A Demo Meeting Opens Doors

What does it take to plant the seed of a new Toastmasters club? Sometimes, it starts with a single lead. In February, that lead brought a team of dedicated volunteers to the Beacon Hill condominium residence in Calgary — and the result was an evening no one will soon forget.

Club Extension Committee Co-Chair Marcy Field and Area A10 Director Greg Ptashny organized a demonstration Toastmasters meeting for residents and board members of the Beacon Hill condo community. The goal was simple: show a group of curious neighbours what Toastmasters is all about — and let the experience speak for itself.

A talented group of volunteers stepped up to bring a full Toastmasters meeting to life. Marcy Field served as Toastmaster of the Evening, guiding the meeting with warmth and energy. Tracey Morelli delivered an engaging prepared speech that drew the audience in from the first word. Greg Ptashny led a lively Table Topics session, challenging participants to think on their feet. Lovelin Johnson served as General Evaluator, while Arobo Ako handled timing duties. Joanne Divine jumped in as one of the Table Topics speakers, showing guests firsthand how fun — and surprisingly accessible — impromptu speaking can be.

The meeting was a success. Residents laughed, engaged, and left with a genuine sense of what Toastmasters offers. Even condo board members who attended came away impressed. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and anything but intimidating — exactly the kind of first impression that turns curious onlookers into future members.

Will Beacon Hill become the home of a brand-new Toastmasters club? It’s too early to say for certain. But the seeds have been planted. Interest was sparked, connections were made, and the Toastmasters spirit found a new audience. That’s how every great club begins.

A heartfelt thank-you to the entire volunteer team whose time and talent made this demo possible. Outreach events like this are how District 42 continues to grow — one community, one conversation, one laugh at a time.

Volunteers at the Beacon Hill Demo Meeting:

• Marcy Field — Toastmaster of the Evening
• Tracey Morelli — Prepared Speaker
• Greg Ptashny — Table Topics Master
• Lovelin Johnson — General Evaluator
• Arobo Ako — Timer
• Joanne Divine — Table Topics Speaker

Greg Ptashny
Area A10 Director