Anniversary Wrap-up
Saturday, January 23 meeting had the wonderful feeling of a homecoming celebration. C.M.A. Toastmasters had its 20th Anniversary celebration. Brandi, the club president, opened the meeting by reading a letter from Toastmasters president, Richard Peck, congratulating the club on its 20th anniversary.
The meeting included a wonderful mixture of old friends and new brought together by their love of Toastmasters and each other. We loved hearing about the founding of the group from former C.M.A. University president, Jerry Aspland, along with professors Dr Kathryn Marocchino and
Dr Jaya Punglia.. Picture below is President Jerry Aspland at the Charter ceremony in 2001.
Through the magic of zoom, we were able to meet with some of the original members who joined us from near and far.
Our special guest, Tommy Jean Valmassy, spoke about how to make decisions using the phrase "Indy Sigh Sieve". The purpose of her speech was to inspire the audience.
Mary Bustamante spoke about Being an Influencer. Hadassah Thomas and Brandi Livasy participated in our evaluation contest. Juni Abuda served as timer. Our Area Director served as the Zoom master for the evaluation contest.
Past members also took some of the main roles at the meeting. Peter McGroarty led table topics and Kathryn Marocchino served as grammarian. She presented the "Word of the Day". The "Word of the Day" was "numinous. It is pronounced ˈn(y)o͞omənəs It is an adjective. The word is defined as "
having a strong religious or spiritual quality; indicating or suggesting the presence of a divinity". Used in a sentence--The Oculus at The World Trade center is a numinous landmark because it evokes the image of a dove taking flight from the hands of a child.
Linda Stewart, served as its Toastmaster, but also commented on the club's awards and individual's awards during the last 20 years.
In 2012, when Juni Abuda served as club coach the club became a Toastmasters distinguished club.