Last week I did my monthly look ahead to May. While it mostly remained incomplete, only getting up to around Mother’s Day, that means I wasn’t sure what the rest of this month would entail yet. A week into May, and I have a better outlook for this month.
Looking back to last week’s meeting, I was quite impressed. Maybe it was the weather that put everyone in a good mood. We had a small turnout and I think we were fortunate to get the room we did. Usually around election and primary season, the Courthouse is off limits for us. Our main meeting room has machines taking up most of the space, as well. Despite only seven members there (and none online), our meeting was very informative. Our division director rocked her speech on leadership and our contestant at the District level tuned his up one last time before Saturday.
At the end of the meeting, our past President lined up officers for the new Toastmasters year. We got all but one role set, and that would be the Secretary. With the exception of the President, the other roles can stay the same for the new Toastmaster year. Our Vice President of Membership and Treasurer will have the same members filling it again in 2024-2025.
How much more can I say about this weekend’s Spring Conference that I haven’t already? I included a small photo dump in my socials. Credit to Christina Keener for taking those pics and posting them on her Facebook as I shared them to my page and even to my digital frame at home. My only regret is not getting a picture with Christy (the Communication and Leadership Awardee). Like her, I too am challenging the status quo, in my own way. If you know, you know. Both her and Dawn did great this weekend. I really loved how Christy stopped at every one of the tables in the ballroom and asked us, “What keeps us coming back to Toastmasters?”
My first conference in-person since 2019… was it worth attending? I think so.
Looking ahead… I don’t always post a sports blog and it’s pretty rare. But when I do it’s something that’s a big deal. Next week is the official release of the 2024 NFL Schedule. For me and Rocco, that’s like our Christmas. The NFL Draft is like our Thanksgiving. I’ve followed sports and the NFL since 1992. The league has changed so much so I was a kid and in my upcoming blog I ask myself if the game is still worth watching.
Friday would have been Gramma Gaffron’s birthday. I’m not going to say the age but I will share some great memories of her. I’ll bring a six pack of things to this post that have happened since her passing in 2006. Coincidentally, Benny is coming home from Children’s Hospital on Gram’s birthday
Later this month…May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I’m doing well today (though that’s debatable). In an upcoming blog, I’ll be looking back to the last two Mays when I almost quit my journey (due to regrets from the previous year and no support in 2022; also, because of negativity aimed at TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney last year). I nearly gave it up because of others’ opinions but both times I came back.
Some adjustments in my dinner plans with Mr. Clougherty means opportunities to attend Greensburg Night Market in May and June. This is a good chance to get out in the community, get the word out about Toastmasters and, meet up with some of my small business friends.
While Greensburg Night Market is going strong, Ligonier Night Market will be kicking off as well. Next Saturday the Ligonier Country Market begins for the summer and runs through September. As I said, plenty of opportunities to support the community and local businesses.
Our next dinner is scheduled for May 30 at Oliver’s Pourhouse and then my birthday dinner will be June 20 at the Olive Garden.
Stylish 🍒 