Sunday, October 25, 2009
Blankenship earns Advanced Communicator Award
Dr. Todd Austin (left) and Bill Fulstick, both from Virden, were the speakers at the most recent Tri-County Toastmasters meeting. Austin gave a special “Successful Club Series” presentation, while Fulstick fulfilled project # 2 from the Competent Communication manual with his entertaining presentation about the 3 clubs he’s been a member of.
Tri-County Toastmasters club VP Todd Austin (left) presented the Advanced Communicator Silver award to Jim Blankenship. One must complete a minimum of 30 Toastmasters speech projects to achieve this honor from Toastmasters International.During club business, club VP Todd Austin presented fellow club member Jim Blankenship with the Advanced Communicator Silver (ACS) award from Toastmasters International. Blankenship, a Certified Financial Planner, is originally from Nokomis and now resides in New Berlin. The ACS award was given to Blankenship for having completed his 3rd and 4th Toastmasters Advanced Communication manuals.
The evening’s first prepared speaker was Dr. Todd Austin from Virden. Austin delivered a Powerpoint speech entitled “Keeping the Commitment” which covered the different aspects which make up the “Toastmasters Promise”. This was a project from the “Successful Club Series”.
Giving only his second speech as a member of Toastmasters was Virden’s Bill Fulstick. His speech was called “The Three Clubs I’ve Belonged To” and was about his membership experiences in two former clubs (American Legion & VFW) and one current club (Toastmasters). Fulstick’s entertaining presentation which fulfilled project # 2 from the Competent Communication manual on “Organizing Your Speech” was evaluated by Jim Blankenship.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Tri-County Member Competes in Contest
Tri-County Club member Bill Fulstick (right) was presented a ‘Certificate of Participation’ by Toastmasters Area 1 Governor Joann York. Fulstick competed in Saturday’s Toastmasters Area 1 Table Topics Contest which was held in Springfield.
Bill Fulstick from Virden represented the Tri-County Toastmasters club in the Area 1 Table Topics (impromptu speaking) Contest on 10-10-09 in Springfield, IL. During the Table Topics competition, each contestant including Fulstick, was to give a 1 to 2 minute unrehearsed response to the question “You have three wishes. What would you want?”
The Tri-County Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday October 15, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center. The speakers will be Todd Austin and Bill Fulstick. The Tri-County club, along with many other Toastmasters Clubs throughout the world will be celebrating the fact that Toastmasters International is marking it’s historic 85th anniversary this month. Over 5 million people have benefitted from the Toastmasters program over the years. Toastmasters Clubs currently meet in 106 different countries. Toastmasters was originally founded by Dr. Ralph Smedley, a native of nearby Waverly, IL.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Toastmasters Welcome Humorous Speaker
Tri-County Club Vice President Todd Austin (right) welcomed special guest humorous speaker Margaret Walker at Thursday’s meeting. Margaret’s humorous speech was called “Daddy Gave Me Permission to Date”.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on 10-1-09 at the Virden Area Community Center. Dr. Todd Austin from Virden was the evening’s Toastmaster (or master of ceremonies). Jim Blankenship served as the Tabletopicmaster, who coordinated the impromptu speaking portion of the program. During tabletopics, each participant gave a 1 to 2 minute unrehearsed response to a potpourri of questions.
The evening’s prepared speaker was special guest Margaret Walker. Margaret, a member of Springfield’s Capital City Toastmasters Club which meets at IDOT, gave a humorous speech called “Daddy Gave Me Permission to Date”. This is the speech that she will be giving during the Toastmasters Area 1 Humorous Speech Contest on 10-10-09 in Springfield. Another special guest, Toastmasters Area 1 Governor Joann York evaluated Walker’s humorous presentation.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Toastmasters Club holds Radio Talk Show
Tri-County Toastmasters Club Vice-President Todd Austin welcomed a special guest dignitary at the 9-17-09 meeting, Toastmasters Area 1 Governor Joann York.The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 9-17-09 at the Virden Area Community Center. A special guest in attendance was Toastmasters Area 1 Governor Joann York, who was conducting her official area visit to the Tri-County Club. It was also announced during business that Macoupin County will be hosting a special Toastmasters Division Humorous Speech contest on the morning of 10-24-09 at the Carlinville Best Western. This event will be free and open to the public.
Casey Tom served as the meeting’s master of ceremonies. Liz Mollett conducted the Tabletopics (the impromptu speaking portion of the program). Each participant gave an impromptu response (from 1 to 2 minutes) to a different question.
The evening’s two prepared speaker were Jim Blankenship from New Berlin and Todd Austin. Both are working from Toastmasters Advanced Communications manuals. One of the projects from the Public Relations manual called the ‘Radio Talk Show’ requires a talk show host to have a talk show guest on his program. Show host Herd Knightly (played by Jim Blankenship) first introduced Dr. Todd Austin from Austin Family Chiropractic in Virden as his special guest. Austin, who has been helping his patient’s to quit smoking since 2006 by using auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture without needles) then gave advice to the listeners about how to best prepare one’s self to give up nicotine in a prepared 4-minute presentation. Knightly and Austin then wrapped up the broadcast with a 3-minute question and answer session. The special presentation was evaluated by Area Governor Joann York.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Toastmasters Learn about the Motor City
Casey Tom was the prepared speaker at the most recent Tri-County Toastmasters meeting on 9-3-09. Casey spoke about Detroit, Michigan then and now during his presentation entitled “Manufacturing The American Dream”.The evening’s prepared speaker was Casey Tom. Tom, a CPA, was giving only his second speech as a member of Toastmasters. His speech was called “Manufacturing The American Dream” and was about the city of Detroit, MI. Casey, who grew up near the auto factories as a child gave examples of Detroit then and now in a very informative and entertaining presentation. Les Apps evaluated Casey’s speech.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Toastmasters Learn About The Two Types of Financial Advisors
Jim Blankenship (left) from New Berlin was the prepared speaker at the most recent Tri-County Toastmasters meeting on 8-20-09. Blankenship spoke on “The 2 Types of Financial Advisors”. Bill Fulstick (right) of Virden, served as Tabletopicmaster at Thursday’s meeting.The Tri-County Toastmasters club held their second meeting of August 2009 at the Virden Area Community Center on Thursday 8-20-09. Todd Austin served as the evening’s Toastmaster (or master of ceremonies). Bill Fulstick served as the Tabletopicmaster for only his second time as a club member, coordinating the impromptu speaking portion of the program. During tabletopics, each participant gave a 1 to 2 minute impromptu response to a different question.
The evening’s prepared speaker was Jim Blankenship of New Berlin. Blankenship performed project # 9 from the Basic Toastmasters Communication manual on giving a speech that employs persuasion. His presentation was entitled “The 2 Types of Financial Advisors”. Blankenship’s main point was that the 2 different types of financial advisors are held to two different standards: the fiduciary standard vs. the suitability standard. Todd Austin evaluated Blankenship’s speech.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Toastmasters Learn About A Bat Rescue
Tri-County Toastmasters Public Relations Officer Todd Austin from Virden (left) and President Les Apps attended the Toastmasters Leadership Institute in Springfield on August 1, 2009. Apps trained the other Area 1 and Division C club presidents by delivering a 50-minute Powerpoint presentation at the conference. 
Dr. Todd Austin from Virden was the prepared speaker at the first August 2009 Tri-County Toastmasters meeting. Austin who has been involved with bat conservation for nearly two decades discussed his role (during July) in giving Lucy, an orphaned 3-wk old Red Bat pup, “A New Lease On Life” in words and pictures with an Powerpoint presentation.The Tri-County Toastmasters club held their first meeting of August 2009 at the Virden Area Community Center. During club business, the officers reported on the recent Toastmasters Leadership Institute, which was held in Springfield. Both President Les Apps and Public Relations Officer Todd Austin attended the training. Apps also had the privilege of training the other Toastmasters Division C club presidents who attended the conference. The club also filled out a Club Success Plan for the July 2009 through June 2010 Toastmasters fiscal year at Thursday’s meeting.
Todd Austin served as the evening’s Toastmaster (or master of ceremonies). Austin also served as the Tabletopicmaster, coordinating the impromptu speaking portion of the program, during which each participant gave a 1 to 2 minute impromptu response to a different question chosen from a variety of subjects.
The evening’s prepared speaker was also Dr. Todd Austin from Virden. Austin, who has been a member of Bat Conservation International since 1990, performed a project from the Basic Toastmasters Communication manual on giving a speech that employs vocal variety. His presentation was entitled “A New Lease On Life – A Bat Rescue”. Austin gave a Powerpoint presentation about his role on July 10, 2009 in giving an orphaned 3-week old female Red Bat pup from Girard a new lease on life. Les Apps evaluated Austin’s speech.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Toastmasters Club holds Humorous Award Ceremony
Todd Austin (left, as the Newtonian & Euclidian Research & Dance Society’s president), presented a fictitious humorous award to Les Apps. Apps, portraying Bertrum P. Farnsworth, graciously accepted the society’s annual ‘Golden Pocket Protector’ award for his research in incorporating Euclidian geometry into hip-hop dance moves. Both Apps and Austin are working from an Advanced Toastmasters manual on ‘Special Occasion Speeches’. The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 7-16-09 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps from Girard, Dr. Todd Austin from Virden, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, Bill Fulstick from Virden, Liz Mollett from Auburn and Casey Tom. One guest, Brenda Masters-Stout, a member of Hillsboro’s Montgomery County Toastmasters Club was also present.
During business the new slate of club officers for the 2009/2010 Toastmasters year were installed. Les Apps will continue to serve as club president.
Casey Tom served as the meeting’s master of ceremonies. Bill Fulstick conducted a ‘current events’ themed Tabletopics (the impromptu speaking portion of the program). This was Fulstick’s first time serving in the role of Topicmaster. Each participant then gave a 1 to 2 minute impromptu response to his or her question.
The evening’s two prepared speaker were Todd Austin and Les Apps. Both are working from the Advanced Communications manual which is entitled ‘Special Occasion Speeches’. Two of the five speeches in this manual are ‘Presenting an Award’ and ‘Accepting an Award’. Apps conjured up a humorous and fictitious award ceremony idea. Austin portrayed Navin R. Johnson II, the president of the Newtonian and Euclidian Research and Dance Society (or N.E.R.D.S.) during a 4-minute award presentation. Apps played Bertrum P. Farnsworth, who was presented the society’s prestigious annual ‘Golden Pocket Protector’ award for his research in incorporating Euclidian geometry into hip-hop dance moves. Apps then delivered a very entertaining 5-minute acceptance speech. Liz Mollett had the honor of evaluating both special presentations.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Tri-County Toastmasters Hear ‘Icebreaker’ Speech
Bill Fulstick, the newest member of the Tri-County Toastmasters Club, delivered his first prepared Toastmasters speech called an ‘Ice Breaker’ at the last meeting. It was an entertaining talk about his late 1960’s vacation to Europe.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday at the Virden Area Community Center. Todd Austin from Virden served as the meeting’s master of ceremonies. Girard's Les Apps was the evening’s General Evaluator.
The new slate of club officers was also announced during the club's brief business meeting. Apps will continue to serve as club president through 6-30-2010
The evening’s prepared speaker was Virden's Bill Fulstick. Bill delivered his first ever speech as a member of Toastmasters, which is officially referred to as an ‘Ice Breaker’ speech. His 7-minute presentation was about his European vacation that he took in the late 1960’s. Todd Austin evaluated Fulstick’s speech.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Toastmasters Learn About White-nose Syndrome
Todd Austin was the prepared speaker at the most recent Tri-County Toastmasters meeting. Austin who has been involved with bat conservation for nearly two decades discussed White-nose Syndrome, which scientists have referred to as the worst documented threat ever faced by North American insect-eating bats.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 5-21-09 at the Virden Area Community Center. Jim Blankenship served as the evening’s Toastmaster (or master of ceremonies). Blankenship from New Berlin also served as Tabletopicmaster, coordinating the impromptu speaking portion of the program, during which each participant gave a 1 to 2 minute impromptu response to a particular question chosen from on a variety of topics.
The evening’s prepared speaker was Todd Austin. Austin, who has been a member of Bat Conservation International since 1990, performed a project from the Basic Toastmasters Communication manual on giving an organized speech. His presentation was entitled “The # 1 Threat to North American Bats”. Austin discussed White-nose Syndrome which started affecting hibernating bats in a single cave in New York state just over 3 years ago, but has since spread throughout at least nine states! Two endangered species found in Illinois, Indiana bats and Gray bats, could soon be facing extinction if scientists don’t find more answers soon regarding this mysterious syndrome. Les Apps evaluated Austin’s informative speech.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday June 4, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center. Les Apps will be the prepared speaker. For more information about the affordable Toastmasters program please call (217) 965-3100 or send e-mail to draustin@royell.net.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Toastmasters Public Speaking Seminar A Success
A handful of Area 1 Toastmaster members from five different clubs recently finished up a 4-session Speechcraft ‘Public Speaking 101’ workshop for the general public in Springfield. Todd Austin, the public relations officer of the Tri-County Toastmasters Club served as the coordinator for the workshop series.
All attendees who graduated the course fulfilled the following requirements: introduced another speaker three times, participated in an impromptu speaking exercise on four occasions, gave three prepared speeches and evaluated another participant’s speech once.
The fourth and final session was held on 4-23-09. At Speechcraft session # 4, Austin served as the evening’s master of ceremonies. New Berlin's Jim Blankenship, a member of both the Tri-County and the American General Clubs gave a motivational speech about “Why You Should Join Toastmasters”. Incoming Area 1 Governor Joann York from Springfield’s Noontime Club addressed participants about all of the Area 1 clubs that are open to the public. York also served as the General Evaluator. Kelly Anderson from Springfield’s American General Company Club led the impromptu speaking portion of the evening by serving as the Tabletopicmaster.
Other Area 1 Toastmaster members who helped out with the first 3 Speechcraft sessions were: Jackie Rakers from the Montgomery County Club, Division C Governor Margaret Walker from the Noontime Club, and Dan Filla from Springfield’s McBrian Lincoln-Douglas Club.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday May 7, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center located at 105 West Jackson Street. For more information about how the affordable Toastmasters program can help you to become either a better leader or communicator, or for information about attending a meeting or scheduling a Speechcraft program for your organization or community, please call (217) 965-3100 or e-mail draustin@royell.net.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Toastmasters Club Welcomes a U.S. Soldier as a Guest Speaker
Todd Austin (left) was the Tabletopicmaster and Jim Blankenship from New Berlin was the Toastmaster (master of ceremonies) at Thursday’s Tri-County Toastmasters meeting.
Jim Blankenship served as the evening’s Toastmaster (or master of ceremonies). Todd Austin served as Tabletopicmaster. Thus Austin coordinated the impromptu speaking portion of the program, during which each participant gave a 1 to 2 minute impromptu response to his or her question on the topic of pirates of history and legends (inspired by the modern day pirates off Somalia’s coast that have been in the news lately).
The evening’s prepared speaker was a guest from Springfield who is currently taking the Speechcraft ‘Public Speaking 101’ course in Springfield that Austin and a handful of other Area 1 Toastmasters are conducting. The special guest (who did not want his picture or name mentioned in the newspaper due to security concerns, as he is involved in military intelligence) recently ended a 4-year oversees tour of duty as a soldier in the active U.S. Army (including a stint in Iraq). He is now a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve. This gentleman’s second Speechcraft speech project was to present a 5-minute talk on a subject that he was passionate about. The title of his presentation was “Staying in Iraq”. He informed the Toastmasters audience about the many good things happening in Iraq that the mainstream media refuses to share with us. Austin evaluated the speech.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday May 7, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center. Liz Mollett from Auburn will be the prepared speaker. For more information about the Toastmasters program, or about scheduling a Speechcraft workshop for your organization, please call (217) 965-3100 or send e-mail to draustin@royell.net.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Tri-County Club to Hold ‘Toastmasters Week’ Open House
Tri-County Toastmasters club members (from left): Bill Fulstick from Virden, Liz Mollett from Auburn, Casey Tom from Springfield, Les Apps from Girard, Billy Watkins from Morrisonville, John Davidson from Winchester, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin and Dr. Todd Austin from Virden invite the public to attend a special club ‘open house’ on Thursday, 4-2-09 in honor Gov. Pat Quinn’s ‘Toastmasters Week’ in IL proclamation.The Tri-County Toastmasters club, which serves the counties of Macoupin, Montgomery and Sangamon, will next meet on Thursday April 2, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center located at 105 West Jackson Street. The April 2nd meeting will be a special ‘open house’ meeting in conjunction with Gov. Quinn’s ‘Toastmasters Week’ declaration. Admission is free, guests are welcome and refreshments will be served. For more information about how the Toastmasters program can help you to become a better communicator, or for information about attending the ‘open house’ meeting on April 2nd please call (217) 965-3100 or e-mail draustin@royell.net.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Toastmasters Welcome a Guest
Club president Les Apps (left) welcomed Mick Bray as a guest at the last Tri-County Toastmasters meeting.
Todd Austin (from left) and John Davidson were the prepared speakers at the 3-19-09 Tri-County Toastmasters meeting. Austin spoke about improving communication skills in all facets of life through Toastmasters training and Davidson spoke.The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 3-19-09 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps, Dr. Todd Austin from Virden, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, John Davidson, Bill Fulstick, Liz Mollett from Auburn, Casey Tom and Billy Watkins. One guest, Mick Bray was also present.
Todd Austin served as the meeting’s master of ceremonies. Jim Blankenship, a Certified Financial Planner from New Berlin, coordinated the impromptu speaking portion of the program, during which each participant gave a 1 to 2 minute impromptu response to his or her question.
The evening’s first prepared speaker was Todd Austin. Austin delivered an inspirational speech entitled “Communication – The Key to Success”. This presentation was a revised version of the one Austin presented one week earlier to a non-Toastmasters audience as part of a Speechcraft ‘Public Speaking 101’ workshop. It fulfilled the tenth project from the Toastmasters basic communication manual. Liz Mollett evaluated Todd’s speech.
The final prepared speaker was John Davidson. Les Apps evaluated John’s speech.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday April 2, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center. Billy Watkins from Morrisonville will be the prepared speaker. The club will be hosting an open house as a way of introducing the Toastmasters program to the general public. For more information about the Toastmasters program, or about joining or attending the ‘open house’ meeting, please call (217) 965-3100 or send e-mail to draustin@royell.net.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Toastmasters Conduct 'Public Speaking 101' Seminar
Casey Tom, one of the Tri-County Toastmasters Club’s newest members delivered his first prepared Toastmasters speech called an ‘Ice Breaker’ at the last meeting. 
Area 1 Toastmaster members who conducted the first session of a Speechcraft ‘Public Speaking 101’ seminar for the public which started in Springfield on 3-12-09 are from left): assistant coordinator Kelly Anderson, guest speaker Jackie Rakers and coordinator Todd Austin. The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 3-5-09 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at the meeting were: Les Apps, Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, John Davidson, Bill Fulstick, Casey Tom and Bill Watkins.
Billy Watkins served as the meeting’s master of ceremonies. Les Apps served as the Topicmaster, who is in charge of the impromptu speaking portion of the meeting. Todd Austin was the evening’s General Evaluator.
The evening’s prepared speaker was Casey Tom. Tom delivered his first ever speech as a member of Toastmasters, which is officially referred to as an ‘Ice Breaker’ speech. His 4-minute presentation was about golf and public speaking. Jim Blankenship evaluated Austin’s speech.
Todd Austin, the public relations officer and a founding member of the Tri-County Toastmasters Club also embarked upon an exciting project since the last meeting. He is coordinating and conducting a Speechcraft program with the assistance of a handful of other Area 1 Toastmasters members in Springfield. The first session (out of four total), was held on 3-12-09. Six central Illinoisans received training on how to improve their communication skills from Austin, assistant coordinator Kelly Anderson from Springfield’s AIG (company) Club, and Jackie Rakers who is currently the president of the Montgomery County club which meets in Hillsboro.
At Speechcraft session # 1, Austin gave a presentation about “The Importance of Good Communication Skills” and Rakers delivered a very informative and entertaining PowerPoint about “Selecting A Speech Topic”. Anderson doubled as the Topicmaster and Speech Evaluator, while Rakers also served as the General Evaluator. By the time the Speechcraft concludes next month, all Speechcrafters will have introduced and evaluated other speakers, will have participated in an impromptu speaking exercise on four occasions and will have delivered a total of three prepared speeches.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club, will next meet on Thursday March 19, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center located at 105 West Jackson Street. For more information about how the affordable Toastmasters program can help you to become either a better leader or communicator, or for information about attending a meeting or scheduling a Speechcraft program for your organization or community, please call (217) 965-3100 or e-mail draustin@royell.net.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Toastmasters Club Welcomes Newest Member
At Thursday’s Tri-County Toastmasters meeting, Todd Austin gave an informative speech about the history of the NFL’s oldest franchise whose origin dates back to the late 1800’s in Chicago, and who were once known as the St. Louis Cardinals. The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 2-19-09 at the Virden Area Community Center. Veteran club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps, Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, John Davidson, Liz Mollett from Auburn, Casey Tom and Bill Watkins. Club President Les Apps later welcomed Bill Fulstick as the clubs newest member at Thursday’s meeting.
Jim Blankenship served as the meeting’s master of ceremonies. Casey Tom was in charge of the Tabletopics, which is also known as the impromptu speaking portion of the meeting.
Les Apps, current club president and past Area 1 Governor, conducted an officers training session during the meeting. All 5 club officers were in attendance and received semi-annual training.
The evening’s prepared speaker was Todd Austin. Austin completed a project from the Basic Toastmasters Communication Manual. The title of his informative speech was “From Rags To Riches To Rags And Almost Back Again”. It was about the history of the National Football League’s oldest franchise, the Arizona Cardinals. The presentation followed the team from its humble beginning as the ‘Morgan Athletic Club’ back in Chicago in 1899, to their Racine Cardinal days from 1901 to 1920 (they played at 61st and Racine Streets in Chicago). They became the Chicago Cardinals in 1920 and won NFL Championships in 1925 & 1947 before moving on to St. Louis and finally to Arizona where they recently came close to winning a Superbowl. Liz Mollett evaluated Austin’s speech.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club, will next meet on Thursday March 5, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center located at 105 West Jackson Street. For more information about how the affordable Toastmasters program can help you to become either a better leader or communicator, or for information about attending a meeting please call (217) 965-3100 or e-mail draustin@royell.net.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Blankenship completes Advanced Toastmasters Manual
Liz Mollett served as the meeting’s master of ceremonies. >Bill Watkins served as the Topicmaster, conducting the impromptu speaking portion of the program. Each participant then gave a 1 to 2 minute impromptu response to his or her particular question.
The evening’s prepared speaker was Jim Blankenship. Blankenship owns a financial planning business in New Berlin, but is originally from Nokomis. His humorous presentation which was about “Acronyms” was the fifth and final project from the Toastmasters Advanced Manual on “Humorously Speaking”. After completing 10 projects in the Basic Manual, members have 14 different Advanced Manuals to choose from. Dr. Todd Austin from Virden was assigned to evaluate Blankenship’s talk.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday February 19, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center. Todd Austin is scheduled to be the prepared speaker at the next meeting. For more information about the Toastmasters program, or about joining or attending a club meeting, please call (217) 965-3100 or send e-mail to draustin@royell.net.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Central IL Toastmasters Attend Officers Training.
Members of both Montgomery County & Tri-County Toastmasters Clubs received officers training at the IDOT building in Springfield on Saturday 2-14-09. Officers trained were (from left): Mont-Co. President Jackie Rakers; Ashley Lawrence; Bill Guthrie; District 8 Governor Tony Gartner; Tri-Co. V.P. of Public Relations Todd Austin; Tri-Co. Secretary/Treasurer – Jim Blankenship; Mont-Co. V.P. of P.R. – Kim Noyes.
Todd Austin, a veteran Toastmasters officer and member of the Tri-Country Club, was one of ten scheduled speakers at Saturdays Toastmasters Leadership Instutute. Austin gave a 50-minute PowerPoint presentation entitled “How to be an Effective Vice President of Public Relations”
Both Tri-County and Montgomery County Toastmasters club officers attended the Division C Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) at the IDOT building in Springfield on Saturday 2-14-09. Officers from approximately 15 Division C attended the training sessions. Division C, also known as the ‘Prairie Division’ is made up of a large area that includes 42 Illinois counties.
Dr. Todd Austin from Virden served as one of ten scheduled presenters at the TLI. Austin, the first President of the Tri-County Club and a former Area 1 Governor, has been a member of five Toastmasters clubs dating back to 1994, has been a founding member of two clubs (including Tri-County), and has served as Vice President of Public Relations in two different clubs for a total of 12 years (the past 10 with Tri-County).
Jim Blankenship, a financial planner from New Berlin, is a veteran officer with the Tri-County Club. He is also a founding and current member of the AIG (Company) Club in Springfield.
Also attending the TLI were Bill Guthrie, Ashley Lawrence, Brenda Masters-Stout, Kim Noyes & Jackie Rakers, who are all current officers of the new Montgomery County Club which meets in Hillsboro twice per month on Tuesday evenings.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday February 19, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center. The Montgomery County club meets on the first and third Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. at the Red Rooster Inn in Hillsboro. For more information about the Toastmasters program, or about joining or attending a club meeting, please call (217) 965-3100 or send e-mail to draustin@royell.net.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Dr. Austin Speaks to Elementary School Students about BATS
students about bats last week. Students accompanying Dr.
Austin in this photo are (from left): Gatlin Etter, Bella Etter, Dolan
Johnson and James Davis.
about bats a few days before Halloween. Students standing
with ‘The Bat Doctor’ in this photo are (from left): Koby Pitchford,
Tyler Tolliver, Makenna Bolte, and Lyndsie Crouch.
about bats three days before Halloween 2008. Students
accompanying Dr. Austin in this photo are (from left): Mikayla
Blankenship, Dylan McGill, David Sims and Natalie Bednar.
On Tuesday October 28, 2008, Dr. Todd Austin had the opportunity to teach more than 225 Virden Elementary School students about bats. Austin, a Virden Doctor of Chiropractic, has been an active member of Bat Conservation International (BCI) for eighteen years.
Austin also became a member of Toastmasters in 1994 and is currently an officer for Virden’s Tri-County Toastmasters Club. Toastmasters has taught him how to take his love, passion and
enthusiasm for the world’s only flying mammals and turn that into an exciting presentation that others can learn from. Austin, sometimes called ‘The Bat Doctor’, has been speaking to audiences of all ages about bats since 1996.
Austin enjoys speaking about how bats are beneficial to people and the environment. "Bats tend to be misunderstood by many of us because they are usually only awake at nighttime” explains Austin. “My mission as a BCI volunteer is to drum up some good public relations for bats. If I can get even a handful of kids excited about bats, and even just one of them decides to go into a field such as bat research or conservation, then I’ve done my duty as a BCI member.”
Dr. Austin educated Virden Kindergarteners and 1st graders with his Powerpoint slide presentation called “Halloween, Vampires and Other Bats”. Later that day, he educated Virden 4th graders with another of his Powerpoint slide presentations entitled “How To Become A
Bat Ambassador”. Austin has compiled a set of over 100 slides that he uses for his bat programs. Most of the photos are courtesy of BCI founder Dr. Merlin Tuttle, who is known as the ‘world’s
leading bat photographer’. Twenty of the slides are from Austin’s own personal work with bats over the years.
"The kids really loved the bat slide presentation." said Austin "The slide of the California leaf-nosed bat which Austin and the kids affectionately referred to as ‘Mr. Rabbit Ears’, and the photo of the Wrinkle-faced bat that resembles a dinosaur elicited the most laughter from the audience. The kids also thought the picture of the Little Brown bat being held in the palm of a human hand was simply adorable".
- Austin started out by dispelling some of the myths about bats, like the ones that bats are ugly and that all bats are blind.
- He also told about how vampire bats actually lick up (not suck) the blood from birds and farm animals in Mexico and South America.
- He then stressed many of the ways bats are good for our environment:
- Kids were taught that a single Little Brown bat can eat 1,000 mosquitoes in just one hour.
- They learned about how Big Brown bats help out farmers considerably by controlling the number of crop pests that damage corn crops.
They also heard about how bats in other parts of the world are essential for the survival of the rainforests, because they help flowers and trees to grow. - Austin emphasized the fact that bats are wild animals that should never be touched. The children were informed that if they ever encountered a bat on the ground, they should leave it alone. This is because it might be a sick bat which could cause them to get sick too.
"While I enjoy speaking to audiences of all ages," says Dr. Austin, "children are the future guardians of our planet. A little bit of education at an early age can go a long way toward changing preconceived negative attitudes about these remarkably fascinating and highly beneficial flying mammals."
Austin donated three books Bats Love The Night, Time For Kids: Bats and Bats: Creatures Of The Night to the school library. Virden’s ‘Bat Doctor’ also left bat rings for all the students as well as Bat Fact Cards for the 4th graders.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Toastmasters Hold ‘Halloween’ Theme Meeting 10/16/2008
Austin, a Bat Conservation International (BCI) member shared approximately 100 bat photos (from BCI founder Dr. Tuttle and from Austin’s own work with bats) during his presentation to the Toastmasters club. It was the same 23-minute presentation that he will give to first grade students later this month.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 10-16-08 at the Virden Area Community Center. The theme of the meeting was the upcoming “Halloween” holiday. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps from Girard, Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship, John Davidson, Liz Mollett, Casey Tom and Bill Watkins. One guest, Ava Austin, was also present.
Liz Mollett from Auburn served as the meeting’s master of ceremonies. Jim Blankenship from New Berlin served as the Topicmaster. Blankenship conducted the impromptu speaking portion of the program with all questions based on Halloween. Each participant then gave a 1 to 2 minute impromptu response to his or her particular question.
The evening’s prepared speaker was Dr. Todd Austin from Virden, IL. His powerpoint
presentation which was entitled “Halloween, Vampires & Other Bats” is the one that he will deliver to approximately 80 first grade students later this month. Austin has been involved with bat conservation work, bat house research and bat rescue and has been a member of Bat Conservation International since 1990. His enthusiasm for bats has earned him the nickname
"The Bat Doctor". John Davidson evaluated Austin’s informative and entertaining presentation, during which Austin dispelled many myths about the world’s only flying mammals.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Toastmasters Hold Theme Meeting 10/2/2008
Alan Saeger (left) and Jim Blankenship spoke at Thursday’s Tri-County Toastmasters theme meeting. The theme was the 2008 election coupled with the recent financial bailout. Saeger discussed the election with his “A Lesson Against Media Bias” while Blankenship spoke about the bailout with his speech entitled “Bank On This!”.The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 10-2-08 at the Virden Area Community Center. The theme of the meeting was a combination of the ‘2008 Political Race’ and the recent ‘U.S. Government Financial Bailout’. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Dr. Todd Austin from Virden, Jim Blankenship, Liz Mollett from Auburn and Bill Watkins. One
guest, Alan Saeger, was also present.
Todd Austin served as the meeting’s master of ceremonies. Liz Mollett conducted a Tabletopics (the impromptu speaking portion of the program) session with most questions based on the ’08 elections and the financial bailout. Each participant then gave a 1 to 2 minute impromptu response to his particular question.
The evening’s first prepared speaker was Jim Blankenship. His speech was the fourth out of five projects in the Toastmasters Advanced Communication manual on ‘Humorously Speaking’. Blankenship, a Certified Financial Planner from New Berlin, delivered a talk called “Bank On This!” that informed the audience about the recent bailout while also using quite a bit of humor to get the message across.
The second prepared speech was given by Alan Saeger. His talk about the upcoming election was subtitled “A Lesson Against Media Bias”.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
9/18/08 Meeting
Auburn's Liz Mollett delivered an informative presentation about the Hangzhou Bridge called “Made in China” at Thursday’s Tri-County Toastmasters meeting.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 9-18-08 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps from Girard, Dr. Todd Austin from Virden, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, Liz Mollett from Auburn, Casey Tom and Bill Watkins.
Jim Blankenship served as the meeting’s Toastmaster (master of ceremonies). Billy Watkins conducted a Tabletopics (the impromptu speaking portion of the program) session with no fixed theme. Each participant then gave a 1 to 2 minute impromptu response to a different question.
The evening’s prepared speaker was Liz Mollett. Her speech was the seventh project out of ten projects in the Toastmasters Basic Communication manual, which is about ‘researching your topic’. Mollett’s informative presentation entitled “Made In China” was about the Hangzhou Bridge and the state-of-the-art architecture and technology that went into building the structure. Les Apps evaluated her speech.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Two Toastmaster Clubs Train Officers in Virden
Springfield AIG Club members that attended the last Toastmasters joint meeting for officer training in Virden were (from left): Jim Blankenship who performed the training; Jacquiline Perkins -V.P. of Public Relations; Lois Fox – Treasurer; Sonja Terrell - V.P. of Education; Susan Smith – Secretary.
Tri-County Toastmaster Club officers trained at the last meeting were (from left): Secretary/Treasurer – Jim Blankenship; V.P. of Public Relations – Todd Austin; V.P. of Education & Membership – Liz Mollett.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club held a joint (officers training) meeting with Springfield’s AIG company club on Thursday 8-21-08 at the Virden Area Community Center.
Todd Austin from Virden served as the meeting’s master of ceremonies. Austin also conducted a ‘politics and sports’ themed Tabletopics (the impromptu speaking portion of the program). Each participant, from both clubs, gave a 1 to 2 minute impromptu response to a different question.
The evening’s prepared speaker, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, is a dual member who belongs to both clubs. Blankenship has served as an officer in the Tri-County Club for over 4 years now. He also served as the liason between District 8 of Toastmasters International and AIG of Springfield in 2007. Thanks to having Blankenship as a founding (or charter) member, the AIG club is now one of Area 1’s newest Toastmaster clubs. Blankenship gave a special officer training presentation entitled “Officers training & The Club Success Plan” during which he explained in detail all of the officer positions observed by Toastmasters clubs. Liz Mollett from Auburn evaluated his special presentation.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday September 18, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center. For more information about the Toastmasters program, or about joining or attending a club meeting, please call (217) 965-3100 or send e-mail to draustin@royell.net.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Toastmasters Club holds Award Ceremony 8/7/08
Les Apps (as Parker Chiropractic Seminars President Dr. Fabrizio Mancini), presented the ‘Chiropractor of the Year’ award to Dr. Todd Austin (left) at Thursday’s Tri-County Toastmasters meeting. It is an award that Austin received in January 2001 at a Parker Seminar in Las Vegas. Both Apps and Austin are working from an Advanced Toastmasters manual on ‘Special Occasion Speeches’.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 8-7-08 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps from Girard, Dr. Todd Austin from Virden, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, John Davidson, Liz Mollett from Auburn, Casey Tom and Bill Watkins.
During business, the club announced that they will hold a special joint club officers training session with 3 other clubs being invited to the next meeting on 8-21-08.
Billy Watkins served as the meeting’s master of ceremonies. Liz Mollett conducted a ‘wonders of the human body’ themed Tabletopics (the impromptu speaking portion of the program). Each participant was to give a 1 to 2 minute impromptu response to a different question.
The evening’s two prepared speaker were Les Apps and Todd Austin. Both are working from the Advanced Communications manual which is entitled ‘Special Occasion Speeches’. Two of the five speeches in this manual are ‘Presenting an Award’ and ‘Accepting an Award’. Apps portrayed Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, the President of the Parker Chiropractic Seminars as he presented the ‘Year 2000 GTO Chiropractor of the Year Award’ to Dr. Todd W. Austin in a 4-minute award presentation. Austin, a Virden Chiropractic Physician for the past 11 years, who actually received this award 8 ½ years ago at a seminar in Las Vegas, graciously accepted the award in a 6-minute presentation. Jim Blankenship and John Davidson were the speech evaluators.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday August 21, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center. For more information about the Toastmasters program, or about joining or attending a club meeting, please call (217) 965-3100 or send e-mail to draustin@royell.net.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Toastmasters Club Elects New Officers
Todd Austin was the prepared speaker at the 6-5-08 Tri-County Toastmasters meeting. Austin delivered an informative speech called “Living Dangerously With High Fructose Corn Syrup”.
The Tri-County Toastmasters Club’s new slate of officers for the Toastmasters fiscal year beginning on 7-1-08 were elected at Thursday’s meeting. They are (from left): Les Apps – President; Todd Austin – VP of Public Relations; Billy Watkins – Sergeant at Arms; Jim Blankenship – Secretary / Treasurer. The other officer not pictured is Liz Mollett – VP of Education & Membership.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 6-5-08 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps from Girard, Dr. Todd Austin from Virden, Jim Blankenship, John Davidson, Casey Tom and Bill Watkins.
During business, the club elected officers FY 2008/2009. The new officers will be: President Les Apps, VP of Education & Membership Liz Mollett, VP of PR Todd Austin, Secretary & Treasurer Jim Blankenship and Sergeant at Arms Bill Watkins.
Billy Watkins served as the meeting’s master of ceremonies. New Berlin's Jim Blankenship who also serves on the Sangamon County Fair Board conducted a ‘Sangamon County Fair’ themed Tabletopics (the impromptu speaking portion of the program) in honor of the upcoming fair to be held in New Berlin later this month. Each participant was to give a 1 to 2 minute impromptu response to a different fair-related question.
The evening’s prepared speaker was Todd Austin, a Virden Chiropractic Physician, who gave an informative talk about the evils of high fructose corn syrup… a genetically engineered non-food that the food industry giants insist on adding to almost all packaged or processed foods. There is overwhelming scientific evidence that HFCS is a major cause of obesity, diabetes and fatty liver in the U.S. The speech was a project from the basic Toastmasters Communication manual. Les Apps evaluated the speech.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday June 19, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center. For more information about the Toastmasters program, or about joining or attending a club meeting, please call (217) 965-3100 or send e-mail to draustin@royell.net.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Toastmasters Holds Open House 5/15/2008
John Davidson (left) and New Berlin's Jim Blankenship were the speakers at the last Tri-County Toastmasters meeting. Davidson delivered an inspirational speech, while Blankenship gave a persuasive speech about “Why To Join Toastmasters”.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 5-15-08 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Dr. Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, John Davidson, Liz Mollett from Auburn, Casey Tom and Bill Watkins. One guest, Kathy Shepard who runs the Apple Creek Herb Farm in Waverly, was also present.
Todd Austin served as the meeting’s master of ceremonies. Casey Tom conducted a current events themed Tabletopics (the impromptu speaking portion of the program). Each participant had to give a 1 to 2 minute impromptu response to a different question.
The evening’s first prepared speaker was John Davidson who gave an inspirational speech entitled “Friends”. It was a project from the basic Toastmasters Communication manual. Liz Mollett evaluated his speech.
The meeting’s final prepared speaker was Jim Blankenship who delivered a persuasive speech called "Why To Join Toastmasters." It was a project from the advanced Toastmasters Communication manual on ‘Persuasive Speaking’. Todd Austin evaluated Jim’s speech.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday June 5, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center. For more information about the Toastmasters program, or about joining or attending a club meeting, please call (217) 965-3100 or send e-mail to draustin@royell.net.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Toastmasters Club Meets 5/1/08. Plans Open House.
Jim Blankenship was the prepared speaker at Thursday’s Tri-County Toastmasters meeting. He gave a presentation from the Advanced Communicator Manual on Persuasive Speaking called “Why To Join Toastmasters”.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 5-1-08 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members in attendance at Thursday’s meeting were: Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship, John Davidson, Liz Mollett, Casey Tom and Bill Watkins.
Todd Austin from Virden served as the meeting’s Toastmaster or master of ceremonies. Casey Tom was in charge of the Tabletopics, which is the impromptu speaking portion of the program. During Tabletopics, Tom presented each participant with a different question related to Disney theme parks with all questions inspired by his recent family vacation to Disney World. Each respondent then gave a 1 to 2 minute impromptu response.
The evening’s prepared speaker was Jim Blankenship from New Berlin. Blankenship, a member of both the Tri-County Club and Springfield’s recently chartered AIG Club, gave an informative presentation about how anyone could benefit from joining Toastmasters entitled “Why to Join Toastmasters.” John Davidson evaluated Blankenship’s speech.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club, which services the counties of Macoupin, Montgomery and Sangamon, will next meet on Thursday May 15, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center located at 105 West Jackson Street. The May 15th meeting will be a special open house meeting in conjunction with ‘District 8 Toastmasters Week’. Guests are welcome and refreshments will be served. For more information about how the Toastmasters program can help you to become both a better leader and communicator, or for information about attending the open house meeting on May 15th please call (217) 965-3100 or send e-mail to draustin@royell.net.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Toastmasters Club Meets 4/17/08
John Davidson was the prepared speaker at Thursday’s Tri-County Toastmasters meeting. He gave a presentation about the Federal Reserve Banking System.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 4-17-08 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members in attendance at Thursday’s meeting were: Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship, John Davidson, Liz Mollett, Casey Tom and Bill Watkins.
Todd Austin from Virden served as the meeting’s Toastmaster or master of ceremonies. Liz Mollett from Auburn was in charge of the Tabletopics, which is the impromptu speaking portion of the program. During Tabletopics, Mollett presented each participant with a copy of a Norman Rockwell painting. Each then had to give a 1 to 2 minute impromptu response about what they thought the story was behind the painting.
The evening’s prepared speaker was John Davidson. Davidson gave an informative presentation about the Federal Reserve Bank. Jim Blankenship evaluated Davidson’s speech.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club, which serves the counties of Macoupin, Montgomery and Sangamon, will next meet on Thursday May 1, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center located at 105 West Jackson Street. For more information about how the affordable Toastmasters program can help you to become both a better leader and communicator, or for information about attending a meeting please call (217) 965-3100 or send e-mail to draustin@royell.net.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Tri-County Welcomes New Member
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 3-20-08 at the Virden Area Community Center. Veteran club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps, Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship, John Davidson and Liz Mollett. Club Vice President of Membership Liz Mollett from Auburn later welcomed Casey Tom as the clubs newest member at Thursday’s meeting.
Les Apps from Girard served as the meeting’s master of ceremonies. Dr. Todd Austin from Virden was in charge of the Tabletopics, which is the impromptu speaking portion of the program. During Tabletopics, each participant’s task was to give a 1 to 2 minute impromptu response to the question he had just been asked, which each respondent receiving a different question.
The evening’s lone prepared speaker was John Davidson from Carlinville. Davidson gave a touching, dramatic presentation called “The Bird Feeder”. This was a special presentation that John plans to deliver again as a contestant in the upcoming Toastmasters Area 1 International Speech Contest in Springfield. Liz Mollett evaluated Davidson’s speech.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club, which serves the counties of Macoupin, Montgomery and Sangamon, will next meet on Thursday April 3, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center located at 105 West Jackson Street. For more information about how the affordable Toastmasters program can help you to become either a better leader or communicator, or for information about attending a meeting please call (217) 965-3100 or e-mail draustin@royell.net.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Toastmasters Witness Two Special Presentations
Long-time Tri-County member Alan Saeger (seated, left) who has since returned to work as a trucker for Witte Brothers of Troy, MO was given a humorous ‘Farewell Roast’ by longtime friend and fellow club member Todd Austin of Virden (right) at the last Toastmasters meeting.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 2-21-08 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps, Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship, John Davidson, Alan Saeger and Billy Watkins.
Jim Blankenship, a financial planner from New Berlin, served as the meeting’s master of ceremonies. Billy Watkins from Morrisonville was in charge of the Tabletopics, which is the impromptu speaking portion of the program. During Tabletopics, each participant’s task was to give a 1 to 2 minute impromptu response to the question he had just been asked, which each respondent receiving a different question.
The evening’s first prepared speaker was Virden’s Dr. Todd Austin. Austin gave a presentation from the Advanced Toastmasters Manual on ‘Special Occasion Speeches’. Austin’s humorous address was a “Farewell Roast of Alan Saeger”. Saeger, a veteran Tri-County club member and longtime friend of Austin’s just returned to work as an over the road trucker four days after the last meeting. Thus this was Alan’s last meeting as a regular club member. Austin told a couple of real-life humorous stories about Alan, followed by some sincere praise. The speech was well received by Saeger and the rest of the audience. Jim Blankenship evaluated the roast.
Carlinville’s John Davidson was the second prepared speaker. Davidson gave a touching, dramatic presentation called “The Bird Feeder”. This was a special presentation that John plans to deliver again as a contestant in the Toastmasters Area 1 International Speech Contest in late March. Les Apps evaluated Davidson’s speech.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club, which serves the counties of Macoupin, Montgomery and Sangamon, will next meet on Thursday March 6, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at Austin Family Chiropractic located on the West Side of the Virden Square. For more information about how the affordable Toastmasters program can help you to become both a better leader and communicator, or for information about attending a meeting please call (217) 965-3100 or e-mail draustin@royell.net.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Officers Receive Training
Long-time Tri-County member Alan Saeger gave a speech about the history of Illinois speed limits at the last Toastmasters meeting.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 2-7-08 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Dr. Todd Austin from Virden, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, John Davidson from Carlinville, Liz Mollett from Auburn, Alan Saeger and Bill Watkins. One guest, Casey Tom was also present.
Todd Austin served as the meeting’s master of ceremonies. Austin also conducted the Tabletopics (the impromptu speaking portion of the program). Each participant had to give a 1 to 2 minute impromptu response to his or her question.
The evening’s first prepared speaker was Alan Saeger. Saeger, a lifetime member of the National Motorist Association, delivered an informative presentation called ‘The History of Speed Limits in Illinois (1903 to 1974)”. Jim Blankenship evaluated Saeger’s speech.
Austin, a former club president as well as a former Area 1 Governor, then conducted a special Toastmasters International officer training session. The following officers were trained at Thursday’s meeting: Liz Mollett – Vice President; Austin - Public Relations Officer; Jim Blankenship – Secretary / Treasurer; Billy Watkins -Sergeant at Arms.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday February 21, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center. For more information about the Toastmasters program, or about joining or attending a club meeting, please call (217) 965-3100 or send e-mail to draustin@royell.net.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Toastmasters Welcome Guest
Club president Les Apps (right) welcomed Casey Tom, CPA as a guest at the last Tri-County Toastmasters meeting
Liz Mollett was the prepared speaker at the last Tri-County Toastmasters meeting. Her speech “The Great Pretender” achieved her project’s objective of using body language to enhance the speech’s message
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 1-17-08 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps from Girard, Dr. Todd Austin from Virden, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, John Davidson from Carlinville, Liz Mollett from Auburn, Alan Saeger and Bill Watkins. One guest, Casey Tom, a CPA from Springfield was also present.
Jim Blankenship served as the meeting’s master of ceremonies. Billy Watkins conducted an ‘American Idol’ themed version of Tabletopics (the impromptu speaking portion of the program). Each participant had to give a 1 to 2 minute impromptu response to the three-part question: “What would it take to get you to try out for American Idol, which song would you choose to perform, and why?.”
The evening’s prepared speaker was Liz Mollett. Mollett delivered a very entertaining presentation called ‘The Great Pretender”. It was a project from the basic Toastmasters manual on ‘Using Body Language’. Todd Austin evaluated her speech.
Some members of the Toastmasters club have also been keeping busy since the 1-17-08 meeting. Club members Les Apps, Todd Austin and Alan Saeger along with two St. Louis area Toastmasters put on a demonstration meeting for over a dozen faculty and students at Quincy University in Quincy, IL on 1-22-08.
Dr. Austin also delivered a Power Point presentation to over 20 Macoupin County Master Gardeners on 1-24-08 in Carlinville about ‘Bats & Bat Houses’. Austin, a Bat Conservation International member since 1990, elaborated about how many Central IL bat species are beneficial and shared information about attracting them to manmade bat houses. Austin has been a Bat Conservation International member for over 17 years.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday February 7, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center. For more information about the Toastmasters program, or about joining or attending a club meeting, please call (217) 965-3100 or send e-mail to draustin@royell.net.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Toastmasters Club Learns About Bats
Dr. Todd Austin from Virden gave a ‘public relations’ after dinner speech about bats at Thursday’s Tri-County Toastmasters meeting. It was the same Power Point presentation that he delivered to the Macoupin County Pork Producers two months ago. Austin has been involved with Bat Conservation for over 17 years.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 1-3-08 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps from Girard, Dr. Todd Austin, Liz Mollett from Auburn, Alan Saeger and Bill Watkins.
Les Apps served as the meeting’s master of ceremonies. Liz Mollett conducted the Tabletopics or impromptu speaking portion of the program. All participant had to give a 1 to 2 minute impromptu response, each to a different question.
The evening’s prepared speaker was Todd Austin from Virden. Austin delivered a very entertaining and informative 'after dinner' presentation called ‘The Wonderful World of Bats: With an Emphasis on Natural Crop Pest Management”. It was a project from the advanced Toastmasters manual on ‘Public Relations’. It was the same Power Point presentation that Austin delivered to the Macoupin County Pork Producers after dinner at their annual fall kick-off meeting in November 2007. Austin, a Bat Conservation International member since 1990, elaborated about how Big Brown Bats, Hoary Bats & Red Bats drastically cut down on the number of crop pests like cucumber beetles, cut worm moths, potato leaf hoppers and root worms right here in Central IL. Les Apps evaluated Austin’s speech.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Tri-County Toastmasters welcome two guests
Club vice-president Todd Austin (center) welcomed 2 guests at Thursday’s Toastmasters meeting: Dave Tonry and Renee Lyons.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday, September 20, 2007 in Virden. Todd Austin was the evening’s Toastmaster. Austin also conducted the table topics or impromptu speaking portion of the program, which consisted of questions on the subject of "moving". Austin also welcomed two guests at the meeting: Dave Tonry, a hynotherapist from Jacksonville, and Renee Lyons who runs a hair salon in Waverly. At the conclusion of the meeting, Tonry joined, becoming the club’s newest member.
The evening’s prepared speaker was Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, formerly of Nokomis. His persuasive speech was entitled "Join Toastmasters", and was an advanced manual project. His speech was evaluated by Alan Saeger.
Austin presented the word-of-the-week, which was "exiguous" meaning small, scanty or meager.
The Toastmaster club will next meet on Thursday October 4, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center at 105 W. Jackson St. in Virden. "Our club and the entire Toastmasters International organization are devoted to making success in public speaking a worldwide reality" says club president Les Apps. "Guests and new members are always welcome to attend our club meetings" adds club public relations officer Todd Austin. For more info about Toastmasters call (217) 965-3100.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Area Governor Attends 8/16/07 Meeting
Club Vice-president Todd Austin from Virden (right) welcomed a special visitor, Toastmasters Area 1 Governor Margaret Walker at Thursday’s Tri-County Toastmasters meeting.The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 8-16-07 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps from Girard, Dr. Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, John Davidson, Alan Saeger and Bill Watkins. A special dignitary, Toastmasters Area 1 Governor Margaret Walker from Decatur also attended Thursday’s meeting.
Jim Blankenship served as the meeting’s master of ceremonies. Billy Watkins conducted the Tabletopics or impromptu speaking portion of the program, with the main theme being ‘personal pet peeves’. Each participant had to give a 1 to 2 minute impromptu response to a ‘pet peeve’ question.
The evening’s prepared speaker was John Davidson. Davidson delivered a very informative after dinner presentation called ‘An American History Lesson’. It was from a project out of the advanced Toastmasters ‘Special Occasion Speeches’ manual. Todd Austin evaluated Davidson’s speech.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday September 6, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at a different location: AgBuyCo located at 303 Carlinville Plaza in Carlinville. “Although the Tri-County Toastmasters club usually meets in Virden, our name indicates that we serve the counties of Macoupin, Montgomery and Sangamon. Therefore, we are open to having meetings in other towns throughout our three county region” states Club Vice-president Todd Austin. For more information about the Toastmasters program, or about joining or attending a club meeting, please call (217) 965-3100.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
August 2, 2007 Meeting
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 8-2-07 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Dr. Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship, John Davidson, Liz Mollett from Auburn, Alan Saeger and Bill Watkins.
Alan Saeger served as the meeting’s master of ceremonies. Todd Austin conducted the Tabletopics or impromptu speaking portion of the program. Austin, a shark enthusiast and conservationist, conducted a special ‘Shark Week’ version of table topics, which was very timely since the Discovery Channel was in the midst of it’s 20th Anniversary of it’s annual ‘Shark Week’ event at the time.
The evening’s prepared speaker was Jim Blankenship. Blankenship, a CFP from New Berlin, gave an informative speech that also involved an impromptu role-play with an audience member about the sales ‘cold call’. The object was to inform the audience about the cold call process from start to finish involving a big ticket, high cost and high competition item. Blankenship’s role-play was to sell Austin, a business owner, a security system upgrade. It was the second of five sales role playing speeches out of the advanced Toastmasters ‘Professional Salesperson’ manual. Blankenship’s speech was evaluated by John Davidson.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday August 16, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. The scheduled speaker for next meeting is John Davidson. The Area 1 Governor from Springfield is also planning to join the Tri-County club at that meeting. The club also voted to hold the first meeting of September in Carlinville at AgBuyCo. “Our club is a community club, so all area residents are invited and encouraged to attend. Whether your goal is to lead a business meeting, be a more effective salesperson or just to gain some speaking confidence for your next job interview, Toastmasters is an awesome, yet extremely cost-effective opportunity to polish one’s communication and leadership skills”, states club president Les Apps. For more information about the Toastmasters program, please call (217) 965-3100.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
July 7, 2007 Meeting
Todd Austin gave an informative speech about the PADI Peak Performance Bouyancy SCUBA Diving specialty course at Thursday’s Tri-County Toastmasters meeting.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 7-5-07 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Dr. Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship, Liz Mollett, Alan Saeger and Bill Watkins.
Billy Watkins served as the meeting’s master of ceremonies. Liz Mollett from Auburn conducted the Tabletopics or impromptu speaking portion of the program. Mollett asked each participant a ‘current events’ question.
The evening’s prepared speaker was Dr. Todd Austin. Austin’s gave an informative speech titled “Look Mom, No Hands!”. His speech was about a recent SCUBA Diving class that he took called the PADI Peak Performance Bouyancy Specialty Course. PADI stands for the Professional Association of Dive Instructors, and is the most well known SCUBA instruction organization in the world. Austin’s speech was evaluated by Jim Blankenship from New Berlin.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday July 19, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. The scheduled speaker for next meeting is New Berlin's Jim Blankenship. “Our club is a community club, so all area residents are invited and encouraged to attend. Whether your goal is to lead a business meeting, be a more effective salesperson or just to gain some confidence as a speaker, Toastmasters is an awesome, yet extremely cost-effective opportunity to polish one’s communication and leadership skills” states club president Les Apps. For more information about the Toastmasters program, please call (217) 965-3100.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Tri-County Toastmasters Club meets.
John Davidson gave an informative speech about “Heart Attacks in Women” at the last Tri-County Toastmasters meeting.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 6-21-07 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Dr. Todd Austin, John Davidson, Liz Mollett, Alan Saeger and Bill Watkins.
Todd Austin served as the meeting’s master of ceremonies. Billy Watkins conducted the Tabletopics or impromptu speaking portion of the program. Watkins asked each participant a question with the theme of ‘silly questions that the new guy at work might ask you in an effort to get to know you better’.
The evening’s prepared speaker was John Davidson. Davidson gave a speech about “Heart Attacks In Women”. The project was an informative speech which stressed the statistic that heart attacks are more prevalent above the age of 50 in women (whereas they are prevalent below the age of 50 in men). He then covered several heart attack warning signs that pertain to women.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday July 5, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. The scheduled speaker for next meeting is Todd Austin. “Our club is a community club, so all area residents are invited and encouraged to attend. Whether your goal is to lead a business meeting, just gain some confidence as a speaker or to talk to an entire room full of people, Toastmasters is an awesome, yet extremely cost-effective opportunity to fine-tune one’s communication and leadership skills” states acting club president Liz Mollett. For more information about the Toastmasters program, please call (217) 965-3100.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Toastmasters hear Sales Training Presentation.
Jim Blankenship gave a sales training presentation at the last Tri-County Toastmasters meeting.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 6-7-07 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Dr. Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship CFP, John Davidson, Liz Mollett from Auburn, Alan Saeger and Bill Watkins.
Alan Saeger served as the meeting’s Toastmaster (i.e., master of ceremonies). Todd Austin conducted a ‘current events’ Tabletopics (impromptu speaking) portion of the program.
The evening’s prepared speaker was Jim Blankenship. Blankenship, a financial planner from New Berlin, gave a special presentation from the Toastmasters advanced Persuasive Speaking manual. The project was entitled “Effective Sales Presentation”. Blankenship delivered a sales training presentation consisting of three parts: an introduction in which he explains the sales process; a role play; and lastly a group discussion of the first two parts. Bill Watkins helped Blankenship with the role play. The scenario was as follows: Blankenship was the owner of “Jim’s Knife Emporium’ and Watkins was a customer looking to purchase one or more knife’s for specific hunting-related purposes.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday June 21, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. The scheduled speaker for next meeting is John Davidson. “Our club is a community club, so all area residents are invited and encouraged to attend. Whether your goal is to lead a business meeting, just gain some speaking confidence or to talk to an entire room full of people, Toastmasters is an awesome, yet extremely cost-effective opportunity to fine-tune one’s communication and leadership skills” states club president Les Apps. For more information about the Toastmasters program, please call (217) 965-3100.
Monday, May 14, 2007
May 3, 2007 Meeting
Club president Les Apps (left) served as the Toastmaster at Thursday’s Tri-County Toastmasters meeting. Jackie Rakers (right), the evening’s prepared speaker, delivered an inspirational presentation, which was a project from the basic communication manual.Club president Les Apps served as the evening’s Toastmaster (i.e., master of ceremonies). Billy Watkins conducted the Tabletopics (impromptu speaking) portion of the program, during with each participant had to vividly describe a different object or image (provided by Watkins) without showing the audience the object or image or telling it’s name. Each participant then had two minutes to deliver his response.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Tri-County Toastmasters Meet 4/19/2007
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Toastmasters Club 10th Anniversary Party a Success
Virden Chamber of Commerce President Debbie Kershaw (4th from left) congratulates Dr. Todd Austin, one of the club’s original members from 10 years ago on the 10th Anniversary milestone of the Tri-County Toastmaster Club’s first meeting. Other club members in the photo are (from left): Mary Mitchell, Alan Saeger, Liz Mollett from Auburn, Bill Watkins, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, Jackie Rakers, John Davidson and Michelle Suslee.
All Tri-County Toastmaster club members present at Thursday’s meeting, seen here with the club’s special 10th Anniversary cake are (from left): Jackie Rakers, Mary Mitchell, Michelle Suslee, Bill Watkins, Liz Mollett from Auburn, John Davidson , Dr. Todd Austin, Eugena Austin, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin and Alan Saeger.
At Thursday’s special Tri-County Toastmasters club 10th anniversary meeting, club vice-president Todd Austin (right) congratulates Mary Mitchell of Waverly on becoming the clubs’ newest member.
Mary Mitchell became the club’s newest member during the meeting. Guests in attendance were Virden Chamber president Debbie Kershaw, potential member Michelle Lynn and four members of Springfield’s McBrian Lincoln Douglas Toastmasters Club.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Tri-County Toastmasters host Area Speech Contests
Area 1 Evaluation and Speech Contest winners (from left): Contestmaster Dr. Todd Austin, Division C Governor Eileen Kluckman, John Davidson (3rd place in both contests), Jill Kennedy-Broughton (1st place in speech contest), Dan Filla (2nd place in both contests), Cynthia Leepper (1st place in evaluation contest) and Area 1 Governor Les Apps. Virden hosted the Area 1 and Area 10 spring Toastmasters contests on saturday 3-24-07 at the Virden Area Community Center. Two contests were held, those being the Evaluation and the International Speech contests. Speakers from Virden’s Tri-County club and the two Springfield clubs competed in the Area 1 contests, while speakers from two Decatur clubs competed in the Area 10 contests.
Dr. Todd Austin from Virden was the master of ceremonies for both contests. Dr. Ivan Paul, a tenured professor at Quincy University served as the pattern speaker for the evaluation contest. Paul’s prepared speech was called "Destiny". Each evaluation contestant then had 3 minutes to deliver an evaluation of Paul's speech.
Current Area 1 Governor Les Apps, a Tri-County club member from Girard also helped out with the contests.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Toastmasters Club to hold 10th Anniversary Open House
The original six members of the Tri-County Toastmasters club (from their first meeting 10 years ago) were (from left): Jimmy Coppinger, Rev. Ron Grimes, Rev. Ron Burtz, Les Apps, Mark Steinmetz and Dr. Todd Austin. The club will celebrate their 10th anniversary at their 4-5-07 meeting with an open house. The Tri-County Toastmasters club held it’s first official meeting back on Thursday April 3, 1997 at the Virden Area Community Center. Six men started the local educational club, which is an affiliate of Toastmasters International, a decade ago. All original members were from the towns of Girard, Palmyra and Virden.
“We chose the name ‘Tri-County Toastmasters’ back in 1997 because our clubs’ initial vision was to help improve the communication and leadership skills of Macoupin, Montgomery and Sangamon county residents.” states Dr. Todd Austin of Virden. Austin was elected that night in April 1997 to be the clubs first president. Ten years later, he now serves as the clubs’ public relations officer. The club thought it realistic that they could attract members living within 25 miles of Virden.
Over the years the club has seen many members come and go, and has helped approximately 35 people in all. Austin states that “Some members join the Toastmasters club for anywhere from 6 months to a couple years until they feel that they have mastered their communication and leadership skills. Then they leave the club. Other members stay long term and others have since moved away. At just $35 every six months, club dues are quite a bargain.”
The club is now more balanced, as we currently have several women who are also members. And the current list of club members come from not three Illinois counties as the club name indicates, but rather a total of five counties. These include members from the following towns or cities: Auburn (Liz Mollett), Carlinville, Girard, Morrisonville, New Berlin (Jim Blankenship),
Nokomis, Ohlman, Quincy and Virden.
The Tri-County club will be hosting their 10th anniversary open house at their next meeting, which is scheduled for Thursday April 5, 2007 at the Virden Area Community Center which is located as 105 W. Jackson St. “The meeting will start at 6:30 pm.” states current club president and Area 1 Governor Les Apps from Girard. “We are expecting some visitors from two of the Springfield clubs to join us for an exciting evening. Cake and refreshments will be served and the anniversary meeting is free and is open to the public. This will be a great way for people to discover what Toastmasters is all about”. Apps is the only other member that has also been with the club since that first meeting 10 years ago. For more information on the special 10th anniversary open house or about Toastmasters in general, please call (217) 965-3100.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
VIRDEN TO HOST TOASTMASTERS AREA SPEECH CONTEST
The speakers at Thursday’s Toastmasters meeting were John Davidson (left) and Dr. Todd Austin. The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday, March 15th at the Virden Area Community Center. Members in attendance at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps, Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, John Davidson, Liz Mollett from Auburn, Alan Saeger and Billy Watkins. Two guests were also present: Toastmasters Division C Governor Eileen Kluckman and Mary Mitchell.
Alan Saeger was the evening’s Toastmaster. Billy Watkins conducted the table topics (impromptu speaking) portion of the program.
The evening’s first prepared speaker was Dr. Todd Austin, who is currently the club’s public relations officer. Austin delivered a speech called “Putting Tri-County Toastmasters On The Map”, which detailed his club public relations print media campaign. This was a project from the advanced ‘High Performance Leadership’ manual.
The evening’s second prepared speaker was John Davidson. His informative speech was entitled “Our Country’s First President”. This is the speech that Davidson will be competing with in next weeks Area 1 speech contest.
The Toastmasters Area 1 speech contest will then be held on Saturday March 24th at 9:30 a.m. at the Virden Area Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. At that time, John Davidson of the Tri-County club will compete against representatives from the 3 Springfield Toastmasters clubs.
All local residents are encouraged to attend the area contest. The contest is open to the public and refreshments will be served. “This is an awesome opportunity to observe some proficient speakers in action.” said Les Apps, club president and Area 1 Governor. “Attending a speech contest serves as a great introduction to what the Toastmasters program can do for people, by turning ordinary men and women into confident speakers that feel comfortable before an audience of any size!” For more info contact Austin at 965-3100.
The next regular Tri-County Toastmasters meeting will be on Thursday April 5th at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center. The scheduled speaker at that meeting will be Les Apps.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Auburn Woman Leads Toastmasters Tabletopics
John Davidson (left) and Billy Watkins both gave informative presentations at Thursdays Tri-County Toastmasters meeting. The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 3-1-07 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps, Dr. Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, John Davidson, Liz Mollett from Auburn, Alan Saeger and Bill Watkins.
Alan Saeger served as the meeting’s Toastmaster or master of ceremonies. Auburn's Liz Mollett conducted a rather entertaining Tabletopics (or impromptu speaking) portion of the program. Mollett gave out boxes of Valentine's conversation hearts. Each participation then had to use as many of the phrases on the hearts as he could during his response. Alan Saeger won the competition by using 23 hearts.
The evening’s first prepared speaker was Billy Watkins. Watkins gave an informative and educational address about “Mastering Impromptu Speaking”. The second prepared speaker was John Davidson. Davidson, a Catholic and longtime (4th degree) Carlinville Knights of Columbus member, delivered an informative presentation called “Why I Joined the Knights of Columbus”.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday March 15, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. The scheduled speakers for next meeting are Todd Austin and John Davidson. “Our club is a community club, so all area residents are invited and encouraged to attend. Whether your goal is to lead a business meeting, just gain some speaking confidence or to talk to an entire room full of people, Toastmasters is an awesome, yet extremely cost-effective opportunity to fine-tune one’s communication and leadership skills” states club vice president Todd Austin. For more information about the Toastmasters program, please call Todd at (217) 965-3100.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Toastmasters officers trained
Les Apps from Girard was the prepared speaker at the most recent Tri-County Toastmasters Club meeting.The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 2-15-07 at the Virden Area Community Center. Dr. Todd Austin of Virden served as the meeting’s Master of Ceremonies. Austin, a member of the National Motorist Association, also conducted the impromptu speaking portion of the program, during which he asked each participant a different question related to several controversial traffic law enforcement-related issues that have made recent headlines throughout the U.S. Each participant then delivered a one to two minute off-the-cuff response.
The prepared speaker was Girard’s Les Apps. Apps gave an officer training presentation. Officers trained at the meeting included President Apps, Vice-President Austin, Secretary / Treasurer Jim Blankenship from New Berlin and Sergeant at arms Bill Watkins.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday March 1, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. The scheduled speakers for next meeting are Bill Watkins, Marcia Osterholt and Jackie Rakers. “Guests and new members are always welcome to attend our club meetings, which are devoted to helping people from all walks of life to improve their communication and leadership skills” states club president Apps. For more information about the Toastmasters program, please call (217) 965-3100.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Liz Mollett Gives Special Presentation To Toastmasters
John Davidson (far left) and Auburn's Liz Mollett (far right) gave special presentations at Thursdays Tri-County Toastmasters meeting. Newer club members who also played pivotal roles at Thursday’s meeting were Marcia Osterholt (2nd from left) who served as Toastmaster for the first time and Michelle Suslee who delivered her second speech as a club member. The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 2-1-07 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps, Dr. Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship, John Davidson, Liz Mollett, Marcia Osterholt, Jackie Rakers, Michelle Suslee and Bill Watkins.
Marcia Osterholt, one of the newest club members, served as the meeting’s Toastmaster (or master of ceremonies) for the first time. Jim Blankenship, from New Berlin, conducted the Tabletopics (or impromptu speaking) portion of the program.
The evening’s first prepared speaker was Liz Mollett from Auburn. Liz, an IDOT employee, gave a PowerPoint presentation entitled “Untapped Potential”. The presentation was her individual part of a larger group presentation that she helped to deliver at her workplace a few days after the meeting.
The second prepared speaker was Michelle Suslee. Michelle, another of the club’s newer members delivered her second speech as a member of Toastmasters, which was a motivational presentation, entitled “Reach For Your Dreams!” Suslee is an Arbonne Independent Consultant as well as a Realtor for Montgomery County Realty.
John Davidson gave the final presentation of the meeting. The Red Rooster Inn in Hillsboro contacted the Tri-County Club last month. The Inn was in search of a speaker for a special event they were having on Saturday 2-3-07 called the Teddy Bear Tea. John volunteered to be the speaker for that event. Davidson’s speech called “Somebody’s Teddy Bear is Watching You” was the same one he gave two days later in Hillsboro to a crowd of approximately 30 people of all ages.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday February 15, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. The scheduled speakers for next meeting are Les Apps and Jackie Rakers. “Our club is a community club, so all area residents are encouraged to attend. As our most recent meeting demonstrated, whether your goal is to lead a business meeting, gain some speaking confidence as a new member or to talk to a whole room full of people, Toastmasters is an awesome, yet extremely cost-effective opportunity to fine-tune one’s communication and leadership skills” states club vice president Todd Austin. For more information about the Toastmasters program, please call (217) 965-3100.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Toastmasters hold first meeting of 2007
John Davidson and Marcia Osterholt were the speakers at the most recent Tri-County Toastmasters Club meeting.Les Apps served as the meeting’s Master of Ceremonies. Bill Watkins conducted the impromptu speaking portion of the program, during which he asked each participant a different question having to do with the new year and / or astronomy. Each participant then delivered a one to two minute unrehearsed response.
The first prepared speaker was Marcia Osterholt. Marcia’s persuasive and touching speech why we shouldn’t mix cell phones with driving. John Davidson was the second prepared speaker. Davidson delivered a “Eulogy to George Sellers”. It was in honor of a very good friend of his who recently passed away.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday January 18, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. The scheduled speaker for next meeting is Liz Mollett from Auburn. For more information about the Toastmasters program, please call (217) 965-3100.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Toastmasters hold farewell party for Rev. Ron Grimes
The key members who made Thursday’s Toastmasters Christmas party / surprise farewell party for Ron Grimes an evening for Grimes to remember were (from left): speaker and award presenter Jim Blankenship; master of ceremony John Davidson; speaker Todd Austin; Ron Grimes; speaker Les Apps and tabletopicmaster Alan Saeger. 
New Berlin resident Jim Blankenship (left), a current club officer, presented an attractive plaque to Rev. Ron Grimes Thursday for his 9 ½ years of service to the club, including 3 ½ years as club president. Ron Grimes, a founding member of the Tri-County Toastmasters club back in 1997 and a former Toastmasters Area Governor, has served as the club’s president for a total of 3 ½ years. It was Grimes’ final meeting with the club as he will be relocating to the state of Michigan in early January. As far as Rev. Grimes knew, he was just going to be attending a club Christmas party. John Davidson served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, which doubled as a surprise farewell party for Grimes who was the guest of honor. Davidson roasted Grimes a few times during his MC duties.
Alan Saeger conducted a special Christmas-themed impromptu speaking portion of the program. Thursday’s first prepared speaker was Les Apps who delivered a humorous “Roast of Ron Grimes”. The second prepared speaker was New Berlin's Jim Blankenship who presented a special plaque to Grimes for his years of dedication and service to the club. The evening’s final speaker was Todd Austin. Austin gave an emotional farewell “Toast to Ron Grimes”.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday January 4, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center. The scheduled speakers for that meeting are John Davidson and Marcia Osterholt. For more information about the Toastmasters program, please call (217) 965-3100.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Mollett serves as Topicmaster at Toastmasters
John Davidson from Carlinville was the speaker at the most recent Tri-County Toastmasters Club meeting. 
Les Apps served as the meeting’s Master of Ceremonies. Liz Mollett from Auburn conducted the impromptu speaking portion of the program, during which she asked each participant a different question. Each participant then delivered a one to two minute unrehearsed response.
The prepared speaker was John Davidson. Davidson delivered an entertaining and patriotic speech about America.
Monday, November 13, 2006
November 2, 2006 Meeting
The three speakers at Thursday’s Tri-County Toastmasters meeting were (from left): Liz Mollett from Auburn, John Davidson and Michelle Suslee. The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 11-2-06 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Dr. Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, John Davidson, Rev. Ron Grimes, Liz Mollett, Marcia Osterholt, Alan Saeger, Michelle Suslee and Billy Watkins.
Todd Austin served as the Master of Ceremonies of the meeting. Billy Watkins conducted the impromptu speaking portion of the program, during which she asked each participant a different question. Each participant then delivered a one to two minute response.
Three prepared speakers addressed the club at Thursday’s meeting. Liz Mollett from Auburn gave an informative speech about the benefits of wind power (ie, energy supplied by wind turbines). John Davidson delivered an inspirational speech. The club’s newest member Michelle Suslee, also gave her first ever prepared Toastmasters speech, which was entitled “What I’ve Learned”.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday November 16, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. The scheduled speakers for next meeting are Marcia Osterholt and John Davidson. “It’s always exciting to have a new member deliver their first speech (called an ‘icebreaker’) as Michelle Suslee did at the most recent meeting. This helps to reinforce what a Toastmasters club is all about: helping area residents to improve and fine-tune their communication and leadership skills” states club vice-president Todd Austin. For more information about the Toastmasters program, please call (217) 965-3100.
Monday, October 30, 2006
10/19/06 Meeting
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 10-19-06 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, John Davidson, Rev. Ron Grimes, Marcia Osterholt, Alan Saeger and Billy Watkins. One guest, Rev. Howard Shockey was also in attendance at the meeting.
Jim Blankenship served as the Toastmaster of Thursday’s meeting. Ron Grimes led a special Halloween themed impromptu speaking portion of the meeting, during which each participant was given a different question. Each then delivered a one to two minute response.
The evening’s prepared speaker was Marcia Osterholt, who gave a speech entitled “Never never never give up”. It was her second speech as a Toastmasters member.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday November 2, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. The scheduled speakers for next meeting are John Davidson and Auburn's Liz Mollett. “Guests and new members are always welcome to attend our club meetings, which are devoted to helping people to improve their communication and leadership skills” states club vice-president Todd Austin. For more information about the Toastmasters program, please call (217) 965-3100.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
9/21/06 Meeting
Todd Austin served as the Toastmaster of Thursday’s meeting. Alan Saeger led the impromptu speaking portion of the meeting, during which each participant was given a different question. Each then delivered a one to two minute response. Ron Grimes conjured up with the word-of-the-week, which was ‘aberration’ meaning that which departs from the standard.
The evening’s prepared speaker was Les Apps, who gave a speech entitled “What Is A Conservative?”.
Club president Ron Grimes presented the Advanced Communicator Bronze award to club member Jim Blankenship for successfully completing 20 speeches from the Toastmasters International communications program manuals.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday October 5, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. The scheduled speakers for next meeting are John Davidson, Les Apps and Jackie Rakers. “Guests and new members are always welcome to attend our club meetings, which are devoted to helping people to improve their communication and leadership skills” states club vice-president Todd Austin. For more information about the Toastmasters program, please call (217) 965-3100.
Jim Blankenship, CFP from New Berlin (left) recently earned the Advanced Communicator Bronze award from Toastmasters International. Tri-County Toastmasters club president Ron Grimes formally presented the award to Blankenship at Thursday’s meeting.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
9/7/06 Meeting
Ron Grimes served as the Master of Ceremonies of Thursday’s meeting. Les Apps led the impromptu speaking portion of the meeting, during which each participant was given a different question. Each then delivered a one to two minute response. Liz Mollett came up with the word-of-the-week, which was ‘canard’ meaning a false or misleading story.
John Davidson (left) and New Berlin's Jim Blankenship were the speakers at the most recent Tri-County Toastmasters meeting.
Kim Noyes (left) and Helen Cearlock were the two guests in attendance at Thursday’s Toastmasters meeting.
Friday, August 18, 2006
8/17/06 Meeting
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps, Dr. Todd Austin, John Davidson, Marcia Osterholt and Alan Saeger. A guest present at the meeting was Michelle Suslee. Suslee also became the club’s newest member at Thursday’s meeting.
Alan Saeger served as the Toastmaster of Thursday’s meeting. Saeger also conducted Tabletopics (the impromptu speaking portion of the program), during which each participant was given a different question about house cats. Each then delivered a one to two minute response. Todd Austin came up with the word-of-the-week which was ‘Perseverate’ meaning to repeat or recur persistently.
Todd Austin (left) and Marcia Osterholt were the speakers at the most recent Tri-County Toastmasters meeting.
Club Vice-president of Public Relations Todd Austin (left) welcomed Michelle Suslee as the club’s newest member at the last Tri-County Toastmasters meeting.
Monday, August 14, 2006
8/3/06 Meeting
Dawn Boyer (left) and Liz Mollett, both from Auburn, were the speakers at Thursday’s Tri-County Toastmasters meeting. Both delivered informative speeches.
Billy Watkins served as the Toastmaster of thursday’s meeting. Todd Austin conducted a special Shark Week version of Tabletopics (the impromptu speaking portion of the program), during which each participant was given a different question. All then delivered a one to two minute response. Alan Saeger came up with the word-of-the-week which was ‘Jackanapes’ meaning an impertinent or presumptuous person.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Tri-County Toastmasters Meeting 7/20/06
The Tri-County Toastmasters club held their regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday 7-20-06 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps, Dr. Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, Dawn Boyer from Auburn, John Davidson, Rev. Ron Grimes, Jackie Rakers, Alan Saeger and Billy Watkins. One guest, Marcia Osterholt from Morrisonville was also present.
Les Apps served as the evening’s Toastmaster. Billy Watkins served as the Tabletopicmaster, conducting the impromptu speaking portion of the program, during which he asked each participant a different question about what he or she would say to a reporter who just asked a silly question. Each was to then assume the role of a different occupation in a certain situation, covering the gamut from beauty pageant winner to movie star to prosecuting attorney.
Participants then came up with one to two minute responses. Todd Austin presented the word-of-the-week, which was ‘apocryphal’ meaning not authentic.
The evening’s first prepared speaker was John Davidson, who delivered an entertaining presentation entitled "If I Had A Hammer". The second prepared speaker was Jim Blankenship, a financial planner from New Berlin. He gave an informative speech entitled "How Much Is Enough?", during which he talked about how much money a person may need in order to retire comfortably.
The city of Virden and the Tri-County Toastmasters club then hosted the District 8 Toastmasters Leadership Institute on Saturday July 29, 2006 at the Community Center. Officers from several of the District 8 Toastmaster clubs were trained, including 4 of the Tri-County clubs’ officers. Tri-County club officers Les Apps and Todd Austin were also in charge of conducting training of other District club officers at the event as well.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday August 3, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center (located at 105 West Jackson Street). The scheduled speaker for next meeting is Auburn's Dawn Boyer. "Guests and new members are always welcome to attend our club meetings, which are devoted to helping area residents to fine-tune both their communication and leadership skills" states club officer Alan Saeger. For more information about the Toastmasters program, please call (217) 965-3100.
The two speakers at the July 20th Tri-County Toastmasters meeting were (from left): John Davidson and New Berlin's Jim Blankenship.
Tri-County club officers trained at the Toastmasters:Leadership Institute in Virden on Saturday were (from left) Vice President of Education Les Apps, Division C Governor Eileen Kluckman who was in charge of the event, Sargeant at Arms Alan Saeger, Vice President of Public Relations Todd Austin and President Ron Grimes.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Tri-County Toastmasters Meets in New Berlin 7/6/06
A special dignitary, Eileen Kluckman, the newly elected Division C Governor was present at Thursday’s meeting. Kluckman also served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. Alan Saeger served as the Tabletopicmaster, conducting the impromptu speaking portion of the program, during which he asked each participant a different question pertaining to recent decisions of the supreme court. Participants then came up with one to two minute responses. Todd Austin presented the word-of-the-week, which was ‘purvey’ meaning to supply or provide.
Division C Governor Eileen Kluckman (left) officially swore in Tri-County member Les Apps as the newly elected Area 1 Governor at Thursday’s meeting.
The Division C Governor officially welcomed Girard’s Les Apps as the new Area 1 Governor. Apps was one of the original 6 members of the Tri-County Club dating back to April 1997. Apps served as club president for 3 years from 2000 to 2003, and currently serves as the the club vice president of education. As Area 1 Governor, he will oversee the operation of 2 Springfield clubs, the Tri-County club and a club in Waverly.
The two speakers at the July 6th Tri-County Toastmasters meeting were (from left): John Davidson and Billy Watkins, both of which gave speeches having to do with U.S. presidents.
The evening’s first prepared speaker was John Davidson, who delivered an informative and dramatic presentation entitled "Our Country’s First President", which focused not on George Washington, but rather on on John Hanson, who was elected the first president of the United States of Congress Assembled. (This pre-dates Washington being elected the first president of the U.S.A.) The second prepared speaker was Billy Watkins. Watkins is working from an advanced communication manual on interpretive reading. His speech was a rendition of a Ronald Reagan speech entitled "Tear Down This Wall".The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday July 20, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. in Virden at the Virden Area Community Center (located at 105 West Jackson Street). The scheduled speakers for next meeting are John Davidson and Jim Blankenship. "Guests and new members are always welcome to attend our club meetings, which are devoted to helping Central Illinoisans to fine-tune both their communication and leadership skills" states club president Ron Grimes. For more information about the Toastmasters program, please call (217) 965-3100.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Auburn's Liz Mollett Speaks to Toastmasters Club
The three speakers at the most recent Tri-County Toastmasters meeting were (from left):Rev. Ron Grimes, Dr. Todd Austin and Auburn's Liz Mollett.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 6-15-06 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps, Todd Austin, Dawn Boyer from Auburn, John Davidson, Ron Grimes, Liz Mollett, Alan Saeger and Billy Watkins.
Alan Saeger served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. Saeger also served as the Tabletopicmaster, conducting the impromptu speaking portion of the program, during which he asked each participant a different question pertaining to space travel. Participants then delivered one to two minute responses. Todd Austin presented ‘malleable’ as the word-of-the-week, which means capable of being trained or adapted.
The evening’s first prepared speaker was Dr. Todd Austin, who delivered an informative presentation entitled "JING-LO-MAH", which is the Chinese name for acupuncture. As a Chiropractic Physician, Austin has practiced Acupuncture for 13 years.
The second prepared speaker was the Rev. Ron Grimes. Grimes is working from the advanced communication manual on special occasion speeches. His speech was entitled "Receiving the Toastmaster of the Year Award".
The third and final speaker of the evening was Liz Mollett from Auburn, who gave her first speech as a member of Toastmasters. Her presentation was called "Charging Rhinos".
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday July 6, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. in New Berlin at Blankenship Financial Planning (located at 116 West Illinois Street). The scheduled speakers for next meeting are John Davidson and Billy Watkins. "Guests and new members are always welcome to attend our club meetings, which are devoted to helping Central Illinoisans to improve their communication and leadership skills" states club secretary Jim Blankenship from New Berlin. For more information about the Toastmasters program, please call (217) 965-3100.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Boyer speaks to Toastmasters -- 2007 Officers Installed
Area Governor Kluckman installed the new slate of club officers for the Toastmaster fiscal year which begins on July 1, 2006.
Les Apps served as the Master of Ceremonies of the meeting. Dawn Boyer conducted the impromptu speaking portion of the program, during which she asked each participant a different question. Each then delivered a one to two minute response. Billy Watkins conjured up with the word-of-the-week which was ‘bate’ meaning to slow, diminish or reduce.
The evening’s prepared speaker was also Dawn Boyer. Her informative talk was entitled "ACT Now", with the word ‘Act’ being an acronym for the steps one should take when dealing with either physical or emotional pain (Acknowledge, Communicate, Truth).
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday June 15, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. The scheduled speakers for next meeting are Todd Austin, Ron Grimes and Liz Mollett. "Guests and new members are always welcome to attend our club meetings, which are devoted to helping area residents improve their communication and leadership skills" states club secretary Jim Blankenship. For more information about the Toastmasters program, please call (217) 965-3100.
Dawn Boyer from Auburn was the prepared speaker at the last Toastmaster’s meeting.
Club president Ron Grimes (left) welcomed Jim Crafton of Auburn as a guest at Thursday’s Tri-County Toastmasters meeting.
Area Governor Eileen Kluckman (from left) installed the new slate of Toastmasters club officers at the last meeting: Sargeant at Arms Alan Saeger; Treasurer/Secretary Jim Blankenship from New Berlin; Public Relations Officer Todd Austin; Vice President Les Apps and President Ron Grimes.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Blankenship Speaks to Toastmasters Club About Sangamon County Fair
Jim Blankenship (right) and John Davidson were the speakers at Thursday’s Tri-County Toastmasters meeting. Blankenship, a New Berlin resident, promoted the 2006 Sangamon County Fair with an informative presentation, while Davidson delivered a dramatic talk.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 5-18-06 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Dr. Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship, Dawn Boyer, John Davidson, Rev. Ron Grimes, Jackie Rakers, Alan Saeger and Billy Watkins. President Grimes announced that the new slate of club officers will be installed by the area governor at the next meeting.
Todd Austin served as the Toastmaster of thursday’s meeting. Alan Saeger conducted the Tabletopics (impromptu speaking) portion of the program, during which each participant was given a different question. All then delivered a one to two minute response. Ron Grimes came up with the word-of-the-week which was ‘prosaic’ meaning dull or unimaginative.
The evening’s first prepared speaker was New Berlin's Jim Blankenship. His informative talk was entitled "Sangamon County Fair", and was a speech that he also delivered to the Springfield Chamber of Commerce to promote the Sangamon County Fair which will be held in mid-June in his home town. The second prepared speaker was John Davidson. His dramatic speech was named "The Best Book I Ever Read".
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday June 1, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. The scheduled speaker for next meeting is Auburn's Dawn Boyer. "Guests and new members are always welcome to attend our club meetings, which are devoted to helping area residents from all walks of life to improve both their communication and leadership skills in a friendly environment" states club vice-president Les Apps. For more information about the Toastmasters program, please call (217) 965-3100.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Tri-County Toastmasters Adds New Member
Ron Grimes served as the master of ceremonies of thursday’s meeting. Billy Watkins conducted the impromptu speaking portion of the program, during which each participant was given a different question. Each question was based on a potential crisis in a different career or field (ranging from bicycle repairman to vending machine supply person), which made for some entertaining one to two minute responses. Todd Austin presented the word-of-the-week which was ‘abnegate’ meaning to give up or deny.
The evening’s first prepared speaker was Les Apps. His informative talk was entitled "Thoughts and Memories", and was a project from the basic Toastmasters manual. The second prepared speaker was Jackie Rakers. Her basic manual speech aptly titled "Stress", pointed out how 90 % of all illnesses are stress-related. Rakers also gave the audience ideas and routines for coping with daily stress.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday May 18, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. The scheduled speakers for next meeting are Jim Blankenship from New Berlin and John Davidson. "Guests and new members are always welcome to attend our club meetings, which are devoted to helping area residents from all walks of life to improve both their communication and leadership skills in a friendly environment" states club public relations officer Todd Austin. For more information about the Toastmasters program, please call Austin at 965-3100.
PHOTO # 1 CAPTION:
Les Apps (left) and Jackie Rakers were the featured speakers at Thursday’s Tri-County Toastmasters meeting.
PHOTO # 2 CAPTION:
Current club president Ron Grimes (right) welcomed John Davidson from AG Buy Co. in Carlinville, as the Tri-County club’s newest member at Thursday’s Toastmasters meeting in Virden.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Blankenship Speaks to Tri-County Toastmasters Club
Todd Austin served as the Toastmaster (or master of ceremonies) of thursday’s meeting. Austin also conducted the impromptu speaking portion of the program, during which each participant was given a question, each on a different topic. Each participant then gave a one to two minute response. John Davidson presented the word-of-the-week which was ‘scale’ meaning an instrument of measure.
The evening’s prepared speaker was Jim Blankenship, a Certified Financial Planner from New Berlin. His informative talk was entitled "Balancing College and Retirement Planning".
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday May 4, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. The scheduled speakers for next meeting are Jackie Rakers and Les Apps. "Guests and new members are always welcome to attend our club meetings, which are devoted to helping area residents to develop and fine-tune both their communication and leadership skills" states current club president Ron Grimes. For more information about the Toastmasters program, please call 965-3100.
Jim Blankenship, CFP gave an informative presentation about "Balancing College and Retirement Planning" at Thursday’s Tri-County Toastmasters meeting. Blankenship owns and operates Blankenship Financial Planning in New Berlin.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Rakers Wins 2nd in Division Contest
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 4-6-06 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps, Dr. Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, Rev. Ron Grimes, Jackie Rakers and Billy Watkins. Two guests, John Davidson and Lauren Apps, were also present.
Todd Austin served as the Toastmaster (or master of ceremonies) of thursday’s meeting. Jackie Rakers conducted the impromptu speaking portion of the program, during which each participant was given a question, each on a different topic. Each participant then gave a one to two minute response.
The evening’s prepared speaker was Ron Grimes. His talk was a special occasion speech where he was to present an award. Grimes is currently working from a Toastmasters advanced speaking manual.
Then on Saturday 4-8-06, Jackie Rakers was awarded 2nd place at the Division C Toastmasters International Speech Contest, which was held in Springfield, IL. Rakers has been a member of Toastmasters for approximately 10 months.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday April 20, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. The scheduled speaker for next meeting is Jim Blankenship CFP, who will be discussing "Balancing College and Retirement Planning". "Guests and new members are always welcome to attend our club meetings, which are devoted to helping area residents to develop and fine-tune both their communication and leadership skills" states club vice president Les Apps. For more information about the Toastmasters program, please call 965-3100.
Tri-County Toastmasters Club president Rev. Ron Grimes (left) welcomed John Davidson from Carlinville as a guest at thursday’s meeting. Davidson is a member of the Carlinville "Marty Rogers Toastmasters Club" who announced his intentions to join the Tri-County Club as well.
Area 1 Governor Eileen Kluckman (left) presents Tri-County club member Jackie Rakers with her 2nd place trophy at saturday’s Division C Contest. Rakers presented her motivational speech entitled "What’s Important In Life?"
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Tri-County member wins 2nd place in Toastmasters Area speech contests
Dr. Todd Austin from Virden was the master of ceremonies for both contests. Sharon Thornton Knop served as the pattern speaker for the evaluation contest. Knop’s prepared speech was called "Stress Management". Each evaluation contestant then had 3 minutes to deliver an evaluation of her speech.
For the Speech Contest, each participant had from 5 to 7 minutes to deliver a (serious) prepared speech. Jackie Rakers of the Tri-County club was awarded second place for her inspirational speech entitled "What’s Important In Life". Rakers also took home second place in the evaluation contest.
First and second place Area 1 contest winners, including Rakers, will be eligible to compete at the next highest level in the Division C Contests which will be held on Saturday 4-8-06 in Springfield.
Other Tri-County club members who helped out with the contest were Ron Grimes and Les Apps who both served as judges and Alan Saeger who served as the timer.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club will hold their next regular club meeting on Thursday, April 6th at 6:30 p.m. at the Virden Area Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden.
"This was an awesome opportunity to observe some proficient speakers in action." said Club president Ron Grimes. "Attending a speech contest serves as a great introduction to what the Toastmasters program can do for people, by turning ordinary men and women into confident speakers that feel comfortable before an audience of any size!" For more info about Toastmasters contact club Public Relations officer Todd Austin at 965-3100.
Area 1 Evaluation Contest winners (from left): Pattern speaker Sharon Thornton Knop, 1st place winner in both contests David Lisnek, 2nd place in both contests Jackie Rakers, 3rd place in both contests Cynthia Leepper, Area Governor Eileen Kluckman and contestmaster Todd Austin.
Toastmasters Area 1 Governor Eileen Kluckman (left) presents Jackie Rakers of Tri-County Toastmasters with a 2nd place trophy. Rakers took home 2nd place in both the Evaluation Contest and the Speech Contest.
Monday, March 20, 2006
March 16, 2006 Meeting
Area Governor visits Toastmasters Club.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 3-16-06 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps, Dr. Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship of New Berlin, Rev. Ron Grimes, Jackie Rakers, Alan Saeger and Billy Watkins. One guest, Bernie Hand, was also present, as was Area 1 Governor, Eileen Kluckman.
Alan Saeger served as the master of ceremonies for thursday’s meeting. Les Apps conducted the impromptu speaking portion of the program, during which all participants where given questions on various subjects. Each then gave a one to two minute response.
The evening’s prepared speaker was Jackie Rakers. Her speech entitled "What is Important in Life?" was an inspirational / motivational talk that she will once again give next weekend when she will be representing the Tri-County club at the Area 1 Toastmasters Serious Speech Contest in Springfield, IL. Todd Austin evaluated Rakers’ presentation.
The Area Governor announced that the Area Speech Contest will be held on Sat. 3-25-06 at 5 PM at the International Buffet located at 2520 N. Dirkson Parkway. Rakers will be a contestant and Austin will be master of ceremonies. The event is open to the public.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday April 6, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. The scheduled speakers for next meeting are New Berlin's Jim Blankenship and Ron Grimes.
Tri-County Toastmasters Club president Ron Grimes (left) welcomed a guest, Bernie Hand, at Thursday’s meeting.
Area 1 Governor Eileen Kluckman (left) with Thursday’s speaker Jackie Rakers at the last Tri-County Toastmasters meeting. Rakers will use the same inspirational speech to compete in the Area 1 Speech Contest in Springfield next weekend.
Area 1 International Speech Contest Set
The Area 1 International Speech Contest and Evaluation Contest is set for Saturday, March 25, 2006. It will be held at the International Buffet located at 2520 North Dirksen Parkway in Springfield, Illinois. Registration begins at 4:30 pm and the contests will begin promptly at
5:00 pm.
The reason for having an evening contest is that the McBrian, Lincoln, Douglas Toastmaster Club #51 has generously opened an invitation for all of us to join in celebrating their club's 70th Anniversary.
I will need assistance with judges, vote counters, timers, etc ... for the contest.
Thank you for all your hard work and continued dedication to your clubs and our area!
Take care,
Eileen Kluckman, CTM, CL, ATM-S
Area 1 Governor
Division C, District 8
Springfield, IL
March 2, 2006 Meeting
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 3-2-06 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps, Dr. Todd Austin, Dawn Boyer from Auburn, Rev. Ron Grimes, Liz Mollett from Auburn, Jackie Rakers, Alan Saeger and Billy Watkins. One guest, Bernie Hand, was also present.
Jackie Rakers served as the master of ceremonies of thursday’s meeting. Alan Saeger conducted the impromptu speaking portion of the program, during which all participants where given ‘what if’ questions about different historical events. Each then gave a one to two minute response.
The evening’s first prepared speaker was Les Apps. His talk was a special informative presentation about the roles of the various club officers.
The second prepared speaker was Todd Austin. Austin’s speech entitled "Getting Free Publicity" was a talk that he was asked to prepare and give to another organization, the Virden Area Association of Commerce, earlier that day. He covered the different ways that an organization (for-profit business or not-for-profit club) can effectively utilize both print and electronic media contacts to get a plethora of free publicity.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday March 16, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. The scheduled speakers for next meeting are Jackie Rakers and Auburn's Dawn Boyer.
Club public relations officer, Dr. Todd Austin, spoke about "Getting Free Publicity" at thursday’s Toastmasters meeting. It was a speech he delivered that morning to the Virden Area Association of Commerce.
Past club president Les Apps gave a special officer training presentation at thursday’s Tri-County Toastmasters meeting.
February 2, 2006 meeting
Current Club President Ron Grimes (right) performed a roast of past club president Les Apps at Thursday’s Tri-County Toastmasters meeting. Grimes is currently working from the ‘specialty speeches’ advanced manual.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 2-2-06 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps, Dr. Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, Rev. Ron Grimes, Liz Mollett, Alan Saeger and Billy Watkins.
Billy Watkins served as the Toastmaster (or master of ceremonies) of thursday’s meeting. Todd Austin conducted the impromptu speaking (or table topics) portion of the program. Participants gave one to two minute responses to various questions.
The evening’s prepared speaker was Ron Grimes. His talk was a humorous ‘roast’ of fellow Toastmaster member and past club president Les Apps. Grimes’ rather entertaining roast was evaluated by New Berlin's Jim Blankenship.
The Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday February 16, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. The scheduled speaker for next meeting is Jackie Rakers.
Monday, January 23, 2006
1/19/06 Meeting
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday 1-19-06 at the Virden Area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps, Dr. Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, Rev. Ron Grimes, Liz Mollett from Auburn, Jackie Rakers and Alan Saeger.
Jim Blankenship served as the Toastmaster (or master of ceremonies) of Thursday’s meeting. Alan Saeger conducted the impromptu speaking (or table topics) portion of the program. Participants gave one to two minute responses to questions which were all topics related to travel or vacationing.
The evening’s prepared speaker was Les Apps. His talk was a motivational presentation called "The Most Important". Apps’ speech was evaluated by Todd Austin.
The Toastmaster club will next meet on Thursday February 2, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. The scheduled speakers for next meeting are Ron Grimes and Jackie Rakers. "Guests and new members are always welcome to attend our club meetings" states club secretary Jim Blankenship. For more information about how the Toastmasters program works, please call 965-3100.
PHOTO CAPTION:Les Apps from Girard gave an inspirational presentation at Thursday’s Tri-County Toastmasters meeting.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Dawn Boyer Wins 3rd at District 8 TM Conference
The District 8 Humorous Speech and Table Topics (impromptu speaking) contests were held over the weekend, as were the District 8 business meeting and several educational sessions. Dawn Boyer, last month’s Division C Humorous Speech Contest winner, had the privilege of competing in the District Contest. She was awarded third place with her speech entitled "My Summer Vacation".
Both Boyer and Austin had the privilege of meeting the 2003 World Champion of Public Speaking, Jim Keys from Dallas, Texas. Keys was the keynote speaker at the conference, as well the master of ceremony for the humorous speech contest.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club will next meet on Thursday December 15, 2005at 6:30 p.m. at Blankenship Financial Planning at 116 West Illinois Streetin New Berlin. "Guests and new members are always invited to come watch one of our club meetings" states club president Rev. Ron Grimes, "If you would like more info on Toastmasters, please call (217) 965-3100."
PHOTO 1 CAPTION:
Toastmasters (from left) District 8 Lt. Governor of Education Dan Darnall presents Tri-County member Dawn Boyer an award for 3rd place in the District 8 Humorous Speech Contest. Also pictured are District 8 Lt. Gov. of Marketing Barbara Kryvko and District Governor Mary Kerwin.
PHOTO 2 CAPTION:
Tri-County Toastmaster members Dawn Boyer (center) and Todd Austin (right) had the honor of meeting special guest, Jim Key, the "2003 World Champion of Public Speaking" at the recent Toastmasters Fall Conference.
Monday, November 14, 2005
11/3/05 Meeting at Virden
Rev. Ron Grimes (left) presented Jackie Rakers with a Toastmasters International pin for completing her third speech as a club member. Rakers was the prepared speaker at Thursday’s meeting.The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday at the Virden area Community Center. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps, Dr. Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, Dawn Boyer from Auburn, Rev. Ron Grimes, Jackie Rakers, Alan Saeger and Billy Watkins.
Alan Saeger served as the Toastmaster (or master of ceremonies) of thursday’s meeting. Todd Austin conducted the impromptu speaking (or table topics) portion of the program. His questions were all on topics related to current events.
The evening’s prepared speaker was Jackie Rakers, who was giving her third speech as a toastmasters club member. Her talk was an informative presentation about why we should all have living wills and powers of attorney for healthcare in place, in case something unexpected occurs.
The Toastmaster club will next meet on Thursday November 17, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. The scheduled speaker for next meeting is New Berlin's Jim Blankenship. "Guests and new members are always welcome to attend our club meetings" states club vice-president Les Apps. For more information about how the Toastmasters program works, please call 965-3100.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Two Tri-County Toastmaster members earn awards at Division Contest
Tri-County Toastmaster members who took part in the recent Division C Speech Contests were (from left): Todd Austin - chief judge; Dawn Boyer - 1st place Humorous Speech Contest winner; and Les Apps - 3rd place in both Humorous Speech and Tabletopics Contests.
Three members of the Tri-County Toastmasters club attended the Division C Contests on Saturday, October 8, 2005 in Springfield. Dr. Todd Austin from Virden served as the chief judge for both humorous speech and table topics contests. The chief judge’s duties are to assemble a panel of judges from several different clubs and to make sure all judges are aware of all contest and judging rules.
Dawn Boyer from Auburn took first place in the Humorous Speech Contest with her speech called "My Summer Vacation". As the contest winner, Boyer will be one of only 5 speakers competing at the District 8 Humorous Speech Contest in Fairview Heights, IL on November 19th.
Les Apps from Girard took third place in the speech contest with his speech called "Shopping" as well as third place in the impromptu speaking or table topics contest.
The Toastmaster club will next meet on Thursday November 3, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Street in Virden. The scheduled speaker for next meeting is Jackie Rakers. "Guests and new members are always welcome to attend our club meetings" states club president Ron Grimes. For more information about how the Toastmasters program works, please call (217) 965-3100.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
10/6/05 Meeting and Contests
(From left) The speakers at Thursday’s Toastmasters meeting were Les Apps (left) and Auburn's Dawn Boyer.
(From left) Area 1 2005 Tabletopic Speech Contest winners: (from left) 2nd place Les Apps, 1st place Nate Randall, 3rd place Dawn Boyer, Contest Master Dr. Todd Austin and Area 1 Governor Eileen Kluckman.
(From left) Area 1 2005 Humorous Speech Contest winners: (from left) 3rd place Les Apps, 2nd place Qaisar Khan, 1st place Dawn Boyer from Auburn, Contest Master Dr. Todd Austin and Area 1 Governor Eileen Kluckman.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday in Virden. Club members present at the meeting were: Les Apps, Dr. Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship from New Berlin, Rev. Ron Grimes, Jackie Rakers, Alan Saeger, Cheryl Savage and Billy Watkins. President Grimes also welcomed Liz Mollett from Auburn as the clubs newest member.
Alan Saeger served as the Toastmaster of thursday’s meeting. Cheryl Savage conducted the impromptu speaking (or table topics) portion of the program. Her questions were all on topics related to finances, which made for some interesting responses.
The evening’s first prepared speaker was Les Apps, who gave a humorous speech. The second speaker was Dawn Boyer from Auburn, who was giving her first speech as a Toastmaster.
Virden also hosted the Area 1 2005 Humorous Speech and Table Topics contests on Saturday. Winners will compete in the Division Contests to be held in Springfield. Tri-County members Dawn Boyer and Les Apps both won an award in each contest.
The Toastmaster club will next meet on Thursday October 20, 2005at 6:30 p.m.at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Streetin Virden. The scheduled speakers for next meeting are Cheryl Savage and Jackie Rakers.
"Guests and new members are always welcome to attend our club meetings" states club vice-president Todd Austin. For more information about how the Toastmasters program works, please call (217) 965-3100.
Monday, September 12, 2005
9/2/05 Meeting
(From left) Rev. Ron Grimes, Jackie Rakers and Andy Frost were the speakers at the last Tri-County Toastmasters meeting.
(From left) Dawn Boyer of Auburn became the newest club member at the last Tri-County Toastmasters meeting, while New Berlin’s Jim Blankenship served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies.
New Berlin hosts Toastmasters meeting. Club adds new member from Auburn.
The Tri-County Toastmasters club met on Thursday at Blankenship Financial Planning in New Berlin. Club members present at Thursday’s meeting were: Les Apps, Dr. Todd Austin, Jim Blankenship, Andy Frost, Rev. Ron Grimes, Jackie Rakers, Alan Saeger, Cheryl Savage, Matt Summers and Billy Watkins. President Grimes also welcomed Dawn Boyer from Auburn as the club's newest member. Public Relations officer Todd Austin announced that Virden will once again host the annual Area 1 Humorous Speech Contest on Saturday, September 24, 2005 at 1:00 P.M.
New Berlin's Jim Blankenship served as the Toastmaster of Thursday’s meeting. Todd Austin conducted the impromptu speaking (or table topics) portion of the program. His questions were all on topics related to religion and spirituality in the U.S., which made for some interesting responses.
The evening’s first prepared speaker was Andy Frost, who was giving his first speech as a club member. The second speaker was Ron Grimes, whose informative talk called "T.I.’s Big Picture" more or less served as an orientation for new members and a review for long-time members about the many benefits that Toastmasters International offers club members. The third speaker was Jackie Rakers, whose talk on volunteerism was titled "Being Good To People".
The Toastmaster club will next meet on Thursday September 15, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center at 105 West Jackson Streetin Virden. The scheduled speakers for next meeting are Les Apps, Cheryl Savage and Auburn's Dawn Boyer. "Guests and new members are always welcome to attend our club meetings" states club vice-president Todd Austin. For more information about how the Toastmasters program works, please call 965-3100.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Archival information for 2005
Liz Mollett (sp?) was a guest of the club
July 7, 2005 - Cheryl Savage was a guest of the club
July 21, 2005 - Cheryl Savage voted in by membership
Matt Summers voted in by membership
Andy Frost voted in by membership
Thursday, September 08, 2005
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