Members of the Toastmasters International Butler Earlybirds Chapter 2255 celebrated the chapter’s 65 years with an anniversary party and open house Saturday morning at the Butler YMCA. Celebrants are, kneeling from left, Bill Reynolds, Joe Kreydt and Jing Humphreys; and standing from left, Ian Moore, Tina Kramer, Jay Martin, Robert Humphreys, President Cameron Suorsa, Gregg Collins, District 13 Director Stephanie Scott and Patricia Calta. Seb Foltz/Butler Eagle

It’s not just talk. That’s the message members of the Butler Earlybirds Chapter 2255 of Toastmasters International stressed as the group marked its 65th anniversary Saturday with an open house and breakfast party.

Toastmasters International is an organization dedicated to improving speaking skills, but Earlybirds members shared that the group not only made them better public speakers but gave them leadership skills and the courage to step outside their comfort levels.

President Cameron Suorsa said he joined the Earlybirds 19 months ago when he was a Grove City College student studying entrepreneurship.

“I wanted to be more thoughtful and prepared in my speaking,” Suorsa said. He hoped to improve his business pitch presentations.

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