Embedded Files
Valley Town Toastmasters conducted the 2010 International Speech and Evaluation Contests on Thursday, February 25/10.
Kenrick Chin, CC, (left) was the Contest Chair and Gary Reid, ATM, was the Chief Judge.
The Evaluation Contest had four contestants with Jonathan Spiegel, DTM, pictured right (file photo) winning and Tony Bratschitsch, ACB, CL, finishing in second.The International Speech Contest also had four contestants with Tony Bratschitsch being the winner and Gerri McManamy, CC, earning second.
The two two place winners of both contests advance to the Area 53 Contest that will be held on Wednesday, March 10.
On Wednesday, March 3/10, at 12:00 noon, Karen Wood, CC, was the Target Speaker for Midday Marauders Toastmasters' evaluation contest. While presenting "Grandma's Apron", Karen (centre photo) tied on an apron and described its symbolism to her memories of her grandmother, her cooking and passion for family.Pictured alongside Karen is Joan McGaw, DTM (right), contest chair and Gerri McManamy, CC (left), Valley Town supporter. Also present from Valley Town was Tony Bratschitsch (camera).
On Monday, March 8, 2010, Karen Wood, CC, presented the Test Speech for the Lakeshore-In-Depth Advanced Toastmaster Club (No. 9912) in Thorold, Ontario.Contest Chair, Lyn Jutras, CC, pictured on the left in the photo, welcomed and congratulated Karen on her enthusiasm and dedication.This was Karen's second target (test) speech in two weeks and represents the spirit of self-improvement through the Toastmaster program'
Valley Town Toastmasters hosted the Area 53 International Speech and Evaluation Contests on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at the Dundas Royal Canadian Legion.
All three clubs - First Waterdown, Hamilton TSO and Valley Town - were well represented by contestants, officials and spectators.
Area Governor Geneva Neale was the Chair for the Evaluation Contest which was contested by four Toastmasters from First Waterdown and Valley Town.
The top two place winners were Tony Bratschitsch, ACB, CL, and Jonathan Spiegel, DTM, both from Valley Town.Rob Eickmeier, CC, of First Waterdown was the Chief Judge for the International Speech Contest which featured six contestants from all three clubs.
The top two place winners were Tony Bratschitsch and Gerri McManamy, CC, of Valley Town Toastmasters.
Tony will proceed to represent Area 53 at the Division L Contest in Burlington on Friday, March 26, 2010.The Division L International Speech and Evaluation Contests were held in Burlington on Friday, March 26, 2010.
In attendance from Valley Town Toastmasters, pictured in V-formation from left to right, were Kathie Walker, Patrice Bernard, CC, Jonathan Spiegel, DTM, Amy Hunter, Karen Wood, CC, Area 53 Governor Geneva Neale and Gerri McManamy, CC, as well as our two-contest contestant, Tony Bratschitsch, ACB, CL.
In attendance from Valley Town Toastmasters, pictured in V-formation from left to right, were Kathie Walker, Patrice Bernard, CC, Jonathan Spiegel, DTM, Amy Hunter, Karen Wood, CC, Area 53 Governor Geneva Neale and Gerri McManamy, CC, as well as our two-contest contestant, Tony Bratschitsch, ACB, CL.
Tony presented his speech titled "Through the Gates" and earned 2nd place in the International Speech Contest. He is seen pictured here with Area 53 Governor Geneva Neale.
Meet the World Champion
Meet the World Champion
Members of Valley Town Toastmasters traveled to Honeymoon Toastmasters' meeting in Niagara Falls on Wednesday, April 14, 2010, to meet Mark Hunter of Australia.
Mark is the 2009 Toastmaster International World Champion of Public Speaking and he presented his winning speech to an enthralled audience of approximately 120 Toastmasters. Mark is pictured on the right (above photo) giving the "thumbs up" to Valley Town Toastmasters!
Valley Town Toastmasters that attended this first class meeting were, from left to right, Tony Bratschitsch, ACB, CL, Jonathan Spiegel, DTM, Kenrick Chin, CC, Karen Wood, CC, Gerri McManamy, CC, and Yolanda Miller, CC.
April 8, 2010
Valley Town Toastmasters had a club debate on whether to lower the urban speed limit to 40 km/h. Our club follows Toastmasters International's formal Rules of Debate where teams of two debaters forward presentations, rebuttals, refutations, cross examinations and summaries. Click here for more information.
April 26, 2010
Valley Town Toastmasters travelled to the Brant Toastmasters Club in Brantford for the 2nd Annual Great Debate between the two clubs.
Trina Hill of Brant Toastmasters is cross-examining Mark Mullins on his team's presentation on keeping the penny in circulation.
More information on this memorable is available at this link.
When he heard that Ambitious City Toastmasters were going to feature William Cassels as a guest speaker at their meeting on Tuesday, April 27, 2010, Gary Reid, ATM, (left in photo) heard music! William was one of his friends from his earliest Toastmaster days, forty years ago!
William Cassels is a recognized motivational speaker who has long inspired his audiences despite a serious speech impediment.
William employs musical accompaniment to construct phenomenal presentations that makes all of us "listen to the music" - and the message!
On Thursday, June 24/10, Valley Town Toastmasters hosted a Summer Celebration barbecue.
Despite the forecasts, the rain held off and the event was well attended by Toastmasters from many clubs.
Outgoing Division L Governor, Nelson Ruiz Blanco (standing) is pictured talking to Phil Lococo and Lori Lococo (Immediate Past Governor, District 86) of Honeymoon City Toastmasters, Niagara Falls, and Janice McDonald (Incoming District 86 Lt. Governor Marketing) of Brant Toastmasters.
Sitting behind Nelson is Justin O'Donnell (Incoming Division L Governor) of Garden City Toastmasters.
Pictured on the right are members from two of our closest neighbouring clubs, Godwin Abaahom (Incoming President) of Ambitious City, Michael Klaptocz (Incoming Area 51 Governor), McMaster, and Ray Redbourne and Chwen Johnson of Ambitious City.
Visit our Celebrations 2010 page formore information.
We had our best turnout in 3 years for the CACTUS FESTIVAL PARADE on Thursday, August 19, 2010. 15 people came out to promote the Toastmaster program including members from the Youth Leadership Program.
The weather was beautiful, the audience was friendly and we passed out hundreds of Toastmaster cards as we made our way through the 2.3 kilometer route.
For more info, click here.
Humorous Speech Contests
Humorous Speech Contests
Valley Town Toastmasters were royally entertained with five humorous presentations during its annual Humorous Speech Contest on Thursday, September 30, 2010.
Two of the contestants were first timers - Anne Patenaude and Mark Grottoli - and the competition was funny and performed at a very high level.
Karen Wood (CC), Contest Chair, is pictured congratulating the presenters - Mark Grottoli, Tony Bratschitsch (ACS, ACB), Geneva Neale (ACG, CL), Jonathan Spiegal (DTM) and Anne Patenaude (ACB).
Congratulations to our winner - Mark Grottoli (2nd from right) and to runner-ups Tony Bratschitsch and Anne Patenaude.
Mark will represent Valley Town Toastmasters at the Area 51 Humorous Contest on Wednesday, October 13 (7 PM) at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 36 in Dundas.
Club Table Topics Contest
Club Table Topics Contest
On October 7, 2010, Valley Town Toastmasters held their annual Table Topics Contest with a large audience in attendance. This year, we had seven Toastmasters competing in this 2 minute impromptu speech contest. The top three place finishers were Tony Bratschitsch, Jonathan Spiegel and Gerri McManamy.
Area 51 Contests
Area 51 Contests
Area 51 conducted the HUMOROUS SPEECH & TABLE TOPICS CONTESTS at the Royal Canadian Legion in Dundas on Wednesday, October 13, 2010. Four clubs - Ambitious City, Brant, McMaster and Valley Town - sent their clubs' champions to compete for the right to represent the area in the Division L Contests on November 5, 2020 in Burlington.
Pictured above are the Humorous Speech contestants (left to right): 1st place finisher Mark Grotolli of Valley Town, 3rd place contestant Helen Lowery of Ambitious City, Sara Hillis of Brant and runner-up David Shaw of McMaster Toastmasters. Contest Chair Tom Bering of McMaster Toastmasters is on the far right.
Over 50 people were in attendance for this event that featured hilarious speeches and a lot of good will.
The Table Topics Contest consisting of 2 minute impromptu speeches was won by Tony Bratschitsch of Valley Town with Patrice Sterkenburg of Brant Toastmasters being 1st runner-up.
Area 54 Contests
Area 54 Contests
Although Valley Town Toastmasters are in Area 51, we were happy and honoured to assist and host the Area 54 Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contests on October 19, 2010 at the Royal Canadian Legion in Dundas.
The Area 54 contests gave our club members an opportunity to demonstrate good will while enjoying an enjoyable evening with other friendly Toastmasters from excellent clubs.
Chairing the Humorous Speech Contest was Valley Town's Mark Mullins (ACG, CL), far left, and is pictured with Area 54's presenters.
Also in attendance from Valley Town were Kenrick Chin (CC), Geneva Neale (ACS, CL), Yolanda Miller (CC), Beverley Reid, Jonathan Spiegel (DTM) and Tony Bratschitsch (ACS, ACB).
Valley Town Toastmaster Gary Reid (ATM), far left, chaired the Table Topics Contest and is pictured with the contestants.
Valley Town Proud
Valley Town Proud
On November 5, 2010, our Division L contestants Mark Grottoli and Tony Bratschitsch competed at the Division L contests in Burlington. Mark did extremely well at the annual Division Humorous Speech Contest against six competitors after winning both the Area 51 and Valley Town Club contests in his first year. Tony placed 2nd in the Division Table Topics Contest.
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Tony placed 2nd in the Division Table Topics Contest.
Trial Venue
Trial Venue
Valley Town Toastmasters held a trial meeting at th e Dundas Town Hall Auditorium on Thursday, November 11, 2010.
This wa s the first trial meeting of the new location for our growing club.
Gerri McManamy (CC), club Sergeant-at-Arms, opened the meeting to a Remembrance Day theme which featured a tribute to "Flanders Fields" by club president Kenrick Chin (ACB).
The meeting also consisted of a debate work shop held by VP Education Gary Reid (ATM). We had Toastmasters from three other clubs enjoying the presentation.
Supporting the District
Supporting the District
Registrations, District 86 Phase 2 Training - December 4, 2010
Valley Town Toastmasters were honoured and privileged to provide the registration services for the district training at Bishop Tonnos High School in Ancaster.
Karen Wood (CC) offered to chair the event planning and, with her team, provided a well prepared and superbly executed process that ensured that incoming Toastmasters were quickly and efficiently registered.
We have set up a new page on our web site, Event Planning, that has more details and has attachments at the bottom of its page.
The Operating Procedure, forms and signs can also be located at our Education Centre (Event Planning).
Karen is pictured in the below photo being recognized for her leadership by District 86 Lt. Governor Education & Training Avis Brodie, DTM (right in photo).
Thank you to our Valley Town Toastmaster team!
Beverley Reid
Gary Reid (ATM)
Geneva Neale (ACG, CL)
Imelda Esporlas-Jewer (CC)
John Martin
Karen Wood (CC), Chair
Kate Cave, Assistant Chair
Kaylee Wagner
Kenneth MacKinnon
Kenrick Chin (ACB)
Mark Grottoli
Richard Parrish
Tony Bratschitsch (ACS, ACB)
Also, thank you to Mingliang Ma from Ambitious City Toastmasters for working as an integral part of the registration team.
Additional thanks to the three Toastmasters from Valley Town and the one Toastmaster from Ambitious City who were on "stand-by" in case they were needed.
The Great "In-Club" Debate
The Great "In-Club" Debate
December 9, 2010 - In preparation for the Area 51 "Great Debate", Valley Town Toastmasters conducted a formal "In-Club" debate of its own.
The resolution was: That Canada's preventing the Potash Corporation takeover by BHP Billiton is justified."
Mark Mullins (ACG, CL) was the Chief Judge and is pictured above reviewing the rules with the two debate teams.
The "affirmative" team of Kenneth MacKinnon and Monica Kras (left in above photo) were matched against the "negative" team of Gerri McManamy (CC) and Judy Shepalo.
There were three phases to this debate, each carefully evaluated by judges and monitored by a timer.
Phase 1: Constructive Presentations
Phase 2: Cross Examinations
Phase 3: Refutations and Rebuttals
Monica Kras is pictured in the photo on the right opening with the 1st presentation of the Phase 1.
Judy Shepalo is pictured in the left with her Phase 1 presentation on behalf of the "negative" team.
Valley Town Toastmasters were able to enjoy a well prepared demonstration of excellent debating skills by the four superb participants.
In attendance were our members from our good friendly neighbouring clubs, Ambitious City Toastmasters and McMaster Toastmasters.
Happy Holidays
Happy Holidays
December 16, 2010 - It was a beautiful party!
Over 60 Toastmasters and guests gathered at the Dundas Legion to launch our holiday season.
As it turned out, the party, itself, was something to cherish and celebrate.
Viola Mueller was the Master of Ceremonies and, as well, the creator of many beautiful adornments such as the table setting pictured in the same photo and the above "Wishing Tree".
Kate Cave is seen in this photo reciting her poem "T'was the week before our feast". Kate was the food chair for our party and, thanks to the generosity of everyone, we certainly did feast.
Viola Mueller poses with Gary Reid after he was "crowned".
Kate Cave is seen in this photo reciting her poem "T'was the week before our feast". Kate was the food chair for our party and, thanks to the generosity of everyone, we certainly did feast.
"Rock Santa", also known as Richard Parrish, made an incredible impromptu appearance from Labrador.
Besides passing out his gifts, Rock Santa entertained everyone with his hilarious wit. Hopefully, this is the just the beginning on a new tradition.
Someday, perhaps our John Martin is going to find out where that long-ago mysterious reindeer came from?
Thank you, too, to Kenrick Chin and Mark Mullins for providing musical accompaniment to our wonderful celebration.
In the News
In the News
December 29, 2010
The DUNDAS STAR NEWS published the above news release concerning the growth and relocation of Valley Town Toastmasters.
As of Thursday, January 6, 2011, the club will be officially meeting in the upstairs auditorium of the Dundas Town Hall, 60 Main Street, Dundas.
The new meeting location features a larger room, pull-out stage, drop-down presentation screen and a kitchen.
The members of Valley Town Toastmasters are thrilled with the opportunity of continued growth in membership and education.
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