I'm filling in for J.R. Casillas this week to give you the 411 about last night’s meeting, which was quite the social meeting indeed. With about 20 attendees, Toastmaster Todd Ledden, who has been stuck in Nebraska with a broken down VW for the past few weeks, led us through a meeting filled with a great Table Topics session, one great Icebreaker speech, and a super fabulous treat session with Bulgarian wine and cheeses. Just like wine, the meeting got better as the night went on…(snicker, snicker)

Our Table Topics Extraordinaire and new member John McCarthy led us through a wonderful Table Topics session posing some great electoral questions just in time for November 7. (Just a reminder --as if all the ads inundating you day and night aren't enough of a reminder--that next Tuesday is Voting Day, so go out an fulfill your civic duty and go to the polls.)

Brian Lewis hit the ground running with a great Ice Breaker speech. We look forward to some more great speeches from Brian.

George "Sommelier" Alexandrov treated us all to some wonderful Bulgarian wine and cheeses. George even provided us with a "how to drink wine" presentation beforehand. His treats provided us all with the perfect opportunity to enjoy a "Taste of Bulgaria" and catch up with fellow Toastmasters. Thanks for the cultural immersion, George!

Don’t miss our next meeting (November 16) as our very own Scott Mochinski completes his last speech toward his Distinguished Toastmaster designation. That's right -- the DTM, the pinnacle of Toastmaster milestones. Scott will give his final speech, making him quite the communicator aficionado.

Last but certainly not least was the announcement of our holiday party. Drum roll, please…. The Holiday party will be held on Thursday, November 30, with a location TBD. So mark it in your calendar, your palm pilot or blackberry and make sure to bring out your best holiday cheer the last day in November. Whether you trim the tree, spin a dradle, or light the Kinara, don't miss this great opportunity to socialize with your fellow Toastmasters.

See you all at the next meeting November 16!!!

Heidi