Page 39 - June-2021-Voices

GLEANINGS FROM THE GROVE

no checks, and you had to haul your treasures Does you club hold thematic meetings—
away at the end of the two-day sale. Us kids where you have a theme that runs throughout
ended up helping with set-up and take-down as the meeting for table topics, sometimes even

well as keeping our eyes peeled for goodies. The speeches? What about a costumed meeting?
potluck was just as fun. Did you know that there Having a themed meeting makes it easy for your
are 200 ways to prepare Zucchini? I have seen VPE and puts a little fun into your meetings. I
and tasted them all! Blackberries came in second have always subscribed to the idea that if you

for desserts, pies, breads, muffins, and everything have the best show in town, people will want to
in between! Yes, it was summertime—and the attend the meeting as they are looking forward
living was easy. to seeing some of the potential craziness or
Do you have personal memories of summer creative ways to conduct a meeting. Free, fun,

from your childhood? The swimming pool? If and flexible should be your goal.
I did my chores right away in the morning, I Another idea that I have seen work
could go up to the community pool and spend successfully is the club picnic. In one of my
a leisurely afternoon. clubs, we would meet at the local park at the

Now, what about your Toastmasters club? Do regular meeting time, conduct the entire
you experience low attendance this time of year? meeting outdoors, and hold a potluck or dessert
I think most clubs do. I have a few suggestions tasting. The fun comes from gathering together
that might help boost your meeting attendance. outside of the stuffy meeting room, and even

Yes, I had fun in the summertime. Why can’t table topics can be different in nature. Why not
you have fun at Toastmasters? (Contrary to the have a treasure hunt? With so many clubs now
myriad of rules we agree to when we become receiving TI gift certificates from the incentive
members, not having fun is NOT one of them.) programs, wonderful prizes can be purchased

VOICES! | JUNE 2021 39