Congratulations! Congratulations to all those who have been awarded the prestigous Of The Year awards. The list of the chosen was published in the recent edtion of our Pulse of 86, I will further list them below. I do so with one addition: the Publicist of the Year. I owe a sincere apology to this winner, Colleen Cole, for not searching out the information for inclusion in the newsletter. I thought I had an email with the winner's name but was not able to locate it at the time of sending the newsletter to press. That is indeed my error. For that, I am deeply sorry.
Here is the list of esteemed Toastmasters who have made an impressive impact in the lives of our Toastmasters community.
Peter Crabtree President of the Year: Dennis Bartel, CC, ALB
Toastmaster of the Year: Andrea Petch, ACB, ALB
Division Governor of the Year: Janet Johnson, DTM - Division A
Area Governor of the Year: Karim Premji, DTM - Area 24
Club Coach of the Year: Philip Lococo, ATMB, ALS
Publicist of the Year: Colleen Cole, ACB, CL
We are so proud of all of you. Thank you for all you did to make District 86 Distinguished. It was indeed a privilege to work with all of you and thankfully, I get to continue to work with some of you this year too.
It is also time to announce the Above and Beyond contest. All clubs that earn a minimum of 2000 points over and above the DCP minimums will receive a special badge for their banner, The top place club receives $100,00 in Toastmasters International gift certificates and a pizza party for their club with the District Team.
Here is the list of winners in order of points earned:
Hershaw Toastmasters 4025
Black Walnut Toastmasters 3350
Allstate Canada Group (ACG) 2900
Brampton Toastmasters 2900
Richmond Hill Toastmasters 2650
Grand River Toastmasters 2600
Fluid Communicator 2600
Confidently Speaking 2525
Find Your Voice 2350
Markham Sweet Talkers 2300
Great things are going on in District 86! Come...let's all be a part of these great things...and then I can write about you and your club too. Sound like a plan?
Merri
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Congratulations to Createch!
This is fantastic news...a new club has chartered in Division L Area 54. How exciting is that? Way exciting, I say.
This new club is Createch Hamilton AMS Toastmasters (CHAT). They chartered on September 23rd and are now in the process of planning their charter party where they will be presented with their Charter from Toastmasters International. There will be a special certificate for all the founding members of this club too. Being a founding member of a new club isn't something that all Toastmasters experience and when you do, you realize how important it is. You leave a legacy that impacts this generation and those to come.
The oldest club in District 86, Garden City Club, was chartered on May 1, 1952, making it 58 years old. Can you imagine the number of lives the members of this club have touched? An earlier blog congratulated Port Credit Toastmasters for their 55th Anniversary. Amazing, eh?
It takes many members to bring about that kind of success. It also takes many members to initiate and support a new club. Congratulations go out to those people: our LGM, Janice McDonald, DTM and her marketing ambassadors. They have fulfilled an outstanding role in assisting this club to charter. I have no doubt that there are others who made up the team who gave support. Thank you for making this happen.
So, to Createch Hamilton AMS Toastmasters, I say, Welcome to District 86. May you find your journey in Toastmasters to be vibrant, exciting and rewarding. May you find support and encouragement from all Toastmasters you meet and do plan to meet lots. Come outside of your club and visit with us. We do become like family. Join in the many events like training and contests and special educational presentations. You will be awed and amazed!
I hope we'll meet at the fall conference in Niagara Falls, November 19-21. Get your banner ordered and be there and be recognized at the Opening Ceremonies.
And we'll be there to give you huge round of applause. Go Createch Go!
Merri
This new club is Createch Hamilton AMS Toastmasters (CHAT). They chartered on September 23rd and are now in the process of planning their charter party where they will be presented with their Charter from Toastmasters International. There will be a special certificate for all the founding members of this club too. Being a founding member of a new club isn't something that all Toastmasters experience and when you do, you realize how important it is. You leave a legacy that impacts this generation and those to come.
The oldest club in District 86, Garden City Club, was chartered on May 1, 1952, making it 58 years old. Can you imagine the number of lives the members of this club have touched? An earlier blog congratulated Port Credit Toastmasters for their 55th Anniversary. Amazing, eh?
It takes many members to bring about that kind of success. It also takes many members to initiate and support a new club. Congratulations go out to those people: our LGM, Janice McDonald, DTM and her marketing ambassadors. They have fulfilled an outstanding role in assisting this club to charter. I have no doubt that there are others who made up the team who gave support. Thank you for making this happen.
So, to Createch Hamilton AMS Toastmasters, I say, Welcome to District 86. May you find your journey in Toastmasters to be vibrant, exciting and rewarding. May you find support and encouragement from all Toastmasters you meet and do plan to meet lots. Come outside of your club and visit with us. We do become like family. Join in the many events like training and contests and special educational presentations. You will be awed and amazed!
I hope we'll meet at the fall conference in Niagara Falls, November 19-21. Get your banner ordered and be there and be recognized at the Opening Ceremonies.
And we'll be there to give you huge round of applause. Go Createch Go!
Merri
Friday, September 24, 2010
The Newslettters are here! The Newsletters are here!
Have you checked your mailbox (the snail mail one) recently only to discover that you have been sent the District 86 newsletter? Indeed, it has been sent and is awaiting your perusal. In it you will find all sorts of information about coming events and even better, you will learn who has been awarded the much sought after "Of The Year" awards which will be presented at the fall conference.
This will be the only printed newsletter we will publish. The other issues will be uploaded onto the website for your reading pleasure. The cost is becoming quite prohibitive for printing and mailing a copy but I strongly believe that amidst all the materials we have with Toastmasters International, it is good to have something that is published by our District. It is relevant to what our guests may want to know about us as well as those seeking to start up a new club whether it be a community initiative or a corporate one. Use it as a marketing tool. Pass it around. Add your club's meeting and contact information and leave it where it will be seen by others.
Have you begun the District Challenge put forth by our LGET? Is your club actively working on the CL manual for all club meeting roles? Please share with us what your club is doing to ensure that members are getting the most from their CL manuals? Avis Brodie, DTM wants to know, as do we all.
As for communication awards, be sure to share with your Area Governors what the club goals are for this year. Who in your club will be Soaring to Excellence as they complete their awards? Along with a congratulatory letter from the LGET, members will receive one of my limited edition theme pins. If you are a collector, or just beginning to collect, don't miss out!! Start working towards your goals today!
Club strength and club building are under the purview of our LGM. Check the website often to see what contests and incentives Janice McDonald, DTM is offering. Share the message of Toastmsters; let others know the power of changed lives through improved communication and leadership skills.
So, take your copy of the Pulse of 86 and pass it around. Go tell your world what Toastmasters is all about. Let's not keep the ability of Toastmasters to empower people a secret. Let's invite others to begin Soaring to Excellence with us.
Merri
This will be the only printed newsletter we will publish. The other issues will be uploaded onto the website for your reading pleasure. The cost is becoming quite prohibitive for printing and mailing a copy but I strongly believe that amidst all the materials we have with Toastmasters International, it is good to have something that is published by our District. It is relevant to what our guests may want to know about us as well as those seeking to start up a new club whether it be a community initiative or a corporate one. Use it as a marketing tool. Pass it around. Add your club's meeting and contact information and leave it where it will be seen by others.
Have you begun the District Challenge put forth by our LGET? Is your club actively working on the CL manual for all club meeting roles? Please share with us what your club is doing to ensure that members are getting the most from their CL manuals? Avis Brodie, DTM wants to know, as do we all.
As for communication awards, be sure to share with your Area Governors what the club goals are for this year. Who in your club will be Soaring to Excellence as they complete their awards? Along with a congratulatory letter from the LGET, members will receive one of my limited edition theme pins. If you are a collector, or just beginning to collect, don't miss out!! Start working towards your goals today!
Club strength and club building are under the purview of our LGM. Check the website often to see what contests and incentives Janice McDonald, DTM is offering. Share the message of Toastmsters; let others know the power of changed lives through improved communication and leadership skills.
So, take your copy of the Pulse of 86 and pass it around. Go tell your world what Toastmasters is all about. Let's not keep the ability of Toastmasters to empower people a secret. Let's invite others to begin Soaring to Excellence with us.
Merri
Friday, September 17, 2010
Congratulations Port Credit Toastmasters!
One of my favourite things about being the District Governor is receiving really exciting emails. I received this one this morning from Area 43 Governor, Terry Kodybka. Below is what she wrote:
2010 marks the 55th "birthday" for Port Credit Toastmasters Club (#1474).
On Monday, September 13th, 2010, the club held a special meeting to launch the 2010/11 Toastmaster's year and to celebrate its 55th birthday!!
Special guests included Myrna Barthe, Division C Governor, Mayor Hazel McCallion, some former club members and a few visitors.
Mayor Hazel McCallion remained for 20 minutes, she congratulated the club for its enduring success and for the contributions made to develop members' communication and leadership skills. Before she left, Mayor Hazel graciously cut the cake.
The celebration was a promising start to a great Toastmaster year for Area 43, Division C.
Isn't that exciting? This is a real testimony to the life-changing effect Toastmasters has not just on an individual but also on a community. How many lives have been impacted by this club? How many of its members, current and past, have seen significant changes in their lives due to the fact that they had stronger communication and leadership skills? We may never know and that's okay. It's enough to know that a club doesn't live on this long without having made a difference. So Kudos to you Port Credit Toastmaters; this is for YOU!
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| from left to right Myrna Barthe (Division C Governor), Cathy Hershell (VP Public Relations, PCTM), Sam Wang (Guest), Bob Yewchuk (VP Membership, PCTM), Terrence Ruller (SAA, PCTM), Mayor Hazel McCallion (Mayor of Mississauga), John Wang (President, PCTM), Terry Kodybka (Governor, Area 43), Mark Hayes (VP Education, PCTM), Fozy Mamji (Secretary, PCTM) |
Merri
Monday, September 13, 2010
There's Nothing Like a Charter Party!
This past week was a really exciting one for me as I got to attend not one but two Charter Parties for clubs that chartered in June of this past year. These clubs played an instrumental part in District 86 meeting its goals for the 2009 - 2010 year. Kudos to all the members of these two clubs.
On Thursday evening, I attended Talbot Trail Charter Party in St. Thomas. It began with a fabulous potluck dinner provided by the members. Congratulations were given by Area 71 Governor, Gail Gustin and Division S Governor, Fraser Parry. There were two excellent speakers: Ethyl, a relatively new Toastmaster giving her second speech, Fraser Parry with an inspiring message, A STEALTH FOE, about sharing your unigue gifts. Indeed, a very exciting program. Also there was quite a supportive group of London Westerners in attendance as well.
Last evening I attended the charter party for GROW Toastmasters in Thornill. This club was named such as they wanted to challenge the members to participate and make a difference in their community. The acronym for GROW....Giving, Responsibility, Opportunity and Wisdom.
The Lieutenant Governor Education and Training, DTM Avis Brodie attended to celebrate along with them as she had been the one who as LGM had been at the very first meeting. Bill Brodie was the keynote speaker, bringing his inspiring "One in a Million" speech.
Other dignitaries came out to join in the festivities: the Lieutenant Governor Marketing, DTM, Janice McDonald, the Area 21 Governor, Neil Kazen and the Area 23 Governor, Stephanie Blake. Division A Governor Paul Lynott was in attendance as he is also a founding charter member of this club.
We all know that Toastmasters is a communication and leadership organization. But we also know that Toastmaster is in the business of changing people's lives. When new clubs begin with members who are eager to build their skills, we know that they will impact the people around them. Through effective communication and leadership skills, they will position themselves to make a difference not just in their own lives but in the lives of those with whom they have relationships.
Congratulations to all of those who have taken these steps. It is indeed a time of celebration. It is something to be proud of as you make that Toastmasters journey. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of something GREAT!!!!
Merri
On Thursday evening, I attended Talbot Trail Charter Party in St. Thomas. It began with a fabulous potluck dinner provided by the members. Congratulations were given by Area 71 Governor, Gail Gustin and Division S Governor, Fraser Parry. There were two excellent speakers: Ethyl, a relatively new Toastmaster giving her second speech, Fraser Parry with an inspiring message, A STEALTH FOE, about sharing your unigue gifts. Indeed, a very exciting program. Also there was quite a supportive group of London Westerners in attendance as well.
 |
| Talbot Trail Toastmasters Club |
The Lieutenant Governor Education and Training, DTM Avis Brodie attended to celebrate along with them as she had been the one who as LGM had been at the very first meeting. Bill Brodie was the keynote speaker, bringing his inspiring "One in a Million" speech.
Other dignitaries came out to join in the festivities: the Lieutenant Governor Marketing, DTM, Janice McDonald, the Area 21 Governor, Neil Kazen and the Area 23 Governor, Stephanie Blake. Division A Governor Paul Lynott was in attendance as he is also a founding charter member of this club.
 |
| Karim Premji, past Area 21 Governor presented club with its banner. |
We all know that Toastmasters is a communication and leadership organization. But we also know that Toastmaster is in the business of changing people's lives. When new clubs begin with members who are eager to build their skills, we know that they will impact the people around them. Through effective communication and leadership skills, they will position themselves to make a difference not just in their own lives but in the lives of those with whom they have relationships.
Congratulations to all of those who have taken these steps. It is indeed a time of celebration. It is something to be proud of as you make that Toastmasters journey. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of something GREAT!!!!
Merri
Saturday, September 4, 2010
This Blog is for YOU!
At last, the District 86 blog from me to you and back is up and running. I had hoped that I would have been able to start this while I was at the International Convention in California but alas I had two problems. One was that my laptop, which I lugged halfway around the world, or so it seemed, failed to marry up with the hotel internet and the other options were too pricey to consider. Then there was the element of available time, of which they was very little.
It was with great pride in our members of District 86 that your District Trio went forward to receive the Distinguished District Award you so richly deserved. It truly was an incredible experience. We were joined by all members of the district who had journeyed to California for the convention. I would strongly recommend to anyone who is able to attend next year where it will be at Bally's in Las Vegas.
However, now is the time to get connected. Having a blog available to our members seems like a really good idea. There have been times when our communications from the district level to the member has faltered and not got passed along. How unseemly for a communications organization indeed, but one of our strengths is to find ways to make communications work; for everybody. And so a blog is born.
I invite you to jump in and offer your comments, suggestions and ask your questions. I do not have all the answers, information or resources but I do know people who do. It will be through this interactivity that I hope many will find meaning and value in being a part of a larger group of Toastmasters. Do join in. This blog is for YOU.
Merri
It was with great pride in our members of District 86 that your District Trio went forward to receive the Distinguished District Award you so richly deserved. It truly was an incredible experience. We were joined by all members of the district who had journeyed to California for the convention. I would strongly recommend to anyone who is able to attend next year where it will be at Bally's in Las Vegas.
 | |
| District 86 Receiving Recognition at the International Convention |
However, now is the time to get connected. Having a blog available to our members seems like a really good idea. There have been times when our communications from the district level to the member has faltered and not got passed along. How unseemly for a communications organization indeed, but one of our strengths is to find ways to make communications work; for everybody. And so a blog is born.
I invite you to jump in and offer your comments, suggestions and ask your questions. I do not have all the answers, information or resources but I do know people who do. It will be through this interactivity that I hope many will find meaning and value in being a part of a larger group of Toastmasters. Do join in. This blog is for YOU.
Merri
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