Standing Ovation for John Wijas

\Not many people receive a standing ovation, let alone  two, but that’s exactly what John Wijas has achieved!

“It’s very exciting,” says John Wijas, whose speech before 200 guests at a Maine Niles Association of Special Recreation (MNASR) meeting received this great honor.  “I tell you I was really nervous, but I looked good.  Suit pressed, tie straight, shoes shined and beard trimmed.  And then I gave the speech.  I knew that everyone liked it because I got a standing ovation and afterword many people came to our table and congratulated me.” 

Additionally, John’s totally impromptu speech at a Toastmasters* meeting garnered another standing ovation.  Desiring to communicate more effectively, John joined Toastmasters four years ago, and attends meetings twice a month at the United Methodist Church in Park Ridge.   

“I knew that being a member of Toastmasters gave me the confidence and ability to get up in front of those two hundred people and give my speech.”  John enjoys “learning new words” and in his “ice- breaking” speeches has talked about his family, his travels, and his work with Avenues.

When John isn’t working part-time cleaning our Herbst Family House at 110 Clifton Street, he enjoys reading and cooking.  John has been part of Avenues’ Job Placement Program since 1998.

Favorite Trip  - Ireland  
Favorite TV Show  - Jeopardy  (John’s mom says he knows more answers than she does!)
Pet - Tiger-Lily, a tabby cat
Favorite Sports Team - Cubs
Awards - Gold  (and other medals from the Special Olympics)

*Toastmasters International is a nonprofit organization with 250,000 members in 106 countries that helps people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience.