July 23 Write-up

Hello Seattle and Sunrise Toastmaster, we’ve accomplish yet another great meeting. Tom, our President, has been in his new role for a month; reflecting on the Victories and Failures thus far. Speaking of Victories and Failures, this was our theme for the meeting. Tom introduced and explained Seattle Sunrise Mission, a reflection of the victory sustaining our welcoming and open culture week after week. Tom also mentioned that our meetings are now only occurring 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and when applicable 5th Saturdays of the month starting August. It’s worth mentioning that our members do commit to a Saturday morning week after week. Our commitment is unwavering, but a break every now and again is healthy. Read more ›

Posted in Meeting Summary

Mid-July Sunriser Report

Hello Again, here is another summary of our meetings at Seattle Sunrise Toastmaster. This is a combination of the month’s meeting thus far and hereby known as the Mid-July Summary. Tom, our President, opens every meeting with enthusiasm; customarily introducing themes for the meetings. July 2’s theme was “Beginnings,” a hint to the changing of the officer guard for Seattle Sunrisers. July 9’s theme was “Temptations,” a creative topic where many included the theme their speeches and extemporaneous discussions. July 16’s theme was “Madness,” yet another creative topic where many incorporated the theme their speeches and extemporaneous discussions, too, and perhaps hinting to the absent of those officers that make these meetings happen. Officers were at a training event held in Shoreline’s Conference Center on 16 July. Read more ›

Posted in Meeting Summary

Testimonials for 2015-2016 Sunrise Officers

SCOTT C: Though Scott was not an officer, he changed my life with the way he welcomed and befriended me while I was a guest, like a warm breeze,  a ray of sunshine. He made me realize how much positive influence one can have on a stranger by getting out the seat, walking up and becoming his/her friend. Scott has become my role model because I hope to spread his positive energy to others. 

SEARGENT AT ARMS TOM B & PRESTON K: They say the early bird catches the early worm. Here at Sunrise we are very lucky to have two of the earliest and greatest birdies anywhere! Thank You Tom and Preston for not hitting the snooze button on Saturdays and lugging all that crap around week after week. You’re a great tag-team team if there ever was one.

VP MEMBERSHIP NICOLE S: I will always remember Nicole S’s heart-felt smile when she helped me become a member of this club. I remember the terror of keeping up with new member kits, prospect emails, and using Dropbox without deleting everything which I swear I only did once. And then I remember the bright, sunny morning when Nicole Swedeburg told me she’d be happy to serve as VP of membership.

VP PR MARTI M: Marti is always a pro. Handling both the PR and the mentoring program, she helps makes the club what it is by getting the word out, welcoming and training new members, and being a well of information. Thank you, Marti!

TREASURER AANYA: Aanya is the most pleasant person to give money to. Who wouldn’t want to pay Aanya. I remember asking her if I could pay for a full year to avoid her having to ask me every 6 months. She paused, then gave an emphatic – YES.  6 months later I had forgotten that I had paid for the full year and tried to pay her again. That is how good she is. And she makes it so easy. Aanya, what do I owe you? 

VP EDUCATION NICOLE C: Nicole has been so cheerful and organized in scheduling all of us for roles during the year. She stepped forward to assume the role when we urgently needed a replacement after David went off to China, making for a seamless transition. She always responds to my emails about availability; I don’t understand how she finds the time to give that level of personalized support to all our members.

SECRETARY ANDY K: Andy’s meticulous note-taking and lyrical write-ups are two of the key elements that uphold the high standards of Sunrise.  Reading his summaries has been a joy as well as an inspiration to me – I started taking actions to improve my listening, note-taking and writing skills.  Thank you Andy,  I am very grateful to know you. 

PRESIDENT PETER F: Thank you Peter, for your endless energy and terrific work in livening up our meetings and spiriting up members. You are a vibrant leader with a warm heart.

Posted in Meeting Summary

Gratitude: Seattle Sunrise Toastmaster June 25 Meeting Summary

Here’s to another great Seattle Sunrise Toastmaster meeting. Mark was the Toastmaster and he embraced the theme: Gratitude. June 25 was the last day for 2015’s Sunrise Toastmaster officers. Many members were inspired by the officers as testimonials revealed.

The officers continue the tradition of being welcoming, encouraging, and sustaining when its comes to members. Certain officers and members had nods at the podium during the last meeting. Scott, a strong supporter for VP the of Education, provided an influential hand behind the scenes with web support and just happens to be a great speaker routinely providing great feedback. Marti, former VP of Public Relations, provided strong direction for new and existing members. Nicole S, often the first to welcome new members, did/does so always with a smile. She’s the initial impression and strong reason why members join. Aanya, took on the challenge to collecting dues and made it easy to contribute financially to Sunrise. She was a very competent Treasurer. She made it look easy. Then there is Andy, wonderful write-ups and always the hard worker behind the scene. Mark said it best when explaining why member continue to go to meetings: it’s Sunrise’s culture. While we pride ourselves on organizational structure, its the character of our officers and innovative members that make it worth coming back on a Saturday morning. For a closer look, all testimonials are available on Seattle Sunrise’s Toastmaster’s website.

As the meeting continue, Mark introduce the regular occurring Toastmaster roles. As the Grammarian, Paula explained: how she would look for creative uses of language, count filler phrases like “ummm” and “so,” and discuss the Word of the Day. Last week’s word was “Jaunt.” Jaunt means a short journey.

The next role was the Timer. This time, Kiki, fulfilled the role expressing how each speaker has a set time to meet. When certain milestones are reached within speeches and short speaking opportunities, various colored sheets with become apparent. A green sheet means you are near finishing. A yellow sheet means your are getting closer to the end; start finishing. A red sheet means you should finish. Kiki explained with brevity and confidence.

Read more ›

Posted in Meeting Summary

Upcoming Events

Aug
8
Sat
8:00 am Seattle Sunrise Meeting @ Hybrid
Seattle Sunrise Meeting @ Hybrid
Aug 8 @ 8:00 am – 9:45 am
Meeting  Time  8:00 am (meeting starts at 8:20 sharp) Meeting Location Hybrid Meeting! If you can join us in person, meet us at The Rita Koontz Community Room in the U District WSECU Building 1121 NE 45th St. Seattle Corner
Aug
15
Sat
8:00 am Seattle Sunrise Meeting @ Hybrid
Seattle Sunrise Meeting @ Hybrid
Aug 15 @ 8:00 am – 9:45 am
Meeting  Time  8:00 am (meeting starts at 8:20 sharp) Meeting Location Hybrid Meeting! If you can join us in person, meet us at The Rita Koontz Community Room in the U District WSECU Building 1121 NE 45th St. Seattle Corner
Aug
22
Sat
8:00 am Seattle Sunrise Meeting @ Hybrid
Seattle Sunrise Meeting @ Hybrid
Aug 22 @ 8:00 am – 9:45 am
Meeting  Time  8:00 am (meeting starts at 8:20 sharp) Meeting Location Hybrid Meeting! If you can join us in person, meet us at The Rita Koontz Community Room in the U District WSECU Building 1121 NE 45th St. Seattle Corner