It was a cool rainy day in the neighborhood at Klondike Campground in Otis, MA. Ray Johnson and Dolly Reed hosted the monthly CCAT Gourmet Toastmasters meeting at their campsite in the Berkshires, as they do on a yearly basis. It was a long drive for many but well worth the ride. People began to arrive at around 2:00 p.m.
Sharon Roth, who is also the clubs Area Governor, brought her sister Cathy as a guest.
| Attendees & Menu | |
| Joe Zafian | Lobster Voc au Vent w/ orange cognac sauce (appetizer) |
| Richard Derksen | Caesar salad |
| Jerry Aiyathurai | Smoked fish; onion sausage |
| Dolly Reed | Turkey meatballs; grilled vegetables |
| Douglas Cloutier | Onion potatoes (side) |
| Ray Johnson | A selection of New England wines |
| Paul Illchenko | New England clam chowder |
| Susan Troupe | "Lotsa NE Produce" Sticky Turkey Chili w/ Rice |
| Lem Manchester | Corn on the Cob |
| Sharon Roth | Fresh fruit; Pecan salad (side) |
| Cathy Roth* | Peach cake (dessert) |
| Richard Frantz, Jr. | Forgotten Cookies; home-made Sorbet & Ice-cream (dessert) |
| Ruth Zafian | Drunken Peaches w/ amoretto cream (dessert) |
The theme of the cuisine was NEW ENGLAND GROWN. Snacks and conversation were had by the pool before shifting down to the campsite to prepare and describe the dishes during Table Topics. Ray Johnson led this session.
Some of the regional sources of the food, beverages or recipes were:The meeting also featured the clubs EVALUATION CONTEST. Douglas Cloutier and Richard Derksen competed. Jerry Aiyathurai served as Contestmaster and Paul Illchenko was Chief Judge. Susan Troupe was timer. Sharon Roth was the "Test Speaker." She spoke about her "time in prison" while she recently assisted a "demo meeting" at a womens detention facility.
Richard was voted as the winner, but both contestants will likely be able to represent the club at the Area C1 Contest (because the Area has only 4 clubs).
The dish voted as "Member Favorite" was Ruth Zafians "Drunken Peaches."
Club President Ruth Zafian announced the next meeting on September 8, 2010 (second Wednesday at Northeast Utilities) would be the clubs Humorous Speech Contest. Paul Young, VP of Education, will handle meeting assignments "offline."
The second meeting next month, September 19th, will be the re-scheduled WINE TOUR. The updated informational flier will be sent to the members by Nathan Jaycox or Richard Frantz.
The Area C1 Contests will be held on October 13, 2010 at Northeast Utilities. CCAT will host the night (or co-host with Energy Toastmasters). It is our regular meeting night.
The food theme of the next CCAT Gourmet Meeting on October 17th will be "Musical Inspiration." Dishes will be influenced by song titles of lyrics. Richard Frantz will host.
If you want to host a particular Sunday meeting in the current Toastmasters year, now is the time to speak up. Contact Ruth Zafian or Paul Young. Some dates are spoken for, tentatively: