They say that the only thing that people fear more than death is public speaking - which means most people would rather die than give a eulogy. But for some of us, public speaking is an ongoing, enjoyable and very personal challenge. Both the people and the environment contribute to our experience.

For more than 50 years, West Seattle Earlybirds Toastmasters have met to give speeches on a weekly basis. Some of our members, like Vic Groening and Bob Confer, have done this for most of those 50 years. Others, like Larry Puffert, have attended regularly for nearly two decades. Countless others have come and gone over the years - each of them more confident speakers and leaders in their professions and communities.

For many of us, Vic, Bob and Larry are the reason we joined in the first place and then kept coming back. Now in their 70s and 80s, they are superb storytellers and meeting leaders. As newer Toastmasters, we honor their dedication to speech craft and admire their skill.

In addition, we want to acknowledge the good food and gracious service we receive when we meet at 7 every Friday morning at the Charlestown Street Caf/. Owners Ron Hanson and Larry Mellum have made the room at the south end of the restaurant available to us for over a decade. Hesper Guerra, our regular server for years, provides quick service with a smile and remembers how each of us likes our coffee, who doesn't eat carbs, and who likes which omelet best.

We truly appreciate Charlestown Caf/'s caring support, even on days when our room is packed or we laugh so loud that other customers wonder what in the world is going on in there. And we're not the only club that meets at Charlestown Caf/. We honor Ron and Larry for their contributions to the West Seattle community. It's no wonder they won the 2000 Mayor's Small Business Award nor any wonder they keep winning awards for their great chowder. Their caring shows!

Scott Ellwood

President

West Seattle

Earlybirds Toastmasters