http://pocono.toastmastersclubs.org/

Pocono Toastmasters - Public Speaking Club, 1002 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA (2026)

05/05/2024

𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞’𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐕𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐧̃𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐚
Pictured in this magical landscape is a mystical vista nestled deep in the lush forests of Costa Rica, home to Catarata Vuelta del Cañon, one of the most enchanting waterfalls in the country. This majestic waterfall cascades with such power that it has sculpted the hard granite rock over millennia, embodying the essence of a fairytale brought to life. Much like the persistent flow of the waterfall, which shapes and molds even the toughest stone, the human spirit possesses the remarkable capacity to forge resilience in the face of life’s most daunting challenges.

𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐞𝐭
Just as a skilled magician transforms ordinary objects into wondrous surprises, building resilience is about turning adversity into valuable lessons, much like rough diamonds being polished into brilliance. It's not merely about enduring; it's about flourishing even under daunting circumstances. Cultivating a magician’s mindset means looking beyond immediate setbacks to envision long-term successes. Rather than viewing your life as a series of hurdles, see it as a rich landscape filled with learning opportunities. Each challenge you face is a hidden lesson, subtly teaching you about your resilience, your adaptability, and your transformative power.

𝐁𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞
Resilience is more than just bouncing back after a fall; it's about finding the courage to dance and smile under the stormiest skies, trusting that clearer days are ahead. It involves understanding that life's challenges, though daunting and sometimes heart-wrenching, are also opportunities for growth and transformation. Think of it this way: a river's ability to sculpt the landscape doesn't come from its brute strength, but from its persistent flow. Over time, even the softest waters can shape the hardest rocks.

𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐏𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝
The essence of resilience lies in this subtle but continuous movement forward, especially when the path is obscured by the fog of uncertainty. It's about maintaining your composure and purpose in the face of adversity, knowing that each step, no matter how small, leads towards recovery and renewal. This journey of resilience is deeply personal and often solitary. It asks you to delve into the depths of your spirit, to find that spark that refuses to be extinguished even in the darkest moments.

𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞
Your ability to adapt, like that resilient tree, extends further into your life, enhancing your emotional intelligence and enriching your relationships. Just as you learn to flex with the winds of change, you similarly learn to listen, empathize, and respond more constructively to others around you. This cultivated adaptability not only fortifies you against the storm but also transforms challenges into stepping stones towards personal growth and fulfillment. Each challenge faced and adapted to polishes your resilience, making it shine brighter as a beacon for others in their times of change.

𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐈𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟
Whenever you find yourself in turmoil, remember that resilience is built not on the calm, easy days but through the stormy ones that test your will and spirit. Embrace these challenges with open arms and a steadfast heart. Keep pushing through the resistance, keep striving for your goals, and most importantly, keep nurturing your belief in your own abilities. The road might be tough and the journey long, but remember: you are tougher, and the rewards at the end of this resilient path are worth every step. Keep faith in the process, for you are building more than endurance—you are sculpting a soul robust enough to withstand life’s toughest trials.

𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
By developing resilience, we gain several key advantages that enhance our lives on both personal and professional levels. Firstly, resilience helps us bounce back from setbacks, turning challenges into temporary hurdles rather than permanent obstacles. This ability not only fosters personal growth but also makes us more dependable and resilient at work. Secondly, being resilient encourages us to anticipate problems and plan solutions ahead of time, rather than simply reacting when issues arise. This proactive attitude can lead to more success and opportunities for innovation. Lastly, resilience boosts our emotional well-being. It helps us stay positive and manage stress better, leading to a healthier, more balanced life. Cultivating resilience not only helps us navigate difficulties but also allows us to thrive, bringing more fulfillment and stability into our lives.

04/12/2024

"Perfection Paralysis" is that ever-present mental barrier that blocks the runway to our dreams, making us taxi in place, endlessly “getting ready to get ready.”

You know, the world is brimming with tales of those who dared to cast off the bowlines and sail away from the safe harbor without all their ducks in a row. The Robertson family of Duck Dynasty fame, with their long beards and unyielding entrepreneurial spirit, are the embodiment of such a tale.

From their humble beginnings creating duck calls in a family shed to gambling it all on a reality TV show about their lives — that's the sort of leap that turns an ordinary life into an extraordinary adventure.

Imagine if they had waited for every feather to fall perfectly into place; their resonating call might never have been heard beyond the swamps of Louisiana. Their story isn't just about risking it all — it's a testament to the faith in one's vision, grit, and the courage to adjust mid-flight, not after everything is aligned.

So, as you gaze upon the rugged visage of the Duck Commander, remember his path was not perfectly paved. His journey teaches us that sometimes, you just have to dive into the reeds before you're ready, and trust that you'll navigate the waters of uncertainty with the confidence of a seasoned captain.

Take that step today, not tomorrow — start with what you have, where you are, and craft your journey along the way. Years from now, let your story be not of regret for the risks not taken, but of a life vibrantly lived, with a heart full of attempts, lessons, and triumphs. Don't wait for the ducks to align — for life's true flight is in the leap, not the landing.

𝙊𝙣𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙪𝙥𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙, 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨!

02/06/2020

Wowzers! Another absolutely fun and exciting meeting last night! Woo hoo!

As we walked in the door, our delightful Lynda gave us all a big welcome and made us feel immediately at home.

Tyrone came up first at bat with a dynamic opening and inspirational quote to get us all fired up. (We gotta put him on the payroll!)

Dan then blew our minds with his incredible background of serving in the United States Army. My mind is still reeling at all of his accomplishments.

Next up, Pastor Errol wowed us with a delightful roller coaster ride of his upbringing in Jamaica, all of his wonderful children and grandchildren, and the gripping story of his encounter with the Lord in a locked room at his father's funeral.

Walter than had us in the palm of his hand as he zinged us with his delightful humor and life lessons about becoming a writer. He wowed us with how he then leverages all of those experiences by going out into high schools and inspiring young minds to reach their fullest potential.

Rick shared how he had a night of misery with his engine throwing a rod in the middle of a snow storm and AAA saying they could not arrive for ten hours. Then the surprising turn around and how we should always believe there is a silver lining no matter how bad the circumstances can get.

Lynda got us all pumped up with a wonderfully prepared set of Table Topics to help strengthen our impromptu speaking skills. Eight speakers rose up to accept Lynda's challenge and shared some personal life stories with Linda's topics.

Now get this.... brand new to our meetings, Samantha leapt out of her seat and wanted to be the first speaker for Table Topics. She had never been to any of our meetings in the past and simply asked the guidelines and time limit, and off she went with a beautiful heart warming story about her four poodles, Tango, Nina, Marley and Maggie.

Tyrone had us rolling with his account of a perfect weekend. Dan told us how he relaxes by doing long distance runs of 10 to 20 miles. Walter again swept us away with a delightful story of adopting a poodle beagle dog an hour before he was going to be put down (meaning the dog, not Walter! LOL!). Ron drew us in with a great story of his love for movies and books. Cynthia shared some of her secrets for relaxing and improving our moods.

Carmine, Lynda and Rick provided speaker evaluations.

Taking home the gold last night was Samantha for Table Topics, Dan for prepared speeches and Lynda for Evaluator!! Samantha won the award for best impromptu speaker, beating out SEVEN other speakers! Way to go! :)

Congratulations, everyone!! You all did a superb job!! Very proud of each of you for stretching yourselves and trying something new!! Way to go!! Woo hoo!!

02/03/2020

LIFE LESSONS FROM CAPTAIN SULLENBERGER AND THE MIRACLE ON THE HUDSON
It was eleven years ago that the world experienced the “Miracle on the Hudson.” US Airways pilot Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, age 58, had just departed from LaGuardia Airport in New York City. Suddenly his Airbus A320 hit a flock of geese, completely shutting down both engines. Captain Sully did not have much time to think and had to react quickly in such an extremely critical situation. He could try to make it back to LaGuardia, or try to make it to nearby Teterboro airport in North Jersey.

Captain Sully later testified that he believed that his altitude was too low and he would not be able to glide the large aircraft to either airport. Under incredible pressure to make a life or death choice with massive repercussions, he made the decision to attempt the impossible. He decided to glide the massive aircraft down onto the Hudson River. He needed precisely the right angle of attack with the Airbus or else there would be a very high risk that the sudden impact on the river would crack the aircraft in half or snap off a wing. If that happened, the aircraft would quickly sink and many could lose their lives. He informed his co-pilot of his decision and they agreed it was their best possible option.

As the whole world knows, Captain Sully successfully glided the 123-foot aircraft to land perfectly onto the Hudson River at 3:30 pm on January 15, 2009. All 155 people on board quickly exited and stood on the wings or jumped into the freezing water. Fourteen nearby ferry boats quickly came to their rescue and there were few serious injuries. Captain Sully even had the presence of mind to check the aircraft twice to make sure nobody was still there, and to also grab a clipboard that had the passenger manifest so that rescue crews could conduct a headcount to be sure that everyone made it out safely. He was the last one to be rescued.

During interviews later, all of the passengers and crew all commented on the fact that Captain Sully had remained completely calm during this incredibly stressful experience. Passengers stated that Captain Sully’s cool and calm presence of mind gave them the comfort and reassurance so desperately needed so as not to trigger a massive panic among all the passengers. If panic had swept over the 150 people on board, they may have trampled one another trying to exit the aircraft when it landed.

When reporters asked how this impossible feat was accomplished, and how he had managed to remain so calm during the crisis, here was his reply. “For 42 years, I’ve been making small, regular deposits in this bank of experience, education and training. And on January 15 the balance was sufficient so that I could make a very large withdrawal.”

What a quote! I love that! Think about what he said and how we all can apply that teaching in our own lives.

With Toastmasters, we are all working to do something similar. Twice a month we meet together to train, rehearse, and continue our education. We place ourselves in different scenarios to prepare ourselves for future situations when we can make a needed withdrawal. Some of the advanced coursework places us in role play situations where we are dealing with a difficult audiences and hecklers. Other times we are working on projects with a limited window of time and have to harness our resources as efficiently as possible.

If you invest in yourself regularly like Captain Sully did, you will most definitely reap the rewards at some point down the road. We have heard many such testimonials.

We have had members who shared that suddenly they were given an opportunity to be interviewed on a local news station and that the Table Topics sessions helped them to prepare for a situation like that. Some have shared that a big sales opportunity suddenly opened up and their Toastmasters training helped them to close one of the biggest sales they ever had. Other members have shared how a mega catastrophe happened at work, people were losing their minds, and they were able to keep calm and take charge in a very difficult and stressful situation. Some have shared they had gotten a promotion with greater responsibility thanks to their work with Toastmasters. Others have shared that they had received a last minute phone call for a paid speaking engagement in two days because the keynote presenter suddenly bailed out because of a personal crisis. They stated they would not have been able to rise up to the challenge and accept the opportunity if it were not for all of the practice and rehearsals they invested in Toastmasters.

How about you? It is much better to invest a little work on a frequent basis versus a lot just once in a while. It is much better to do a halfway good speech twice a month, versus a really good speech once every 3 or 4 months. You need to be constantly sharpening your axe. If you don’t, how will you ever compete against people who do?

Let’s all be more like Captain Sully and renew our commitment of investing small regular deposits in the bank of experience, education and training with our public speaking training and leadership development. If you do, the day will come when a crisis is on your doorstep and you will be the one to rise up to the challenge because of consistent small, regular deposits invested in yourself.

If you have not signed up for a role, invest in your personal growth and step up to the plate. We are a loving supportive family that wants to help you become your best version of yourself possible! Shoot me an email to sign up for one of the roles below!

Big hugs to everyone! Onward and upward!

Rick

Meeting Agenda - Tuesday, February 4 at 6:30 pm
1. Greeter 1 – Lynda
2. Greeter 2 - [OPEN]
3. Snack Master - [OPEN]
4. Vote Counter – [OPEN]
5. Timer – Errol
6. Table Topics Master – Lynda
7. Pledge of Allegiance – [OPEN]
8. Inspirational Quote & Reflection – Tyrone
9. Toastmaster – Rick
10. Dynamic Speaker # 1 – Daniel
11. Dynamic Speaker # 2 – Maureen
12. Dynamic Speaker # 3 – Errol
13. Dynamic Speaker # 4 - Walter
14. Dynamic Speaker # 5 - Rick
15. Encouraging Evaluator # 1 – Lynda
16. Encouraging Evaluator # 2 – [OPEN]
17. Encouraging Evaluator # 3 – [OPEN]
18. Encouraging Evaluator # 4 – [OPEN]
19. Encouraging Evaluator # 5 – [OPEN]

01/29/2020

We are offering another Lab Day this week to write speeches and rehearse. Woo hoo!
Thursday, January 30, 2020
6:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Hughes Library
1002 N 9th Street
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
(570) 421-0800

IMPORTANT: PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND!!!
If you think you might be able to attend, shoot me an email so that I know to wait for you. Or hit me up on Facebook.

Location: "The Board Room"
This is the small conference room on the first floor, down the hallway towards our regular meeting location where we generally meet.

What are Lab Days?
Lab Days are small group sessions where we provide you with coaching and mentoring in any area that you wish to work on. Sometimes the help comes from the group facilitator, and other times the great ideas come flowing from the other participants in the group! Lab Days help you to accelerate your growth and jump ahead by leaps and bounds.

What types of things can we work on at Lab Days?
* Preparing stronger speech openings and good attention getters
* Crafting high impact closings that motivate people
* Developing skills with impromptu speaking
* Becoming more animated in public speaking
* Adding persuasion power to your speeches so that people will take action after hearing me speak
* Working with PowerPoint
* Navigating the Pathways online educational system
* Work on a speech for Public Speaking Contests

We can work on anything you wish. We can help you write your next speech. You can rehearse your speech in front of the group and get feedback from all of us to help you tweak it and improve it. Your Lab Day speech can count as your next speech in your manual.

01/24/2020

With even more new members coming on board, we are offering a Lab Day this weekend! Woo hoo!

Saturday, January 25, 2020
2:00 pm

Hughes Library
1002 N 9th Street
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
(570) 421-0800

Location: "The Board Room"
This is the small conference room on the first floor, down the hallway towards our regular meeting location where we generally meet.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND!!!
If you think you might be able to attend, shoot me an email so that I know to wait for you. Or hit me up on Facebook.

What are Lab Days?
Lab Days are small group sessions where we provide you with coaching and mentoring in any area that you wish to work on. Sometimes the help comes from the group facilitator, and other times the great ideas come flowing from the other participants in the group! Lab Days help you to accelerate your growth and jump ahead by leaps and bounds.

What types of things can we work on at Lab Days?
* Preparing stronger speech openings and good attention getters
* Crafting high impact closings that motivate people
* Developing skills with impromptu speaking
* Becoming more animated in public speaking
* Adding persuasion power to your speeches so that people will take action after hearing me speak
* Working with PowerPoint
* Navigating the Pathways online educational system
* Work on a speech for Public Speaking Contests

We can work on anything you wish. We can help you write your next speech. You can rehearse your speech in front of the group and get feedback from all of us to help you tweak it and improve it. Your Lab Day speech can count as your next speech in your manual.

Should I bring a laptop computer?
Yes, it will make it sooo much eaiser! We will help you write speech word for word. It will be much faster on a laptop computer. If you are working on speeches, you can do tons of editing of your speech right there on your laptop. (Not quite as effective with just pen and paper.)

What if I don't have a laptop?
Our wonderful friends at the Hughes Library have 16 laptops available to lend out to people. You can use it for four hours and have to use it in the library. How about that!

(You will need to present your library card. If you do not have a library card, you can get that at the main desk on the first floor. Need to present your license or other ID.)

I'm stuck! Can you help me write a speech?
Absolutely! That's our speciality! We'll help you write it, tweak it, and practice it.

I'm so scared! Can you help me overcome that?
We sure can! We'll turn that around so that you'll thrive on it and love it soon enough! Promise!

"What if I cannot attend this Lab Day?"

If you can't attend this weekend but are still interested in a Lab Day, let me know so we can set something up.

Take advantage of these small group Lab Day sessions! They can be really powerful! Especially if you are brand new to the world of professional public speaking!

Big hugs, everybody! Onward and upward!

Rick

01/20/2020

As dedicated and driven professional Toastmasters, we love to study historical speakers who made a significant impact in the world around them. We love to watch or listen to their speeches and identify the key components that caused the hearts of their listeners to change in one direction or another. We enjoy studying their mannerisms and gestures that aided their speaking ability. We rejoice in the positive change that they were able to make with the spoken word.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was an incredibly eloquent and powerful speaker. Where would we be today without his dream?

Though born into poverty and oppression, he kindled a deeply seated desire to become an agent of change. His parents were sharecroppers and his father also pastored a church a small church of just 13 people (which he later grew and expanded). King’s gifted genius was evident at an early age when he skipped 9th and 11th grades in high school and enrolled in college at the age of 15. King was valedictorian and president of his graduating class.

After earning an undergraduate sociology degree at age 19, he enrolled in Crozer Theological Seminary here in Pennsylvania. During his last year in seminary, at age 21, he developed a mentor relationship with Morehouse College President Benjamin Mays. It was Benjamin Mays who instilled in King the vision of social change through non-violence and the power of the spoken word. King then enrolled in Boston University for his doctoral studies. He completed his Ph.D. at age 25 and became senior pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Alabama. His work as an activist began with Rosa Parks being arrested for not giving up her seat. King then traveled across the country, giving hundreds of inspiring speeches to huge audiences in the tens of thousands everywhere he went. Within just TEN YEARS, by age 35, he had won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Martin Luther King intentionally and purposefully honed an articulate mastery of the English language and the spoken word. His powerful words still cascade down through time over the five decades since his passing. Who among us can listen to his “I Have A Dream” speech and not feel the power of his words stirring your spirit? Who among us does not have the deepest respect for King’s ability to stay the course and be continually empowered by his deep seated vision despite endless setbacks and openly hostile attacks? Who among us does not admire King’s struggle to overcome a difficult childhood besieged in poverty in a household of sharecroppers and rise up to international prominence to take his place among America’s most amazing heroes? He spoke at his rallies with as many as 250,000 in attendance, such as the one at the Lincoln Memorial for “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.” A true motivational speaker if there ever was one!

During his acceptance speech while receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, King said, “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.” We live in such a hurting world where there are too many insane voices out there that seem to have no other desire than to stir up strife and division. Such people thrive on creating chaos.

“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

We need more people to rise up like Martin Luther King, Jr. and be a voice for unity and bring healing to our land. To put aside bitterness and hatred and bring people together in love and peace. To remind us all to enjoy the wonder and splendor of life and the beauty of creation all around us.

As Toastmasters, we love studying such people because they inspire us to live our best version of ourselves. Such American heroes motivate us to keep on going when we, too, experience endless waves of adversity that cause others to give up and turn back. Such men and women trigger a spark deep within that compels us to keep honing our craft, to keep bettering ourselves as public speakers. We continually rehearse and practice our art because we have a deep passion for standing in front of an audience and moving people to take positive action with our words and our inspirational stories.

Why not stir up your own vision once again and apply yourself to the proven process of Toastmasters? This is a process that literally millions of people have profited from all around the world for the past 96 years since its inception on October 22, 1924. Toastmasters International currently has over 332,000 members in more than 15,400 clubs in 135 countries all around the world.

Some people think that Toastmasters is just for beginners. I thought so for many years! It is not. Both the beginner and the highly paid advanced professional speaker have much to gain in the world of Toastmasters. One aspect of its inherent beauty is that it takes you where you are right now and ACCELERATES your growth to the next level. Believe me, I have watched many paid professional speakers that earn incomes over $150,000 per year that would gain even greater mastery at their craft with the help of Toastmasters. The more time and energy you smartly invest yourself in Toastmasters, the faster you will grow. Absolutely, positively guaranteed!

If you have not signed up for a role, invest in your personal growth and step up to the plate. We are a loving supportive family that wants to help you become your best version of yourself possible! Shoot me an email to sign up for one of the roles.

Our next meetings are tomorrow, Tuesday, January 21st and February 4th at 6:30 pm at the Hughes Library, first floor, Community Room. First and third Tuesdays.

Big hugs to everyone! Onward and upward!

Rick

01/04/2020

For Pocono Toastmasters, let's work on making the year 2020 the year of Vision, Goals and Breakthroughs.

20/20 Vision. Amazing Goals. Mind Blowing Breakthroughs.

How about creating a vision for yourself as a speaker making an impact on the lives of hundreds of people? Maybe even thousands of people?

One fabulous tool that many highly paid professional speakers employ is that of visualizing themselves up on stage. I have used this many times myself and it truly makes a huge impact.

You can (and should!) visualize every aspect of your presentation. Such as, walking confidently up to the lectern. Starting off with a powerful attention getter. Slamming home your key points. Inspiring your audience to take action. Giving a close that is memorable. Two dozen people jumping up and asking questions at the end. Dozens more waiting in line to shake your hand and tell you how much your speech meant to them. And, if you are a paid speaker, receiving that big fat paycheck from the event planner that makes you smile ear to ear and wonder why you waited so long to work on polishing your speaking skills.

If you set aside just a few minutes each day visualizing yourself as a highly paid professional speaker, you will be energized to take the necessary steps and eventually reach it. That's what we want to see happen for you.

Have you written down your goals and objectives for 2020 yet? If not, start working on that list today or tomorrow. You will feel the power and excitement kick in as you start working on this list of written goals. It really does energize you. Keep a copy of that list in your wallet or purse and take it with you every where you go. Look at that list and read them off one by one a few times each day. Use visualization to actually see yourself achieving those goals and breakthroughs this year.

And get more active with the Pocono Toastmasters in 2020! You are ten times more likely to achieve your goals in 2020 if you surround yourself with people that are positive, energetic and supportive of you. This is why we are here. It is why we exist. Let us be your Accountability Partner to keep you on track for all you want to achieve this year.

Because of the weather related cancellations, we have a completely open slate. Shoot me an email and let us know which roles you might be willing to take for our upcoming meeting on January 7th.

Maybe you would be willing to read off a list of your goals at our meeting on Tuesday evening? Sure, it's a little scary doing that.. But... You might find that reading your list of goals will energize you and get you super fired up for 2020. If you are game, let us know sometime before the meeting.

Onward and upward! Big hugs!

Rick

Meeting Agenda for Pocono Toastmasters - Tuesday, January 7 at 6:30 pm

1. Greeter 1 – [OPEN]
2. Greeter 2 - [OPEN]
3. Snack Master - [OPEN]
4. Vote Counter – [OPEN]
5. Timer – [OPEN]
6. Table Topics Master – [OPEN]
7. Pledge of Allegiance - [OPEN]
8. Inspirational Quote & Reflection – [OPEN]
9. Toastmaster – [OPEN]
10. Dynamic Speaker # 1 – [OPEN]
11. Dynamic Speaker # 2 – Rick Saldan
12. Dynamic Speaker # 3 – [OPEN]
13. Encouraging Evaluator # 1 – [OPEN]
14. Encouraging Evaluator # 2 – [OPEN]
15. Encouraging Evaluator # 3 – [OPEN]

SPEECH CONTESTS
It's not too early to start working on your speech for the Toastmasters International Speech Contest. We first compete at the club level. The Pocono Toastmasters Public Speaking Contest will be held on Tuesday, February 18th as part of our scheduled meeting.
Winners can then go on to:
1. Area contest, 4 clubs
2. Division Contest, 25 clubs
3. District Contest, 183 clubs
4. National Contest
5. International Contest, 16,400 clubs

01/02/2020

Wishing all of our members, guests, friends and their loved ones a healthy, joyous and peaceful New Year! Let this be the year all of your dreams and ambitions come to fruition in a powerful way!

12/26/2019

Here's wishing you and your family a wonderful Merry Christmas from Pocono Toastmasters. Christmas is truly a magical time of year where the hearts and minds of people all over the world are transformed. It is a time when we focus on the good in one another and appreciate the amazing wonder in the world all around us.

Copied below is one of the best Christmas stories that I have ever come across in the last 20+ years. This wonderful Christmas story first appeared in the Reader's Digest, way back in December of 1954. It was also printed up Alice Gray’s "Christmas Stories for the Heart." Sounds like a great book, so I just purchased a copy on Amazon for $5 by clicking here: https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Stories-Heart-Alice-Gray/dp/1576736962/

“The Gold and Ivory Tablecloth”
written by
Rev. Howard C. Schade, 1954
Pastor of the First Reformed Church in Nyack, New York

At Christmas time men and women everywhere gather in their churches to wonder anew at the greatest miracle the world has ever known. But the story I like best to recall was not a miracle — not exactly. It happened to a pastor who was very young but his church was very old.
Once long ago it had flourished. Famous men had preached from its pulpit and prayed before its altar. Rich and poor alike had worshipped there and built it beautifully. Now the good days had passed from the section of town where it stood. But the pastor and his young wife believed in their run-down church. They felt that with paint, hammer, and faith they could get it in shape. Together they went to work.

However late in December a severe storm whipped through the river valley and the worst blow fell on the little church — a huge chunk of rain-soaked plaster fell out of the inside wall just behind the altar. Sorrowfully the pastor and his wife swept away the mess but they couldn’t hide the ragged hole. The pastor looked at it and had to remind himself quickly, “Thy will be done!” But his wife wept, “Christmas is only two days away!”

That afternoon the dispirited couple attended an auction held for the benefit of a youth group. The auctioneer opened a box and shook out of its folds a handsome gold and ivory lace tablecloth. It was a magnificent item, nearly 15 feet long; but it, too, dated from a long vanished era. Who, today, had any use for such a thing?

There were a few halfhearted bids. Then the pastor was seized with what he thought was a great idea. He bid it in for $6.50. He carried the cloth back to the church and tacked it up on the wall behind the altar. It completely hid the hole! And the extraordinary beauty of its shimmering handwork cast a fine, holiday glow over the chancel. It was a great triumph. Happily he went back to preparing his Christmas sermon.

Just before noon on the day of Christmas Eve as the pastor was opening the church, he noticed a woman standing in the cold at the bus stop. “The bus won’t be here for 40 minutes!” he called and invited her into the church to get warm. She told him that she had come from the city that morning to be interviewed for a job as governess to the children of one of the wealthy families in town but she had been turned down. A war refugee, her English was imperfect.

The woman sat down in a pew and chafed her hands and rested. After a while she dropped her head and prayed. She looked up as the pastor began to adjust the great gold and ivory cloth across the hole. She rose suddenly and walked up the steps of the chancel. She looked at the tablecloth. The pastor smiled and started to tell her about the storm damage but she didn’t seem to listen. She took up a fold of the cloth and rubbed it between her fingers. “It is mine!” she said. “It is my banquet cloth!” She lifted up a corner and showed the surprised pastor that there were initials monogrammed on it. “My husband had the cloth made especially for me in Brussels! There could not be
another like it.”

For the next few minutes the woman and the pastor talked excitedly together. She explained that she was Viennese and that she and her husband had opposed the N***s and decided to leave the country. They were advised to go separately. Her husband put her on a train for Switzerland. They planned that he would join her as soon as he could arrange to ship their household goods across the border. She never saw him again. Later she heard that he had died in a concentration camp. “I have always felt that it was my fault — to leave without him,” she said. “Perhaps these years of wandering have been my punishment!” The pastor tried to comfort her and urged her to take the cloth with her. She refused. Then she went away.

As the church began to fill on Christmas Eve, it was clear that the cloth was going to be a great success. It had been skillfully designed to look its best by candlelight. After the service, the pastor stood at the doorway. Many people told him that the church looked beautiful. One gentle-faced middle-aged man — he was the local clock-and-watch repairman — looked rather puzzled. “It is strange,” he said in his soft accent. “Many years ago my wife — God rest her — and I owned such a cloth. In our home in Vienna, my wife put it on the table” — and here he smiled — “only when the bishop came to dinner.”

The pastor suddenly became very excited. He told the jeweler about the woman who had been in church earlier that day. The startled jeweler clutched the pastor’s arm. “Can it be? Does she live?”

Together the two got in touch with the family who had interviewed her. Then in the pastor’s car they started for the city. And as Christmas Day was born, this man and his wife who had been separated through so many saddened Yule tides were reunited.

To all who hear this story, the joyful purpose of the storm that had knocked a hole in the wall of the church was now quite clear. Of course, people said it was a miracle; but I think you will agree it was the season for it!

* * * * *

Our next meeting of the Pocono Toastmasters is Tuesday, January 7th at 6:30 pm. Hope to see you then! Please let me know if you want to sign up for a role (or you can use the club website to sign up on your own).

See you next year!

Onward and upward! Big hugs!

Rick

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