F ear is a crippling phenomenon! Most of us have encountered fear at some point in our lives. Some of us are constantly haunted by a disabling phobia of one kind or another. Amazingly, most of our trepidations are all in the mind and can be rather daunting if we allow them to flourish. Let me share with you my recent encounter with fear. At 9:00 AM on March 23 I showed up at a local hospital to register for what is considered a routine examination but one that most people (especially men) fear – the dreaded colonoscopy. My personal physician advised me to have one done at age 50 and for nearly four years I’ve been “dodging the bullet” - claiming to be too busy. Due to a history of cancer in my family I decided it’s time to “man up” – or so I thought! During the preceding 48 hours known as the prep period, my mind began to play its usual tricks on me. That whispering voice in my head proceeded to tell me every reason why I should not go on with the procedure. It told me everything that could go wrong and practically every good reason why this was a bad idea. Upon arrival at the hospital, I was so happy that the parking lot was full to capacity. Ah, good reason to go back home! This thought was quickly interrupted by a tap on my car window. The security guard directed me to the overflow parking area. As I walked toward the building my fear mounted with each step as the whispering in my head became more intense. When I arrived on the inside I was enthusiastically greeted by a waiting medical team. As if by magic, my anxiety level immediately began to lower. Before they attempted to start any procedures they sat with me and walked me through every step of the process. They knew that if they were to stand a chance of making my fears dissipate they must first show me support and encouragement. Within minutes they had me feeling comfortable. The reassurance that I had the best doctors along with a competent and caring support team at my service reinstated my confidence. They rolled me into the “OR” and the last thing I remembered was the countdown as the anesthesiologist made me repeat after her, 10 – 9 – 8 – 7 – 6…! It’s now 12 hours post procedure and here I am writing this article. Obviously there was nothing to fear; it was just a state of mind! What fears are crippling you from progressing in Toastmasters, in your civic involvements, your relationships, your businesses and in your careers? It took me three years to complete the Competent Toastmaster (CTM) manual, now Competent Communicator (CC) - because of fear! Almost every time the VPE scheduled me to Facing fear; It’s all in the mind! 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 March 2015 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Club Anniversaries Toastmasters across District 47 District Highlights Moments of Truth Lt. Gov. Education & Training Jeanine Kinsey updates our progress. Pages 4-6 Slate of officers The report of the nominating committee, Page 7. Spring Training Lt. Gov. Marketing Lou Brown charts club growth. Pages 8- 10 PRO HEADLINE Public Relations Officer Marlene Bryan offers a plethora of tips. Page 12 Division Contests Photos from some Areas on the road to the Spring Conference Contests. Pages 14-18
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
F ear is a crippling phenomenon! Most of us have encountered fear at some
point in our lives. Some of us are constantly haunted by a disabling phobia of
one kind or another. Amazingly, most of our trepidations are all in the mind and can
be rather daunting if we allow them to flourish.
Let me share with you my recent encounter with
fear. At 9:00 AM on March 23 I showed up at a local hospital to register for what is considered a
routine examination but one that most people
(especially men) fear – the dreaded colonoscopy.
My personal physician advised me to have one
done at age 50 and for nearly four years I’ve been
“dodging the bullet” - claiming to be too busy.
Due to a history of cancer in my family I decided
it’s time to “man up” – or so I thought!
During the preceding 48 hours known as the prep
period, my mind began to play its usual tricks on
me. That whispering voice in my head proceeded
to tell me every reason why I should not go on
with the procedure. It told me everything that
could go wrong and practically every good reason why this was a bad idea. Upon
arrival at the hospital, I was so happy that the parking lot was full to capacity. Ah,
good reason to go back home! This thought was quickly interrupted by a tap on my
car window. The security guard directed me to the overflow parking area. As I
walked toward the building my fear mounted with each step as the whispering in my
head became more intense. When I arrived on the inside I was enthusiastically
greeted by a waiting medical team. As if by magic, my anxiety level immediately began
to lower. Before they attempted to start any procedures they sat with me and
walked me through every step of the process. They knew that if they were to stand a
chance of making my fears dissipate they must first show me support and
encouragement. Within minutes they had me feeling comfortable. The reassurance
that I had the best doctors along with a competent and caring support team at my
service reinstated my confidence. They rolled me into the “OR” and the last thing I
remembered was the countdown as the anesthesiologist made me repeat after her, 10
– 9 – 8 – 7 – 6…! It’s now 12 hours post procedure and here I am writing this article.
Obviously there was nothing to fear; it was just a state of mind!
What fears are crippling you from progressing in Toastmasters, in your civic involvements, your relationships, your businesses and in your careers? It took me
three years to complete the Competent Toastmaster (CTM) manual, now Competent
Communicator (CC) - because of fear! Almost every time the VPE scheduled me to
Facing fear; It’s all in the mind!
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
March 2015
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Club Anniversaries
Toastmasters across District 47
District Highlights
Moments of Truth Lt. Gov. Education & Training Jeanine Kinsey updates our progress. Pages 4-6
Slate of officers
The report of the nominating committee, Page 7.
Spring Training
Lt. Gov. Marketing Lou Brown charts club growth. Pages 8-10
PRO HEADLINE
Public Relations Officer Marlene Bryan offers a plethora of tips. Page 12
Division Contests
Photos from some Areas on the road to the Spring Conference Contests. Pages 14-18
2
speak I caught an imaginary flu. You see, the real virus was –
FEAR! What was it that helped me through those early
challenges in Toastmasters? It was the same mechanisms that
helped to suppress my fears in the “OR.” The support, the
encouragement, the coaching and mentoring – that’s what made
the difference. It’s usually all we need to boost our confidence
and propel us over the speed bumps in the road to success.
Fellow Toastmasters, don’t wait until fear tries to cripple you.
Be proactive and reach out for help now - Seek a mentor! They
will support you and help you to reaffirm your self-confidence.
Your Club Officers and District Leaders are here to serve you
and to help you grow in the program and in your personal life. They will help you to disable your fears and enable your talents
and abilities. Meanwhile, if you have already mastered how to
conquer your fears then you have an obligation to pass it on by
extending a hand to someone else. Help a Toastmaster, family
member, business associate or friend to fight off the grip that fear
has on their life! In the words of Zig Zigler, “The best way to get
what you want out of life - is to help enough other people get
what they want out of life!” That’s the way it is in Toastmasters
- Where Leaders Are Made.
Toastfully,
Anthony (Tony) Longley, DTM
District 47 Governor, 2014-2015
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
It’s all in the mind!
IN SEARCH OF ROAD WARRIORS
We’re looking for Toastmasters who travel 25 miles
or more to attend chapter meetings and functions.
These are members who absolutely love our
organization, and don’t mind driving, flying or sailing
to reach their destination. This may be a member, or
Area Governor or Division Governor.
Please submit their names for an upcoming feature in
and ladies saying they were totally blown away, it appears the
Club has set new standards and raised the bar for Club 1600 ladies night. One lady said this was one of the best nights of her
life!
Submitted by Toastmaster J.C. Sweeting
CLUB 1600 TOASTMASTERS Publication Date
It may be an understatement to say
that Paul Finkelstein has caught the
Toastmasters bug. Perhaps the bug
caught him.
Whatever the case, Toastmaster
Finkelstein has been busy within his
club, division and district. At the fall
conference he served as an official
photographer. He also has lent his
considerable photography skills to other contests, and on the division
and district Facebook pages.
Recently, he scored an achievement of which he is most proud.
After a whopping six months, he earned the competent
communicator designation. As of March 16, he has completed two
advanced speeches. Congratulations, Paul!
On Monday, Feb. 23, Delray Newsmakers
celebrated the club's 20th anniversary!
Dignitaries and past club members stopped by
to say hello and to celebrate with us.
Dignitaries included Mike Thorn, DTM &
Division C Governor; Lou Brown,,DTM & Lt
Gov Marketing, District 47; Hieu Huynh, DTM;
and Chim Francisco DTM & past Division C
Governor. Club alumni members in
attendance were Jerry Fernandez ,DTM, and
Terri Karst. We were quite honored to have
FIVE DTM’s with us for the evening.
During brief, Table Topics-style presentations,
the dignitaries each congratulated us, shared
memories, and encouraged us to look towards
the future (and of course, to continue
learning). Martha Drescher, Area Governor,
led the entre meeting in a wonderful one word
Table Topics session. Thanks to the planning
team led by Caroni O’Kelly, for organizing this
event.
During the regular meeting, we were both
entertained and educated on topics ranging
from Black History Month, to Immigration to
Negotiations and a very challenging one word
Table Topics session.
Our experienced club members performed
very well – even with all of the very
accomplished guests in the audience.
Overall, it was a memorable, fun and inspiring
meeting. The club truly is blessed and
appreciates all the support that we receive
from the Division and District. The club
members are energized by this milestone
achievement and are working hard towards
their next individual achievement. The club will
achieve President’s Distinguished again this
year – 8th year in a row and is looking forward
to another 20 years of Toastmasters fun and
learning!
Submitted by Toastmaster Barry Doctor
DELRAY NEWSMAKERS
WEST BOCA TOASTMASTERS
12
13
TOASTMASTERS ACROSS DISTRICT 47
OUR MEMBERS ARE OUT AND ABOUT
COMMONWEALTH BANK BLUE DIAMONDS TOASTMASTERS
Commonwealth Bank Blue Diamonds Toastmasters Club #4209559 was officially welcomed into the District 47
family on February 17 during a Charter Ceremony conducted by District 47 Governor Anthony (Tony) Longley,
DTM. The Installation of officers was performed by Division I Governor Delmaro Duncombe, DTM, and assisted
by Area 90 Governor TM Franklyn Winder. Below are photos from this special event.
At left, Tony Longley conducts charter ceremony. Right, Ozvon Pratt is installed as president of the new club. Below are the charter members, along with Longley, Duncombe and Winder, who joined in the celebration.
14
T he Marketing Department of Toastmasters District 47 is responsible for all aspects of marketing, club-
building, and member- and club-retention efforts within the district. This includes defining an overall
marketing strategy for the district, developing outreach and retention efforts with existing community and corporate
clubs, and penetrating new markets. Additionally, the marketing area supports challenged clubs and helps them to
become Distinguished.
The marketing strategy guides the district in meeting membership and club-growth objectives. The team is led by
the Lt. Governor Marketing who, with the approval of the District
Governor, appoints members to chair marketing committees. The Committee Chairs help the Lt. Governor Marketing design,
develop, and implement district marketing projects. Together, the
marketing team creates a strong club-building program by
appointing club sponsors and mentors for new clubs and club
coaches and advocates for existing clubs that are struggling. Our
mission is to build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving
excellence in the Distinguished Club Program.
Introducing Your Marketing Team:
Louis Brown, DTM – Lt. Governor Marketing
Beverly Cordner, DTM – Club Rescue Chair (Coaches and
Advocates)
Alejandro Crespo – Division A Coaching Chair
Matt Eggersston – Division B Coaching Chair
Rhonda Garcia – Division C Coaching Chair
Barbara Strasdas, DTM – Division D Coaching Chair
LaKeesha Morris – Division E Coaching Chair
Elvis Collie – Division F Coaching Chair
Leonardo Burrows, DTM – Division I Coaching Chair
Michael Schoen – Club Extension Co-Chair (Sponsors and Mentors – South Florida)
Vanessa Scott, DTM – Club Extension Co-Chair (Sponsors and Mentors – Bahamas)
Rich Otten, DTM – Gavel Club Chair
Helping Others Helps Ourselves
The marketing team needs you! Several clubs in District 47 are struggling with low membership and need the help of
experienced, knowledgeable Toastmasters to survive. Several prospective clubs are in the midst of being formed and
need the help of enthusiastic, well-informed Toastmasters to succeed. If you are not yet a DTM, you will need to
serve as a club sponsor, mentor or coach in order to satisfy the DTM requirements. If you are a DTM, you will
receive enormous satisfaction helping fledgling or struggling clubs succeed in their quest to become Distinguished.
Training is required to serve in these roles and will be offered at all upcoming Toastmasters Leadership Institute
(TLI) events. Please see the district website – d47.toastmastersdistricts.org – for more information on TLIs, including
dates and schedules. Please contact the Lt. Governor Marketing at [email protected] if you have any
other questions or need more information.
Consider being a club sponsor, mentor, coach or advocate – you won’t regret it. Your help today will positively