Do you like a good laugh? The kind that makes your belly ache? Then join us in the Doo-Dah parade this year. Every November 21st in Old Pasadena an event is held that satirizes the Rose Parade, and parades in general. The humorous entries will leave you laughing for  days and our participation  promotes the benefits of Toastmasters.  

For several years, Toastmaster’s International has had a spot in the parade. Last time we had 10 members from the area dressed in costumes, waving and throwing toast at the audience along the parade route. TI has secured a place in the parade again this year and is looking for members to participate. There’s no cost to you other than paying for parking, which runs about $6 per car. For that reason, you may want to consider car-pooling. 

If you plan on meeting us at the parade, we will be meeting in Memorial Park in Old Pasadena, located on Raymond Ave between Walnut and Holly streets (2 blocks north of Colorado Blvd). We will be lining up in the park itself, not on the street. 

Assembly time at the park: 10:15 a.m. In the past, marchers have been lost in traffic jams. Please try to arrive early so that you’re not stuck in your car! 

Parade starts: 11:30.  Fees: TI picks up our entry fee. Only cost is parking. Parking is located at the county parking structure at Marengo and Ramona Street (about 1½ blocks east of the park). The entrance is on Ramona. The public is not admitted to this parking lot so take advantage of it. 

Along the route: We will have about 45 minutes to interact with the crowd. Last year we pretty much shouted along the route: Speak up, speak out, speak often, TOASTMASTERS! We’d then throw pieces of toast (that we toasted at home!) into the crowd. We don’t pelt them with it, we just throw it up into the air.  

For more information about the parade itself, go to: http://www.pasadenadoodahparade.com/
DooDah-Main-1a.html 

The parade is one of the highlights of the season. Don’t miss it! 

District 52 Fall Conference

• Saturday, November 13, 2004
• Theme: "Rock Around the Clock"
• Glendale Hilton

Thank you to those of you who have already registered for the District 52 Fall Conference. There is still room for more!  For those of you who have not yet registered, the early bird rate of $60 has been extended for all registrations postmarked by Monday, November 8. For detailed information about the conference, along with the registration form, go to one of the following links:

District 52 Fall Conference page:
http://www.district52.org/events/fall2004.htm

Conference Registration Form:
http://www.district52.org/events/register.pdf

Detailed Conference Information:
http://www.district52.org/events/mailer.pdf

You don't want to miss this exciting conference!  In addition to our International Director, Phil Taylor, we will have a special guest speaker -- Richard Greene -- who was the keynote speaker at the 2004 Toastmasters International convention in Reno, Nevada.  Those who attended his session in Reno are still talking about it -- it was outstanding.  And he will be presenting the same talk to our District: "The Five Secrets of the World's Greatest Speakers."  In addition to his international speaking career, Richard is the author of a beautiful coffee table book entitled "Words That Shook the World."  You will have the opportunity to purchase Richard's book at a substantial savings and have him sign it at the conference, if you wish. For more information about guest presenter Richard Greene see:  http://www.district52.org/events/greene.htm

If you are attending the conference….there are a few things we could use, as follows:

• Microphone stand
• Singer(s)
• Raffle Prizes

If you can help with any of these, would like to be a functionary at the conference, or have any questions, please contact Jodi Rothwell. Thanks.

Jodi Lea Rothwell:  Direct Dial: (213) 891-7257   Home:  (818) 240-8522   Email: jodi.lea.rothwell@lw.com

Are you thinking of visiting Warner Center Toastmasters?
  
The purpose of Toastmasters is to help you develop your public (and private) speaking skills, improve your self-confidence in business and personal situations, and to help you define yourself to your world more clearly. Why fumble around in the dark with your self-image? You can communicate more effectively than you ever dreamed possible!

If this sounds good to you, then come join us for a light buffet and some great speakers — every 2nd and 4th Thursday evening of each month at the Warner Marriott Hotel in Woodland Hills. Among the most prestigious and popular Toastmasters meeting locations in greater Los Angeles, the Marriott provides a wide variety of superb meeting rooms for one of Los Angeles' finest Toastmasters organizations.  

Warner Center Toastmasters has been enhancing careers and enriching interpersonal communications for our members for more than two decades. Why leave great speaking skills to politicians and CEO's? You too can speak like a pro, and we'll show you how. 

It all comes together in a clearly defined and well-supported program of speeches and exercises that help you to sharpen your verbal skills, organize your words and gestures, and make you fast on your feet. Lose your fear of speaking in front of a large group, and you'll feel more relaxed speaking to anyone!

The Warner Marriott is located at 21850 Oxnard Street at the corner of Topanga. From Granada Hills to Calabasas, Santa Monica to Chatsworth, we have active members from all over the 818, 805, and 310 areas.

We DO meet every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month without fail, except Christmas week. Meeting begins at 630pm, gavel at 7pm. Meeting concludes approximately 9pm. Guest fee: five dollars.  This site is updated twice a month with forthcoming meeting details, so check back often. Our next meeting is scheduled for November 11, 2004.  For more information, please contact:

    VP of Membership Carolyn Goldman     818-996-7483    

VP of Publicity John Graves                     818-882-3300

    Founder Rose Lane                                    805-371-8803   

Dear Fellow Toastmasters, 

It’s hard to believe, but we’re winding down the calendar year very quickly, with only 3 meetings left to the year. I’d like to point out that there are two really fun events that you’ll want to put on your calendar as well – the Doo-Dah Parade on November 21 and the holiday party at Carolyn and Arnold Goldman’s house on Friday, December 10. This week’s newsletter contains information on the Doo-Dah Parade and more details on the holiday party will be posted as we get closer to the event. 

If you don’t want to join us in the parade, you should at least check it out! It’s free, other than for parking and you can cheer on our group of happy toastmasters. It’s the parade that isn’t afraid to make fun of everyone and is sure to give you many good laughs.

The calendar for the rest of this year follows:

Thursday, November 11 7 p.m.
Regular Toastmaster’s meeting

Sunday, November 21  10:15 a.m. Doo-Dah Parade (parade starts at 11:30)

Monday, November 22 7 p.m. Toastmaster’s meeting - Note day of week change

Thursday, December 9  7 p.m. Back to Thursdays for our regular meeting day

Friday, December 10 Holiday Party at the Goldman’s (watch for details)

First meeting of the new year will be back on our regular schedule, the second Thursday of the month which is January 13.

Speak up, speak out, speak often!