Amby Mafort – New Member

On Wednesday, November 11, 2009, we inducted our newest member, Amby Mafort.  Amby lives in Hillsboro with her husband, Mike.  Amby’s work experience is in Executive Administration, although right now she is in between employers.  She has her A.A.S. Degree in Office Systems.  She has been a Toastmaster in the past in another club.   Amby’s interest and hobbies are music, politics, religion and her family.  She listed as her goals and reasons for joining South County Toastmasters is to better all areas of communication in her life.  Welcome, Amby!

New Member – Richard Hiers

Richard Hiers is the newest member to join South County Toastmasters. Richard lives in South County with his wife, Anne. He works for Covenant Seminary as Director of the IT Department. His educational background includes a bachelor of arts degree from Oral Roberts University, and he has earned a graduate certificate from Covenant Seminary. Richards hobbies and interests are church activities, outdoor activities, reading and spending time with his family. He lists his reasons and goals for joining SCTM as improving his communication skills in formal and informal settings. He looks forward to these newly acquired skills in helping him in his professional advancement.

New Members – Joe Archambault and Paul Ferguson

Joe and Paul

Joseph “Joe” Archambault (in  red) was inducted as a new member of South County Toastmasters on October 14, 2009.  Joe lives on Summerlyn Drive in South County with his wife, Jessica.  He is employed by Linde Healthcare as a senior consultant.  He graduated from Fontbonne University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.  His interests and hobbies include sports, especially soccer and he volunteers his time in assisting others.  Joe’s goals and reasons for joining Toastmasters is for personal and professional enrichment.  He hopes to educate, motivate, and inspire others through the speaking skills he develops at Toastmasters.  He will be mentored by Steve Flick.

Paul Ferguson became a South County Toastmaster on October 14, 2009.  He lives in Columbia, IL with his wife, McKenzie.  He works as a manager in Risk Advisory with Ernst & Young.  Paul is a CPA and his other credentials include CFA and CISA.  Interests and hobbies include sports, the outdoors, and cooking.  Paul has joined Toastmasters to improve his presence and communication skills with large audiences.  Paul will be mentored by Max Kaiser.

Member Profile – Mary Ann King

Why did you join Toastmasters?

In 2004 a small group at Nestle Purina was looking to form a corporate Toastmaster’s club.  Since I’d been a member of the South County Club in the late 90’s, I thought it would be fun to rejoin Toastmasters and an opportunity to help get a new club off the ground.  Additionally, Terry Rolan (Solae Club) wouldn’t let you out of the room until you agreed to become an officer.

What’s the greatest benefit you’ve received from Toastmasters?

Toastmasters has provided myriad opportunities for personal growth and has improved my self confidence.  Prior to joining I was considered the quiet accountant in the corner.  Being Toastmaster of the Evening, especially for corporate open houses to attract new members, allowed me to hone my creative theme skills.  I went from a constant state of trepidation to one of looking forward to crafting a fun meeting in each role that I performed.  As I grew in confidence I became more interested in leadership roles – club officer and then Area Governor.  It was my way of giving back to so many people who had helped me on my journey.

Speaking of roles, what’s been or continues to be the most difficult role for you as a Toastmaster?

I continue to struggle with impromptu speaking.  I generally prefer to be prepared.  However, after hearing a recent speech by Barb Sapienza, I think I have some ammunition in my arsenal to deflect the next Table Topics bullet.

What are some of your interests outside of Toastmasters?

My family and I have spent the last 20 years exploring the outdoors of the West.  Hiking, backpacking, and camping are high on our list.  It’s exciting to bump into the history of early Native Americans or pioneers.  It’s an education and a window into a much tougher way of life.  It certainly gives you an appreciation for all the comforts of the 21^st century.

What’s one of your favorite quotes?

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by things you didn’t do than by the things you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”—Mark Twain

Tell us something we don’t know about you.

I get high on the smell of sagebrush.

New Member – Dave Welshon

David Welshon is single and  lives in Festus. He has a degree in mechanical engineering from the Washington University/University of Missouri-St. Louis joint program.  His interests and hobbies include computing, embedded electronics, working out, reading, politics and science.  He lists his goals and reasons for joining SCTM to improve his leadership skills, communication skills and to sharpen his job interviewing skills. He is currently doing contract work for Briem Engineering and is seeking full time, permanent employment.

New Member Laura Zemann

Laura Zemann lives in Imperial, MO with her husband, Mark.  She has a BS in Business Administration.  She learned about SCTM via the internet.  Her interests and hobbies include golf, sewing and computers. The reason and goals for becoming a SCTM members are to help her with computer application training and seminars.

New Member Diane Fawcett

Diane Fawcett lives in South County, has a bachelor’s degree for St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA in Human Resource Management.  She enjoys reading, playing board games and card games, and recreational bicycling.  She has joined Toastmasters to improve her speech and delivery skills, make new friends and for gaining self awareness and improvement.