DISTRICT 47
THE SUNSHINER Newsletter Title Organization Name
News from Southeast Florida and The Bahamas Volume 1, Issue 1
Newsletter Date
District 47: In Pursuit of Excellence
F 2014-2015 District Number 47
July 2014 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
New District leadership TLI Training dates June educational awards Club anniversaries District Highlights
Around the World Super Toastmaster from District 47 gains international attention by accomplishing an amazing feat. Pages 4, 5
Happy New Year! District 47 TRIO starts 20142015 season with messages that emphasize member experience, Pages 9 -18
Building #TM47 Brand Public Relations Officer Marlene Bryan invites you to help spread the word about Toastmasters International. Page 7
Looking Back Brand Outgoing District Governor Francis Molina recalls the triumphs of her administration and team in the “Finding the Talent Within.” Pages 23-25
ellow Toastmasters
Happy New Year! July 1, 2014 marked the dawn of a new day, marking the beginning of another Toastmasters fiscal year. I am honored by the privilege afforded me to serve as your District Governor during this historic Diamond Jubilee year, 2014-2015, leading to the 60th anniversary of District 47. During the past 12 months, we focused on “Finding the Talents Within” and many diamonds were discovered in the process. Our mantra this year, “In Pursuit of Excellence” synchronizes with the core Values of Toastmasters International: Integrity, Respect, Service and Excellence. It is my wish that as leaders at the club or district level we would lead by example as we urge our members to demonstrate “Integrity” in all dealings, to show “Respect” for self and fellow Toastmasters and to enhance the member experience by delivering the best “Service” possible. It’s no accident “Excellence” is positioned as the fourth Core Value. I firmly believe once we have integrity, show respect and render superior service. The end result will be “Excellence.” Therefore, it is clear from this why we must always be…“In Pursuit of Excellence!” In the months to come we will face new challenges and inevitably even some failures as this is all a part of the leadership experience. How will we overcome them? If we support each other and tap into the vast human and material resources available to us, we can overcome any challenge that confronts us. I wish to thank everyone who served our members this past year as a club or District leader and all who volunteered to assist in any way. To the incoming teams of Club and District Officers, on behalf of Lt. Governor Education & Training Damien Miller, DTM, and Lt. Governor Marketing Jeanine Kinsey, DTM, I welcome you. We are looking forward to working with you. Jack Welch wrote: “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others”. To me, this is the essence of Toastmasters…“WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE”. Have a fantastic year!
Anthony “Tony” Longley, DTM DISTRICT 47 GOVERNOR, 2014-2015
MEET #TMD47 THE SUNSHINER Published by Toastmasters International District 47: Southeast Florida and The Islands of The Bahamas. Submit articles, questions and comments to sunshiner@toastmastersd47.org. DISTRICT 47 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE District Governor Anthony "Tony" Longley, DTM Lt. Governor Education and Training Damien KT Miller, DTM Lt. Governor Marketing Jeanine Kinsey, DTM District Public Relations Officer Marlene M. Bryan, DTM District Secretary Ruth Field Beck, ACB/CL District Treasurer Laura Thezine, ACS/ALB District Sergeant At Arms Thomas Plant, ACB/ALB Immediate Past District Governor Francis Molina, DTM
This newsletter is your voice; use it!
W
ords have long fascinated me. As a child, conversations among adults held my attention for hours as I devoured every syllable and phrase. Even though I didn’t know the meanings, I knew I would eventually. The dictionary was a constant companion and true friend. At heart, I am a wordsmith. So it’s no wonder that I gravitated to Toastmasters after nearly 30 years in print journalism. The well-constructed speeches send me into orbit; I relish meetings because I know I’m in for a treat. Words give us a voice. The Sunshiner in a sense is the collective voice for District 47. It is your voice. In the 2014-2015 Diamond Jubilee season, we want you to claim this publication as your own. Each month, Diamond Jubilee Chairman Hieu Huynh, DTM, will feature anniversaries of district clubs that celebrate their birthday. More features are in store. As I begin this journey as editor, I’d like to thank District Governor Tony Longley, DTM, for this tremendous opportunity, and Public Relations Officer Marlene Bryan, DTM, for pushing me to go well beyond my comfort zone. I also want to thank the members of my home club, Universal Toastmasters, for cheering on the sidelines, especially my local mentor, Maurice Fuller, DTM.
Division Governors Div. A: Heather Mahoney, ACS/ALB Div. B: Karen Lake, ACB/ALB Div. C: Michael Thorn, DTM Div. D: Valerie Johnson, ACB/ALB
Andrea Robinson, ACB/CL Sunshiner Editor CLUB CHARTER ANNIVERSARIES FOR JULY 2014
Div. E: Jason Stewart, ACS/CL Div. F: Deborah Young, DTM Div. I: Delmaro Duncombe, DTM
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary greetings are extended to the following clubs. Thank you for your contribution to the growth and success
OTHER DISTRICT OFFICERS
of District 47. On behalf of District Governor Tony Longley, the District
TLI Training Coordinator: Antoinette Fox, DTM
Executive Committee, and all members across South Florida and Islands of The Bahamas, we wish you a successful, President’s Distinguished Year!
Contest Coordinator: Fall Conference Chair: Diana Loy, DTM Spring Conference Chair: Lydia Harris, DTM
Club Name
Number
Division/Area
Charter date
Years
Brickell Toastmasters
7619
E/52
7/1/89
25
Parliamentarian: Audit Chair: Glenn Parks, ACS/CL
BDPB Talking
1118683
B/22
7/10/08
6
Central Bank
2597579
F/63
7/1/12
2
Club Coach & Advocate Chair: Beverly Cordner, DTM Webmaster: Stanley Lloyd, CC
Social Media Chair: Maria Alexandra Sanchez, DTM Sunshiner Editor: Andrea Robinson, ACB/CL Copy Editors/Proofreaders: Hieu Huynh, Ruth Field Beck
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From Lt. Gov. Education and Training: We have the tools!
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his fiscal year our District is “In Pursuit of Excellence”, and we do so by ensuring that we are the first-choice provider of dynamic, high-value communication and leadership skills development in the region. As Lieutenant
Governor Education & Training, I hold a firm commitment to ensure every Club in our District possesses the tools to achieve excellence and every member has the best opportunity to realize their potential through hard work and perseverance. This year, I wish to define Education & Training through empowerment, encouragement and enlightenment. I desire for all our members to strive for and achieve their personal goals, within Toastmasters and beyond, and will do so through focusing on five areas, namely: -
Improving District & Club Officer Training
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Recognizing and encouraging Educational & Leadership achievement
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Producing stellar Contests and training quality competitors
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Producing memorable Conferences and training forums
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Ensuring district wide understanding of the Toastmasters Educational Program
Our Toastmasters Leadership Institute is currently in full swing. Thus, I challenge all Club Officers to take advantage of these special sessions as these high quality, dynamic gatherings are geared to equip all officers with much knowledge and resources to support every member in the year ahead. We next move into our first round of competition with the Humorous Speech & Evaluation Contests. Contests are of great benefit to all involved and they help us flex our muscles in our training. So make the most of this contest experience and you will find success. I encourage every member to set or revisit your personal Toastmasters goals for the year ahead and into the future. What educational or leadership award can you achieve? How will that translate in your everyday life? Will it mean a promotion at work or a better relationship with someone close to you? Whatever your motivation, an educational award has impetus to change your life. I’m looking forward to sending you a congratulatory email soon!! In our district’s rich history we have achieved highly and seen much change in the Toastmasters world. However our one constant should be that we should always be “in pursuit of excellence”. This year is no different. I challenge you to learn as I have from the mistakes of the past, embrace the challenges of the future and aspire for personal achievement in your own right. Do this not for Toastmasters International nor for District 47, but for YOU. Your achievements are what we shall celebrate if you continue to meet your personal challenges head on. Yours in the pursuit of excellence!
Damien K T Miller, DTM LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR EDUCATION & TRAINING 3
Daily meetings? Not a problem for District 47’s Super Toastmaster! Editor’s note: DTM Abby Ross has more than a passion for Toastmasters International. It is her way of life. Recently, she embarked on a personal journey to attend at least one Toastmasters Club meeting per day for a year. Public Relations Officer Marlene Bryan, DTM, posed a few questions to Abby to find out how she accomplished that feat. 1) What was the impetus for you to set the goal of visiting??? (How many was your target) per day? I love Toastmasters! I love meeting people who, just like me, want to learn, grow and improve themselves and of course, have fun. After I earned my DTM, Distinguished Toastmaster Award in 2001 I thought I was done with Toastmasters. After a while I even stopped attending meetings. Many years elapsed. Then 2 years ago I found myself telling a law student in my hot yoga class that I thought he would love Toastmasters. I even told him I would meet him at a Toastmaster meeting although it had been more than ten years since I had been to a meeting. When I arrived at the Brickell Toastmasters meeting I saw his message that something came up the last minute and he could not attend. I had already parked my car and so into the meeting I walked. I was “Home sweet home”. I was flooded with the goodness of this incredible 90 year Toastmaster organization. The next day I went online to find another meeting and found one: Gelfand Good morning Toastmasters that meets on Saturday mornings in Hollywood. What a well-run club that turned out to be! I met you, there, Marlene! I was hooked, once again. I’m a retired psychologist now and so I have the time to visit clubs and so each day I looked for a club to visit. It’s so easy. Just go to Toastmasters.org and type in your zip code and how far you want to travel. You have a choice of 10, 25 or 50 miles. 2) What was your greatest challenge in accomplishing this goal? Getting to the meetings. I am serious. I have no sense of direction. My GPS has a man with a crisp British accent. His word of the day is usually “recalculating” as he constantly has to redirect me as I always manage to somehow get lost. Combine that with all the road construction in Dade and Broward County and add some rain and that concerns me more than any Table Topic about “Abby, How would you solve World Peace” (the answer to that by the way is to have every high school student become a Toastmaster) Choosing which meetings to attend. There are often so many clubs to choose from on a certain day.
3) How did your family handle this endeavor? 4
Daily meetings? Not a problem for District 47’s Super Toastmaster! My husband, David, is an incredible person who supports my passion for Toastmasters. He was a trial lawyer and enjoyed completing the CC Manual 15 years ago with me. Often he drives me to meetings. He knows when I get into the car or walk into our apartment I will usually say, “I love Toastmasters!” On June 20th we celebrated our 43rd Anniversary. We were in Colorado visiting friends and I went to a Boulder Toastmaster meeting in the morning and a Denver Toastmaster meeting at noon. During the year “streak” I gave 166 speeches. All 3 of my kids are “private kind” of kids and prefer I don’t speal about them. C’mon, 166 speeches, you know something about them had to leak out. I do respect their privacy and only last week in one of my clubs a member came up to me afterwards and said “I didn’t know you had kids.” I think my kids would like that. 4) What was the most number of clubs you visited in one day? Four. That happened a couple of times because I visited a club that met at 3 o’clock so I found myself at a morning, noon and evening meeting plus that one. 5) What was the farthest club you visited from where you live? Seoul Korea 6) Overall what did you discover and how did it impact your life today? I am just beginning to make sense out of the richness of this experience. It’s clear to me that Toastmasters is the best bargain in town for learning how to communicate, make wonderful friends and to learn about myself. I learned how to really be flexible (and not just “yoga flexible”) and try new speeches and roles in a very supportive environment. My life was impacted by meeting hundreds of special people and hearing their stories and observing their ways of communicating. Leadership is not what I joined for and I am so grateful for that important part of Toastmasters because I was pushed to assume roles before I thought I was “ready” I learned not to be so hard on myself. I still forget to use the word of the day but I no longer worry about it when I leave the meeting. I learned how important it is to organize any speech whether it be a 1 minute Table Topic speech or a keynote. I learned that Toastmasters is far more than counting my “er’s and “ah’s” (and am forever grateful to my home club South Dade Toastmasters where the same ol big tin bucket has been used for 40 plus years and is still used and nails are dropped into it when a filler word is used. It sure does the trick and gets rid of those extra words I learned that Toastmaster is the best gift I have ever given myself and I want to continue to mentor others to realize their full potential.
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“I am here to help each of you in your own personal pursuit of excellence …”
M
ission Accomplished! That was the buzz phrase for the
members of Destino Toastmasters as they celebrated the first anniversary of the chartering of their club.
From Our District Lt. Governor of Marketing
Members and club sponsor DTM Maria Alexandra
Jeanine Kinsey, DTM
Sanchez gathered for fellowship and reflections. They
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR MARKETING
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were joined by Division A members, including Area Governor Charles M. Taylor and DTM Shakira Taylor, both of whom played pivotal roles in
elcome to the Jubilee Year for District 47! It is my
mentoring and inspiring the young club.
privilege to serve as your Lieutenant Governor
Marketing for this exciting celebratory year, and I need your help to
Club leaders, Ivonne Fernandez, Harold Silva, Erika
make it a record year for our members. We already have several
Ruiz, Weston Msikita and Franco Llerena deserve
new club leads in the works and more are coming in every day. We
kudos for this great milestone accomplished!
also have clubs that need some extra help to help in their "pursuit of excellence" this year. To support all of these clubs, there are workshops being offered at every TLI this summer to help our experienced members learn how to become Club Sponsors, Mentors, Coaches and Advocates. I will also be working closely with our PRO and her team to spread the word about Toastmasters through the efforts her team is already working on so that more people have the opportunity to pursue excellence for themselves. Most importantly, I am here to help each of you in your own personal pursuit of excellence in any way that I can because when each of us succeeds at our goals, the entire team succeeds. Please let me know how I can support you as I ask you to support me as we all "Pursue Excellence" together!
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Public Relations Corner:
HELP US STRENGTHEN OUR BRAND!
I
t is exciting to be appointed as your District 47 Public Relations Officer (PRO). As the incoming PRO it is one of my duties to ensure that the District 47 Brand is made known throughout our communities and our district. But I cannot do this alone. We need a team of people to spread the wonderful news about the benefits of being a Toastmaster of D47. Our Public Relations Team consists of: Stanley Lloyd, Webmaster; Andrea Robinson, Editor of the Sunshiner; Maria Alexandra Sanchez, Social Media Chair; and John Schneyer, District Lead Photographer. With the assistance of these talented folks and your support, we desire to share great news, tips and marketing training to the members of District 47. It started on July 1, 2014 with the Welcome Video from our District Governor, Tony Longley. Expect to see more video messages. We will upload them via a link to our D47 website: www.toastmastersd47.org. There are many incoming Vice President of Public Relations Officers in clubs for the new year. The D47 PR team will be conducting webinars throughout the year to share great tips for getting the word out about your clubs. These events will be announced via the website and directly to the VPPRs. Our Webmaster, Stanley Lloyd, has been updating our website with upcoming events such as the Districtwide Toastmasters Leadership Institutes that are scheduled through Aug. 16, 2014. Please visit the website to register for these events. Andrea Robinson, Editor of the Sunshiner, will be reaching out to the clubs, areas, divisions and district for submission of articles. Don’t be shy. Share your knowledge, congratulate someone within your club or celebrate a special win by sending her information to post in the Sunshiner. Maria Alexandra Sanchez will be sharing tips, event happenings and much more via Twitter (#TMD47), Facebook Group (Toastmasters D47), Linked In and other social media sites to communicate with you all. If you are on Facebook, please request access to the group if you have not done so yet. John Schneyer will be working with each appointed Public Relations Officer in the divisions to ensure we capture images of all the great events and share them with you. Finally, we will be conducting contests on a club, area, and division level to recognize groups that are doing a great job in promoting District 47 and Toastmasters in general. We will share the details about these contests soon. On behalf of our Public Relations Team, we wish you a Happy New Toastmasters Year!
Marlene M. Bryan, DTM PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
Stanley Lloyd
Andrea Robinson
Maria Alexandra Sanchez, DTM 7
John Schneyer
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PLAN FOR SUCCESS: District 47 Governor Tony Longley lays out points for the incoming leadership.
Longely sets the tone for a brand new year in District 47!
E
In the training session for the 2014-2015 Division and Area Governors, Longley announced his theme: In Pursuit of Excellence. He urged leaders to stress that idea with members at every level. About 40 people attended the daylong training at Broward College, Davie Campus.
xcellence is the expectation in this Jubilee year.
That idea from District 47 Governor Anthony J. “Tony” Longley was at the forefront on June 14 as incoming and outgoing leaders gathered for training and strategizing in the new Toastmasters year. This is a special time as the district observes its Diamond Jubilee in 2015.
The training also featured presentations by Miller, Kinsey and outgoing District Governor Francis Molina, who gave leaders tips on how to use tools on the Toastmasters International website to make their jobs easier.
Longley — along with TRIO members Damien KT Miller, Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training, and Jeanine Kinsey, Lieutenant Governor of Marketing — mapped out their district success plan with messages that strongly emphasized the needs of members.
Other presenters included past District Governor Matt Kinsey, past Treasurer Greg Henry and Lydia Harris, a former division governor. She conducted an interactive and humorous presentation with the incoming division governors on the Dos and Don’t’s of being an area governor. TRIO members Miller and Kinsey assisted.
Awards and accolades are important, Longley said, but “it’s all about service for our members. The rest will take care of itself and fall into place. 9
SCENES FROM THE DEC TRAINING LONGLEY LAUNCHES ERA IN PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
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12
13
14
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DISTRICT 47 EDUCATIONAL AWARDS JUNE 2014 Congratulations to these Toastmasters... …on earning Competent Communicator (CC) Award. Toastmaster
Date Awarded …
Club
Club #
Div .
Area
8370
E
54
120077 8 9400
F
62
B
22
2903
C
33
329915 6 120077 8 2225
C
30
F
62
C
30
Aguilar, Stefannie A
6/29/2014
West Kendall Toastmasters Club 8370
Albury, Andrew Clement Alphonso Arbe, Audrye
6/30/2014
Dynamic Persuaders
6/4/2014
Toast of Las Olas
Arbel, Eran
6/10/2014
Achievers Club
Bast, Dorothy H.
6/25/2014
City of Delray Beach
Bastian, Deborah
6/30/2014
Dynamic Persuaders
Becker, Cindy M.
6/27/2014
Delray Newsmakers Club
Beckles, Cynthia E.
6/20/2014
RiverWalk Toastmasters Club
8664
D
44
Braica, Neil
6/29/2014
Pembroke Isles Toastmasters
A
11
Brown, Colin
6/29/2014
West Kendall Toastmasters Club 8370
256621 7 8370
E
54
Bryan, Marlene M.
6/4/2014
13
6/29/2014
324892 3 3956
A
Burrows, Leonardo
The Fountain of New Life Toastmasters Club Destined For Success Toastmasters Club
I
90
Cartwright, Manassa D.
6/28/2014
Soaring Eagles Club
I
94
Davis, Dwayne Allen
6/29/2014
Ernest T. Strachan Club Advanced TM Club
288857 9 7108
I
92
Davis, Philip E.
6/29/2014
Ernest T. Strachan Club Advanced TM Club
7108
I
92
Dean, Randy E.
6/25/2014
P.T.A.B. Toastmasters Club
F
62
Dou, Remy
6/16/2014
Coral Gables Club
136057 9 1695
E
53
Dubin, Lyle M
6/27/2014
Seminole Casino Hollywood Toastmasters
A
12
Edwards, Carol
6/2/2014
West Broward Toastmasters
B
24
Evans, Margaret Angela
6/16/2014
Hollywood Toastmasters
A
12
Feil, Kristina D.
6/19/2014
Stuart Martin Chamber
D
40
Ferguson, Rachel A.
6/23/2014
B.U.T. Nation Builders
I
92
Fondiler, Laurie Ann
6/16/2014
Freddy's Forum Toastmasters Club
134803 4 157503 0 126195 0 223149 3 135896 1 5173
D
44
Fox, Sarsha A.
6/17/2014
Club Destiny
839960
I
93
Gassko, Irene
6/27/2014
Palm Beach Advanced Toastmasters
D
43
Gersene, Claude
6/16/2014
Gold Coast Toastmasters Club
151012 0 2727
D
43
Gerstenkorn, Rhea-Lyn
6/27/2014
City of Delray Beach
C
30
Gushehina, Marina
6/26/2014
Givers Gain Toastmasters
329915 6 896304
B
20
Hollingsworth, Syrena
6/27/2014
Abaco Lighthouse Beamers
I
93
Horkott, Sharon
6/8/2014
The Palm Beach Toastmasters Club
D
43
Ingraham, Regina E
6/28/2014
Soaring Eagles Club
I
94
Kelly, Andre
6/29/2014
Destined For Success Toastmasters Club
131402 5 158857 5 288857 9 3956
I
90
18
DISTRICT 47 EDUCATIONAL AWARDS JUNE 2014 Div Toastmaster
Date awarded
Club
Kinsler, Todd A.
6/19/2014
LexisNexis Risk Boca Raton
Kourbetis, Dimitrios
6/27/2014
Team Titan Toastmasters Club
Lake, Karen A.
6/23/2014
BPB Talking Heads
Lightbourn, Tre
6/14/2014
The Luminaries 1510789
Linde, Orin
6/10/2014
Lorthe, Harry
Club #
Area C
32
C
31
B
22
I
91
Treasure Coast Toastmasters Club
270955 6 174707 6 111868 3 151078 9 3466
D
40
6/7/2014
Power Speakers Club
589263
B
22
McGuire, Dan
6/24/2014
LexisNexis Risk Boca Raton
C
32
McIntosh, Jevon H.
6/27/2014
Ernest T. Strachan Club Advanced TM Club
270955 6 7108
I
92
Merritt, Rachel
6/13/2014
BPB Talking Heads
B
22
Morell, Tim
6/24/2014
Talk Of The Town Club
111868 3 5390
D
43
Moreno, Euclides
6/3/2014
Miami Toastmasters en Espa単ol
971
E
50
Morris, Jessica S.
6/12/2014
High Voltage Voices
D
41
Munyariwa, Ruvarashe A.
6/11/2014
Sunset Speakers Toastmasters Club
137622 6 5222
D
43
Naranjo, Nayibi
6/3/2014
Weston Area Toastmasters Club
5758
A
10
Neely Morrison, Royanne D.
6/17/2014
63
6/20/2014
I
92
Newman, Laura
6/26/2014
Givers Gain Toastmasters
136093 3 135896 1 896304
F
Nelson, Lisa
B.P.S.U. Majestic Marlins Toastmasters Club B.U.T. Nation Builders
B
20
Nixon, Suzette
6/16/2014
Healing Communicators Club
7178
F
60
Noronha, Ravi J.
6/27/2014
Central Bank Controllers
F
63
Pettway, Kenitha
6/20/2014
Bill Gove Golden Gavel Club
259757 9 6818
C
30
Pigatt, Matthew Anthony
6/9/2014
13
6/29/2014
F
63
Pomares, Jose A.
6/20/2014
324892 3 136093 3 971
A
Pinder, John
The Fountain of New Life Toastmasters Club B.P.S.U. Majestic Marlins Toastmasters Club Miami Toastmasters en Espa単ol
E
50
Recalde, Fernando E
6/20/2014
Motorola Communicators Club
9745
B
23
Regueira, Rick
6/10/2014
Doral Toastmasters
861
E
51
Rieck, Kristin
6/27/2014
Secure Speakers Toastmaster Club
D
42
Ross, Abby Lynn
6/27/2014
E
54
Ross, Abby Lynn
6/19/2014
Miami Advanced Toastmasters Club (CTM's) South Dade Toastmasters Club
177006 7 2798 2463
E
53
Ross, Abby Lynn
6/13/2014
South Dade Toastmasters Club
2463
E
53
Russell, Samovia D.
6/18/2014
The Soaring Orators of Johnson Park
F
62
Santiago, Heber
6/18/2014
Sunset Speakers Toastmasters Club
122760 5 5222
D
43
Schwartz, Carole E.
6/17/2014
Achievers Club
2903
C
33
Segal, Frederick D
6/9/2014
Club Awesome Toastmasters
2445
B
24
Simms-Symonette, Nakera S.
6/27/2014
Ernest T. Strachan Club Advanced TM Club
7108
I
92
Teame Chierici, Simon
6/16/2014
Miami Beach Toastmasters
E
52
Vargas, Michelle
6/10/2014
Doral Toastmasters
129372 3 861
E
51
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DISTRICT 47 EDUCATIONAL AWARDS JUNE 2014 Toastmaster
Date Awarded …
Club
Walker, Shawn L
6/13/2014
Club Awesome Toastmasters
Williams, Michelle Moneik
6/25/2014
Achievers of Excellence
Wilmott-Burrows, Theresa P.
6/30/2014
Dynamic Persuaders
Wilson, Joanne Arnette
6/25/2014
Achievers of Excellence
Young, Deborah D.
6/30/2014
Dynamic Persuaders
Zondervan, Daniel E.
6/18/2014
Juno How To Talk
Zuckerman, Rob
6/21/2014
WCR Palm Beaches Noon Toastmasters
Club #
Div .
Area
2445
B
24
181170 2 120077 8 181170 2 120077 8 243931 4 121668 8
F
62
F
62
F
62
F
62
D
41
C
31
Club #
Div.
Area
8664
D
44
F
62
…on earning Advanced Communicator Bronze (ACB) Award. Toastmaster
Date Awarded…
Club
Ahlijah, Koffi W
6/28/2014
RiverWalk Toastmasters Club
Albury, Andrew Clement Alphonso
6/30/2014
Dynamic Persuaders
Antolik, Patricia A.
6/27/2014
Gold Coast Toastmasters Club
120077 8 2727
D
43
Bayere, Michael Omolayo
6/19/2014
Miami Dade Toastmasters Club
8251
E
52
Beckles, Cynthia E.
6/20/2014
RiverWalk Toastmasters Club
8664
D
44
Bonaby, Charmaine
6/18/2014
Abaco Lighthouse Beamers
I
93
Butler, Jeffery
6/24/2014
Pinnacle Seekers
F
60
Chingmei, Yeh
6/5/2014
131402 5 151332 5 319658 7 2266
C
33
Cingel, David B.
6/9/2014
Coral Springs Chinese Bilingual Toastmasters Proud Speakers Club
Crystal, Lydia
6/20/2014
WCR Palm Beaches Noon Toastmasters
Davidson, Julianna V.
6/20/2014
Farrington, Datus J.
B
21
C
31
Sawgrass Toastmasters Club
121668 8 590751
B
23
6/24/2014
Chickcharney Toastmasters Club
971904
F
60
Fletcher, Celia A.
6/27/2014
Secure Speakers Toastmaster Club
D
42
Foote, Sharon F.
6/20/2014
BPB Talking Heads
B
22
Foster, Clement
6/27/2014
Ernest T. Strachan Club Advanced TM Club
177006 7 111868 3 7108
I
92
Hanna, Donna D.
6/11/2014
The Soaring Orators of Johnson Park
F
62
Harris, Lydia
6/24/2014
Beacon Point Advanced
122760 5 808677
A
10
Hartman, Richard S.
6/20/2014
The Palm Beach Toastmasters Club
D
43
Lapp, Mary Ellen
6/10/2014
Key West Toastmasters
158857 5 6298
E
55
Martin, Oris B.
6/26/2014
ACTS Florida Region
C
32
Meiri, Natalie
6/27/2014
Gold Coast Toastmasters Club
145215 9 2727
D
43
Moxey, Martiniqua
6/6/2014
Central Bank Controllers
F
63
Munroe, Nicole
6/20/2014
B.U.T. Nation Builders
I
92
Neilly, Spurgeon E.
6/28/2014
The Trailblazers
F
62
Ness, Sue
6/2/2014
Juno How To Talk
D
41
Palacious, LeVerne
6/24/2014
Pinnacle Seekers
259757 9 135896 1 157764 7 243931 4 151332 5
F
60
20
DISTRICT 47 EDUCATIONAL AWARDS JUNE 2014 Riano, Alejandro
6/10/2014
Doral Toastmasters
861
E
51
Ross, Abby Lynn
6/10/2014
South Dade Toastmasters Club
2463
E
53
Serra-Rivera, Kim M.
6/3/2014
Bill Gove Golden Gavel Club
6818
C
30
Stockdale, Martin
6/25/2014
Achievers Club
2903
C
33
Talbot, Soria
6/19/2014
High Voltage Voices
137622 6
D
41
on earning Advanced Communicator Silver (ACS) Award.
…
Toastmaster
Date Awarded…
Club
Club #
Div.
Area
120077 8 839960
F
62
I
93
Sunset Speakers Toastmasters Club
5222
D
43
Palm City Orators
8181
D
41
6/9/2014
Bill Gove Golden Gavel Club
6818
C
30
6/25/2014
Beacon Point Advanced
808677
A
10
Club #
Div.
Area
2225
C
30
Albury, Andrew Clement Alphonso Foster, Angelique
6/30/2014
Dynamic Persuaders
6/16/2014
Club Destiny
Newman, Eloise Anita
6/28/2014
Plant, Thomas Gray
6/18/2014
Silver, Christel Thezine, Laura
…on earning Advanced Communicator Gold (ACG) Award. Toastmaster
Date Awarded…
Drescher, Martha C.
6/3/2014
Delray Newsmakers Club
Moss, Roston T.
6/26/2014
Club Destiny
839960
I
93
Paltanavich, David J.
6/5/2014
Club Paradise
156780 8
C
31
Club
…on earning Competent Leader (CL) Award. Date Awarded…
Club
Club #
Div.
Area
Aguiar, Teresa E.
6/2/2014
Key West Toastmasters
6298
E
55
Beckles, Cynthia E.
6/20/2014
Wellington Toastmasters Club
6775
D
44
Beckles, Cynthia E.
6/20/2014
RiverWalk Toastmasters Club
8664
D
44
Blake, Andrea
6/11/2014
Sunset Speakers Toastmasters Club
5222
D
43
Davis, Frankie M.
6/5/2014
13
6/3/2014
324892 3 2727
A
Doyle, Scott
The Fountain of New Life Toastmasters Club Gold Coast Toastmasters Club
D
43
Exizian, Diana
6/27/2014
Secure Speakers Toastmaster Club
D
42
Gibson, Cyprian A.
6/29/2014
Ernest T. Strachan Club Advanced TM Club
177006 7 7108
I
92
Gongora, Ernesto
6/29/2014
Ernest T. Strachan Club Advanced TM Club
7108
I
92
Hedgepeth, Sue M.
6/20/2014
Stuart Martin Chamber
D
40
House, Jacqueline D
6/7/2014
Miami Lakes Club
223149 3 6568
A
14
Kinsler, Todd A.
6/28/2014
LexisNexis Risk Boca Raton
C
32
Knowles, Glender
6/27/2014
Abaco Lighthouse Beamers
I
93
Neely Morrison, Royanne D.
6/17/2014
F
63
Picado, Francisco
6/24/2014
B.P.S.U. Majestic Marlins Toastmasters Club Port St. Lucie Speakers
270955 6 131402 5 136093 3 8437
D
40
Pinder, John
6/29/2014
B.P.S.U. Majestic Marlins Toastmasters Club
136093 3
F
63
Toastmaster
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DISTRICT 47 EDUCATIONAL AWARDS JUNE 2014 Toastmaster
Date Awarded …
Club
Club #
Div.
Area
Ross, Abby Lynn
6/25/2014
South Dade Toastmasters Club
2463
E
53
Ross, Abby Lynn
6/24/2014
2798
E
54
Ross, Abby Lynn
6/22/2014
Miami Advanced Toastmasters Club (CTM's) South Dade Toastmasters Club
2463
E
53
Ross, Abby Lynn
6/13/2014
South Dade Toastmasters Club
2463
E
53
Ross, Abby Lynn
6/10/2014
South Dade Toastmasters Club
2463
E
53
Russell, Nathalie N
6/15/2014
Soaring Eagles Club
I
94
Schneider, Charles
6/27/2014
Secure Speakers Toastmaster Club
D
42
Thompson, Elbert C.
6/29/2014
Action For Achievement Club
288857 9 177006 7 1095
I
94
Valdes, Mariposa
6/28/2014
Gelfand Good Morning Toastmasters Club
2096
A
12
Wiggan, Patrice
6/10/2014
Achievers Club
2903
C
33
Woodbury, Lisa
6/24/2014
American Express Communication Club
B
23
Young, Deborah D.
6/30/2014
Dynamic Persuaders
141577 2 120077 8
F
62
…on earning Advanced Leader Bronze (ALB) Award. Toastmaster
Date Awarded…
Club
Albury, Andrew Clement Alphonso Beckles, Cynthia E.
6/30/2014
Dynamic Persuaders
6/24/2014
Wellington Toastmasters Club
Beckles, Cynthia E.
6/20/2014
RiverWalk Toastmasters Club
Bryan, Marlene M.
6/26/2014
Seminole Casino Hollywood Toastmasters
Burgess, Carolyn C
6/18/2014
Talk Of The Town Club
Gutierrez, Jose
6/20/2014
BPB Talking Heads
Jordan, Denni
6/24/2014
South Dade Toastmasters Club
Longley, Anthony J.
6/27/2014
Ernest T. Strachan Club Advanced TM Club
Shrader, Jessica Marie
6/11/2014
High Voltage Voices
Club #
Div.
Area
120077 8 6775
F
62
D
44
8664
D
44
134803 4 5390
A
12
D
43
111868 3 2463
B
22
E
53
7108
I
92
137622 6
D
41
Club #
Div.
Area
188826 8
C
32
…on earning Leadership Excellence (LDREXC) for completion of HPL project. Toastmaster
Thorn, Michael E.
Date Awarded…
6/27/2014
Club
Boca Raton Advanced Toastmasters
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Outgoing District Governor recaps the year of “Finding the Talent Within”
Dear Members of District 47, It’s unbelievable that it already has been a year! I can’t help but feel somewhat nostalgic as I reflect on all accomplishments this year and what’s left to be done. We started this year with one mission: “Finding the Talent Within.” This mission has been so important because through finding the talent within ourselves, our clubs, and our leaders we have been able to accomplish many tasks for our District. It hasn’t been easy by any means but it has been significantly rewarding. There was no question in my mind that when I took this office, I would find an equal balance of successes and challenges not only to keep me humble but also to help me grow.
“We don’t grow when things are easy; we grow when we face challenges.” - Joyce Meyer, Author It is true that being involved in Toastmasters fully tests all of your skills and abilities. It forces you to step out of your comfort zone without fear of making mistakes and learning from failure. Once you open up to the vulnerabilities of your character, you find talents within yourself which extend your horizons far and wider than you could have ever imagined! “The greatest mistake we make is living in constant fear that we will make one”
- John Maxwell, Author and Golden Gavel Recipient (2012) This year also opened up the path for an overall better District. There was no doubt that this fiscal year was about cleaning up and paving the way for a new foundation of service. Challenges included but were not limited to financial distress, stale and ineffective leadership, obsolete technology use, and lack of club compliance to the Toastmasters program. Taking charge of each of those challenges proved to be an immense task that required making a lot of tough but necessary decisions. It also meant to take an active role to challenge the “Status Quo” together with change management for the overall benefit of the District. Working through our goals required “all hands on deck” and I’m forever grateful to all the members of the 2013 – 2014 DEC team because without them, we would not have been able to accomplish many of these goals: Financial soundness of the District: starting the year with a net loss was painful, but through the contributions from each member that attended all of our various events and the financial support from many organizations via in-kind and monetary sponsorships, we are now profitable to Toastmasters International. Clubs maintaining charter strength: Over 85% of clubs which started at charter strength maintained charter strength. This is a direct effect from engaged District leaders in the quality of each club. New members enrollment increase: As of 6/30, District 47 already has had an increase of 120+ new members over last year! A total of 2,009 (and counting) new members have been added to our rosters. The word about Toastmasters 23
Outgoing District Governor recaps the year of “Finding the Talent Within”
continues to expand in our territories. Clubs achieving Distinguished: As of 6/30, over 65% of our active paid clubs have already achieved Distinguished status or better. I’m sure that by the end of all the processing that WHQ is currently doing, there will be many more clubs attaining Distinguished awards. Well attended Conferences and Trainings: Each conference brought over 300 unique members! And about 1/3 of attendees were first timers!!! All TLIs brought not only required Club Officers but at least 25% of attendees were regular members who wanted to know and do more for their clubs and District. The list of thank you’s can go on and on but I’d like to highlight a handful of individuals who made a significant impact during my term as District Governor:
Chief Executive Officer, Juan Godina (my husband) – for simply putting
up with everything and anything. For understanding my passion to serve my members and for holding the fort while I was out serving others. You have been the most important piece in my District Governor puzzle. Thank you for helping keep it together! Love you!
Lt. Governor Education and Training, Tony Longley and Lt. Governor
Marketing, Damien Miller – who in essence were my “right and left hand;” and, even in the times when the “left-didn’t-know-what the-right-was-doing”, you both stepped into roles out your comfort zone to support the goals of making a difference and impacting the District.
Division Governors, Marlene Bryan (A), Johnny Segarra (B), Chim
Francisco (C), Patricia Vallejo (D), John Lazar (E), Jason Springer (F), Curtis Bryan (I) – Because you took ownership and pushed through our short comings while maintaing the program standards and managing your teams of Area Governors. You have been the backbone of our District and because of you, even our hardest challenges were conquerable.
The Sunshiner Editor, Kate McClare – For elevating our communication resources to nothing less than marvelous! Your expertise allowed us to have a much improved channel of communication for our members via our District Newsletter.
Conference Chair, Phyllis May – Because she decided that once wasn’t enough, so she took the role two times just to make sure it was “Magical!” This muckety muck really appreciated it.
Social Media Chair, Ruth Field Beck – For taking the initiative on a non-existent process and maximizing our communication channels across all audiences. #TMD47 #ToastingtoYou
Treasurer, Greg Henry – I just could not have done it without you! Without your expertise, expense discipline and financial accuracy would have been hard to accomplish.
Sergeant-at-Arms, Thomas Plant – The hardest working SAA ever! Your humble attitude and helpful disposition exceeded my expectations.
Public Relations Officer, Douglas Shachnow – for adding new layers to our Public Relations and your financial support of our District Conferences.
Webmaster, David Clarke – For taking ownership of an obsolete and complex website system outdated subscription data 24
Outgoing District Governor recaps the year of “Finding the Talent Within” and making the transition to a new website, a new registration system, and increasing email subscription rates for our publications. For always being available to help and provide useful feedback to both the DEC and Club Members.
Parliamentarian, Michael Schoen – For making parliamentary procedures less scary and intimidating. Thank you for always having a lesson to teach our DEC team whenever we met and helping our business meetings in order.
Region 8 International Director, Kristina Kihlberg – For so many reasons that would probably take several emails to list. Above else, thank you for being there to provide your experience and mentorship during my growth as a District Governor.
Region 8 Advisor, Eileen Wolfe – Because you never hesitated to “say it like it is!” and your continuous support in a very challenging year. Thank you for always being available to provide guidance and encouragement.
District Advisor, Lynda Hammond – Because everyone needs a voice of reasoning. Thank you for being there to be mine…
Chief Ambassador, Lydia Harris – Not only you have taken ownership of our upcoming Revitalized program but you have also taken charge of maximizing the impact of our leaders by providing mentorship and guidance. You’ve earned the title of Master DivA.
Without excluding anyone, I’d like to also thank Secretary, Gary Sharp; Nominating Committee Chair, Pamela Rolle; Credential Chair, Samantha O’Neil; Audit Committee Members, Laura Thezine, Kip Barkley, Cleve Palacious because you fulfilled your duties with quality and excellence. Your independent support helped provide excellent service to the District. Your ownership and initiative made what would seem very complex procedures very effective. Thanks to each and every member who participated in the program to the fullest. For those who attended trainings, conferences, and special events throughout the year. It is ultimately YOU, the member, who we as leaders are accountable to. We hope that you continue to participate and support your District.
As we are coming to an end of Fiscal Year 2013 – 2014, I’m looking forward to moving into a support role for my successor, Tony Longley, and his team. It is fitting that the upcoming theme this next year is “In pursuit of Excellence” because as we continue to find talent in our District, we must always engage in pursuing excellence to achieve it. It has been so rewarding to have serviced you as your District Governor. Thank you for elevating my experience to unimaginable heights and my leadership skills to incredible strength. Sincerely, Francis Molina 2013 – 2014 District Governor 2014 – 2015 Immediate Past District Governor
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Got News? Please share with The Sunshiner! We want to hear from you! Consider The Sunshiner your source for news and information about the happenings in your club, area, division and across the district. For this to be a successful endeavor, we need your input. We’re interested in the events, successes, triumphs and fun in the clubs and in personal feats. This is the place to celebrate club achievements, milestones, and individual accomplishments. Please email your information or ideas to sunshiner@toastmastersd47.org. A schedule of upcoming issues and cutoff dates will appear in the August issue of The Sunshiner.
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