D47 Sunshiner - August, 2010

The Sunshiner July/August 2010

www.toastmastersd47.org

Inside this Issue Letter From Kristina Kihlberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Division Governors’ Accomplishments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Meet Your New Leadership Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Meet Your Division Governors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Meet Your Area Governors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Speak-a-thon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Fall Conference, Nov 5-7, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 2009/2010 Distinguished Clubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Club Anniversaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Club Publicity Contest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Notable Members Lissette Garcia, Ms. Florida USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Annette Watkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Pam Lehr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Nadia Wong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Page 1

How District 47 Ranked in 2009/2010 Dear Members of District 47 & Friends, While I had the honor to serve in the most rewarding role within Toastmasters as your District Governor, you – YOU – all of our more than 5,000 members, made history.

Just like we are all working towards our personal goals as Toastmasters, each Club, Area and Division has goals to achieve each year. These goals are assigned by Toastmasters International.

As with our personal goals, sometimes it may take a little longer than planned to get there, or we have to restructure our plans a little. For the last 3-4 years, our District has worked very hard towards achieving our goals set forth by Toastmasters International. The goal is to continuously, year after year, make sure that we support our members to the best of our capacity, so that all of you can achieve the goals you set when joining Toastmasters.

At the District level, our goals are measured with the other 81 Districts around the world.

Our goals are: To increase the number of members (just like a Club) Achieve a certain number of CCs, ACs, CLs, ALs, DTMs, etc. (just like a Club) We have to submit certain documents on time (just like a Club) District leaders have to attend training (just like a Club) There is one more thing that a District is measured by and that’s starting new Clubs. We’ve done very well during these past years.

Historically, District 47 has achieved President’s Distinguished (PDD) status 10 times since its beginning in 1955. Reaching PDD status is only achieved by the top 6 Districts each year.

It’s quite an accomplishment.

The last 4 times we reached that status: 2000-2001 District Governor Paul Meunier 2003-2004 District Governor Margaret Wan 2006-2007 District Governor Loretta Sandy 2008-2009 District Governor Antionette Fox

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(99.27 points) (89.99 points) (126.05 points) (96.20 points)

How District 47 Ranked in 2009/2010 This year’s results: Membership increase Starting new Clubs CCs ACs Leadership awards Distinguished Clubs

#5 in the world #2 in the world (37 new Clubs) #1 in the world #3 in the world #1 in the world #1 in the world (w/3 others) (44.7% President’s Distinguished) Distinguished Areas 95 % (67% President’s Distinguished Areas) Distinguished Divisions 100 % President’s Distinguished Divisions

Publisher Rick Furbush, DTM Editor Brooke Samples

District 47 Executive Officers for 2010-2011 DG LGET LGM PRO Secretary Treasurer IPDG

And the final result – 144.48 points and

Rick Furbush Pamela Rolle Matt Kinsey Myrna Brooks Lori Stephens Carson Longo Kristina Kihlberg

District 47 Leaders

WE ARE # 2 IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!

The members of District 47 ROCK!!! The Trio and I will be so proud when we travel to California, to the International Convention August 11 – 14, 2010 to represent District 47. When we step onto that stage to achieve the accolades, we will be standing there on behalf of all of you. WOW!!!

It will be fabulous. It will be emotional. It will be an honor.

The best news is that we have a fantastic recipe. We know how to cook - we know all of the ingredients it takes and the details of the preparations it takes. This means that at the end of the next Toastmaster year – you will have the same feast; maybe it will be even a bigger event, a banquet of celebration.

District Org Officer Parliamentarian SAA Webmaster Division A Governor Division B Governor Division C Governor Division D Governor Division E Governor Division F Governor Division G Governor Division H Governor Division I Governor

Kathy Furbush Joseph Miller Ron Rice Jeanine Kinsey Robert Rizzo Francis Molina Tatanisha Bennett Hieu Huynh Tony Vivaldi Steve Zeris Vicki Wayne Jenelle Taylor Demekas Foster

The Mission of the District is to enhance the performance and extend the network of clubs, thereby offering greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from the Toastmasters educational program by: Focusing

All it takes is each member to achieve his or her goal, help the new members achieve their goals, be a servant leader, whether it’s in the Club, Area, Division or District and to continue to “Find Your Voice…

Make A Difference”.

on the critical success factors as specified by the district educational and membership goals

Ensuring

that each club effectively fulfills its responsibilities to its members

Providing

effective training and leader-

ship development opportunities for club and district officers

Thank you for the honor of serving as your leader. It’s been amazing and a memory for life.

Until we meet at the Fall Conference in Miami on November 5-7, 2010.

The Sunshiner is a publication of District 47 Toastmasters. Reproduction of articles is strictly prohibited without the express permission of the District 47 Governor. Toastmasters International and Toastmasters International emblems are trademarks of Toastmasters International registered in the United States,

Kristina Kihlberg, DTM District Governor 2009/2010 kkihlberg@toastmastersd47.org

Canada and many other countries.

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How We Achieved # 2 in the World... ...Great Leaders with a Mission to Be the BEST! Division A Started new Clubs for the first time in years (2nd highest increase % in the District) and hosted our Fall Conference with such warm hospitality. Division A was one of the first 3 Divisions to officially reach President’s Distinguished status.

Division B The only Division with all Areas President’s Distinguished. Maybe that is why they also have the highest percentage of increase in Clubs (27.59%) and share the #1 spot for increase in membership (9%). Div B hosted our Spring Conference with grace and style.

Division C The home of the Area with the highest increase in membership – Area 31, 92%! Congrats Eleanor! Brought the Division to new levels and showed us how many talented members there are.

Division D Achieved the hard-to-reach minimum of 75% of their Clubs as Distinguished or higher.

Had the second highest increase in membership (8%) and took an early lead as an accomplished Division – the one to beat.

Division E The home of many successful contest winners and this year again, our District representative in the Int’l Speech contest hails from Div E – Jim Bussey. The looongest Division in our District with Clubs all the way down in Key West and Middle Keys.

Division F Our pioneers. Where we recently have chartered new Clubs in “unknown” territories. We are thrilled to welcome Clubs in Hardee, Highlands and DeSoto Counties. The Division shares the top spot for increase in membership (9%).

Division G Has the highest percentage of Distinguished Clubs in the District (81%). Well done! Our smallest Division geographically, but yet powerful. 7 out of 7 Areas Distinguished or higher.

Division I Has the highest percentage of President’s Distinguished Clubs (55%). Bravo! Has the highest percentage of Educational awards vs. number of members (51%). Great job! 7 out of 7 Areas Distinguished or higher.

The results speak for themselves. No matter what any other results may indicate – District 47 has the best members in the entire world!

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Meet Rick Furbush, District Governor It is an honor and privilege to be your District Governor. I have been blessed to work with our past two District Governors who have done a fantastic job for our District.

We have had an extraordinary two years since our District split. The highest award a District can receive is President’s Distinguished, which is reserved for the top 6 Districts (out of 81) in the world.

Last year under the guidance of District Governor Antionette Fox, we were number 5 in the world, a feat very rarely achieved. This year, under the guidance or our District Governor, Kristina Kihlberg, we were number 2 in the world, a first for our District.

Our goal this year is to complete the “Hat Trick” – three in a row. This year we not only want to be President’s Distinguished again but we want the elusive, never before attained achievement of being # 1.

So … What does it take to be NUMBER ONE ?

First, it takes having an extraordinary team of hard working, dedicated Toastmasters. Those who also have experienced what it takes to be President’s Distinguished. That we have in flying colors.

You will meet them on the following pages.

Second, it takes a District membership that is excited about Toastmasters, about helping others succeed, and wanting to make a difference in the world. That we have for sure. You are the whole reason our district has been in the top 6 for the past two years.

Third, it takes having a BIG GAME and being excited about it. In order to be Number One in the world, the members have to be winning, achieving their goals and having FUN. Our Goals: This year we want to do something that has NEVER been done before in the history of Toastmasters, and that is for: EVERY CLUB in our district to be at least DISTINGUISHED. If each member of our district worked at achieving the most out of Toastmasters and helping fellow members aspire to do their best, we can achieve this goal and that would make us number one.

I invite you to share your Toastmasters’ skills with the world, which is why our theme this year is: “Find your voice … and Make a Difference.”

Finally, I know that the most important part IS the journey.

To get the most out of it, it has to be FUN. So, remember …

“IF IT ISN’T FUN, IT ISN’T TOASTMASTERS” Rick Furbush, DTM District Governor rickfurbush@mac.com Page 5

Meet Pamela Rolle, Lt. Governor Education & Training I am excited about serving you this year as your Lt. Governor Education and Training. In this role, I am responsible for coordinating training throughout the District. Many Officers attended Toastmasters Leadership Institutes (TLIs) during the months of June and July to prepare for the year ahead.

The information received in these sessions will equip you to lead, mentor and inspire Club members to achieve greatness. We look forward to all Clubs becoming Distinguished by June 30, 2011.

As your LGET my responsibilities will also include promoting the Distinguished Club Program and achievement of education goals. Last year, there were 165 Clubs in the District that were Distinguished or better. This year, we are counting on you to exceed this number. We know you can do it and we fully support you in this quest. We will be available to assist you throughout the entire year and will help you achieve your goals to become Distinguished Clubs. To achieve education goals, Clubs should plan to meet at least weekly to create more speaking opportunities for members. All members are encouraged to study the projects in the Toastmasters education manuals and use it to become the effective communicator you want to be.

As your LGET, I will serve as the coordinator of all speech contests. We will work with all Clubs to be sure contests are properly planned and successfully executed.

I am pleased to announce Rachel Ferguson, DTM, as Contest Chair for District 47. Rachel will be responsible for sending tips to Clubs, Areas and Division Governors for both contest periods. She will help Clubs, Areas and Divisions plan successful contests and work with the LGET and Conference Chair to plan both District Contests. Please add Rachel’s email to your address book and feel free to contact her at rferguson@toastmastersd47.org for help as you plan your contests.

As your LGET, I am also responsible for planning the Fall and Spring Conferences. The Fall Conference will be held in Miami from November 5 – 7 under the theme ‘Caliente’. Jeanine Kinsey DTM, is the Fall Conference Chair and we are looking forward to an exhilarating event. The Fall Conference will be an unforgettable experience. It will be hot, hot, hot… Muy Caliente! Please make plans to attend.

Can you feel the excitement? We want you to be a part of an exciting fun filled year in District 47.

Will you join us?

Pamela is employed at Cititrust (Bahamas) Limited, Nassau Bahamas as an Assistant Vice President and Trust Officer. She holds an MBA from Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from St. Augustine’s College, Raleigh North Carolina. Pamela has been a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. since spring 1993 and lives on the island of New Providence in The Bahamas.

Pamela D. Rolle, DTM

Lt. Governor Education & Training prolle@toastmastersd47.org Page 6

Meet Matt Kinsey, Lt. Governor Marketing In the fall of 2002 I was invited by a co-worker to join Toastmasters Club 9086, Office Depot Toastmasters, in Delray Beach, Florida. Unlike many members, I did not join to overcome a fear of speaking in public. I joined out of a passion to speak. The first time I spoke in public was at my grandmother's funeral when I was 8 years old. In the 5th grade, I was invited to speak in the Optimist Oratorical Speech Contest in Hagerstown, Indiana. I have been speaking in front of groups ever since.

As a member of Toastmasters, I have served in nearly every club officer role, as an Area Governor, Division Governor, District Webmaster and Speaker's Bureau Chairman. I not only have a passion to speak, I also have a passion to watch others blossom as a result of their experience in Toastmasters. It's not just about the speaking. It is also about watching people overcome their fears or learn to do something they thought they couldn't. That is powerful. Then, they turn that experience and learning towards other fears and obstacles in their own lives. Amazing things happen as a result.

Our outgoing District Trio accomplished a great deal, finishing the year #2 in the world and opening 37 new Toastmasters clubs. To match this, it takes the efforts of many people. Below you will find the other members of the District Marketing team. This team, working alongside the District officers, will help us to continue to meet the high standards set over the last few years.

My goal is to help you reach your goals. Why did you join Toastmasters?

What do you want to accomplish? How can I help you reach those goals?

Matt Kinsey, DTM Please feel free to contact me at mkinsey@toastmastersd47.org.

Lt. Governor Marketing mkinsey@toastmastersd47.org

District Marketing Team Youth Leadership Coordinators: York Somerville (Florida West Coast) Lillian Koziol, DTM (Florida East Coast) Tony Longley, DTM (Bahamas) The Youth Leadership Coordinators are responsible for promoting and tracking Youth Leadership Programs in their areas. They will work with Area and Division Governors to accomplish this. Our goal is to have 53 Youth Leadership Programs take place this year throughout the District.

New Club Chair – Joseph Miller, DTM Joseph is responsible for tracking new club leads. He will make the initial contact with new club leads submitted from TI and notify the appropriate Division Governors. He will also follow up with the Division teams. Joseph will ensure that club sponsors receive proper credit for their work.

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Continued on Page 10

Meet Myrna Brooks, Public Relations Officer Greetings Fellow Toastmasters, I’m Myrna Brooks, the Public Relations Officer for the 2010-2011 year. I’m so excited about my role as PRO, and the opportunity to serve all District 47 Toastmasters. My mission is to create awareness for members and non-members; resulting in increased visibility, increased membership and new clubs. I’ve been a member of Toastmasters since February 2007, and have served as club president, Area Governor twice, and the Spring 2010 Conference chair. I’m also the founder and CEO of LifeWorks International- a global information and resource organization for West Indian Female Entrepreneurs. I am happily married, an active volunteer, dedicated coach and proud mom of 2 adult sons and daughters.

With my team of partners, our goal is to support you and to offer assistance as needed by helping you to promote your club events, and get your message out to the local media, generate a favorable relationship with the public, and drive attendance to club, area, division and district events.

Publicity works! There’s news that happens and there’s news that we create.

We can create newsworthy events. Let’s not wait for the media to find us- let’s find the media.

Great publicity ideas don’t have to cost a lot of money. The best ideas are seen by people all over town and our District Publicity contest for your clubs’ newsletters and websites is designed to make sure your efforts are focused in the direction of making the biggest bang!

My mission is about achieving extraordinary results – about realizing my full Myrna Brooks, DTM potential in both my professional and personal life, as well as educating and Public Relations Officer mbrooks@toastmastersd47.org encouraging others to achieve theirs. How can I help you?

Meet Lori Stephens, District Secretary What a wonderful privilege and opportunity to be a part of the leadership team for the second ranking District in the world for such an amazing organization! Attending the training for the incoming district leadership was an eye opening experience. While I knew that the leaders in our District were dedicated, I didn’t really understand how dedicated the area and division leaders are. The enthusiasm and willingness to SERVE the members in the area, division and district is truly infectious. I am extremely pleased to be associated with such a dedicated group of people.

As the District Secretary, it is my hope to meet and serve as many Toastmaster members in District 47 as possible. Please feel free to contact me via email at lstephens@toastmastersd47.org and I will do anything I can Lori Stephens, ACB, ALB to assist you.

District Secretary lstephens@toastmastersd47.org Page 8

Meet Carson Longo, Treasurer Well by now you have read that District 47 is the #2 District in the WORLD for 2009-2010! WOW! Where do we go from here? UP! We are gunning for #1 in the WORLD and we are hungry. As your District Treasurer I will do everything in my power to make your District 47 #1 in the world. What does your District Treasurer do for you? The District Treasurer is tasked with the fiscal oversight and management of the district. The District Treasurer works closely with the District Governor and LT. Governors to ensure that the district is making cost effective decisions, within policy, that result in effective fiscal management. WHAT? In summary I watch over District 47’s money and ensure we spend it wisely.

As your District Treasurer, I will be implementing new process, procedures and forms to assist with fiscal oversight and in getting District 47 related expenses reimbursed as quickly as possible.

If you have any questions on how Club, Area, Division or District funds should be administered, your first reference is Toastmaster’s Complete Policies and Procedures, (VI) Policies and Procedures, (D) Financial located at http://www.toastmasters.org/Members/OfficerResources/ PoliciesandProcedures/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx. Your second reference is the District Treasurer. I highly recommend all Club Treasurers read (D) Financial it is an invaluable resource.

By the way, I am looking for individuals interested in being next year’s District Treasurer. I would like to have a Sorcerer’s Apprentice during the year. A description of the Treasurer’s responsibilities is located at http:// Carson Longo, DTM www.toastmasters.org/TreasurerJob.aspx. Are you intrigued by this chalTreasurer treasurer@toastmastersd47.org lenge? Contact me via email at treasurer@toastmastersd47.org.

Meet Ron Rice, Sergeant at Arms I have been a Toastmaster for just under 4 years and hope to complete my DTM by our spring conference. I have served in various club offices and have just completed my tenure as Area 75 (President’s distinguished) Governor. I currently belong to 2 clubs, and serve as a mentor to another.

As your SAA, I am responsible for the meeting room, the equipment, food services and the timing of the events. As most of you know, I could never hope to achieve these duties on my own, and I am thankful that I have so many willing volunteers to assist me in these endeavors. I am equally grateful to our District 47 Governor, Rick Furbush, for his belief and trust in me, and the opportunity to serve our members.

For those of you that have not served as a district officer in the past, get ready for one of the most rewarding years of your life. In guiding other members and clubs, you will have ample opportunities to learn and grow as a Toastmaster, as a speaker, and as a leader. Should you need any assistance over the course of Ron Rice, ACS, ALB your service, I hope you know that we are all here to assist you in any way Sergeant at Arms possible. I am excited and enthusiastic about our upcoming year, and hope rrice@toastmastersd47.org that you are as well.

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Meet Jeanine Kinsey, District Webmaster Jeanine Kinsey is returning as our District Webmaster for the second year. Jeanine is the President of Open Source Web Pros, a web design company, and has been in Toastmasters for three and a half years. She is a member of Outspoken Toastmasters, Bill Gove Golden Gavel Toastmasters and the Broward Advanced Club and just recently completed her first DTM. She has served as our District Treasurer, and will also be running the Fall Conference this year.

Jeanine’s role as webmaster includes keeping the site up to date with the help of the District Leadership, running online registration for events and helping keep the email communication systems for the District running smoothly. In order to improve the website and how it is used, it has undergone a complete overhaul with many new features. These include new tools to make it easier for our members to contact the District Leadership, a new simplified front page to make it easier to find things on the website, and new Area and Division News Pages. If you would like to have articles about your club on the site, please contact your Area or Division Governor and ask them to add the information to your Area page. We are also looking for articles about Toastmasters in the news. If you see an article related to or written by Toastmasters from our District, please send it to Myrna Brooks, our Public Relations Jeanine Kinsey, DTM Officer, for consideration. If you have not been to the site recently, we enDistrict Webmaster courage you to check it out at http://toastmastersd47.org and see the jkinsey@toastmastersd47.org exciting things going on in District 47!

District Marketing Team (continued from page 7) Club Coach Chair – Ro Lashua Ro is responsible for working with the Area and Division Governors to identify and assign Club Coaches. When clubs fall to 12 members or less, they are eligible for a Club Coach. Ro has also been developing some additional tools to assist Club Coaches. When Club Coaches complete their assignments, she will ensure they receive credit.

Club Mentor Chair – Deanna Morrison, DTM Deanna is responsible for working with Area and Division Governors to identify and assign Club Mentors to new clubs. She will also apprise them of resources that are available. When mentors complete their assignments, she will ensure they receive credit.

Club Dues Chair – David Jess, DTM David is responsible for tracking club dues payments during the fall and spring dues periods.

Continued on page 11 Page 10

Meet Brooke Samples, The Sunshiner Editor It is a privilege to be this year’s editor of The Sunshiner. This is YOUR newsletter! I want it to reinforce the reasons you joined Toastmasters. But the real question is - WHAT DO YOU WANT? Some suggestions from Area Governors are: Highlight members’ accomplishments resulting from the skills learned at Toastmasters. Testimonials from business leaders illustrating how their companies’ employees have grown since the employees joined Toastmasters. One page recap with links to more information. Links to speeches on You Tube. Welcome page for new members.

With each new member added to a club, the Toastmasters’ experience is enhanced for all. I know from experience the benefits that Toastmasters affords those who want to improve their communication skills and enrich their life. Some hidden benefits of Toastmasters are meeting new people with different life experiences and being prepared when opportunities are presented to you. Last fall I presented a workshop at the AICPA Automotive Conference in New Orleans. I never would have accepted the invitation had I not joined Toastmasters 7 years ago. I encourage everyone I meet to attend at least one Toastmasters’ meeting. I know if a guest attends a meeting and the meeting is fun the guest will join.

I am a member of three Clubs, with each Club offering a different experience. I encourage you to visit other Clubs and to take on the challenges and opportunities that Toastmasters offers. The Sunshiner is your newsletter, so please send me your articles and we’ll print what you send us.

Email your articles to bsamples@toastmastersd47.org

Brooke Samples The Sunshiner Editor

bsamples@toastmastersd47.org

District Marketing Team (continued from page 10) Strategic Expansion Chair – Dwayne Davis, DTM Dwayne is responsible for identifying potential club leads based upon analysis of companies and underserved areas throughout District 47.

Speechcraft Chair – Open GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO GROW The Speechcraft Chair will be responsible for promoting Speechcraft throughout the District, working with Division and Area Governors to increase the awareness of this powerful program. Please contact Matt Kinsey at mkinsey@toastmastersd47.org if you’d like to help.

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Robert Rizzo Division A

Francis Molina Division B

Tatanisha Bennett Division C

Hieu Huynh Division D

Tony Vivaldi Division E

Steve Zaris Division F

Jennele Taylor Division G

Vicki Wayne Division H

Demekas Foster Division I

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David Jennings Area 10

Orly Amor Area 21

Angela Bryan Area 25

Lori Pritchard Area 31

Jan Alexander Area 11

Christine Cargnoni Area 12

Bill Thomas Area 20

Nate Horowitz Area 23

Anthony Richiez Area 24

Mary Mayrosh Area 22

Jario Aragon Area 26

Kim Ford Area 32

Norman Gaslowitz Area 27

Page 13

Emily Drenberg Area 33

Susan Carter Area 30

Richard Sanchez Area 34

Bett Correa Area 35

Sue Boe Area 36

Rich Otten Area 40

George Strasdas Area 41

Cynthia Beckles Area 42

Shari Francos Area 43

John Schneyer Area 44

Michael Thorn Area 45

Omar Cordero Area 50

Maurice Fuller Area 51

Paul Krebes Area 52

Mitch McInnis Area 53

Noah Aguilar Area 54

Joe Russo Area 55

David Dye Area 56

Dawn Jani Area 60

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Mary Moeller Area 61

Joshua Haines Area 71

Linda Burnette Area 75

Nicole Williams Area 83

Butch Phelps Area 62

Mel Jackson Area 63

Bethany Bunnell Area 70

Donna Boener Area 72

Elle Holtzman Area 73

Jerome Coleman Area 74

Lavell Watson Area 80

Deborah Pratt Area 84

Natasha Russell Area 81

Leonardo Burrows Area 85

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Wence Martin Area 82

Nadia Wong Area 86

Nadia Hope- Johnson Area 87

Sybrian Castleman Area 92

Donna Moore Area 90

Gloria Churchill Area 93

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Sparkie Lovejoy Area 91

Guinness World Record Speak-a-thon a Success Sun Sentinel, FORT LAUDERDALE — How many speeches in a row does it take to set a world's record?

WE NEED YOUR PICTURES!

Members of the District 47 Toastmasters, along with their family and friends, hope the magic number is 357. They spoke, listened and occasionally snored though 80 hours on non-stop speaking From Thursday, June 10-Sunday through June 13,2010 in hopes of breaking the record for the longest speakers series.

More than 100 people verbalized on topics of their choice. Most of them are used to the drill: the nonprofit Toastmasters has been around since 1924.

Speeches were at least five minutes. The longest, performed by Toast-

We had lots of fun at the Guinness Speaking event and witnessed many people taking pictures. Please share them by emailing them to web@toastmastersd47.org.

master Scott J. Vail, lasted two hours, 16 minutes, and 54 seconds. He waxed on about effective listening to a half-asleep audience.

The event at the Embassy Suites Hotel started about 3:30 p.m. June 10 and ended at 11:26 p.m. Sunday, or 80 hours, 1 minute, 3 seconds later. The current record, held by a Toastmasters group in Mexico City, is 72 hours, 45 minutes.

Event organizers taped the whole speechfest and sent it to the Guinness World Records headquarters in England for approval.

"It was a great experience," said Laz Sanchez, one of the speakers. "I found out things about my friends that I never knew, and probably didn't ever want to know."

We are currently waiting for the official confirmation from the Guinness World Record Association that we broke the record.

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Muy Muy caliente…. caliente….

D47 Fall Conference Nov 5-7, 2010 in Miami!

Friday Night

“The “The Heat Heat Is Is On” On” Opening Opening Ceremony Ceremony & & Dinner Dinner Club/Member Club/Member Recognitions Recognitions Evaluation Evaluation Contest Contest Craig Craig Valentine Valentine Keynote Keynote “Cantina “Cantina Caliente” Caliente”

Saturday

First First Timers Timers Event Event Workshops, Workshops, including including by by Craig Craig Valentine Valentine District District Business Business Meeting Meeting Hall Hall of of Fame Fame Roast Roast Caliente Caliente Gala Gala Dinner Dinner Humorous Humorous Speech Speech Contest Contest DTM DTM Walk Walk “Cantina “Cantina Caliente” Caliente”

Featuring

Craig Valentine 1999 1999 World World Champion Champion Public Public Speaking Speaking www.craigvalentine.com www.craigvalentine.com

Sunday

Special workshop workshop by Craig Craig Valentine Valentine

Page Coming soon – more at more info info at18www.toastmastersd47.org www.toastmastersd47.org

The 2009/2010 Distinguished Clubs These Clubs have Distinguished themselves with Toastmasters International.

Congratulations to the following Clubs: 42 PRESIDENT’S DISTINGUISHED WITH 10 POINTS

55 PRESIDENT’S DISTINGUISHED WITH 9 POINTS

The First Bahamas Branch TM Club West Boca Club Gelfand Good Morning TM Club Donoghue-Dunedin Club St Petersburg Toastmasters Club THE NAVIGATORS South Dade Toastmasters Club Plantation Club

479 1425 1667 1810 1958 2004 2225 2508 3466

Toast Of The County Club Freeport Eagles Suncoast Toastmasters Club Tampa Club Sarasota Toastmasters Club Great Fort Lauderdale Delray Newsmakers Club Davie Toastmasters Treasure Coast TM Club

2652

Raymond James Toastmasters Club

3518

Sensor Toast Club

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Goldcoast TM Club Naples Toastmasters Club Achievers Club Boca Raton Club New Providence Branch Destined For Success TM Club Toast Of The Bay Toastmasters Club Boca Raton Noon TM Club Tampa Bay Toastmasters Club Carrollwood Toastmasters Freddy's Forum TM Club Talk Of The Town Club Weston Area TM Club Honeywell Toastmasters Club Telecom Park Toastmasters Cable Beach West Club Bill Gove Golden Gavel Club Healing Communicators Club Highrisers Toastmasters Club Universal Toastmasters Club Sarasota Herald-Tribune Club First Exuma Branch Club Positively Speaking TM Club Sawgrass TM Club Scotia Dynasty Club 21st Century Communicators Club Chickcharney Toastmasters Club Renaissance Speakers Clearwater Dynamic Persusaders NCCI Toastmasters The Soaring Orators of Johnson Park BOB Eagles

3659 4698 5222 5486 5701 5899 5985 6003 6026 7082 7108 7943 8248 8370 8664 8720 9086 9477 9491 9745 603123 612315 639107 646899 753494 763878 808677 933001 969012 969479 1034639

Early Bird Club Speakeasy Toastmasters Club Sunset Speakers TM Club Venice Area Club Electric Toasters Club Seminole-SPC Toastmasters Club Vocal Point Toastmasters Club Pembroke Pines Club Sarasota Evening Club Voice Of Champions Club Ernest T. Strachan Club Advanced TM Easy Talkers Club Palm Harbor Toastmasters West Kendall Toastmasters Club RiverWalk TM Club Great Persuaders Of Atlantis Club Office Depot TM Club Action Communicators Extraordinaire The Big Wheels Club Motorola Communicators Club Ceridian St. Pete Club Toastmasters N Transition First Edition Club Z-Speakeasy Club FirstCaribbean Toastmasters Assoc. Club T. Rowe Toasters Club Beacon Point Masters of Excellence Englewood Toastmasters C.H.M.I. Toastmasters Club VALPAK Toastmasters

1050379

E.T. Communicators

1095

Action For Achievement Club

1600 1978 2096 2166 2284 2437 2463 2582

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The 2009/2010 Distinguished Clubs 55 PRESIDENT’S DISTINGUISHED WITH 9 POINTS

31 SELECT DISTINGUISHED WITH 7 POINTS 619417 695546 704393 777513 839960 1126118 1146909 1206922 1305066

1051432 EpiCenter Toastmasters 1118683 1169566 1187415 1197988

BDPB Talking Heads Pro's Like Us Wellcare Toastmasters Power Speakers of MCG

1199193 1261950 1307407 1310937

Calvary Deliverance Hollywood Toastmasters HAT Advanced Club JABIL TOASTMASTERS

1347227 New York Life Communicators for Life 1361268 Bankers Toastmasters 1427169 Tampa Bay Women Speakers Club

1358961 B.U.T. Nation Builders 1360933 B.P.S.U. Majestic Marlins TM Club 1376226 High Voltage Voices

1702 2445 6587 589263 658738 831439 965328 1009227 1314025 1340647

Ft Myers Club Club Awesome Club Clearwater Talk Of The Town Club Power Speakers Club First Bahamas Law Enforcement Valrico Toastmasters Club Toast 'N Progress Club Landfall Abaco Lighthouse Beamers Legalites Toastmasters Club

7 DISTINGUISHED WITH 6 POINTS 9051 771864 965840 1216688 1289921 1373645 1406533

Cape Coral Toastmasters Club Metlife Motivators Club Tarpon Talkers WCR Palm Beaches Noon Toastmasters SERO Leaders FIS Toastmasters Sojourner-Douglass Platinum Achievers

20 DISTINGUISHED WITH 5 POINTS

31 SELECT DISTINGUISHED WITH 7 POINTS 22 861 911 1695 2449 2798 3003 4392 5725 6298 6544 6775 7306 7327 7343 8956 587295 602900

South Shore TM Club Engineers Toastmasters Club Middle Keys Toastmasters Club Sarasota Speakers Exchange TM Club Club Destiny The Point Toastmasters SBC Toastmasters Club Hobe Sound Toasters RBC Legends

1314283 Harvard Circle Toastmasters

1347294 Port Charlotte Toastmasters

10 SELECT DISTINGUISHED WITH 8 POINTS

(continued)

Palm Beach Noon TM Club Doral Toastmasters Club City Power Toastmasters Club Coral Gables Club Bradenton Toastmasters Club Miami Advanced TM Club Pompano Beach TM Collier Communique Club 1st Bahamas Hotel Union Club Key West Toastmasters Toast of The Coast TM Club Wellington TM Club Real Talkers Club Sarasota W.C.R. Toastmasters Club Cousteau Club Fort Myers Noontide TM Club Oldsmar Top of the Morning Club Bay Pines Club

2283 2923

Miracle Mile Toastmasters Club Tech Data Club

3278 3937 4267 5931 5933 6261 8437 9400 9822 680990 748133 1159751 1183468

Club V.O.I.C.E. Eckman Center Toast Of The Gold Coast Club Crossroads Club Star Toastmasters Serho Sundowners Club Port St. Lucie Speakers Toast of Las Olas Financial Connection Club JPMC Highlanders Club PwC Tampa Talks Club HDR Tampa Toastmasters Cordis Miami Lakes

1246196 BKC Toastmasters Club 1249370 Homestead Toastmasters 1293723 Miami Beach Toastmasters 1346588 Shriners International Headquarters 1390883 FCC Toastmasters Page 20

Club Anniversaries

Congratulations to these clubs celebrating in July & August!

Div Area Club Name

Club #

Anniversary

Chartered

I

84 Freeport Eagles

1425

38

8/1/1972

E

50 Brickell Club

7619

21

7/1/1989

E

55 West Kendall Toastmasters Club

8370

19

8/1/1991

A

10 Fort Myers Noontide Toastmasters Club

8956

18

7/1/1992

A

12 Toast of The Coast Toastmasters Club

6544

13

8/1/1997

B

21 Broward Advanced Toastmasters Club

3383

10

7/1/2000

B

20 Sawgrass Toastmasters Club

590751

7

8/19/2003

E

55 ADP Toastmasters

1070541

3

8/3/2007

B

22 BDPB Talking Heads

1118683

2

7/10/2008

H

91 The Point Toastmasters

1126118

2

8/8/2008

H

90 Clearwater Campus SPC Toastmasters

1365425

1

7/14/2009

G

73 FIS Toastmasters

1373645

1

8/13/2009

D

41 High Voltage Voices

1376226

1

8/17/2009

Celebrating 50 Years!

The Gold Coast Toastmasters Club will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary on Friday, September 24th (6:45pm—10:00pm) at the Mariott Hotel in Palm Beach Gardens. The event will include guest speakers (Gary Roberts—Magician and Motivator), dinner and dancing. The invitation is open to all Toastmasters. If you have any pictures or memories of this club from over the years, please contact Barbara Strasdas at Barbarastrasdas@gmail.com. Only $30 per person, if reserved by August 31, 2010.

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INSIDE STORY HEADLINE

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Members’ Accomplishments Miss Florida USA Lissette Garcia, a member of the Coral Gables Toastmaster's Club, was recently crowned Miss Florida USA!. Out of a contestant base of 22,000, only 65 won the next phase of the contest, representing their respective Florida counties. District 47 should be honored that we have Miss Florida USA in our district, as well as in Division E and Area 53!. The new officers of the Coral Gables Toastmasters club are: Teresa Martinez, President, Aimee Haftel, VP of Education, Pilar Del Carpio, VP of Membership, and our VP of Public Relations, Caitlin Murphy recently took a job in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she will continue as a toastmaster at a local club in Raleigh. The Treasurer is Yraida Guanipa, Secretary is Fasil Malik, and the Sergeant at Arms is Kenneth Karger. We are one of the oldest Toastmasters clubs in the State of Florida. We began in 1954 before women were even allowed to join. Some of our longer term members are Barbara & Andreas Papademetrio, who met at Toastmasters; as well as Daniel Stanley and Karen Fisher. We currently have 41 members, with an active guest list. We meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at the Miami Children's Hospital from 7pm to 9pm and we have a FREE ROOM. We are a diverse group and average about four speeches per meeting, sometimes having five speeches. We were one point short of Presidential Distinguished last year, but are shooting for it this year. Our Area 53 Governor is Mitch McInnes and our Division E Governor is Tony Vivaldi. Next time you’re in the Coral Gables Area on any 2nd or 4th Wednesday, please join us as a guest! You will not regret it. And who knows, perhaps you can meet MISS FLORIDA and have a nice photo op!

2010 Florida's 50s Pageant Winner Sheila Vitiello, DTM from Club Achievers (left) was privileged to crown her successor, Annette Watkins from Club Awesome (right) as the 2011 Florida's 50s Queen. Both women attribute Toastmasters in helping them develop their speaking skills which are so critical in the Interview portion of these contests. Annette will compete in the National Beauties of America Pageant in August. We wish her continued success!

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Members’ Accomplishments Table Topics Win the Job!

by Pam Lehr, ACB, ALB Member of Freddy’s Forum and Palm Beach Advanced Toastmasters, West Palm Beach, FL Impromptu speaking skills are important in many social and business settings including cocktail parties, meetings, and networking events. In today’s competitive job market, presenting yourself effectively in an interview can boost your chances at landing your next dream job.

I joined Toastmasters International four years ago to overcome my lifelong fear of public speaking.

I forced myself to reach outside my comfort zone by participating in Table Topics at club meetings, as well as in contests to hone my impromptu speaking skills.

When I was invited to interview for a new position at my workplace (the South Florida Water Management District), I considered this a prime opportunity to star in my own personal Table Topics session. Effective communication skills were required for the successful candidate and the interview was the place to demonstrate those skills. As a hiring manager for other positions, I had seen candidates stumble through interviews with long-winded answers that did not address the interviewer’s questions.

Prior to the interview, I tried to anticipate some of the questions that might be asked and mentally prepared a 2-3 minute response to highlight my experience. Typical interview questions include: “How does your experience qualify you as the best candidate for this position?”

“How have you handled a difficult challenge in the past?”

“What are your strengths/weaknesses?”

“How have you effectively led a team on a past project?”

“Why do you want this position?”

When the day arrived for my interview, I was able to relax and answer the interviewer’s questions with confidence. My Toastmasters experience definitely paid off.

I have collected a few “Best Table Topics” ribbons at my Toastmasters club meetings but this time I won the job! It worked for me and it can work for you too.

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Members’ Accomplishments

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