Cable Beach West Branch Of Toastmasters International Club 6796 Region 8, District 47, Bahamas Division I, Area 12
Volume 3, Issue 1 October 2008
ToastmastersDISTRICT Club 6796 47 DISTINGUISHED CLUB SELECT DISTINGUISHED CLUB— CLUB—1ST QUARTER 2008
Meeting Time: Every Wednesday, 7:00 p. m. SuperClubs Breezes — West Bay Street, Cable Beach, Nassau, Bahamas Phone: 242242-393393-3681 Website: toastmastersclub6796.freetoasthost.info “Pursuing Excellence Through Communication And Leadership”
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TOASTMASTERS CLUB 6796 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS The following are the executives for the 2008-2009 fiscal year: PRESIDENT
SECRETARY
TM Nadia Hope Johnson, ACB/ALB
TM Erica Sweeting
VICE PRESIDENT EDUCATION EDUCATION
TREASURER
TM Karen Dean, CC/CL
TM Mark White
VICE PRESIDENT MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP
SERGEANTSERGEANT-ATAT-ARMS
TM Ruthiemae Rolle, CC VICE PRESIDENT PUBLIC PUBLIC RELATIONS
TM Kelly Nixon
TM Kendrick Knowles Jr. IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT PRESIDENT
TM Alma Evans, CTM/CL
“Pursuing Excellence Through Communication And Leadership”
The Mission of Toastmasters International Toastmasters International is the leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality. Through its member Clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinkingthinkingvital skills that promote selfself-actualization, enhance leadership potential, foster human understanding, and contribute to the betterment of mankind. It is basic to this mission that Toastmasters International continually expand its worldwide networks of Clubs, thereby offering everever-greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from its programs.
The Mission of the Club The mission of a Toastmasters Club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster selfself-confidence and personal growth.
Website: toastmastersclub6796.freetoasthost.info
Volume 3, Issue 1
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Volume 3, Issue 1
October 2008
The Cable Beach West Branch
Toastmasters Club 6796 Region 8, District 47, Division I, Area 12 Region 8, District 47, Division I, Area 12
INSID E THIS ISSU E:
6
8
From the Desk of the President
4
Editor’s Corner
4
Message From Area 80 Governor
5
Area 80 Competition
5
The Main Event - Club 6796 Officers Installation 2008/2009
6
Founding President DTM Hunt Honoured
8
Official Visit To Club 3596
9
Inspirational Stories VIV: James Earl Jones & His Voice New Member Profiles
8
Way Back To The Islands
10
Contest Day
11
Congratulations Corner
12
9
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FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Fellow Toastmasters it is my privilege and pleasure to address you as President of Club 6796. This is the third volume of our newsletter and our first issue for this 2008-2009 year. I am pleased to report that we have made history as being the first club in the new District 47 to become a Distinguished Club! Also, we are a Select Distinguished Club having attained Eight (8) goals in the First Quarter! Congratulations Club 6796!!! TM Nadia Hope Johnson, ACB/ALB President
I would like to extend my congratulations and appreciation to the executives and members of Club 6796 Cable Beach West for your efforts in attaining this status early in the Toastmasters year. A special thank you is extended to the VP Public Relations and her Committee members. *
"Everything, whether good or bad, happens for a good reason. The most important thing is to learn from it and that will be the biggest challenge. To conquer it will be the biggest achievement!" - Written in 2008 by Karen M.
EDITOR’S CORNER It is with great pleasure that we present to you our newsletter for the first quarter of the 2008-2009 year. The highlights of this newsletter is the Installation of our new Officers, and our Humorous Speech Contest.
TM Kelly Nixon VP Public Relations
The Club has been blessed with a young and exuberant executive team that has jumped out of the gate from day one and have accomplished so much in such a short period. We are excited about the prospect for the rest of the year and look forward to the participation of all of the Toastmasters family of 6796 and the support from our extended Toastmasters family. Thank you Club 6796 for entrusting me with the awesome task of promoting this great club. I will do my endeavor to represent on the level and standards that proceeds me. *
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MESSAGE FROM AREA 80 GOVERNOR Fellow Toastmasters, I am elated to have been granted the opportunity to serve in the capacity of Area 80 Governor, following in the footsteps of many distinguished leaders, some from this very Club who have helped to mould me into the Toastmaster that I am today. TM Deanna Morrison , ACS/ALB I must make special Bahamas Area 80 Gov. 2008/09 mention of TM Joycelyn Rahming, who has Rahming served as my most recent inspiration. It is because of her mentorship and excellent leadership skills that I have been further strengthened to lead in this capacity. I am confident that under the leadership of your President, TM Nadia Hope Johnson, Johnson this Club will accomplish many great things. My expectations for the Club are high and I will hold each and every member accountable for playing their part in making this Club not just Presidents Distinguished but a force to be reckoned with in all of District 47. I congratulate the newly elected officers for the 2008/2009 Toastmasters year and wish you overwhelming success in your new roles under the theme “PURSUING EXCELLENCE THROUGH COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP.� I know that there will be challenges but Toastmasters will certainly equip you to lead from a position of strength, confidence and knowledge. As we gear up for another productive year, it is my hope that we continue working together to achieve the goals mandated by Toastmasters International, District 47 and Bahamas Division I. Remember, that we are a part of one organization, united as one we will learn from each other and collectively achieve our goals. It is only through your hard work, dedication and commitment that Area 80 and indeed Club 6796 will be able to come out on top. This Club has already proven that it is a force to be reckoned with, being the first Distinguished Club in District 47 this year and becoming Select Distinguished in the first quarter. I am extremely proud of your accomplishments and wish you all the best in your future endeavors. - Area 80 Governor
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AREA 80 COMPETITION
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THE MAIN EVENT -
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CLUB 6796 OFFICERS INSTALLATION 2008/2009
The night was one of evening’s presenters. Our anticipation and excitement. keynote speaker, DTM Godfrey Club 6796 Cable Beach West Springer Past District 47 Branch of Toastmasters held Governor gave us powerful its Officers Installation words of wisdom that ceremony for the 2008/2009 encouraged the officers, year and we the officers were members and guests alike to ready for the challenge ahead be positive leaders. TM Pamela Rolle, Rolle our Division of us. Governor, also encouraged us As the newest Secretary of to be strong leaders and to Club 6796, I thoroughly never give up even when being enjoyed our installation a leader becomes a challenge. ceremony. I entered a lively room filled with Toastmasters Finally, the moment arrived TM Erica Sweeting, CTM and well-wishers from all over and TM Deanna Morrison Area Secretary the Bahamas. It was also a 80 Governor led in the privilege to have our District, Division and Area installation of each of the club officer. It was a Governors present to share in this spectacular thrilling and exciting moment and as I think back on the words and activities of the night, I evening. It began with singing of the National Anthem, am encouraged to adhere to our theme and which was led by our Immediate Past Area pursue excellence through communication and Governor TM Joycelyn Rahming. Rahming The invocation leadership this year. At the end of the year I was offered by TM J. C. Sweeting. Sweeting Our Chairman trust that my fellow club members and for the evening was DTM C. Melvin Lewis, Lewis Past executives can say that truly the Executives of President of our prestigious Club. He skillfully 2008-2009 will be the envy of Area 80. * led out in the introductions of each of the
2008/2009 Officers Of Club 6796 Accepting The Mantle! (From L-R): New President, TM Nadia Hope Johnson, Johnson ACB/ALB; Imm. Past Area 12 Governor, TM Joyce Rahming, Rahming ACG/CL; VP Education, TM Karen Dean; Dean VP Membership, TM Ruthiemae Rolle, Rolle CC/CL; VP Public Relations, TM Kelly Nixon; Nixon Secretary, TM Erica Sweeting, Sweeting CTM; Treasurer, TM Mark White, White and Sergeant-at-Arms, TM Kendrick Knowles Jr.
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FOUNDING PRESIDENT DTM HUNT HONOURED
Inspirational Stories VIV: James Earl Jones & His Voice by Ellesse Chow
Toastmasters Club 6796 Cable Beach West held its annual installation of officers at SuperClubs Breezes. At the meeting, the executives of Toastmasters Club 6796 for 2007/2008 awarded founding President of the Club, TM Charles Hunt, Hunt Distinguished Toastmaster, for his dedication and commitment to Club 6796. TM Hunt is still an active member of the Club. He is the Immediate Past Vice-President of Education for the 2007/2008 year. This year Toastmasters Club 6796 Cable Beach West celebrates its 20th anniversary. Our main photo shows in the first row (L-R): TM Deena Morrison, Morrison Area 80 Governor; TM Nadia Hope Johnson, President, and TM Pamela Rolle, Rolle Division Governor. Second row (L-R): TM Kelly Nixon, Nixon Vice-President Public Relations; TM Karen Dean, Dean Vice-President Education; TM Joyce Rahming, Rahming Immediate Past Area 12 Governor; TM Ruthiemae Rolle, Rolle VicePresident Membership, and TM Erica Sweeting, Sweeting Secretary. Back row (L-R): TM Mark White, White Treasurer, and TM Kendrick Knowles Jr, Jr Sergeant at Arms. Inset photo shows Mr. Hunt receiving a plaque from Club President Nadia Johnson. Johnson Toastmasters Club 6796 meets Wednesdays at 7pm at SuperClubs Breezes. *
Theme For Toastmasters 2008/2009 Year ——–———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
“Pursuing Excellence Through Communication And Leadership” ——–———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Let me ask you a question : What’s the similarity between Mufasa, the suave and courageous lion in the movie The Lion King and Darth Vader, dark lord of the Sith in longest running Star Wars film series? The title of this article has probably given it away. Yes. Both of them were voiced by multiple Emmy & Tony awards winning actor, James Earl Jones with his renowned deep baritone voice. But did you know that before James became famous, he used to suffer from a debilitating stutter that almost ruin his childhood? Let us trace his footsteps to decades ago and find out how he managed to overcame it in this story. Heeelloooo My My Name Name is JamJam-es As he opened his mouth to recite the Bible verses, James could hear snuffling laughter at the back of the congregation. A sudden flash of embarrassment reddened his face as he continued. But he knew it was hard. James Earl Jones, born in Arkabutla Township, Mississippi in Tate County, the only child of a seamstress and an actor, moved in with his maternal grandparents since he was very young. His father left the family and her mother was unable to find work due to the Depression. The whole transition coupled by his grandparents’ subsequent move to a farm in Jackson, Michigan created so much trauma for the kid that he gradually developed a stutter at the age of 5 that literally muted him for the next 8 years. First Steps in the World of Literacy Although James hardly spoke a word to anyone in public, he would talk to the animals in the farm and bury himself in his own world of books. Due to his strong interest in reading, by the time he enrolled into high school, he was regarded as a very hardworking albeit quiet student. He did well in school, particularly in Science and English and was active in sports such as basketball and track & field. His love for English was extended beyond the books by his English teacher Donald Crouch, a retired college professor who gave assignments that tapped on their creativity. During one of the assignments, James wrote his own poem “Ode to a Grapefruit” drawing inspiration from a work by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Great Discovery In a bid to uncover his latent talent, Crouch claimed that James copied the poem from somewhere and wanted him to recite it in front of the whole class to prove his innocence. James obliged and gave a stutter free recitation, much to both his and Crouch’s amazement. Only then did they realize that the most effective way to counteract stuttering was public speaking. (Continued on page 11)
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OFFICIAL VISIT TO CLUB 3596
NEW MEMBER PROFILES TM SAMANTHA R. CARTER Public Speaking, whether impromptu or prepared has been apart of my daily activities since I was crowned Miss Bahamas Universe on March 26th, 2006. I have visited many clubs and participated in Toastmasters meetings since 2004, however, I have only officially been a part of the Toastmasters Program since early 2008. I currently serve as the Vice President of Education of the Ministry of Tourism Masters of Excellence Club 933001. In agreement with our founder Dr. Ralph Smedley, Smedley Toastmasters is one of few organizations that focuses on you – on your individual communication and leadership abilities. Whether you are involved in your church, in a leadership position on your job or simply very socially outgoing - the Toastmasters program will definitely be very beneficial. I am Baptist by denomination and even though I am unmarried, without children, I believe that family is extremely important as the family unit is the single most important unit in our communities. I enjoy singing, dancing, shopping, reading and having lots of TM Samantha Carter fun. For the past two years, I have been employed within the Tourism Youth Awareness Unit of the Ministry of Tourism. Fellow Toastmasters – in everything that you do always remember like I do, that “To the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the world - Change begins with you and it’s up to you to make the difference!” TM MICHAEL ANGELO CARTWRIGHT TM Michael Cartwright is excited about being in the programme. He has a spirited personality and loves to entertain people. He is the VP Public Relations for the Masters of Excellence Club 933001 and is employed at the Ministry of Tourism. This Toastmaster is looking forward to reaping the benefits of being an effective communicator and leader. TM ANTHONY GIBSON Toastmaster Anthony Gibson is a young excited gentleman ready to better himself through public speaking, He is currently attending C.O.B. pursuing a degree in Computer Information Systems. His hobbies include shooting pool, meeting new people and learning new things. He has shown great interest in the Toastmasters program. We can expect great things from this young man in the future. TM VANESSA GIBSON Toastmaster Vanessa Gibson is elated about the toastmasters programme and is even more zealous about becoming an executive member. She is currently serving her last year at C.O.B. pursuing a Bachelors degree in Biology with Chemistry. She enjoys learning new things, interior designing and anything causative toward personal development. As a Toastmaster, she wishes to enhance her listening, speaking and leadership skills to overcome the challenges she may face in her future. She gives divine credit to the Lord God for all the opportunities she has received and believes that through her faith and character she will continue to receive these blessings. *
TM Vanessa Gibson
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WAY BACK TO THE ISLANDS evening as they solidified the On Wednesday, August 20th, succulent dishes we were 2008, two clubs made a privileged to taste. With no journey together, a journey of pun intended they served as a different magnitude. The Navigators Club 2437 met the the icing on the cake. Cable Beach West Branch of Then it came time for the Toastmasters 6796 and people to speak and as it together they sailed WAY Back pertained to the entrée part to the Islands. of the meal, TM Nichole Julien received four stars The evening was fun filled as and obtained the title the educational program took Speaker of the Night. As for many different twists and our Evaluator of the Night, turns. Our appetites were we say many have evaluated teased with the appetizers the TM Chevette Black, ACB/ALB but you excel them all, DTM chairman, TM Alma Evans George Taylor as you walked continually dished out; we literally took trips with her to Andros, and with two titles that of Evaluator and Best Table Abaco and Cat Island, the favorite place of DTM Topic Response of the Night. Wentworth Stubbs. However, it was the They say a trip back to the islands can tell you Stubbs entrées of speeches that we awaited and many things. It can tell you about the good thoroughly enjoyed. You had all the way from times and make you reflect on the not so good Long Island, TM Mark White with My ones. It can show you where you’ve come from Toastmasters Experience. From a strong and and appreciate where you are now. It would surviving Grand Bahama we experienced allow you to have a greater appreciation for Conquering Lupus with TM Ruthiemae Rolle. Rolle your culture and heritage. I say it would allow From our very own capital Nassau, Bahamas, The West to voyage with the Navigators, trips we dined with TM Nadia Hope Johnson in An that don’t happen very often. We thank our Ode to Roderick. From San Salvador, a place captains Johnson and Taylor for such a where navigators should reign was their best splendid idea and we say you both steered the TM Nichole Julien with Detoxification. It was the evaluators that were the height of the ships WAY, WAY back to the islands. * "Whenever the right words come out of my mouth, there is no one there to say them to. Could it be that we are our own best conversation?" - Written in 2008 by Raga Mahmoud
A A F F R R II C C A A N N
P P R R O O V V E E R B S
• There is no medicine to cure hatred. • One falsehood spoils a thousand truths. • Do not step on the dog's tail, and he will not bite you. • Children are the reward of life. • Death does not sound a trumpet. • Those who are absent are always wrong. • Evil enters like a needle and spreads like a oak tree. • Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.
• He who learns, teaches. • Move your neck according to the music. • Two waterfalls do not hear each other. • One camel does not make fun of the other camel's hump. • He who does not cultivate his field, will die of hunger. • Knowledge is like a garden: if it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested. • Water always finds a way out.
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CONTEST DAY I had the opportunity to participate for the very first time in both the humorous speech and evaluation contests. It was a thrilling experience for me, being relatively new to the toastmasters program. It was the 5th month for me as a toastmaster, the 9th week as an executive (S-A-A) and the first day to really display to members TM Kendrick Knowles Jr. outside Club 6796 what I SergeantSergeant-atat-Arms have learnt in the programme thus far – a true privilege. First off was the evaluation competition. It seemed easy at the onset. However, as the minutes passed I realized that there is so much to write about this speech and the test speaker, how will I ever say everything I want, make it effective enough to win and still beat the clock - evading disqualification? I figured it out! Using the guidelines from the handout that I received "Evaluate To Motivate," remembering the advice from persons like my mentor TM Nadia Hope Johnson and tips from TM Joyce Rahming and TM Wentworth Stubbs DTM. I had what was required to win the competition. I received first place in the Evaluation competition, not just because I gave positive feedback or because I wrote good suggestions for the test speaker, it was due to the fact that I was able to acquire unwavering support and advice from all the members, friends and family of club 6796. Next was the Humorous Speech competition. Humor has not always been one of my strong points; In fact I thought I would not get a single audience member to laugh at my speech except for my mentor and close friends. My speech topic was "My biggest fear is the kids' favorite toy". I spoke wittingly about a fear of the rubber ducky. Based on my feedback it was not a bad choice, I received much more laughs than expected and again I survived. I received second place in the Humorous Speech Competition. I remembered in the competition that humor is all about HOW you say it. Not what you say. The best part about this "contest day" experience is the fact that I enjoyed myself in both competitions and the winner of the Humorous Speech contest TM Mark White's speech was simply hilarious – it doesn't matter how you say it. It was entertaining. * Creativity is the sudden cessation of stupidity. - Edwin Land
(Continued from page 8)
His confidence grew as he began to experiment with his new founded voice. As a result, he joined the debate team, became a class representative cum editor of the year book and also gave poetry recitations before the whole school. Impressively, he even became the valedictorian for the year! Continuous Improvement and Reinvention He went on to pursue premed studies under a scholarship at the University of Michigan. While doing so, he registered for acting lessons to enhance his speaking skills and soon nurtured a love for the art. Eventually, he made a switch to major in drama and clinched roles in several college plays and even Ann Arbor community theatre. None of his teachers and classmates was aware of his former stuttering problem. They couldn’t tell. After graduation, he left for New York City, where he saw his dad again and was acquainted with Paul Robeson, a well respected African American actor and outspoken activist. At the same time, he was continuously improving himself, taking as many acting classes as he can while working part-time as a janitor and a kitchen help. He realized his deep seated muteness past allowed him to interpret language differently from what other people do, increasing his fascination with expression. Yes! He Did it! All his efforts were finally paid off when he was given his first leading Broadway role in a new play The Great White Hope. It won him a Tony award and allow him to springboard to another level : Hollywood, by playing a same role in a movie version. He was nominated for an Academy for that as well. Now, not only is James Earl Jones a household name, he’s also a representative voice. His perseverance has won him a medal tally of 4 Emmy Awards, 2 Tony awards, 1 Grammy, the National Medal of Arts, and honorary doctorates from ivy league colleges such as Yale, Princeton and Columbia universities. He’s also actively involved in public education on literacy and the importance of reading. Though his stuttering still comes back once in a while, it’s not as rampant and serious as when he was still a kid. Despite that, he views it as a daily challenge to remind him of his uniqueness and spur him on to greater achievements. http://www.goal-setting-college.com/inspiration/james-earl-jones/
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CONGRATULATIONS CORNER •
TM Chevette Black on commencing her Bachelors of Education in secondary education in family and consumer science TM Kelly Nixon on the launching of Majestic School of Etiquette and Charm
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TM Fallon White for achieving the Competent Communicator Award TM George Taylor, DTM for achieving the Competent Communicator Award TM Ruthiemae Rolle for achieving the Competent Communicator Award TM Nadia Hope Johnson for achieving the Competent Leader Award TM Mark White for achieving the Competent Communicator Award TM Chevette Black for achieving the Advanced Leader Bronze Award TM Monique Cesar for achieving the Advanced Communicator Bronze Award TM Nadia Hope Johnson for achieving the Advanced Communicator Bronze Award TM Nadia Hope Johnson for achieving the Leadership Excellence Award
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TM Mark White for winning the Club’s Humorous Speech Contest TM Kendrick Knowles Jr. for winning the Club’s Humorous Speech
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Club 6796 for achieving Select Distinguished status in the First Quarter
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SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO: •
TM Richard Desmangles on his marriage to Tamara Stuart on August 2nd, 2008
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TM Charles Hunt, DTM on his new position as a Consultant at the Ministry of Social Development and Labour. TM Charles Hunt DTM on his Badge of Honour and Certificate conferred on him by Her Royal Majesty the Queen of England
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TM Vanessa Gibson on being the recipient of a book scholarship from the Dental Association of the Bahamas ———————————————————————
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO: • •
TM Wentworth Stubbs, DTM for facilitating the Evaluation workshop TM Dillette Brown Miller DTM for facilitating the Humorous Speech workshop
Birthday greetings go out to persons who celebrated during the quarter:
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CONGRATULATIONS TO:TO:-