating the Regulators Carmen Baez-Smith checked the fundamentals and discovered that the standards for potable water were just plain inappropriate.
Pam Lehr had all the fun with Table Topics that explored the oft maligned and misunderstood mother-in-law. What would make you Love your Mother-in-Law? Gentry Benjamin reminded us that singleness is not a disease and marriage is not the cure, but when and if she does get married her mother-in-law will be as perfect as her husband.
Toastmasters please take initial and prompt responsibility for finding a replacement when you will be unable to fulfill a role!
October 23, 2009 – Rick Proksell and Jennifer Krumlauf both know how to Make a Difference and are Enthusiasm Award contenders for their efforts to facilitate the Webmaster’s ability to script this entry.
Introduced by Bill Donovan, a squeaky shark alerted participants to their ums and ahs.
Youchao Wang explained how and why his professor became a mentor who continues to influence him today. Harry Potter (a/k/a Brian Turcotte) gave an impromptu speech about Life in Hogwarts: family, friends and work. Brian Turcotte should read more Harry Potter books. Kathy Mardambek mesmerized us with photos and interesting facts about her excursion to the Inner-Mongolia Grasslands this summer. Jim Sturgis was a very encouraging evaluator but Gentry Benjamin took the prize.
Chris King continues to cast doubt on his novice standing with a triumphant table topic response.
October 16, 2009 – Moments of Frustration as an over abundance of work 
prevented Webmaster Maria from attending our meeting... Deep Breath... no need to be lugubrious... Gary, a strong contender for an Enthusiasm Award, came to the rescue with his account of the meeting.
Another great meeting! Hongying had a few pointers to help us become better conversationalist, demonstrating her skills by starting a conversation with a rock (Gary). Hongying and Gary coincidentally both happen to have sons named “Ben.”
If anything could go wrong, it’s likely to happen in an impromptu speech... Right? Wrong! At least not for the very talented and best off-the-cuff speaker Laz Sanchez. The speech topic, selected by Jennifer from suggestions made by each person in attendance, revealed that Laz’s “Pet Peeves” include air quotes and rabbit ears. Not that anyone enjoys ribbing our friend Laz (wink, wink) but could these peeves become a fixture of future meetings? Jennifer joins Laz in the winner’s circle with her expert evaluation of his speech.
Table Topics directed at the Club’s fresh bloods Christina and Dee were met with respectable responses, surmounted only by sage master of Table Topics Hieu.
October 9, 2009 – First time Toastmaster Jennifer Krumlauf staged a tough act for anyone to follow. Great job!
If it were your spaceship that might crash would that motivate you to get it right? Gerald Metzger skillfully presented a solid pyramid for attaining higher motivation.
Never pretend to be something you’re not, whatever you do, do it with all your heart, and always be friends with the cook. Dr. Bill Donovan learned the important things in life from Smokey, his dog. People like dogs because they wag their tails and not their tongues.
Pam Lehr took us with her on a calorie burning, stress reducing vacation of Exploration and Discovery, biking the Katy Trail at 40 miles a day for 6 days, learning history and smelling the flowers.
In the course of reconnoitering other subjects Brian Turcotte adeptly parlayed a missed Table Topics question into a shrewd apology and entertaining tidbit.
Toastmasters please return outstanding DVDs to
Chris King.
October 2, 2009 – Cheerful Toastmasters engaged in The Power of Smiles. When Toastmaster Kathy Mardambek visited China she learned that smiles are part of the universal language. Smiles may be infectious since they can be caught like the flu but it took Kathy a while to figure out why no one was shaking her hand (for a clue see last week’s notes).
Evoking our September 4th meeting, Christina Worley’s Ice-Breaker addressed an actual Abecedarian Study which supports that the world may be a better place because someone was important to a child. Freddy’s Forum President Hope Radin had us smiling and sighing with the love story of a double matchmaking, memorialized into an annual hike.
Gentry Benjamin set out to catch people off guard and make them look silly with her table topics but everyone was ready for her, especially Laz Sanchez with his wonderful, warm, diabolical smile.
September 25, 2009
– Fears of H1N1 rendered the creation of the air shake and the elbow bump. Now we just need to find a way to sanitize our ballots! Toastmaster Gerald Metzger cannot get 
enough of Husband Appreciation. Assiduous Toastmasters will agree with Gerald that appreciation is the cornerstone of any relationship.
A decade long Freddy’s Forum member, Hope Radin advised us on how to assert ourselves constructively when dealing with noise. Serving as Club Secretary left Jane Gu vulnerable to the dreaded Table Topics call but in the end her confidence expanded and her experience even helped her with household chores! Jane was so persuasive that P.K. Sharma wants to be Secretary next year.
Volunteers are needed for the Toastmasters Division D Evaluation & Humorous Speech Contest to be held on Friday, October 2 at the Atlantis Country Club.
Earn Competent Communicator credits and qualify for awards and prizes! Participate in the VP of PR and Webmaster’s
Challenge!
The District 47 Fall Conference will be held in Naples, Florida this year. Save money if you register by or before October 6.
In order to keep your Toastmaster’s membership from lapsing your dues must be paid by or before September 30. Please send your payment to Freddy’s Forum Treasurer
Rachelle Grein.
September 18, 2009 – Stephanie Steeves believes that we should cherish our loved ones every day, not just on special days. Jim Sturgis had a fish tale of a joke. Tom Conboy assured us that most of what we fear is gobbledygook and gave us sound advice for how to avoid the most prevalent causes of death, heart disease and cancer. Kevin Zhu demonstrated his understanding of Wife Appreciation in his touching account of how he pursued the woman who became his wife. Andrew Brown hooked the audience with his suggestive title and witty innuendos.
Still owe your membership dues? Please see Rachelle Grein.
September 11, 2009 – Hieu Huynh called for a moment of silence to remember the victims of the 9-11 attacks. Taiye Sangoyomi is euphoric about his children’s curiosity but his daughter’s question about the origins of life was beyond his pay grade. As part of “The Leader Within” program, where even the selection process was a learning opportunity, Rachelle Grein seized the moment to form, storm, norm and perform at the H20 Leadership University. Not knowing any of the “3 rules for raising a child” hasn’t stopped Gerald Metzger from learning a lot from his 17 month old son. Now if only he would give peas a chance!
Table Topics Master Jennifer Krumlauf asked for Prose about International Authors. Tom Conboy learned about stream of consciousness when he read “Cry the Beloved Country” by South African author Alan Paton. Gary Dunmyer takes the term International to another level in his quest for Intergalactic literature. Youchao likes to know where an author is from in order to gain insights about International perspectives.
September 4, 2009 – It’s Back to School for Maria Asencio who learned an Abecedarian lesson in preparation and time management. Chris King inspired us to think about how we influence each day by living a legacy. Bill Donovan spoofed the after dinner speech by giving us unforgivable tips like over-the-hill birthday, ball-and-chain anniversary, and out-to-pasture retirement themes. Don’t try this at home! Table Topics took us back to subjects we loved in school. Jane Gu loves math but can live without accounting, Youchao Wang likes anything to do with team work, and Gerald Metzger wishes stories were taught more in school.
Fellow Toastmasters, help us win the Division dues competition! Submit your dues by or before Tuesday, September 15.
Toastmasters Division D Evaluation & Humorous Speech Contest is on Friday, October 2 at the Atlantis Country Club.
Earn Competent Communicator credits and qualify for awards and prizes! Participate in the VP of PR and Webmaster’s
Challenge!
Online Registration now open for District 47 Fall Conference to be held in Naples, Florida. Save money! Register by or before October 6.
August 28, 2009 – First time toastmaster Jane Gu led the meeting like a pro. Newly minted MLS Rachael Cathcart broke the ice by describing the eureka moment when she embraced her calling as a librarian. Andrew Brown was woefully unprepared and unprotected during a baseball game that landed him in the skin-burning sun, next to a face-painted, foam fingered, beer guzzling son of Satan. Echoes of praise, “It was the best area contest I have ever attended,” and a record attendance at the Area 42 Contest were the fruit of excellent planning and strong leadership by Hieu Huynh.
Jeyanthi thought that Rachael was well behaved and outspoken in her ice-breaker. Hope dubbed Andrew the King of props and hand gestures. Carmen pointed out that Hieu’s leadership skills were in total full display.
Are you Psychic? Anyone for a clairvoyant moment? Chris doesn’t want to know when he’ll die but practical and profitable tips are welcome. Gary knew he’d date his wife from the moment he saw her. Pam sensed exactly when her best friend’s father lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. Maria’s first impression, a visual phenomenon, led to the successful match and marriage of her friend.
Participate in the VP Public Relations and Web Master’s Challenges beginning in September. Submit your dues by or before September 15 to help us win the Division dues competition!
August 21, 2009 – August is officially Happiness Happens month. &@#$ happens? Did Gary’s speech intoxicate him? Delia’s joke made her laugh so hard we were afraid that her radiator would leak or her exhaust would backfire.
A true believer, Carmen Baez-Smith credits the saving grace of motherly love with her traffic ticket avoidance. Martha Stewart’s got competition! Competent Communicator Stephanie Steeves served up several brilliant examples and demonstrations of napkin folds. Avoid attractive sales that lead to impulse purchases and make you buy things you don’t need. A penny saved can really be a penny earned if you follow Jeyanthi Rasu’s sound advice for being a wise shopper.
Gentry Benjamin decided to be happy even when her dental work got in her way. Andrew Brown can’t remember the last time that he laughed ‘til he cried but he couldn't resist pointing out how Gentry told the tooth and nothing but the tooth and that finding a new dentist will be a crowning achievement for her.
Evaluator extraordinaire Gerald Metzger showed us how to take it to the next level.
Submit your dues by or before September 15 to help us win the Division dues competition!
August 14, 2009 – Humorous Speeches had Toastmasters and guests laughing out loud! Contestants Pam Lehr, Jim Sturgis, Gentry Benjamin, Andrew Brown, and Steve Waszak were all judged for speech development, effectiveness, speech value, audience response, physical presentation, voice, manner, appropriateness and correctness. Contest Master Susan Pascal held her composure and kept things moving when a schedule-challenged intruder threatened to cut the meeting short.
Under normal circumstances, corduroys and a sweater may have been the proper attire for Pam’s informal future-husband to meet her frugal father but Dad's uncharacteristic choice of Chez Expensieve landed Mr. Lehr in the jacket-of-shame. Growing older is a great adventure for Jim that includes nose hair clippers without adequate warning and short term memory loss that must surely help him cast aside his cares about what people think. Get it straight: Singleness is not a disease and marriage is not the cure! Gentry has had it with society’s attitudes that marriage is the end all and be all or that there’s something wrong with unmarried people over 30. Andrew Brown arms us against the vegetarian guilt trip. Where’s the beef? They did say “let’s meat for lunch.” Speaking of PETA (People Eating Tasty Animals), Steve loves the who’s who of bad health – bacon - and he reminds us that if it were good for you it would taste like turkey.
August 7, 2009 –
John Cairnes was the brave test speaker during our Evaluation Contest. John pulled us all into his account of the true cost of a free boat. Tom Conboy, Hope Radin, Gerald Metzger, Andrew Brown, Delia Ivanoff and Taiye Sangoyomi praised John’s humor, non-verbal communication and story organization. More emotion, dialog and movement were the pointers of the day.
Table topics focused on speaking skills, techniques and lessons learned. Unconditional love makes the perfect audience. To hone her speaking abilities, Pam Lehr practices in front of her dog and cat. Knowing age-range and interests are keys that help P.K. Sharma connect with his audience.
July 31, 2009 – Steve Waszak is from Mars but he may have to talk about feelings if he desires reconciliation with his Venusian partner. Hall of Famer Tom Conboy was greatly amused by the image of Steve’s head-seeking beer. Now that would have made a good prop!
Amir Gamliel credits the excellence of Freddy’s Forum for his new job and encourages us all to learn from every experience. Farewell Amir, we will miss you! We must have a Family Reunion - come back and visit in a month so that we can hear you speak in Spanish.
July 17, 2009 – Public speaking made Delia Ivanoff feel the same way she did when faced with a zip lining challenge. She froze. Toastmasters gave Delia abundant tools and courage to speak and even make it to Freddy’s Hall of Fame. Could overcoming a fear of public speaking inspire another try at zip lining?
Frugal friends should flock together - an interesting criterion for friends brought to us by Tom Conboy along with a new mantra “to save money, spend less than you make!” It is important to be practical and not live beyond our means.
Thoughts of Summer Camps meander through our table topics. Hieu Huynh is eager to hear Andrew Brown’s summer camp stories. Gary Dunmyer longs to return to the Suwannee River and Uncle Bob’s river place tree swing. Kathy Mardambek wants to start an overseas business camp – sign me up!
Check out the schedule and get involved. Contributing to efforts in upcoming events may give you Competent Leader credit!
July 17, 2009 – Whether about beach weather or not, our speakers had a brainstorm of ideas to share. Stephanie Steeves didn’t make the cut to Who Wants to Be a Millionaire but her speech with its props that took us into the interview process was worth a million. No-body’s perfect but Carmen Baez-Smith’s comes pretty close; an achievement of dieting the healthy way. Maura Merkal really had us going! “Whew! That was close!”
When Jennifer Krumlauf revealed, to our surprise, that technical difficulties prevented Stephanie from using a planned PowerPoint presentation, we were reminded that speakers must be prepared for the unexpected because “the show must go on!”
Without the tiniest hint of a blush, Brian Turcotte amused us with his candid camera actions during a chance encounter with a clothing-optional beach while giving his family a tour of Miami.
July 10, 2009 – Vacations were front of mind as President Hope Radin reminded us that a vacation can be something as simple as looking at the day in a different way. Toastmaster Brian Turcotte led the meeting with vigor, having just returned from his family vacation in Hawaii.
Gary Dunmyer knew how to hold ‘em with his spectacular multimedia poker lesson. Chris King took the ribbon by convincing us that experiencing other cultures, languages, foods and customs can be fun and leads to greater understanding.
Amir Gamliel vigorously engaged the group in table topics about invigorating vacations. Steve Waszak had a vigorous reaction to Brazilian drivers and Maria Asencio surprised herself and her daughter with her vigorous wind-surfing experience.
Guest Arlene McClurg let us know that we were one of the most professionally run Toastmaster’s clubs she has ever visited!
Hieu Huynh, 2008-2009 Club Webmaster
June 26, 2009 - We honor the ideals behind Independence Day at every meeting through the autonomy of public speaking without persecution. Gerald inspired us to have the freedom to make decisions to chase our dreams. Jacob plans to travel to Texas to see the fireworks with his relatives.
Our special guest speaker, Mayor Lois Frankel, described her experiences in her elections to public office.
This is my last update as your club webmaster. It has been an exciting year at Freddy's Forum (see all the comments below) and I'm looking forward to seeing more greatness out of our club in the upcoming Toastmasters year. Go Freddy's Forum!!!
June 19, 2009 - We had to schematize to pull off another excellent meeting. Gentry formed in her mind that "singleness is not a disease and marriage is not the cure." Rachelle wants us to plan to release our inner tycoon through railroad board games. Although Mo'Nique doesn't plan to bring her father to the party because he's rude and angry (but in a loving way), he's still the funniest man alive.
Art Kennedy was our special guest speaker today. He is the Chief of Staff for Congressman Alcee Hastings. Mr. Kennedy spoke on how he had successfully arranged effective campaigns.
June 12, 2009 - Nothing can fortify our club more than having excellent leadership and preparedness. Taiye, our Immediate Past President, added strength to the officers installation ceremony. Bill recommends to give courage to yourself when dealing with the Millenial Generation. In case of a plane crash, Maria wants to find a handsome man to encourage her through the tough times.
June 5, 2009 - Hopefully we won't have to hunker down for this hurricane season. PK has had experiences of taking shelter for a big storm and having pieces of his home blow away. Jacob introduced us to the lessons he learned growing up and how he wanted to hide out from his dad after wrecking a 4-wheeler. Jennifer held resolutely to her piano playing as a young child and won first place as a result. Delia doesn't want to take shelter from a big storm and eat canned tuna ever again.
May 29, 2009 - If April showers bring us May flowers, then May flowers bring us a florid meeting. Hope's coaching session was fully developed. Maria introduced us to herself and her elaborately decorated owl collection. Andrew re-introduced himself to our club and was marked by emotional fervor over his recent acting experiences. Amir was very flowery in style over a friend who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq.
May 22, 2009 - Our club is feeling hyper-dimensional about our newly-elected officers. We are feeling very excited about the leadership team of Hope, Laz, Brian, Gary, Jennifer, Rachelle, Chris and Maria!
May 15, 2009 - If you want a good perspective of an excellent club, you should visit us. Hongying's view of the Three Gorges Project was gorgeous. Gary judges life by catching success and reeling it in. Susan took us into the point of view of Maria Makiling. After thinking about it, Stephanie judges that her life is numero uno after all.
May 8, 2009 - What do you have to say about the matriarch of your family? No matter what Jim did in his youth, his mom had unwavering love for him. Although Amir didn't get a chance to see his mother much, he is proud to have learned her struggles growing up. Jennifer wants to know her neighbors, while being a mom trying to keep control of her daughter from running outside. If money was no object, Rachelle would take her mom on a trip around the world.
May 1, 2009 - Our club has blossomed over the past few years. Youchao's daughters, especially his youngest, have come into flower. Lichun showed us how to select a topic and develop it into a speech. Jacob's mood is affected by the weather and flourishes in the spring time.
April 24, 2009 - Does it take perseverance to update our club website every week? To me, it's a picnic. Ronald believes that owning a restaurant takes commitment. Ming showed that Freddy is committed to protect the Everglades. Jane's two children have different levels of commitment for their different interests. Jennifer would pack a lunch to a picnic that people like and could keep its temperature easily.
April 17, 2009 - Our club was elated with the presence of our three guests, Madame Area Governor Myrna Brooks, Rabbi Feldman and Lichun. Myrna inspired us to be filled with pride when we ask ourselves, "What's In Toastmasters For Me?" Rabbi Feldman told us that to live life well, we have to be filled with joy through others. This is the time of year to be filled with pride for the auditor, although Stephanie is the "good" kind. A few members showed their true colors - Lichun's green, Rachelle's red, Jane's yellow and Laz's navy blue and gold (Laz's was a fitting description).
April 10, 2009 - Spring is the time to propagate our club's growth as well as the growth of our members. Hope explained that keeping Kosher is a tradition of self-discipline that is transmitted from one generation to the next. I insisted that broadening the good health of our economy does not depend neither on green eggs and ham nor on going back to the Stone Age, but on going out and spending money. Maria's favorite season is spring because of the spreading of colors that act like an orchestra for the eyes.
April 3, 2009 - Wouldn't it be a delight if we could go outside for a meeting? Although not something that gives great pleasure, Hope showed us how to defuse verbal criticism. Tom convinced us that there is no high degree of pleasure or enjoyment from expansion of the Palm Beach International Airport. I take great pleasure in silence.
March 27, 2009 - Great inventions are the brainchild of mankind. Rachelle instructed us how to teach a board game. Carmen believes that it pays to have it in writing. Taiye wants to create a time machine as his original idea so he can go into the future, come back and make lots of money.
March 20, 2009 - No matter how mammoth our club may become, our meetings will always be about our members. Amir faced an enormous wall to come to America, "but" he overcame them. To simplify his life, Gerald's television went on a huge journey from the living room to the guest room. Jeyanthi was afraid that her daughter would get an immensely large hole in her ear at the piercing ceremony in India. Mo'Nique still has enormous feelings for her childhood pet parakeet, Freddy.
March 13, 2009 - Having memorable meetings at our club does not require the herculean efforts of great men [and women] (we all make them seem easy, don't we?). Carmen had found her soul mate on a blind date and described her efforts of extraordinary difficulty with having a child. Andrew had the task of extraordinary power of finding the cereal killers (why did you have to do it, Cocoa Puffs?). Mo'Nique's grandfather did not have the effort of extraordinary extent of being there for her family (we will never tell you to shut up either).
We also celebrated our 13-year anniversary today! You know it's special when Freddy shows up! Click on the Special Highlights link to the left to see a couple of the pics from today's meeting.
March 6, 2009 - Great women have made the world go round. They have been an expert in many things. Kathy is one in making a turkey dinner (it's what's in the inside that counts). Gentry is one in friendship with her best friend of 28 years through all of life's curveballs. Rachelle dreamt of being one as an astronaut but instead is one as a geographer and a mom.
February 27, 2009 - I found a fecund way to have a meeting (it was for the crossword puzzle lovers out there). Youchao had an inventive icebreaker where we learned about his love of tennis and how we can play it to lose weight. Taiye had an intellectually productive retelling of how you can be the best. Gary wanted to be inventive and see the Mona Lisa smile more (like when he sees his wife and child).
February 20, 2009 - Our club has fervid members. Hope has the passion for life long learning. Amir showed his zeal for plate tectonics. Ming told us that Mrs. Obama showed passion and love for her country. Laz was ardent about "Green Eggs and Ham" (but who's this Ralphie character?). Do I like Laz's speech? I am Hieu; yes, I do. Brian showed his passion for grammar when he correctly said "Excuse me, my dear Ralphie" instead of "Ay, Ralphie".
February 13, 2009 - Freddy's Forum is not a desultory club; we know what we're doing (we always seem to get more visitors when we offer free pizza). Rabbi Schiner, our guest speaker, inspired us with stories of humility and success. PK has the audacity of love. After 21 years of marriage, Stephanie still remembers the green chicken salad from her first dinner with her future husband. Although love may not pay the bills, Chris believes it is the greatest thing of all. Our Area Governor, Myrna Brooks, showed love to our most distinguished toastmaster (& DTM) Amir by presenting him with an award for winning the Public Relations contest among our area clubs (well done, Amir!).
February 6, 2009 - Attending our meetings can create a sense of euphoria. Taiye explained how kids talk (some of their questions were above his pay grade to answer). I made sure to honor our guests. We can visualize Hope showing us the art of negotiation with Pam's catering business. Chris doesn't want to think about how old he will look 10 years from now, but expects to be living a healthy life.
January 30, 2009 - It was "Simply The Best". You could have said that about all of our contestants in our annual International Speech Contest. It was especially true for Taiye since he won it all with his speech using that title. Hope convinced us to continue our "Life Long Learning". Pam's grandfather was her "#1 Boyfriend". When an opportunity presents itself, Andrew wants us to "Take It". I believe that home is how we make the future "A Better Tomorrow". To Jim, "The Greatest Speech Ever Given" has to hit you in the heart.
Let's cheer on Hope and Taiye as they represent us in the Area Contest on March 1. Go Hope and Taiye!
January 23, 2009 - Despite some surprises (who was that passing whoopee?), our members came to our meeting today with alacrity. Susan touched our hearts with her story of her best friend (forever). Kathy inspired us to exercise our right to dream. Bill wants us to make sure that our audience is happy and comatose following a speech after dinner. Brian walked up to the lecturn, shook hands, gave a hug, walked back to his seat and took a picture of himself (somehow, that was just wrong).
January 16, 2009 - "The greatest speech ever given." Jim chose this thought-provoking topic for our club Table Topics Contest. Rachelle talked about the Gettysburg Address. Hope described a memorable speech by another Toastmaster. I talked about love. Lou Gehrig's speech in Yankee Stadium about being the luckiest man alive was unforgettable to Brian. Amir described President Kennedy's fast-talking speaking abilities. Andrew remembered a speech at the Toastmasters International Speech Contest in Reno, Nevada a few years back. Pam's response of the "I Have A Dream" speech by Martin Luther King, Jr. and its relation to his birthday and the upcoming inauguration of the first African-American president was eloquent and won it all.
Thanks to all the participants, helpers and especially Jim who put together an amazing contest. Congrats to Pam and Brian, who placed 1st and 2nd, respectively, and will represent our club at the Area Contest on March 1.
January 9, 2009 - It's a span-new day. It was great to see everyone back for the first meeting of the new year. Did you know that the new year did not always start on January 1? Jennifer did. Ming wants us to put quality into our new year resolutions. Susan recommends us to use texting (LOL). Who could have imagined Carmen doing the catwalk? Andrew strutted his stuff as the reincarnation of WC Fields. For some reason, several members mentioned something about being #1 and winning championships. Of course in Toastmasters, we are all winners.
December 12, 2008 - To me, Toastmasters is about sharing our resplendent gifts. Amir shared a story about King Solomon (a.k.a. Superman) while asking us to share in the contribution to our newsletter. Mo'Nique wants to share in the new day and the new president of the United States. Rachelle shared her board games with us. Brian doesn't want to share and wants a new pair of shoes for himself.
This is my last update of 2008. I'll be on vacation and will be back in January. I wish everyone a safe holiday and a happy new year!
December 5, 2008 - We're back after taking a break for Thanksgiving. It's holiday season and time to put up the ornaments. For some reason, Rachelle wasn't used to putting up Christmas decorations in her home. We have a terrific club and Laz can toast to that. Some of our members know the secret ingredients to public speaking like Hongying does (after all, she IS a Competent Communicator). While touching on the classic movie, Ron guided us through his wonderful life (It's a Wonderful Icebreaker).
November 21, 2008 - When I am hungry to learn and have fun, I come to Freddy's Forum to gobble up the speeches. We had a special feast today. Jan Cairnes, the winner of this year's Division D Contest, graciously visited us and gave us stories to sink our teeth in (we will never think about cows in the same way ever again). Gerald refuses to digest any more unnecessary emails and as a result, he has a healthier amount of time (we could all learn to lose our weight in emails). We know not to play dominoes with Laz's family (they will eat you up).
November 14, 2008 - After I brought the FREE PIZZA for today's meeting, the rest of the meeting seemed to deliquesce into our memories. We also had brownies and pumpkin rolls at the table. Oh yeah, the speeches were quite delicious as well. Mmm...speeches...mmm...
November 7, 2008 - We had a presidential meeting today. I can condone it if you were not here. Tom held a briefing on the proposed expansion of the Palm Beach International Airport. Pam would wear a warm, winter coat along with a new wardrobe (and haircut) when she gets to Washington (I think that's alliteration). Mo'Nique is proud of the election of the 44th President of the United States and is looking forward to the positive changes that will happen to our country.
October 31, 2008 - Do you know what scares me? Not being able to attend a Freddy's Forum meeting! Here's what Pam, our President, had to say.
What an awesome team we have at Freddy’s Forum! All the plans were in place for our annual Halloween membership drive meeting at noon today. The conference room was reserved; the pizza was ordered; the guests were invited; the meeting roles were confirmed; and the agendas were printed. Unfortunately, a bomb scare at the neighboring National Guard armory late this morning caused a slight change of plans. The South Florida Water Management District was forced into lock-down mode and the B-2 building was swiftly evacuated at 11:30. But it takes more than a bomb threat to thwart a team of dedicated Toastmasters. Although the Sheriff’s Office decision to close Gun Club Rd. prevented access for offsite members and guests, we made a last-minute decision to hold our meeting with the interested members in B-1. We opened the meeting a few minutes late and improvised without our usual equipment and, sadly, without any pizza. (Our banner, flag, lights, gavel, bell, stopwatch, ballots, camera, guest packets, costumes, etc. were all in lock-down in B-2 and traffic was restricted in and out of the District.)
Despite these challenges, today’s impromptu meeting was a lot of fun. There were 20 attendees including 8 brave guests. Pam Lehr delivered a speech “Finding New Members for Your Club” from the Successful Club Series highlighting some of her favorite Halloween characters at Freddy’s Forum and Laz Sanchez continued the Halloween theme as a vampire urging members to vote on Tuesday for the vampire equal rights amendment. (Did you know that our dear innocent Laz is actually a 2,800-year-old blood-sucking vampire? He credits his youthful appearance to avoiding the sun and daylight in general.) Laz’s speech fulfilled his requirements for his Competent Communicator and Advanced Leader Bronze awards. Congratulations, Laz!!! Gentry Benjamin hosted a brief Halloween Table Topics session and Keith Greenwood (a.k.a. Keith Van Helsing, the famous vampire hunter) was our amicable Toastmaster of the Day.
October 24, 2008 - What?! No meeting summary? I guess you have to be there. I mean, you really have to be there (I wasn't today).
However, I was there at the Division D Contest at night. We should all applaud Hope and Laz for making it to this level of competition and giving strong performances. Although they didn't take back the grand prizes, their accomplishments should not be diminished at all.
Oh yeah, I was in the Humorous Speech Contest too and I happened to get 2nd place (Hieu Win! Hieu Win! Hieu Win!). Wait a minute, how did I also compete? Well, I'm a member of multiple clubs and I happened to advance through the other club and area levels (I guess it's a benefit of being active in Toastmasters). Laz was a big help in that he had such an incredibly funny speech that I started from scratch and did a brand new speech for this contest. That is what makes Toastmasters great - we all can inspire each other to do great things.
I am also honored to receive the Toastmasters "Outstanding Member" pin. This award wouldn't be possible without the awesome members of our club.
October 17, 2008 - Will I be like a geyser today and gush out with an enthusiatic burst of energy summarizing our meeting? Or will it be just hot air? How about leaving you with these two thoughts: Attitude is everything with Gentry. Jim knows the measure of success.
October 10, 2008 - Was today's meeting a figment of our imagination? I distinctly remember seeing Mo'Nique's unique Icebreaker about her cold days in the Bronx and her insurance days in Florida. I also remember Jeyanthi getting a gold star for her informative speech about the Toastmasters educational system. Somehow, I don't remember too much about my in-depth analysis of Election 2008. Maybe some things are just in our minds.
October 3, 2008 - While sitting here in the solarium in my office (not really), I'm thinking about the meeting we just had. Wouldn't it be great if everything was powered by solar energy? Or would it take away jobs like outsourcing? Gerald believes that one thing you can't outsource is face-to-face contact. Does it mean that I can outsource my webmaster duties? Mmm... Of course I'm not doing that. I enjoy making these weekly updates for all our members and any website visitors to see.
September 26, 2008 - Leading. Inspirational. Compassionate. Helpful. Unique. Nurturing. That is one way to spell L.I.C.H.U.N. It was a farewell luncheon full of stories and laughter (and even some tears). Freddy's Forum will miss Lichun's presence at our meetings and we wish her the best in Jacksonville.
September 19, 2008 - We had an anomaly at today's meeting. We ran out of time for Table Topics. :( The good news was that the speeches made up for it. I can picture Jeyanthi as a visionary leader. We learned from Bill how to select a speech topic. Stephanie inspired us to make every day a special day, just like today.
September 14, 2008 - Freddy's Forum showed once again why it is one of the best clubs around. By far, we had the most number of members in attendance at the Area 42 Contests (we won a new timing device as a result). Then history was made. It was a sweep for Freddy's Forum!!! Against the best competition from other Toastmaster clubs in our Area, Hope won the Evaluation Contest and Laz won the Humorous Speech Contest!!! Both will go even further and move on to the next level of competition. Let's all support Hope and Laz at next month's Division D Contest (this contest includes clubs in all Areas stretching from Boca Raton up to St Lucie County). GO HOPE AND LAZ!!!
September 12, 2008 - I hope that my comments in this section give even a sliver of our enjoyable meetings. Amir, with the help of myself, plan to give birth to a brand new club. Kathy provided visual memories from her T.R.I.P. to China. Hope gave words of wisdom regarding life's ups and downs. Even though Gerald was awaken by his baby at 5:45am, he found a silver lining in spending time with his son.
September 5, 2008 - The Olympics may be over, but the spirit of the competition is forever part of our memories. Jim described another kind of Olympics, where the competitors are evaluated on attributes such as being slow to anger and displaying self control. If anyone knows why we give bronze (and not tin, platinum or copper) to third place, please let Brian know. Given that we are in the midst of hurricane season, Robert asked if we were prepared for a natural disaster. It's also back to school time. I gave a poetic breakdown of the FL college mascots (I was chomping at the bit).
August 29, 2008 - We have an eclectic group at Freddy's Forum. In her Icebreaker Speech, Jennifer explained how one "insignificant" decision has had a profound effect on her life. One of our founding members, P.K., gave us some tips on giving effective evaluations (and it was an impromptu speech!). Ming brought it back to basics and explained how work at the SFWMD is cool! (yes, those two words were used in the same sentence). Laz gave us some insight into his rock star lifestyle (just take out the green M&M's).
August 22, 2008 - Hold a Humorous Speech contest: hilarity ensues. That's exactly what happened today. I definitely had fun going through my skydiving experience again. Andrew showed us how to take care of our "well being". Pam admitted that she was a cat (while wearing matching cat ears and cat earrings). Laz won it all using some interesting imagery from his trip to the Dominican Republic for a family reunion. Congrats Laz for a very funny and visually intense speech! Good luck at the Area Contest!
August 15, 2008 - Every Friday, I relish (word of the day) the opportunity to come to our meetings. Lichun gave a dignified acceptance speech of her 5-year service award from Taylor Engineering. Jeyanthi gave a funny and enlightening folk tale of poor rice farmers in India. Gentry definitely "has a purpose". Hope showed us again why she is considered to be one of our club's best evaluators. Not only that, she provided us an innovative Table Topics session in which two members were involved for each question (one member did the speaking while the other did the gestures). Thanks to my partner, Laz, for acting out a hilarious Table Topics response of Olympic proportions.
August 8, 2008 - It's the luckiest day of the year (08-08-08)! It's also special because we had our Evaluation contest today. Thanks to all of the participants in the contest and special thanks to our test speaker, Jerry Fernandez. He gave us an inspirational speech about going outside of your comfort zone. Congratulations to our winner, Hope, who will be representing us in the Evaluation portion of the Area contest next month. Go Hope!
August 1, 2008 - We had another extraordinary meeting today. Today's theme was the Beatles and we kept this theme going throughout the meeting. From Andrew doing his speech while in character as one of the Beatles to Laz incorporating Beatles song titles into his presentation of "Creating the Best Club Climate", we had it all. The only thing missing, in my mind, is that I wasn't all too familiar with the Beatles. But that's OK. My fellow Toastmasters' passion for the Beatles definitely made up for it. I'm a fan of having fun and energetic meetings like today. I'll be looking forward to our club contests this month.
July 25, 2008 - I got the Best Speaker ribbon today! Of course, this wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for Jane's elegant Icebreaker speech about her travels and her trials in life and also Verushka's helpful and informative Icebreaker speech about her work as a dating coach. Freddy's Forum welcomes both of you with open arms and is anxious to hear more from the two of you.
July 18, 2008 - The website is updated! See my own special highlights link to the left. Wow! How long can I keep this up? Well, it's not possible without the support of the fantastic members of Freddy's Forum.
July 11, 2008 - We're back after a week off from the 4th of July holiday. We had another magnificent meeting today. I think Pam sums it up best.
What a wonderful meeting today! We started out the new club year with over 30 attendees (including 5-6 guests) at our first meeting. Kevin ushered in the new year as Sergeant-at-Arms flawlessly even with a last-minute change of venue. Toastmaster Delia kept the meeting on schedule with a full agenda. Christella won the Best Speaker ribbon today for her heartwarming speech about her son’s Pathfinder award as she completed the requirements for her Competent Communicator award. Amir also received a Freddy’s Forum certificate for completion of his Advanced Communicator Gold award. Best Evaluator and Best Table Topic ribbons went to Greg and Taiye, respectively. Freddy’s Forum is well on its way to becoming a President’s Distinguished Club again this year. - Pam.
July 1, 2008 - Today is a great day! It is the start of a new Toastmasters year. I am excited to begin my tenure as the Club Webmaster. My vision is to make this the best Toastmasters club website in the area. I plan on making frequent updates. However, this is not just me. This website is for everyone to see. Let me know what you think. What do you like about it? What are ways to improve it?
