Hutchison Toastmasters II 1,000th Meeting!!

by Anne Groetsch, Prairie Division Governor

The Hutchinson Toastmasters II club (# 4324) celebrated a momentous occasion-their 1,000th meeting—on Thursday, March 2, 2006 at the Victorian Inn in Hutchinson.

They celebrated in style with a delicious breakfast provided by the Victorian Inn for their early morning (6:45 AM) meeting.   Many of the club members (of short and long term standing) were in attendance, along with dignitaries that included:

• Rick Holtmeier-Area 64 Governor and District Chief Judge
• Anne Groetsch-Prairie Division Governor
• Eloi Hamre-a guest and charter member of the club, and past TM member of 15 years
• Joe Sandal—Past President of the club
• Bob Lea—current  President of the club
• Rosario Dsilva - newest member - 1 week

Vickie Shoutz  was the Toastmaster for the meeting.   As a warm-up, Vickie surveyed the attendees and determined that there were 121 years of collective Toastmaster experience. Historian Bob Anderson shared a history of the club with its members. 

 

 

 

Area 64 Governor Rick Holtmeier spoke to the club on their great accomplishments (i.e., President’s Distinguished last year, and well on their way to President’s Distinguished this year.) He praised and recognized many of the members who have competed in speech contests, and placed 1st or 2nd.  Cyndy Abramson recently placed 2nd in both the Table Topics and International speech contests for Area 64. President Bob Lea placed First in Table Topics.

 

 

	Charter member Eloi Hamre gave a captivating speech about the meaning of the words behind our Pledge of Allegiance.
Prairie Division Governor Anne Groetsch presented two honorary awards:
	A Certificate of Appreciation to charter member Eloi Hamre for his years of service and dedication to the club
	Stephen Covey's The 8th Habit book was presented to President Bob Lea in recognition of his vision to continue the club's success by being involved in the planning of the club's 1,000th meeting.

Some club history (provided by club Historian Bob Anderson):
The Hutchinson Toastmaster II club started with a core group that included Dwight Clark, Joanne Gahlen, Eloi Hamre, Harold Juul, Lorin Pollmann, and Bernie Schepers.   Their first meeting was Nov. 17th, 1984.  On December 6th, 1984, then club President Lorin Pollmann announced at the meeting that the club had chartered as club # 4324.

The Hutchinson Toastmasters II club has been chartered for 21 years, 3 months.  At present they have 21 members and are planning for their 2,000th meeting in another 21 years!!