[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 165 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2490]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO THE TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL AND SAVANNAH TOASTMASTERS 
                                CLUB 705

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK KINGSTON

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 1999

  Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, since October 1924 over three million men 
and women have benefitted from the superb communication and leadership 
programs of the Toastmasters. I am one of those 3 million. Today, I 
want to recognize Toastmasters International now in their 75th year of 
existence, and wish to commend the Savannah, Georgia, Toastmasters Club 
705 on their own 50th anniversary.
  Seventy-five years ago, Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, met with a group of men 
in the basement of a YMCA in Santa Ana, California and formed a club 
``to afford practice and training in the art of public speaking and in 
presiding over meetings, and to promote sociability and good fellowship 
among its members.'' Since 1924 that small group of men has grown into 
a remarkable non-profit organization with over 174,900 members 
representing 8,642 clubs in more than 60 countries around the world.
  Toastmasters International has been referred to as ``the world's 
premier self-improvement club.'' Through seventy-five years, millions 
of men and women have improved their leadership skills, self-confidence 
and communications abilities through the public speaking programs of 
Toastmasters International. ``Home Improvements'' star Tim Allen, Miss 
America 1996 Tara Dawn Holland, and Georgia Senator Sam Nunn are 
credited with being ``celebrity Toastmasters''. But it is our local 
businesses, Governments, and communities that benefit from the 
abilities gained by those who chose to become better listeners, 
thinkers, and speakers through involvement in this organization.
  The Savannah, Georgia, Toastmasters Club 705, was chartered in 1949 
and recently celebrated their 50th Anniversary. The third oldest of 179 
chapters in Georgia, Club 705 members pride themselves on the long 
history of the organization, their outstanding members, and their 
standards of conduct that have improved many an individuals 
communications and leadership skills. The old stories of the six foot 
tall street traffic light that was used as a timer, the Claxon that 
provided a deafening overtime sound, or the infamous ``AH Bucket'' a 
tin can into which marbles were thrown whenever a speaker used a ``non-
word'' reflect some of the tools of the trade to build talent in a fun, 
exciting atmosphere.
  Over the passed 50 years the many members of Club 705 have developed 
their talents over time and have mentioned many a rookie in their 
communications ability. These are extraordinary members like Fred 
Stephens, Dick Piazza, Jack Homans, bill Kearny, Maggie Edinfield, 
Linda Cole, the current senior member Neil Bodenstein, and many others. 
Rookies like myself sincerely appreciate what Toastmasters has done for 
us and for our communities, improving the listening, thinking, and 
speaking abilities of millions through their dedication and time. 
Special thanks to the current officers of Club 705; President Earl 
Berksteiner, Vice Presidents Peggy Keisker Gunn and Teresa Martinez, 
Secretary Debbie Cameron, Treasurer Michael Dubberly, and Sergeants at 
Arms Mark Stall and Neil Bodenstein. Congratulations to Toastmasters 
International and to Savannah Club 705--Happy Anniversary--here's to 
you!

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