The A1 Toastmaster Club was chartered in Beijing on June 24, 2008 so what better reason for a party!  We had our 3rd Anniversary Party on Sunday, June 19 at Yishu 8 (a wonderful venue arranged by our member, Ayun Peng - thanks Ayun). Over 30 members and guests (including members from other clubs in Beijing) attending the party which was hosted by Kevin Huang, CC and Jessica Mo. We had speeches, games, food and drink - and a great time was had by all. 

Below are some pictures taken at the party by Fan Yang and Keith Ostergard.  Click on a picture to see a full size version.

A1 members Ayun Peng (who arranged for the venue) and Vice-President of Education Never Wang, CC/CL greet the members and guests as they arrive for the party

As members arrive, they add their wishes to the guest book for the Anniversary Party.

Keith Ostergard, DTM uses the time before the start of the party to get a few pictures of members for the club site.

Co-hosts Jessica Mo & Kevin Huang, CC go over last minute details before the party program begins.

No, Denim is not practicing his "Superman" pose, but rather is taken a moment to enjoy the relaxing calm of the Yishu 8 venues garden.

"Food, glorious food" was ready for all to enjoy during the party.

Cathy Dou arrives and waits to sign the guest book for the party.

Welcome to the 3rd Anniversary Party for the A1 Toastmasters Club!

Jessica and Kevin begin the first part of the program - speeches! 
This is Toastmaster's after all.

A1 Club Member Ayun Peng arranged for the club to use the Yishu 8 venue for the meeting - so she gave us a little information on its background and upcoming events. A shame she forgot her manual :(

A1 Club President Michaela Zuber, CC/CL explained a little of the history of the A1 club and what it meant to the development of Toastmasters in Beijing and China.

A1 Members and Guests enjoy the opening speeches at the party.

Co-host Kevin Huang, CC explained how he learned important life skills while serving as the club's 5th President.

A1 Member Kathy Dou brought a future member, her daughter, to the party to see what her mother does on Monday evenings.

"So this is what Momma does on Monday evenings - hmmm, looks like she is having fun.  Maybe I can join too - in another 13 years."

Everyone enjoyed the food and drink (and all of the conversations) during the break between the speeches and entertainment/games

A Star Is Born - A1 member Denim Tian brought his guitar and played two songs for the members and guest - and they still wanted more

A1 Members Cindy Zou, CC and Alpha Meng led the group through a game of Jenga - Kevin took his turn to see if he would make the blocks fall.

A1 member Alpha Meng remembered that in his story about A1 co-host Kevin said that the club was a great place to meet beautiful girls . . .  perhaps he was right!

Following and afternoon of speeches, games, music, food and drinks the members and guest pose for a group picture.