Simply Speaking Minutes

Colorado Community Church

March 21, 2013

Our meeting at Colorado Community Church began with Sergeant-at-Arms Joel Weissman leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance before introducing Darryle Brown as our Toastmaster for the evening.

Our theme was “Become the masters of change”.  The word of the day was paradigm – a framework containing the basic assumptions, ways of thinking, and methodology.

Inspirator  Will Osagiede inspired us to change, ending with a quote from President Obama, “ We are the ones we've been waiting for, we are the change”.

First speaker Ed Pens’ speech, “The Crusty Curmudgeon” implored us to examine ourselves before we judge others .  He used examples of the homeless, the American Indian, and Muslims.  Delivered very somberly, it was a very powerful and thought provoking speech.  Thanks for a great speech, Ed.

Second speaker, Kathy Fortune told us about her final visit with her late cousin Marie in a speech titled “Somebody”.  It was a time to say good bye filled with humor as only Kathy can tell it.  Kathy took on the grumpy head nurse and urged "intolerance of anyone who is rude to us, our families, or anyone else”.   She ended her speech with “Always believe you are somebody”.  Thank you, Kathy, for an inspiring speech.

Third speaker, Concetta Palmieri’s   speech, “Runaway” told the story of her being afraid of giving an oral book report in front of her class.  She had never done this before and her fear overcame he so she decided to run away and she wouldn't have to give the report.  She hid in a window well all day as people searched for her.

Table Topics with Will Osagiede provided opportunities for some great responses by the participants.  Participants were Deborah Frauenfelder, special guest Tom Hobbs, and Connie Akins.

General Evaluator Joy Davidson introduced and evaluated the evaluators.  She also evaluated the meeting, which started on time and had good energy.  We need to get the attendance up, though.

Pete Hazlet evaluated Ed Pens.  Ed had some terrific examples of the people who are judged or cast off by our society.  His examples included the homeless, American Indians, Muslims.  He also offered Ed some ideas for improvement.

Second evaluator Joel Weissman told Kathy that she made us feel like we were in Florida with Kathy and her family.  She also gave a mouth watering description of the food they enjoyed.  Joel also offered some ideas for Kathy’s speech.

Third evaluator, Sherry Thomas, complemented Concetta on her description of the events when she tried to run away instead of giving an oral book report.  She also offered suggestions to Concetta.   

Tom Marrs was the timekeeper for the evening.    He reported that Ed was over on time, but all of the other  speakers were in time.  Tom Hobbs was the only Table Topics participant to go over, but Deborah and Connie were in time, as well as the evaluators.

Kumu Kandaswamy was our “Ah” Counter for the evening.  

Grammarian Margaret Seyer reported on how many times the word of the day was used.  She also noted some great lines used by people.

Our Quizmaster tested our listening skills.

Awards went to:

Best Evaluator: Sherry Thomas

Best Table Topics: Connie Akins

Best Speaker: Kathy Fortune

Present at the meeting:

Darryle Brown, David Bounds, Joy Davidson, Margaret Seyer, Pete Hazlet, Will Osagiede, Deborah Frauenfelder, Connie Akins Kumu Kandaswamy, Concetta Palmieri, Ed Pens, Tom Marrs, Joel Weissman, Kathy Fortune, and Sherry Thomas.

Guests: Margaret Seyer Sr, Lt Governor of Education Tom Hobbs DTM, Jonna Castle, and Matt Bromley.

Area Contest Tuesday April 9th