Toastmaster of the Day Richard Maris |
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It's sneaking up on 4 years since I joined the Speak E-Z Toastmasters Club in Tulsa. In that span of time, if there is one person I could point to and say, "He/she is the one who implemented the change that pointed the Speak E-Z club toward the more positive path it's on today!" it would be Richard Maris." Sure, there were others. Sally Altman-Holt is the one remaining member from the distant past. She is a dedicated toastmaster and wholeheartedly embraces the new path the club is on. Michaela Zuber (as area governor) joined two years ago and guided us on the path to be a distinguished club. The very capable Steve Russell is the new President. But, it was Richard Maris who (three years ago) asked to be President and insisted we start having Council Meetings to discuss the way forward. Over the next few months we started meeting at the Savoy Restaurant located near the corner of Sheridan and 61st Street. I remember how (odd and) proud I felt the first time I saw Richard at a TLI. Yes, fellow toastmasters, Richard Maris set a precedent that put Speak E-Z on the road to (Real) recovery and change. Richard joined November 1, 2008. He is a survivalist and many of his speeches are about survival. The survivalist attitude Richard brought to Speak E-Z must now be ingrained into the fabric of the club because it's doing quite well. Richard Maris is my June 4, 2014 'Toastmaster of the Day'. |
| Note: Toastmaster of the Day is a recognition from the 2013-2014 District Governor, Ben Cox, DTM. | |