REIMAGINE
RECOGNIZE
REDISCOVER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IN THIS EDITION: From the Desk of the District Leaders - 1 Meet the Team - 4 Conference Highlights - 8 Education Report Card - 9 District Updates - 10 Competition Corner - 14 Leading Beyond The Club - 16 Upcoming Events - 19
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Greetings District 47 Members and Club Officers! I am honored to be of service as your District Director for the 2021-2022 Toastmaster Year. Thank you for your trust, encouragement and support. Our growth opportunity this past year I believe can be summarized by business owner Sam Yoder who said “the only thing that limits us in a time of crisis is our lack of creativity. That and recognizing that we all need one another.” District 47 is such a wonderful community and I feel excitement and a sense of belonging to be a part of it. This is the District that never lacks creativity or a sense of community. What we accomplished last year, despite the curveballs, is a testament to what can be done when people are willing to work and grow together. We have much to look forward to this year and the collaboration over the last three months is an indication that we are up to the challenge. The task of rebuilding and promoting a distinguished district that supports all clubs in achieving excellence will not be easy. However, I am confident that with the courage to believe the best is yet to come and the mindset that small changes, made consistently leads to big changes, WE CAN DO THIS! Tomorrow is ours to win or lose. Teamwork is on the winning side. Let each one of us commit to advancing our District one experience at a time. Toastmasters mean so much for so many! My vision for 2021-2022 is for all of our members and clubs to REIMAGINE | RECOGNIZE | REDISCOVER our why so that we can ignite our commitment to communication and leadership development in ourselves and others. Igniting this way of thinking and being across the district will enhance our club quality experience. This will align us with growth and opportunities to be of more service to others. I ask you to join with me in this vision. As John Maxwell is quoted as saying “one is too small a number to achieve greatness” – YOU are needed here to make the one complete!! Yours In Service! Shakira Taylor, DTM District 47 Director 2021 - 2022 staylor@toastmastersd47.org
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District 47 had 80% of all officers trained during our 42 sessions in June, July, and August 2021. Of our 177 clubs in good standing, 152 (86%) had a majority (4+) officers trained. A whopping 64 clubs (36%) had a perfect 7of-7 officers trained, priming them for eligibility for the coveted Golden Gavel Award club incentive. A big thank you to all of the club officers and members who came together to make these training events possible We look forward to providing even more opportunities during the Winter training period (December 2021 - February 2022). Stay tuned!
Yours In Service! Austen Canonica, DTM Program Quality Director 2021 - 2022 acanonica@toastmastersd47.org
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Maybe we should mention the newest members of the 20+ club. This is a special club consisting of 2 clubs that renewed 20+ members for one full year. Congratulations to Saturday Fearless Toastmasters (22 annual renewals) and First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters (27 annual renewals). I know, let’s mention the Elite Rock Star members. The special background and acknowledgement went to our 166 members who renewed annually. Let’s give a shout out to the following clubs who pushed to have annual renewals: Miami Advanced Toastmasters Club (1), West Kendall Toastmasters Club (1), The REAL Toastmasters Club (1), Positively Impacting Lives Toastmasters (2), Freeport Eagles (2), Paul Spiewak Toastmasters Club (3), Hollywood Toastmasters (5), The Luminaries at the Boca Chamber Toastmasters Club (5), Pinewood Trendsetters (5), West Pines Toastmasters Club (7), Universal Toastmasters Club (8), Key West Toastmasters (8), Universal Advanced Toastmasters (8), Sensor Toast Club (11), The Toastmasters Club at FAU (12), Club Power Speakers (12), Shark Tank Toastmasters (12) and North Miami Beach Toastmasters Club (14), Saturday Fearless Toastmasters (22) and First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters (27). What? Your club was not listed above, no worries, we KNOW a number of you tried to submit annual dues but did not get the portal opened by September 30th for you to post your annual renewals. Good news. We are holding the Elite Rock Star Member award open until December 31st. There is still time to claim your Elite Rock Star status so contact your Treasurer and become the newest Rock Star Member I am pleased to announce we have so much in the pipeline. Your Area and Division Directors are holding demonstration meetings for new clubs and MSFT Federal Toastmasters (Microsoft) has filed their paperwork, (Division C) while Sysco, (Division D and E), is gathering their information for 2 new clubs to form in October. We need all your help to build our district and impact more lives through Toastmasters. Please contact me with leads. Thank you to each member, club officer, Area Director, Division Director and committee chair member for helping us to build our membership. We see you and appreciate you. Yours In Service! Lois Margolin, DTM Club Growth Director 2021 - 2022 lmargolin@toastmastersd47.org
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GERALDINE HOGAN
PHONG LUU
FRENCHY ROY
AREA 10 DIRECTOR
AREA 12 DIRECTOR
AREA 11 DIRECTOR
SUSAN VINETA
NYLIA ZAMORA
VEJAY BALGOBIN
AREA 15 DIRECTOR
AREA 14 DIRECTOR
AREA 13 DIRECTOR
BETSY ROBINSON
LONA DSOUZA
JUSTIN ROOKS
AREA 30 DIRECTOR
AREA 32 DIRECTOR
AREA 31 DIRECTOR
ELENA BANOS
ROHINI SHAH
AREA 33 DIRECTOR
GEORGE STRASDAS
AREA 34 DIRECTOR
DOMENIC CALOIA
RICK MARTI
AREA 40 DIRECTOR
AREA 42 DIRECTOR
AREA 41 DIRECTOR
MARK PARKS AREA 43 DIRECTOR
DOUGLAS CRANE AREA 44 DIRECTOR
ARUNKUMAR KRISHNAMOORTHY AREA 45 DIRECTOR
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LASHINDA MOORE
BRENT HUFFMAN
AREA 50 DIRECTOR
AREA 51 DIRECTOR
CATHERINE MCMANUS AREA 53 DIRECTOR
MIKIA COOPER
GINA WHITE AREA 54 DIRECTOR
CRYSTAL ROMER
AREA 60 DIRECTOR
AREA 61 DIRECTOR
SHERIA KING AREA 63 DIRECTOR
ORQUIA SWEETING, DTM
AREA 90 DIRECTOR
AREA 52 DIRECTOR
BLAZE GOLDSMITH AREA 55 DIRECTOR
RUSSCHELLEA BAIN AREA 62 DIRECTOR
SHERVIN EVANS AREA 64 DIRECTOR
SHELMERDINE CARTWRIGHT AREA 91 DIRECTOR
ROSENA DUNCANSON AREA 93 DIRECTOR
DIANA FOLK
DOMINIC M. THOMPSON AREA 92 DIRECTOR
CHARMAINE HANNA AREA 94 DIRECTOR
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PRESIDENTIAL CITATION ANTIONETTE FOX, DTM
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Jose Alvarado, DTM Jose Alvarado honored for Hispanic Heritage Month We were proud to see Distinguished Toastmaster Jose Alvarado featured on CBS 4 Miami last week. Jose took the spotlight because he and his business, ADP Printing, were honored by the City of Miramar for Hispanic Heritage Month. CBS 4 Miami interviewed Jose about his experiences settling in America after emigrating here from Honduras in 2000. His biggest concern was the language barrier. “But I like goals. If you have a goal and you can aim to that, you can achieve your dreams.” The news story included comments from Miramar Mayor Wayne Messum, who praised Jose and the many other small businesses that provide most of the jobs in their communities. Added Jose: “We all come with fresh ideas from other countries, and that’s what makes this the greatest nation in the world.” Jose is one of District 47’s most dedicated members, always ready to offer his help and leadership in whatever needs to be done. Congratulations on this much-deserved recognition, Jose! Click below to watch the CBS4 Miami story. https://miami.cbslocal.com/video/6007837-miramar-honors-businessowner-during-hispanice-heritage-month/
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Coral Springs executive named President-Elect of Toastmasters International - by Dennis Olson, Public Relations Strategist Matt Kinsey becomes second highest officer of global educational organization ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Aug. 28, 2021 — Matt Kinsey, of Coral Springs, Florida, is the new International President-Elect of Toastmasters International, the world’s leading organization devoted to communication and leadership skills development. Kinsey assumed the one-year term at the organization’s 90th annual International Convention, held virtually Aug. 23-28. As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Kinsey is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop and support the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission. Kinsey is the CEO of MK Tech Group in Coral Springs, Florida, which he started in 2007. Kinsey oversees all aspects of his IT consulting firm that services small and medium-sized businesses in the South Florida area. Kinsey holds a master’s degree in computer information systems from the University of Phoenix, Arizona. He has a certificate in strategic management and was recognized with the Silver Beaver and Vigil Honor awards for his work with the Boy Scouts of America. As a Boy Scout volunteer for 25 years, he has held numerous positions within the organization including Scoutmaster, district chairman, event chairman, and the council’s camping chairman. A Toastmaster since 2003, Kinsey is a charter member of his home club, Outspoken Toastmasters, in Coral Springs. He has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization. “I have learned that to be most successful, you need to lead with your heart and not your head,” he says. “There is no finer program than Toastmasters for helping people build their self-confidence, communication and leadership skills.”
Written by: Dennis Olson Public Relations Strategist dolson@toastmastersd47.org
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Distinguished Toastmasters elected to lead The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. The Hon. Phillip Edward Davis, QC is the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance is a Distinguished Toastmaster and a current member of the first Bahamas Branch Club 1600, The Deputy Prime Minister The Hon. Chester Cooper, the Minister of Tourism, Investment and Aviation is also a Distinguished Toastmaster from Cable Beach West Toastmasters Club 6796. The Hon. Davis becomes the fifth Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on September 16, 2021 as his party, the Progressive Liberal Party, won the national general elections by securing 32 of the 39 seats in the House of Assembly. The Hon. Chester Cooper serves as the parties deputy leader and became the country's Deputy Prime Minister. The Hon. Davis served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development from 2012 - 2017. He is former club president of The First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters, Club 1600. He also served as Area Governor. The Hon. Davis leadership has been seen in his profession as he is an accomplished litigator. He also served as President of The Bahamas Bar Association. The Hon. Davis has made his impact on the global scene as a human rights activist. The Hon. Chester Cooper became his party's deputy leader in 2017. The now Deputy Prime Minister, The Hon. Cooper has a background in the insurance industry. He previously served as Chairman and CEO of BAF Global Group, in The Bahamas, as well as President and CEO of BAF Financial & Insurance (Bahamas) Ltd. The Hon. Cooper's leadership in the insurance industry lead to him serving as the inaugural chairman of the Insurance Advisory Committee, in The Bahamas. He was also a founding director of The Bahamas Venture Fund. DISTRICT 47 CONGRATULATES THE HON. PHILLIP DAVIS, QC AND THE HON. CHESTER COOPER ON THIS MOMENTOUS ACCOMPLISHMENT!
THE HON. PHILLIP EDWARD DAVIS, QC
THE HON. CHESTER COOPER
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