Neighbor News
Lehigh Valley Club to Mark 90th Anniversary of Toastmasters International
Public is welcome to attend Lehigh Valley Toastmasters' anniversary-themed meeting.
Ninety years ago, when Toastmasters founder Dr. Ralph C. Smedley held the organization’s first meeting in the basement of a Santa Ana, California YMCA, only a few people showed up. Now, with membership exceeding 313,000 in 126 countries, Toastmasters International continues to build public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs .
Saucon Valley resident Celeste Behe is president of the Lehigh Valley Toastmasters. A member of Toastmasters for four years, she credits the club with helping her to overcome a lifelong fear of public speaking.
“When I was in sixth grade, I hid in the school cafeteria to avoid giving an oral book report, “ Behe recalls. “At my high school graduation, I was prescribed sedatives so that I wouldn’t break down while delivering the valedictory speech.
“Eventually, my fear of public speaking began to affect my day-to-day function. I decided to take action by joining Toastmasters, and it has turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.”
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The 90th anniversary of Toastmasters happens to coincide with the October 22 meeting of Lehigh Valley Toastmasters. The club is planning an anniversary celebration that will include cake, balloons, and anniversary-themed activities.
“The public is invited to attend,” says Behe. “The party will take place within the framework of a regular meeting, so guests will be able to see what Toastmasters is all about.”
Behe stresses that, in the 90 years since its founding, Toastmasters has benefitted people from all walks of life.
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“There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ Toastmaster,” she observes. “The Lehigh Valley Toastmasters club boasts a diverse club membership that includes entrepreneurs, full-time mothers, company presidents, store managers, teachers, and engineers.
“Toastmasters is for anyone looking to improve their communication and leadership skills.”
The Lehigh Valley Toastmasters club meets from 7:00pm to 9:00pm on the seond and fourth Wednesdays of each month, at the Christ Church UCC, 75 East Market Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018. Upcoming meeting dates are October 22nd, November 12th, and November 19th. Due to a modified holiday schedule, the December meetings will take place on the 17th and the 31st.
For more information, visit lvtoastmasters.org or call Celeste Behe at 610-838-7151.