Toastmasters news

On Thursday, July 1, Immediate Past President and past Area Governor, Mary Lou Hermes presided over one of the largest meetings of the Plainly Speaking Toastmasters group in the last year.

A pot luck meeting was held at the Hermes home to celebrate the Independence Day holiday and to install a new slate of officers.   An entertaining round of Table Topics, which is an exercise in extemporaneous speaking and thinking on your feet,  helped members get acquainted with some of the less publicized ways of celebrating the 4th of July.

One member recounted the days when, as children, they would light illicit fire crackers, then run  before the local constable could get his car across town.

In those days, Plains was small enough so  the law enforcement officer’s car  could be heard starting and they knew just how many fireworks they could light before they had to scatter.  Similar stories entertained members and guests  before the installation ceremony.  

Mary Lou began the installation ceremony with an inspirational message telling the new officers that their collective challenge is to make the club strong, dedicated to helping people from all walks of life to speak in an effective manner, listen with sensitivity and think creatively.  Individual officers were charged with the special responsibilities pertaining to their duties.

Mary Lou Hermes passed the gavel to new President Les Wood.  Lores Porter took on the responsibility of Treasurer, Doug Wilkes shouldered the duty of Secretary, Mylinda Smiley will be the Vice President of Education  and Ellen Childress will continue in the role of Vice President of Public Relations.  

The role of Vice President of Membership is still open. 

New President Les Wood gave Mary Lou Hermes the gavel as she stepped from the role of Immediate Past President to Sergeant at Arms.

It is our hope that the club will continue to grow.  All interested persons  are invited to attend our regular weekly meetings held at 7:00 p.m. at the Home Ec room of the high school. 

There is no obligation to speak or to  join although we would love to have new members, so come visit us. Guests can observe as many meetings as they wish We can assure you that you will have an enjoyable time.