Business Meeting

Jim Akers presiding

President Jim Akers opened the meeting with a reflective statement on calendar year 2002:

“I want to begin the meeting today by taking an opportunity to reflect upon what a truly amazing year it has been for our club.

“We end the year with twelve new faces among us: Theresa Bates, Charlie Derrick and Mark Englen joined our ranks as new members this year. Betty Gambill graced us with her presence, transferring from a club in Tennessee. Monica Harrell elected to rejoin our great club. Dale Howard, a Distinguished Toastmaster from Northern Georgia, called this “an amazing Toastmasters club” and transferred membership. Ron Johnson, Davis Loop, Bill Maddox and Chris Spears joined as new members. Shauib Karim transferred here from a club in Minnesota and is just one speech away from his CTM. And, last but not least, Steve Lazar transferred to our club from Arlington Toastmasters.

“Wow! What a year for membership growth.

“In 2002, our club also achieved many other great things:

o   We launched a new web site;

o   We changed our name from Beauclerc-Mandarin to Toast of Jax Toastmasters;

o   We developed our very own club logo;

o   We improved our meeting format, adding a fourth speaker's slot;

o   We acquired a new lectern, timing lights, an easel and a new banner;

o   We graduated 17 young adults from a Youth Leadership Program; and

o   We were featured in a 350-word news article in the Florida Times Union for that last accomplishment.

“Most importantly, we have helped many individuals develop communications and leader skills along the way. And, we also had a lot of fun doing it!

“The very best Toastmasters club in Jacksonville has truly experienced a bell-ringer year in 2002!   (Note: two bells mysteriously began ringing at this point in Jim’s holiday message) 

“Please join me in giving our club a well-deserved standing ovation!”

Regular Club Meeting

Toastmaster

Yurania Causey (A Holiday Tribute to the U.S. Navy)

Word of the Day

imperceptible (adj.)

very slight or gradual

Ribbon for best use to Jim Akers

Table Topics

Grant McManus (Acting as Human Resources Director for Santa Corp. and hiring for a position)

Danny Pritchard

How would you motivate the elves under your supervision to work? (1:15)

Milo Holt

How would you handle offensive short people jokes under the Elf Sensitivity Program? (1:48)

David Rafanowicz

What list would Trent Lott be on – the good or bad boys database – and what gift would he get? (1:50) (Best)

Kamlesh Fadia

Do you have what it takes to fill in for Santa? (1:40)

Speakers

Roy Kenski

The Christmas Birth (A Current Reflection on an Ageless Story in the Town of Bethlehem)(12:43)

John Roberts

Things NOT to Do When You are Being Audited (Sage Advice from an IRS Insider) (7:15)

Jackie Pease

The Grinch Came to My House (Who Stole My Christmas? Can Someone Bring it Back?)(5:42)

Jim Akers

Flying Solo (Stucky and His Amazing Flying Machine Go Solo – A Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On!) (8:50) (Best)

Evalumaster

Richard Welty (Another Excellent Meeting)

Evaluators

Nandu Shah (3:28)

Betty Gambill (3:00)

Steve Lazar (3:40) (Best)

Beverly Farnell (2:19)

Educational

Graeme Matthews – Eye Contact is Important (a.k.a., The Eyes Have It!)

Miscellaneous

Guest Comments

No guests at today’s meeting

Joke Meister

Theresa Bates (Three Strikes and You’re Out!)

A high-tech company hired a new CEO to take over from its prior leader. Upon assuming office, the CEO was handed three envelopes – numbered one, two and three – and told not to open any until he had a major crisis on his hands. At that point, he was to open the first one. If another crisis occurred, he was to open the second and so on.

After about six months, the company hit a tough spot and quarterly earnings fell short of expectations. The CEO went to his desk and opened the first envelope. Inside was a letter that said simply, “Blame your predecessor.”

He met with the financial analysts and blamed his predecessor for the dismal results. They bought it and things quickly returned to normal.

After several more months, things headed south again, due primarily to unexpected production problems. The CEO consulted the second envelope, which instructed simply, “Reorganize.”  He immediately announced a reorganization and the Wall Street types heralded the move as brilliant.

Three months later, another earnings gaffe occurred and the CEO opened the final envelope, which offered more sage advice: “Prepare three numbered envelopes.”

Announcements

Milo Holt reported that Honorary Member Dave Jackson was feeling fine and had renewed energy levels after receiving a pacemaker. Please keep Dave in your thoughts and prayers.

David Rafanowicz made a warm and fuzzy statement about the club and the unwrapped gift members give each other at each and every meeting. He also reminded members that if unable to fill a scheduled role at a meeting, they are required to find a replacement and notify the Toastmaster or Evalumaster.

Steve Lazar announced that openings are still available for members to participate in the Speechcraft at Eugene Butler Midddle School. See the web page to sign up by clicking <here>.  Steve also commented that he was able recently to accept a speaking role before the Library Guild due to confidence he has developed through Toastmasters.

Danny Pritchard announced that club level International Speech and Table Topics contests will be held during the last part of February and encouraged members to participate.

Jim Akers advised that Division A has scheduled an Officers Training Program, to be held in Jacksonville on January 23, thereby obviating the need to travel to Orlando for the training. For details, click <here>.

Attendance   19 members and  guests

Presiding Officer Jim Akers adjourned the meeting with a decidedly Presidential flourish at approximately 9:21 a.m., wishing all members a Happy Holiday season.  NO MEETING NEXT WEEK!

Another great meeting and a good time was had by all!

Danny Pritchard reporting

David J. Rafanowicz, Editor