The Department of Education will distribute USDA Commodities from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, in the Charlotte Amalie High School Cafeteria.
Persons eligible to receive commodities includes those who are recipient of a) Food Stamps; b) Medical Assistance or c) a tenant of subsidized public housing.
Individuals who are not recipients of those programs must have a family income that is less than 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Eligibility Guidelines. To receive commodities an application of self-certification form must be presented to attest to their income.
Bring a box or sturdy bag to pick up commodities.
DEMOCRATS FIRE BACK, CALL FOR PARTY UNITY
Reeling from attacks by the newly formed majority of senators in the 24th Legislature, leaders of the Virgin Islands Democratic Party this weekend attempted to defuse the criticism. Gov. Charles W. Turnbull led the charge Saturday in motivational speeches aimed at uniting the party.
The tone of the meeting was in clear contrast to the stormy sessions of months past, as the party recalled its contributions to the V.I. and engaged in what some termed damage control.
Last week, during an organizational meeting of the incoming Senate's majority, Democrats came under fire from one of their own. St. Croix Sen. Norman Jn Baptiste campaigned as a Democrat but has aligned himself with a majority of senators, mainly independents and ICM party members. At that meeting in St. Croix, he fired salvos at Democrats, saying they had disrespected him and largely ignored his legislative initiatives. Another Democrat turned independent, Norma Pickard Samuel, accused the party of harboring criminals, protecting rapists and white-collar criminals while setting an agenda to benefit only a small portion of the population.
Turnbull said Saturday the party must solidify itself and return to the business of contributing to the advancement of the Virgin Islands. "When we are united, we always win; when there is division, we lose," he said Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James II, Delegate to Congress Donna Christian Christiansen and others expressed similar sentiments.
Democrats took issue with Samuel's and Jn Baptiste's comments in recent days that the Democratic party was to blame for virtually every socioeconomic problem in the territory. Territorial committee members saw of videotape of Jn Baptiste at an Oct. 22 rally in St. Croix where he urged support of the Democratic Party and a platform that was created to "place St. Croix first." On a St. Croix talk show Saturday, Jn Baptiste said any attempt to disqualify him from membership on the territorial committee will be met with "fierce resistance."
State Chair Arturo Watlington Jr. said Saturday that Samuel's boast that she had outfoxed St. Thomas Democrats into supporting her bid for a Senate seat will be an issue in the next general election.
Sen. Lorraine Berry said most of the problems facing the party were generated by internal backbiting and accused fellow party members of campaigning against Democratic candidates. "We had a Democratic Senate and a Democratic administration, but we don't see eye to eye, let's be honest," she said.
Berry went on to urge the territorial committee to become more involved in the day to day politics of the senate and the administration. She and Watlington both spoke of the need to enact election reform and specifically employ an election system by numbered seats. She said she would lead the campaign to enact changes in the election laws of the Virgin Islands if she retains her seat in the 24th Legislature.
Saturday's meeting also saw the installation of party officers including district chairs Wintrhop Maduro from St. Thomas, Terence Joseph from St. Croix and Watlington as state chairman. He defeated James O'Bryan Jr. during September's primary election to secure the leadership post in the oldest political party in the territory.
The tone of the meeting was in clear contrast to the stormy sessions of months past, as the party recalled its contributions to the V.I. and engaged in what some termed damage control.
Last week, during an organizational meeting of the incoming Senate's majority, Democrats came under fire from one of their own. St. Croix Sen. Norman Jn Baptiste campaigned as a Democrat but has aligned himself with a majority of senators, mainly independents and ICM party members. At that meeting in St. Croix, he fired salvos at Democrats, saying they had disrespected him and largely ignored his legislative initiatives. Another Democrat turned independent, Norma Pickard Samuel, accused the party of harboring criminals, protecting rapists and white-collar criminals while setting an agenda to benefit only a small portion of the population.
Turnbull said Saturday the party must solidify itself and return to the business of contributing to the advancement of the Virgin Islands. "When we are united, we always win; when there is division, we lose," he said Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James II, Delegate to Congress Donna Christian Christiansen and others expressed similar sentiments.
Democrats took issue with Samuel's and Jn Baptiste's comments in recent days that the Democratic party was to blame for virtually every socioeconomic problem in the territory. Territorial committee members saw of videotape of Jn Baptiste at an Oct. 22 rally in St. Croix where he urged support of the Democratic Party and a platform that was created to "place St. Croix first." On a St. Croix talk show Saturday, Jn Baptiste said any attempt to disqualify him from membership on the territorial committee will be met with "fierce resistance."
State Chair Arturo Watlington Jr. said Saturday that Samuel's boast that she had outfoxed St. Thomas Democrats into supporting her bid for a Senate seat will be an issue in the next general election.
Sen. Lorraine Berry said most of the problems facing the party were generated by internal backbiting and accused fellow party members of campaigning against Democratic candidates. "We had a Democratic Senate and a Democratic administration, but we don't see eye to eye, let's be honest," she said.
Berry went on to urge the territorial committee to become more involved in the day to day politics of the senate and the administration. She and Watlington both spoke of the need to enact election reform and specifically employ an election system by numbered seats. She said she would lead the campaign to enact changes in the election laws of the Virgin Islands if she retains her seat in the 24th Legislature.
Saturday's meeting also saw the installation of party officers including district chairs Wintrhop Maduro from St. Thomas, Terence Joseph from St. Croix and Watlington as state chairman. He defeated James O'Bryan Jr. during September's primary election to secure the leadership post in the oldest political party in the territory.
USDA COMMODITIES DISTRIBUTION
The Department of Education will distribute USDA Commodities from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, in the Charlotte Amalie High School Cafeteria.
Persons eligible to receive commodities include those identified as needy by being a recipient of a)Food Stamps; b)Medical Assistance or c) a tenant of subsidized public housing.
Individuals who are not recipients of any of those programs must have a family income that is less that 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Elegibility Guidelines. To receive commodities an application or self-certification form must accompany proof of income.
Bring a box or sturdy bag to pick up commodities.
Persons eligible to receive commodities include those identified as needy by being a recipient of a)Food Stamps; b)Medical Assistance or c) a tenant of subsidized public housing.
Individuals who are not recipients of any of those programs must have a family income that is less that 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Elegibility Guidelines. To receive commodities an application or self-certification form must accompany proof of income.
Bring a box or sturdy bag to pick up commodities.
HEALTH INSURANCE BOARD TO MEET TUESDAY
The GESC/Health Insurance Board of Trustees will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the 2nd conference room of the Justice Department, GERS Complex.
WATER ISLAND FIRE SERVICE PLAN SHAPING UP
Four years after the Virgin Islands government assumed full jurisdiction over Water Island from the Interior Department, a plan providing fire service to Water Island residents is shaping up.
About 30 residents gathered Saturday with officials of the local government to advance plans to provide Water Island with fire service. St. Thomas-Water Island administrator Louis Hill, Territorial Police Chief Jose Garcia and St. Thomas Fire Chief Merwin Potter listened as officials of the Water Island Civic Association outlined plans for fire service including a volunteer organization.
Potter told the organization that one of the issues holding up the relocation of 350-gallon fire truck on Water Island is the liability of volunteers. At the meeting, the association provided an overview of two plans they believe are feasible. The first involves a completely volunteer fire-fighting squad, trained by the Virgin Islands Fire Service. That plan, however, ran aground as WICA official Jim Wilkinson detailed the cost of liability insurance, incorporation, vehicle insurance and maintenance and equipment will exceed the organization's annual income.
But a second plan which also to a certain extent involves volunteer firefighters was accepted by government officials. Under that proposal, the V.I. Fire Service would cover the costs associated with training the volunteer firefighters, finance all costs associated with having a fire truck on the island and in general oversee all aspects of the island's fire protection needs.
"The truck would be located a central location, volunteers will be trained on-island by VIFS personnel," Wilkinson said. Up to 15 persons have already signed up to be fire volunteers.
"Our role would be to knock the fire down and basically control the spread of a blaze until the V.I. Fire Service can get to Water Island," he noted. Wilkinson said having a 350-gallon pumper on Water Island would be more effective than any plan now in place.
Potter agreed to the plan and said it was workable. Officials of the government estimated that the 20-year-old truck for which WICA has already paid money to make roadworthy could be transferred to Water Island by January 2001. The truck would be parked at a Water Island home until a permanent location is established.
After much discussion at the meeting, it was agreed to that the costs associated with relocating an old modular classroom to Water Island for use as a temporary fire house would make the idea impractical. Residents said they could build a structure to secure the fire truck at a fraction of the cost of establishing a modular classroom unit on the island.
Like the transfer of the fire truck, if all goes according to plan, the training for the Water Island volunteer squad could begin in January as well.
About 30 residents gathered Saturday with officials of the local government to advance plans to provide Water Island with fire service. St. Thomas-Water Island administrator Louis Hill, Territorial Police Chief Jose Garcia and St. Thomas Fire Chief Merwin Potter listened as officials of the Water Island Civic Association outlined plans for fire service including a volunteer organization.
Potter told the organization that one of the issues holding up the relocation of 350-gallon fire truck on Water Island is the liability of volunteers. At the meeting, the association provided an overview of two plans they believe are feasible. The first involves a completely volunteer fire-fighting squad, trained by the Virgin Islands Fire Service. That plan, however, ran aground as WICA official Jim Wilkinson detailed the cost of liability insurance, incorporation, vehicle insurance and maintenance and equipment will exceed the organization's annual income.
But a second plan which also to a certain extent involves volunteer firefighters was accepted by government officials. Under that proposal, the V.I. Fire Service would cover the costs associated with training the volunteer firefighters, finance all costs associated with having a fire truck on the island and in general oversee all aspects of the island's fire protection needs.
"The truck would be located a central location, volunteers will be trained on-island by VIFS personnel," Wilkinson said. Up to 15 persons have already signed up to be fire volunteers.
"Our role would be to knock the fire down and basically control the spread of a blaze until the V.I. Fire Service can get to Water Island," he noted. Wilkinson said having a 350-gallon pumper on Water Island would be more effective than any plan now in place.
Potter agreed to the plan and said it was workable. Officials of the government estimated that the 20-year-old truck for which WICA has already paid money to make roadworthy could be transferred to Water Island by January 2001. The truck would be parked at a Water Island home until a permanent location is established.
After much discussion at the meeting, it was agreed to that the costs associated with relocating an old modular classroom to Water Island for use as a temporary fire house would make the idea impractical. Residents said they could build a structure to secure the fire truck at a fraction of the cost of establishing a modular classroom unit on the island.
Like the transfer of the fire truck, if all goes according to plan, the training for the Water Island volunteer squad could begin in January as well.
JULES RULES V.I. HALF MARATHON; MORGAN REPEATS
George Jules took the early lead Sunday in the 26th Virgin Islands Half-Marathon–The Race Against Drugs, and held it to the end and became a multiple winner of the race with a time of 1 hour 15 minutes and 40 seconds.
For the first time the race started and finished at the Sunterra Carambola Beach Resort, the host for the event, and traveled east to Salt River Road and back. The early morning start on the scenic route provided a challenging head wind at Rust Op Twist, the four mile mark.
By that time Jules, a strong hill runner, was well ahead of Calvin Dallas and Marlon Williams, both also multiple winners of the event over the years. The race for second place between Williams and Dallas was a repeat of the classic meeting of these two, with Williams running conservatively throughout and closing to take the spot with about a half mile to go with a time of 1:20.47 to 1:21.02 for Dallas. Leopold Frederick had a very strong performance with a time of 1:27.22.
Jackie Morgan, a sophomore at the University of New Mexico and a St. Croix Country Day School grad, repeated her first place female performance of 1998 with a strong 1:32.12. The race is held in St. Croix on even numbered years and St. Thomas on odd numbered years. Morgan made the trip to St. Croix especially for the race and finished fifth overall. Theresa Harper took second in her first effort at the longer distance, in 1:43.50; Jo Shim was third in 1:44.06 to become the Master Female winner.
The Finishers Male: 1. George Jules 1:15.40; 2. Marlon Williams 1:20.47; 3. Calvin Dallas 1:21.02; 4. Leopold Fredericks 1:27.22; 5. George Cannon 1:32.39; 6. Kevin Burton 1:39.25; 7. Gunnar Sanden 1:40.45; 8. Jamie Bate 1:43.57; 9. Doug Brown 1:46.59; 10. Will Franks 1:53.11; 11. Rey Ruiz 1:54.33; 12. Owen Elliot 1:55.46; 13. Van Wood 1:56.37; 14. Wes Whitehurst 1:56.55; 15. Roger Hatfield 2:03.22; 16. Jesus Espinosa 2:05.39; 17. Paul Radix 2:16.48; 18.
The Finishers Female: 1. Jackie Morgan 1:32.12; 2. Theresa Harper 1:43.50; 3. Jo Shim 1:44.06; 4. Grace Toma 1;51.19; 5. Cathy Mc Murtrie 1:59.22; 6. Denise Blanchette 2:01.31; 7. Anna Kowalski 2:16.48; 8. Lorraine Durand 2:21.28
Age Group Results Male: . 30-39 1. George Jules; 2. Leopold Fredericks; 3. Kevin Burton 40-49 1. Marlon Williams; 2. Calvin Dallas; 3. George Cannon 50-59 1. Doug Brown; 2. Will Franks; 3. Rey Ruiz 60+ 1. Gunnar Sanden
Age Group Results Female: 20-29 1. Jackie Morgan; 30-39 1. Theresa Harper; 2. Grace Toma; 3. Kathy McMurtrie 40-49 1. Jo Shim 50-59 1. Anna Kowalski; 2. Lorraine Durand
The next event on the V.I. Pace schedule is The St. Croix Metric Mile on Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. For more information call V.I. Pace Runners at 777-0258 or click here.
For the first time the race started and finished at the Sunterra Carambola Beach Resort, the host for the event, and traveled east to Salt River Road and back. The early morning start on the scenic route provided a challenging head wind at Rust Op Twist, the four mile mark.
By that time Jules, a strong hill runner, was well ahead of Calvin Dallas and Marlon Williams, both also multiple winners of the event over the years. The race for second place between Williams and Dallas was a repeat of the classic meeting of these two, with Williams running conservatively throughout and closing to take the spot with about a half mile to go with a time of 1:20.47 to 1:21.02 for Dallas. Leopold Frederick had a very strong performance with a time of 1:27.22.
Jackie Morgan, a sophomore at the University of New Mexico and a St. Croix Country Day School grad, repeated her first place female performance of 1998 with a strong 1:32.12. The race is held in St. Croix on even numbered years and St. Thomas on odd numbered years. Morgan made the trip to St. Croix especially for the race and finished fifth overall. Theresa Harper took second in her first effort at the longer distance, in 1:43.50; Jo Shim was third in 1:44.06 to become the Master Female winner.
The Finishers Male: 1. George Jules 1:15.40; 2. Marlon Williams 1:20.47; 3. Calvin Dallas 1:21.02; 4. Leopold Fredericks 1:27.22; 5. George Cannon 1:32.39; 6. Kevin Burton 1:39.25; 7. Gunnar Sanden 1:40.45; 8. Jamie Bate 1:43.57; 9. Doug Brown 1:46.59; 10. Will Franks 1:53.11; 11. Rey Ruiz 1:54.33; 12. Owen Elliot 1:55.46; 13. Van Wood 1:56.37; 14. Wes Whitehurst 1:56.55; 15. Roger Hatfield 2:03.22; 16. Jesus Espinosa 2:05.39; 17. Paul Radix 2:16.48; 18.
The Finishers Female: 1. Jackie Morgan 1:32.12; 2. Theresa Harper 1:43.50; 3. Jo Shim 1:44.06; 4. Grace Toma 1;51.19; 5. Cathy Mc Murtrie 1:59.22; 6. Denise Blanchette 2:01.31; 7. Anna Kowalski 2:16.48; 8. Lorraine Durand 2:21.28
Age Group Results Male: . 30-39 1. George Jules; 2. Leopold Fredericks; 3. Kevin Burton 40-49 1. Marlon Williams; 2. Calvin Dallas; 3. George Cannon 50-59 1. Doug Brown; 2. Will Franks; 3. Rey Ruiz 60+ 1. Gunnar Sanden
Age Group Results Female: 20-29 1. Jackie Morgan; 30-39 1. Theresa Harper; 2. Grace Toma; 3. Kathy McMurtrie 40-49 1. Jo Shim 50-59 1. Anna Kowalski; 2. Lorraine Durand
The next event on the V.I. Pace schedule is The St. Croix Metric Mile on Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. For more information call V.I. Pace Runners at 777-0258 or click here.
HUMANE SOCIETY OF ST. THOMAS
The Humane Society of St.Thomas is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to taking in all unwanted pets, reducing pet over population through our spay/neuter program, finding new homes for as many animals as possible, and educating our community on the value of respecting and caring for all life.
We are located in Nadir, next to the 'Bridge to nowhere' and are open 7 days a week from 8-5, and on Thursday till 6 p.m.
Our adoption fee of only $40 includes the spaying/neutering of every animal that leaves our shelter. There is never a charge for bringing an animal to the shelter.
Within the limitation of our budget, we address as many stray, injured and cruelty calls as we can.
For a modest fee, we pick up 'owned' animals and offer bath and dip services. We also rent humane traps so that the public can address stray problems. Teaches are invited to contact us for information on our educational field trips. An individual membership in the Society is $30.
Any and all donations are gratefully accepted towards our general operation or for special funding, such as the "Support a Kennel" program, which acknowledges donors with their names on a yearly plaque in our shelter lobby. The donations for this program are $175 for a cat kennel and/or $365 for a dog kennel.
We also raise funds with our Flea Market. You can shop for some of the best deals on the island from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, or call for shopping times during the week. All donations are tax deductible.
Thank you for your interest. The Humane Society of St. Thomas, 7041 Est. Nadir #26, St. Thomas, VI 00802 PH:340-775-0599
We are located in Nadir, next to the 'Bridge to nowhere' and are open 7 days a week from 8-5, and on Thursday till 6 p.m.
Our adoption fee of only $40 includes the spaying/neutering of every animal that leaves our shelter. There is never a charge for bringing an animal to the shelter.
Within the limitation of our budget, we address as many stray, injured and cruelty calls as we can.
For a modest fee, we pick up 'owned' animals and offer bath and dip services. We also rent humane traps so that the public can address stray problems. Teaches are invited to contact us for information on our educational field trips. An individual membership in the Society is $30.
Any and all donations are gratefully accepted towards our general operation or for special funding, such as the "Support a Kennel" program, which acknowledges donors with their names on a yearly plaque in our shelter lobby. The donations for this program are $175 for a cat kennel and/or $365 for a dog kennel.
We also raise funds with our Flea Market. You can shop for some of the best deals on the island from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, or call for shopping times during the week. All donations are tax deductible.
Thank you for your interest. The Humane Society of St. Thomas, 7041 Est. Nadir #26, St. Thomas, VI 00802 PH:340-775-0599
RED CROSS VOLUNTEER AWARDS NIGHT
Reverend Derek King, nephew of the late Martin Luther King, will be guest speaker at the St. Thomas-St. John chapter of the American Red Cross annual meeting and recognition ceremony at Palms Court Harborview Sunday, Dec. 3.
"He will talk on the importance of volunteerism," said Yvonne Zinicola, local chapter manager, her pleasure evident at King's appearance on the island.
King has had an illustrious career, following in the footsteps of his famous uncle. He has preached and taught sociology and religion. at several colleges and MLK service centers, receiving his Doctor of Divinity degree at the Virginia Seminary and College in 1994. He taught the discipline of "Kingian Nonviolence" at the MLK Center for Nonviolent Social Change Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia. He is in "Who's Who in Black America," and is an instructor in African American HIV/AIDS Fundamentals, sponsored by the Red Cross.
Among the awards to be given at the ceremony, (whose recipients are now secret), are a Volunteer of the Year Award, the Clara Barton Honor Award, a national award for meritorious leadership, and a Youth Volunteer of the Year.
Zinacola stressed that anyone who has volunteered anything for the year – blood, food or money – is welcome to attend the ceremony, which runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with hors d 'oeuvres served.
Getting King here, Zinicola said, was a group effort, with Cape Air, United Airlines and Best Western Emerald Beach Resort pitching in.
"He will talk on the importance of volunteerism," said Yvonne Zinicola, local chapter manager, her pleasure evident at King's appearance on the island.
King has had an illustrious career, following in the footsteps of his famous uncle. He has preached and taught sociology and religion. at several colleges and MLK service centers, receiving his Doctor of Divinity degree at the Virginia Seminary and College in 1994. He taught the discipline of "Kingian Nonviolence" at the MLK Center for Nonviolent Social Change Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia. He is in "Who's Who in Black America," and is an instructor in African American HIV/AIDS Fundamentals, sponsored by the Red Cross.
Among the awards to be given at the ceremony, (whose recipients are now secret), are a Volunteer of the Year Award, the Clara Barton Honor Award, a national award for meritorious leadership, and a Youth Volunteer of the Year.
Zinacola stressed that anyone who has volunteered anything for the year – blood, food or money – is welcome to attend the ceremony, which runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with hors d 'oeuvres served.
Getting King here, Zinicola said, was a group effort, with Cape Air, United Airlines and Best Western Emerald Beach Resort pitching in.
FRIENDS OF ST.THOMAS PUBLIC LIBRARIES
The Friends of St. Thomas Public Libraries will hold a reorganization meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30 at the Enid M. Bas Library on Main Street.
Members are dedicated to supporting the goals and objectives of public libraries throughout St. Thomas. New members are welcome.
Call Shenica Grant at 774-2944 for more information.
Members are dedicated to supporting the goals and objectives of public libraries throughout St. Thomas. New members are welcome.
Call Shenica Grant at 774-2944 for more information.
TOASTMASTERS SEEKS MORE MEMBERS, VISIBILITY
For more than two decades, Toastmasters clubs have provided leadership and public speaking training to its members and to others in the community. Today, under the direction of club president, Lawrence Boschulte, the Virgin Islands Toastmasters Club wants to raise its profile and encourage greater community participation.
"As a member of Toastmasters, I've learned more about effective communication than I did in a college speech class," said Boschulte. Boschulte, who is a running for a seat on the Board of Elections this year, credits the program with teaching him leadership and speaking skills necessary for serving the public.
"It has also helped build confidence," he said. Club members include doctors, lawyers, students, business people and other professionals. Ms. V.I. Senior America 2000
Toya Andrews, who recently placed second in the national competition, is one of the club's most distinguished and long-standing members.
Toastmasters is an international, nonprofit, self-help organization dedicated to helping people improve their communication, presentation and leadership skills. Members learn by speaking to groups and working with others in a supportive atmosphere.
Meetings begin with a short business session teaching participants basic meeting procedures. They are structured so that members take turns playing different roles such as timekeeper, evaluator and grammarian, allowing everyone the opportunity to speak.
An integral part of each meeting, intended to make participants think on their feet, is an exercise called "Table Topics." In this exercise participants deliver a two-minute impromptu speech on various topics. The "Icebreaker" is a 10-minute prepared speech that is analyzed by a designated evaluator recognizing the speaker's strengths and identifying areas for improvement. Guest speakers are often invited to meetings.
In addition to programs for members, Toastmasters offers companies a low-cost employee training program. The program involves teaching employees to give better presentations and improve their management skills, or helping employees feel more comfortable communicating with customers. Members must be 18 years old, though Boschulte says he would like to start a program that would help prepare students for job interviews and the college environment.
Toastmasters clubs meet twice a month for about 1-1/2 hours in groups ranging from 10 to 20 people. The V.I. Toastmasters Club meets at the Chamber of Commerce conference room at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month.
The Tropical Eloquence Club meets at UVI in the Chase Auditorium at 6:00 p.m. on the first and third Friday of each month. For more information about Toastmasters, visit the Toastmasters Web site or contact Lawrence Boschulte at 774-6641.
"As a member of Toastmasters, I've learned more about effective communication than I did in a college speech class," said Boschulte. Boschulte, who is a running for a seat on the Board of Elections this year, credits the program with teaching him leadership and speaking skills necessary for serving the public.
"It has also helped build confidence," he said. Club members include doctors, lawyers, students, business people and other professionals. Ms. V.I. Senior America 2000
Toya Andrews, who recently placed second in the national competition, is one of the club's most distinguished and long-standing members.
Toastmasters is an international, nonprofit, self-help organization dedicated to helping people improve their communication, presentation and leadership skills. Members learn by speaking to groups and working with others in a supportive atmosphere.
Meetings begin with a short business session teaching participants basic meeting procedures. They are structured so that members take turns playing different roles such as timekeeper, evaluator and grammarian, allowing everyone the opportunity to speak.
An integral part of each meeting, intended to make participants think on their feet, is an exercise called "Table Topics." In this exercise participants deliver a two-minute impromptu speech on various topics. The "Icebreaker" is a 10-minute prepared speech that is analyzed by a designated evaluator recognizing the speaker's strengths and identifying areas for improvement. Guest speakers are often invited to meetings.
In addition to programs for members, Toastmasters offers companies a low-cost employee training program. The program involves teaching employees to give better presentations and improve their management skills, or helping employees feel more comfortable communicating with customers. Members must be 18 years old, though Boschulte says he would like to start a program that would help prepare students for job interviews and the college environment.
Toastmasters clubs meet twice a month for about 1-1/2 hours in groups ranging from 10 to 20 people. The V.I. Toastmasters Club meets at the Chamber of Commerce conference room at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month.
The Tropical Eloquence Club meets at UVI in the Chase Auditorium at 6:00 p.m. on the first and third Friday of each month. For more information about Toastmasters, visit the Toastmasters Web site or contact Lawrence Boschulte at 774-6641.
