D47 Sunshiner - October, 2009

The Sunshiner October 2009

www.toastmastersd47.org

Fall is here!

The kid’s are back in school and now the succession of activities that define the Fall Season begins – Harvest Festivals, Halloween, Thanksgiving – color our lives with food, fun and family traditions.

That’s true of Toastmasters as well. For us the Fall means contest season with our Club, Area and Division competitions culminating in the fabulous Fall District Conference!

It’s time to enjoy and profit from the brightest evaluators and the funniest speakers as they compete in the District 47 Contests!

Come enjoy the competitive challenge these contests provide. Witness the wit and wisdom of the winners from the eight divisions in District 47. And fashion friendships that will last for a lifetime.

And as if that wasn’t enough, we’ll have Darren LaCroix, 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking, as our special guest. He’ll be making several presentations including an exclusive coaching session on Sunday!

If you’ve never attended a District Conference now is the time to expand your horizons in a fun, supportive atmosphere. Take the plunge, stretch your limits and step outside your comfort zone to enjoy the fun and fellowship of a District 47 Conference.

Not sure what to expect? Just turn to page 6 and check out the article on Fall Conference Action.

If you have attended a District 47 Conference in the past, come renew relationships and your resolve to work a little harder on your skills and goals.

Whether you’re a First Timer or returning member, we welcome you to attend the Fall Conference at the fabulous Naples Hilton in Naples the weekend of October 30- November 1.

Just go to the District 47 website for complete details on Conference and Hotel Registration, and check out the promotional video created

by Darren LaCroix just for our District!

Time is growing short!

Register online today http://toastmastersd47.org/

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Kristina’s Korner Fall is here!

Publisher Kristina Kihlberg, DTM

It’s that wonderful time of the year when the temperature starts to cool, the trees begin painting our world with their colorful leaves and we pull out the sweaters that we packed away during the summer.

Oops… Wrong place. That won’t happen to us here in the Bahamas and South Florida. One can always dream, I guess….

But there are still some things that make it FALL or Autumn: -The calendar tells us we’ve past the autumnal equinox.

-On the Northern Hemisphere's autumnal equinox day, a person at the North Pole would see the sun skimming across the horizon, signaling the start of six months of darkness.

-On the same day, a person at the South Pole would also see the sun skim the horizon, beginning six months of uninterrupted daylight.

District 47 Executive Officers for 2009-2010 DG LGET LGM PRO Secretary Treasurer IPDG

Kristina Kihlberg Rick Furbush Pamela Rolle Pierre Taschereau Patricia Martinez Laz Sanchez Antionette Fox

District 47 Leaders

• Talking about that – have you registered for the FALL Conference yet?

District Advisor Loretta Sandy SAA Jim Ellis Webmaster Jeanine Kinsey Conference Chair David Clarke Division A Governor Scott Vail Division B Governor Elizabeth Taschereau Division C Governor Melody Tapley Division D Governor Karen Novek Division E Governor Jason Smith Division F Governor Mack Payne Division G Governor Beatriz Williams Division I Governor Anthony Longley

• All members have visited the D47 website and signed up to be subscribers to District news including the Sunshiner.

The Mission of the District is to enhance

Although it’s hard to fathom these extremes, if we just focus on FALL and what happens to us as Toastmasters at this time, it becomes a little easier to handle.

• We’ve just paid our dues. (If not, chop-chop it’s time to get it done.)

• As Officers, we’ve gotten a handle on our role and things should be moving nicely along. Club Executive meetings are being held on regular basis.

• We’re still enjoying the excitement of contest season (note: if the dues are not paid, your contestants will be disqualified). Division contests are more or less done and everyone is now preparing for the Grand Finale at the District level.

• Clubs are working on their membership drives and using all kinds of networking, websites, facebook, LinkedIn etc to spread the word of where they meet.

the performance and extend the network of clubs, thereby offering greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit

See, FALL isn’t so bad. It’s a nice time of the year when things FALL into place.

from the Toastmasters educational program by: ♦Focusing

on the critical success factors as specified by the district educational

Kristina Kihlberg, DTM District Governor

and membership goals ♦Ensuring

that each club effectively fulfills its responsibilities to its members

♦Providing

effective training and leader-

ship development opportunities for club and district officers

Four Critical Success Factors Membership

Paid Clubs

CC’s

AC’s

The Sunshiner is a publication of District 47 Toastmasters. Reproduction of articles is strictly prohibited without the express permission of the District 47 Governor. Toastmasters International and Toastmasters International emblems are trademarks of Toastmasters International registered in the Untied States, Canada and many other countries.

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Rick’s Room From The Top Down Contest season is here, and as a District officer, I’m now experiencing contests from the top down.

If you have never competed in a contest you’re missing a huge opportunity to grow as a speaker. If you have competed, you already know.

In my first years as a Toastmaster I competed in the club, and area contests. Now as your Lt Governor Education and Training, one of my duties is to oversee all the contests … Club, Area, Division and District.

On October 30-31st the best of the best in our District will be competing. Having attended 6 of the 8 Division contests this year, I’m inspired by the level of expertise in our District, and promise that the District 47 competition will be outstanding.

That brings me to the District Conference October 30th-November 1st. If you have never been to a District Conference you’re missing a huge opportunity to mingle with other Toastmasters while educating yourself as a speaker and a Toastmaster. We at the District level are working very hard to insure your District Conference experience is unforgettable.

This year, as many of you may know, our keynote speaker is Darren LaCroix, 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking. Not only is he a professional speaker and comedian, but one of the top teachers and trainers on how to put humor in your presentations. As Patricia Fripp, the first woman President of National Speakers Association and a Toastmaster, says “You don’t have to use humor unless you want to get paid.” Having attended one of Darren’s Humor Boot Camps I came away with the realization that people aren’t born with humor … you learn how to write and deliver it.

This will be one of the last District Conferences for Darren so if you want to learn the tricks and skills of adding humor to your presentations, here’s your chance!

Please register today, expand your Toastmaster experience, and may you never be the same again.

Rick Furbush, DTM Lieutenant Governor Education & Training rickfurbush@mac.com

Toastmasters Turns 85!

This month Toastmasters International celebrates 85 years of service to speaking and leadership excellence.

At the first Toastmasters meeting in Santa Ana California on October 22, 1924, members practiced speaking skills in a supportive, informal atmosphere. The seedling club blossomed. Then another sprung up in nearby Anaheim. Word spread about Ralph Smedley’s experiment and soon people in other communities, and even other states, began to request permission and help to start their own Toastmasters meetings.

As more clubs emerged, it was a time of firsts: Smedley created the first Toastmasters manual, and publication of The Gavel – the first Toastmasters newsletter – began in 1930. (The Toastmaster magazine made

its debut three years later.)

In the 1930s, the organization grew to an international level by incorporating and chartering its first club outside the United States -- in British Columbia, Canada.

Over the ensuing years, Toastmasters International laid the foundation for many of the activities and philosophies we know today: The first Inter-Club Speech Contest was held in 1938; District 18 of Scotland became the first district outside the U.S. in 1946.

In 1973, Toastmasters met an important milestone by opening membership to women. Twelve years later, Helen Blanchard became the our first female president.

Read the complete story on the TI website http:// www.toastmasters.org/MainMenuCategories/ WhyJoin/SuccessStories/ThenandNow.aspx

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Pamela’s Place In 1995, a friend told me about Toastmasters and invited me to attend a meeting. I disliked going to meetings because I thought they were boring and time consuming. The only thing I received from attending a meeting was a few hours of wasted time and a headache. I concluded that taking time from my overwhelmingly busy schedule would be too much of a sacrifice.

After persistent begging and daily nagging from my friend, I decided to outsmart him. My plan was to ask him when the Club met. I had the brilliant idea that whatever day he confirmed would be the day I’d be busy. I believed once we had this conversation, the nagging would go away. I asked “When does the Club meet”, he said “Tuesday”. I thought, “This was perfect!” I immediately replied “Tuesdays are not good for me, any other day would be better”.

What I didn’t plan for in that conversation was his next response. “We have Clubs that meet everyday. Since Monday is better, we can go next week.” The pause was my friend even before I became a Toastmaster.

There I was; stuck in a commitment to attend a Toastmasters meeting. I barely slept for the next week thinking about hundreds of excuses to get out of this commitment. Somehow, I could not find any excuses.

Monday came and I went to Toastmasters. To my surprise, I actually enjoyed the meeting. It was far from what I expected. The room was highly charged with energy and excitement. The Club Officers met me at the door and welcomed me in. The Toastmaster of the meeting was successful in making us laugh. We had a great time. The speakers were almost flawless. Wow! What a night!

The only thing I didn’t enjoy was Table Topics. I concluded that when Table Topic was removed , then I would become a member. Five years later, I joined a Toastmasters Club. I still had the fear of Table Topics, but realized that becoming a member and participating at meetings helped me to overcome this fear.

I often wonder what my life would be like without Toastmasters. If I knew then what I know now; I would have joined in 1995. After five years of running away, my destiny was fulfilled. I am a Toastmaster! Toastmasters changed my life tremendously! Share your success stories with us about how Toastmasters changed your life.

Membership in Toastmasters…Priceless!

Pamela D. Rolle, DTM Lieutenant Governor Marketing lgm@toastmastersd47.org

The Bahamas Celebrates Toastmasters Month October has been proclaimed as Toastmasters Month by the Hon. Hubert A. Ingra ham, Prime Minister. As a lead into the month of activities, over 120 Toastmasters of Division I attended a thanksgiving service on Sunday October 4, at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church. The sermon was preached by Father James Moultrie, Rector of St. Matthew’s. Following the service, the group socialized over lunch at Mosaic Restaurant, The Cove, Atlantis.

The next big event for the month is the Professional Development & Leadership Symposium on October 21, 2009 at Breezes SuperClubs, Cable Beach featuring international speakers and authors, Dr. Myles Munroe and Ed Tate, the 2000 World Champion of Public Speaking.

See pages 13-14 for the history of Toastmasters in The Bahamas.

Photo by TM Farrington

Front Row l-r: DTM Edward Carey, Glennette Reckley, Area 81 Governor; IPDG Antionette Fox; Elbert Thompson, Area 83 Governor; D47 Governor Kristina Kihlberg; Fr. James Moultrie, Rector, St. Matthew's Church; H.E. The Governor General, Arthur D. Hanna; Division I Governor Anthony Longley; D47 LGM Pamela D. Rolle; Nakera Symonette, Area 85 Governor; Denison Balfour, Area 80 Governor; Demekas Foster, Area 82 Governor

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District WebMaster toastmastersd47.org How well do you know the District 47 Website?

I get a lot of people asking me how to find things on the District 47 Website, so I thought I would do a short tutorial on some of the more common questions and how to find the answers.

On the Home Page at http://toastmastersd47.org you can get current announcements about upcoming events. Right now all of the Fall Conference links are available there.

Down the left side of the page you can log in to the member section of our website; Access the Volunteer Box to submit your name and qualifications to the D47 leadership so that you can be a part of the winning team; Use the Idea Box to send us your ideas and suggestions to make your District more effective; Submit information to our District 47 Compassionate Communicator, Cathy Koyanagi, so we can reach out to our members; Then further down on the left side, below these icons is a small section with Upcoming Events on the District calendar.

Also, on the bottom of Home Page you can subscribe to the Sunshiner and District News. If you did not receive this copy of the Sunshiner in your own inbox, sign up to get announcements and news from the District without waiting for someone else to forward it to you.

How can I find out who is in charge of my Division or Area and what is going on there?

Click on Divisions, Areas & Clubs tab in the top menu where you can select your Division and then your Area. You can also find a local club from this menu.

Is there a Event Calendar on the site, and how do I find it?

The far right menu tab on the top is called Calendar.

There you’ll find upcoming events submitted for your Areas and Divisions and for the District.

Is there a photo gallery on the website?

Yes! Under District Resources tab you’ll find the Photo Gallery along with lots of other great resources for our District. If you have pictures from an event that you’d like share, please email them to your Division Governor or me. We’ll do our best to put as many as possible on the website. Due to space constraints, we ask that the pictures are from Area, Division and District events, although we’ll gladly share special anniversary and club celebrations as well.

There are many other great resources on the D47 site. I encourage you to take a few minutes and click through the links to see what you can discover.

Need Your Assistance I’ll need your help with a special historical project on our District website. Under the Home tab you’ll find A History of District 47, which we’re planning to expand. We’re looking for former District 47 Governors to write a brief description of their year as Governor and what they’ve done since and send it to me along with a picture. We’ll post it in the History so you can click on their name to learn more about them. If you know one of these wonderful people, please pass this message along. If you know that they are no longer with us, and can help us put together something about their story, please let me know.

Where can I get contact information for all of the Enjoy the Website!

District Officers?

Click the Home tab at the top of the page and select District Officers. From there you can select District Jeanine Kinsey Officers, Division Governors, Area Governors and District 47 Webmaster Committee Chairs. For security purposes we don’t web@toastmastersd47.org publish email addresses and phone numbers for most officers however, you can send an email from this area so they can contact you.

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Fall Conference Action If you’ve never been to a District Conference, you’re a part of this exciting, new program of District 47. in for a real treat! Here’s an up-close and personal And if you haven’t visited the Credentials Desk yet look at what to expect the weekend of October 30 now’s your chance; they’re open from 7:30-9:30 am.

November 1 at the luxury Hilton Hotel in Naples.

At 8:30 am there’s a general session in Salon D with The Fall Conference officially opens at 3pm on Friday our new International Director, Pam Christopher. and folks will be rolling in She’ll fill us all in on the latest goings-on at TI. from all corners of our DisNext up, at 9:30 am, you will not want to miss Dartrict. Those Divisions staffing ren LaCroix’s workshop on “Speaking Outside Toastthe Check-in, Credentials masters for Fun, Profit and Club Building”. We didDesk and First Timers table n’t join Toastmasters only to be better speakers – are eagerly awaiting your Darren will show us how to get out, expand our horiarrival. Step right up to rezons, and get publicity for our clubs at the same ceive your name badge, time. meals tickets, and Conference Book.

At 10:30 in Sable Palm A-B, we’ll have the electrifying, the stupendous District Council Meeting! Ok, I If you’re a voting member of the District Council exaggerated a little. Ok, I exaggerated a lot. The don’t forget to stop by the Credentials Desk and claim your right to vote. And if it’s your first time at business meeting may not be the most fun aspect of the conference, but it’s at the heart of who we are a District Conference then visit the First Timers taas Toastmasters so plan to attend and bring your balble for a special welcome! lots.

Now toss your bags in your room and get ready for a fun-filled evening! Friday night is a casual, fun night By now your stomach is saying it’s time for lunch. Don’t worry, where you can dress down and enjoy. there’s a great menu planned— Festivities kickoff at 6:30pm with the Color Guard Roast Antionette! So sit back and and Banner Parade in the Royal Palm Ballroom. If plan to be entertained as we you’re carrying your club’s banner be sure come roast our IPDG Antionette Fox at down to the lobby area at 6pm to line up for the Pa- our Luncheon. We’ll also hold rade. And if you’re a contestant or part of the conour “Hall of Fame”, where we’ll test staff you’ll also need to come down at 5 pm for honor the achievements of our your briefings. leaders from our last year.

After the rousing opening ceremonies we’re all fired Our Educational Sessions take up most of the afterup and ready for delicious dinner before the Evalua- noon, with three solid hours from 2 to 5 in four tion Contest begins. Now sit back and enjoy the rooms, for a total of twelve enlightening choices! sharpest Evaluators District 47 has to offer. As if that Be sure to review the schedule in the Conference wasn’t enough, we’re fortunate to have Darren LaBook to decide which ones you’ll attend. They’re all Croix, the 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking, so good it’ll be hard to choose! present his keynote address, “Humor and Hope”!

Don’t forget to stop by the RafTired yet? Well don’t be! We still have the Hospitalfle Table and check out the ity Suite to visit! Be sure to stop by to enjoy a tasty fabulous gifts donated to help adult beverage and finger food while you congratudefray the cost of the Conferlate our contestants for their fine work. ence. Purchase your tickets for the 50/50 cash raffle as well as OK, now you can get some rest, but sleep fast befor the gifts. Take a little somecause Saturday is going to busy! thing extra home with you!

The day starts bright and early with the First Timers Meeting at 7:30 am Wow! What a fabulous, entertaining and educational in Sable Palm A-B. Not a first-timer? day so far. Time to take a break and put your feet up for a while, but just a little while. We have lots Attend the session on the new District 47 Speakers Bureau at 7:45 am of fun and laughs planned for tonight’s Costume Ball continued in Salon D, and learn how you can be and Humorous Speech Contest!

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Fall Conference Action (cont’d) Let’s plan to get into costume and meet back in the Royal Palm Ballroom Lobby before 6:30 pm when the Processional begins. Remember: Contestants, Contest Officials need to come down at 5 pm for their briefings. Don’t forget your camera!

Don’t forget to visit the Hospitality Suite one last time to celebrate and reflect on the great weekend you’ve had so far.

For most, Sunday morning brings a road trip back home; for our District Officers, it means a DEC Meeting from 8:00-11:00 am before we hit the road home.

WAIT! Don’t forget the special bonus workshop presented by Darren LaCroix!

Everyone is invited to attend from 11am until noon on Sunday. After you check out, join Darren to learn some of the secrets of the Toastmasters World We have a wonderful tradition here in Champions and perhaps receive some District 47, the DTM Walk. It’s an oppor- live coaching on the spot! tunity for those who have recently Come celebrate your quest for personal excellence at earned their DTM to strut their stuff and the Fall Conference. be recognized for their outstanding acRegister now http://toastmastersd47.org/ complishment. Get ready to cheer!

Ready to have some fun? Great! We’ll start with a topnotch dinner then hear eight of the funniest folks in southern Florida and the Bahamas. Prepare to smile, guffaw and just laugh out loud... doesn’t it feel good to laugh and relax!

Fall Conference Challenge These Clubs qualified to win the Conference Challenge!

Division Area B 23 #2582 B 22 #1118683 B 24 #2096 B 25 #5758 B 23 #590751 B 24 #1291950 C 34 #3937

Plantation Club BDPB Talking Heads Gelfand Good Morning TM Club Weston Area TM Club Sawgrass Toastmasters Club Hollywood Toastmasters Eckman Center

Outstanding Toastmasters

Division D D D D D E E I

Area 44 44 40 41 43 54 53 86

#1216688 #3299 #3466 #1376226 #5390 #1298657 #1695 #5725

WCR Palm Beaches Noon TM Boca Raton Toastmasters Treasure Coast TM Club High Voltage Voices Talk of the Town Ocean Reef TM Club Coral Gables Club 1st Bahamas Hotel Union Club

Division Contest Winners

Our IPDG Antionette Fox launched a brilliant tradition in District 47 last year. She awarded Outstanding Member pins to select members in each Division who exemplified exceptional service.

Congratulations to these Division Evaluation and Humorous Speech Winners! Come cheer them on as they compete for the title of District Champ at the Fall Conference October 30-November 1 in Naples.

Our current District Trio worked in collaboration with the individual Division Governors to determine the deserving members.

Division Humorous A Byron Donalds

Congratulations to the recipients of the Outstanding Member awards presented at the Division Contests.

Division A- Kathryn Gaertner and Linda Valentine Division B- Kip Barkley and Miles Bank Division C- Mary Wright Division D– Barbara Strasdas and David Clarke Division E– Phyllis May and Nerissa James Division F– Carol Reese and Jesse Millican Division G– Vicki Wayne and David Walker Division I– Michael Mackey, Chavette Black and Andrew Albury Page 7

Evaluation Kathryn Gaertner

B C

Doug Schnetzka Jo Ranney

David Jess David Hunter

D E

Barbara Strasdas Jack Barnes

Joshua Sheats Willasue Susskind

F G I

Laurence Hubbard Shawn Purvis Antonio Humes

Steve Zeris John Boyd Kendrick Knowles Jr.

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Educational Requirements The following rules apply to any Toastmaster who wishes to complete multiple communication and/or leadership awards through the Toastmasters educational program: •

•

•

You must complete all of the requirements each • time you receive an award. This means that in order to receive a second DTM, you must complete another CC, ACB, ACS, ACG, CL, ALB and ALS. However, you need not complete your first award before you begin working on a second one.

Example: You are permitted to start working on a second ACB before you finish your first ACB, but you must first complete a second CC before you can receive your second ACB. Note: Only one award of each type per member per club per Toastmasters year is counted for credit in the Distinguished Club Program.

Each time you complete the series of awards on the communication track (ACB, ACS and ACG), you

must complete two new Advanced Communication manuals for each award. This means that each time you earn your ACG award, you will have completed six different Advanced Communication manuals – two for ACB, two for ACS and two for ACG. When you repeat an award on the Communication track, you are permitted to repeat the manuals used for a previously earned communication award. For example: If you complete The Entertaining Speaker (226A) and Speaking to Inform (226B) for your first ACB, you may repeat these manuals for credit towards your second ACB or any other communication award that you are repeating.

Remember: You can not repeat any Advanced Communication Manuals while working toward a single award (ACB, ACS, ACG). For example: You can not complete The Entertaining Speaker (226A) twice for the same ACB.

Club Anniversaries Congratulations to these clubs celebrating anniversaries in October!

In Division A

B

C D E F

G

I

Area 10 Area 12 Area 21 Area 22 Area 24 Area 33 Area 40 Area 44 Area 53 Area 60 Area 61 Area 62 Area 62 Area 71 Area 72 Area 74 Area 80 Area 82 Area 84 Area 85 Area 85

Ft. Myers Club #1702 Chartered Electric Toasters Club #5701 Naples Sunrise Bay Club #9628 Pompano Beach Club #3003 Power Speakers Club #589263 Davie Toastmasters Club #2508 Toast 'N Progress Club #965328 Vogue Voices Club #8437 WCR Palm Beaches Noon Club #1216688 BKC Toastmasters Club #1246196 Sarasota Toastmasters Club #1958 Tropicana Toastmasters Club #9288 Sarasota Evening Club #6026 Sarasota Herald-Tribune Club #7923 Clearwater Talk of the Town Club #6587 Ceridian St. Pete Club #603123 Tarpon Talkers Club #965840 Ernest T. Strachan Advanced Club #7108 Healing Communicators Club #7178 Grand Bahama Hotel Union Club #602485 1st Bahamas Hotel Union Club #5725 21st Century Communicators Club #965175 Page 9

October 1, 1967 October 1, 1994 October 1, 1993 October 1, 1961 October 21, 2003 October 1, 1965 October 27, 2006 October 1, 1991 October 20, 2008 October 2, 2008 October 1, 1956 October 1, 1997 October 1, 1985 October 1, 1990 October 1, 1999 October 15, 2003 October 12, 2006 October 1, 2000 October 29, 1998 October 10, 2003 October 11, 2002 October 13, 2006

Proxy Message Make sure that your Club is aware of what’s going on in your District. The District Council Meeting will be held on Saturday October 31, at the Fall Conference in Naples. This Meeting is open for all members to attend and for Club Officers to cast the two votes allotted to each Club.

vote as a District Officer.

Who can vote?

Club Presidents and Vice Presidents Education or their proxies. Either officer or their proxy can cast both Club votes. The voting member must be an active member of the Club. If a proxy is used the qualiThe District Council, which is comprised of the Disfying member MUST carry a signed District Proxy trict Officers and the Club delegates, votes on the form designating their eligibility. The District Proxy budget and other business. New motions can be form is available on the D47 website under Forms/ made that we all discuss and vote on. Information is District Forms. One-third of these Club votes is the shared so we can stay in tune with updates that perminimum required for a Quorum. tain to all members of District 47.

District Officers: Each District officer is entitled to Who are the Delegates? one vote. District Officer votes do not count towards A voting member (delegate) MUST be an active a quorum. District Officers may also cast the two member of the Club. No member can carry more votes for one Club provided the are a member. than two votes, unless otherwise entitled to a third

New Clubs Please extend a warm WELCOME to these new clubs in District 47!

In Division A: Area 10 Club#1389368 Chico’s Toastmasters, Fort Myers Area 10 Club#1354558 Sun Splash Speakers, Cape Coral Area 11 Club#1395623 North Port Toastmasters, North Port

In Division B: Area 25 Club#1390883 Prospect FCC Toastmasters, Pembroke Pines

In Division C: Area 35 Club#1392714 New York Life The Company That Speaks, Tampa

Submitting Articles

Toastmaster Couples In our September Edition of the Sunshiner, we spotlighted the wedding of Frank Shea and Sue Boe. They actually had their marriage performed at their Suncoast Toastmasters meeting!

We’re looking for other “Toastmaster Couples”, couples who may have met through Toastmasters or those who may simply enjoy Toastmasters together.

The Sunshiner monthly newsletter is a tool we use to help the membership of District 47 learn, grow and share.

If you have any information, suggestions or opinions you’d like to share with your District please address an email to: Sunshiner@toastmastersd47.org

We know there are other “Toastmasters Couples” out there. Please share your stories with us. Let’s hear from you.

Send your story to: Sunshiner@toastmastersd47.org Page 10

Photos from Your Division Contests

Division A celebrates with Evaluation winner Kathryn Gaertner and Humorous Speech winner Byron Donalds

Division D Governor Karen Novek (center) is pictured with her finance Larry Reynolds and her phenomenal Contest Chair Susan Salvary

Contest Master Joseph Miller welcomes everyone to the Division G Contest

Division D Humorous Speech winner Barbara Strasdas (left) poses with Contest Master Cathy Koyanagi

Here’s the proud line-up in Division E (l-r) Roxanne Jorge –2nd Place Evaluation, Nerissa James– 2nd Place Humorous Speech, Willasue Susskind– 1st Place Evaluation, Kristina Kihlberg-District 47 Governor, Jackie Jones-Area 50 Governor, and Jack Barnes-1st Place Humorous Speech

Area 35 Governor Eleanor McCoy (in red) shows off her engagement ring at the Division G Contest. Admirers l-r: Division G Governor Beatriz Williams, LGM Pamela Rolle, and Kathy Furbush Page 11

Photos from Your Division Contests

Division I celebrates their exciting contest with l-r: D47 Governor Kristina Kihlberg, 1st Place Evaluation Kendrick Knowles Jr.; Sashane McDonald 2nd Place in both Evaluation and Humorous; Antonio Humes 1st Place Humorous; and Division I Governor Anthony Longley

Division G Humorous winners l-r: Contest Master Joseph Miller, 2nd place - John Boyd, Division G Governor Beatriz Williams, LGM Pamela Rolle, Shawn Purvis –1st Place

Big smiles in the Division F Evaluation Contest! l-r Division F Governor Melody Tapley, 1st Place David Hunter and LGM Pamela Rolle

Division G Evaluation winners l-r: Contest Master Joseph Miller, 2nd place - Lou Polur, Division G Governor Beatriz Williams, LGM Pamela Rolle, John Boyd – 1st Place

Congratulations are in order in Division F! Pictured l-r Division F Governor Melody Tapley, 1st Place Humorous Speaker Jo Ranney and LGM Pamela Rolle

Division F Humor Contestants l-r Rebecca Riccio, Jesse Millican 2nd Place, Lawrence Hubbard 1st place, District Governor Kristina Kihlberg, Steve Zeris 1st Place Evaluation winner, Dennis Blanchard 2nd Place, and Seton Katz Page 12

Looking at the Past Collected by Pamela Rolle, DTM

In the beginning‌ In October 1968 Peter Drudge, an employee of the Bahamas Government received some brochures on Toastmasters from a friend in Canada where he lived and worked for many years.

Upon his return to The Bahamas, Drudge then sold the idea to another government employee, the late Ernest T. Strachan who had himself just returned to the Bahamas after working for 14 years at the United Nations as a linguist. It was then that Edward Carey who worked along with Ernest Strachan was approached about the idea of starting a Toastmasters Club in The Bahamas.

On December 5th 1968, the first Toastmasters meeting was held on the stage of St. Benedict’s Hall, The Priory Grounds with some 15 men representing a cross section of the community present.

The Club was called The First Bahamas Branch.

The charter number given to the Club was 1600 in January 1969, and it was designated an undistricted Club, which meant that The Bahamas reported directly to Toastmasters International in California. The official charter of the Club was formally presented at an installation banquet on March 8, 1969. The late Sir Lynden O. Pindling, Former Prime Minister was the guest speaker and was also made an honorary Toastmaster on that evening. The charter President was the late Ernest T. Strachan.

Rolle was the charter President. Just a few months later in 1973, Action for Achievement Toastmasters Club 1095 was also formed in Nassau under the leadership of Toastmasters Marina Dean.

In April 1976, a group of men from the First Bahamas Branch Club 1600 headed by Toastmaster Patrick Bosfield, James Rahming, Lester Gibson and Malachi Lundy started Executives for Excellence Toastmasters Club 2985. This was the first corporate Club and its purpose was mainly to reactivate members. The charter President was Toastmaster James Rahming. Due to struggles with membership, the Club was discontinued after two years.

In 1973 at the Texas International Convention, Toastmaster Patrick Bosfield was instrumental in encouraging the formation of Area 19 in The Bahamas. Toastmaster Vicki Wood of District 47 in Florida was the first Area Governor for The Bahamas. She was succeeded by Toastmaster Patrick Bosfield in 1974, Toastmasters Lester Gibson in 1975, Toastmaster James Rahming in 1976 and Toastmaster Francis Gibson in 1977.

By 1981, The Bahamas had developed to such an extent that it was able to acquire Division status at the May District Conference in Florida. At that time, there were only four Divisions in District 47 that was comprised only of Florida Clubs. The Bahamas became the fifth Division.

In August 1972, a second Toastmasters Club was With the growth of the District, the Division was formed on the island of Grand Bahama. The given alphabet names. The Bahamas became First Freeport Branch came into existence with Division G. Distinguished Toastmaster Samuel Richard Demeritte as the Club President. The Bain served as the first Bahamian District 47 charter number was 1425. During the May 1973, Governor in 1995 and the first District conferThe New Providence Branch Toastmasters Club ence was held in The Bahamas in May 1995.

3596 was established and Toastmasters Whitney continued

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Looking at the Past Collected by Pamela Rolle, DTM

Past Bahamas Division Governors:

In the beginning…

In 1998, The Bahamas Division lost a number of Clubs forcing it to lose its Division status.

Toastmaster Jamal Hepburn spearheaded the task of working toward regaining the Division status. He visited as many Clubs as possible and encouraged active members to assist where possible to form new Clubs. Two years later at the May conference in 2000, The Bahamas regained it’s Division status and became Division I. The show of support and assistance from Distinguished Toastmaster Paul Meunier, the then District Governor and Distinguished Toastmaster Ted Wood, Past International President was also very instrumental in helping The Bahamas regaining Division status.

The second District Governor to hail from The Bahamas was Distinguished Toastmaster Godfrey Springer. The third Bahamian and first Bahamian female to become District 47 Governor was Distinguished Toastmasters Antionette Fox. During her year as District 47 Governor, DTM Fox led the District to Presidents Distinguished and earned the number five spot in the world. Currently, the Bahamas has another representative in the District Trio. Distinguished Toastmaster Pamela D. Rolle was elected 2009-2010 Lt. Governor Marketing at the District’s Spring Conference in Tampa Florida.

Today, The Bahamas is a Division with 39 Clubs. Twenty nine Clubs are on the island of New Providence, four on Grand Bahama, two on Andros, one on Exuma, one on Abaco, one on Long Island and one on Cat Island. We appreciate the service of the past Division Governors and would like to thank them for their assistance in the growth and development of Division I.

Edward Carey 1981-1982 Prince Rolle 1982-1983 Samuel Mitchell 1983-1984 Doris Barry 1984-1985 Philip Brace Davis 1985-1986 Clement Foster 1986-1987 Clothie Lockhart 1987-1988 Michael Patton 1988-1989 Michael Cooper 1989-1990 L. Edgar Moxey 1990-1991 Samuel Bain 1991-1993 Deon Seymour 1993-1994 Maudline Hanna 1994-1995 Immaculata Hamilton 1995-1996 Vincent McDonald 1996-1997 Allington Hunter 1997-1998 Jamal Hepburn 1998-2000 Keith Major 2001-2002 Godfrey Springer 2002-2003 Cyprian Gibson 2003-2004 Duquesa Dean 2004-2005 Antionette Fox 2005-2006 Jamaro Thompson 2006-2007 George Taylor 2007-2008 Pamela D. Rolle 2008-2009 Anthony Longley 2009-2010

Clothie Lockhart, DTM (Only Bahamian Female to represent District 47 in TI World Championship of Public Speaking); Doris Barry, DTM (first Bahamian Female Division Governor); Immaculata Hamilton, DTM; Antionette M. Fox, DTM (Third Bahamian & First Bahamian Female-District 47 Governor); Pamela D. Rolle, DTM; Maudleen Smith-Cooper, DTM; Jamaal Hepburn, DTM; Godfrey Springer, DTM (Second Bahamian to serve as Dist Gov.); Clement Foster, DTM (Over 30 years in TM); Jamaro Thompson, DTM.

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Educational Awards Congratulations to these Toastmasters who have received Educational Awards in the month of September!

Competent Communicator Balmes, Robert D. Barto, Paula K. Beeram, Harish Kumar Blanchard, Jane V. Bowe, Ethric Brown, David Anthony Charlton, Sharine Coller, Salena M. Correa, Elizabeth R Cox, Monique Cranny, Jan C. Crozier, Ray Demeulenaere, Phil Dillet, Margaret A Elliotte, Vernita Evans, Lakasha Adell Ferguson, Andrew Foster, Demekas D. Frazier-Grant, Loma Denise Gaudio, Mark A. Godet, Dion Gordic, Milorad Hamilton, Immaculata Ingham, Dawn Johnson, Lakeisha S Johnson, Natasia C. Katz, Chrystina Kinzler, Timothy M. Longley, Anthony J. Lucassen, Maria Hubertina Mackey, Alexandria C. Marcus, Gary E. Nunez, Carlos Enrique Pancoast, John Arthur Pluviose, Jumel Ramirez, Claudia Reckley, Glennette Rhodes, Lainey Schlossberg, Amy Schneyer, John J. Scott, Kathy Setyawati, Bina R

Club #1810 Club #5390 Club #2652 Club #9352 Club #1600 Club #1600 Club #965175 Club #808677 Club #6745 Club #965175 Club #3001 Club #6026 Club #8437 Club #1305066 Club #839960 Club #3956 Club #1600 Club #7178 Club #2096 Club #7362 Club #7108 Club #6273 Club #753494 Club #1216633 Club #9477 Club #9477 Club #2508 Club #1216688 Club #1600 Club #2096 Club #1305066 Club #5899 Club #5758 Club #22 Club #2096 Club #3003 Club #7178 Club #2652 Club #590751 Club #3299 Club #1216633 Club #7082

Sherman, Shavonne M. Smith, Meghan J. Smith, Simone N. Smith, Teresa R. Somerville, York T. Stiles, Patricia J. Taylor, Jenelle L. Tharp, Carol A. Wright, Celia Yersel, Mehmet S.

Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club

#969479 #1216633 #7178 #612315 #2284 #9288 #5083 #1187415 #7653 #6745

Advanced Communicator Bronze Aragon, Jairo Carey, Adrian R. Culmer, Carl R. Davis, Antoinette Hanna, Anthony Arthur Kutz, Victoria Leichardt, Elena M. McGunagle, Doreen M. Moore, Arlene Reva Strasdas, Barbara Vericker, Clement E Warner, Aaron L.

Club #2004 Club #1342880 Club #3596 Club #933001 Club #1095 Club #748133 Club #590751 Club #2225 Club #6026 Club #2727 Club #6587 Club #5701

Advanced Communicator Silver Charlton, Sharine Dahmen, Pearl J. Malette, Michael J. Martin, Wence Otten, Richard W.

Club Club Club Club Club

#965175 #7923 #2266 #7178 #1206922

Club Club Club Club Club Club

#3956 #590751 #2004 #3596 #3659 #7343

Advanced Communicator Gold Foster, Demekas D. Horowitz, Nate Jess, David S. Morrison, Deanna A. Newcombe, Kirsti Scott, Vanessa A.T.

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Educational Awards Congratulations to these Toastmasters who have received Educational Awards in the month of August!

Competent Leader Adderley, Thomasina Buhbut, Dana Burke, John J. Cox, Monique Foster, Demekas D. Gimenez, Billie Glinton-Joseph, Dekera Hager, Tina Hepburn, Archilene Hepburn, Bridget Hinton, Tina J. Hunziker, Jennifer Hutcheson, Judith M. Karumanchi, Bhaskar Mager, Kristen M. McGrath, Moira Miller, Ingeria Helena Moreland, Stephanie Roberts, Gary A. Saunders, Charles G Schreima, Cathy Jo Sherman, Shavonne M. Smith, Teresa R. Udall, Linda L. Watson, Lavell J. Wells, Dale Winder-Pratt, Hyacinth

Advanced Leader Silver Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club

#965175 #2508 #3466 #965175 #3956 #5486 #753494 #1187415 #965175 #965175 #6587 #763878 #612315 #6003 #1216633 #2225 #2437 #1197988 #7923 #7108 #1269043 #969479 #612315 #1269043 #3956 #1425 #965175

Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club Club

#2508 #2096 #3518 #965175 #965175 #7362 #1034639 #5701 #9628

Goodman-Davis, Sharmaine Sherry Club #658738 Morrison, Deanna A. Club #3596 Riccio, Rebecca Club #1307407 Rolle, Pamela Denell Club #7178 Scott, Vanessa A.T. Club #1305066

Leader Excellence

Huynh, Hieu H. Scott, Vanessa A.T.

Congratulations Distinguished Toastmasters

Goodman-Davis, Sharmaine Sherry Club #658738 Morrison, Deanna A. Club #3596 Riccio, Rebecca Club #9352 Rolle, Pamela Denell Club #7178 Scott, Vanessa A.T. Club #1305066

Advanced Leader Bronze

Adams, Marijke Anderson, Carlisle W. Brown, Louis Michael Charlton, Sharine Cox, Monique Doege, Christyna M Orr, Tami Sierra, Dominique Vail, Scott

Club #5173 Club #1305066

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Congratulations to our Fall Conference Challenge Winner!

Treasure Coast Toastmasters Stuart, Florida

Club Opportunities 9 DCP Points

COMPETENT COMMUNICATORS

by December 31 & Clubs receive a set of

ALL 15 Advanced Manuals

Achieve & Receive Rewards!

Clubs with 4 CCs by December 31 will receive FOUR Advanced Communicator Manuals

9 DCP Points

ADVANCED

by December 31 and Clubs will be entered into a drawing to win a

COMMUNICATORS

FREE

Clubs with 2 ACs by December 31 will receive TWO Manuals from the Leadership Excellence Series

Spring Conference Registration

Here’s Your Reward!

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