Download - D47 Sunshiner - July 2014
F ellow Toastmasters
Happy New Year! July 1, 2014 marked the dawn of a new day, marking the beginning
of another Toastmasters fiscal year. I am honored by the privilege afforded me to serve as
your District Governor during this historic Diamond
Jubilee year, 2014-2015, leading to the 60th
anniversary of District 47.
During the past 12 months, we focused on “Finding
the Talents Within” and many diamonds were
discovered in the process. Our mantra this year, “In
Pursuit of Excellence” synchronizes with the core
Values of Toastmasters International: Integrity,
Respect, Service and Excellence. It is my wish that as
leaders at the club or district level we would lead by
example as we urge our members to demonstrate
“Integrity” in all dealings, to show “Respect” for self
and fellow Toastmasters and to enhance the member
experience by delivering the best “Service”
possible. It’s no accident “Excellence” is positioned as
the fourth Core Value. I firmly believe once we have
integrity, show respect and render superior service.
The end result will be “Excellence.” Therefore, it is clear from this why we must always
be…“In Pursuit of Excellence!”
In the months to come we will face new challenges and inevitably even some failures as this is
all a part of the leadership experience. How will we overcome them? If we support each
other and tap into the vast human and material resources available to us, we can overcome
any challenge that confronts us. I wish to thank everyone who served our members this past
year as a club or District leader and all who volunteered to assist in any way. To the incoming
teams of Club and District Officers, on behalf of Lt. Governor Education & Training Damien
Miller, DTM, and Lt. Governor Marketing Jeanine Kinsey, DTM, I welcome you. We are
looking forward to working with you.
Jack Welch wrote: “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you
become a leader, success is all about growing others”. To me, this is the essence of
Toastmasters…“WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE”.
Have a fantastic year!
Anthony “Tony” Longley, DTM DISTRICT 47 GOVERNOR, 2014-2015
Distr ict 47 : In Pursuit of Excel lence
Organization Name
Newsletter Date Volume 1, Issue 1
Newsletter Title
DISTRICT 47
THE SUNSHINER News from Southeast Florida and The Bahamas
2014-2015
District Number 47
July 2014
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
New District leadership
TLI Training dates
June educational awards
Club anniversaries
District Highlights
Around the World
Super Toastmaster from District 47 gains international attention by accomplishing an amazing feat. Pages 4, 5
Happy New Year!
District 47 TRIO starts 2014-2015 season with messages that emphasize member experience, Pages 9 -18
Building #TM47 Brand
Public Relations Officer Marlene Bryan invites you to help spread the word about Toastmasters International. Page 7
Looking Back Brand
Outgoing District Governor Francis Molina recalls the triumphs of her administration and team in the “Finding the Talent Within.” Pages 23-25
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This newsletter is your voice; use it!
W ords have long fascinated me. As a child, conversations
among adults held my attention for hours as I devoured
every syllable and phrase. Even though I didn’t know the meanings, I
knew I would eventually. The dictionary was a constant companion and
true friend. At heart, I am a wordsmith.
So it’s no wonder that I gravitated to Toastmasters after nearly 30
years in print journalism. The well-constructed speeches send me into
orbit; I relish meetings because I know I’m in for a treat.
Words give us a voice. The Sunshiner in a sense is the collective voice
for District 47. It is your voice. In the 2014-2015 Diamond Jubilee
season, we want you to claim this publication as your own. Each
month, Diamond Jubilee Chairman Hieu Huynh, DTM, will feature
anniversaries of district clubs that celebrate their birthday. More
features are in store.
As I begin this journey as editor, I’d like to thank District Governor
Tony Longley, DTM, for this tremendous opportunity, and Public
Relations Officer Marlene Bryan, DTM, for pushing me to go well
beyond my comfort zone. I also want to thank the members of my
home club, Universal Toastmasters, for cheering on the sidelines,
especially my local mentor, Maurice Fuller, DTM.
Andrea Robinson, ACB/CL
Sunshiner Editor
MEET #TMD47
THE SUNSHINER
Published by Toastmasters International District 47: Southeast Florida and The Islands of The Bahamas.
Submit articles, questions and comments to
DISTRICT 47 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
District Governor
Anthony "Tony" Longley, DTM
Lt. Governor Education and Training
Damien KT Miller, DTM
Lt. Governor Marketing
Jeanine Kinsey, DTM
District Public Relations Officer
Marlene M. Bryan, DTM
District Secretary
Ruth Field Beck, ACB/CL
District Treasurer
Laura Thezine, ACS/ALB
District Sergeant At Arms
Thomas Plant, ACB/ALB
Immediate Past District Governor
Francis Molina, DTM
Division Governors
Div. A: Heather Mahoney, ACS/ALB
Div. B: Karen Lake, ACB/ALB
Div. C: Michael Thorn, DTM
Div. D: Valerie Johnson, ACB/ALB
Div. E: Jason Stewart, ACS/CL
Div. F: Deborah Young, DTM
Div. I: Delmaro Duncombe, DTM
OTHER DISTRICT OFFICERS
TLI Training Coordinator: Antoinette Fox, DTM
Contest Coordinator:
Fall Conference Chair: Diana Loy, DTM
Spring Conference Chair: Lydia Harris, DTM
Club Coach & Advocate Chair: Beverly Cordner, DTM
Webmaster: Stanley Lloyd, CC
Parliamentarian:
Audit Chair: Glenn Parks, ACS/CL
Social Media Chair: Maria Alexandra Sanchez, DTM
Sunshiner Editor: Andrea Robinson, ACB/CL
Copy Editors/Proofreaders: Hieu Huynh, Ruth Field Beck
CLUB CHARTER ANNIVERSARIES FOR JULY 2014
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary greetings are extended to the
following clubs. Thank you for your contribution to the growth and success
of District 47. On behalf of District Governor Tony Longley, the District
Executive Committee, and all members across South Florida and Islands of
The Bahamas, we wish you a successful, President’s Distinguished Year!
Club Name Number Division/Area Charter date Years
Brickell
Toastmasters
7619 E/52 7/1/89 25
BDPB Talking 1118683 B/22 7/10/08 6
Central Bank 2597579 F/63 7/1/12 2
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From Lt. Gov. Education and Training: We have the tools!
T his fiscal year our District is “In Pursuit of Excellence”, and we do so by ensuring that we are the first-choice
provider of dynamic, high-value communication and leadership skills development in the region. As Lieutenant
Governor Education & Training, I hold a firm commitment to ensure every Club in our District possesses the tools to achieve
excellence and every member has the best opportunity to realize their potential through hard work and perseverance.
This year, I wish to define Education & Training through empowerment, encouragement
and enlightenment. I desire for all our members to strive for and achieve their personal
goals, within Toastmasters and beyond, and will do so through focusing on five areas,
namely:
- Improving District & Club Officer Training
- Recognizing and encouraging Educational & Leadership achievement
- Producing stellar Contests and training quality competitors
- Producing memorable Conferences and training forums
- Ensuring district wide understanding of the Toastmasters Educational Program
Our Toastmasters Leadership Institute is currently in full swing. Thus, I challenge all Club Officers to take advantage of these
special sessions as these high quality, dynamic gatherings are geared to equip all officers with much knowledge and resources
to support every member in the year ahead. We next move into our first round of competition with the Humorous Speech &
Evaluation Contests. Contests are of great benefit to all involved and they help us flex our muscles in our training. So make
the most of this contest experience and you will find success.
I encourage every member to set or revisit your personal Toastmasters goals for the year ahead and into the future. What
educational or leadership award can you achieve? How will that translate in your everyday life? Will it mean a promotion at
work or a better relationship with someone close to you? Whatever your motivation, an educational award has impetus to
change your life. I’m looking forward to sending you a congratulatory email soon!!
In our district’s rich history we have achieved highly and seen much change in the Toastmasters world. However our one
constant should be that we should always be “in pursuit of excellence”. This year is no different. I challenge you to learn as I
have from the mistakes of the past, embrace the challenges of the future and aspire for personal achievement in your own
right. Do this not for Toastmasters International nor for District 47, but for YOU. Your achievements are what we shall
celebrate if you continue to meet your personal challenges head on.
Yours in the pursuit of excellence!
Damien K T Miller, DTM LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR EDUCATION & TRAINING
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Editor’s note: DTM Abby Ross has more than a passion for Toastmasters International. It is her way of life. Recently, she embarked on a
personal journey to attend at least one Toastmasters Club meeting per day for a year. Public Relations Officer Marlene Bryan, DTM,
posed a few questions to Abby to find out how she accomplished that feat.
1) What was the impetus for you to
set the goal of visiting??? (How many
was your target) per day?
I love Toastmasters! I love meeting
people who, just like me, want to learn,
grow and improve themselves and of
course, have fun. After I earned my
DTM, Distinguished Toastmaster
Award in 2001 I thought I was done
with Toastmasters. After a while I even
stopped attending meetings. Many years
elapsed. Then 2 years ago I found
myself telling a law student in my hot
yoga class that I thought he would love
Toastmasters. I even told him I would
meet him at a Toastmaster meeting
although it had been more than ten
years since I had been to a meeting.
When I arrived at the Brickell
Toastmasters meeting I saw his message
that something came up the last minute
and he could not attend. I had already
parked my car and so into the meeting I
walked. I was “Home sweet home”. I
was flooded with the goodness of this
incredible 90 year Toastmaster
organization. The next day I went
online to find another meeting and found one: Gelfand Good morning Toastmasters that meets on Saturday mornings in
Hollywood. What a well-run club that turned out to be! I met you, there, Marlene! I was hooked, once again. I’m a retired
psychologist now and so I have the time to visit clubs and so each day I looked for a club to visit. It’s so easy. Just go to
Toastmasters.org and type in your zip code and how far you want to travel. You have a choice of 10, 25 or 50 miles.
2) What was your greatest challenge in accomplishing this goal?
Getting to the meetings. I am serious. I have no sense of direction. My GPS has a man with a crisp British accent. His word of
the day is usually “recalculating” as he constantly has to redirect me as I always manage to somehow get lost. Combine that
with all the road construction in Dade and Broward County and add some rain and that concerns me more than any Table
Topic about “Abby, How would you solve World Peace” (the answer to that by the way is to have every high school student
become a Toastmaster)
Choosing which meetings to attend. There are often so many clubs to choose from on a certain day.
3) How did your family handle this endeavor?
Daily meetings? Not a problem for District 47’s Super Toastmaster!
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My husband, David, is an incredible person who supports my passion for Toastmasters. He was a trial lawyer and enjoyed
completing the CC Manual 15 years ago with me. Often he drives me to meetings. He knows when I get into the car or walk
into our apartment I will usually say, “I love Toastmasters!” On June 20th we celebrated our 43rd Anniversary. We were in
Colorado visiting friends and I went to a Boulder Toastmaster meeting in the morning and a Denver Toastmaster meeting at
noon. During the year “streak” I gave 166 speeches. All 3 of my kids are “private kind” of kids and prefer I don’t speal about
them. C’mon, 166 speeches, you know something about them had to leak out. I do respect their privacy and only last week in
one of my clubs a member came up to me afterwards and said “I didn’t know you had kids.” I think my kids would like that.
4) What was the most number of clubs you visited in one day?
Four. That happened a couple of times because I visited a club that met at 3 o’clock so I found myself at a morning, noon and
evening meeting plus that one.
5) What was the farthest club you visited from where you live?
Seoul Korea
6) Overall what did you discover and how did it impact your life today?
I am just beginning to make sense out of the richness of this experience. It’s clear to me that Toastmasters is the best
bargain in town for learning how to communicate, make wonderful friends and to learn about myself.
I learned how to really be flexible (and not just “yoga flexible”) and try new speeches and roles in a very supportive
environment.
My life was impacted by meeting hundreds of special people and hearing their stories and observing their ways of
communicating.
Leadership is not what I joined for and I am so grateful for that important part of Toastmasters because I was pushed to
assume roles before I thought I was “ready”
I learned not to be so hard on myself. I still forget to use the word of the day but I no longer worry about it when I leave
the meeting.
I learned how important it is to organize any speech whether it be a 1 minute Table Topic speech or a keynote.
I learned that Toastmasters is far more than counting my “er’s and “ah’s” (and am forever grateful to my home club South
Dade Toastmasters where the same ol big tin bucket has been used for 40 plus years and is still used and nails are dropped
into it when a filler word is used. It sure does the trick and gets rid of those extra words
I learned that Toastmaster is the best gift I have ever given myself and I want to continue to mentor others to realize their
full potential.
Daily meetings? Not a problem for District 47’s Super Toastmaster!
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From Our District Lt. Governor of Marketing
Jeanine Kinsey, DTM LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR MARKETING
W elcome to the Jubilee Year for District 47! It is my
privilege to serve as your Lieutenant Governor
Marketing for this exciting celebratory year, and I need your help to
make it a record year for our members. We already have several
new club leads in the works and more are coming in every day. We
also have clubs that need some extra help to help in their "pursuit
of excellence" this year.
To support all of these clubs, there are workshops being offered at
every TLI this summer to help our experienced members learn how
to become Club Sponsors, Mentors, Coaches and Advocates. I will
also be working closely with our PRO and her team to spread the
word about Toastmasters through the efforts her team is already
working on so that more people have the opportunity to pursue
excellence for themselves.
Most importantly, I am here to help each of you in your own
personal pursuit of excellence in any way that I can because when
each of us succeeds at our goals, the entire team succeeds. Please
let me know how I can support you as I ask you to support me as
we all "Pursue Excellence" together!
M ission Accomplished!
That was the buzz phrase for the
members of Destino Toastmasters as they
celebrated the first anniversary of the chartering of
their club.
Members and club sponsor DTM Maria Alexandra
Sanchez gathered for fellowship and reflections. They
were joined by Division A members, including Area
Governor Charles M. Taylor and DTM Shakira
Taylor, both of whom played pivotal roles in
mentoring and inspiring the young club.
Club leaders, Ivonne Fernandez, Harold Silva, Erika
Ruiz, Weston Msikita and Franco Llerena deserve
kudos for this great milestone accomplished!
“I am here to
help each of you
in your own
personal pursuit
of excellence …”
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I t is exciting to be appointed as your District 47 Public Relations Officer (PRO). As the incoming PRO it is one of my
duties to ensure that the District 47 Brand is made known throughout our communities
and our district. But I cannot do this alone. We need a team of people to spread the
wonderful news about the benefits of being a Toastmaster of D47. Our Public Relations
Team consists of: Stanley Lloyd, Webmaster; Andrea Robinson, Editor of the Sunshiner;
Maria Alexandra Sanchez, Social Media Chair; and John Schneyer, District Lead
Photographer.
With the assistance of these talented folks and your support, we desire to share great news,
tips and marketing training to the members of District 47. It started on July 1, 2014 with the
Welcome Video from our District Governor, Tony Longley. Expect to see more video
messages. We will upload them via a link to our D47 website: www.toastmastersd47.org.
There are many incoming Vice President of Public Relations Officers in clubs for the new
year. The D47 PR team will be conducting webinars throughout the year to share great tips
for getting the word out about your clubs. These events will be announced via the website and directly to the VPPRs.
Our Webmaster, Stanley Lloyd, has been updating our website with upcoming events such as the Districtwide Toastmasters
Leadership Institutes that are scheduled through Aug. 16, 2014. Please visit the website to register for these events. Andrea
Robinson, Editor of the Sunshiner, will be reaching out to the clubs, areas, divisions and district for submission of articles.
Don’t be shy. Share your knowledge, congratulate someone within your club or celebrate a special win by sending her
information to post in the Sunshiner.
Maria Alexandra Sanchez will be sharing tips, event happenings and much more via Twitter (#TMD47), Facebook Group
(Toastmasters D47), Linked In and other social media sites to communicate with you all. If you are on Facebook, please
request access to the group if you have not done so yet.
John Schneyer will be working with each appointed Public Relations Officer in the divisions to ensure we capture images of all
the great events and share them with you.
Finally, we will be conducting contests on a club, area, and division level to recognize groups that are doing a great job in
promoting District 47 and Toastmasters in general. We will share the details about these contests soon.
On behalf of our Public Relations Team, we wish you a Happy New Toastmasters Year!
Marlene M. Bryan, DTM PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
Public Relations Corner: HELP US STRENGTHEN OUR BRAND!
Stanley Lloyd Andrea Robinson Maria Alexandra
Sanchez, DTM
John Schneyer
8
9
Longely sets the tone for a brand new year in District 47!
E xcellence is the expectation in this Jubilee year.
That idea from District 47 Governor Anthony J.
“Tony” Longley was at the forefront on June 14 as incoming
and outgoing leaders gathered for training and strategizing in
the new Toastmasters year. This is a special time as the
district observes its Diamond Jubilee in 2015.
Longley — along with TRIO members Damien KT Miller,
Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training, and Jeanine
Kinsey, Lieutenant Governor of Marketing — mapped out
their district success plan with messages that strongly
emphasized the needs of members.
Awards and accolades are important, Longley said, but “it’s
all about service for our members. The rest will take care of
itself and fall into place.
In the training session for the 2014-2015 Division and Area
Governors, Longley announced his theme: In Pursuit of
Excellence. He urged leaders to stress that idea with
members at every level. About 40 people attended the
daylong training at Broward College, Davie Campus.
The training also featured presentations by Miller, Kinsey and
outgoing District Governor Francis Molina, who gave leaders
tips on how to use tools on the Toastmasters International
website to make their jobs easier.
Other presenters included past District Governor Matt
Kinsey, past Treasurer Greg Henry and Lydia Harris, a
former division governor. She conducted an interactive and
humorous presentation with the incoming division governors
on the Dos and Don’t’s of being an area governor. TRIO
members Miller and Kinsey assisted.
PLAN FOR SUCCESS: District 47 Governor Tony Longley lays out points for the incoming leadership.
10
SCENES FROM THE DEC TRAINING
LONGLEY LAUNCHES ERA IN PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
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DISTRICT 47 EDUCATIONAL AWARDS JUNE 2014
Congratulations to these Toastmasters...
…on earning Competent Communicator (CC) Award.
Toastmaster
Date
Awarded
… Club
Club
#
Div
. Area Aguilar, Stefannie A 6/29/2014 West Kendall Toastmasters Club 8370 8370 E 54
Albury, Andrew Clement Alphonso
6/30/2014 Dynamic Persuaders 1200778
F 62
Arbe, Audrye 6/4/2014 Toast of Las Olas 9400 B 22
Arbel, Eran 6/10/2014 Achievers Club 2903 C 33
Bast, Dorothy H. 6/25/2014 City of Delray Beach 3299156
C 30
Bastian, Deborah 6/30/2014 Dynamic Persuaders 1200778
F 62
Becker, Cindy M. 6/27/2014 Delray Newsmakers Club 2225 C 30
Beckles, Cynthia E. 6/20/2014 RiverWalk Toastmasters Club 8664 D 44
Braica, Neil 6/29/2014 Pembroke Isles Toastmasters 2566217
A 11
Brown, Colin 6/29/2014 West Kendall Toastmasters Club 8370 8370 E 54
Bryan, Marlene M. 6/4/2014 The Fountain of New Life Toastmasters Club
3248923
A 13
Burrows, Leonardo 6/29/2014 Destined For Success Toastmasters Club 3956 I 90
Cartwright, Manassa D. 6/28/2014 Soaring Eagles Club 2888579
I 94
Davis, Dwayne Allen 6/29/2014 Ernest T. Strachan Club Advanced TM Club 7108 I 92
Davis, Philip E. 6/29/2014 Ernest T. Strachan Club Advanced TM Club 7108 I 92
Dean, Randy E. 6/25/2014 P.T.A.B. Toastmasters Club 1360579
F 62
Dou, Remy 6/16/2014 Coral Gables Club 1695 E 53
Dubin, Lyle M 6/27/2014 Seminole Casino Hollywood Toastmasters 1348034
A 12
Edwards, Carol 6/2/2014 West Broward Toastmasters 1575030
B 24
Evans, Margaret Angela 6/16/2014 Hollywood Toastmasters 1261950
A 12
Feil, Kristina D. 6/19/2014 Stuart Martin Chamber 2231493
D 40
Ferguson, Rachel A. 6/23/2014 B.U.T. Nation Builders 1358961
I 92
Fondiler, Laurie Ann 6/16/2014 Freddy's Forum Toastmasters Club 5173 D 44
Fox, Sarsha A. 6/17/2014 Club Destiny 839960 I 93
Gassko, Irene 6/27/2014 Palm Beach Advanced Toastmasters 1510120
D 43
Gersene, Claude 6/16/2014 Gold Coast Toastmasters Club 2727 D 43
Gerstenkorn, Rhea-Lyn 6/27/2014 City of Delray Beach 3299156
C 30
Gushehina, Marina 6/26/2014 Givers Gain Toastmasters 896304 B 20
Hollingsworth, Syrena 6/27/2014 Abaco Lighthouse Beamers 1314025
I 93
Horkott, Sharon 6/8/2014 The Palm Beach Toastmasters Club 1588575
D 43
Ingraham, Regina E 6/28/2014 Soaring Eagles Club 2888579
I 94
Kelly, Andre 6/29/2014 Destined For Success Toastmasters Club 3956 I 90
19
DISTRICT 47 EDUCATIONAL AWARDS JUNE 2014
Toastmaster
Date
awarded
Club
Club
#
Div
Area
Kinsler, Todd A. 6/19/2014 LexisNexis Risk Boca Raton 2709556
C 32
Kourbetis, Dimitrios 6/27/2014 Team Titan Toastmasters Club 1747076
C 31
Lake, Karen A. 6/23/2014 BPB Talking Heads 1118683
B 22
Lightbourn, Tre 6/14/2014 The Luminaries 1510789 1510789
I 91
Linde, Orin 6/10/2014 Treasure Coast Toastmasters Club 3466 D 40
Lorthe, Harry 6/7/2014 Power Speakers Club 589263 B 22
McGuire, Dan 6/24/2014 LexisNexis Risk Boca Raton 2709556
C 32
McIntosh, Jevon H. 6/27/2014 Ernest T. Strachan Club Advanced TM Club 7108 I 92
Merritt, Rachel 6/13/2014 BPB Talking Heads 1118683
B 22
Morell, Tim 6/24/2014 Talk Of The Town Club 5390 D 43
Moreno, Euclides 6/3/2014 Miami Toastmasters en Español 971 E 50
Morris, Jessica S. 6/12/2014 High Voltage Voices 1376226
D 41
Munyariwa, Ruvarashe A. 6/11/2014 Sunset Speakers Toastmasters Club 5222 D 43
Naranjo, Nayibi 6/3/2014 Weston Area Toastmasters Club 5758 A 10
Neely Morrison, Royanne D. 6/17/2014 B.P.S.U. Majestic Marlins Toastmasters Club
1360933
F 63
Nelson, Lisa 6/20/2014 B.U.T. Nation Builders 1358961
I 92
Newman, Laura 6/26/2014 Givers Gain Toastmasters 896304 B 20
Nixon, Suzette 6/16/2014 Healing Communicators Club 7178 F 60
Noronha, Ravi J. 6/27/2014 Central Bank Controllers 2597579
F 63
Pettway, Kenitha 6/20/2014 Bill Gove Golden Gavel Club 6818 C 30
Pigatt, Matthew Anthony 6/9/2014 The Fountain of New Life Toastmasters Club
3248923
A 13
Pinder, John 6/29/2014 B.P.S.U. Majestic Marlins Toastmasters Club
1360933
F 63
Pomares, Jose A. 6/20/2014 Miami Toastmasters en Español 971 E 50
Recalde, Fernando E 6/20/2014 Motorola Communicators Club 9745 B 23
Regueira, Rick 6/10/2014 Doral Toastmasters 861 E 51
Rieck, Kristin 6/27/2014 Secure Speakers Toastmaster Club 1770067
D 42
Ross, Abby Lynn 6/27/2014 Miami Advanced Toastmasters Club (CTM's)
2798 E 54
Ross, Abby Lynn 6/19/2014 South Dade Toastmasters Club 2463 E 53
Ross, Abby Lynn 6/13/2014 South Dade Toastmasters Club 2463 E 53
Russell, Samovia D. 6/18/2014 The Soaring Orators of Johnson Park 1227605
F 62
Santiago, Heber 6/18/2014 Sunset Speakers Toastmasters Club 5222 D 43
Schwartz, Carole E. 6/17/2014 Achievers Club 2903 C 33
Segal, Frederick D 6/9/2014 Club Awesome Toastmasters 2445 B 24
Simms-Symonette, Nakera S. 6/27/2014 Ernest T. Strachan Club Advanced TM Club 7108 I 92
Teame Chierici, Simon 6/16/2014 Miami Beach Toastmasters 1293723
E 52
Vargas, Michelle 6/10/2014 Doral Toastmasters 861 E 51
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DISTRICT 47 EDUCATIONAL AWARDS JUNE 2014
Toastmaster Date
Awarded
…
Club Club
#
Div
.
Area
Walker, Shawn L 6/13/2014 Club Awesome Toastmasters 2445 B 24
Williams, Michelle Moneik 6/25/2014 Achievers of Excellence 1811702
F 62
Wilmott-Burrows, Theresa P. 6/30/2014 Dynamic Persuaders 1200778
F 62
Wilson, Joanne Arnette 6/25/2014 Achievers of Excellence 1811702
F 62
Young, Deborah D. 6/30/2014 Dynamic Persuaders 1200778
F 62
Zondervan, Daniel E. 6/18/2014 Juno How To Talk 2439314
D 41
Zuckerman, Rob 6/21/2014 WCR Palm Beaches Noon Toastmasters 1216688
C 31
…on earning Advanced Communicator Bronze (ACB) Award.
Toastmaster Date
Awarded… Club Club # Div. Area
Ahlijah, Koffi W 6/28/2014 RiverWalk Toastmasters Club 8664 D 44
Albury, Andrew Clement Alphonso 6/30/2014 Dynamic Persuaders 1200778
F 62
Antolik, Patricia A. 6/27/2014 Gold Coast Toastmasters Club 2727 D 43
Bayere, Michael Omolayo 6/19/2014 Miami Dade Toastmasters Club 8251 E 52
Beckles, Cynthia E. 6/20/2014 RiverWalk Toastmasters Club 8664 D 44
Bonaby, Charmaine 6/18/2014 Abaco Lighthouse Beamers 1314025
I 93
Butler, Jeffery 6/24/2014 Pinnacle Seekers 1513325
F 60
Chingmei, Yeh 6/5/2014 Coral Springs Chinese Bilingual Toastmasters
3196587
C 33
Cingel, David B. 6/9/2014 Proud Speakers Club 2266 B 21
Crystal, Lydia 6/20/2014 WCR Palm Beaches Noon Toastmasters 1216688
C 31
Davidson, Julianna V. 6/20/2014 Sawgrass Toastmasters Club 590751 B 23
Farrington, Datus J. 6/24/2014 Chickcharney Toastmasters Club 971904 F 60
Fletcher, Celia A. 6/27/2014 Secure Speakers Toastmaster Club 1770067
D 42
Foote, Sharon F. 6/20/2014 BPB Talking Heads 1118683
B 22
Foster, Clement 6/27/2014 Ernest T. Strachan Club Advanced TM Club 7108 I 92
Hanna, Donna D. 6/11/2014 The Soaring Orators of Johnson Park 1227605
F 62
Harris, Lydia 6/24/2014 Beacon Point Advanced 808677 A 10
Hartman, Richard S. 6/20/2014 The Palm Beach Toastmasters Club 1588575
D 43
Lapp, Mary Ellen 6/10/2014 Key West Toastmasters 6298 E 55
Martin, Oris B. 6/26/2014 ACTS Florida Region 1452159
C 32
Meiri, Natalie 6/27/2014 Gold Coast Toastmasters Club 2727 D 43
Moxey, Martiniqua 6/6/2014 Central Bank Controllers 2597579
F 63
Munroe, Nicole 6/20/2014 B.U.T. Nation Builders 1358961
I 92
Neilly, Spurgeon E. 6/28/2014 The Trailblazers 1577647
F 62
Ness, Sue 6/2/2014 Juno How To Talk 2439314
D 41
Palacious, LeVerne 6/24/2014 Pinnacle Seekers 1513325
F 60
21
DISTRICT 47 EDUCATIONAL AWARDS JUNE 2014
Riano, Alejandro 6/10/2014 Doral Toastmasters 861 E 51
Ross, Abby Lynn 6/10/2014 South Dade Toastmasters Club 2463 E 53
Serra-Rivera, Kim M. 6/3/2014 Bill Gove Golden Gavel Club 6818 C 30
Stockdale, Martin 6/25/2014 Achievers Club 2903 C 33
Talbot, Soria 6/19/2014 High Voltage Voices 1376226
D 41
…on earning Advanced Communicator Silver (ACS) Award.
Toastmaster Date
Awarded… Club Club # Div. Area
Albury, Andrew Clement Alphonso
6/30/2014 Dynamic Persuaders 1200778
F 62
Foster, Angelique 6/16/2014 Club Destiny 839960 I 93
Newman, Eloise Anita 6/28/2014 Sunset Speakers Toastmasters Club 5222 D 43
Plant, Thomas Gray 6/18/2014 Palm City Orators 8181 D 41
Silver, Christel 6/9/2014 Bill Gove Golden Gavel Club 6818 C 30
Thezine, Laura 6/25/2014 Beacon Point Advanced 808677 A 10
…on earning Advanced Communicator Gold (ACG) Award.
Toastmaster Date
Awarded… Club Club # Div. Area
Drescher, Martha C. 6/3/2014 Delray Newsmakers Club 2225 C 30
Moss, Roston T. 6/26/2014 Club Destiny 839960 I 93
Paltanavich, David J. 6/5/2014 Club Paradise 1567808
C 31
…on earning Competent Leader (CL) Award.
Toastmaster Date
Awarded… Club Club # Div. Area
Aguiar, Teresa E. 6/2/2014 Key West Toastmasters 6298 E 55
Beckles, Cynthia E. 6/20/2014 Wellington Toastmasters Club 6775 D 44
Beckles, Cynthia E. 6/20/2014 RiverWalk Toastmasters Club 8664 D 44
Blake, Andrea 6/11/2014 Sunset Speakers Toastmasters Club 5222 D 43
Davis, Frankie M. 6/5/2014 The Fountain of New Life Toastmasters Club
3248923
A 13
Doyle, Scott 6/3/2014 Gold Coast Toastmasters Club 2727 D 43
Exizian, Diana 6/27/2014 Secure Speakers Toastmaster Club 1770067
D 42
Gibson, Cyprian A. 6/29/2014 Ernest T. Strachan Club Advanced TM Club 7108 I 92
Gongora, Ernesto 6/29/2014 Ernest T. Strachan Club Advanced TM Club 7108 I 92
Hedgepeth, Sue M. 6/20/2014 Stuart Martin Chamber 2231493
D 40
House, Jacqueline D 6/7/2014 Miami Lakes Club 6568 A 14
Kinsler, Todd A. 6/28/2014 LexisNexis Risk Boca Raton 2709556
C 32
Knowles, Glender 6/27/2014 Abaco Lighthouse Beamers 1314025
I 93
Neely Morrison, Royanne D. 6/17/2014 B.P.S.U. Majestic Marlins Toastmasters Club
1360933
F 63
Picado, Francisco 6/24/2014 Port St. Lucie Speakers 8437 D 40
Pinder, John 6/29/2014 B.P.S.U. Majestic Marlins Toastmasters Club
1360933
F 63
22
DISTRICT 47 EDUCATIONAL AWARDS JUNE 2014
Toastmaster Date
Awarded
…
Club Club
#
Div. Area
Ross, Abby Lynn 6/25/2014 South Dade Toastmasters Club 2463 E 53
Ross, Abby Lynn 6/24/2014 Miami Advanced Toastmasters Club (CTM's)
2798 E 54
Ross, Abby Lynn 6/22/2014 South Dade Toastmasters Club 2463 E 53
Ross, Abby Lynn 6/13/2014 South Dade Toastmasters Club 2463 E 53
Ross, Abby Lynn 6/10/2014 South Dade Toastmasters Club 2463 E 53
Russell, Nathalie N 6/15/2014 Soaring Eagles Club 2888579
I 94
Schneider, Charles 6/27/2014 Secure Speakers Toastmaster Club 1770067
D 42
Thompson, Elbert C. 6/29/2014 Action For Achievement Club 1095 I 94
Valdes, Mariposa 6/28/2014 Gelfand Good Morning Toastmasters Club 2096 A 12
Wiggan, Patrice 6/10/2014 Achievers Club 2903 C 33
Woodbury, Lisa 6/24/2014 American Express Communication Club 1415772
B 23
Young, Deborah D. 6/30/2014 Dynamic Persuaders 1200778
F 62
…on earning Advanced Leader Bronze (ALB) Award.
Toastmaster Date
Awarded… Club Club # Div. Area
Albury, Andrew Clement Alphonso
6/30/2014 Dynamic Persuaders 1200778
F 62
Beckles, Cynthia E. 6/24/2014 Wellington Toastmasters Club 6775 D 44
Beckles, Cynthia E. 6/20/2014 RiverWalk Toastmasters Club 8664 D 44
Bryan, Marlene M. 6/26/2014 Seminole Casino Hollywood Toastmasters 1348034
A 12
Burgess, Carolyn C 6/18/2014 Talk Of The Town Club 5390 D 43
Gutierrez, Jose 6/20/2014 BPB Talking Heads 1118683
B 22
Jordan, Denni 6/24/2014 South Dade Toastmasters Club 2463 E 53
Longley, Anthony J. 6/27/2014 Ernest T. Strachan Club Advanced TM Club 7108 I 92
Shrader, Jessica Marie 6/11/2014 High Voltage Voices 1376226
D 41
…on earning Leadership Excellence (LDREXC) for completion
of HPL project.
Toastmaster Date
Awarded… Club Club # Div. Area
Thorn, Michael E. 6/27/2014 Boca Raton Advanced Toastmasters 1888268
C 32
23
Dear Members of District 47,
It’s unbelievable that it already has been a year! I can’t help but feel somewhat nostalgic as I reflect on all accomplishments this
year and what’s left to be done.
We started this year with one mission: “Finding the Talent Within.” This
mission has been so important because through finding the talent
within ourselves, our clubs, and our leaders we have been able to
accomplish many tasks for our District. It hasn’t been easy by any
means but it has been significantly rewarding. There was no question in
my mind that when I took this office, I would find an equal balance of
successes and challenges not only to keep me humble but also to help
me grow.
“We don’t grow when things are easy; we grow when we face
challenges.”
- Joyce Meyer, Author
It is true that being involved in Toastmasters fully tests all of your skills
and abilities. It forces you to step out of your comfort zone without fear
of making mistakes and learning from failure. Once you open up to the
vulnerabilities of your character, you find talents within yourself which
extend your horizons far and wider than you could have ever imagined!
“The greatest mistake we make is living in constant fear that we
will make one”
- John Maxwell, Author and Golden Gavel Recipient (2012)
This year also opened up the path for an overall better District. There was no doubt that this fiscal year was about cleaning up
and paving the way for a new foundation of service. Challenges included but were not limited to financial distress, stale and
ineffective leadership, obsolete technology use, and lack of club compliance to the Toastmasters program. Taking charge of
each of those challenges proved to be an immense task that required making a lot of tough but necessary decisions. It also
meant to take an active role to challenge the “Status Quo” together with change management for the overall benefit of the
District.
Working through our goals required “all hands on deck” and I’m forever grateful to all the members of the 2013 – 2014 DEC
team because without them, we would not have been able to accomplish many of these goals:
Financial soundness of the District: starting the year with a net loss was painful, but through the contributions from
each member that attended all of our various events and the financial support from many organizations via in-kind and
monetary sponsorships, we are now profitable to Toastmasters International.
Clubs maintaining charter strength: Over 85% of clubs which started at charter strength maintained charter
strength. This is a direct effect from engaged District leaders in the quality of each club.
New members enrollment increase: As of 6/30, District 47 already has had an increase of 120+ new members over
last year! A total of 2,009 (and counting) new members have been added to our rosters. The word about Toastmasters
Outgoing District Governor recaps the year of “Finding the Talent Within”
24
continues to expand in our territories.
Clubs achieving Distinguished: As of 6/30, over 65% of our active paid clubs have already achieved Distinguished
status or better. I’m sure that by the end of all the processing that WHQ is currently doing, there will be many more clubs
attaining Distinguished awards.
Well attended Conferences and Trainings: Each conference brought over 300 unique members! And about 1/3 of
attendees were first timers!!! All TLIs brought not only required Club Officers but at least 25% of attendees were regular
members who wanted to know and do more for their clubs and District.
The list of thank you’s can go on and on but I’d like to highlight a handful of
individuals who made a significant impact during my term as District
Governor:
Chief Executive Officer, Juan Godina (my husband) – for simply putting
up with everything and anything. For understanding my passion to serve my
members and for holding the fort while I was out serving others. You have
been the most important piece in my District Governor puzzle. Thank you for
helping keep it together! Love you!
Lt. Governor Education and Training, Tony Longley and Lt. Governor
Marketing, Damien Miller – who in essence were my “right and left hand;”
and, even in the times when the “left-didn’t-know-what the-right-was-doing”,
you both stepped into roles out your comfort zone to support the goals of
making a difference and impacting the District.
Division Governors, Marlene Bryan (A), Johnny Segarra (B), Chim
Francisco (C), Patricia Vallejo (D), John Lazar (E), Jason Springer (F),
Curtis Bryan (I) – Because you took ownership and pushed through our short comings while maintaing the program
standards and managing your teams of Area Governors. You have been the backbone of our District and because of you,
even our hardest challenges were conquerable.
The Sunshiner Editor, Kate McClare – For elevating our communication resources to nothing less than marvelous! Your
expertise allowed us to have a much improved channel of communication for our members via our District Newsletter.
Conference Chair, Phyllis May – Because she decided that once wasn’t enough, so she took the role two times just to
make sure it was “Magical!” This muckety muck really appreciated it.
Social Media Chair, Ruth Field Beck – For taking the initiative on a non-existent process and maximizing our
communication channels across all audiences. #TMD47 #ToastingtoYou
Treasurer, Greg Henry – I just could not have done it without you! Without your expertise, expense discipline and financial
accuracy would have been hard to accomplish.
Sergeant-at-Arms, Thomas Plant – The hardest working SAA ever! Your humble attitude and helpful disposition exceeded
my expectations.
Public Relations Officer, Douglas Shachnow – for adding new layers to our Public Relations and your financial support of
our District Conferences.
Webmaster, David Clarke – For taking ownership of an obsolete and complex website system outdated subscription data
Outgoing District Governor recaps the year of “Finding the Talent Within”
25
and making the transition to a new website, a new registration system, and increasing email subscription rates for our
publications. For always being available to help and provide useful feedback to both the DEC
and Club Members.
Parliamentarian, Michael Schoen – For making parliamentary procedures less scary and
intimidating. Thank you for always having a lesson to teach our DEC team whenever we met
and helping our business meetings in order.
Region 8 International Director, Kristina Kihlberg – For so many reasons that would probably
take several emails to list. Above else, thank you for being there to provide your experience
and mentorship during my growth as a District Governor.
Region 8 Advisor, Eileen Wolfe – Because you never hesitated to “say it like it is!” and your continuous support in a very
challenging year. Thank you for always being available to provide guidance and encouragement.
District Advisor, Lynda Hammond – Because everyone needs a voice of reasoning. Thank you for being there to be mine…
Chief Ambassador, Lydia Harris – Not only you have taken ownership of our upcoming Revitalized program but you have
also taken charge of maximizing the impact of our leaders by providing mentorship and guidance. You’ve earned the title of
Master DivA.
Without excluding anyone, I’d like to also thank Secretary, Gary Sharp; Nominating Committee Chair, Pamela Rolle; Credential
Chair, Samantha O’Neil; Audit Committee Members, Laura Thezine, Kip Barkley, Cleve Palacious because you fulfilled your
duties with quality and excellence. Your independent support helped provide excellent service to the District. Your ownership and
initiative made what would seem very complex procedures very effective.
Thanks to each and every member who participated in the program to the fullest. For those who attended trainings, conferences,
and special events throughout the year. It is ultimately YOU, the member, who we as leaders are accountable to. We hope that
you continue to participate and support your District.
As we are coming to an end of Fiscal Year 2013 – 2014, I’m looking forward to moving into a support role for my successor,
Tony Longley, and his team. It is fitting that the upcoming theme this next year is “In pursuit of Excellence” because as we
continue to find talent in our District, we must always engage in pursuing excellence to achieve it.
It has been so rewarding to have serviced you as your District Governor. Thank you for elevating my experience to unimaginable
heights and my leadership skills to incredible strength.
Sincerely,
Francis Molina
2013 – 2014 District
Governor
2014 – 2015 Immediate Past
District Governor
Outgoing District Governor recaps the year of “Finding the Talent Within”
26
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