Banner-Sept
Club Officers graphic
Tracy L. Tienken,  MS5
President
Karen Storey, DTM
Vice President Education
Gabe Young, TC3
Vice President Membership
Patricia Pines, LD3
Vice President of Public Relations
Noor Hassan, PM2
Secretary
Gabe Young, TC3
Treasurer
Jay Mathur, PM4
Sergeant at Arms
 
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      Did You Know?
       
      Research shows that people grow the fastest when they regularly step just beyond their comfort zone. Toastmasters provides one of the safest places to do exactly that—where every speech, evaluation, and leadership role is an opportunity to learn and improve.
       

 
 
Tracy Tienken graphic

 

Dear Club Members,

We started July off with a bang both literally and figuratively. Vision has such a strong impact on our lives. Then we followed it up with Action, which helps us toward making our visions a reality. Today we find ourselves at a crossroads called MOMENTUM.

 

Taking small actions may at first appear like very little is happening but that is not true. Every step builds your knowledge and confidence. Soon enough you find you are building up energy and that direction which you have focused on is becoming more of a skill and less difficult. At this tipping point Momentum is in full swing and taking the lead.

 

Think about the opening scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark where we meet our main character running for his life and as he runs, the momentum carrying him back to his plane builds excitement in us. Or the boulder which starts slowly advancing on him but builds momentum with each turn advancing faster and faster.

 

With momentum comes rewarding changes. Confidence, of course, is a major boost. When we continue down a path and place honest effort in a particular direction momentum builds until we can finally see it. However, there are a few more things momentum does for us: it teaches us to stay focused on a goal. see wins and refocus us win we lose.

 

"For any movement to gain momentum, one must start with a small action."

 Adam Braun

 

My final thought today is this challenge - let's create momentum in the direction of how I can help someone else today. That is momentum worthy of thought and pursuit.


TRACY

 

Respectfully,

Tracy L. Tienken - President

 

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WHAT OTHERS SAY

 

"If you can't fly, then run; if you can't run, then walk; if you can't walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward."
— Martin Luther King Jr.

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."
— Albert Einstein


"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious, and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."
— Walt Disney


"Sometimes thinking too much can destroy your momentum."
— Tom Watson


"If you have the guts to keep making mistakes, your wisdom and intelligence leap forward with huge momentum."
— Holly Near


"You are always a student, never a master. You have to keep moving forward."
— Conrad Hall

 
Momemtum
 
 
Riddles
Try to guess answer,
before scrolling down to see it.
 
 
Q: Why don't skeletons give speeches?
 
.Q: What gets wetter the more it dries?
 
 
Q: What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?
 
 
Q: What can you catch but never throw?
 
 

Q: The more of me you share, the less of me you have. What am I?

 
 
Q: What can travel around the world while staying in one corner?
 
 
Q: The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?
 
 
 
Pathways Pointers
 
In October of 2025, Toastmasters International enhanced Pathways.
 
Basically, they added eighteen meeting roles. They also added
the requirements to present
a module from the Better Speaker
Series, the Leadership Excellence
Series and the Successful Club Series.
 
See my new Pathways website here:
https://my-pathways.info/index.htm
or view my set of
Pathways Pointers.
 
 
Smile file graphic
A place to add humor to an
otherwise dull club newsletter.
 
--------------------------------------------

Lessons from Patricia Pines’ daughter, Corinne.

 

After a boring family event, I told my daughter,
“You were as good as you were patient.”
She answered:

“Well then, I must have

been an ANGEL.”

 

She was playing a game by writing in the condensation on a window one cool morning.
She turned to me and said:

“The window is a very

gullible tic-tac-toe player.
She let me play three

 turns in a row!”

 

My husband asked her,
“Did you do what Mommy asked you to do when she got so mad yesterday?”

She said,
“No, we were too busy cowering in fear.”

 

I read a quotation to her:

“Patience protects against errors,
like clothes protect one from the cold.”

I asked her what it meant to her, and she said:

 

“If you think about

something first,
you probably won’t get it wrong.”

 

What profession has the strongest people?
Answer: The police. Because a policeman can hold up a truck with one hand.
"I've often wonder which member of our ballet troop has the worst posture. My hunch says it is me."
"I got a new jigsaw puzzle. The box label suggested 6 to 8 years. Working diligently, it only took me two to finish."
(Think about it!)

 

There once was a member so shy,
Who dreaded each meeting gone by.
One speech broke the spell,
The next one went well,
Now momentum is helping them fly!

A Toastmaster shaky with fear
Found courage each time they drew near.
One speech led to two,
Then confidence grew,
And momentum took over from there.

Our club has so much momentum, even Mondays are excited to see us.

 
 
--------------------------------------------
 
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Click Graphic
Patricia - editor
 
Patricia Pines
 
JACK OF ALL TRADES
Click Graphic
Karen image
Karen Storey, DTM
 
WEBMASTER
Click Graphic
FTS
Frank Storey, DTM

_____________________________
RIDDLES
Answers
 
Q: Why don't skeletons give speeches?
A: They don't have the guts!
 
 
Q: What gets wetter the more it dries?
A: A towel.
 
 
Q: What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?
A: The letter
M
.
 
 
Q: What can you catch but never throw?
A: A cold.
 
 

Q: The more of me you share, the less of me you have. What am I?

A: A secret.
 
 
Q: What can travel around the world while staying in one corner?
A: A stamp.
 
 
Q: The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?
A: Footsteps.
 
  
-
Momentum
(noun)
 

MOMENTUM

1: a property  of a moving body that the body has by virtue of its mass and motion and that is equal to the product of the body's mass and velocity
broadly : a property of a moving body that determines the length of time required to bring it to rest when under the action of a constant force or moment
2: strength or force gained by motion or by a series of events
The wagon gained momentum as it rolled down the hill.

Examples of use in a sentence.
> The company has had a successful year and hopes to  maintain its momentum by introducing new products.
> The movie loses momentum toward the end.

The first known use of momentum was in 1610.

Marion-Webster logo
 
"Action starts the journey. Momentum keeps it moving."
 
Why Momentum?
 
Momentum icon
 

Our newsletter has followed a natural progression over the past three months. In July, we focused on Visionimagining what our club could become and setting meaningful goals for the future. In August, we shifted to Action, recognizing that even the best vision remains only an idea until we take the first step. Through speeches, meeting roles, mentoring, and member involvement, we began turning our plans into reality.

Now, in September, our theme is Momentum. Momentum is what happens when vision is sustained by consistent action. Every meeting we attend, every project we complete, every member we encourage, and every challenge we accept builds on the progress we've already made. Small, steady efforts create lasting results. By keeping our momentum strong, we position our club for continued growth, stronger leadership, and even greater achievements in the months ahead.

 
 
Growth Challenge of the Month
 
  1. Deliver a speech you've been postponing.
  2. Volunteer for a meeting role you've never held.
  3. Mentor a new Toastmaster.
  4. Complete your next Pathways project.
  5. Invite a guest to experience your club.
  6. Give an evaluation that inspires another member to grow.
Small steps today become
great accomplishments tomorrow.
 

"Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still."
— Chinese Proverb

 
Momentum graphic
 

July challenged us to develop a vision. In August, we turned that vision into action. Now, in September, we focus on momentum—the force that keeps us moving forward long after the excitement of a new goal begins to fade.

Anyone can start something. The real challenge is continuing when progress feels slow, life gets busy, or obstacles appear. That's where momentum makes the difference.

In Toastmasters, momentum is built one meeting at a time. It grows every time you accept a meeting role, complete a Pathways project, volunteer for a committee, mentor a fellow member, or simply attend a meeting ready to participate. Each small action may seem insignificant on its own, but together they create steady progress and lasting success.

Think of a train leaving the station. It takes tremendous effort to overcome inertia and begin moving. Once the train gains speed, however, it becomes much easier to keep it rolling. Personal growth works the same way. Every speech you deliver makes the next one easier. Every evaluation sharpens your listening skills. Every leadership opportunity builds confidence for the next challenge.

Momentum is also contagious. An enthusiastic speaker inspires another member to volunteer. A thoughtful evaluator encourages someone to improve. A welcoming smile helps a guest become our newest member. Positive actions spread throughout the club, creating an environment where everyone succeeds together.

As we enter September, ask yourself:

  • What habit will I continue?
  • What goal will I move one step closer to?
  • How can I help someone else build momentum?

Remember, success is rarely the result of one extraordinary effort. It is usually the outcome of many consistent, ordinary actions repeated over time.

Let's keep moving forward together. Our vision gave us direction. Our actions got us started. Now, with momentum, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.

 
"The hardest part of building momentum
is convincing your couch it's over."
 
Hidden Name Contest
 

Hidden Name Contest

Click here to see rules for this contest.
Good luck, and happy hunting!
Hidden Name Contest banner
And the winner  from July is
STAR Patricia Pines STAR
Others who found one or more
of the three hidden names are:
Tracy T., and Stephanie Steckel.
No other entries were received!
A $10 cash prize was sent to the winner.
 
So where were the three names hidden?
Hidden names
 
Can you find the THREE hidden names in this issue?
 
I finally built some momentum...
then Monday showed up.
 
BADGE OF HONOR
FEEDBACK BADGES
Badge of Honor
 

In the Toastmasters Pathways learning experience, Feedback Badges are digital recognition badges that members can give one another to acknowledge positive behaviors and contributions. Unlike Level or Path badges, which are earned by completing educational milestones, feedback badges are awarded by fellow club members as a way of saying, "I noticed what you did, and I appreciate it."

What are Feedback Badges for?

Feedback badges recognize members who demonstrate qualities that make the club stronger. They encourage positive reinforcement and help create a culture of appreciation. Examples include: Exceptional, Innovative, Inspirational, Adaptable and Courageous.

 

Want to give a badge to a fellow member? See the August edition of the Gaveliers Newsletter for details.

 
GIVE A BADGE TODAY!
Momemtur graphic
 

Deep Survival - Who Lives, Who Dies and Why

 
Between the Covers
 

Deep Survival, written by Laurence Gonzales is the height of adventure writing. The author takes the reader through several real-life treacherous and life-threatening scenarios, which are enough to make the reader's heart race with adrenaline, and then he assesses what the people involved DID CORRECTLY to ensure their survival, and instances in which they made POOR DECISIONS.  Some of the lessons are obvious, and others are very subtle, but all are quite valuable to remember in times of crisis.

For example - "The sooner you realize that only you are capable of getting yourself to safety, the sooner your crisis will end positively." This lesson is important because it is early in a bad situation that you have the energy and the stamina to succeed in extricating yourself. No time is wasted waiting for rescue.

  Deep Survival book cover

Another more subtle factor for success is: "Accidents happen when you change your immediate environment. When you enter into a new situation, FIRST, pay close attention to what's around you."  So going from inside a building into a grassy area, or from a level surface to an inclined surface, or even from walking to biking - give yourself a moment to look around and get acquainted with the new parameters you are facing. The dangers are different in each area.

This book has examples from the experience of Navy Seals, as well as family vacations such as boating trips, skiing trips and hiking trips. This is a MUST-READ because his lessons are so helpful - they work in mental health scenarios as well as physical scenarios.  Your future self will thank you for reading this book, and it makes a great gift for people who like self-improvement as well as adventure stories.

...Reviewed by Patricia Pines
 
Second Monday Speaker Series
September 14, 6:30 0p to 7:30 pm
Watch for the Zoom link in your email.
 
Second Monday speaker flier

 
 
   
   
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Newsletters Editor:
Send comments, suggestions, or questions to:
Karen Storey, DTM : karen@Karenstorey.com
Frank Storey, DTM : fstorey1943@gmail.com