Page 8 - Voices 2024-10

Cover story

Art Johnson Celebrates 50 Years of Membership

A Grand Celebration at Newberg Toastmasters Club #588

Linda Cox

Art Johnson has reached an incredible milestone, me to stay. I remain eternally grateful for his
celebrating 50 years as a dedicated member of the support.
Newberg Toastmasters Club #588! Year after year,
Art has paid his dues and remained a vibrant and Messages from past members who couldn’t attend
inspiring presence in the club. were read aloud, each expressing heartfelt
gratitude for Art’s influence. Almost everyone
On September 21st, the club hosted a grand present wanted to share how Art had impacted
celebration at a charming restaurant in Dundee, their own Toastmasters journey.
Oregon. The event was attended by current Art, who worked as a Machinist at the Publishers
members, many past members, and Art’s family, all Paper Mill in Newberg, was also celebrated by
gathered to honor this momentous occasion. a retired man from the Administrative Office. This
Art delivered a heartfelt speech titled “My Fifty man, though not a Toastmaster, praised Art’s
Year Journey,” captivating the audience with exceptional communication skills, noting how Art
every word. He shared his reasons for joining often served as a spokesman for the mill. He
Toastmasters, his initial fears, and how he revealed a little-known secret from the executive
overcame them. Art also recounted his decision to office: Art was affectionately known as
compete in speech contests, driven by his “SMART ART.”
desire to win a trophy. He proudly displayed the
numerous trophies he has won over the years, Art Johnson is an inspiration to all Toastmasters.
not just at the club level, but also at the Area, He has been a mentor and a guiding light for
Division, and District levels. Way to go, Art! Newberg Toastmasters Club #588. One memorable
quote from his Journey Speech resonated
I gave a speech as testimony about how Art with many: “Toastmasters isn’t just about winning
impacted my Toastmasters journey. I recalled a contests and getting trophies; it prepares you
pivotal moment in 1996 when I considered leaving for the unknown.”
Toastmasters, but Art’s encouragement convinced

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