Community members both in Langley and Aldergrove will remember the TV show that put Aldergrove on the map.
"Million Dollar Neighbourhood" profiled 100 Aldergrove families, challenging them to raise the collective assets of the community by $1 million, promising weekly prizes and a final award to the family voted most deserving by the participants. That winner was Irene Setka, who has turned that winning energy and determination to her role as vice president of membership for the Aldergrove Toastmasters Club.
This Toastmasters club was officially chartered June 5, 1996 and has presented hundreds of local residents with ongoing opportunities to increase their confidence, leadership and public speaking skills.
Irene will celebrate her second anniversary as a club member on May 1 of this year.
"Toastmasters has given me the confidence and the skills to be understood," says Irene, "Yes, I was a winner in the Million Dollar Neighbourhood challenge; by going to Toastmasters every week I know I am still a winner! I've met great people and we have a lot of fun."
As a single mother and grandmother, Irene leads a busy life but Toastmasters will always be an important source of growth and inspiration for her. She wants to extend a warm welcome to anyone who might be interested in finding out more about the club.
"We meet every Monday night, 7-9 p.m. at Aldergrove Community School 26850 - 29 Ave., Room 125. Come as a guest just to check us out. It took me a long time to get past my nerves and become a member, but that was one of the best decisions I've ever made," she says. "I'll look forward to seeing you there."
For more information send an email to aldergrovetm@gmail.com. The next meeting will be on March 31 following spring break.
Why not just drop by the high school for a visit? As Irene likes to say, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."