Club: Open Door Toastmasters
Charter Date: June 29, 2004
The very first night I went to an Open Door Toastmasters meeting, I was pretty much hooked! So many members went out of their way to say hello, ask my name and offer to answer any questions I had. During that first meeting, I was so impressed at the way people were professional, cordial, and had so much positive feedback for one another. I thought to myself “ If only EVERY meeting I attended was this positive!”
I am proud of the way Open Door continues to grow, and I think it is the warm, welcoming attitude we all have that keeps newcomers coming back. I am in my second term as a club officer, and am proud to be a part of our very special group. – Angela Bloshuk, Secretary, CC, CL
Over the past 5 years I’ve had an ever increasing opportunity to train, coach and speak to fellow employees as well as make presentations to local schools. This has awakened a desire to not only continue this course but to do all I can to share my experiences and knowledge gathered through my career. With this in mind I decided to join Toastmasters to help me improve and develop new skills and presentation techniques.
In searching for a local club to join, I found Open Door Toastmasters, a club that has received the Distinguished Club Award for each of their 10 years. After speaking with the club president and attending a few meetings I knew there was no need to look further. This would be my home.
Through constant reinforcement and encouragement I know I am well on my way to becoming a better speaker and presenter. The proof of this is that I have taken on a part time role as a hospitality instructor and in a few months I will be presenting a speech to a professional networking group on “How to Become a Better Speaker”. Thank you Toastmasters! – Steve DiGioia, CC
Even though I have given many briefings and taught classes, I knew that I had room for improvement. My plan was to visit a few Toastmasters’ clubs and pick one. My first visit was to Open Doors Toastmasters in Denville, NJ. After seeing how the members supported each other, I decided to join and didn’t visit other clubs. Besides receiving feedback on my own speaking, I learn by watching others and hearing feedback on their talks. Many roles sharpen listening skills. There is much to be said for meeting with people who are working to better themselves and to better others. – Steve Wayman, Sergeant at Arms
I joined Open Door Toastmasters because Arnold Card needed a few more members to charter the club. Paula kind of twisted my arm. I knew that public speaking wasn’t my strong suit and thought practicing speaking skills might benefit me. That first year, I also served as the club’s VP of Public Relations. I enjoyed working with the executive committee, but more importantly, I enjoyed meeting the new members of our club because they came from diverse backgrounds and were always willing to share very personal stories and experiences. While I enjoy the camaraderie of the club, much of my Toastmaster experience has been devoted to serving District 83. I have served as a district leader 9 times; Treasurer 4 times, area governor, division director, sergeant-at-arms, club extension chair and currently as finance manager. Between the years that Paula and I have served the district, I would venture to say that no other club has provided more district-leader years than Open Door Toastmasters. This experience has improved my speaking and leadership skills and I have gained a whole new circle of friends. – William Markert, ACB, CL