FRIDAY, May 7, 2010 MEETING NOTES Volume 44, Issue 32
We had 16 Optimists & guests today. The only guests were our speaker and his father – Tom Sigwarth. The Mystery Greeter was Milt Rewey who greeted Duane Borgen. John Dutcher, John Urness, Charlie Clark, Ken Kamps, Milt Rewey, Ernie Thalmann, Eileen Engelke and Hap Daus wore their Optimist shirts today.
Today’s Speaker – Joe Sigwarth as Patrick Henry
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Joe Sigwarth, son of Tom and Renee Sigwarth, is home schooled and is a member of the National Christian Forensics and Community Association. This group sponsors local, regional and national contests in speaking. The local group is called PARADE - Platteville Area Rhetoric and Debate Enthusiasts. Based on Joe’s excellent showings in Milwaukee (1st place) and Peoria (3rd Place) , he was invited to compete in the national competition in Virginia Beach, VA in June. |
Out of 10 categories, Joe chose to compete in the Dramatic Interpretation category and he reenacts the famous Patrick Henry speech to the House of Burgesses (Legislature) of March 23, 1775. This speech took place at St. John’s Church in Richmond, VA. The delegates were debating whether to support the rebellion. Joe took the front of the room and in a blink of an eye transformed into Patrick Henry. His mannerisms and accent seem true to that period of history. Upon the completion of the speech with the famous line, "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" the club gave him a standing ovation. |
Joe noted that when Patrick Henry delivered the speech, the delegates’ immediately responded. They flew out of the building yelling "to Arms" and tore down the Union Jack. Such was the fervor he inspired in his colleagues! He said that he began to learn the speech in early August and had it memorized by mid-October. He has given the speech about 15 – 20 times and at 3 tournaments. Toastmaster John Dutcher said that he would have received a top score at a Toastmaster event. Good luck in Virginia Beach. Thanks for the wonderful speech! To Arms! |
This Friday - John Hassig - Heartland Festival
UPCOMING EVENTSMay 8 – SWIS Conference – WI Dells |
UPCOMING SPEAKERSMay 21 - Brittany DuCharme - Intern/Coop Program at UW-P May 28 - TBD |
JOKER DRAWHolly Cook was selected. She drew the 9 of Hearts and won $2. Good Luck to next week’s winner. FIRST FRIDAYWe held the drawings for a free breakfast. Winners from those present were Doug Martin and Holly Cook. Winners from those not present were Beth Frieders and Tom Rutherford. |
PLATTEVILLE AREA CLUBThe Platteville Area Club is sponsoring a Pulled Pork Sandwich dinner on May 10 from 4:30 – 7:00 at St Augie’s. Cost is $5 for one sandwich and $7 for 2 sandwiches. There will be drinks, salads, etc. Please support the other club. If you want to provide a dessert, that will be appreciated. FIFTH FRIDAY SOCIALOn Friday April 30 Tom and Fern excelled as hosts for the “Games People Play”. There were many games. Everyone had a good time and John Dutcher has photos of the event. |
SWIS District will hold its 3rd Quarter Conference in WI Dells at the Kalahari on May 8. BOARD MEETINGThe next Board Meeting will be on Thursday, May 13th at 7 AM at Badger Brothers. |
Optimist International | SWIS District | Platteville, Wisconsin--Information
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Last Modified: May 23, 2010