The Sunshiner- April Edition

Issue No. 9

April2021

DISTRICT 47'S OFFICIAL NEWS DESK

C ELEBRATING

DIVERSITY

WHO IS SID MAR C US ?

DTM PANEL DIS C USSION

T A B L E

O F

CONTENTS Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization. ~Mahatma Gandhi

Page 3 Save The Date - Conference 2021 Celebrating Diversity- Shveta Kumar Page 4 Committed to Diversity- Abby Martinez Sid Marcus, “An Inspiration to Toastmasters of ALL Ages"- Lois Margolin, DTM Page 5 DEC Election and Nomination- Maurice Fuller, DTM Page 6 Miami Advanced Toastmasters Host DTM Panel Discussion - Luiz Bravim Upcoming District 47 Events & Celebrations Page 7 Ying Yang- Dudley Turnquest Excellence & Toastmasters Core Values- Marlene Smith Page 8 & 9 Division C Highlight Page 10 •Happy Anniversary to our Toastmaster Clubs!

Page 11 •Credits & Notifications Page

Save The Date The dynamic duo of Distinguished Toastmasters Deandra Dorsette and Darren Kennedy, your conference co-chairs, want to take you backstage; we’ve been extremely busy over the past six months preparing to bring to you an exhilarating District 47 conference.

Now that the conference is going to be virtual, rest assured that we are committed to bringing you an exciting experience like no other conference you’ve attended before. So you might ask yourself, “What’s in it for me?” or “Why should I attend?” And the answer is simple: EVERYTHING IS IN IT FOR YOU! In addition to educational opportunities, it’s your chance to network with old friends while gaining new ones as well as engage in exciting activities to keep you entertained. You will not want to miss it! It is our sincere desire that you will be talking about this experience for years to come.

Please stay tuned for many more details to follow. For now, though, we need you to save the date, bring the enthusiasm, and get ready for an unforgettable virtual experience.

Celebrating Diversity SHVETA KUMAR

Pride is just one thing I feel as a member of the Weston Area Toastmasters. As an everlearning student, not only of the tenets of the program but also of the various cultures represented in our Club—we have Pacific Islanders, Puerto Ricans, Indians, Italians, Latinos, Americans, Asians—I feel blessed.

As a single human race yet a diverse population, it is imperative in this age of globalization to celebrate our differences. The benefits of doing so are many: 1. A variety of Perspectives 2. Increased Creativity and ideation 3. Reduced fear and increased support for each other 4. Greater opportunity for personal growth 5. Celebration of different holidays 6. Less bias There is much to be gained and very little to lose from diversity I hope more companies, organizations, and clubs encourage inclusion and enjoy the benefits.

3 | THE SUNSHINER

Toastmasters International Embodies Acceptance ABBY MARTINEZ “Originally a men’s club in the U.S., Smedley provided people with the proper tools to become better and more confident speakers and leaders. This need was everywhere and the club began to serve broader audiences. In 1932, Canada joined and TMI opened its doors to women in 1973.

With its growing international popularity, the club embraced all cultures and people serving over four million people since its inception. Today it is composed of 357,000 members in 143 countries through its 16,200 member clubs worldwide. Smedley made it possible for members to travel and learn about other cultures and speak to diverse audiences authentically through the support of the club’s international presence. We have the common desire to communicate clearly and effectively and to connect with our audience whoever and wherever they may be.

As we see time and time again in our clubs and conferences, the diversity in our own district comes together with the multiculturalism of South Florida and the Bahamas sharing ideas and experiences through speeches and friendships. Even further away, from the Czech Republic, fellow toastmaster Tomas Kucera, from The Geeky Leader, wrote in 2014, “This is a truly global organization . . . . There is no exam to get in, and everyone who wants to learn is accepted and offered an opportunity to participate.” He later published “How To Build An Inclusive Culture” in February 2021, where he wrote, “Always look for diverse opinions and diverse sources of information. Don't ignore those who are different from you and focus on the small daily interactions and micro-messages.” Let’s continue to champion and celebrate the diversity at Toastmasters International and beyond!

LOIS MARGOLIN, DTM DIVISION B DIRECTOR Every once in a while, an extraordinary individual crosses your path.

My goal is to introduce you to one such extraordinary, 97+ year old Toastmaster, Sid Marcus. Sid joined Toastmasters in 1973 and touched thousands of young lives. Sid kindly sent us some information regarding his life in Toastmasters. I was humbled as I began sifting through the pages of his accomplishments and read about this incredible man and the lives he influenced.

Sid enjoyed working with youth and facilitated several Youth Leadership Programs. Sid received the following acknowledgments: ·Graduated over 4200 students from the Youth Leadership Program ·Recipient of the “Gold Medallion” Toastmasters international Presidential Award in 1988 ·1987 Recipient of the Torch Award for Outstanding community service for volunteerism in Broward County ·Inducted into the Broward County Senior Hall of Fame on May 12, 1994 ·Conducted over 19 workshops in “Effective Speaking Skills for Broward County” “Sidini” the Magician had the magic touch as he worked with individuals and provided “Hands on Effective Speaking Skills and Motivational lectures.” Sid was such an inspiration that the City of Coral Springs declared May 6, 1988 as “Sid Marcus Day”, recognizing his volunteerism.

Sid shared his gift with the youth, recognizing both deficiencies in the system as well as its potential, which could provide the self-confidence that a child needed to mature and face the world.

As I look at our district directive, “Build a Culture of Community,” I realize that Sid Marcus is a timeless individual. I hope Sid is proud of us as we carry the torch and continue his work throughout the District by facilitating multiple youth leadership programs.

Sid, we thank you: for all you have done for our youth, Toastmasters, and our community. You have created an incredible legacy and you are indeed “an Inspiration to Toastmasters of All Ages.”

4 | THE SUNSHINER

Members of District 47

The DLC Committee hereby share with the membership at large the results of our candidate interviews held virtually by the committee on February 27/28 2021.

The Committee interviewed all qualified candidates who applied and submitted a District Officer packet to the committee and were verified in good standing.

The Committee interviewed a total of 13 candidates and all interviews were conducted in person.

After deliberation, the DLC committe is recommending the following candidates to move forward for the nominated position herein and have advised of this recommendation to the District Director.

Elected Positions:

DISTRICT DIRECTOR Shakira Taylor DTM Ivan Thompson DTM

PROGRAM QUALITY DIRECTOR Austen Canonica DTM Andre Kelly DTM

CLUB GROWTH DIRECTOR Lois Margolin DTM Price Polynice DTM

DIVISION A o Andrea Robinson DTM

DIVISION B o Roosevelt Jean Francois DTM

DIVISION C o Elizabeth George DTM

DIVISION D o OPEN

DIVISION E o OPEN

DIVISION F o Gerard Rolle DTM

DIVISION I Ancin Munnings DTM Derek Garcia Rolle ACG, ALS The DLC Committee acknowledges the passion and dedication these candidates have committed to the Toastmasters Organization and the membership of District 47.

The DLC Committee is interested in finding additional qualified candidates as “Floor Candidates” for the open roles above, as governed by the Toastmasters International Governing Documents 9.04A A. If the DLC report is incomplete, qualified candidates may run from the floor for any position for which the DLC did not nominate the required number of candidates. Qualified candidates must notify the District Director seven (7) days prior to their intent to run from the floor. Any nominations made by the DLC are valid.

For members seeking to declare their intent to run as a “Floor Candidate” for the Elected District Leadership Roles for the following roles only, please submit the forms and information listed below to the DLC Chair by email to dlc@toastmastersd47.org in one (1) PDF attachment at least 1 week prior to the date of the May 1st election.

Floor Candidates Elected District Leadership Roles in District 47: Division D Director and Division E Director In addition, the DLC committee is interested in receiving applications from members seeking assignment with one of District 47’s Appointed Positions: Area Directors (Please specify Area) Finance Manager Administration Manager Logistics Manager Public Relations Manager

For the Appointed Positions (stated above), the DLC committee would like to receive the information below for each candidate no later than End of Day, April 15th.

District Leader Nominating Form https://www.toastmasters.org/~/media/2905fd52797c4efeaffbcd5b49c11a63.ashx Officer Agreement & Release Statements https://www.toastmasters.org/~/media/5A2B48BB6B3D4E92B994CE666CB84DC8.ashx District Leader Biographical Information https://www.toastmasters.org/~/media/503A88FC353A44BABF06B20823830CE8.ashx Best Regards, Maurice M Fuller, DTM, PDD District 47 DLC Chair 2020 – 2021

5 |

THE SUNSHINER

Miami Advanced Toastmasters Host DTM Panel Discussion

LUIZ BRAVIM

Miami Advanced is a small club with big ambition. It hosts special events throughout the year, and boasts some of District 47’s finest. This past Thursday, Miami Advanced Toastmasters featured a Distinguished Toastmaster Panel Discussion offering expert advice for all interested in the DTM Award.

Dave Bricker is a professional speaker who spent three and a half years working toward his Distinguished Toastmaster Award. Dave advised aspiring DTM’s that when we “focus on the destination, we miss the important parts of the journey.” He said that at the start of his Toastmasters career, he did not record speeches, nor did he care about titles or recognition. What he did was challenge himself as a speaker, such as the time he delivered an entire speech with only body language. These challenges kept Dave interested and motivated as he “put one foot in front of the other, ticked the boxes,” and made steady improvements in his speaking game.

Betty Ortiz-Valdes, DTM, is a business owner and member of three Toastmasters clubs. Focusing her presentation on the leadership aspect of Toastmasters, she recommended that other members download the Club Coach Handbook, Area Director Handbook, and DTM Requirements. Betty expressed gratitude for numerous mentors over the years and spoke on “life balance,” an area that eluded her in the early part of her Toastmasters journey. Betty has served in several district officer roles and recruited Errol Leandre to serve as a test speaker before he became a world semifinalist at the World Championship of Public Speaking last year.

Nadia Usher, DTM, is another past area director in Toastmasters and brought international gravitas to the panel. Nadia began as a Toastmaster in Belize, after learning of a club in which the movers and shakers of that nation were members. She simply wanted to improve her speaking skills for board-level presentations at the company she worked for at the time. Nadia exclaimed, “Most of all, [Toastmasters] has given me a plethora of friends.”

Following the presentations, each of the Distinguished Toastmaster panelists offered themselves for questions from the audience. They showed poise, wisdom, and humor for any interested in a first, second, or third DTM!

Divisions' Table Topics and International Speech Contests: March 1st – April 15th Registration for Spring Conference Ends: April 23rd Golden Gavel Club Award campaign ends: April 15th Spring Conference 2021: April 30th – May 2nd Annual Business Meeting (Election of District Leadership Team 2021-2022): May 1st District Executive Council (DEC) Meeting: May 2nd Beat the Clock Membership Building: May 1st – June 30th TI Deadline for 2nd Area Director Reports for credit in the Distinguished Area Program: May 31st 6 | THE SUNSHINER

POEM BY MARLENE SMITH

DUDLEY TURNQUEST

For many years we have seen a trend of separation between people. It has been over the simplest of things, from skin colour, biological sex, sexual orientation or religious creed.

The Civil Right Movement is a little over 50 years yet black people still feel oppressed. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the mistreatment of Asians as they are being blamed for putting the world on pause. Despite being given the right to marry gay people still face harsh criticisms, and the rest of the LGBT community is still fighting for their voice to be heard.

The world has never been fair to those that aren’t privileged, however, a long time ago some people realized that the world has a delicate balance. There are feminine aspects in every man, masculine aspects in every woman. There is a little bit of white in blackness, and a little bit of black in whiteness. We are all imperfect, and those imperfections make us unique, so we should take time every now and then to celebrate the ying in our yang, and the yang in our ying.

Respect for all Respect to you Respect yourself Respect ideas new

Integrity inside Integrity indeed Integrity issued Integrity to proceed Service for one Service forever Service for community Service to treasure Excellence bestowed Excellence driven Excellence surround Excellence given

MARLENE SMITH Toastmasters has 4 core values. Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence. Excellence is the quality of being outstanding or extremely good. “Excellence” as in excellence in public speaking. Presenting yourself with excellence in public speaking reinforces your credentials, your integrity, your knowledge, and gives authenticity to your message. Excellence in public speaking is excellence in you.

I was recently reminded of this very concept. I went to a video conferencing meeting where the author, Doctor PhD, was promoting a newly published book based on the PhD dissertation.

The Doctor PhD started with these words “I hate giving this presentation.” Did Doctor PhD practice for this presentation?

The sponsor then asked the audience to mute and turn off the camera so “as not to distract” Doctor PhD when presenting a PowerPoint presentation. Then, Doctor PhD muttered,” I cannot see anyone, can you see me?” Seriously!

My ah counter and grammarian antennae were activated. I covered my ears, rolled my eyes. These words…Aah…Uhm…Kinda…

Sort of…So…So…Anyway… Well… You know…

One, two, or three of these words in every sentence. Glad my video was off. Seriously!

I was intent on listening to the message, showing respect for the achievement of this Doctor PhD. A celebration of Doctor PhD publishing a book based on the dissertation.

A celebration of a higher education albeit totally lacking public speaking skills education.

Toastmaster’s core value of excellence is exceedingly important for each one of us.

Speaking with excellence shows respect for the audience and reinforces your integrity.

Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence.

Spread the words about Toastmasters’ core values to every educational institution.

Everyone reaps the benefits of a great presentations. Excellence in public speaking is excellence in you.

7 | THE SUNSHINER

Anthony Elie, DTM, is a certified public accountant and one of the founding members of the Toastmasters Club at FAU. His role as the club’s first president in 2014 and his general Toastmasters experience have equipped him with the tools to excel and serve beyond Toastmasters, resulting in a variety of leadership opportunities. In 2019 he founded/sponsored the RSM South Florida Toastmasters Club.

1) What are your feelings as the Division Director this year? Who is on your Division Team?

It has been said that change is the essence of our experience. This year in particular has been one that demonstrates the ephemeralness of our experience. It has been a year of many peaks and troughs, but my prevailing feeling is gratitude. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with a team of leaders genuinely dedicated to supporting our members. Thankfully, we also have stalwart members in Division C who consistently step up to the challenges we face.

Division C’s Leadership team is composed of individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their service to club members and the District at large. Our Area Directors are Romina Gotzmann, Connie Finkelman, Amber Lynn Kelley, and Andre Noudjo. Additionally, Samantha Inguanzo and David Borenstein, DTM, have assisted with public Relations and program quality, respectively. I am honored to lead such a capable team.

2) What does the C in Division C stand for this year?

There are countless C words in the dictionary that can be used to describe the caring and courageous members of Division C. But since I am standing on the foundation built by many incredible previous Division C Directors (most recently Austen Canonica, DTM), the C in Division C stands for confrere this year. Many of us join Toastmasters for personal and professional development but we extract so much more. We share ideas while we encourage and support each other. Somewhere along the way, this blossoms into friendship. We become confreres.

3) What goals is your Division hoping to have achieved by June 30th, 2020?

In a year marked by change, we have adapted our goals along the way to address the needs of our members. In addition to meeting our responsibilities as division and area directors, we shared the goal of empowering members to tap into their leadership potential and maximize their Toastmasters experience by taking on new roles and challenges. We also intend to identify and convey to each of our division’s promising members their potential to be future district leaders.

When we pass the baton on June 30th to our successors, they will have a lane cleared of obstacles and a respectable head start as well.

4) What events, programs, or initiatives should District 47 look out for from your Division?

In addition to the traditional Area and Division Contests, Division C has hosted two joint Area Council Meetings and a Holiday Party. Though all were virtual, they were infused with energy.

Members had the opportunity to collaborate with fellow club officers and Area members at the council meetings. They enjoyed a friendly yet competitive Jeopardy game and ugly sweater contest at the holiday party. In terms of programs, our Division C Leadership Team unveiled Speaker on Standby (SOS). SOS is a new pilot program to match eager speakers with clubs that need speakers for their upcoming meetings. Visit s-o-s.org to learn more!

5) What is your Why? I will never forget the evening I strolled into an open house being held at FAU. The eloquence, poise and effectiveness of the Toastmasters running the open house left a lasting impression on me. I’d known from experience that nearly everyone has unique ideas and visions to accomplish. However, at that open house, I realized that public speaking was an essential skill to sharing our messages to larger audiences and making our visions a reality. Over six years later, the benefits I’ve reaped from my Toastmasters experience are so clearly evident that they are almost tangible. Having received so much, I wish to pay forward all of the support and encouragement that I have been given.

8 | THE SUNSHINER

Area 30

Toastmaster Gotzmann hails from The Toastmasters Club at FAU, where, in March 2019, she joined while completing a B.S. in Computer Science. After being elected her club's incoming VP of Education and being recognized as the Outstanding Member of the Year, she became determined to spread the same mentorship and support that helped bring about such happy accomplishments. Area 30 in Division C features five outstanding clubs: Delray Newsmakers, City of Delray Beach, NCCI, Bill Gove Golden Gavel, and Sailfish. As the 2020-2021 Area 30 Director, she wants most to convey that it was a pleasure to get to know and assist so many high-achieving confreres.

Area 31

Area 31 Director, Connie Finkelman, joined Toastmasters in 2012 to prepare for a career challenge as a tech conference speaker. In 2019 she founded Kroger Digital, Boca Toastmasters Club in her workplace, where she now serves as Treasurer and VPE. She is also the VPPR and coach of Palm Beach Advanced Toastmasters. Connie has supported the corporate clubs that make up her area through their difficult transition from workplace to home office: by helping them gain synergy with each other and through her work on the Speaker on Standby program, which connects visiting prepared speakers with different clubs.

Area 32

Amber Kelley started her public speaking journey at the Toastmasters Club at FAU three years ago. During this time, she served as VPPR and President. She is currently serving as Area 32 Director for Boca Raton Toastmasters, Boca Speak Easy, Luminaries at the Boca Chamber, Boca Raton Noon, and Boca Raton Advanced. It has been a difficult year with the transition to virtual meetings. Since many have experienced layoffs and even the loss of a family member, Amber’s goal was to remind our clubs that Toastmasters is not just an organization, but a group of friends who become family.

Area 33

Andre Noudjo is a member of Boca Raton Toastmasters since 2016. Andre joined Toastmasters for selfimprovement but has discovered a passion for helping other members maximize their potential. He credited Toastmasters for his success in classroom settings as an instructor. Andre served in the role of Club Secretary and VP of Membership. He learned that the focus must be on the members’ experience. Andre is eager to serve and share the valuable lessons he continues to learn from Toastmasters to the wonderful members he now serves as the Area 33 Director. The members' success remains his greatest motivation.

9 | | THE SUNSHINER

District 47 celebrates all of our amazing clubs who have celebrated the dates of their founding between March 9th, 2021 and May 31st, 2021!!

YAY to our Annual Anniversary Clubs:

IRSC Toastmasters Club #7452497 of Division D, Area 41 turned 1 year old on March 11th!

East Central Archdeaconry Toastmasters Club #7717904 of Division F, Area 61 turned 1 year old on March 31st! #clerkspeaksquad Toastmasters Club #6924927 of Division F, Area 63 turns 1 year old on April 22nd!

Midday Talkers Toastmasters Club #7545076 of Division C, Area 31 turns 1 year old on May 13th!

YAY to our Triennial Anniversary Clubs:

Brazilian Toastmasters Club #6930061 of Division B, Area 25 turned 3 years old on April 5th!

World Fuel Toastmasters Club #6829448 of Division E, Area 51 turns 3 years old on April 17th!

Pinewood Trendsetters Toastmasters Club #7773041 of Division E, Area 51 turns 3 years old on April 17th!

YAY to our Quadrennial Anniversary Clubs:

AGOC Nationbuilders Toastmasters Club #6484905 of Division I, Area 93 turns 4 years old on April 20th!

Sailfish Toastmasters Club #6512963 of Division C, Area 30 turns 4 years old on April 24th!

YAY to our Sexennial Anniversary Clubs:

Dade County Toasters Club #4555744 of Division E, Area 52 turns 6 years old on April 10th!

FG Knights Toastmasters Club #4719842 of Division F, Area 63 turns 6 years old on May 18th!

YAY to our Septennial Anniversary Clubs: Team Entrepreneur Toastmasters Club #3815740 of Division A, Area 15 turns 7 years old on April 22nd!

Fidelity Toastmasters Club of Distinction #3953713 of Division F, Area 63 turns 7 years old on May 8th!

YAY to our Novennial Anniversary Club:

Juno How To Talk Toastmasters Club #2439314 of Division D, Area 42 turns 9 years old on May 1st!

YAY to our Decennial Anniversary Club:

Club Power Speakers Toastmasters Club #1575030 of Division B, Area 20 turned 10 years old on March 14th!

YAY to our Undecennial Anniversary Clubs:

1st US Portuguese Toastmasters Club #1450351 of Division C, Area 33 turns 11 years old on April 28th!

Cutler Bay Toastmasters Club #1412303 of Division E, Area 55 turns 11 years old on May 1st!

Universal Advanced Toastmasters Club #1489049 of Division A, Area 12 turns 11 years old on May 7th!

YAY to our Ivory Anniversary Club:

Devry University Miramar Toastmasters Club #1007807 of Division A, Area 12 turns 14 years old on April 11th!

YAY to our Sapphire Anniversary Club:

Florida Keys Toastmasters Club #704393 of Division E, Area 55 turned 16 years old on March 17th!

YAY to our Quartz Anniversary Clubs:

First Exuma Branch Toastmasters Club #8123 of Division F, Area 62 turns 18 years old on April 14th!

RiverWalk Toastmasters Club #8664 of Division D, Area 44 turns 18 years old on April 29th!

YAY to our Porcelain Anniversary Club:

Toastmasters En Español Club # 971 of Division E, Area 51 turned 21 years old on April 1st!

YAY to our Silver Jubilee Anniversary Clubs:

West Boca Toastmasters Club #1978 of Division C, Area 32 turned 25 years old on April 1st!

Sensor Toast Club #3518 of Division C, Area 31 turned 26 years old on April 1st!

Doral Toastmasters Club #861 of Division E, Area 51 turned 27 years old on April 1st!

Boca Raton Noon Toastmasters Club #4207 of Division C, Area 33 turns 27 years old on May 1st!

Toast of Las Olas Toastmasters Club #9400 of Division B, Area 22 turns 28 years old on May 1st!

YAY to our Pearl Anniversary Clubs:

Palm City Orators Toastmasters Club #8181 of Division D, Area 40 turns 30 years old on May 1st!

Miami Lakes Toastmasters Club #6568 of Division A, Area 13 turns 34 years old on May 1st!

YAY to our Sapphire Jubilee Anniversary Clubs:

Club Awesome Toastmasters Club #2445 of Division B, Area 20 turned 47 years old on April 1st!

Friendly Club of Fort Lauderdale Toastmasters Club #3001 of Division B, Area 22 turned 48 years old on April 1st!

Plantation Toastmasters Club #2582 of Division B, Area 23 turned 49 years old on April 1st!

YAY to our Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Clubs:

Miracle Mile Toastmasters Club #2283 of Division E, Area 54 turned 60 years old on April 1st!

South Dade Toastmasters Club #2463 of Division E, Area 54 turns 64 years old on May 1st!

YAY to our Blue Sapphire Jubilee Anniversary Club:

Coral Gables Toastmasters Club #1695 of Division E, Area 54 turned 66 years old on April 1st!

10 | THE SUNSHINER

Newsletter Editions are published every 4th day of the incoming month

Newscast Tidbits News Casts are published every 14th day of the incoming month

Ernesto G. Williams, DTM – Editor-In-Chief Glenisha Albury, DTM– Design Editor TM Ryan S. Kelly II – Copy Editor TM Abby Martinez – Writer TM Luiz Bravim – Writer TM Shveta Kumar – Columnist TM Dudley O. A. Turnquest – Columnist TM Taimak Saunders – Production Editor TM L. Robert Knowles – Video Editor TM Irwinique Storr – News Anchor Antionette Fox, DTM – News Cast Writer

Send all submissions, thoughts and suggestions to sunshiner@toastmastersd47.org