The Sunshiner- Summer Soak Edition

Issue No. 9

MAY 2021

DISTRICT 47'S OFFICIAL NEWS DESK

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SPRING ONFEREN E C

GLOBETROTTING HEFS C

D47 S TOP TALENTS '

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

Page 3 Spring Conference 2021- Abby Martinez Page 4 Feels Like- Dudley Turnquest The Integrity Buzzard- Merlene Smith Page 5 Contest Season brings District 47’s Top Talent Together- Luiz Bravim Upcoming District 47 Events & Celebrations Page 6 The Chef Who Went Globetrotting - Shveta Kumar Integrity Search- Marlene Smith Page 7 Happy Anniversary to our Toastmaster Clubs!

Page 8 Credits & Notifications Page

First Four-Day Virtual Conference!

Virtual again…and thriving

ABBY MARTINEZ “One Community ConnectED” was this year’s themed District 47 Spring Conference. During a firsttime four-day virtual experience, members participated in engaging educational workshops and to watch and vote on three different contests: Speech Evaluation, Humorous, and Story Slam.

The excitement for the confirmation of the district’s new leadership team built up until the last day of the conference when Barbara Stauss, the current district director, led the Annual Business Meeting providing financial reports and overall club status. Participants were given the results for the 2021-2022 leadership team: Shakira Taylor, District Director; Austen Canonica, Program Quality Director; and Lois Margolin, Club Growth Director.

District 47 will stay the course led by the incoming leadership team. Shakira outlined her commitment in her nomination message in which she enumerated three goals in the 3Rs: Reimagine, Recognize, and Rediscover. She calls members to reimagine how to achieve the district’s mission of integrating fun, creativity, and relevance. She asks members to recognize how the organization currently affects communities and what more can be done. And finally, she tells members to rediscover their commitment to their personal development and that of others.

This trio will lead and inspire its teams to continue building upon the existing successful programs and creating new ones to stretch members’ current abilities as speakers and leaders.

Each candidate has extensive experience both professional and from Toastmasters International.

District 47 is fortunate to have them voted in and accepting their roles with enthusiasm and grace. To take on these challenging roles is an example to all aspiring leaders. Let’s give them our complete and unwavering support!

For a full listing of contest winners and officers throughout the district, please visit our district 47 website and Facebook page.

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BY DUDLEY TURNQUEST

3 million years ago in the year 2018 BC (before COVID-19), Childish Gambino released the summer hit “Feels Like Summer.” After a year in a pandemic that took over the world in what feels like a matter of moments, we find ourselves arriving at some semblance of what life used to be like before COVID-19.

Around the world restrictions on movement and complete lockdowns are being lifted, and we can enjoy our time in the summer sun. It is a season that has been bringing many of us joy since we were children.

As children it was a refreshing break from the week-to-week grind of school. Now it comes as a wonderful sign of progress that the world has made in little over a year with people heading back outside and being vaccinated. It feels like progress, and this year it truly feels like summer.

The

MARLENE SMITH

Buzzard

Buzzwords? When did we start talking about buzzwords? How does one define a buzzword? A buzzword may eventually fall out of favor, out of mode, or out of date. No use-by-date stamp found on these buzzword products.

Is a buzzword related to the buzzard, a bird of prey that soars in circles? A buzzword is a bird of “prey”, as in I pray I use the correct buzzword of the day. A buzzard buzzword definitely “soars,” is seen from afar, and is hard to explain. “Circling” reminds me of a halo, hovering above a person, with guidance from another dimension. Yes, a buzzword is a buzzard, according to my whimsical self-defining alliteration mind.

The buzzard buzzword “integrity” will always be in favor, never to go to that word dumpster in the sky. Integrity is one of the core values of Toastmasters International. What do you think about when you hear this buzzword, “integrity”? Synonyms include “honest,” “honor,” and “unity.”

Integrity is a strong moral principle of life, part of the file folder labeled personal reputation. The core values of Toastmasters—integrity, respect, excellence, and service—are all buzzwords that explain the Toastmasters culture. “Culture,” another buzzword, perhaps?

Is integrity part of your personal ecosystem, your culture, defined by your reputation? The Toastmaster answer is yes. Buzzard buzzword culture to be dissected at another time.

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Contest Season brings District 47’s Top Talent Together LUIZ BRAVIM John Schneyer first researched Toastmasters after securing his first job in 1978. He did not join until 2009 after moving to Florida. It was Matt Kinsey, DTM, a professional colleague of John’s, who invited him to Boca Raton Toastmasters all those years later. John has gone on to serve as an area director, earn two DTM Awards, 14 C.L.s, 14 C.C.s, and represent District 47 in multiple speech contests, including the District International and Evaluation Contests.

John’s pearls of wisdom on years of Toastmasters competition and training: “I have competed in a lot of contests and never tasted disappointment. This is an educational organization. I always learn something.

I’ll take that over a trophy any day.” While John is open to feedback, he has strong feelings about staying authentic, something that came through in his two most recent performances.

Chanel Williams is an urban planner from the Bahamas. Introverted by nature, she was encouraged to compete in the Table Topics contest at the club level after performing well at a regular meeting cohosted by a visiting Toastmaster from Hawaii. Chanel joined Toastmasters in December of 2020 to find confidence in her voice. She progressed rapidly, winning her club, area, and division Table Topics contests. Chanel competed at the district Table Topics contest with just six months’ experience.

Aniela McGuinness never felt ready to compete until encouraged by Terry Spencer, a district champion and mentor from Davie Toastmasters. She won accolades for an upbeat, self-deprecating performance that incorporated flexible body language and frequent rapport with her audience. Aniela’s advice for speaking virtually: “Look at the little boxes, really try to see them.” Aniela was the runner-up in both the district’s International Speech and humorous contests.

All four district speech contests were talent-rich, with Godfrey McAllister winning Table Topics for a record fourth time. Godfrey is currently working on expanding Table Topics to the international level, with district champions and runners-up pushing each other to the highest level of excellence. Errol Leondre won the international contest for the second consecutive year, using vivid storytelling and potent emotion to break through that virtual wall. Jason Bank won this year’s humorous speech contest, recounting the hilarious pitfalls of chaperoning a group of kindergarten girls on their first field trip.

Eleasha Knowles of Division I won the Evaluation Speech Contest in her first district contest.

• Beat the Clock Membership Building: May 1st – June 30th • District 47 Council Meeting to approve Realignment Proposal: June 23rd @ 7pm on Zoom • District 47 Club Officer Training: June 19th on Zoom

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The Chef Who Went Gl betrotting SHVETA KUMAR

A bland bowl of soup and a kitchen full of cooks, scrambling to find the right spice to turn this dish around.

The answer is right there if they’d just look and see there is chili powder to be found.

To the simple eye, it may not seem like much, but try it out and you’ll think different.

With a bold taste and a powerful punch, you’ll never be able to forget it.

He was the spice of life, adding color to any dish.

He counteracted any strife, and made the soup rich.

With a sense of confidence and a big smile, he brought great food to us, and he did for a while.

The power can’t go unnoticed, its presence will make itself clear.

Like a lightbulb with a high voltage it will light you up if it is near.

Never could I forget the warmth it brought into my life.

That kick of flavor it brought forth, and that familiar taste of spice.

POEM BY MARLENE SMITH

Integrity, I am searching high and low.

Are you moving, fast or slow?

On a banner pulled by a plane Maybe a billboard on a train.

In the garage, straight as a tool Sunbathing, sitting by the pool Are you playing hide and seek?

Perhaps behind a tree, so meek.

Integrity, I do declare, I sense you are in the air.

In the hearts of those so fair In the minds of those that dare.

Integrity, honest and true Honor and virtue your hue A value deep in one’s soul Can be felt, no words be told.

Integrity, found in the company Of friends with utmost sincerity.

Core values a Toastmaster learns Service, respect, excellence so firm.

Because of the big personality, and ability to turn someone red, traveling past localities, he will forever live in our heads.

From one end of the world to the other, he will never be forgotten.

I could never look up to another as I did to the chef who went globetrotting.

A Homage to Anthony Bourdain Death Anniversary June 8, 2018 6 | THE SUNSHINER

District 47 celebrates all of our amazing clubs who have celebrated the dates of their founding between June 1st, 2021 and June 31st, 2021!!

YAY to our Annual Anniversary Clubs: The First Breakfast Toastmasters Club of The Bahamas #7775252 of Division I, Area 93 turns 1 year old on June 16th!

Advanced Communicators and Leaders of The Bahamas #7791596 of Division I, Area 90 turns 1 year old on June 24th!

YAY to our Biennial Anniversary Clubs: Panoramic Views Toastmasters Club #7376003 of Division A, Area 10 turned 2 years old on June 7th!

SGWS SFL Toastmasters Club #7404346 of Division A, Area 14 turns 2 years old on June 25th!

YAY to our Triennial Anniversary Clubs: Eloquent Voices Toastmasters Club #7012965 of Division I, Area 93 turned 3 years old on June 13th!

Florida Blue Toastmasters Club #6985620 of Division E, Area 51 turns 3 years old on June 20th!

West Pines Toastmasters Club #6003592 of Division A, Area 14 turns 3 years old on June 25th!

YAY to our Quinquennial Anniversary Clubs: Out-Of-The-Box Toastmasters Club #5575442 of Division E, Area 50 turns 5 years old on June 23rd!

El Cid Toastmasters Club #5576592 of Division D, Area 43 turns 5 years old on June 30th!

The Toastmasters Club At Palm Beach State College #5616466 of Division D, Area 45 turns 5 years old on June 30th!

YAY to our Septennial Anniversary Clubs: Talking Heads of Stuart Toastmasters Club #3589459 of Division D, Area 40 turned 7 years old on June 11th!

Miramar Bilingual Speakers Toastmasters Club #3034515 of Division A, Area 14 turns 7 years old on June 16th!

Palm Beach County Toastmasters Club #4055202 of Division D, Area 45 turns 7 years old on June 27th!

Blue Lagoon Toastmasters Club #4054964 of Division E, Area 52 turns 7 years old on June 27th!

YAY to our Octennial Anniversary Clubs: The Fountain Toastmasters Club #3248923 of Division A, Area 13 turns 8 years old on June 27th!

City of Delray Beach Toastmasters Club #3299156 of Division C, Area 30 turns 8 years old on June 30th!

YAY to our Novennial Anniversary Clubs: Freedom Speakers Toastmasters Club #2566217 of Division A, Area 12 turns 9 years old on June 28th!

Cable Revolutionaries Toastmasters Club #2591529 of Division F, Area 61 turns 9 years old on June 28th!

YAY to our Decennial Anniversary Clubs: Achievers of Excellence Toastmasters Club #1811702 of Division F, Area 62 turned 10 years old on June 6th!

The Ultimate Toastmasters Club #1774302 of Division A, Area 10 turns 10 years old on June 17th!

The Palm Beach Toastmasters Club #1588575 of Division D, Area 43 turns 10 years old on June 20th!

Grove-Gables Toastmasters Club #1582184 of Division E, Area 54 turns 10 years old on June 20th!

Boca Raton Advanced Toastmasters Club #1888268 of Division C, Area 31 turns 10 years old on June 24th!

Club Paradise Toastmasters #1567808 of Division C, Area 33 turns 10 years old on June 30th!

Secure Speakers Toastmasters Club #1770067 of Division D, Area 41 turns 10 years old on June 30th!

MIA Tarmac Speakers Toastmasters Club #1913022 of Division E, Area 50 turns 10 years old on June 30th!

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YAY to our Undecennial Anniversary Clubs: Broward Bilingual Toastmasters Club #1498739 of Division B, Area 21 turns 11 years old on June 16th!

BAF Stars Toastmasters Club #1504246 of Division F, Area 62 turns 11 years old on June 16th!

Palm Beach Advanced Toastmasters Club #1510120 of Division D, Area 43 turns 11 years old on June 22nd!

Luminaries Toastmasters Club #1510789 of Division F, Area 60 turns 11 years old on June 23rd!

Electrifying Voices Toastmasters Club #1457364 of Division E, Area 52 turns 11 years old on June 24th!

Pinnacle Seekers Toastmasters Club #1513325 of Division I, Area 92 turns 11 years old on June 25th!

Outspoken Toastmasters Club #1469413 of Division B, Area 20 turns 11 years old on June 30th!

YAY to our Duodecennial Anniversary Clubs: Art of Speaking Toastmasters Club #1348034 of Division A, Area 15 turns 12 years old on June 15th!

B.U.T. Nation Builders Toastmasters Club #1358961 of Division F, Area 62 turns 12 years old on June 29th!

B.P.S.U. Majestic Marlins Toastmasters Club #1360933 of Division I, Area 92 turns 12 years old on June 29th!

P.T.A.B. Toastmasters Club #1360579 of Division I, Area 92 turns 12 years old on June 29th!

Miami Beach Toastmasters Club #1293723 of Division E, Area 53 turns 12 years old on June 30th!

YAY to our Tredecennial Anniversary Club: Dynamic Persuaders Toastmasters Club #1200778 of Division F, Area 63 turns 13 years old on June 23rd!

YAY to our Ivory Anniversary Club: E.T. Communicators Toastmasters Club #1050379 of Division I, Area 91 turned 14 years old on June 11th!

YAY to our Sapphire Anniversary Club: Beacon Point Advanced Toastmasters Club #808677 of Division B, Area 25 turns 16 years old on June 23rd!

YAY to our Quartz Anniversary Club: V.O.I.C.E. Toastmasters Club #3728 of Division B, Area 25 turns 18 years old on June 17th!

YAY to our Jade Anniversary Club: Wellington Toastmasters Club #6775 of Division D, Area 44 turns 19 years old on June 26th!

YAY to our Porcelain Anniversary Club: Sunset Speakers Toastmasters Club #5222 of Division D, Area 44 turned 23 years old on June 1st!

YAY to our Silver Jubilee Anniversary Club: Voice Of Champions Toastmasters Club #7082 of Division E, Area 51 turned 25 years old on June 1st!

YAY to our Pearl Anniversary Club: Miami Dade Toastmasters Club #8251 of Division E, Area 53 turned 30 years old on June 1st!

YAY to our Coral Anniversary Club: Key West Toastmasters Club #6298 of Division E, Area 55 turned 35 years old on June 1st!

YAY to our Golden Jubilee Anniversary Club: Achievers Club Toastmasters Club #2903 of Division B, Area 20 turned 52 years old on June 1st!

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

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

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

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