WESTFIELD — Toastmasters of Westfield, a communication and leadership-development club, is marking its 63rd anniversary and seeks past and prospective members to help celebrate.
Chartered on March 4, 1961, Toastmasters of Westfield is part of Toastmasters International, a nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Members come from all walks of life and often live throughout the greater Westfield area.
The club will celebrate with an open-house event at the Westfield Area YMCA, located at 220 Clark Street, Westfield, on Thursday, March 7, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Past and prospective members are encouraged to visit the club, learn more about what Toastmasters has to offer, and hear from current members about how the Toastmasters experience has enriched their lives. Refreshments and snacks will be served.
“This Toastmasters club was formed before President John F. Kennedy’s famous ‘we choose to go to the moon’ speech and before the ‘Great Communicator,’ President Ronald Reagan, assumed office,” said Toastmasters of Westfield President Jose Beiro.
“Since these historical events, thousands upon thousands reaped the benefits of what Toastmasters founder Ralph C. Smedley envisioned — helping members of the community learn how to speak, conduct meetings, plan programs, and work on committees,” Mr. Beiro stated. “The board and our members look forward to showing more people what Toastmasters can do for them.”
Some famous Toastmasters include: James Brady: Two-term press secretary for U.S. President Ronald Reagan; author of the Brady Bill.
Napoleon Hill: Best-selling author of “Think and Grow Rich”; presidential advisor.
James Lovell: former U.S. astronaut; missions included Apollo 13.
Leonard Nimoy: actor best known for playing Mr. Spock on “Star Trek.”
Toastmasters of Westfield meets the first and second Thursdays of each month at the Westfield Area YMCA, 220 Clark Street, Westfield. The club meets virtually on the third Thursday of the month. All meetings begin at 7:45 p.m. Visitors are always welcome.
For more information about the 63rd anniversary celebration or general information about Toastmasters, contact Tom Grady, vice president of public relations, at vppr@toastmastersofwestfield.com. Messages should include contact information. Interested persons also may visit the club at https:// toastmastersofwestfield.com/ and find Toastmasters on both Facebook and LinkedIn.
