District Executive Council (DEC)
District Executive Support Team
Immediate Past District Governor Francis Molina, DTM
District Public Relations Officer Marlene Bryan, DTM
District Secretary Ruth Beck
District Treasurer Laura Thezine
District Sergeant at Arms
Thomas Plant
District Webmaster Stanley Lloyd
Division A
Division A Governor
Area 10 Governor
Heather Mahoney
Nayibi Naranjo
Area 11 Governor Jose Alvarado
Area 12 Governor
Area 13 Governor
Area 14 Governor
Division B Governor
Area 20 Governor
Area 21 Governor
Area 22 Governor
Claudia Plata
Antoinette Bailey
Clint Conliffe
Division B
Karen Lake
Sergiu Cohai
Kirsti Newcombe
Lynette Jones
Area 23 Governor Mark Ayers
Area 24 Governor
Division C Governor
Area 30 Governor
Area 31 Governor
Area 32 Governor
Area 33 Governor
David Carr
Division C
Michael Thorn, DTM
Robert Geller
Frederique Roggero
Martha Drescher
Marshall Isaacson
Area 34 Governor Martin Stockdale
Division D
Division D Governor Valerie Johnson, DTM
Area 40 Governor Norma Reubert
Area 41 Governor Sue Ness
Area 42 Governor Aimee Lucas
Area 43 Governor John Lee Hipps
Area 44 Governor Taiye B. Sangoyomi
Division E
Division E Governor Jason Stewart
Area 50 Governor Maria Connie Marianacci
Area 51 Governor Amir Gamliel
Area 52 Governor Umar Ahmed
Area 53 Governor Luevenia Sterling
Area 54 Governor Alan Stein, DTM
Area 55 Governor Michael Williams
Division F
Division F Governor Deborah Young, DTM
Area 60 Governor Jamere McIntosh
Area 61 Governor Kendrick Knowles
Area 62 Governor Vincent Edwards
Area 63 Governor Francisco Neily
Division I
Division I Governor Delmaro Duncombe, DTM
Area 90 Governor Franklyn Winder
Area 91 Governor Nikolette Elden
Area 92 Governor Sharmane Strachan
Area 93 Governor Adrian Carey
Area 94 Governor Tarell Knowles
3
Jeanine Kinsey, DTM Lt. Governor Education & Training
Anthony J. Longley, DTM District Governor
Louis Brown, DTM
Lt. Governor Marketing
2014-2016 International President
Toastmasters International
2015 District Conference
Dear District 47 leaders and guests:
When I registered for my first district conference in 1996, I didn't know what to expect. I worried about feeling le out, and I hoped I would not leave the conference feeling disappointed. But there was no need for worry. As soon as I finished registering at the front desk, it happened: The conference bug hit me and it has remained with me ever since.
Whether you are a first‐ mer or have been a ending conferences for many years, what unites all a endees is their desire to have fun and take advantage of the experience. What amazes me s ll is that the conference experience is not just the result of the endless hard work of the organizing commi ee, although that plays a crucial part in making it successful; it is the collec ve enthusiasm and energy of every one a ending, including you.
The Diamonds are Forever District conference is an amazing pla orm to for fying the member experience and is a stepping stone toward understanding the organiza on. Take full advantage of it to meet leaders, get educated and – most importantly– have fun! Because a er all, by par cipa ng, you control not only your experience but the experience of other a endees.
I wish your district great success and all the members a fun‐filled, exci ng conference.
Mohammed Murad, DTM Interna onal President Toastmasters Interna onal
4
Mohammed Murad, DTM
International Director Region 8
Greetings to all my District 47 Cousins!
60 years…who would have thought it? And the District doesn’t look a day over 30!!! I wish that were true of me since I recently celebrated my 60th birthday too. Imagine, District 47, me, Disneyland all came to be in 1955! Quite a year, eh?
I will always be glad I began my Toastmaster career in District 47. I cannot imagine a better place to be during those formative years. The friendships that were forged during those last couple of years before the 2008 reformation that created District 84 continue to be strong today. I will always feel as if District 47 is my second home and I look forward to my official visit next year. Until then, I wish each of you the very best for the next 60 and every year in-between!
Happy 60th Birthday, District 47!
5
Dennis E. Woodridge, DTM
2014-2016
District 47:
Congratulations for 60 years of investing in bettering the lives of yourselves and others! Most all I know about Toastmasters, I learned from those who proceeded me in District 47. As a result of their efforts, all of our lives are fuller and richer. I commend all of you and encourage you to continue to strive for excellence. Thank you to what you've done for me personally, and please accept my wishes for the district to enjoy another 60 years of excellence!
Dave Hollingshead Region 8 Advisor, Past International Director
6
David Hollingshead, DTM, PID 2014-2015 Regional Advisor Region 8
Anthony J. Longley, DTM
2014-2015 District Governor
Dear District 47 Diamonds and Guests,
I’m excited for this opportunity to cordially welcome you to our District 47 Spring Conference under the theme: “Diamonds are Forever”, in the beautiful city of Fort Lauderdale! A special welcome is extended to our First Timers. I hope when you leave here you’ll each take away diamond nuggets - knowledge that will further enhance your Toastmasters experience.
For 60 years, District 47 has been changing lives by polishing diamonds one member at a time! On the occasion of our Diamond Jubilee Anniversary, I’m elated to have as our special guest, International President-Elect, Jim Kokocki, DTM. I invite you to take time to meet Jim and make his acquaintance. I’m also personally looking forward to meeting each one of you this weekend, so please make it a point to introduce yourself.
I extend a huge thank you to our valuable 60 carat rare diamond - Conference Chair, Lydia Harris, DTM and her dynamic team of volunteers, including Division and Area Governors. Truly in District 47, “Diamonds are Forever”!
According to elitetraveler.com, currently the United States is the largest consumer of polished diamonds, thanks in no small part to gemstone juggernaut New York City. A whopping 50 percent of diamond sales worldwide take place in New York, where annual diamond sales can approach $34 b illion.
Like the diamond capitol of the world - New York City, District 47 (South East Florida and The Bahamas) has an abundance of diamonds at different carat values, based on their varying depths of experience. Over the next 2 days, you’ll have an opportunity to interact with many of them. Make the best of every moment and go back to your home club shining brighter with confidence.
Enjoy the fellowship and have a fabulous diamond experience. Happy Anniversary - District 47!
Toastfully,
Anthony (Tony) Longley, DTM District Governor, 2014 – 2015 “In Pursuit of Excellence”
7
Welcome to the District 47 Spring Conference!
You are about to be part of an amazing weekend full of fun, learning and celebrating our accomplishments over the last 60 years. Our Dazzling Diamond Jubilee Conference Team lead by the Stunning Lydia Harris has been working hard to ensure that you have an amazing experience.
Toastmasters is all about learning and helping others learn, so we have assembled some of our more experienced members to put on 12 Diamond Milling Workshops to help you Refine Your Sparkle as a speaker and leader. We are also excited to welcome our President Elect, Jim Kokocki, DTM to share with us.
Don’t forget to join us for the Diamond Showcases on Friday and Saturday night where our brightest diamonds will compete for the honor of being the Most Brilliant Table Topic and Most Stunning International Speech. Saturday Lunch is our District Birthday Party, and we gathered several of our past leaders to help us celebrate in style.
I encourage you to make some new friends, attend all of the sessions you can, and don’t forget to come to the after party!
I look forward to meeting all of you during the conference.
Jeanine Kinsey, DTM
8
2014-2015 Lt. Governor Marketing
Dear Dazzling Conference Attendee,
Welcome to our District 47 2015 Spring “Diamonds Are Forever” extravaganza – the culmination of 60 years of District 47 growth, progress and success! While much has changed since our birth in early 1955 much remains the same – including our deep belief in the power of effective communication and leadership and our desire to expand the benefits of Toastmasters to all those residing within our boundaries. In a nut shell, this means we continue to add more new clubs, more new members, and more fresh ideas!
Whether you are a first-timer or a conference veteran our Conference Chair, Lydia Harris, DTM and her team have prepared a special treat for you this weekend. You will witness the sparkle of our talented group of International Speech and Table Topics contestants. You will experience the brilliance of our polished workshop presenters. You will hear the shimmering words of our keynote speaker, 2014-2015 President Elect Jim Kokocki, DTM. And so much more! Take advantage of all our conference has to offer. 60th Anniversaries happen only once!
We have an amazing group of members in District 47. This event would not be possible if it were not for the time and talents of our member volunteers. Indeed, our first 60 years of success is due to the incredible support and leadership of our past and current district leaders. Thank you all for being an important part of our amazing organization.
Now, it’s time to shine! Yours “In Pursuit of Excellence!”
Louis Brown, DTM District 47 Lt. Governor Marketing
9
Louis Brown, DTM
Lydia Harris, DTM
Happy Anniversary & Welcome!
District 47 has 60 Years of crea ng rela onships between people like you and me and the hundreds you may see or talk to over the next few days. It is one of my greatest honors to serve as your 2015 Spring Conference Chair. I thank everyone who has given me assistance, insight, support, and an occasional glass of wine along this amazing jour‐ney.
I invite you to use the acronym S.I.X.T.Y. as a guide to experience the conference as richly as you desire.
S Set your conference goals. We have so much to share with you. Many have “mined” for a wealth of ac vi es and ideas to “dazzle” you. Your conference book will become a valuable tool. Use it to gather informa on, determine your schedule, locate ac vi‐es, figure out who’s who in the District, and even to possibly earn prizes; but most of all, use it to “Have FUN!” You are invited to “Bling It On” with our James Bond inspired elegance and allure, while connec ng with each other throughout this “Spring Bling” weekend. From “Diamond Chip” opportuni es to our “Hope Diamond” contests, enjoy all that you can while here and keep the com
munica ons flowing as we move through this Diamond Anniversary year.
I Implement your plans and inves gate your resources. You will see many opportuni es to learn, share and have fun. Once you review the Conference Schedule of Events, plan to a end workshops to “polish” your skills. Inves gate the resources available to share in person, online and those that can also be used to serve you, your clubs, your families and your communi es. Polish and Be Polished.
X Expand your mindset and your reach. Learn more about opportuni es for addi onal growth through servant leadership. Leaders past and present have gathered to share and celebrate YOU, our most valuable asset; our Toastmaster members. Your growth is the key to our value to all!
T Thank someone for assis ng in your achievements and connec ons. We want you to have plenty of 10 Carat “WOW” mo‐ments. Gra tude is a cri cal component of success. This conference could not exist without a “brilliant” team of volunteers and do‐nors. Many people want you to have such a “luminescent” experience that they gave their best freely. Allow me to thank you all.
Y YOU are the Diamond! Who decides your cut, clarity, color, carat and cer fica on? YOU decide what is important and begin the process. Set your sights on The Diamond Level of Excellence and surround yourself with great “diamond cu ers” to help you to share your brightest shine with the world!
May the many “facets” of YOU always “shine brightly” because a er all, Diamonds are Forever!
10
Message from your “Diamond Mining” Conference Chair
‐
11
Jim Kokocki, DTM, is an entrepreneur and business consultant residing in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. As a volunteer with the Saint John Board of Trade, he co-chairs the organization’s Business Education Committee. Kokocki previously worked for 30 years at telecommunications provider Bell Aliant and its related companies. He is currently completing a graduate degree at the University of New Brunswick, Saint John, where he previously earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
A dedicated Toastmaster for 27 years, Kokocki’s home club is Saint John Toastmasters in Saint John. He served on the Board of Directors from 2002 to 2004. In addition to having held a number of highprofile leadership positions within the organization, Kokocki also attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation — the highest level of achievement in Toastmasters.
“Toastmasters helped me understand the value in communicating widely, clearly and frequently about a team's objectives,” he says.
As Int'l President-elect, Kokocki is a “working ambassador” for the organization. Serving on the Board, he develops and supports the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.
Toastmaster Kokocki will be giving our Keynote Address on Friday Evening and will also be presenting two workshops during the weekend. Don’t miss out on meeting our incoming President and taking this opportunity to learn from him.
12
Jim Kokocki, DTM
2014-2015 President Elect
Toastmasters International
Her Excellency
Dame Marguerite Pindling, G.C.M.G. Governor General
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas Communication & Leadership Award Recipient
Dame Marguerite Pindling, widow of the first Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas the late Sir Lynden Pindling, was sworn in as the tenth Governor General of The Bahamas, on July 8, 2014. She served previously as Deputy to the Governor General, since June 2012.
“My dual life began just after our marriage,” she says. “We were married on May 05, 1956, and my husband was first elected to the House of Assembly on June 8 the same year.” She played an active role in the long, arduous efforts of Sir Lynden and his colleagues that eventually culminated with independence from Britain on July, 10, 1973. On March 21, 2007, she was honored by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, being named a Dame Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George. She received the honour for community service and her work in charity and politics.
Between 1976 and 1991, Dame Marguerite served as chairperson of the funding committee of The Bahamas Red Cross Society, and was the moving spirit behind the panel’s unprecedented success. “I knew the Red Cross was a national organisation, and as such, every Bahamian should be given the opportunity to contribute towards its operation,” she says. “In the past, the Red Cross directed most of its fundraising activities in New Providence, and I was determined to change this policy.” Dame Marguerite, therefore, organised successful Red Cross fairs in several other islands throughout The Bahamas. She led the drive to erect a new Red Cross headquarters in New Providence, securing a donation of four acres of land and raised $200,000 for the $800,000 building. She continues to actively help the Red Cross despite curtailing her civic duties. Additionally, she has an interest in the young and handicapped people of The Bahamas, assisting with their fund raising efforts over the years. Dame Marguerite also served as chairperson and official spokesperson of the Texaco National Library Project, where the goal was to collect 30,000 books for libraries in various communities. Dame Marguerite is one of 11 children born in Long Bay Cays, Andros Island, Bahamas to Mr. and Mrs. Reuben D. McKenzie, both deceased. She has two sons and two daughters – Obi, Leslie, Michelle and Monique. She is extremely fond and proud of her six grandchildren and their accomplishments. She continues to enjoy cooking and gardening.
13
Diamond Milling Refining your skills
Reaching Your Verdict - Being a 007 Judge (I, A)
11:00 AM—11:50 AM
Presented by: Greg Henry, DTM
Palm 3& 4—2nd Floor
Is a Contest Judge an Ar st or a Scien st? What comprises the role of judging a speech contest and sugges ons on how to reach a fair decision when called upon to do so.
Gregory Henry, DTM, first discovered Toastmasters in 2010, joining both Boca Raton and Boca Raton Noon Toastmasters Clubs. A year later, he took on leadership roles and was a charter member of the Boca Raton Advanced Toastmasters Club. In 2012 was President’s Dis nguished Area 31 Governor, and served as District Treasurer the following year. Gregory’s favorite role in Toastmasters has always been serving in a judicial capacity at Speech Contests on the Club, Area and Division levels. He has taken the necessary steps to learn the role, the rules and the expecta ons for judging in a fair, impar al and diligent manner. This experience has also provided him with the wis ‐dom and acumen required when facing difficult decisions, be they financial, me, or the ranking of speech contest compe ‐
Walk the Toastmasters Talk (I, A)
11:00 AM—11:50 AM
Presented by: Nakera Simms Symonette, DTM
Palm 1& 2—2nd Floor
Applying the Toastmasters Program to your daily life
Nakera joined Toastmasters in 2001 to fulfill a personal goal of becoming a more pro ficient speaker/presenter, and to enhance her leadership skills in an environment of collabora on, support and fun. Since then, she has been an ac ve member in Clubs 7178 and 7108. In Club 7178. Under her Presidency in 2004/2005, Club 7178 achieved President’s Dis nguished status and Club of the Year recogni on. In 2009, Nakera served as Area Gov ‐ernor for Division I and achieved President’s Dis nguished Area. The following year Nakera earned her DTM designa on. In 2013/2014, she served as President of the Ernest T. Strachan Adva nced Toastmasters Club 7108, leading that club to President Dis nguished Club status. Nakera works at CIBC FirstCaribbean Interna onal Bank as the Product & Sales Training Manager.
Write Before You Speak to create a Dazzling Speech (B, I)
Presented by: Kathy Frazier
11:00 AM—11:50 AM Citrus 3—2nd Floor
Interac ve workshop on process, ps, benefits of dra ing, edi ng, polishing and developing effec ve, eloquent presenta on.
Kathy Ruth Frazier, ATM‐B, CL first joined Toastmasters in 2001 in Augusta, Georgia. A er reloca on and a long sabba cal Kathy Ruth joined West Palm Beach in 2012. Kathy Ruth has over 40 years of experience in healthcare, holding mul ple cer fica ons in Medical Technology and Immuno Hematology with the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, a Masters in Healthcare Administra on and cer fica on as a Healthcare Safety Professional. Kathy Ruth has a passion for teaching and for the performing arts ‐ especially music, storytelling, and spoken word poetry. Her favorite stories pass along the rich history of the state of Georgia and the history of the birth of the blues in the Mississippi Delta. Her joy in Toastmasters is realizing personal growth goals and suppor ng her fellow Toastmasters as they step out of their comfort zones and grow.
34
37
39
Diamond Chip Contributors
Debbie Kest, DTM Delmaro Duncombe, DTM
A big Thank You to everyone who donated Raffle Prizes.
Grand Prize Winner of the Diamond Adventure wins a Free registra on ($199 value) to Ryan Avery’s Workshop.. Complete each ac vity for up to 3 changes to win!
47
Presented by: Barbara Strasdas, DTM & Maryam Khosravi
The 3 P's of a "Dazzling" presenta on (B, I)
Presented by: Marilyn Brown
Presented by: Lois Margolin
