PHILIPSBURG:--- Toastmasters on St. Maarten and Anguilla ended the year with a bang last Saturday night (December 7, 2013) during a celebration dinner at Sheer Restaurant on Front Street.
Emphasizing the theme, "Where Leaders are Made", members from all five Toastmasters Clubs on St. Maarten and the Anguilla Club enjoyed a fun-filled evening of toasts, storytelling, and a speech presentation.
Presidents of the Philipsburg and Achievers Clubs Georges Richardson and Arlene Chittick, respectively, welcomed the gathering before turning the evening over to Mistress of Ceremonies Joy Arnell, who led a lively show.
Among those in attendance were Area Governors of Areas 23 and 24 (District 81), Advanced Communicator Gold (ACG) and Competent Leader (CL) Sinatra Rouse, and Advanced Communicator Bronze (ACB), CL Malcolm Jacques, respectively; as well as Distinguished Toastmasters (DTM) Rolande Tobias, Valerie Brazier, John Hodge and Annette Berkel. The presidents of Evolutions, Disciples, and Soualiga Corporate Clubs, Vernicia Brooks, Ingrid Holaman, and Linette Gibs, respectively, were also present.
Toastmasters Catherine Conner and Kim Lucas-Felix led the quiz segments, which had members and guests, alike, vying for one of the many coveted prizes; while Claudine Bide captivated the audience with her storytelling skills.
But the evening was not complete without a speech presentation, which was done by TM Tavia Nelson-Connor of the Anguilla Club, as well as a special honour for DTM Tobias. AG Rouse extended warm holiday greetings to one and all as clubs on the island begin to close off their meetings for the calendar year. Meetings will resume in January 2014.
Persons are being encouraged to visit and join any of the five clubs on both sides of the island. Philipsburg Toastmasters Club meets every first and third Thursday, with the fifth Thursday as advanced night. Meetings are held at Philipsburg Jubilee Library from 7:15 pm.
Anguilla Toastmasters Club meets every second and fourth Saturday at La Vue Boutique Hotel from 6:45 pm, while the St. Maarten Achievers Club meets every second and fourth Thursday (also at the Library) from 7:15 pm.
The Disciples Toastmasters Club meets every second and fourth Sunday at St. Maarten Academy's academic campus from 4:45pm, while Soualiga Corporate Toastmasters Club meets every second and fourth Wednesday at the Government Administration Building from 5:00pm. Saint Martin Evolution Club meets every first and third Tuesday in Marigot from 7:15 pm.
The mission of a Toastmasters Club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills. This, in turn, fosters self-confidence and personal growth.