Carson City Toastmasters celebrate 42 years

Carson City Toastmasters celebrated 42 years of Toastmastering and honored Kit Carson Club charter member, Leon Cowan, at its meeting Tuesday, Oct. 12.

The Kit Carson Toastmasters Club was founded in 1957. Leon Cowan was part of that first gathering and has been a full-time member since. Recognized as an accomplished speaker and winner of many Toastmasters speech contests, he is often asked why he continues to attend the Tuesday mornings meetings.

"No matter what level of public speaking a person develops, we still need constant practice and helpful suggestions for improvement from fellow Toastmasters," he said. "One seldom achieves perfection in public speaking. There is always room for improvement. Besides, we have a good deal of fun, members are dignified and professional, and we are good friends."

Leon's sentiments are echoed by longtime member Eric Cronkhite who has been a member since 1964 and for years has made weekly trips from Sparks to attend the Tuesday morning meetings.

"We practice improving speaking and communicative skills at our own pace and the camaraderie is fantastic," he said. "Toastmasters is the greatest organization of which I have ever been a member and I plan to always be active in the Kit Carson Club."

Also, honored were longtime members Bob May, Lee Simonson, and Frank Taylor, each celebrating 30 to 31 consecutive years of membership in the Kit Carson Toastmasters Club.

Members of the Kit Carson Club meet at 6:30 a.m.Tuesday mornings at Grandma Hattie's Restaurant and the public is welcome. For questions or information, call 882-6398.