A Great Event

To the Editor:

Earlier this week I attended the Toastmasters Division D Speech Contest at the Fairfield library. The event packed the meeting room with people standing in the back. I would like to congratulate our Newtown neighbor Alenda Calderbank for doing a fantastic job pulling it all together.

Contestants from Stamford to New Haven and north to Cheshire and Newtown were represented. In her role as division governor, Alenda handled program basics such as securing a facility, refreshments, and promoting the event. Her real expertise showed in her ability to delegate responsibility to others for judging the competition, hosting the event, coordinating the input of guest dignitaries, and managing the rules which govern the contests. Everyone involved with producing the speech contests clearly knew their roles and responsibilities. All the volunteers had an understanding of her vision and what a successful night should look like.

The humorous speech contestants had the room filled with laughter and the evaluation speakers gave people an opportunity to consider how they could improve their own speaking skills. Participants did not need to worry about a thing. All aspects of the event were taken care of in a very professional manner.

Congratulations should go to Alenda and all the people who volunteered their time to coordinate a great public event.

Tom Long

3 Birch Rise Drive, Newtown                                     October 27, 2010