Sunshiner Oct Nov 2016

TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL

The SUNSHINER News from Southeast Florida and The Bahamas District 47 October / November 2016

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Leadership Messages From the Trio District Director

3

Program Quality Director

4

Club Growth Director

5

PR Corner

6

Finance Matters

7

News Speech Contests

8

International Convention

9

Toastmasters Month in Bahamas

11

TLI Report

12

Member Spotlights J.C. Sweeting

14

Maggie Reyes

15

Features Happy 92nd Birthday!

16

Continuing a Community Legacy

17

Club Spotlight

18

Education Achievements August

19

September

22

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Flyer design by Michelle Balaun

District 47 Executive Committee District Director: Lynda Hammond, DTM Program Quality Director: Chim Francisco, DTM Club Growth Director: Michael Thorn, DTM District Public Relations Manager: Kate McClare District Administrative Manager: Linda Yates District Finance Manager: Lois Margolin, DTM Division Directors Division A: Antoinette Bailey Division B: Darren Kennedy Division C: Henry Ferguson Division D: Barbara Strasdas, DTM Division E: Ana Rezende, DTM Division F: Owen Hanna, DTM Division I: Vanessa Scott, DTM Area Directors Area A10: Andre Brown Area A11: Brandon Kinsey Area A12: Moe Haji Area A13: Florence Stewart Area A14: Jeanette Al Sabah Area B20: Elaine Joggerst Area B21: Paolo Claudio Area B22: Jeffrey Mutnik Area B23: Nicholas Smith Area B24: Marilyn Brown Area C30: Barry Doctor Area C31: Nam Nguyen Area C32: Yulimar Quintero-Trumbo Area C33: Claudine Gunning Area C34: Shana Jerman Area D40: Cindy Groover Area D41: Donna Beirnes Area D42: George Strasdas, DTM Area D43: Kathy Frazier Area D44: Gary Dunmyer Area E50: Sandra Jackson Area E51: Frank Torres Area E52: Esperanza " Espy" Mead Area E53: Jimmy Varnadore Area E54: Denise Nedimyer Area E55: Michelle Ballinger Area F60: Patricia Rolle-Hamilton Area F61: Dianne Lockhart Area F62: Daisy Gibson Area F63: Alphanique Swann Area I90: Carlos Palacious Area I91: Kimberley Bain Area I92: Shonelle Pinder Area I93: Ray-Don Poitier Immediate Past District Director: Jeanine Kinsey, DTM 2

Contributors Lois Margolin, DTM (“Budget? My Club?”), is vice president membership of her home club, Club Awesome in Coral Springs, and also serves as vice president education of Outspoken Toastmasters in Coral Springs. Lois, a CPA, is the district finance manager for the second year.

Phyllis May, DTM (“Happy 92nd Birthday to Toastmasters!”), “The Fiery Retiree©,” has been a member of Key West Toastmasters for 18 years. She is the club coach for Beckman Coulter and Cutler Bay and is a member of Cutler Bay. Phyllis has been president and all VPEs at the club level, is a past area governor and past Division E director, and has been district conference chair twice.

Patty Stevenson, CC, CL (“Matt Kinsey Elected as International Director”), has been a member of Toastmasters since October 2015.

She is a charter member of the REAL Toastmasters club in Palm Beach Gardens, and is the club’s treasurer and newsletter editor.

John Schneyer, DTM, district lead photographer, is a member of Boca Raton Toastmasters and WCR Palm Beaches Noon Toastmasters. Since 2009, he has learned from amazing people, made wonderful friends and received more hugs and kisses than he could have imagined. He has failed, succeeded and grown through Toastmasters.

CeCe Espeut, district photographer, is a member of Pembroke Pines Paul Paul Spiewak Toastmasters. She is a Fort Lauderdale-based international photographer who saw the need to not only speak through her pictures but in front of audiences as well, so she joined Toastmaster in April 2016.

The Sunshiner

Published by Toastmasters International District 47, Southeast Florida and The Bahamas. www.toastmastersd47.org Submit news, story ideas, questions and comments to

sunshiner@toastmastersd47.org

Leadership Messages: From the Trio District Director

No Contest: Fall Conference Will Be a Winner Hello, District 47 Friends and Family!

It's contest season! I hope you all treated yourselves to your club, area and division contests in Humorous Speech and Speech Evaluation! I have been lucky enough to get to see many very funny and clever people challenging themselves to perform for us all. I can hardly wait tor the District 47 Fall Conference, November 4-6 in Miami, to see who ultimately takes the titles for 2016! I hope you are there, too!

The Fall Conference Event Team is working hard to ensure that you have an extraordinary experience in training and entertainment while enjoying time with your fellow Toastmasters. Sadly, our conference event manager, D.K.T. Miller, DTM, has had to step down to manage his own business. We have offered him a position on the Conference Advisory Council. Program Quality Director Chim Francisco, DTM, will announce who will take on the manager position to step into leading our dynamic, highly focused team!

Lynda Hammond, DTM

The Toastmasters International Convention in Washington, D.C., this August was an exciting experience. The Trio had two full days of district leadership training; then it was on to five days of more training, lots of recognition for being a Distinguished District and the presentation of the prestigious President's Citation Award to our very own Anthony Longley, DTM, past district governor.

Many District 47 members attended the convention and witnessed District 47's Donald Kelly compete at the semifinals for the World Championship of Public Speaking. Many more watched on television and computers through live streaming at home and at semifinals parties. Toastmaster Kelly's performance had everyone engaged and entertained, laughing at times and even bringing some audience members to tears. He took home the third-place trophy. Congratulations, Donald Kelly! We are so proud of you!

A big District 47 congratulations to our own Past District Governor Matt Kinsey, DTM, for being elected (by a landslide) to serve two years as our Region 8 international director! Matt will have his first Toastmasters International district visit this fall at our conference. Come see Matt in Miami to personally congratulate him for being elected to the Toastmasters International Board of Directors!

The year is starting off strong, my friends! Keep your focus and your movement forward by challenging yourselves and giving yourselves the opportunity to grow.

Lynda Hammond, DTM District 47 Director, 2016-2017 South Florida and The Bahamas lhammond@toastmastersd47.org

3

Leadership Messages: From the Trio Program Quality Director

Top Ten Reasons to Attend Fall Conference In one of my recent club visits, a new member asked what the 2016 Fall Conference is all about. Several of the existing members piped in with great insight. That conversation gave birth to a new speech: “The Top Ten Reasons to Attend a District Conference!”

#1 – Listen to pearls of wisdom from our keynote speaker!  Jim Key, DTM (2003 World Champion of Public Speaking) #2 – Enjoy fabulous workshop sessions from our featured presenters!  Brenda Alloco, Karen Baetzel, Dre Baldwin, Marlene Bryan  Wayne Dawson, Mark Gai, Lydia Harris, Judy Joffe, Donald Kelly  Godfrey Mc Allister, Lynn Perry, Barry Rinehart and Paulo Schneider

Chim Francisco, DTM

#3 – Cheer on our outstanding finalists in the Speech Evaluation and Humorous Speech contests! #4 – Welcome our new Distinguished Toastmasters at the DTM Walk!

#5 – Meet our Region 8 International Director!  Matthew Kinsey, DTM #6 – Expand your Circle of Influence! #7 – Network with 200+ Toastmasters from South Florida and The Bahamas! #8 – Win awesome raffle prizes (Check your email for info on the GRAND prize)! #9 – Savor decadent treats (cheesecake and Death by Chocolate dessert stations)! #10 – GO for GOLD Our conference theme is all about building a culture of excellence!

Save the dates: November 4-6 Join us at the Sheraton Miami Airport for a weekend of education and training!

Register today at www.toastmastersd47.org and buckle up for FUN, entertainment and exciting surprises along the way!

Chim Francisco, DTM Program Quality Director, 2016-2017 South Florida and The Bahamas cfrancisco@toastmastersd47.org 4

Flyer design by Michelle Balaun

Leadership Messages: From the Trio Club Growth Director

What’s Wrong with This Picture?

The Club Growth Team is all about a focus on individual clubs and their members. We consider both to be the bedrock of the entire Toastmasters organization and experiential journey. With that in mind, a quick review of the familiar documentation associated with Toastmasters is of interest: Toastmasters International Mission We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

District Mission We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.

Club Mission We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

Not to be a rabble rouser, but do you see any incongruence in any of these Michael Thorn, DTM statements? Is it just me, or is the District Mission backwards? That is, should not our mission actually be to support all clubs in achieving excellence, then build new clubs? According to a fact sheet provided by Toastmasters International, as of June 30, 2015, the overall member retention rate was 43.3%. This is deplorable and a completely unacceptable condition in a commercial, for-profit business. We are building a large, international organization on a foundation of shifting sand, if not flowing water. Yes, having new members enter our stream of consciousness each year is highly advantageous for the freshness and vigor it presents … but not necessarily at the loss of seasoned members who provide the stability and wisdom gained from experience and knowledge. For these reasons, I suggest the District Mission should be reversed to read “We support all clubs in achieving excellence … and build new clubs.”

The fact sheet explicitly recognizes the challenge of retention by posing two highly pertinent questions: Could we lower our membership dues by increasing our retention rate?

Should performance recognition be (at least partially) tied to retention rates?

As vital, involved members of the organization in general and your clubs in particular, what do you think? The Club Growth Team urges you to join us in developing and retaining our members en route to achieving excellence and growth at all levels.

Anything less is a step away from the other Toastmasters Mission and Vision Statements for which we all stand. Come join us in making our individual clubs and members the focal point of club growth and development.

Michael Thorn, DTM Club Growth Director, 2016-2017 South Florida and The Bahamas mthorn@toastmastersd47.org 5

Leadership Messages Public Relations Corner

When Harry and Sally Meet Toastmasters Remember that famous scene in the 1989 movie When Harry Met Sally?

Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) are in a New York deli. Sally demonstrates . . . well, let’s just call it “a moment of passion.” At the end of the scene, another woman tells her waiter, “I’ll have what she’s having.”

Toastmasters is like that.

The power of your words and your leadership can inspire others to take action, and often the action is simply to join Toastmasters. When you give a killer presentation at work, when you speak up convincingly at a government meeting, when you lead a successful team project, you may impress someone who wants to learn how to speak with the same power.

“I’ll have what she’s having,” they’ll think.

That's the best kind of public relations — the kind that comes from your natural enthusiasm for Toastmasters and what you learn here. As the people around you notice you growing more confident and articulate, you become a kind of ambassador for your club and the larger Toastmasters organization. Public relations is defined as the cultivation of a positive public image by people or an organization, and I can't think of a better image builder than the well-spoken Toastmaster.

Kate McClare, ACS, ALB

It's why I believe public relations is the job of every Toastmaster, whether you have that VPPR before your name or not.

Social media has made it even easier for every Toastmaster to become an ambassador. If you're active on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, share your club activities with your network and see if you don’t get at least a few visitors (even a few new members). District 47 has some excellent social networkers in our very talented ranks, and I'll be asking them to share their ideas here and on our own media channels in the coming months.

Maybe you have a few tips to share.

You can inspire this kind of interest in Toastmasters. (create.boomerang.nl)

Meanwhile, keep your news and inspiring moments coming for the next issue of The Sunshiner.

Kate McClare Public Relations Manager, 2016-2017 South Florida and The Bahamas kmcclare@toastmastersd47.org sunshiner@toastmastersd47.org

6

Leadership Messages Finance Matters

Budget? My Club? Really? (Yes, Really) I have lost count of the number of times I have been asked the question, “Why does my club need an approved budget?” The purpose of this article is to underscore the importance of a budget and why your club should formally approve one.

What is the purpose of a budget?

A budget is a financial plan or roadmap that is essential to every club. It is designed to help you manage your limited resources. It provides a framework within which the officers of the club are authorized to make expenditures without having to continuously request funds from the club’s members. Without an approved budget, the treasurer is not authorized to purchase anything.

How does the budgeting approval process work?

Lois Margolin, DTM

The president and treasurer should create a budget the month before the beginning of their term so that the club’s officers can approve it by the beginning of the term. I recommend the budget be approved by the club officer’s by July 1 for annual terms, and also January 1 for clubs electing their officers semiannually. Toastmaster guidelines require the budget to have member approval by the beginning of the month following election (August 1 and February 1 for clubs electing semi-annually). Yes, the budget should be approved by the members!

What does an approved budget do?

An approved budget provides the officers the authority to spend funds as documented in the budget. For example, if the club approved budget authorizes the purchase of $100 for ribbons, the treasurer can order the ribbons without any questions. However, if there is no budget or the ribbons are not in the budget, the president should ask the members for approval to purchase the ribbons.

Does anyone look at the budget versus actual?

approval from the club for expenditures.

Funny you should ask. The president is the chair of the audit committee and is responsible for selecting an independent member near the end of the term to audit the books. The auditor, as specified in the Club Leadership Handbook, will be looking for proper

In conclusion: Each club should have a budget approved by the membership. Even if your club currently doesn’t have one, it is never too late to initiate best practices. Prepare a budget now and begin to lay the groundwork for your successors. Follow the revenue and expense guidelines offered by Toastmasters International in the Club Leadership Handbook. Have the membership approve your budget.

Lois Margolin, DTM Finance Manager, 2016-2017 South Florida and The Bahamas lmargolin@toastmastersd47.org

7

News Speech Contests

And the Winners Will Be . . .

Congratulations to the division finalists in our fall speech contests, which will be decided at the district conference in November.

For a complete list of area winners, visit the district website: www.toastmastersd47.org. (And while you’re there, why not register for the conference?)

Speech Evaluation Division A: Terry Spencer Division B: Dorrette Keen Division C: Amanda Hart Division D: Michael Eyermann Division E: Willasue Susskind Division F: Andre Kelly Division I: Duran McKinney Final Round: November 4

Humorous Speech Division A: Samine Jernigan Division B: Jason Bank Division C: Mikhail Guysenov Division D: Benita Hamilton Division E: Phyllis May Division F: Keithra Toote Division I: Vincent Rahming

Final Round: November 5

8

News International Convention District 47 had a spectacular week in Washington, D.C., at the 85th annual International Convention. Past District Governor Anthony “Tony” Longley, DTM, received the prestigious Presidential Citation at the Hall of Fame, where our ranking as No. 1 Distinguished District (No. 26 in the world) also was recognized (below). Also bringing distinction was Donald Kelly, ACB, district semi-finalist in the World Championship of Public Speaking. Donald placed third of 10 speakers, an impressive result that brought great pride to us all.

“It's been a great ride! Thank you so much for your support and prayers over the past several months. It's been greatly appreciated."

— Donald Kelly, shown here with his wife, Cristina Kelly, during a light moment before competing at the convention

9

News International Convention

Matt Kinsey Elected as International Director

By Patty Stevenson, CC, CL The REAL Toastmasters Past District 47 Governor Matt Kinsey, DTM, was elected as Region 8 International Director in August at the 2016 Toastmasters International Convention in Washington, DC. His two-year term on the Toastmasters Board of Directors will culminate at the annual business meeting of the 2018 International Convention, which will take place in Chicago.

Matt Kinsey, DTM

As an international director, Kinsey will work on developing strategies and policies and will oversee the organization’s finances and operations. His duties include approving the annual budget and visiting districts. He will also serve as an organizational ambassador to share the organization’s message, motivate and support district leadership teams and lead corporate and media visits.

Additionally, in collaboration with the Region 8 advisor, Kinsey is responsible for monitoring district progress and achievement.

As an international director, Kinsey does not have specific responsibilities within District 47. He is available for support, ideas and coaching, but his primary responsibilities are to the membership worldwide.

Kinsey is the 12th member of our district to be elected to this position. His predecessors from District 47, all of whom are Distinguished Toastmasters, include Kristina Kihlberg, Margaret Wan and Steve Bard. A Toastmaster since 2003, Kinsey is a charter member of his home club, Outspoken Toastmasters, in Coral Springs. He served as district governor (a position now known as district director) in 2012-2013.

If you have ideas about the future of the organization or policies you’d like to see changed, please send him an email at mkr8id@gmail.com.

He asked that we share this message: “For my fellow members of District 47 — thank you for your support, coaching, encouragement and mentoring moments over the years. I would not be where I am today without you! You make me proud to be a Toastmaster and proud to be a member of District 47! From the bottom of my heart — THANK YOU!”

The new Toastmasters International Board of Directors; Matt Kinsey, DTM, is standing third from right.

10

News Toastmasters Month in The Bahamas

Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling (center) with representatives of District 47, including Division F Director Owen Hanna, DTM (fourth from left); District 47 Club Growth Director Michael Thorn, DTM (fifth from left); Division I Director Vanessa Scott, DTM (fifth from right); and Past District Governor Anthony Longley, DTM (fourth from right).

(Letisha Henderson/Bahamas Information Services)

Bahamas Governor-General Welcomes District and Division Leaders October is Toastmasters Month in The Bahamas, officially designated by proclamation of the prime minister, the Honorable Perry G. Christie. In recognition of the distinction, several District 47 leaders were welcomed to Government House by the governor-general of The Bahamas, Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling.

Attending the September 28 visit as guest of honor was Club Growth Director Michael Thorn, DTM, who was joined by the directors of Divisions F and I, several area directors and Past District Governor Anthony Longley, DTM. The delegation discussed the proclamation, which was obtained by Division Directors Vanessa Scott, DTM, and Owen Hanna, DTM. It notes the Toastmasters values of "integrity, respect, service and excellence." They discussed the Toastmasters mission with the Governor-General, as well as the many ways the islands' local clubs are fulfilling the mission.

11

News: Toastmasters Leadership Institute Hosted by Division C— Lynn University, Boca Raton Clockwise from below: Event Chair Michelle LeWay and Division C Director Henry Ferguson; event staff; class in session; Palm Beach State Attorney Dave Aronberg, keynote speaker, with Henry Ferguson; Dr. R.T. Good, dean, Lynn University College of Business & Management.

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News: Toastmasters Leadership Institute Hosted by Division D — Indian River State College, Stuart Clockwise from top right: Some of the attendees; Division D Director Barbara Strasdas, DTM, with Indian River State College representative Bernadette Serafin; event staff; Leonardo Burrows, DTM, the event’s keynote speaker.

13

Member Spotlight J.C. Sweeting

A Remarkable Toastmasters Journey When J.C. Sweeting became president of the Ernest T. Strachan Advanced Toastmasters Club 7108 in 2007, he chose the theme "Self Improvement Has No Finish Line." He is living proof of that.

Sweeting, ACG, ALB, celebrated his 75th birthday on August 1, receiving good wishes from the three clubs he is active in: Healing Communicators Club 7178, First Bahamas Branch 1600 and the Ernest T. Strachan club. They also honored him for a remarkable Toastmasters career that began 41 years ago, in 1975.

Left: J.C. Sweeting.

Below: With members of First Bahamas Branch 1600, Healing Communicators Club 7178 and Ernest T. Strachan Advanced Toastmasters Club 7108.

Sweeting never expected his time in Toastmasters to be so long and successful. In fact, he thought it would be over almost as soon as it began.

"When I attempted to join Toastmasters someone said that I had nothing to offer the club as a result of my lack of skills," he recalls. But he kept coming back, and here's some of what he has achieved in Toastmasters:  Twice named Toastmaster of the Year  President's Distinguished Award from

Healing Communicators

 President

of Ernest T. Advanced Toastmasters

Strachan

 Founded a prison Gavel Club in 2000  Coached a Toastmaster at the World Championship of Public Speaking  Spoke to a Toastmasters club in Belize City, Belize  Organized the largest table tennis tournament ever held for First Bahamas Branch 1600

He has accomplished a great deal outside of Toastmasters as well. He received the Queen’s Badge of Honour from the Governor-General of The Bahamas in 2009; was named an NAACP Unsung Hero in 2013; is host of the annual J.C. Sweeting and Positive Friends award presentations; and is author of the book JC Sweeting and Positive Friends, available on Amazon. His hobbies, he says, are “reading, table tennis and writing a second book.”

A justice of the peace since 2006, Sweeting lives in Nassau and attends Calvary Bible Church on Collins Avenue. He is married, with four children and 10 grandchildren.

His journey has provided Sweeting with the perfect inspiration for a speech he plans to give in November: "Don't Get Mad and Don't Get Even — Get Better!"

14

Member Spotlight Maggie Reyes

Building Success with Toastmasters Maggie Reyes, CC, a member of Doral Toastmasters, left the corporate world last year to strike out on her own as an entrepreneur. We asked her to tell us how Toastmasters has helped her to succeed.

Maggie Reyes

Tell us about your business.

Like so many entrepreneurs starting out, I wear a lot of hats. I am a life coach and marriage writer as well as a recruitment consultant in the luxury hospitality field. I just celebrated the fourth anniversary of my blog, www.ModernMarried.com, and I have written about healthy marriages for several websites, the most notable being Brides.com. I have also been interviewed for Martha Stewart Weddings and Redbook.com, and an article I wrote called “The 7 Habits of Highly Happy Marriages” has been read and shared over 248,000 times, which always makes me smile!

Maggie Reyes I also do private coaching. My clients tend to be A-players who have achieved success in several areas of their life, but need help with their relationships. I typically help professionals step into larger leadership roles either with job search coaching or leadership coaching On the recruiting side of my business, I write a quarterly column for Luxury Hoteliers magazine where I get to share my take on upcoming trends from robots delivering room service the latest focus on sleep with sleep menu options that mimic room service menus.

How has Toastmasters helped your business?

Toastmasters has been a great place to network, meet other local professionals and community leaders and become part of a supportive community as well as develop my speaking skills. Toastmasters has helped me develop talking points and a cohesive structure to use whenever I need to speak publicly.

What specifically did you learn that helped you?

Going through the Competent Communicator curriculum has helped me organize my thoughts and prepare speeches that are both succinct and entertaining.

I regularly attend the Spanish Club that meets at the Doral Country Club because most of my life happens Maggie Reyes’ blog, Modern Married in English and I want to practice speaking Spanish at a professional level and keep up my vocabulary and proper grammar as it is so easy to lapse into Spanglish, especially in South Florida.

I recently had to prepare an introduction video for a private mastermind group and had never done that before, so I whipped out my Toastmasters training book and treated the video the same as a speech. I prepared seven bullet points I wanted to cover, then recorded my introduction knowing exactly what I was going to say.

Do you ever use the club for practice in any of your business presentations? Oh my gosh yes! My lovely group at Doral Toastmasters has heard me talk about marriage research, explain the five love languages and give tips on how to communicate more effectively, and is my “test lab” for anything I am working on at the moment. I am so grateful to have a safe place to practice and refine my messages.

15

Features

Happy 92nd Birthday, Toastmasters!

By Phyllis May, DTM Key West Toastmasters Is your club having a birthday party in October? If not, why not? If Dr. Ralph Smedley hadn’t had that first meeting on October 22, 1924, in Santa Ana, California, we wouldn’t be reading a Toastmasters publication.

Dr. Smedley realized that effective communication skills are directly proportional to success on the job and in life.

His first group met in the basement of a YMCA, but everyone was there because they were interested in improving their speaking skills in a supportive, informal environment.

Eventually the group was named “Toastmasters” and word spread. New groups began forming in surrounding areas and it wasn’t long before people in other states were contacting Dr. Smedley, asking permission to start additional clubs.

Ninety-two years later, membership is at an all-time high: approximately 345,000 members at last count, in over 15,900 clubs in 142 countries. As you know, the organization continues to thrive as it helps more people worldwide develop the communication skills and confidence they need to become leaders in their field. And it is one of the few organizations that exists simply for the selfimprovement of its members.

So . . . it’s not too late. Plan that birthday party meeting.

Have a “toast” to Dr. Smedley – who, incidentally, passed away Sept. 11, 1965, at the age of 87. I doubt he could have imagined that the original “basement brainstorm” would have the impact it has and that it would still be thriving 91 years later. Key West Toastmasters celebrates at the meeting closest to the date because many newer members might never have heard of Dr. Smedley or know the history. I have a short PowerPoint presentation that I have shared with other clubs that can be personalized for your club. I’d be happy to share it; if you’re in the Competent Communication manual and haven’t done the project for using visual aids, it’s made to order. Contact me at pmaykeys@bellsouth.net

Make your Toastmasters birthday meeting even more special with Microphone Cones: Just scoop some ice cream into cones, roll the top in sprinkles and insert black licorice whips in the bottoms for power cords.

16

Features

Continuing a Community Legacy

By Ancin Munnings, CC, ALB VP Public Relations First Bahamas Branch 1600 Local children were treated to school supplies, food, drinks and fun at the fifth annual Neil Percentie Back to School Day, organized by First Bahamas Branch 1600.

The event honors the late Neil Percentie, a member of First Bahamas, who died tragically on Sept. 7, 2001. Percentie always helped under-privileged children with much-needed school supplies, and the club is keeping his legacy alive.

On August 27, the club benefited the kids of Union Village with several sponsors: Lighthouse Ministries; Island Game; RM Bailey Class of 1992; Quinton Percentie, brother of Neil Percentie; Nassau’s Finest Barber Shop; Fidelity Bank; Fidelity Toastmasters Club 3953713; and Healing Communicators Club 7178.

“We were grateful for the continued support and look forward to the event being very successful in the years to come” said First Bahamas President Chervez Brown.

Top: Face-painting fun. Middle: Distributing school supplies. Left: Image of Neil Percentie, founder of the annual event. Right: With Neil Percentie’s mother, presenting a schoolbag to Percentie’s daughter (from left), First Bahamas club President Chervez Brown, Vice President Education Dion Knowles and Pedro Young, DTM. (Shavado Gibson) 17

Club Spotlight: First Bahamas Branch 1600 Division I / Area 90

From left: Division I Director Vanessa Scott, DTM; Immediate Past President/Area 90 Director Carlos Palacious; President Chervez Brown; VP Education Dion Knowles; VP Membership Osbourne Moxey; VP Public Relations Ancin Munnings; Secretary Stefan Bonimy; Treasurer Edward Thurston; Sgt. at Arms Jeron Johnson; Past District 47 Governor Anthony Longley, DTM. (Shavado Gibson)

New Officers Ready for the New Year

By Ancin Munnings, CC, ALB VP Public Relations First Bahamas Branch 1600 First Bahamas Branch 1600 installed new officers for 2016-2017 during a ceremony July 28 in the grand ballroom of Government House.

Serving as master of ceremonies was Charles Newbold III, DTM, with installation charge and pinning by Division I Director Vanessa Scott, DTM, and Past District 47 Governor Anthony Longley, DTM. The keynote speaker for the event, Bank of The Bahamas Chairman Richard Demeritte, credited much of his success to his Toastmasters training. "I still see Toastmasters as a vehicle that can persuade today's youth to strive for success,” said Demeritte, who was charter president of Toastmasters Club 1425 in Freeport in 1973.

Club President Chervez Brown outlined how the club will use its influence to inspire the nation’s youth by continuing its Youth Leadership Program, an eight-week public speaking and leadership workshop.

He highlighted some of the club's marketing and membership-building programs that will be continued this year, such as the Neil Percentie Back to School event in Union Village; the J.C. Sweeting Table Tennis Tournament; the Ed Carey Boil Fish Run/Walk; Ladies Night; and the Club 1600 Leadership Tour. The club will continue working with Junior Achievement and the Kingdor National Parkinson Foundation in promoting their respective speech contests and training young leaders.

“We are living in perilous times,” Brown said, “and we are slowly losing our young people and our nation.

To counter this trend, we must create a circle of influence. Club 1600 is in a unique position to reach our communities and create a circle of influence that will help young persons to realize their purpose and become positive leaders and effective communicators.”

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August Education Achievements Communication Track Competent Communicator Division

Area

Member Name

Club Name

Date

B

24

Campbell, Bernard

Sawgrass Toastmasters Club

8/1/2016

A

11

Azor, Pierre Richard

Team Entrepreneur Toastmasters

8/2/2016

B

24

Barkley, Kip

Club V.O.I.C.E.

8/8/2016

A

12

Levy, Keren Leah

Hollywood Toastmasters

8/8/2016

A

12

Falcon, Iliana

Hollywood Toastmasters

8/9/2016

A

12

Villarreal, Jorge

Miramar Bilingual Speakers

8/10/2016

E

51

Chamberlain, Shannon

Miami Beach Toastmasters

8/12/2016

E

53

Benson, Maria Evelyn C.

Miami Advanced Toastmasters Club

8/14/2016

B

24

Rodriguez, Jorge

Sawgrass Toastmasters Club

8/14/2016

C

34

Cutz, Lydia Szpilman

Toasting Under the Sun

8/15/2016

A

12

Essman, David Jason

Hollywood Toastmasters

8/16/2016

E

55

Zwemer, Nicholas

Miracle Mile Toastmasters Club

8/16/2016

C

33

Amaral, Lucia Maria

1st US Portuguese Toastmasters

8/17/2016

F

61

Bethell, Virginia D

Destined For Success Toastmasters Club

8/19/2016

F

61

Ferguson, Bjorn R

Destined For Success Toastmasters Club

8/19/2016

D

43

Coscarelli, Maritza

The Palm Beach Toastmasters Club

8/23/2016

A

11

Colmenares, Daniela I.

Devry University Miramar Toastmasters

8/23/2016

F

62

Rigby, Nastassia A.

Luminaries Toastmasters Club #1510789

8/24/2016

I

90

Johnson, Jeron

First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters

8/25/2016

D

40

Bottegal, Amy M.

Talking Heads of Stuart

8/25/2016

E

50

Watson-Ellis, Brenda J

MIA Tarmac Speakers

8/25/2016

E

50

Stephens, Lee Nicole

Voice Of Champions Club

8/30/2016

I

90

Burrows, Amein

First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters

8/30/2016

B

22

West, Charles V.

BPB Talking Heads

8/30/2016

D

44

Reine, Tina Marie

Freddy's Forum Toastmasters Club

8/31/2016

I

90

Coakley, Janis Marie

Commonwealth Bank Blue Diamonds

8/31/2016

Advanced Communicator Bronze

19

Division

Area

Member Name

Club Name

Date

C

33

Marich, Selma M.

1st US Portuguese Toastmasters

8/7/2016

C

30

Fuller, Kenitha

Bill Gove Golden Gavel Club

8/9/2016

A

14

Marshalleck, Diana

Gelfand Good Morning Toastmasters

8/10/2016

F

62

Dean, Randy E.

P.T.A.B. Toastmasters Club

8/14/2016

E

55

Molina, Michael A.

Miracle Mile Toastmasters Club

8/16/2016

D

43

Huynh, Hieu H.

Sunset Speakers Toastmasters Club

8/17/2016

Advanced Communicator Bronze Division

Area

Member Name

Club Name

Date

F

62

Albury, Glenisha

Luminaries Toastmasters Club

8/20/2016

E

55

Rezende, Ana

The Landing

8/22/2016

B

24

Neri, Rita

Club V.O.I.C.E.

8/24/2016

F

62

Lightbourne, Tre A.

Luminaries Toastmasters Club

8/27/2016

C

33

Silva, Valeria F.

1st US Portuguese Toastmasters

8/27/2016

F

60

Braynen, Sherwin

Healing Communicators Club

8/28/2016

D

40

Furgerson, James

Fort Pierce Toastmasters

8/30/2016

Advanced Communicator Silver Division Area

Member Name

Club Name

Date

C

30

O'Malley, David

Bill Gove Golden Gavel Club

8/5/2016

E

53

Subirats, Fernando

Miami Advanced Toastmasters Club

8/11/2016

E

51

Chamberlain, Shannon

Miami Beach Toastmasters

8/12/2016

C

33

Marich, Michael A

1st US Portuguese Toastmasters

8/21/2016

D

42

Cohen, Michael L.

Gold Coast Toastmasters Club

8/24/2016

D

43

Pantry, Everard

Sunset Speakers Toastmasters Club

8/30/2016

Advanced Communicator Gold Division Area

Member Name

Club Name

Date

B

24

Bern, Andrew Ira

Club V.O.I.C.E.

8/9/2016

F

61

Burrows, Leonardo

Destined For Success Toastmasters

8/19/2016

Leadership Track Competent Leader

20

Division Area

Member Name

Club Name

Date

D

43

Wilson, Mary M.

Palm Beach Advanced Toastmasters

8/2/2016

D

40

Furgerson, James

Fort Pierce Toastmasters

8/4/2016

B

20

Benoit, Robert C.

Proud Speakers Club

8/9/2016

B

23

Josephs, Julean

American Express Communication Club

8/9/2016

F

62

Ferguson, Kendria Lanae

Pinnacle Seekers

8/11/2016

D

42

Maher, Pat T.

Secure Speakers Toastmaster Club

8/12/2016

C

33

Quintero-Trumbo, Yulimar

West Boca Toastmasters Club

8/12/2016

B

20

Lehenbauer, Eugene

CITRIX Toastmasters

8/15/2016

C

30

Ortiz, Victor Omar

Palm Beach Noon Toastmasters Club

8/18/2016

F

61

Knowles, Jewel C.

Destined For Success Toastmasters

8/19/2016

E

55

Rezende, Ana

The Landing

8/22/2016

E

51

Dalle Molle, Andrea

Miami Beach Toastmasters

8/22/2016

A

12

Goldglantz, Arthur

Hollywood Toastmasters

8/23/2016

D

43

Coscarelli, Maritza

The Palm Beach Toastmasters Club

8/23/2016

Competent Leader Division Area

Member Name

Club Name

Date

F

62

Albury, Glenisha

Luminaries Toastmasters

8/23/2016

A

12

Hernandez, Janai Y.

Miramar Bilingual Speakers

8/24/2016

F

62

Palmer, Owenique

Luminaries Toastmasters

8/24/2016

C

31

Richard, Paul

Boca Raton Toastmasters

8/25/2016

D

44

Krupa, Steve

Freddy's Forum Toastmasters Club

8/26/2016

E

51

Chamberlain, Shannon

Miami Beach Toastmasters

8/27/2016

I

90

Burrows, Amein

First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters

8/30/2016

B

22

Betzler, Rebekah J

BPB Talking Heads

8/30/2016

C

33

Finkelstein, Paul S.

West Boca Toastmasters Club

8/30/2016

Advanced Leader Bronze Division Area

Member Name

Club Name

Date

C

33

Silver, Christel

Boca Raton Advanced Toastmasters

8/2/2016

A

13

Kennedy, Sophia R.

Tyco Talkers

8/4/2016

A

10

Morales, Carlos

Weston Area Toastmasters Club

8/4/2016

D

41

Walker, Jennifer L.

High Voltage Voices

8/5/2016

D

41

Morales, Dilcia C.

High Voltage Voices

8/9/2016

D

44

Josan, Manohardeep (MD)

Freddy's Forum Toastmasters Club

8/9/2016

B

24

Davidson, Malcolm Charles

Sawgrass Toastmasters Club

8/15/2016

B

22

Jones, Lynette D.

First Edition Club

8/19/2016

F

61

Hanna, Ruthlin Rebecca

Destined For Success Toastmasters

8/19/2016

F

61

Bowleg, Lynette A.

Destined For Success Toastmasters

8/19/2016

E

51

Dalle Molle, Andrea

Miami Beach Toastmasters

8/22/2016

I

90

Albury, Tia-Maria Shavonne

Commonwealth Bank Blue Diamonds

8/23/2016

B

24

Kinsey, Brandon A.

Outspoken Toastmasters

8/23/2016

E

55

Rezende, Ana

The Landing

8/24/2016

B

24

Davidson, Julianna V.

Sawgrass Toastmasters Club

8/30/2016

D

40

Furgerson, James

Fort Pierce Toastmasters

8/30/2016

C

31

Eubank, Cassandra

Boca Raton Noon Toastmasters Club

8/30/2016

I

90

Mackey, Kenny Valentine

Commonwealth Bank Blue Diamonds

8/31/2016

Advanced Leader Silver Division Area

Member Name

Club Name

Date

B

24

Bern, Andrew Ira

Club V.O.I.C.E.

8/10/2016

C

31

Thomas, Sheree

Boca Raton Noon Toastmasters Club

8/10/2016

Leadership Excellence Division Area

Member Name

Club Name

Date

C

33

Quintero-Trumbo, Yulimar

West Boca Toastmasters Club

8/4/2016

F

61

Atus-Pawar, Merla

Destined For Success Toastmasters

8/8/2016

F

61

Burrows, Leonardo

Destined For Success Toastmasters

8/8/2016

F

61

Smith, Gregory Charles

Destined For Success Toastmasters

8/9/2016

21

Leadership Excellence Division Area

Member Name

Club Name

Date

F

61

Bowleg, Lynette A.

Destined For Success Toastmasters

8/12/2016

I

90

Kelly, Andre

Ernest T. Strachan Club Advanced Club 8/16/2016

Distinguished Toastmaster Division Area

Member Name

Club Name

Date

B

Bern, Andrew Ira

Club V.O.I.C.E.

8/10/2016

24

September Education Achievements Communication Track Competent Communicator Division Area

Member Name

Club Name

Date

I

90

Bethel, Ron L.

First Bahamas Branch Toastmasters

9/1/2016

C

30

Lu, Xuejin

Children's Services Council of PB County

F

61

Russell, Jeremy A

Destined For Success Toastmasters

9/2/2016

F

61

Ingraham, Jamaal Kendall E Destined For Success Toastmasters

9/2/2016

E

50

Torres, Francisco A.

Doral Toastmasters

9/5/2016

C

33

Vinikoor, Lori R.

West Boca Toastmasters Club

9/8/2016

A

13

Lambert, Arleen

Fountain of New Life Toastmasters

9/8/2016

C

30

Williams, Whently

Bill Gove Golden Gavel Club

9/10/2016

B

23

Kambobe, Francis M

Plantation Club

9/11/2016

I

90

Bowe, Ethric

First Bahamas Branch Toastmasters

9/15/2016

B

24

Calnick, Janeille

Sawgrass Toastmasters Club

9/16/2016

E

52

Moreno, Joshua

Grove-Gables Toastmasters

9/16/2016

I

91

Rahming, Vincent Jermaine

Cable Revolutionaries Toastmasters

9/18/2016

D

43

Maher, Pat T.

Palm Beach Advanced Toastmasters

9/18/2016

C

33

Borenstein, David S.

The Toastmasters Club At FAU

9/19/2016

B

21

Sneeringer, Christine

Early Bird Toastmasters

9/21/2016

F

60

Strapp, Bridgette L

Healing Communicators Club

9/21/2016

I

93

Bootle, Rodney

Abaco Lighthouse Beamers

9/23/2016

B

23

Lamas, Michael

Motorola Communicators Club

9/25/2016

C

34

Paltanavich, David J.

Club Paradise

9/25/2016

C

34

Kracer, Daniel

Club Paradise

9/26/2016

F

62

Rolle, Gerard Simon

Pinnacle Seekers

9/26/2016

C

30

Noll, Lauren L

Delray Newsmakers Club

9/27/2016

D

40

Thomas, David S.

Port St. Lucie Speakers

9/28/2016

I

90

Knowles, Torri

First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters 9/29/2016

22

9/1/2016

Advanced Communicator Bronze Division Area

Member Name

Club Name

Date

F

61

Bowleg, Lynette A.

Destined For Success Toastmasters

9/2/2016

E

51

Alsabah, Jeanette

Brickell Toastmasters Club

9/6/2016

D

41

Groover, Cindy

Palm City Orators

9/8/2016

C

31

Kasser, Barbara S.

Boca Raton Noon Toastmasters Club

9/13/2016

A

14

Marculo, Roberta A.

Gelfand Good Morning Toastmasters

9/21/2016

F

62

Evans, Marcus

Pinnacle Seekers

9/26/2016

Advanced Communicator Silver Division Area

Member Name

Club Name

Date

C

32

Caloia, Domenic

Sensor Toast Club

9/10/2016

A

12

Bernstein, Sheila

Hollywood Toastmasters

9/14/2016

E

53

Usher, Nadia Elaine

West Kendall Toastmasters

9/20/2016

A

11

Acosta, Ysabel

Pembroke Pines Paul Spiewak Toastmasters

F

62

Jackson, Garth

Luminaries Toastmasters

9/21/2016

I

93

Poitier, Ray-Don K.

Abaco Lighthouse Beamers

9/23/2016

C

33

Finkelstein, Paul S.

West Boca Toastmasters Club

9/29/2016

9/21/2016

Advanced Communicator Gold Division Area

Member Name

Club Name

Date

A

14

Kovacs, Jacqueline

Gelfand Good Morning Toastmasters

9/21/2016

E

50

Navarro, Rafael P.

Toastmasters En EspaĂąol

9/25/2016

Leadership Track Competent Leader Division

Area

Member Name

Club Name

Date

B

21

Barkley, Kip

Beacon Point Advanced

9/1/2016

I

90

Bethel, Ron L.

First Bahamas Branch Toastmasters 9/1/2016

E

52

Alonso, Alvaro

Coral Gables Toastmasters

9/4/2016

E

50

Torres, Francisco A.

Doral Toastmasters

9/5/2016

D

43

Coenson, Douglas R.

Palm Beach Advanced Toastmasters 9/6/2016

C

33

Wang, Echo X.

West Boca Toastmasters Club

C

30

Storms, James Patrick

Palm Beach Noon Toastmasters Club 9/11/2016

E

52

Moreno, Joshua

Grove-Gables Toastmasters

A

14

Ramirez, Yamilet D.

Gelfand Good Morning Toastmasters 9/20/2016

D

42

Strasdas, George

Gold Coast Toastmasters Club

9/20/2016

F

60

Hamilton, Patricia

Achievers of Excellence Club

9/20/2016

C

30

Fuller, Kenitha

Bill Gove Golden Gavel Club

9/22/2016

F

60

Simmons, Dwight

Healing Communicators Club

9/22/2016

D

43

Cross, Sandra

Palm Beach Advanced Toastmasters 9/24/2016

23

9/9/2016 9/16/2016

Competent Leader Division

Area

Member Name

Club Name

Date

D

43

Gersene, Claude

Palm Beach Advanced Toastmasters 9/24/2016

I

90

Johnson, Jeron

First Bahamas Branch

9/26/2016

C

32

Powell, April

Office Depot Toastmasters

9/27/2016

C

31

Kasser, Barbara S.

Boca Raton Noon Toastmasters Club 9/27/2016

B

20

Segarra, Johnny

Proud Speakers Club

9/27/2016

I

90

Knowles, Torri

First Bahamas Branch

9/29/2016

F

62

Hanna, Monique P.

Pinnacle Seekers

9/29/2016

I

91

Adderley, Quarry

New Providence Branch

9/29/2016

I

91

Mortimer, D'Anya

New Providence Branch

9/29/2016

Advanced Leader Bronze Division

Area

Member Name

Club Name

Date

E

54

Williams, Michael J

Cutler Bay Toastmasters

9/6/2016

I

91

Etienne, Suzelle

Cable Revolutionaries

9/6/2016

B

23

Loeffler, Alyssa

Plantation Club

9/14/2016

E

51

Alsabah, Jeanette

Brickell Toastmasters Club

9/14/2016

E

52

Wang, Qiong

Grove-Gables Toastmasters

9/16/2016

C

33

Quintero-Trumbo, Yulimar

West Boca Toastmasters Club

9/16/2016

F

60

Hamilton, Patricia

Achievers of Excellence Club

9/20/2016

I

91

Rahming, Vincent

Cable Revolutionaries Toastmasters

9/29/2016

Advanced Leader Silver Division

Area

Member Name

Club Name

Date

F

61

Burrows, Leonardo

Destined For Success Toastmasters

9/2/2016

F

61

Smith, Gregory Charles

Destined For Success Toastmasters

9/2/2016

B

22

Jones, Lynette D.

First Edition Club

9/7/2016

A

12

Bernstein, Sheila

Hollywood Toastmasters

9/14/2016

Leadership Excellence Division

Area

Member Name

Club Name

Date

E

54

Stewart, Jason R.

Cutler Bay Toastmasters

9/14/2016

E

51

Chamberlain, Shannon

Miami Beach Toastmasters

9/27/2016

A

14

Kovacs, Jacqueline

Gelfand Good Morning Toastmasters 9/27/2016

Distinguished Toastmaster Division

Area

Member Name

Club Name

Date

F

61

Burrows, Leonardo

Destined For Success Toastmasters

9/2/2016

F

61

Smith, Gregory Charles

Destined For Success Toastmasters

9/10/2016

24