Page 27 - Voices-2022-02

Charter Party July, 2013 - Prime Rib & a String Quartet

to rest upon the laurels of my CC award, but I which led to ending my time with the dynamic,
could finish my Competent Leader award and demonstrative, and delightful “Downtown

eventually earn my DTM—which out east meant Lunchbunch.” Great memories, many friends
“Don’t Time Me” for whoever had those letters made with whom I still am in contact with. And
after their name. Phyllis Harmon—she edits then “it” happened—2020 and the pandemic
some document monthly now—became a good effectively killed my job with the Portland

friend, mentor, and leadership example to me. Timbers and Thorns. No fans so no need for
The memory of my former Club began to fade guest services. I was approached to work where
away. The “Downtown Lunchbunch” became I live in 2021.
my home Club for five years where I worked On January 2, 2022, I received an alert on

through the education program, became a Club my computer about a fire in historic downtown
officer, and eventually president. I earned my Hillsboro that had started at 3:45 am that morning
Distinguished Toastmaster Award, Triple Crown and rapidly turned to a five-alarm fire involving
Award, and served as an Area and Division units from Forest Grove, Banks, Cornelius, TV

Director. What great fun we had! They knew Fire & Rescue, Portland Haz-Mat and Hillsboro.
how to throw a grand charter party, conduct It was still burning as I discovered to my horror
speech contests, serve as Division, and District that it was at the Weil Arcade—the 100-year-old
leadership trainers and conference speakers. building that housed several businesses and

The realty changed names, members moved Weichert Realty—the former happy home of
away or transferred to other Clubs, but we my Toastmasters Club. I watched the videos,
Toastmastered on. I myself began to work in saw the devastation, the flames and smoke, the
downtown Portland, mentored a new Club there collapsing roof and destroyed interior. Gone was

VOICES! | FEBRUARY 2022 27