Tonight was a night a few years in the making because of the pandemic. It was also a night ten years in the making because of my longtime involvement in Toastmasters.
For the first time since December 2019, our District had a big in person event. I arrived around 5pm and walked in with some of District 13’s finest. I took my name tag and sat down with two people from the newly chartered Laurel Highlands Toastmasters club (Ryan Jacobs and Sharon Joseph who also belonged to other clubs). Ryan is also the Area 23 Director. Dana Mitnik joined us as well. We talked Toastmasters shop as we awaited the dinner bell.
Our immediate past District Director Patti Thor recognized all of our District leaders as well as those who volunteered their time in 2020-21. Current director Bob Johnson was handed the gavel and thanked everyone for persevering during a trying time. Patti was in charge of the DTM gauntlet and she introduced all of the newly minted distinguished toastmasters who earned the award over the past two years. I hugged, shook hands with, and even twirled my fellow Distinguished Toastmaster pals.
We got pictures in front of the red carpet. Our clubs that made Presidents Distinguished and those of us who achieved our DTMs all got our pictures taken. Lots of great photo opportunities to be had that evening. After while, it was off to dance to the music that our DJ for the evening had planned for us. Props to Tyler Crummy for his awesome playlist. Here’s a few pics from the red carpet. I should have done my strut.
Not too long after we started disco dancing, the fire alarms 🚨 went off. At first we took it as a false alarm, but after Jim Thor called the campus police, we had to go outside. Apparently the dishwasher set off the alarms. When the fire department crashes your party, you move things outside and keep dancing
Tyler kept the tunes playing despite the interruptions. Everyone danced to “YMCA”. Getting off the subject, I’ll never forget what Dana and Jim (Teague) said to me about my style and fashion sense and the way I dress. “To each their own”. Dana applauded me for my confidence (he should have seen me when I walked into the Coach outlet to buy my swag). He also applauded me for how I’m defying gender norms with my Harry Styles way of dressing. “You have your definition of style and I have mine.” Even Past International Director Russell Drake complimented me for my stories and becoming a fashion blogger. I’m so glad they could see it that way. It’s a shame some people can’t. Just like how Paula and Sara are complimenting me on my style. “Don’t be embarrassed. Be proud. Fashion is nothing to be ashamed of.” Words of wisdom from my twin/fashion buddy herself.
After we got the all clear, we went back inside and wrapped up the night. Most everyone had left and there were just a few disco queens and kings remaining. Sarah showed us her disco dance moves and she did it like a boss. We finished up the night with “Last Dance” by Donna Summer.
It was a memorable night. A big shoutout to Patti for her leadership during the previous Toastmaster year and to Bob and his team for all he’s going to accomplish in the new Toastmaster year. Cranberry represent. Congratulations to all of us who achieved our Distinguished Toastmasters. Welcome to the sorority.
I’ll close with this, when the fire department crashes your party, you move things outside and keep dancing. Here’s our past and present trio.
Bye everyone. ❤️ you.
Stylish 🍒 