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NYSSA members sample wines.
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| Debra Fiakas, master of ceremonies, explains the rules of the Toast-Off. | |
On Friday, January 23, the Membership Committee and NYSSA Toastmasters Club hosted a wine tasting and "toast-off" to usher out a difficult 2008 and to ring in 2009 with cautious optimism. The event was well attended with as many as 90 people enjoying a tasting of food, eight different wines, and a relaxed atmosphere at Divine Bar. Members had the opportunity to learn about new wines and network in a comfortable setting. Many of the attendees enjoyed the event so much that perhaps it will become an annual tradition.
During the "toast-off," members of NYSSA stepped forward in front of the large audience to give innovative, humorous and heartfelt toasts. Debra Fiakas, current president of the Toastmasters club was master of ceremonies, Jeremy Katzeff kept each toast within the accepted time limit as the official timer, and Marc Pentopoulos was the chief judge. Awards were given to the top participants, based upon popular vote. First prize went to David Yi, who as a new NYSSA member, recent college graduate and the youngest competitor, brought a fresh voice and tightly honed skills he developed as president of his Baruch Toastmasters club. He inspired confidence by quoting the noble ideals of Martin Luther King and, in the end, appealed to the common concerns of many in the audience regarding the preservation of at least some remnant of bonuses. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, David won a free floral bouquet from Belle Fleur and 50% off of a dinner for two at Falai Cucina Italiana. Second and third prize winners, Martha Tuttle and Anand Shahi also received discounts at Falai. Runners up, Josh Bronstein, Matt Frank and John Willis earned gifts from NYSSA.
Please consider contacting either Daniel Dagen, the charter president of the NYSSA Toastmasters club or Mary Stober, chairperson of the Membership Committee if you have suggestions or an interest in volunteering to help organize similar future events.
