Toastmasters appreciate Akwesasne Members

On December 17, 2008, Smart City Toastmasters International Club of Cornwall held their annual Christmas dinner at Mustache Joe’s Restaurant on Pitt Street.

Toastmasters International’s mission is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.

Mustache Joe’s is not your typical restaurant; the atmosphere is very loud, intentionally of course. Three or four different parties are going on all at once in one large perimeter. It was fun-filled and a challenge to improve speaking techniques and try to project one’s voice above the noisy crowd. After the dinner party we the group went on to the usual meeting agenda. But, this evening was very special, awards and presentations unfolded, unexpected and a nice surprise to some.

Allan Jacco (Akwesasne) Sgt-Of-Arms-opened the meeting then handed it over to the President of Toastmasters Bob LeBrun-Cornwall-for words of welcome. Don Smith, Cornwall Toastmaster of the evening introduced Claudette Pilon-Cornwall-VP of Education for her educational speech on Recognition.

Toastmaster Smith brought Paylene Martin-Cornwall up to the front. She was the Table Topic of the night It was fun, enjoyable with many laughs. The task of being the Timer went to the new member Corey Jocko (Akwesasne). The highlight was the evening guest, Brian McDonald. Area Governor- Hawkesbury.

Bob LeBrun had the honor of presenting certificates to two new members for Dec. 3rd, Rena Smoke and Corey Jocko, both from Akwesasne. Marie Paul Derocher-Cornwall- Dec.3rd, David Granger-Cornwall-Dec. 17th, who joined the same evening will be receiving their certificates at a later date.

President LeBrun proceeded with notable recognitions to Allan Jacco-Akwesasne, for bringing the most guests throughout the year, and was presented a dinner certificate for two. Secondly, Geraldine Jacobs (Akwesasne) was recognized for bringing the most new members. She received a Tim Horton’s gift and a pin that read “Be a Star! Soar to Success!”

The community is invited to visit our upcoming Open House at Royal Canadian Legion-Cornwall (corner of 2nd & Cumberland St.) on January 14, 2009 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.