Vista Toastmasters - Club 7250

06/12/2026

We had another fun and very interesting meeting at Vista Toastmasters last night, June 11, 2026.
Sandy gave a funny and engaging speech titled “Is Happiness a Choice or a Circumstance?” It gave us plenty to think about, and a few good laughs along the way.
Then, as part of completing a Level 5 project in one of Sal’s Pathways paths, Sal led a powerful panel discussion on ethics, using a real 1884 case known as R v Dudley and Stephens, also called the Mignonette lifeboat case: After a shipwreck left four men adrift with almost no food or water, the youngest, 17-year-old cabin boy Richard Parker, became desperately ill after drinking seawater. Two of the men made the terrible decision to kill him so the others might survive.
The case became a landmark debate in law and ethics because it asks a haunting question: Can desperation ever justify taking an innocent life?

What would you do?

We were also delighted to welcome three wonderful guests. James M. returned for his second visit, and first-time guests Stephanie V. and Mahmoud M. joined us as well. We hope to see all of you again soon.

Sources for anyone interested in reading more:
University of Minnesota Law Library, Regina v. Dudley & Stephens
Harvard Magazine, The 1884 Cannibalism-at-Sea Case That Still Has Harvard Law Students Arguing
Wikipedia, R v Dudley and Stephens

05/19/2026

Congratulations to Vista Toastmasters Distinguished ToastMaster, Donald Toldson, Sr. He is the 1st Place winner of the 2026 District 84 online contest. A renowned 2x International best-selling author, Motivational speaker, Entrepreneur, and founder and trainer of Speaking to Impact and Change, and the iCan Speak, Write, & Lead youth training program. Donald brings distinction to our organization and Club and we are beyond thrilled and proud to have him as a member!

04/17/2026

April 30, Edith and two other dynamic speakers are coming together for a powerful presentation on leadership. When these three share a stage, you can expect energy, insight, and plenty of takeaways you can actually use. Join us for another Open House filled with growth, learning, and real connection, it’s one you won’t want to miss.

🌟 You’re Invited: Leadership That Connects 🌟

Are you ready to elevate your leadership and communication skills to the next level?

Join us at Vista Toastmasters for a powerful and inspiring evening:
🎤 Leadership That Connects

Hear from three dynamic speakers who will challenge, inspire, and empower you:
✨ DTM Edith Tiencken
✨ Mark Ramey
✨ DTM Donald D. Toldson, Sr.

🗓 Date: April 30, 2026
🕖 Time: Gavel Down at 7:00 PM

This is more than a meeting—it’s an experience designed to help you lead with impact, communicate with confidence, and truly connect with others.

Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just beginning your journey, this event is for YOU.

💻 Looking for a virtual club? Vista Toastmasters is for you!

👉 To join this powerful gathering of thought leaders, click the following link:
https://vista.toastmastersclubs.org/

🚀 Come grow. Come connect. Come lead.

04/17/2026

There’s something powerful about realizing that the direction of your life isn’t shaped by chance, but by the decisions you make every single day. The small ones, the ones that don’t seem to matter, are often the ones quietly guiding where you end up. And yet, in the middle of all that responsibility, there’s also a quiet kind of gratitude, for the moments that ask nothing of you except to be present. A walk on the beach, the sound of the water, the feeling of peace. We can take ownership of our choices and still allow ourselves to pause, breathe, and be thankful for the simple moments that remind us what we’re actually working toward. Join us when you can every Thursday evening 7:00 - 8:30PM EDT

04/16/2026

🌟 You’re Invited: Leadership That Connects 🌟

Are you ready to elevate your leadership and communication skills to the next level?

Join us at Vista Toastmasters for a powerful and inspiring evening:
🎤 Leadership That Connects

Hear from three dynamic speakers who will challenge, inspire, and empower you:
✨ DTM Edith Tiencken
✨ Mark Ramey
✨ DTM Donald D. Toldson, Sr.

🗓 Date: April 30, 2026
🕖 Time: Gavel Down at 7:00 PM

This is more than a meeting—it’s an experience designed to help you lead with impact, communicate with confidence, and truly connect with others.

Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just beginning your journey, this event is for YOU.

💻 Looking for a virtual club? Vista Toastmasters is for you!

👉 To join this powerful gathering of thought leaders, click the following link:
https://vista.toastmastersclubs.org/

🚀 Come grow. Come connect. Come lead.

04/07/2026

If you’ve ever struggled with what to say… this is for you.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8532785238?pwd=UlVOeFJVV1hTUTgyMVVGVHB0UUNlZz09

03/06/2026

A beautiful and brave moment at Vista tonight.

We had a wonderful and fun meeting tonight at Vista Toastmasters.
Our newest member, Seong Kim, delivered her Icebreaker speech and shared a very honest story. During the COVID years she slowly became more and more isolated, almost like a hermit, until she realized she needed to step outside her comfort zone and reconnect with the world again.

That decision eventually led her to Vista.

Like many of us when we first arrive, there is often a little hesitation about trying new things. But week after week, with the encouragement and support of the club, Seong has been challenging herself to do things she has never done before.

Tonight she took another brave step and delivered a beautiful Icebreaker.

Moments like this are a reminder of what Toastmasters is really about, people showing up, supporting one another, and growing together.

We are very proud of her.

And if you have ever thought about stepping outside your own comfort zone, you would be warmly welcomed at Vista.

03/02/2026

"Clubs Become What Leaders Consistently Celebrate"

Saturday’s Area Contest in Bartow reminded me of that.

It was about more than trophies.

Yes, our President, Sal Sharpe, competed in both Evaluation and International Speech. Yes, she placed third in both categories.
But that’s not what I want you to notice.

Notice how she stood.
She smiled.
She shook every hand.
She accepted her award with grace and dignity.

That is leadership.

It takes courage to step onto a contest stage. It takes vulnerability to be judged.

That is what our club represents.

We do not measure success only by placement. We measure it by growth, courage, and the way we carry ourselves.

On Saturday, she represented Vista beautifully.

Growth happens when we step forward, not when we sit safely in the audience.
Growth happens here, one speech, one step, one meeting at a time.
Join us Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 pm EST and experience it for yourself.

And a huge shout out to Clarissa Moody for the photos! Thank you!

02/27/2026

Tonight really captured why showing up matters.
Randall completed his final Level 2 project, and with it, helped our club reach that educational milestone. His message about knowing your limits was powerful. When we ignore our limits, we risk becoming reactive or even antagonistic in daily life. Awareness creates balance. That was an important reminder.
Sal bravely practiced her speech, and Linda’s evaluation gave her thoughtful, specific points that could easily elevate it two or three notches. That is what Toastmasters is supposed to look like. Courage from the speaker, clarity from the evaluator.
Bette challenged us with thought-provoking Table Topics, stretching our thinking and keeping us sharp.
And through it all, we had fun. We adjusted. We supported one another. We grew.
That’s the strength of Vista. We show up, and we stay flexible.
And this Saturday, as we head into the Area Contest, we are proudly rooting for Sal.
Growth happens here, one speech, one step, one meeting at a time.

02/13/2026

🎤 Ready to Find Your Voice and Lead with Confidence?

Join Vista Toastmasters — where growth, encouragement, and transformation happen every week!

🗓 Thursdays
⏰ 7:00 PM
💻 Online via Zoom

Whether you want to improve your public speaking, sharpen leadership skills, or build confidence in a supportive environment, this is your space to grow.

✨ Guests are always welcome. Your journey starts with one visit.