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Dobson Ranch Toastmasters, We Meet Every Friday Morning at Dobson Ranch Golf Courses Restaurant at 2155 S Dobson Road Mesa, Mesa, AZ (2026)

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We Meet Every Friday Morning At Dobson Ranch Golf Courses Restaurant At 2155 S Dobson Road Mesa

10/15/2026

Our October 9 meeting came with a change of scenery and a lot of fall spirit. A big thank-you to Brad Garrison and Ewing Outdoor Supply for hosting us while the golf course was unavailable.

Toastmaster Jim Ba**er kept the autumn theme in full color throughout the morning, while Tom Lindsey opened Joke Master with a story about a boy who prayed for $100, only to receive $5 after his letter somehow made its way through Washington, D.C. The boy’s conclusion was that the government must have deducted the other $95.

Dorothy Legg brought her own fall decorations and invited us to leaf through Table Topics, complete with a basket of leaves, each holding a seasonal question. Arne Siuts decided chocolate belongs on popcorn, Muhammad Javed admitted pumpkin spice is off the table because of the sugar but pizza definitely is not, and Rachel Perez shared that she wants to take a trip somewhere with actual seasons so she can see more fall color in person. Paul Pastore added some shenanigans by pretending his leaf asked about the real estate market before admitting it did not, in fact, say that. Guest PJ shared that cherry pie is his favorite fall food, though the one time his wife made it, it was actually for his boss.

During Mentor Minute, Adam Salisu reminded us that evaluations are only helpful if people can actually read them, while Paul Pastore helped us wrap up the morning with Words of Wisdom as crisp as the season itself: “Be brief.”

Jim Ba**er Brad Garrison Serban Mare || Corporate Trainer & Speaker Paul Pastore Lisa Marie Walston💋 Tudor Melville Jessica Sublasky Rachel Perez 🎨 Brand Identity Designer & Speaker Sabrina Hernandez Padmaj Manore

10/14/2026

Our three Featured Players from our October 2 game-themed meeting each brought a different kind of level-up. Matthew Malan had the room laughing with the painfully awkward story of his first kiss, complete with a YouTube tutorial and a post-kiss survey. Bryan Wammack reflected on losing his job and realizing that being a provider is about far more than a paycheck. Paul Brunoforte encouraged us to “play the hand you were dealt,” reminding us that every generation faces challenges and comparison only drains the energy we could use to move forward.

Our Strategy Advisers helped each speaker sharpen their game. Jennifer Sebastian praised Matt’s stage use while encouraging him to slow down and let the laughs land. Serban Mare highlighted Bryan’s vocal variety and suggested drawing the audience in with more questions. Sumy Joy praised Paul’s examples and delivery while recommending a stronger action step at the end.

Game Reviewer Sabrina Hernandez noted that the room was full and the energy was high, and she earned the Enthusiasm Award for bringing that same energy to her evaluation. Paul Pastore earned the Whitewash Award after his phone rang during the meeting. Jim Ba**er won Best Table Topics after revealing that buying his daughter too many video games turned out to be a surprisingly smart parenting move: the boys who came over were too busy gaming to pay attention to her.

Matthew Malan Bryan Wammack Sabrina Hernandez Serban Mare || Corporate Trainer & Speaker Jim Ba**er Paul Pastore Paul Bruno

10/09/2026

Our October 2 meeting was all about leveling up. As Game Master, Rachel Perez fully embraced the theme by transforming every meeting role into part of the game, from Featured Players and Strategy Advisers to the Glitch Counter, Grammar Guardian, and Game Clock Keeper.

Quest Giver Hugo Vasquez sent everyone into Table Topics with questions inspired by familiar video games. Dorothy Legg decided Super Mario Bros. had taught her not to start a business with friends or family, Brittany Durphey used Sonic’s super speed to remind us that sometimes the best move is to slow down, and Chris Pettit declared Guitar Hero nearly impossible for someone who is colorblind. Rupesh Parbhoo used The Oregon Trail to explain why the modern convenience he refuses to live without is a bidet, while Dave Eske accidentally worked “crystal meth” into an Assassin’s Creed answer and unlocked a particularly gagootz side quest nobody saw coming.

During Mentor Minute, Tom Lindsey reminded us to approach speeches like artists approach paintings, using vocal variety as color and descriptive language to bring the picture to life. Jessica Sublasky closed with Words of Wisdom: give yourself grace, keep going, and learn from your mistakes.

Rachel Perez 🎨 Brand Identity Designer & Speaker Paul Pastore Brittany Durphey | Big Bold Faith Kenny Dahill Lisa Lenhardt Jones Chris Pettit RooRoo Matthew Malan Bryan Wammack Paul Bruno Serban Mare || Corporate Trainer & Speaker Sabrina Hernandez Jim Ba**er Jessica Sublasky

10/02/2026

Our September 25 speakers proved that a five-to-seven-minute speech can still leave a lasting impression.

Alayna Dalgleish introduced us to Pond, her 92-pound retired racing greyhound, whom she affectionately described as a “manufacturing error” with the permanently disappointed expression of someone who has been unimpressed since the 2008 economy. Between his underbite and lack of sense of personal space, Pond had everyone laughing. Alayna thought she was giving a dog a home, but in the end, he became hers.

Jim Ba**er took us from the Vatican to Jerusalem while exploring differences in Jewish and Christian traditions, sacred spaces, and perspectives. His travels ultimately led to a broader message about how children are affected by politics and conflict, ending with the reminder that “every child is sacred.”

Arne Siuts asked what truly makes us happy and reflected on his relationship with his mother, whose dementia is making conversation increasingly difficult. He shared that achievements matter far less than the people beside us and challenged everyone not to wait until time runs out: call someone you love.

The evaluations reflected three very different approaches. Russell Shahenian used a 3-2-1 method for Alayna, praising her props, pictures, vocal delivery, and storytelling while encouraging her to lose the notes. Matthew Malan praised Jim’s sincerity and the way he drew us into his experiences, while noting how much he has grown. He suggested a stronger opening, more emotion, and less reliance on the podium. Sabrina Hernandez shared how deeply Arne’s message affected her and offered ways his body language could create even stronger contrast with the emotion of the speech. General Evaluator Adam Salisu offered his own observations for improving the meeting.

Kristi Henry won Best Table Topics after turning the word “China” into a story about an extended layover in Beijing, hiring a guide who spoke very little English, visiting the Great Wall, and screaming “Whee!” all the way down on a toboggan. She also received the Spirit Award for her work mentoring Vanessa.

Jim Ba**er Sabrina Hernandez Kristi Mielke Henry Alayna Dalgleish Russell Shahenian Matthew Malan

10/02/2026

Our September 25 meeting was all about brevity, and Toastmaster Nick Corridino set the tone with a poem: “I don’t mean to ramble, but without a Toastmaster our meetings would be scrambled.” He also revealed that he has a black belt, proving there’s apparently more than poetry up his sleeve.

Paul Brunoforte opened with an inspiring invocation centered on “the man in the arena,” while Austin Nelsen stepped in at the last minute as Late Announcer and reminded us that it’s “better late than never.” Kenny Dahill brought plenty of energy to Cliché Counter, and Timer Brad Garrison ran a “hurry-up offense,” shortening Table Topics and disqualifying anyone who crossed 1:15. Chris Pettit kept things pithy with a quick reminder to pay Toastmasters dues and avoid late fees.

Table Topics Master Paul Pastore brought some extra sass and gave each speaker just one word to work with. Dave Eske broke out in German with his word “Oktoberfest,” Muhammad Javed turned “girls” into a quick-witted rhyme involving a pumpkin, and our guest Mateo handled his very first Table Topics with “fun,” talking about soccer, competition, and enjoying every weekend. Dorothy Legg got “Marlboro Man” and described him as having “testosterone coming out of every pore,” although the cigarette smell ruined the effect. Russ Shahenian heard “skinny” and immediately responded, “That’s what I’ll be someday,” before somehow arriving at pumpkin pie and the dangers of idolatry. And then there was Paul Brunoforte, whose word was simply “be.” Apparently, one word is all Paul needs to get to a colonoscopy joke.

Nick Corridino Paul Bruno Kenny Dahill Brad Garrison Chris Pettit Paul Pastore Muhammad Javed Russell Shahenian Alayna Dalgleish Jim Ba**er Kristi Mielke Henry Lisa Lenhardt Jones Tudor Melville RooRoo Sabrina Hernandez Anneliese Harper Matthew Malan

09/26/2026

Our speakers brought three very different flavors to the menu at our September 18 cheeseburger-themed meeting.

Jim opened with “You’re all doing it,” before eventually revealing what he meant: using AI for Toastmasters speeches. He even asked ChatGPT to write a speech about asking ChatGPT to write a speech, but encouraged us to use AI more as an interviewer and coach than a ghostwriter. He also brought along Dobby, a puppet who “serves no master,” and shared a prompt members can use to try the approach themselves.

Rachel Perez shared the steps she has taken to grow her comfort zone through improv, Toastmasters, public speaking, and stand-up comedy. She challenged everyone to choose one thing that could improve their life, commit to it, and figure out the rest along the way.

Paul Pastore asked us to choose one word to guide the rest of the year. His is XLAX, representing his goal to be slow and steady, enjoying life more as he moves through the “slow-go years.” Through stories about racing through triathlons and watching someone face a cancer diagnosis, he reminded us that sometimes having “enough” matters more than always chasing more.

Then came the reviews from our critics: Serban Mare praised Jim for simplifying his approach and applying previous feedback. Tom Lindsey talked about the four Ps of vocal variety: power, pace, pauses, and pitch, and used them to recommend ways Rachel could add more variation to her delivery. He also credited her with one great “Tom Lindsey pause.” Paul Brunoforte joked that the two Pauls could practically read each other’s minds before calling Paul Pastore’s speech nearly perfect.

And when the results were in, a few members rose to the top of the stack. Kristi Henry earned the Enthusiasm Award for her Late Announcer cheeseburger serenade. Brad Garrison won Best Table Topics after sharing his love of grilling and barbecuing, including memories of making “drunk chicken” with his fraternity brothers and the conversations that happened around the grill.

Well done, winners!

Paul Pastore Rachel Perez 🎨 Brand Identity Designer & Speaker Jim Ba**er Brad Garrison Kristi Mielke Henry Serban Mare || Corporate Trainer & Speaker Paul Bruno

09/25/2026

Our September 18 meeting put a different spin on the usual agenda: no roles were assigned in advance. Instead, the scheduler opened one week before the meeting and the whole menu was up for grabs on a first come, first served basis. Matthew Malan claimed Toastmaster, while Jessica Sublasky opened with the reminder, “Don’t wish it were easier. Wish you were better.”

Dorothy Legg shared her secret to a successful marriage during Joke Master: crochet dolls every time you’re angry, then sell them for cash. Kristi Henry took her Late Announcer role musical, singing her own version of “Cheeseburger in Paradise” with lyrics rewritten for the role. Former member Anders Phippen also stopped by while back in town for school and jumped right into a role that morning.

Nate Medina fired up the grill for National Cheeseburger Day Table Topics. Kenny Dahill defended putting ketchup on practically everything, even pizza, declaring ketchup to be like ice cream. Arne Siuts talked about foods he once hated but now loves, including liver. Tudor Melville may have been only slightly facetious when he suggested McDonald’s cares more about property value than burgers, while Zachary Newell shared a less than appetizing McDonald’s memory involving throwing up everywhere.

During Mentor Minute, Max Prasad reminded us that most Toastmasters roles only come around about once a year, so when you get one, give it your damn best. Paul Brunoforte encouraged anyone who wants more speaking opportunities to consider joining a second club, highlighting Ahwatukee Toastmasters as a great choice. Bryan Wammack closed with the idea that the small ingredients we add each day become part of the great thing we’re becoming.

Matthew Malan Jim Ba**er Nathaniel Medina andersphippen Rachel Perez 🎨 Brand Identity Designer & Speaker Kenny Dahill Paul Bruno Tudor Melville Paul Pastore Kristi Mielke Henry Brad Garrison Bryan Wammack Drew Kozel Serban Mare || Corporate Trainer & Speaker Lisa Marie Walston💋 Max Prasad Jessica Sublasky

09/25/2026

Our three September 11 speakers explored mentorship, habits, and the experiences that stay with us. Lisa Jones compared influencers with mentors, noting that influencers want to grow their following while mentors want you to grow. She reflected on the impact Kristi Henry and Paul Pastore have had on her Toastmasters journey and reminded us that growth requires being coachable.

Dorothy Legg took us through her rollercoaster relationship with ci******es, repeatedly convincing herself she would have “just one.” Pregnancy helped her quit twice, and she eventually found a hypnosis seminar in 1992, but just as we were about to hear how the story ended... the Timer cut her off.

Michael Desiderio made a case for investing in experiences through the family tradition of the “tinfoil toss”: throw a crumpled foil ball across the room, dive onto the couch, and try to catch it. It caused a few injuries and broken objects but also created memories with his son that are imprinted forever.

Different perspectives carried into the evaluations, too. Raghu Marwaha praised Lisa’s humor while encouraging more vocal variety. Chris Pettit highlighted Dorothy’s candy-cigarette prop and vivid storytelling while encouraging stronger pauses. Nate Medina became “Nitpicky Nate” and gave Michael an especially thorough critique, from clearer character voices to fewer distracting movements and, most importantly, “Throw the ball!” General Evaluator Max Prasad noted that Nate may have taken nitpicking a little far and also noted that all three speakers completed Pathways speeches.

Sabrina Hernandez won Best Table Topics after recalling a high school exchange semester in China and the culture shock of desperately searching for a toilet only to discover a hole in the ground. Russell Shahenian received the Enthusiasm Award after stepping in as Timer at the last minute.

Lisa Lenhardt Jones Michael Desiderio Chris Pettit Nathaniel Medina Max Prasad Sabrina Hernandez Russell Shahenian

09/18/2026

Our September 11 meeting centered on Crossing Cultures. Toastmaster Kristi Henry, dressed head to toe in red, white, and blue, opened by remembering those we lost on 9/11 and the courage of ordinary heroes. President Rupesh Parbhoo was also back after three weeks in South Afrrica and arrived in traditional Indian attire, making the morning a colorful confluence of cultures from the start.

Anneliese Harper led Table Topics around the cultural borders we cross every day, often without stopping to notice them. Rachel Perez recalled being laughed at for using chopsticks incorrectly in Japan, while Javed somehow answered a question about getting a haircut abroad despite being bald. Tom Lindsey reflected on Native American culture and the story behind a squash blossom necklace he received because of his storytelling, and Paul Pastore took “cultures” in a completely different direction with a frozen yogurt pun.

During Mentor Minute, Zachary Newell proudly shared that he chose not to use AI, reminding us that we have to keep exercising the muscles in our own minds. Zachary De Francis closed with the proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Kristi Mielke Henry RooRoo Anneliese Harper Rachel Perez 🎨 Brand Identity Designer & Speaker Paul Pastore Lisa Lenhardt Jones Jim Ba**er Russell Shahenian Brad Garrison Michael Desiderio Sabrina Hernandez Padmaj Manore Chris Pettit

09/09/2026

Our three September 4 speakers rolled up their sleeves and tackled everything from being wrong to putting things off to knowing when to let go.

Muhammad Javed, explored some of history’s confidently incorrect beliefs, from California once being mapped as an island to Pluto losing its planetary status. He mixed the history with humor, creative images featuring club members, and reminders of things he personally once thought would last forever, including his hair.

Jessica Sublasky tackled procrastination, contrasting a fully improvised high school dance choreography project that earned 100% with a college essay submitted two minutes late that caused her to fail the class. She connected that lesson to Pathways, challenging members to stop putting off their own progress.

Nick Kolziu reflected on fatherhood and the bittersweet experience of watching both his son and daughter grow more independent. With his 16-year-old son getting his driver’s license, Nick talked about the challenge of knowing when to protect your children and when to step back and trust the people they’re becoming.

The evaluators got down to business with feedback each speaker could use on their next shift. Bryan Wammack praised Javed’s humor and intentional body language while suggesting stronger transitions and stage use. Daniel Hurtado appreciated Jessica’s opening question and, appropriately enough, noted that she waited until that morning to tell him what she wanted evaluated. Alayna Dalgleish praised Nick’s vocal variety, stage presence, and descriptive body language while encouraging him to explore more of what he looks forward to as his children grow. General Evaluator Austin Nelsen highlighted the strong coordination of the meeting and the range of emotions showcased in each speech.

And hard work really did pay off for Paul Brunoforte, who won Best Table Topics after sharing that he started working at just eight years old. Neighbors would lower a basket from their windows with a grocery list, send him shopping, and reward his efforts with a 10-cent tip.

Toscani Interior Services, LLC Bryan Wammack Paul Bruno Lisa Marie Walston💋 Jessica Sublasky Alayna Dalgleish

Dobson Ranch Toastmasters

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