Hilarious Night of Honor for Earl K. Wood & Karl Righter - June 26, 2006

The course of the evening was not too "Taxing" on honorees, Earl K. Wood (Orange County Tax Collector) and Past District 47 Governor, Karl Righter (Righter Communications) as they were honored for the years they have been Toastmasters.  Earl celebrated half a century (50 years) of being a Toastmaster, while Karl celebrated 40 years, earning him the Lifetime Achievement Award from Toastmasters International.

Friends, dignitaries and guests filled the room to honor the two Super-Toastmasters with a light-hearted round of roasting.  All of the roasts were well-done (pun intended). 

Distinguished Toastmaster, Area 49 Governor and Published Author, Barbara Bergstrom provided Table Topic challenges to various members of the audience. 

Ed Wycoff, previous winner of FOUR consecutive humorous speech contests, was one of the key roasters.  He provided the jabs and the jolts to cause uproarious laughter while honoring his two dear friends. 

Brenda DeArmond, DTM also honored the men by turning up the grill and bringing the roast to a sizzle!  Her many years of knowing the two, helped her to bring down the house with her comment "The only reason I can roast the Orange County Tax Collector, is because I've already moved to Lake County!"

Roast Master of the Evening, Past International Director and nominee for International 3rd Vice President, Paul Muenier, DTM, welcomes honoree Karl Righter, DTM  to the podium.

It was Karl's turn to "reflect the heat" back to his roasters!  Karl left no doubt as to who is the "King of the Roast" with his hysterical come-backs!

Pushing 90 at 100 Miles per Hour, was honoree,  Earl K. Wood (Orange County Tax Collector) as he showed grace, dignity and outstanding sense of humor.  Because of the Earl K. Wood Education Awards, many of today's youth are able to develop their communication skills.  Earl is not just a great businessman and public speaker, but he's got a heart bigger than Orange County.  Congratulations Earl!!!

In addition to the evening's roast, other awards were presented to members.  Outgoing Club President, Tim Hanley presented special achievement awards to club members, in recognition for Most Improved Speaker, "Spark Plug" of the Year, Newsletter Editors award and more.

Orlando Conquerors Toastmasters Club certainly knows how to recognize achievement.  This is just one of the many reasons that this club is the oldest and one of the largest in the State of Florida.  Well done!

The Installation of Incoming Club Officers also took place.   Area 16 Governor, Scott Hoehn (right), had each officer pass the gavel while committing to the duties of their individual offices.

Standing, from left to right are Club President, Tammy Gappen (Orange County Assistant Attorney), Vice President of Education, Gary Taylor, Secretary Jo Ellen Taylor, Treasurer John Pabon and Sergeant-at-Arms, Karl Righter, DTM

Conquerors Toastmaster Club #1066 Welcomes its new Club Leaders!