Download - D47 Sunshiner - June 2015
F ellow Toastmasters,
I am honored to have served as your District Governor for 2014 – 2015.
When I joined Toastmasters nearly three decades ago, had anyone told me that I
would have been District Governor in the future,
I may have instantly revoked my membership. In
April of 1987, I attended the District 47 Spring Conference held at a hotel on University Drive in
Ft. Lauderdale, I was only a guest. It made such a
profound impression that I returned home and
joined a club one week later. Over the years this
organization has transformed, polished and shaped
me into the person I am today and for that I am
exceedingly grateful!
Although my transformation through
Toastmasters took many years to reach maturity,
it was eventually realized because of the
wonderful people I met who took the time to
nurture and mentor me by pouring their skills and talents into me. The real reason I
had the opportunity to endure the blood, sweat, tears and growing pains of becoming
a more effective communicator and leader was because of you! If I could, I would do
it over and over again.
During my development as a leader there were valuable lessons learned. I realized,
self must be put aside, sacrifices must be made and servant leadership is the key! I
learned, lip service is not an option; weakness is forbidden and patience is truly a
virtue. As your outgoing District Governor, I enjoyed serving you. I am humbled by
your confidence and goodwill and I fully enjoyed the year of service. The friendships
I’ve developed will last a lifetime and I’m looking forward to sharing many more good
times with you in the future.
This year we are celebrating 60 years of existence as a district and on July 1, 2015, we
will reach yet another milestone in the history of our District when a new team will
assume the leadership of our beloved district. Our incoming CEO, Jeanine Kinsey
who will commence her term with the new title of “District Director.” This District
team is poised and ready to serve you. They are excited for the wonderful
The Grand Finale!
Organization Name
Newsletter Date Volume 1, Issue 1
Newsletter Title
DISTRICT 47
THE SUNSHINER News from Southeast Florida and The Bahamas
2014-2015
District 47
June 2015
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Club Anniversaries
Photos galore
Toastmasters across District 47
District Highlights
Giving back The Sole Men are of service. Page 3
Point of order
LGET Jeanine Kinsey gives final tips. Pages 4, 5.
Growth, change are good
LGM Lou Brown updates club progress. Pages 6-8
The Charge
PRO Marlene Bryan urges members to showcase #D47. Page 10.
What a man!
A salute to Tony Longley, Page 14
Let me just say
Sunshiner Editor Andrea Robinson reflects on the year that was. Page 22
2
opportunity to lead, coach and inspire members to achieve
greatness, with a renewed focus on the growth and development
of every member. I encourage you to give them your full
confidence and support. Meanwhile, the class of 2014-2015 will
be recorded as the last “District Governors” in the history of
Toastmasters International.
This past year was not by any means “a bed of roses”. There
were numerous challenges to overcome, some of which seemed
insurmountable. However, my team and I remained committed
to the cause and focused on the ultimate goal as emphasized by
our theme, “In Pursuit of Excellence”. To keep us grounded, we
rooted our actions in the four “Core Values” of Toastmasters International, which are: “Integrity, Respect, Service and
Excellence”. This is how we made it through the year. Our
ultimate dream however, is to be a “Distinguished District”. We
hope you’ll work with us right up to the final minute on June
30th if necessary to make this goal a reality.
So, fellow Toastmasters, whenever the bed of roses, seem more
like a bed of thorns and situations appear too difficult to face or
when you are overwhelmed and feel like giving up, do what I do;
meditate on these words by Reinhold Niebuhr, “God grant me
the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know
the difference.” I hope these are words you can live by and
you too will be encouraged to press on.
On behalf of the dynamic team with whom I’ve been honored to
serve, I thank you for your unwavering support this year and
together we wish you all the best for great success in the future!
Toastfully,
Anthony (Tony) Longley, DTM
“In Pursuit of Excellence”
MEET #TMD47
THE SUNSHINER
Published by Toastmasters International District 47: Southeast Florida and The Islands of The Bahamas.
Submit articles, questions and comments to [email protected]. DISTRICT 47 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
District Governor
Anthony "Tony" Longley, DTM
Lt. Governor Education and Training
Jeanine Kinsey, DTM
Lt. Governor Marketing
Louis “Lou” Brown, 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: Indira Sands
Fall Conference Chair: Diana Loy, DTM
Spring Conference Chair: Lydia Harris, DTM
Club Coach & Advocate Chair: Beverly Cordner, DTM
Webmaster: Stanley Lloyd, CC
Parliamentarian: Matt Kinsey, DTM
Audit Chair: Glenn Parks, ACS/CL
Social Media Chair: Maria Alexandra Sanchez, DTM
Sunshiner Editor: Andrea Robinson, ACB/ALB
Copy Editor/Proofreader: Hieu Huynh, DTM
The Grand Finale!
3
I believe there are two types of people in this world.
GIVERS, and TAKERS. Now ask yourself, which one
are you? Before you answer, consider this. The
TAKERS, for reasons I cannot figure out, continually
take for themselves from others, organizations and
their community. No regard is given for what they can
do in return to reciprocate. The GIVERS think less of
themselves, and regardless of benefits derived are
always there to help others, their organizations, their
community and those less fortunate.
Toastmasters, like many organizations in our
community, is a nonprofit organization. We all seek the
same support from the community, and the generosity
of donors. Corporate America is always looking for
groups to support, and are very aware of those groups
that not only provide a valuable service, like we do in
Toastmasters, but also GIVE BACK.
A recent event took place in Broward County sponsored by the
UNITED WAY OF BROWARD COUNTY called “Wine Women and
Shoes.” Four of your fellow Toastmasters volunteered and participated in
this event to support and give back to the community. Launa Carbonell,
Jose Alvarado, Darryl Jones, and David Esposito are examples of GIVERS.
Launa Carbonell was given the task of finding and selecting 27 “SOLE
MEN,” whose job it was to take care and spoil 400 women, for an
evening of “WINE WOMEN AND SHOES.”
We knew it was going to be a tough job but Jose, Darryl and David said
“someone’s got to do it,” and as Toastmasters rose to the challenge.
The event was very successful and these men, can't wait to do it again,
even though it was such a tough job.
The important thing is not the event that you choose, but the giving back.
Fellow Toastmasters we need to do this more often. We live in a
community that has many organizations that need volunteers, and we are
a group of 3,000 strong. Let's get recognized as not only great speakers,
but as leaders who are willing to give of themselves, without regard for
reward, but for helping other.
Take the challenge and find your own group or event to help. If you can't, contact Launa to volunteer for next year’s
event, because Jose, Darryl, and David will be getting tired as this was a tough job.
Volunteerism: A tough job, but someone’s gotta do it
Left to right: Toastmasters David Esposito, Launa Carbonell, Darryl
Jones, Jose Alvarado volunteering at the United Way of Broward
County event WINE WOMEN AND SHOES, Launa was chair of the
Solemen and David, Darryl and Jose were her "Sole Men."
Jose, David and Darryl are hard at work — for
a worthy cause, of course.
4
W e have come to the end of another year, and what an
amazing experience it has been! I have been honored to
serve as your Lt. Governor Education and Training and
am looking forward to serving as the first District Director for our
District. As your clubs finish this year and start the new year, below is
important information you should know.
Club Officer Lists:
If your club did not submit their officer list online before July 1st,
you will need to contact Toastmasters International right away
to get that done so that your new members have access to the
Online System for submitting applications, awards and more.
Club Officer Training:
It is time to make sure that your officers attend training
to support the success of your club. Our first Toastmasters Leadership Institute was on Saturday,
June 27th, and we had over 150 people attend training. The upcoming dates are:
July 4th – TLI - Nassau, Bahamas
July 11th – TLI - Boca Raton, Florida
July 18th – Officer Training – Freeport, Bahamas
August 8th – TLI - Miami, Florida
August 22nd – TLI - Stuart, Florida
August 29th – Officer Training – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Register online at www.events.toastmastersd47.org
Humorous and Evaluation Speech Contests:
It is time to start planning your Club Contests for the Fall Contest Season. Club Contests should be held
before August 15th, and your Area Directors will be contacting you to let you know when your specific Area
Contest will be.
Fall Conference:
The Fall Conference will be held in Nassau, Bahamas at the Atlantis Resort on November 6-8th. Registration will be
open in the next week or so, and you do not want to miss out!
Workshop Presenters:
Applications are being accepted for Workshop Presenters through July 30th.
The forms is available for download at: Please click Here. If you have any problems, please email
Point of order: just a few more tasks to cap an amazing year
5
[email protected] for a copy of the form.
Registration:
Online registration will open soon at www.events.toastmastersd47.org
Hotel Reservations must be made before October 6th. Details can be in the conference information in this
issue of the Sunshiner, or at www.toastmastersd47.org
Advertising and Sponsorships:
Packages are available for purchase and we encourage you to talk to your employers and businesses that you
believe Toastmasters can benefit from. This is an opportunity to have over 300 members from all over South
Florida and the Bahamas see their business ad. Online purchase will be available at
www.events.toastmastersd47.org very soon.
Thank You,
Jeanine Kinsey
Lieutenant Governor Education & Training
District 47 Toastmasters
954-778-0599 (cell)
Point of order: just a few more tasks to cap an amazing year
P lease welcome our new Trio effective July
1st!
Jeanine Kinsey, DTM – District Director
Lynda Hammond, DTM – Program Quality
Director
Chim Francisco, DTM – Club Growth Director
The team is already working hard to help end this
year on a strong note and get 2015-2016 off to a
strong start. Next month’s Sunshiner will include a complete list of all of the new team members.
We are also launching a new Website on July 1st at www.toastmastersd47.org where you will be able to find all of
the contact information for the new team.
INTRODUCING THE NEW TEAM WELCOME THE 2015-2016 LEADERSHIP
6
“Change is the only constant in life.”
Heraclitus
I f I had to use one word to describe this Toastmasters’ Marketing
year in District 47 that word would be “rebuilding.” Every
organization goes through cycles – periods of growth followed by periods
of contraction. District 47 Toastmasters is no exception. We encountered
many changes this past year and none as significant as the changes to our
membership ranks. While we grew overall in total members, we shrank in
terms of total clubs. However, the average number of members per club
grew which is a good recipe for club sustainability. Further, we’ve positioned ourselves well for future success by eliminating
underperforming clubs and implementing a district-wide club sponsor/
mentor/coach/advocate training program. New clubs will benefit from the
skills and knowledge of trained sponsors and mentors who will provide a
solid foundation for every new club – significantly increasing the chance of
long-term success.
Speaking of new clubs, we’ve had several charter over the past few months. Please welcome them to our District 47
family:
Toasting Under the Sun – Toastmasters Club, Chartered 3/13/2015
Dade Country Toasters, Chartered 4/10/2015
The Best Communicators, Chartered 4/15/2015
FG Knights, Chartered 5/18/2015
In total we’ve had 10 new clubs charter this year! This is a great accomplishment indeed and a testament to the
commitment of our members to the District mission.
Many members took advantage of the various membership building campaigns that took place over the past year,
including the Smedley Award, Talk Up Toastmasters!, Beat the Clock!, and the Annual Membership Program.
Congratulations to the following clubs that added new members to their rosters since March:
Growth spurts, changes yield sustainability and greatness
1 New Member:
Achievers of Excellence Club
Art of Speaking Toastmasters
Boca Raton Noon Toastmasters
Club
Cat Miami
Club Paradise
Daybreak Toastmasters Club
Doral Toastmasters
E.T. Communicators
FCC Toastmasters
First Exuma Branch Club
Florida Keys Toastmasters Club
Freeport Eagles
Miami Dade Toastmasters Club
New Providence Branch of
Toastmasters
Outspoken Toastmasters
Palm City Orators
Power-Full Voices
Proud Speakers Club
RBC Legends
Scotia Dynasty Club
7
Toast of the Gold Coast Club
WCR Palm Beaches Noon
Toastmasters
2 New Members:
1st US Portuguese Toastmasters
Beckman Coulter Toastmasters
Broward College Toastmasters
Chapter
Cable Beach West Club
Chickcharney Toastmasters Club
Club V.O.I.C.E.
Destined For Success Toastmasters
Club
First Edition Club
Friendly Club of Fort Lauderdale
Gelfand Good Morning Toastmasters
Club
Givers Gain Toastmasters
Homestead Toastmasters
Juno How to Talk
Key West Toastmasters
MIA Tarmac Speakers
Miracle Mile Toastmasters Club
Pinnacle Seekers
P.T.A.B. Toastmasters Club
Scientifically Speaking
Soaring Eagles Club
The Trailblazers
Tyco Talkers
University of Fort Lauderdale
Toastmasters Club
Voice of Champions Club
3 New Members:
Abaco Lighthouse Beamers
Broward Bilingual Toastmasters Club
City of Delray Beach
Club Awesome Toastmasters
Coral Springs Chinese Bilingual
Toastmasters
Cutler Bay Toastmasters
Davie Toastmasters
Electrifying Voices
First Bahamas Branch of
Toastmasters
Freddy’s Forum Toastmasters Club
Great Fort Lauderdale Toastmasters
Club
Great Persuaders of Atlantis Club
Grove-Gables Toastmasters
Motorola Communicators Club
Pembroke Pines Club
RiverWalk Toastmasters Club
Talk of the Town Club
Wellington Toastmasters Club
4 New Members:
Achievers Club
Bill Gove Golden Gavel Club
Club Destiny
Coral Gables Club
Fort Pierce Toastmasters
NCCI Toastmasters
North Miami Beach Toastmasters
Club
Office Depot Toastmasters Club
Plantation Club
Pompano Beach Toastmasters
Power Speakers Club
Sawgrass Toastmasters Club
Sensor Toast Club
The Fountain of New Life
Toastmasters Club
The Luminaries At The Boca
Chamber Toastmasters Club
5 New Members:
Boca Raton Toastmasters
CITRIX Toastmasters
Delray Newsmakers Club
Gold Coast Toastmasters Club
Healing Communicators Club
Latamasters
Miami Lakes Club
Miami Toastmasters en Espanol
Palm Beach County
Port St. Lucie Speakers
Stuart Martin Chamber
West Kendall Toastmasters Club
6 New Members:
American Express Toastmasters
High Voltage Voices
Pembroke Isles Toastmasters
Sunset Speakers Toastmasters Club
Treasure Coast Toastmasters Club
Universal Toastmasters Club
West Boca Toastmasters Club
West Broward Toastmasters
7 New Members:
American Express Communication
Club
Secure Speakers Toastmaster Club
South Dade Toastmasters Club
Talking Heads of Stuart
The Ultimate Toastmasters
Toastmasters at FIU Business
8 New Members:
Brickell Toastmasters Club
Miramar Bilingual Speakers
Toastmasters
PwC Digital Toastmasters
The Palm Beach Toastmasters Club
8
9 New Members:
Toast of Las Olas
Wynwood Inspire Us Toastmasters
10 New Members:
Hollywood Toastmasters
Luminaries Toastmasters Club
Miami Beach Toastmasters
11 New Members:
Devry University Miramar
Toastmasters
13 New Members:
BPB Talking Heads
Weston Area Toastmasters Club
19 New Members:
Sunset Speakers Toastmasters Club
Adding new members to our clubs is important. Retaining existing members is equally important. Congratulations to
the following clubs with the highest net membership growth over the past year:
Toast of Las Olas – Net Growth of 18 Members
Pinnacle Seekers – Net Growth of 10 Members
Talking Heads of Stuart – Net Growth of 8 Members
Power Speakers Club – Net Growth of 7 Members
Delray Newsmakers Club – Net Growth of 7 Members
Chickcharney Toastmasters Club – Net Growth of 7 Members
Congratulations to all clubs that achieved their membership growth goals and best wishes for continued success.
Continue to conduct membership building campaigns, continue to share the value of the Toastmasters program
with your family and friends, and continue to provide your members with a high quality club experience. The
rebuilding is done – it’s now time to reap the rewards!
On a personal note, I wish to thank all of you for your amazing support and encouragement this past year. My
experience as Lt. Governor Marketing has brought me so much. I have learned so much from my mentors – our
esteemed District Governor Tony Longley and our Lt. Governor Education and Training, Jeanine Kinsey as well as
the many leaders of the District Executive Committee – the Division Governors, Area Governors, District
Treasurer, District Public Relations Officer, District Secretary and District Sergeant at Arms. I have gained valuable
leadership insights through participation in District activities and exposure to various club cultures. Best of all, I have
made many new friendships, which would not have been possible if I had not assumed this position. I will forever
remember this experience as a District Leader and the folks I am proud to call my family. District 47 rocks!
Yours “In Pursuit of Excellence!”
Louis Brown, DTM
District 47 Lt. Governor Marketing
9
10
H ow quickly a year passes. Another Toastmasters year is
coming to a close.
We had a lot of goals ahead of us when we first started the year.
We completed many of those goals with input from our District
Leaders, District Executive Committee members and you our
members.
We were able to deliver multiple Sunshiner Newsletters (11, notes the editor), including our special Jubilee Edition, thanks to our
Sunshiner Editor, Andrea Robinson, and many of your contributions.
We sent out frequent notification and updates via our Social Media
pages, the Sunshiner, District 47 website and our email marketing
campaigns. We appreciate all your feedback for improvement and
pats on the back.
Our webmaster, Stanley Lloyd, updated the sites and was quite busy
creating and opening up the multiple registration events as well as
learning to work in the new applications.
Our team of photographers, John Schneyer and Paul Finkelstein,
with assistance from Andre Kelly and others were ever present to get the right shots. They were successful in
capture many memorable images of our events throughout the district.
I am very proud to have served with such thoughtful, dedicated and fun-loving folks. They made my job much easier
than it could have been.
As I hand off the PRO’s duties to D. Dave Foster, I know that I am passing the baton to someone who is passionate
about the district and performing his best for us all. Please welcome him as you did me. Provide him the assistance
he will need to make it another great year for District 47.
Serving in the District to help our members improve and grow is a rewarding one. If you have the opportunity and
the time to do so, I encourage you to do it. It has blessed me in many ways.
It has been such a pleasure and an honor serving as your District 47 Public Relations Officer (PRO) during the
Toastmasters year 2014-2015. Have a fantastic 2015-2016 year!
Sincerely,
Marlene M. Bryan, DTM
Public Relations Officer
District 47
Region 8
Toastmasters International
As the year ends, please continue to showcase our district
11
Club Name City Club # Area Division Charter Date Years
Achievers Coral Springs 2903 34 C 6/1/1969 46
Key West Key West 6298 55 E 6/1/1986 29
Miami Dade Miami 8251 52 E 6/1/1991 24
Voice Of Champions Doral 7082 50 E 6/1/1996 19
Sunset Speakers West Palm Beach 5222 43 D 6/1/1998 17
Wellington Wellington 6775 44 D 6/26/2002 13
Club V.O.I.C.E. Ft. Lauderdale 3278 24 B 6/17/2003 12
Beacon Point Advanced Weston 808677 10 A 6/23/2005 10
E.T. Communicators Nassau 1050379 63 F 6/11/2007 8
Dynamic Persuaders Nassau 1200778 62 F 6/23/2008 7
Miami Beach Miami Beach 1293723 52 E 6/30/2009 6
Art of Speaking Hollywood 1348034 12 A 6/15/2009 6
B.U.T. Nation Builders Nassau 1358961 92 I 6/29/2009 6
B.P.S.U. Majestic Marlins Nassau 1360933 63 F 6/29/2009 6
Electrifying Voices Miami 1457364 50 E 6/24/2010 5
Outspoken Coral Springs 1469413 24 B 6/30/2010 5
Broward Bilingual Fort Lauderdale 1498739 21 B 6/16/2010 5
BAF Stars Nassau 1504246 61 F 6/16/2010 5
Palm Beach Advanced North Palm Beach 1510120 43 D 6/22/2010 5
Luminaries Nassau 1510789 94 I 6/23/2010 5
Pinnacle Seekers Nassau 1513325 60 F 6/25/2010 5
Glades Belle Glade 1561818 44 D 6/6/2011 4
Club Paradise Deerfield Beach 1567808 34 C 6/30/2011 4
Grove-Gables Coconut Grove 1582184 53 E 6/20/2011 4
The Palm Beach Palm Beach 1588575 43 D 6/20/2011 4
Secure Speakers Jupiter 1770067 42 D 6/30/2011 4
The Ultimate Weston 1774302 10 A 6/17/2011 4
Achievers of Excellence Nassau 1811702 60 F 6/6/2011 4
Boca Raton Advanced Boca Raton 1888268 33 C 6/24/2011 4
MIA Tarmac Speakers Miami 1913022 50 E 6/30/2011 4
Pembroke Isles Pembroke Pines 2566217 10 A 6/28/2012 3
CLUB CHARTER ANNIVERSARIES
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!
12
Cable Revolutionaries Nassau 2591529 92 I 6/28/2012 3
Coral Springs Chinese Bilingual Coral Springs 3196587 34 C 6/21/2013 2
The Fountain of New Life Miami Gardens 3248923 13 A 6/27/2013 2
City of Delray Beach Delray Beach 3299156 30 C 6/30/2013 2
Miramar Bilingual Speakers Miramar 3034515 12 A 6/16/2014 1
Talking Heads of Stuart Stuart 3589459 40 D 6/11/2014 1
Cat Miami Miami 4054964 52 E 6/27/2014 1
Palm Beach County West Palm Beach 4055202 43 D 6/27/2014 1
District 47, let’s cheer our Fellow
Toastmaster as he competes in the
World Championship of Public
Speaking. Register today!
13
To be completely honest, when I joined Toastmasters a few years ago, I could not grasp
the organization’s tag line, “Where Leaders Are Made.” I dismissed the formality of the
organization’s language and rigid meeting structure as antiquated. Toastmasters felt
contrary to the informal, social media-based way we interact in modern society. That
was then and this is now. Currently, I am completing my second term as club president
and a year of service as Area Governor. Clearly I changed and want to share how and
why I came to understand that Toastmasters is, in fact, “Where Leaders Are Made.”
In the beginning, I complained and grimaced my way through imitating others in the
club. My mentor tried to convince me of the importance of doing thing the
organization’s way based on tradition. “Because we have always done it this way,” has
rarely compelled me to change. However, I did come to realize that being distracted
by how members spoke and by how meetings were run was my ego’s need to do things
my way. So I stopped actively resisting. Spiritual stalwarts like Deepak Chopra and
Eckhart Tolle call when you stop resisting surrendering. In Path to Love, Deepak Chopra says, “It’s much easier to surrender on
your own, and then let God show up.” As a new Toastmaster, it was easier for me to surrender, and then let leadership
show up. The club meeting is where social skills, like respect and honor, which seem to be disappearing from modern society
are emphatically reclaimed.
New members follow the Competent Communication manual to become effective speakers. Thankfully the club indulged me
and allowed me to present at nearly every meeting. After completing my third speech, I grasped that I was in leadership “boot
camp”. Cultural Anthropologist, Angeles Arrien, wrote in the Four Fold Way®, “The task of leadership is to show up, be visible
and empower others through example and intention.” Arrien goes on to explain that leaders exhibit personal power in three
ways:
Power or Presence: Presence is about showing up and not hiding. The goal of the Ice Breaker speech is not just to speak
publicly, but to speak publicly about yourself. In many cases, the specter of sharing thoughts, feelings and experiences
about yourself in a room full of strangers can be daunting. Getting it right takes the deft touch of a leader.
Power of Communication: Communication and leadership are inseparable. Your communication choices (the words,
stories, pace and tone) influence the connection made with an audience. It is one thing to stand up to speak; it is another
to communicate effectively. Preparing a speech requires the alignment of content and timing to deliver the right message.
The “right” message is saying what you intend, substantively and experientially, in a way the audience receives it in a deeply
satisfying way.
Power of Position: Being a Toastmaster compels you to take a position; to literally take a stand. What imagery comes to
mind when you think of taking a “stand”? For me, I see two things. First, I see a couple standing before their deity, their
family and their community to exchange vows. I ask you, barring a physical issue, how often do people get married sitting
down? Second, I see soldiers. To take a stand on the battlefield means to “hold a particular piece of ground in the face of
adversity”. In Toastmasters, every time you open your mouth you must physically stand. Standing is active, self-supporting
and embodies a willingness to publically commit to the words and ideas that flow through you. Conversely, sitting is
passive and is literally the opposite of doing something. There are members who have been in Toastmasters for more than
a year without giving their Ice Breaker speech. They have been “sitting it out”. Not me. Toastmaster has proven to be a
training ground for leadership because it demands that you show up; create a communication flow that connects to the
audience; and defend, through words and arguments, a position.
Toastmasters provides a supportive, creative environment where members adapt and grow. Toastmasters really is “Where
Leaders Are Made”.
Lynette Jones
District 47, Division B, Area 22 Governor (2014 to 2015)
First Edition Club (#00639107) President (2013 to 2015)
Why Toastmasters really is ‘Where Leaders are Made’
14
SALUTE TO OUR LEADER
2014-2015 DISTRICT GOVERNOR TONY LONGLEY
Photos by
Marlene Bryan
15
Travel "Back to the Future" with D47!
Registration for the 2015 Fall Conference
November 6th - 8th will open soon.
Friday Evening - Early Arrivals enjoy a special session with Sheryl Roush
Friday Night Reception and Immediate Past District Governor Roast
Educational Workshops presented by our members
Saturday Lunch & Evaluation Contest and Hall of Fame
Saturday Dinner & Humorous Speech Contest and DTM Walk
Workshops and two sessions with our Keynote Pressenter, Sheryl Roush - SpeakAndMarketLikeAPro.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Atlantis Paradise Island - Beach Tower
One Casino Drive - Paradise Island - Nassau, BS
BOOK YOUR ROOM
ROOMS MUST BE BOOKED BY OCTOBER 6, 2015 - NO EXTENSIONS WILL BE GIVEN
Please only book your rooms using the instructions below. The District Conference price is based on our members taking advantage of the
hotel and we need you to help us by staying at the hotel and booking as part of our Room Block.
On-Line: https://aws.passkey.com/event/13873837/owner/12844514/home
The following rates are good for 3 days before and after the conference:
Room Rate (1 or 2 persons) Rate for additional persons
Beach Tower Run of House $99.00 $50/person
Beach TowerTerrace Double $99.00 $50/person
Beach Tower Wateview Double $99.00 $50/person
Beach Tower Waterview King $99.00 $50/person
These rates are exclusive of mandatory taxes, resort levies, gratuities, service fees and other charges (the “Resort Charges”)
Each attendee shall submit a credit card number, or a deposit equal to two (2) night’s guest room/suite rate as a guarantee, at
the time the attendee makes the reservation. Attendee’s credit card will be charged the two (2) nights’ guest room/suite rate
at that time. Refunds will be issued on individual attendee’s reservations cancelled at least thirty (30) days in advance of the
confirmed arrival date. All guaranteed reservations will be held until 3:00 am on the day after the attendee’s confirmed arrival
date. Attendees must pay balance of all guest room, Resort Charges and other incidental charges upon checkout.
All payments shall be made in United States dollars by check, wire transfer drawn
on a United States bank or acceptable credit card.
Rates include:
• Exclusive use of Atlantis pools and waterslides (Adult only Cain pool is exclusive for Cove guests only)
• Full access to beaches, lagoons, marine habitats and The Dig
• Daily fish feedings and educational tours
• Use of lap pool, basketball courts, ping-pong tables and shuffleboard courts
• Admission to Atlantis Theatre
• Library with complimentary checkout privileges and internet access • Continuous resort shuttle between the Atlantis towers, One&Only Ocean Club, Harborside Resort, Ocean
Club Golf Course, The Cove Atlantis and Atlantis Sports Center
• Daily introductory snorkel lesson, casino gaming lessons and flora and fauna walking tour of Atlantis grounds
Join us for our “Back to the Future” Conference at the Atlantis Paradise Island
Resort where we will continue our Celebration of 60 Years of District 47!
16
TOASTMASTERS ACROSS DISTRICT 47
OUR MEMBERS ARE OUT AND ABOUT
Phyllis May, DTM, is
secretly enticing us to
join this club. She
reports that Key
West Toastmasters
were having a
'working' happy
hour....working on
our Happy New Year
meeting in July.
Everyone involved will
get to check off #6 in
the Leadership
Manual provided they
all come through...as
they will. It wasn't painful at all.....just happy, happy, happy!
KEY WEST TOASTMASTERS
Toastmaster Terry Spencer reports that Davie
Toastmasters began their annual Youth
Leadership Program with the children of the
local Indian-American group. It's always fun and
it's amazing to see how much confidence the kids
gain in just eight weeks.
DAVIE TOASTMASTERS
17
TOASTMASTERS ACROSS DISTRICT 47
OUR MEMBERS ARE OUT AND ABOUT
Congratulations to the
incoming Executive
Committee at Boca
Raton Toastmasters!
This year's officers of
Boca Raton
Toastmasters. L-R
President Steve Winters,
SAA Bob Offer,
Treasurer Steve
Maffetone, Secretary
Gary Sharp, VPPR Heath
Jones, VPM Gary Martin,
VPE John Schneyer.
Picture by Frederique
Roggero
BOCA RATON TOASTMASTERS
Congratulations to the new leaders of the
Weston Area Toastmasters Club!! President -
Julie Romaniw, VP Education - Fayola Delica, VP
Public Relations - Yeisel Lozada, VP Membership
- Luis Lozada, Treasurer - Maritza Zea, Secretary
- Mariana Carrasquel and Sergeant at Arms -
Brandon Diaz.
WESTON AREA TOASTMASTERS
18
TOASTMASTERS ACROSS DISTRICT 47
OUR MEMBERS ARE OUT AND ABOUT
Toastmaster Shelley Sokol reports that the New
North Miami Beach Toastmasters Club 3840 board met
with incoming Area Director Monique Gibson!! We
had a great meeting & are looking forward to growing
our club!!!
NORTH MIAMI BEACH TOASTMASTERS
Toastmaster Ernesto G. Williams says lights blazed on
Friday May 29th, 2015 in the Sunshine Capital of
Luminaries Toastmasters Club #1510789 when 9
present members and 6 absent members were officially
installed as Luminites! This club just keeps getting
better and better!
LUMINARIES TOASTMASTERS
19
TRAINING FOR THE NEW YEAR
SCENES FROM DIVISION B TLI
Photos
By John
Schneyer
20
TRAINING FOR THE NEW YEAR
SCENES FROM DIVISION B TLI
PHOTOS
BY PAUL
AND
MARLENE
21
TOASTMASTERS ACROSS THE DISTRICT
SCENES FROM DIVISION C SOCIAL
Photos by
John
Schneyer
22
Got News? Please share with The Sunshiner! We want to hear from you!
Consider The Sunshiner your source for news and information about the happenings in your club,
area, division and across the district. For this to be a successful endeavor, we need your input.
We’re interested in the events, successes, triumphs and fun in the clubs and in personal feats. This is
the place to celebrate club achievements, milestones, and individual accomplishments.
Please email your information or ideas to [email protected].
T ime to reset the dial and move on to other things.
Today marks my last day as Sunshiner Editor for Toastmasters District 47. The experience has
been amazing on several levels. There was awesome, good, bad, crazy, ugly and in-between. I've
enjoyed the ride, and know that after reflection I will appreciate the lessons gleaned and
learned.
The greatest value of this experience for me has been in meeting so many new people across
the district. This role pulled me far beyond my clubs and Division Awesome, and allowed me to
interact with quite a few characters. I shouldn't call names, lest I omit anyone. You know who
you are.
Thank you, Anthony J. Longley, for this opportunity to serve my fellow Toastmasters. Big ups to
Marlene M. Bryan for pushing me to utilize my talents to benefit a different audience, and for
being a much-needed sounding board at times. Gracias to John Schneyer, Paul Finkelstein, Tony Longley and Andre Kelly for
the photo stash. Excellent work. Merci beaucoup to Hieu Huu Huynh and Ruth Field Beck for providing an extra set of eyes
for proofreading, and to Stanley Lloyd for tolerating the late appeals to post the newsletter.
I'm moving into another leadership role with a different organization at the end of this year. In the interim, I will complete the
one last speech for my ACS. I've waited six months or so. I look forward to having more time for my home clubs, Universal
Advanced and Universal, and The Fountain of New Life. I'm sure I'll see y'all around at conferences, though.
There are some awesome people in District 47. Please get to know the stories of our clubs and members. You will be
amazed!
I wish you the best. To my successor, God bless.
Namaste!
Andrea Robinson, ACB/ALB
Editor, The Sunshiner 2014-2015
Toastmasters District 47
"In Pursuit of Excellence"
District 47, it’s a wrap!