January 2009
C.H.M.I. Toastmasters Club 969479
C.H.M.I. Soarer Area 80 * Division I * District 47 * Region 8 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Greetings from President and Editor Division I Church Service Division I Leadership Symposium
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Defying the Odds in the Pursuit Of Excellence
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Pictures from Leadership Symposium
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Division I Humorous Speech & Evaluation Competition 6 Pictures from Humorous Speech & Evaluation
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And you are whom??
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Let’s Celebrate!! District 47 Fall Conference Pictures from Fall Conference C.H.M.I. welcomes home some VIPs
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Executive Team 2008-2009 President
TM Chevette Black, ACB/ALB
Vice President Education
TM Brooke Sherman
Vice President Membership
TM Karlean Smith
Vice President Public Relations
TM Shavonne Sherman
Secretary
TM Tamar Moss
Treasurer
TM Shelmerdine Cartwright, CC
Sergeant-At-Arms
TM Damian Sturrup
Immediate Past President
TM Monique Butler, CC/CL
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C.H.M.I. Toastmasters Club 969479
Greetings from President Black WE ARE DYNAMITE, YES WE ARE DYNAMITE… ALRIGHT!! As we move speedily into the 3rd quarter, we have much to be thankful for and a tremendous amount of experiences to learn from. Especially as we got to experience the 1st Conference of the new District 47! We can say we’ve been engraved into a remarkable history that is written with an indelible mark that cannot and never will be erased. As a young club we can say that we have had our mountains and our rivers, but we’ve climbed and crossed and have succeeded. It gives me great pleasure to congratulate you the officers and members of the C.H.M.I Toastmasters Club 969479 on being a Distinguished Club!! You have earned this recognition and I say that we’re
only half way there crew. With help from friends and colleagues alike, we continue to press on. My personal motto will not be forgotten — the true definition of leadership is continuing to act it out in our everyday living, and I believe we epitomize that definition as we are continually focused and firm on our goals. Our goals and our theme reflect that we wanted to DEFY the Odds in the Pursuit of Excellence. Safe to say gang, the odds have been far surpassed and we have embarked on our journey of excellence. Continue to make excellence your daily pursuits and congrats once again.
TM Chevette Black, ACB/ALB President
“Communication is about being effective, not always being proper.” — Bo Bennett
“Success is never final and failure never fatal. It's courage that counts.” — George F. Tiltonood
“High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation.” — Jack and Garry Kinder
Greetings from the Editor Thrilling, Electrifying, Educational, Motivational and Inspirational, are all that come to mind when thinking of this past quarter. It is my sincere hope that you felt the same way. This, the second issue of CHMI T o as tm a st e r s Cl ub 9 6 9 4 7 9 ’ s Newsletter is produced to give you but a taste of what you missed and for others, help bring about memories of the successes from not only our club, but those of Area 80 and Division I as well. As you turn the pages of this publication it is my hope that you see yourself, your club and plan for continued success.
This has indeed been a productive quarter and it is my pleasure to serve as Editor for this newsletter. Fellow Toastmasters, I urge you to Persevere, Lead effectively, Always be trendsetters and Never settle for mediocrity. As an eagle soars into the sky with such strength… so will C.H.M.I. Toastmasters Club continue to soar as masters of the air and defy the odds in the pursuit of excellence.
TM Shavonne M. Sherman Vice President of Public Relations
C.H.M.I. Toastmasters Club 969479
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Toastmasters’ Month Starts On The Right Foot! What better way was it to start of an entire month of events, leadership and fellowship than in the Temple of the Lord — at the annual Toastmasters Church Service. It marked the official opening of Toastmasters’ Month, and was held on October 5th, 2008 at St Joseph’s Catholic Church. This service was definitely one that started Toastmasters’ Month off on t h e ri gh t fo o t ; fo s t eri n g a n environment of unity and cohesiveness. This was my first time attending a Toastmasters Church Service as I am fairly new to the program. There were approximately 60 Toastmasters present at this event, which was a clear i l l u s t ra t i o n o f t h e fa c t t h at
ABOVE: Front (from r-l) DTM Godfrey Springer (Cofounding farther of Club 1600), Officiant, DTM Antoinette Fox (District 47 Governor), DTM Pamela Rolle (Division I Governor), Priest, and DTM Edward Carey (Co-founding Father of Club 1600) and members of Division I surrounding. RIGHT: Members of the C.H.M.I. Toastmasters Club 969479.
Toastmasters so truly support, not only each other through commitments but the organization. Another contributing factor to the feeling of unity that was present at this service stemmed from the fact that everyone was dressed so smartly. It was a great experience to be able to fellowship with the entire Toastmasters organizational body in a spiritual environment while feasting on the uncompromising word of God. The tone of the service was indeed a revenant one, and as a result I believe that a peaceful and successful blessing was able to follow this organization throughout the entire month of October. I also believe that as a result
of the fellowship the ground was paved for the success of all the events which were to come.
TM Brooke Sherman Vice President of Education
“The pessimist borrows trouble; the optimist lends encouragement.” — William Arthur Ward
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.” — Albert Einstein
“Smooth seas do not make skilful sailors.” — African Proverb
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C.H.M.I. Toastmasters Club 969479
Division I (Bahamas) Professional Development, Communication and Leadership Symposium 2008 Promoting Toastmasters in the community was one of the major objectives of Toastmasters Month 2008. That objective was certainly accomplished at the feature event of the month — The Professional Development, Communication and Leadership Symposium, which was held at SuperClubs Breezes Resort on Thursday, October 23, 2008. “Embracing the Possibilities” was the theme for the one-day event and organizers targeted business managers, supervisors and administrative professionals. Led by DTM Anthony Longley, Chairperson, the organizing committee worked tirelessly for three months to stage a well organized and professionally orchestrated event. The results were astounding. Although the audience was smaller than anticipated, the sessions all began and ended on time and the day was action packed from start to finish. The seminar was officially declared open by the Hon. W. A. Branville McCartney, Minister of State for Immigration in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Minister McCartney encouraged each participant “to enter as a sponge, ready to soak up all that is presented, then return to the workplace as a tea bag, ready to infuse the environment by demonstrating initiative and thinking ‘out of the box.’” The day was filled with presentations that focused on pertinent leadership issues. There were two sets of four concurrent focus sessions for areas of special interest, including Stress and Time Management, Making Yourself Marketable and Preparing for Retirement. General sessions primarily consisted of motivational topics such as “Your Hope Becomes Your Reality” by TM Michael Munnings and “Embracing the Possibilities in the Coconut Tree” by DTM Keith Major. The day ended with the keynote address by Rev. Angela Palacious on the topic “Becoming a 21st Century Leader.” Rev. Palacious pointed out aspects of leadership that are often neglected in our quest to get to the top. She implored participants on the importance of work-life balance, sharing the vital importance of not focusing on career growth at the expense of personal responsibilities. One aspect of the symposium, that demonstrates the impact of Toastmasters in the community, is that the majority of the speakers were Toastmasters. These persons came with a wealth of experience and spoke with authority on topics that were highly relevant to the audience. It speaks volumes for the Toastmasters program. From all reports received, this event had a tremendous impact on the participants, who strongly support making this an annual event and encourage other organizations to take similar initiatives. It was an honor for me to be a part of this dynamic organizing team.
TM Denison Balfour, ACB/CL
C.H.M.I. Toastmasters Club 969479
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Pictures from the Leadership Symposium
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C.H.M.I. Toastmasters Club 969479
Division I Humorous Speech & Evaluation Competition It was that time again when all Toastmasters of Bahamas Division I gathered to hear the best of the best from all the Areas compete in the Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contest. The event was held at Workers House on Wednesday, October 29th, 2008, and was hosted by our sister Club, Cable Beach West, Club 6796.
Humorous Speech Contest: • Winner…..TM Sashane McDonald, Area 82 • 2nd Place…….TM Kirklyn McPhee, Area 81
The results of the Clem Foster Awards were also announced and it was a clear Area 80 sweep: Winner………….Cable Beach West Club 6796 nd The evening started off with the colorful parade 2rd Place………….New Providence Club 3596 of Banners and continued with a superb 3th Place….Masters of Excellence Club 933001 compilation of orators that gave us lots of laughs 4 Place…..CHMI Toastmasters Club 969479 and excellent evaluations. The Test Speaker for Let us continue to support the efforts of the the evening was TM Bonnie Nguyen from Club Club, Area and Division and strive to be number 1095 and she encouraged us to “Emancipate one. Ourselves.” In the end, the results were as follows:
TM Deanna Morrison, ACS/ALB
Evaluation Contest: • Winner…TM Damien K. T. Miller, Area 80 Mentor • 2nd Place...TM Sashane McDonald, Area 82
C.H.M.I. Toastmasters Club 969479
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Pictures from Humorous Speech & Evaluation Competition
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C.H.M.I. Toastmasters Club 969479
?? AND YOU ARE WHOM ??
“ The art of communication is the language of leadership.” — James Humes
“Real difficulties can be overcome; it is only the imaginary ones that are unconquerable.” — Theodore N. Vail
Toastmaster Karlean Smith was born on the beautiful day of October 6th, 1982. Currently studying Tourism Management at the College of The Bahamas with her main goal of becoming a Destination Marketer (“or sticking with the destination and/or marketing business”). Toastmaster Smith loves meeting new people, music, cooking, dancing, enjoying life and what all it has to offer. Toastmaster Smith joined this great Organization in 2006, when C.H.M.I. Toastmasters Club 969479 first began, serving as Vice President of Membership and is presently working toward her Competent Communicator (CC) goal.
“Our greatest battles are that with our own minds.” — Jameson Frank
“It's not whether you get knocked down. It's whether you get up again.” — Vince Lombardi
“Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they haven't half the strength you think they have.” — Norman Vincent Peale
Toastmaster Brooke M. N. Sherman entered the College of the Bahamas in the fall semester of 2007 as a freshman within the Bachelor of Science degree program for Tourism Management. During her first year she participated in the 2007 session of Youth Parliament where she represented the constituency of Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama. Today, Miss Sherman serves as a Senator in the College of the Bahamas Union of Students representing our Culinary and Hospitality Management Institute (CHMI), and sits as Chairman of the External Affairs Committee. Miss Sherman joined the Toastmasters program during the spring of 2008, after being inspired by her prior successes within the Junior Achievement Bahamas program. Toastmaster Sherman says that, “Affluent communication is my passion and through these skills I know that I will be unstoppable.” She currently holds the position of Vice President of Education for CHMI Toastmasters Club 969479. Toastmaster Sherman is a very outgoing, vibrant 18 year old leader who enjoys the arts, fellowship, and anything that challenges her communication expertise. Her personal motto is – No man can paralyze your finesse or your limits because you possess a boundless future in which you can defy the odds of human limitations by your innate greatness through Christ.
“You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
“Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are.” — Bernice Johnson Reagon
“Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above it.” — Washington Irving
C.H.M.I. Toastmasters Club 969479
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LET’S CELEBRATE!!!!!! PRESIDENT
BIRTHDAY WISHES GO OUT TO…
CONGRATULATIONS TO… TOASTMASTER
TOASTMASTER
JAVON & JAMERE MCINTOSH
FOR OBTAINING HER ADVANCED COMMUNICATOR BRONZE!!!
FOR JOINING TOASTMASTERS AND BECOMING CHMI’S NEWEST MEMBERS!!!
DEANNA MORRISON
KARLEAN SMITH WHO CELEBRATED HER BIRTHDAY OCTOBER 6TH, 2008
CHEVETTE BLACK
TOASTMASTER
WHO ACHIEVED HER ADVANCED LEADER BRONZE!!
C.H.M.I. TOASTMASTERS CLUB 969479 IS NOW A DISTINGUISHED CLUB!!! TOASTMASTER
TOASTMASTER
TOASTMASTERS
MONIQUE BUTLER & SHELMERDINE CARTWRIGHT
DENISON BALFOUR
ELIZABETH RODGERS & JASON DEAN
FOR ACHIEVING THEIR COMPETENT COMMUNICATOR GOAL!!! DISTINGUISHED TOASTMASTER
DAMIEN K.T. MILLER FOR PLACING 2ND IN DISTRICT 47 EVALUATION COMPETITION!!!
FOR COMPLETING HER ADVANCED COMMUNICATOR BRONZE & BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE CHMI TOASTMASTERS CLUB FAMILY!!!
FOR BOTH SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETING THEIR STUDIES AND OBTAINING A MASTERS AND BACHELOR’S DEGREE (RESPECTIVELY)!!!
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C.H.M.I. Toastmasters Club 969479
District 47 Fall Conference
Vivacious, Enthusiastic, Excitement, all are synonymous but none can begin to describe the energy felt in the room on the first night of District 47’s Fall Conference. “Let the Games Begin”, conveyed an Olympic spirit; a theme of togetherness and camaraderie amongst Toastmasters throughout the length and breadth of the district; encompassing Florida and The Bahamas. The conference’s events commenced with an exhilarating Evaluation Contest that exhibited the best of the best. The seven evaluators
that represented the district’s finest in speech assessment all keened their ears as they attentively listened to the night’s test speaker, TM Jennifer Thayer. All were masters at their Division’s competition but only one can succeed at the task of being the District’s champion. This honor was given to none other than TM Barry Rinehart. He certainly accomplished his “G. O. A.L” in taking first place. Second was given to our very own Division I winner and Founding Father of C.H.M.I Toastmasters Club 969479, DTM Damien K. T. Miller. He indeed represented Division I and The Bahamas exceptionally well. We want to congratulate him on his achievement. Day two was just as electrifying as the first, beginning with the First Timers Meeting. The room was filled with expectations of learning all about this fine organization and how it can impact not only themselves but their lives. First timer Toastmaster Patty McCully of Boca Raton, Florida, says that “It is
certainly good to be with persons from diverse cultures that I look forward to learning about,” she continued by saying, “You can be better communicators no matter what stage you are in life.” The General Session with International Director, DTM Lee Holliday was inspirational. His topic the “Courage to Conquer” moved all toastmasters as well as guests in the room as he encouraged everyone to “get out of their comfort zone.” One of the highlights of the session was when DTM Holliday requested volunteers to state what their “lions” were. It was heartening to see how each volunteer spoke with such confidence and also showed how everyone, no matter their designations in their various clubs, in some way face the same challenges. The climax of the conference was the Humorous Speech Contest and Banquet. The ambiance reflected a Caribbean summer with the premise of the night being “Tropical Elegance.” Eight talented “comedians” had everyone in the audience floored with hilarity. All were exceptional but only one could claim the title of top humorist. This was given to TM Sandy Lebowitz with his speech, “The Big Mistake.” His speech was both entertaining and invigorating. A special congratulation also goes out to none other than Division I’s very own TM Sashane McDonald who came second in the night’s event. “Communication Skills”, TM McDonald showed the importance of effective communication and how it can be crucial in life especially in sparking relationships. Congratulations again to TM Sashane McDonald. You certainly made Division I proud and I’m sure you will continue to do so in many competitions to come. All good things certainly must come to an end and District 47’s Fall Conference did just that. Every part of the conference was exciting, educational and inspirational. We all met new friends, were entertained by the best and most importantly gained knowledge that can undoubtedly positively impact any sector of a person’s life. Because Toastmasters and fans of great communicators alike joined together, the weekend’s event was a great success. In the words of DTM Antoinette Fox, District 47’s Governor “This conference is adjourned!”
TM Tamar Moss Secretary
C.H.M.I. Toastmasters Club 969479
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Photographs from District 47 Fall Conference
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C.H.M.I. Toastmasters Club 969479
242-341-2035 Fax: 242-325-8175 E-mail: Editor: shavonne_sherman@hotmail.com
Club Officers: chmitoastmastersclub969479-officers @freetoasthost.info
We’re on the Web! chmitoastmastersclub96 9479.freetoasthost.info
Striving to Achieve Each Goal Steadfastly ...say hello to our TEAM!
A desire can overcome all objections and obstacles. —Gunderson
C.H.M.I. Welcomes Home Some V.I.P.’s
From l to r: TM Jason Dean, CC/CL; President Chevette Black, ACB/ALB and TM Elizabeth Rodgers, ACB/CL Thursday November 6th, 2008, was most certainly a day of surprises when Past President Toastmaster Jason Dean, CC/CL and C.H.M.I. Toastmasters Club “founding ‘ Mother’” Toastmaster Elizabeth Rodgers, ACB/CL both came to their Alma Mater and Club. As any seasoned and professional Toastmaster would, they wasted no time in taking part in the Club’s meeting as Evaluators and Table Topics Speakers. As can be seen by their smiles in the photograph they brought not only laughter but served as educators as they executed each task with diligence. As the meeting drew to a close, President Black presented
both with a copy of C.H.M.I. Toastmasters Club’s first Newsletter– CHMI Soarer and a copy of the program from CHMI’s Installation Ceremony. Toastmaster Jason Dean proudly announced his completion of studies at Florida Culinary Institute; where be obtained an Associates as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in International Baking and Pastry. He exclaimed with great enthusiasm that he will present the Valedictorian's speech. Toastmaster Elizabeth Rodgers, with her usual high burst of energy and beautiful smile, beamingly announced that she too finished her Tourism Management Studies at Iulm University in Italy, and has successfully obtained her Masters Degree.
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