THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 4, 1995 TAG: 9506020211
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: 20 QUESTIONS
SOURCE: Shirley Brinkley
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 82 lines
When Frank and Grace Brown were married, all their bridal attendants were members of Toastmasters. And their honeymoon was in Atlanta, with what Frank Brown, smiling, described as ``2,200 of our closest friends,'' - an international Toastmasters meet.
Brown, who teaches computer courses at Paul D. Camp Community College, is completing a term as one of 13 Americans on the 17-member Board of Directors of Toastmasters International.
Toastmasters, which provides a supportive environment to improve communications skills - is credited by Brown with, among other things, making him an honorary prison inmate and with his introduction to another Toastmaster enthusiast who would become his wife.
His involvement with Toastmasters began 19 years ago, when Brown moved to Jefferson City, Mo., to begin a new career. A stranger in town, he joined Toastmasters for social reasons. He also developed leadership skills and became an articulate speaker.
At that time, six Toastmasters meetings had been formed in prisons in Missouri. And Brown, who plays guitar, helped produce a musical at a maximum security prison.
After a move to Montgomery, Ala., Brown rose rapidly through the ranks of Toastmasters to assistant area governor, division governor, district treasurer and, at age 34, was the youngest district governor elected at that time.
Since membership is not limited to one club, Brown has belonged to 27 different Toastmasters clubs and is now editor of the organization's newsletter. He helped establish the Franklin area Toastmasters Club and more recently, a club on the Peninsula for advanced speakers.
``Each of us has a God-given gift to be an effective communicator,'' Brown said. ``We have to develop it.''
What brought you here? My wife, Grace, after a 300-mile romance.
Birthdate/Hometown: Sept. 15, 1948, in Morristown, Pa.
Fondest childhood memory: Riding my multi-colored bicycle on the country roads near Valley Forge, Pa.
Marital status/Children: Wife, Grace; stepson, Charlie Haines.
Pets: Mr. Bill (feline) plus Shadow Bear and Murphy (canines extraordinaire)
First job/Worst job: Stocker at Collegeville Flag Co. (Halloween costume maker); fits both questions
Occupation: Adjunct professor, Computer Information Systems, Paul D. Camp Community College
If you had a choice, what other job would you choose? None. I love teaching.
What's your favorite hangout? Any place a Toastmasters Club meeting is being held.
Favorite night out on the town: On the ``Spirit of Norfolk,'' cruising the Elizabeth River
Favorite food/drink: Popcorn/iced tea
Favorite movies/TV show: ``The Client'' for movie; ``Tonight Show''
Ideal vacation: One with an impressive golf course, the entire trip paid by someone else.
I can't resist: Making humorous remarks whenever possible
Few people know that I: am an ``honorary'' convict in the Missouri State Pen for men.
Most embarrassing moment: Grace and I being introduced as newlyweds at the TI Convention (in front of 2,200) when Grace was not in the room. Could only shrug my shoulders.
What is the best advice you've been given and by whom? Always remember that service is the price we pay for living in this world - my father and mother
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would you be and why? I wouldn't mind being Donald Trump, for the money, but not the hassles.
What achievements are you most proud of? Election to the Board of Directors of Toastmasters International, winning the National Speech Contest of the American Institute of Banking, and Recipient of Exemplary Service Award for the Southeastern part of the U.S. - Toastmasters.
Something you wish to say but haven't: ``I'm sorry'' to anyone I may have hurt but never realized. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
by CNB