50th Anniversary Celebration! (30 September 2008)

Yes, it's true. Early Risers has been around for 50 years. The club started October 1, 1958. We celebrated in high style with fresh flowers, balloons, and PANCAKES. Early Risers of previous years were invited. Many came to enjoy pancakes and share their thoughts about Toastmasters and rising early to make the meetings in previous years.

This was an "open house" meeting. Guests from the community were invited. 

Guests arrived by 6:30 AM. Among our guests were Area Governors for Toastmasters and the LGET (lieutenant governor of education and training) also attended and shared their thoughts on creating community and ensuring the longevity of the club.

Stephanie was our Toastmaster extraordinaire.

Speeches at this Meeting:

We featured one speech "for credit" at this meeting, "Persuasive Speaking Project"; 5-7 minutes; from the Specialty Speeches manual delivered by Connie and evaluated by Kelly. Both speakers did a great job of representing the club. 

Other Roles at this Meeting:

The Kitchen Angels: Jane, Donna, and Ken (Ann's husband) who made sure everyone had their pancakes. Thanks so much!

General Evaluator: Theo

Table Topics Masters: Claire and Josie (it was a long round!)

Best Table Topics Award: John Kerrigan (previous member) who talked about the main benefit of Toastmasters being a "Toastmaster sandwich," which consists of constructive criticism sandwiched between encouragement and experience giving speeches. He told the story of having "healthy anxiety" in preparing his speeches and making it to meetings. We were honored to have returning members like John at our meeting. 

The ceremony of the meeting was the "retiring" of our Early Risers banner. The banner is now old and patched up, but it proudly displays many ribbons and awards. Early Risers is a Distinguished Club for many years now. Part of the ceremony was folding the banner up like a flag as the attendees looked on. Then, Stephanie unveiled a crisp new banner amidst supportive cheers and good will. The community was awake and having a nice time.

Meeting adjourned promptly at 8:00 AM.