2013 Activities
We Remember
November 11, 2013
On a cold, blustery and rainy day, club president Kenrick Chin laid Valley Town Toastmaster's commemorative Remembrance Day wreath at the foot of the Cenotaph on Market Street in Dundas.
Accompanying Kenrick, left in the photo, is club member Tony Bratschitsch with the Dundas Golf & Curling Club's wreath. The Dundas Golf & Curling Club is hosting our 20th Anniversary on January 30, 2014.
Contests
October 10, 2013
Every year about this time, every Toastmaster club in the world (+14,000) conducts their annual Humorous Speech & Table Topics Contests.
Valley Town Toastmasters had a very successful contest night with four contestants for the Table Topics and five for the Humorous Speech.
The Table Topics contest features the challenge of instantly presenting a two-minute speech without preparation.
This short speech must have an opening and closing that is connected along with a message or story.
This is an excellent skill that is worth developing for many types of professional, social and personal situations.
The Humorous Speech Contest involved seven-minute speeches that were entertaining in nature.
The first and second place winners from both of our contests will be representing Valley Town Toastmasters at the Area 51 Contests on Thursday, October 24, 2013, at the Dundas Town Hall upper auditorium.
Valley Town Proud!
Ice Breaker
October 3, 2013
Faith West gave her Ice Breaker - her first speech - about "finding her voice". She spoke about being the youngest child in a large family and learning how to be heard among the midst of an active family.
Faith described her life journey from Jamaica to Canada and how she "found her voice". Her Ice Breaker was an excellent presentation and we look forward to many more.
Well done, Faith!
New Member
September 26, 2013
Mandy Dreyer was warmly welcomed into Valley Town Toastmasters as a new member.
Mandy joined our club to improve her presentation skills and her comfort level in front of large groups of people. She is a business owner specializing in sports therapy.
Mandy is a renown elite cyclist who enjoys the outdoors. Our club is excited that she will be sharing her experiences as we grow together.
Welcome, Mandy!
New Member
September 26, 2013
Valley Town Toastmasters were thrilled to induct Faith West as a new member to our club.
Faith is a local resident and an accomplished business executive who has recently become a full time entrepreneur.
She joined Toastmasters to improve her already excellent presentation skills.
Welcome, Faith!
Ice Breaker
September 19, 2013
Josie Gallitrico presented her first speech - the Ice Breaker - to the club.
As is the norm, the Ice Breaker gives a new member the opportunity to stand in front of a group of people while talking about herself so that the club members get to know her better.
What a wonderful job Josie did! Standing in front, she told us a delightful story of her education and career paths that took her from Argentina to South Africa to Canada.
Having started as an engineer, Josie transferred her excellent personal skills and disciplined engineering background to the world of real estate sales.
Thank you for sharing your story, Josie!
Cactus Festival Parade
August 15, 2013
Toastmasters from six clubs came out to march with Valley Town Toastmasters at the annual Cactus Festival Parade. Altogether, there were 42 participants, including friends and family, that enjoyed the 2.3 kilometre stroll through Dundas' packed parade route.
The "Traveling Toaster" made another return performance to the crowd's delight. At the steady helm was Artur Filc, Valley Town's Vice-President Membership with his son, Richard, alongside.
Grace Trushinski of Hamilton No. 1 Toastmasters was one of the many members from neighbouring clubs that came out to promote the Toastmaster program to the community
Other clubs were Access Toastmasters, Ambitious City Toastmasters, Brant Toastmasters, Burlington Advanced Toastmasters, McMaster Toastmasters and, of course, Valley Town Toastmasters.
Helping us pass out business cards along the way were many young family members, such as Jackson and Victoria.
As you can see from the back of their shirts, they know a good program when they see one.
A special thank you to our Parade Master, Jonathan Spiegel, for arranging - and inspiring - another record turnout of participants.
Valley Town Proud!
Our "Giant" Message
July 13, 2013
Valley Town Toastmasters sent a big message to the district on behalf of its fellow clubs.
At the beginning of the first District 86 Executive Council Meeting, our club member and District Governor Tony Bratschitsch presented the Giant Gavel (see story below) to its 44 Area Governors, 8 Division Governors and 15 executives.
Our message was "...on behalf of the over 200 clubs and nearly 5000 members in District 86, Valley Town Toastmasters of Dundas, Ontario, presents this Giant Gavel as a reminder of our duties as executives to work towards the educational success and personal growth of each and every member."
The Giant Gavel is pictured with the above group of Division Governors who lead the district's eight divisions.
Also, the same photo was featured on the front page of the District 86 web site.
Our message was obviously well received and the Giant Gavel is now a part of our District 86 legacy in the pursuit of educational excellence!
Well done, Valley Town Toastmasters!
Club Contest Success
July 11, 2013
Every Toastmaster club is directed by an elected group of seven officers who have specific roles.
Valley Town Toastmasters new executive was inducted by Area 51 Governor Diana Parker (far left).
From left to right are Julia Juarez (Secretary), Nina Goncharenko (Treasurer), Karen Wood (Immediate Past President), Kenrick Chin (President & Vice-President Education) and Artur Filc (Vice-President Membership).
Missing from the photo are Esther Smith (Vice-President Public Relations) and Colin Tan (Sergeant-At-Arms).
We are very fortunate to have such an excellent team of volunteers who are dedicated to the well-being of our club and its members' progress.
Thank you to our 2013 - 2014 executive!
A Giant Gift
July 11, 2013
Kelly Massey of Stoney Creek, Ontario, returned to our club to present Valley Town Toastmasters with another special gift - a giant gavel.
This was the second such contribution by Kelly with the first being on November 1, 2012 - also a specially handcrafted gavel. This time, the gavel was even larger and was designated for a presentation to District 86 on behalf of Valley Town Toastmasters.
Kelly is pictured in the above file photo from his first visit along with club past president, Karen Wood.
Karen is shown in the left photo handing off the original Big Gavel to incoming president, Kenrick Chin.
Kelly's Giant Gavel can be seen in the forefront of the photo.
Thank you, Kelly, for your significant and symbolic contributions to Valley Town Toastmasters!
Summer Barbecue
June 27, 2013
Over 80 Toastmasters and guests from Oakville through Niagara Falls attended our annual Summer Barbecue.
Once again, ultimate host Jonathan Spiegel provided his home and back yard for this event.
The weather was great and so was the camaraderie and friendship as we had a chance to catch up with old friends and new!
Live musical entertainment was provided by our club members Kenrick Chin and Mark Mullins along with Kenrick's son Patrick and family friend Dan. This was a great time to dance to the music!
Club president Karen Wood (left in photo) and Committee Chair Kate Cave (right) announced the winner of the Toastmaster-of-the Year (non-executive) as Maureen Hills, a very deserving achievement!
Congratulations, Maureen!
Thank you, everyone, for a fantastic barbecue event!
New Member
June 13, 2013
Valley Town Toastmasters were pleased to welcome Josie Gallitrico as a new member to our club.
Josie is a real estate professional who lives in Dundas with her family. She is originally from Argentina and one of her favourite pastimes this summer is watching her son play baseball.
Josie joined Toastmasters to improve her presentation skills.
Welcome, Josie!
Helping the Air Cadets
April 28, 2013
Local Toastmasters volunteered their services to provide judging at the 10th Annual Southern Air Cadet Debate Competition at Mohawk College in Hamilton.
22 squadrons of cadets, including their debating teams, coaches and officials, provided hotly contested arguments on two resolutions - one prepared and the other impromptu.
Supporting such an organization of motivated young men and women is one of the finest contributions that we can make to our society.
This was the fourth year of our club members' participation in this event.
Visiting Napoleon
April 27, 2013
The Art Gallery of Hamilton was the scene of a historic visit by members of Valley Town Toastmasters.
A large group of our members with some friends and family enjoyed inspecting the world class collection of Napoleonic memorabilia from the early 19th century.
Despite Napoleon's legendary hostile nature, our event was relatively peaceful until Tony spilled a pot of tea over Viola's place setting at the restaurant, whereupon war was promptly declared.
If you look closely at Napoleon's painting, Gary Reid has taken his place, leading the charge!
Thank you to Esther Smith for organizing this wonderful outing!
Ice Breaker
April 11, 2013
Valley Town Toastmasters were treated to Melanie Booth's Ice Breaker, her first speech, titled "My Musical Life".
She took us through her journey of musical genres starting with "rock", "oldies", "classics" and currently, "country".
We enjoyed Melanie's reminiscing of her role as a young band member during her short "industrial music" stint.
Although she focused on music in her initial presentation, we were left with the distinct impression that Melanie has a huge creative streak.
Stay tuned, Valley Town!
New Member
April 11, 2013
Welcome to Julia Dawn Juarez!
She joined Valley Town Toastmasters to improve her comfort level while communicating with large groups of people.
Julia is a Hamilton business woman who enjoys health, horses and painting.
We're looking forward to growing with you, Julia!
Toastmasters In the News
Media Coverage
April 11, 2013
The Ancaster News and the Dundas Star weekly newspapers published a photograph of our booth that we had in the Home & Lifestyle Show on April 6. Such media coverage is a welcomed contribution to an ongoing membership drive of which has made Valley Town Toastmasters probably the biggest "small town" club in the district.
Back to the Home Show
April 6, 2013
For the 2nd year in a row, Valley Town Toastmasters participated in the Dundas Home & Lifestyle Show, presented by the Rotary Club of Dundas, at the Lions Community Centre.
Once again, the club had an opportunity to develop community awareness while trying to build membership.
Pictured working our exhibit booth is Esther Smith, Vice-President Public Relations and Jonathan Spiegel.
Other club members volunteered their time throughout the day-long event to talk to visitors about the benefits of Toastmaster membership.
This event also gave individual members a chance to show case their own businesses and other community event participation.
Judy Shepalo of our club also had an exhibit booth, marketing her realty "service package" to prospective clients, such as senior citizens.
Judy is pictured along with her husband and our good friend, Gary Wyber.
Allyson Wenzowski was also at the Home Show representing the Hamilton Conservation Foundation. Particularly, Allyson is specializing with the new exciting Dundas Eco-Park project.
Sue Wunderlich is pictured with her son, David, at her "healthy choice" food exhibit.
She also had an opportunity to act as a spokeperson for a local restaurant, giving her a chance to enhance her public presentation skills.
Sue is pictured being interviewed by local radio personalities regarding the restaurant's cuisinary attractions.
Thank you to the following members who provided assistance to our exhibit throughout the day:
Abeer Musleh
Esther Smith
Jonathan Spiegel
Kenrick Chin
Patricia Cirillo
Tony Bratschitsch
Toastmasters In the News
Toastmasters and Business
April 5, 2013
One of our club members, Tony Bratschitsch, was featured in a local online business magazine, YourHamiltonBusiness.com.
Tony talked about the value of Toastmaster training in the business world, which includes presentations, reports, interviews and running meetings.
YourHamiltonBusiness.com is a daily online subscription-based business magazine operated by the same organization that owns the Hamilton Spectator and Toronto Star.
Ice Breaker
April 4, 2013
Charissa Williams gave her first speech, her Ice Breaker, titled "I am a Gemini".
She based her speech on the Gemini zodiac sign which symbolizes "twins". Playing off that, Charissa talked about two different pathways that she has followed throughout her life.
Sprinked with humour and interspersed with wit and a good sense of timing, Charissa displayed the skills - and the will - to become an outstanding speaker.
Superb presentation, Charissa!
Training the Trainers
April 4, 2013
Our club member, Tony Bratschitsch, was asked by the Community Food Advisors (CFA) to conduct a training session on "Effective Presentations".
The Community Food Advisors program is part of the City of Hamilton's Public Health Services Department. Their goal is to help members of the public select and prepare healthier foods. The CFAs, themselves, are dedicated volunteers with a passion for civic service and personal growth.
This is another instance of one of our club members providing a service to the community.
A Champion's Touch
March 28, 2013
Mon J Gamil, our Division L International Speech Contest champion, presented his winning speech to our club.
Titled "Raiders of the Lost Art", Mon's speech was about personal virtue and was based on both fact and fiction.
We were touched by his humanity and impressed by his sincerity.
Certainly, Mon has a great message to deliver when he challenges for the District 86 championship in Burlington on April 20.
Reach out and touch some more, Mon!
Ice Breaker
March 28, 2013
Patricia Cirillo's first speech - her Ice Breaker - was a family affair.
Accompanied by husband, Pablo, and daughter, Jessica, Patricia spoke about her arrival to Canada. She told us an amusing story of how "helpful" Pablo was in obtaining her recent job.
Young Jessica wrapped up the Ice Breaker with a lovely rendition of our national anthem, "Oh, Canada!".
A memorable Ice Breaker! Well done!
New Member
March 28, 2013
Valley Town Toastmasters welcomed Makarand Vaidya into our club as a new member.
Makarand is an Information Technology professional who resides in Ancaster with his family.
He joined Toastmasters to improve his comfort level with public speaking and impromptu presentations.
Makarand is pictured with club charter member and evening chair, Gary Reid (left), and Vice-President of Membership, Artur Filc.
We look forward to growing with you, Makarand!
Ice Breaker
March 14, 2013
Michael Churm gave hist first speech - the Ice Breaker - about his upbringing in hometown Dundas.
He regaled us about his childhood adventures throughout the neighbourhoods and parks with his friends and about his career in the health industry.
Michael's presentation was a warm story about a great work-in-progress - an adventure through life.
Way to go, Michael!
New Member
March 14, 2013
Valley Town Toastmasters were pleased to induct Colin Tan into our club.
Colin is a university student who enjoys sporting activities with his friends and family.
He joined Toastmasters to improve his communication and presentation skills.
Welcome, Colin!
New Member
March 7, 2013
Charissa Williams was welcomed into our club as one of our newest members.
She joined our club to build her public speaking confidence and to learn new communication skills.
Charissa is a corporate interior designer by profession who happens to enjoy the same role as a hobbyist. She prides herself on her arts and musical skills.
Welcome, Charissa!
Area 51 Contests
March 4, 2013
Valley Town Toastmasters is one of four clubs that belong to Area 51. The area conducted its annual International Speech & Evaluation Contests in Brantford, graciously hosted by Brant Toastmasters.
Our club's International Speech contestants, Maureen Hills and Karen Wood, along with our Evaluation contestants, Maureen Hills (club double contest winner) and Jennifer Noble presented outstanding performances.
Maureen placed second in the area's International Speech Contest.
Well done, everyone!
New Member
February 28, 2013
Patricia Cirillo was inducted as a new member of Valley Town Toastmasters. She came to Canada nine years ago and has learned to tolerate our winters while falling in love with our country.
Patricia joined Toastmasters to help her with her communication and networking skills. She is a web page designer with a strong focus on creativity.
Welcome, Patricia!
Getting Ready for our 20th
February 28, 2013
Club President Karen Wood officially launched our preparation for Valley Town Toastmasters's 20th Anniversary Celebration to be held in January, 2014.
Committees are being established, Committee Chairs are being selected and the program is being planned.
We will be honouring those that started the club in 1994 and we will be celebrating our many successes that happened along the way.
We are fortunate to have two charter members, Mark Mullins and Gary Reid, still in our club actively guiding our course.
Historical information, such as media releases and the charter programme is available on our History's Archive page on our web site.
Club Contests
February 21, 2013
At this time of year, about 13,000 Toastmaster clubs in over 120 countries stage their Annual International Speech & Evaluation Contests.
It was Valley Town Toastmasters delight to conduct their own with the newer members giving the veterans an enthusiastic challenge.
The Evaluation Contest was the first of the evening giving the contestants the opportunity to provide 2-3 minute insightful critiques of a "target" speaker's presentation.
The top two finishers, Maureen and Jennifer, will be representing Valley Town Toastmasters in the Area 51 Evaluation Contest in Brantford on March 4.
Either Maureen or Jennifer could eventually go all the way to the District 86 finals in Burlington on April 21.
The International Speech Contest provided our contestants with a chance to present entertaining or inspirational 5-7 minute speeches of their own origin.
The contestants are pictured above, left to right, Maureen Hills (double champion), Karen Wood, Jonathan Spiegel, Sue Wunderlich, and Viola Mueller alongside Mark Mullins, contest chair.
The two top place finishers, Maureen and Karen, will be representing our club at the Area 51 Contest on March 4.
Either one of them has the opportunity to eventually represent District 86 at the International Speech Contest in August in Cincinnati, Ohio.
All of our members - contestants, officials and audience - were winners this evening.
Well done, every one!
Ice Breaker
February 14, 2013
Hui Zhao gave his first speech - his Ice Breaker - with a power point presentation.
Zhao spoke about his upbringing in his home city in central China, about his education and about his family of his wife and twin sons.
The power point presentation, itself, had a distinctive Chinese flavour to it with beautiful design and brilliant colour.
This was a delightful Ice Breaker that our club thoroughly enjoyed.
Thank you, Zhao!
New Member
January 24, 2013
Welcome to Michael Churm, our newest member!
Valley Town Toastmasters were pleased to welcome Michael into our club.
A long time resident of Dundas, Michael is a healthcare professional who enjoys travelling, reading and cooking.
He joined Toastmasters to improve his public speaking.
Toastmasters in the News
Great Leaders
January 11, 2013
Two of Valley Town Toastmasters' members worked extremely hard to enhance the communication skills of a group of young members of our society.
Karen Wood (far right in photo) and Imelda Esporlas-Jewer (far left presented a twelve-week version of Toastmasters International's Youth Leadership Program to students of the Dundas Valley Home School Co-Operative.
The photograph was taken at the graduation ceremony on December 13, 2012, and was recently published in both the Dundas Star-News and Ancaster News weekly newspapers.
Congratulations to Karen and Imelda for their hard work and leadership!
Valley Town Proud!
Ice Breaker
January 10, 2013
Nina Goncharenko presented her first speech, her Ice Breaker.
Titled "About Nina", Nina spoke about her early childhood within her close family in the Ukraine.
As she talked about her education in the fields of botonny and biology, it was evident to all listeners that Nina has a love of knowledge and, probably more importantly, a desire to share that knowledge.
We are excited about her Nina's passion for people and life and we look forward to growing with her.
Well done, Nina!
New Member
January 10, 2013
Jennifer Noble was inducted as Valley Town Toastmasters' newest member.
She has joined Toastmasters to improve her public speaking skills to support her life coaching business.
Jennifer's family roots are based in Dundas and it is with pleasure that we welcome her into our club.
Welcome, Jennifer!
