Winter Newsletter Now Available

Finally, with some overcoming of technical issues, the newsletter is ready for you; it is posted on our district website.  You can find it two ways: click on the Pulse of 86 on the right side menu or you can click on Bulletins on the left hand side menu bar. Either way, go read what's new in the district.

It is our intent to email each of you a PDF of it as soon as possible. Keep an eye out for it.  If you don't get one, be sure to let us know.  First, though, you need to have the right information to Toastmasters International as that is where we get our contact information.  Have you recently made a change to your information?  Did you update your file with TI?  If not, why not do that right away and then contact us to send out your newsletter? That way you won't be missng anything else.

Because we are going electronic with the remainder of the year, we're putting out a call for some of your success stories.  We'll add a couple of pages where you can share specific things that are happening in your clubs.  Got a great story?  Write it out and send it in to our newsletter editor, Rosalind Mountford, at mountford_3@hotmail.com so they can be put in the spring and summer issues.  How about it?  Doesn't your club want to do some boasting about the good things you are doing and the difference you are making in people's lives?

In this winter issue, check out the challenges that have been issued. Be part of the growth and the exciting achievements.  Read how to pre-order from the spring conference bookstore chair   Find out when significant things are happening like the next District Phase II TLI or the Presidents' Appreciation Brunch.  Find out how you can go about being elected for one of the district leadership positions and know the deadlines to put that into effect.  There's lots of information there to share with guests and new members. Be sure to pass along the link to them so they too can be informed.

Our district newsletter is a great marketing tool.  Nearly all that we have is specifically about Interntational.  And yes, new members and new clubs are joining the global organization. But they are primarily joining us.  They want to know what we are doing around the district.  Take them to the website.  Why not do a show and tell of the site at one of your meetings?  Make it a 5 minute educational on your agenda.  Need something to fill in a spot when a speaker cancels at the last minute?  Consider a website tour; get ready for the great scavenger hunt here in this blog next month!  How about doing a show and tell of the newsletter?  See how many members actually read it...print some out and do a team building scavenger hunt at your club.

We are on the edge of finishing our first six months of this Toastmaster year.  Are you on track to complete the goal(s) you set for yourself back in July?  Yes or no, either way this is the time to assess and progress.  May you find the next six months bringing you the time and success for which you seek.  Don't forget that you are part of a large team; you can get help to finish what you want to finish and you can also give help so others will finish what they wish to finish.  In other words, get a mentor, be a mentor and everyone succeeds.

Thank you to all of you who are so diligently making a difference in the lives of those around you.  Let's make these next six months a time for fabulous memory-making activity.

Merri

From Betty-Lou Souter

Twice a year, at our conferences, we present a Communications and Leadership Award.  What is it?  It is the highest Toastmasters award available for the District to present to a non-Toastmaster.  The award is presented to a person who has made an outstanding contribution in the community through communication and leadership, such as a media person, a provincial or local politician, a business person or a community volunteer. 

This past fall, the winner of this award was Betty-Lou Souter, CEO Community Care for St. Catharines and Thorold.  Read all about her at:

http://www.toastmasters86.org/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=239&Itemid=292 



Dear District Governor Merri:

Well, I am still overwhelmed with the very positive and warm response I received at the District Conference 2 weeks ago - to say nothing of the tremendous recognition given me with the Communication and Leadership Award for 2010.  It was very powerful.

Many of my friends and family have inquired if I was intimidated in speaking to such a large group of "professional" speech makers and I have reassured them that everyone should have the opportunity to speak before such a welcoming group.  Any fears or concerns one might have about public speaking was definitely taken away.

I hope my remarks were meaningful to the group.  My preparation certainly gave me time to reflect on my mother's teachings that "if you master the art of public speaking - there really isn't anything you can't do."  Certainly you had a room full of very confident people who have learned similar lessons.



Again, thank you for recognizing me in such a tangible way.  Please express my sincere thanks to David Wiebe as well for nominating me.

Most sincerely,

Betty-Lou Souter

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I would like to thank Betty-Lou for allowing me to share this with you. 

Merri