Page 1

The Sunshiner

www.toastmastersd47.org December 2009

When you think of the events and activities we celebrate this time of year, do visions of sugar plums dance in your head? Or how about a manger and the birth of a child who changed the face of mankind? Is your favor-ite egg nog or fruit cake? Or maybe your family celebrates by lighting

candles and enjoying latkes?

Whether you light your can-dles on a Kinara or Menorah the reason for the season has come to be very similar: maybe we all should use this holiday season to reflect on the miracles, small and large,

that are around us every day.

The recession has pushed many people to the breaking point. Too many lack health care. Too many need jobs. Too many have lost their homes. Too many need food to eat and clothes to wear. Each of these lacks gives us human beings the opportunity to be

God's partners in making miracles.

As you get ready to celebrate the holidays this year, think of your blessings and realize

each of them is a mini-miracle. Then when you go out and shop for the holidays, think about making sure that those lacking the blessings you enjoy have the miracle of a

special holiday too.

This season share your time, perhaps the most valuable commodity in our frenetic society. See what good you can do in a home-less shelter, churches, schools, toys for tots, prison, nursing homes, hospitals, Sal-vation Army, the list goes on

and on.

I believe we human beings also create miracles. If to-gether we try hard enough we

will continue the American Miracle of pro-viding the opportunity for a good, loving, healthy and peace-filled life for our co-

citizens.

May your holidays be filled with joy and

miracles that come from your heart.

-Sunshiner Editor

Page 2

Kristina’s Korner

‘Tis the Season!

This is the time of the year when we gather with family. We give thanks for our health, love, roof over our head, that we hopefully have a job and mainly that

we have each other.

This is true also for our Toastmasters family. We have special parties with our Club members; create opportunities for extra fun Table Topics; and hopefully we can all give thanks for what we have learned this year. Maybe you received an-other educational award, completed the High Performance Project, or served as a leader. Maybe your skills opened the door to a promotion or a new job. This

has certainly been true for me.

I was blessed to have my niece from Sweden here during Thanksgiving. And this year, for the first time since 1996, I’ll get to celebrate Christmas with a “real” family member: my mother will fly to Florida and leave the dreary, snowy Swe-den behind. My house will see decorations and we’ll prepare some traditional

goodies. I’m looking forward!

For you, all members of District 47, I wish you only warmth, love, feasts and

joy as we draw closer to the many holidays we all celebrate.

In most cases, there is a tradition of gift giving. Maybe this is the year you will give the Gift of Toastmasters to a family member. Did your niece/cousin/child recently turn 18? Is anyone in the family in the process of starting a new career and need to sharpen their communication skills? Who could benefit from a confi-

dence boost? Who couldn’t...?

I ask you one small favor – is there room in your home for a member of your

Toastmaster family who may otherwise be celebrating alone?

This is the season to be thankful and to celebrate. In District 47 we have much to be thankful for. In addition to our lovely weather, we are also following Dr. Smedley’s successful Toastmasters program better than most Districts around the

world. Let’s keep it up!

Kristina Kihlberg, DTM

District Governor

kkihlberg@toastmastersd47.org

Publisher Kristina Kihlberg, DTM

Editor Linda Deshauteurs, DTM

District 47 Executive Officers

for 2009-2010

DG Kristina Kihlberg

LGET Rick Furbush

LGM Pamela Rolle

PRO Pierre Taschereau

Secretary Patricia Martinez

Treasurer Laz Sanchez

IPDG Antionette Fox

District 47 Leaders District Advisor Loretta Sandy

SAA Jim Ellis

Webmaster Jeanine Kinsey

Division A Governor Scott Vail

Division B Governor Elizabeth Taschereau

Division C Governor Melody Tapley

Division D Governor Karen Novek

Division E Governor Jason Smith

Division F Governor Mack Payne

Division G Governor Beatriz Williams

Division I Governor Anthony Longley

The Mission of the District is to enhance

the performance and extend the network

of clubs, thereby offering greater num-

bers of people the opportunity to benefit

from the Toastmasters educational pro-

gram by:

♦Focusing on the critical success factors

as specified by the district educational

and membership goals

♦Ensuring that each club effectively ful-

fills its responsibilities to its members

♦Providing effective training and leader-

ship development opportunities for club

and district officers

The Sunshiner is a publication of District

47 Toastmasters. Reproduction of arti-

cles is strictly prohibited without the

express permission of the District 47

Governor. Toastmasters International

and Toastmasters International emblems

are trademarks of Toastmasters Interna-

tional registered in the Untied States,

Canada and many other countries.

Membership Paid Clubs CC’s AC’s

Four Critical Success Factors

Page 3

Rick’s Room

Find your Voice … and Make a Difference

If you want to get the most out of your Toastmasters experience or even get the most out of life, then find

your voice and make a difference in the world.

I believe people need to have goals in their life that they are actively working toward, and the bigger the goal (or Game) the more one will gain in ability and satisfaction. The one common denominator all success-ful people have is their urge to not only improve themselves but to help others. They have found their pur-

pose in life and are actively pursuing it. And that purpose is much bigger than just themselves.

So often members join Toastmasters to overcome their fear of public speaking or to gain confidence in life.

That is an admirable goal, yet that is a personal goal. Once that is achieved … then what?

Do you remember a time that someone made a difference in your life? Do you realize that their are people out their whose lives you have touched and made a difference? You may not even be aware of them … but

you HAVE made a difference.

In this holiday season when we are giving thanks for so many things I want you to reach out to that some-one who has made a difference in your life and let them know. If could be a parent, friend, coach,

teacher, mentor … but there is someone.

Then I want you to look at your Toastmasters journey. Why you originally joined. What you wanted to get

out of this experience. And then, What you want to do with it.

Go and find that purpose … Find your voice, and make a difference in this world.

It will make all the difference in yours.

Rick Furbush, DTM

Lieutenant Governor Education & Training

rickfurbush@mac.com

All clubs on semiannual terms, July 1– December 31 and January 1–June 30 must elect and report

Club Officers.

As soon as your club has elected its new officers, report their names and con-tact information to World Headquarters online. Go to the Officer Resources sec-tion on the Toastmasters International website, www.toastmasters.org. Just sign on to the Club Offi-cer Tab using your club number and password to

add/update your club’s officers online!

You can also mail or fax the Club Officer changes to TIWHQ. Mail to: Member Services – Officers, PO Box 9052, Mission Viejo, CA 92690; or fax the information

to: 949-858-1207

If you have any questions about your club officers

list, you can send an email to:

clubofficers@toastmasters.org or call 949-858-8255.

Semi-Annual Elections

Regardless of how you decide to submit your Semi-Annual Club Officer information the dead-

line to submit is 12:00 midnight on December 31.

Page 4

Lend A Helping Hand!

Several months ago, I visited a Club where Officers and members felt discouraged about continuing the Toastmasters program. The Club needed to be revitalized. The members felt neglected and did not think anyone noticed they were struggling. Even though they were encouraged to visit other Toastmasters Clubs in their general vicinity, they were unable to do so because of their busy schedules. They were also en-couraged to get a Club Coach who will help to Mentor and rebuild the Club. As far as they were concerned,

their next step was to dismantle the Club and move on with their lives…outside of Toastmasters.

Members were reminded that the mission of the Toastmasters Club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive earning environment where every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communi-cation and leadership skills which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. When Toastmasters was formed eighty five years ago, Dr. Ralph Smedley’s vision was that Toastmasters empower people to

achieve their full potential and realize their dreams.

The members realized that in order to save the Club, they needed to take the initiative to become advo-cates of Toastmasters. The Club made a special effort to participate in the membership building programs offered by Toastmasters International. They recruited new members who helped to bring in new ideas. They also recruited dual members who agreed to share their experiences and time to help rebuild the Club. By the end of the Toastmasters year 2009, the Club had a full slate of Officers. Today, the Club has seven points toward the Distinguished Club Program. They assured me that they will be a Presidents Distin-

guished Club by June 30, 2010. What an awesome story!

Make it a point to reach out to Clubs that require your expertise and skills. Share the vision of our founder Dr. Smedley and lend a helping hand to these Clubs. By do-ing so, you will fulfill the vision of Toastmasters International to help members im-

prove their communication and leadership skills. You can make a difference!

Pamela D. Rolle, DTM

Lieutenant Governor Marketing

prolle@toastmastersd47.org

Pamela’s Place

New Clubs

Please extend a warm welcome to these new clubs chartered in November in District 47!

In Division B:

Area 21 Club#1383942 CITRIX Toastmasters, Fort Lauderdale

Area 23 Club#1415772 TOASTAMEX, Fort Lauderdale

In Division D:

Area 40 Club#1417483 Fort Pierce Utilities Authority, Fort Pierce

Page 5

Club Officer Training

Toastmasters Leadership Institute

It is no longer that “same old boring officer train-ing” anymore. No … it’s called a TLI for a reason. Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) is just that. We are here to give the second round of Toastmas-ters advanced training in leadership and speaking

skills.

If you have ever been to a District Conference and experienced the excitement of all those advanced training seminars … well this is a one day version of

that.

Not only do we have training for the officers, but a host of great topics for all Toastmasters. And this year we are taking it to the next level. We are bringing in the superstars for you: a Past Interna-tional President of Toastmasters

and two World Champions!

Members and Club Officers mark your calendar for

these excellent learning opportunities in January.

TLI Bahamas - January 16th: 2001 World Cham-

pion of Public Speaking 2001 Darren LaCroix

TLI Tampa - January 16th: 2005 World Champion

of Public Speaking Lance Miller

TLI Delray Beach - January 23rd: Immediate Past

Intl President Jana Barnhill

TLI Ft. Myers/Naples - January 23rd : Florida

Speakers Association President Gary Roberts

If you want to get the most out of your Toastmas-ters experience, if you want to create a winning and vibrant club then encourage ALL of the mem-

bers to attend one of these fabulous TLIs.

Go to the District 47 website for more information

http://toastmastersd47.org/

Who hasn’t dreamed of being the World Champion

of Public Speaking?

Not just for the prestige, but the confidence that goes with being the BEST. If you haven’t, you proba-

bly haven’t heard of it.

At a new club meeting I attended recently, I asked who knew about the International Speech Contest and only one in the room knew what it was. So for

any of you who might not know, here goes:

Every year District 47 puts on four contests, the Ta-ble Topics and International Speech Contests in the Spring and Evaluation and Humorous Speech Contests in the Fall. In the Spring, each Toastmasters Club around the world puts on the International Speech contest to crown the World Champion of Public

Speaking.

The contest starts out in each Club with the winner going on to compete at the Area Contest, Division Contest, and District Contest. Then, this year, 81 District level winners will compete at a semi-final round at the International Conference in August. The 9 winners from the semi-finals will compete in front of 3,000 Toastmasters on the final day to see who is the best of the best. Only one person can win out of

30,000+ speakers, but every one of those competi-

tors can be winners.

We have these contests to help build better speak-ers. To help speakers stretch, move out of their comfort zone and push for excellence. I can not think of a better or faster way to improve your speaking skills than to compete. And if you ask most anyone who has ever competed on a Club, Area, Di-vision or District level, they’ll tell you the same

thing.

The first round of our competition, starts in the clubs beginning in January. Start working on your International speech now. Whether you win or not or choose not to compete, you will want to attend all these contests. That’s where you will see the best speakers, and that is where you will really learn the art of great speak-

ing.

Don’t miss this opportunity …

get ready …

START!

Rick Furbush, DTM

District 47 Lt. Governor

It’s Contest Time!

Page 6

Persuasive Speaking

Persuade An Audience Using Three Secrets Used

By Professional Presenters

If you think about it, there are a lot of different types of speeches that we can give: humorous, infor-mative, motivational, and of course, ones that are designed to get your audience to start thinking a particular way. Oh yeah, this last type just may be the hardest type of speech to give…

Where Do You Start When You Want To Persuade?

At it’s very heart, persuasion is the art of getting your audience to see the world the same way that you do. As all of us speakers know, no matter if you are talking to a graduation or a business gathering, an audience is not a single entity – it’s a lot of dif-ferent people sitting out there who all have differ-ent opinions on any given topic. Your job as a speaker is to win over as many of them to your side as possible.

Pick Your Problem

John Coleman is an author and a former U.S. na-tional speech champion who knows a thing or two about how to build a speech that can persuade. Coleman points out that before you can have any hope of persuading an audience, both of you need to agree that there is a problem in the first place.

As obvious as this may seem, you could talk until you are blue in the face and it would all be for naught if your audience didn’t agree with you that there is a problem. In order to get your audience to agree that there is a problem that needs to be solved, you need

to do three things:

√ Isolate it & limit its scope

√ Make it urgent

√ Make it significant

You Got To Keep ‘Em Isolated

Have you ever heard that phrase “You can’t boil the ocean”? When it comes to persuading an audience it applies – you need to make sure that you pick a problem that you can actually do something about. Scope down a bigger problem (”world hunger”) to something that your audience can do something about (”hunger in our town”).

Run!

Well, don’t run but you do want to convince your audience that they need to take action. Just talking about a problem isn’t enough to cause your audience to actually agree to DO anything. Somehow you are going to have to light a fire underneath them so that they will end up taking some action (that’s why it’s called “persuasion”!).

It’s Only A Problem If It’s Significant

Assuming that you’ve been able to convince your au-dience that there is a problem, your next step is to make sure that you bring it home – you’ve got to re-late the problem to their lives. This is going to re-quire that you have an understanding of who your audience is so that you can describe to them how this problem is going to affect them in terms that will motivate them to take action.

Final Thoughts

Speeches that persuade are not easy speeches to give. However, as with so many things in life – it’s the ability to do the hard things that make us more valuable. If you take the time to understand how to prepare to give an effective persuasive speech, then you’ll have a powerful new speaking tool and you’ll be able to intimately connect with your audience

and make an lasting impact in their lives.

Thanks to Dr. Jim Anderson, Club #6745, Telecom Park Toastmasters, for submitting this article. You can find more helpful infor-mation at his blog:

www.TheAccidentalCommunicator.com

Interested in going professional or at least learning to speak like one?

Take advantage of the special all day

presentation and coaching session on

January 16 by Patricia Fripp at the

Ft. Lauderdale Marriott

go to http://florida-speakers.org/ for more info

Page 7

TLI Continues

Jan 16 – West Coast

SPECIAL GUEST

Lance Miller 2005 World Champion of Public Speaking

Jan 16 – Bahamas

SPECIAL GUEST

Darren LaCroix 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking

Jan 23 – East Coast

SPECIAL GUEST

Jana Barnhill IP Int’l President & Accredited Speaker

Jana conducts seminars on

leadership development, com-

munication skills, team building

and more. She works as a

speech writer & coach for

other professionals. She has

placed 2nd and 3rd in TM’s World

Championship of Public Speak-

ing and has also received the

Accredited Speaker designa-

tion, an honor held by only six

women in the world.

Register on www.toastmastersd47.org

In 2001, Darren outspoke 25,000

contestants from 14 countries to

win that title. Since that victory,

Darren has traveled the world

demystifying the process of cre-

ating a powerful speech. He has

roused audiences with his inspi-

rational journey from first-rate

chump to first-class champ,

proving anything is possible if

you are willing to work for it.

Lance has delivered over

2,500 speeches in over 28

countries on the fundamen-

tals of public speaking,

leadership, effective man-

agement, sales and over-

coming failure and adver-

sity. His real life experience

brings fun, lively and enter-

taining presentations to the

podium.

Jan 23 – Ft. Myers

SPECIAL GUEST

Gary Roberts President, Florida’s Speakers Association

Gary is a motivational

speaker, corporate enter-

tainer, humorist, and more.

He is also one of the most

versatile speakers in the in-

dustry today, whether your

event is about personal devel-

opment, change, leadership,

or sales, Gary is the ideal

keynote speaker for your

event.

Page 8

Club Anniversaries

In Division A Area 11 Englewood Toastmasters Club #969012, Chartered December 15, 2006

In Division B Area 22 Toast of The Gold Coast Club #4267, Chartered December 1, 1984

In Division D Area 40 Treasure Coast Toastmasters Club #3466, Chartered December 1, 1982

In Division F Area 61 Heartland Talk of the Town Club #1269043, Chartered December 16, 2008

In Division G Area 70 Tampa Bay Toastmasters Club, Club #4272, Chartered December 1, 1995

In Division I Area 80 Knights of the T Table Club, Club #626837, Chartered December 30, 2003

Area 82 Cousteau Club, Club #7343, Chartered December 1, 1999

Compassionate Conversation

Hello,

I’m new to Toastmasters. One of the other members for-warded the District 47 newsletter and I was fascinated with the size of scope of what I’ve become involved in and I am very excited! I saw the leadership conference coming up and signed up for it right away. My recommen-dation is that the newsletter and pertinent district infor-

mation be sent directly to club members.

Thank you.

Welcome to Toastmasters!

I congratulate you on a wise gift to yourself. Active par-ticipation in the Toastmasters programs can provide you with skills and confidence that will positively influence

your future.

As for your suggestion, we ask our District 47 members to sign up for the monthly Sunshiner newsletter, as well as

important announcements.

Please go to the Home Page of the District 47 website http://toastmastersd47.org/ and on the left side bar you’ll see a box titled User Login. At the bottom of that box it says: No Account yet? Register, please click there and be prepared to provide a Username name and pass-word, your Division and Area number, and your Club

name and number.

You’ve reminded us that many new Toastmasters might not be aware of this process and so we’ll put your letter

and our response in our December Sunshiner.

Thanks and best wishes!

Sunshiner Editor

Congratulations to these clubs celebrating anniversaries in December!

Colorful wrapping paper and bright ribbons embrace gifts that we give to loved ones and friends during these holidays. Excitement mounts while we indulge in cookies, Latkes, and various traditional delights that make us recall pleasant memories associated with the smells and tastes of these celebrated holi-

days.

As happiness unravels from the sights, sounds, and smells of the holidays, simple pleasantries are ex-changed with sincere meaning as wishes for a better

tomorrow is shared by all.

During these holidays take the time to bring focus to the presents not wrapped in brightly colored paper and bows. See the presents we sometimes take for granted: each other - your neighbor, friend, co-

worker, spouse, or partner.

See them. Embrace them. Tell them. ~ Cathy

If you know of the birth of a child, passing of a fellow Toastmaster, a “big” birthday or similar occasion, please send a note to our Compassion-ate Mailbox using this link on the District 47

website http://toastmastersd47.org

Let us know the name, which Club and address where we can

send the card.

Cathy Koyanagi

Compassionate Communicator

Letters to the Editor

Page 9

District 47 Calendar

December 2009

December Clubs to review accomplishments to goals to date

December

Make sure that the Club has achieved at least 9 DCP goals to participate in the outstanding LGET challenge to win an entire set of Advanced Manuals AND a chance to win a comp Spring Conference Registration.

Challenge ends Dec 31.

December Club Officer Elections - for Clubs with Semi-Annual elections

December Check out D47 website for any exciting news - www.toastmastersd47.org

December Check out the D47 Facebook page and JOIN the group!

December Order Contest Supplies from WHQ for Club contests

December Start mid-year audit

December Area Governors begin 2nd Round Club visits

December 2nd Round TLI to begin

December Call for nominations for District Officers

5-Dec TLI - Florida east coast, Fort Lauderdale

5-Dec TLI - Florida west coast, St. Pete

15-Dec Appoint a Nominating Committee

15-Dec Submit Treasurer’s Report for July-October to World Headquarters

31-Dec Last day of LGET Challenge to win GREAT PRIZES

31-Dec Last day for Clubs who elect officers semi-annually to submit Club Of-

ficer lists to World Headquarters. (0.5 DCP points)

January 2010

January Conduct Club International Speech and Table Topics Contests

January Begin to collect 2nd round Club dues – Dues to be submitted before April

January 2nd Round Area Club visits continue

January Continue 2nd Round TLI

1-Jan Follow up of Club Officers lists not submitted

Jan 7-10 Midyear District Officer Training (DG/LGET/LGM)

10-Jan Performance review 50%

15-Jan Submit Treasurer’s Report for July-November to World Headquarters

15-Jan Appoint Proxy committee

16-Jan TLI - Florida west coast, Tampa

16-Jan TLI - Bahamas, Nassau

23-Jan TLI - Florida east coast, Delray Beach

We’re adding our District 47

Calendar to the Sunshiner.

Each month we’ll show you

what’s happening in your

District 47 at several levels:

You can see that our District

Leaders keep very busy be-

hind the scenes to ensure

District 47 runs smoothly and

stays on target to become #1

in the world!

The same is true at the Club

level, it takes dedication to

ensure your Club achieves

Distinguished or better be-

fore June 30.

We invite you to check the

District Calendar on a regu-

lar basis so you can plan

ahead. Please contact your

Area Governor with any

questions you may have

about events or reminders

listed here.

Training opportunities are

indicated in green

Club level reminders and

events are indicated in blue.

District level activities are

indicated in white

Page 10

Did You Know

Area 54 Recognition

Here’s an article that appeared in the South Dade NewsLeader on November 13, publicizing the Divi-sion E Area 54 contest. Kudos to Area 54 Governor

Marion Lang for getting the word out there!

Local Toastmaster Wins Speech Contest

Kathy Anglin's "Encounters with Lizards", made her the winner at the Area 54 Toastmasters Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contest on August 29, 2009 at the Pinecrest Library. Kathy gave a very funny ac-

count of her encounters with lizards as a Floridian.

Kathy is a member of the Homestead Toastmasters Club. Good speaking and leadership skills are impor-tant to everyone especially business entrepreneurs, people in sales or even to those seeking new employ-

ment.

"'Toastmasters has helped me improve my communi-cation and leadership skills during our club meet-ings." says Anglin "We are a group of like-minded people striving for self-improvement in a safe and

encouraging environment”

Leadership cannot be learned in a day. It takes prac-tice. In Toastmasters, members build leadership skills by organizing and conducting meetings and mo-tivating others to assist them in reaching a common goal. Club leadership roles and a leadership develop-ment program also offer opportunities to learn and

practice.

Being able to communicate effectively is an impor-tant part of any success strategy. Joining a Toast-masters Club will prove to be one of the best invest-

ments you’ve ever made because it is an investment in yourself that will help you to become the success-ful, confident person you want to be. By actively participating in your Toastmasters Club you will learn to: • Improve your leadership skills • Listen to others and give constructive feedback • Organize your thoughts and present them clearly

• Think and respond confidently

Join us Now! In Homestead you have a choice of Homestead Toastmasters, which meets every Tues-day morning from 7:30am to 8:30am at the Commu-nity Bank Main Branch-Community Room, or the Flor-ida City Speedway Speakers, a new Toastmasters Club that meets in the evenings from 7:00pm to 8:00pm at the Mutineer Restaurant. Call 305-257-

3930 for more information on either club.

When you place an order with the TI store you are entitled to FREE marketing materials! These are

great to have for membership drives and for Club “Guest” or “Welcome” Packages.

Whoever does the ordering for your Club needs to remember to take advantage of these free items each time you place an order. Note: many of the Item Numbers end in F for Free, be sure to use this version.

http://www.toastmasters.org/MainMenuCategories/Shop.aspx

• Item: 354F Your Membership Provides flier set of 25, order 1

• Item: 108F From Prospect to Guest brochure, order 3

• Item: 99F Find Your Voice brochure, order 20

• Item: 101F Confidence: the Voice of Leadership brochure, order 20

• Item: 1205F Product Guide, order 2

• Item: 400 Member Applications set of 20, order 1

• Item: 1622 Success 101, order 3

• Item: 211 Expanding Your Horizons, order 3

Page 11

The Sunshine State Toastmasters District 47 was

born as a result of curiosity. Curiosity may kill

the cat, but in this case it catapulted members

of a few Toastmasters Clubs in Florida to Action!

Being assigned to the Marine Corps Air Station,

Miami, in 1952, MSgt Ira Callman was responsible

for forming the Staff NCO Toastmasters Club

#1423. In August, 1954. Sgt. William Kuck and

Callman decided to attend the International

Convention in Washington, D.C. Not being

wealthy Toastmasters, they decided to hop a

Marine Corp plane to Quantico, Virginia, only 30

miles from Washington. At the last moment, the

flight was cancelled and the two Sergeants were

able to find an Air Force flight from Miami to

Washington.

In Washington, their luxury hotel was the local

YMCA. At the convention, the two met B. M.

Wherrette from club #28 in Orlando. Inciden-

tally, that club was the first Toastmasters club

East of the Mississippi, and it was a very active

club.

The three chatted for awhile about Toastmas-

ters. That is where curiosity took over. They

learned about District organizations and asked

themselves why Florida didn’t have a district.

They spoke with Ted Blanding, Executive Secre-

tary of International, who later became Presi-

dent of Toastmasters in 1942-43. When the ques-

tion “Why doesn’t Florida have a district” was

posed to him, he replied with the question “Why

don’t you do something about it?” Ted explained

that ten clubs had to petition Toastmasters for

District status. The District then must be in a

provisional status for one year, with no funding

from International. Talk about operating on a

shoestring…without the shoestring!

After the convention, Sgts Callman and Kuck re-

turned to their positions as NCO in charge of the

Public Information Office and Motor Transport

specialist respectively. Sgt Callman ended up

handling all correspondence and contact about

forming the district. With fourteen clubs in the

state, it was a job getting the ten petitions. Sup-

port was always there from Secretary Blanding.

The decision was reached to have a western

boundary at the Apalachicola River (as the rest

of the Panhandle of Florida was already assigned

to District 29.) The Tallahassee club wrote that

they thought that they should be in District 29.

The response acknowledged that point but

stressed that it seemed logical that a club in the

state capital should be included in the Florida

district. They returned the petition immediately.

The Board of Directors met in February 1955.

The tenth petition arrived during the second

week and the Board voted on February 15, 1955

approving provisional status for District 47. The

District organizational meeting was in Orlando in

March, 1955 with Ira Callman becoming District

Governor and B. M. Wherrette, Lieutenant Gov-

ernor. The District was started and new clubs

started to spring up.

The first new club of the District was the Coral

Gables Club, chartering in July, 1955.

We are thankful for the members that started our District and for all the leaders that have served since: 1955-56 Ira Callman, DTM, Miami (Provisional District) (deceased) 1956 B.M. Wherette, Orlando (Provisional District) (deceased) 1956-57 Owen Parrish, Miami 1957-58 Donald M. Larson, Miami 1958-59 Norman S. Pallot, Miami 1959-60 Donald F. Muller, Jacksonville 1960-61 Charles M. Swann, DTM, Sarasota,

Int’l Director (deceased)

1961-62 Dean Risher, Cocoa Beach 1963-64 Larry Q. Webb, Jacksonville 1964-65 Viggo C. Christiansen, Jacksonville

(deceased)

Article written by Ira Callman, Provisional Governor #1, 1955

Looking at the Past

continued

Page 12

1965-66 John Diaz, DTM, Cocoa Beach, Int’l Director, Int’l President

(1974 - ‘75)

1966-67*** Win Chesley, DTM, Plantation, Int’l Director 1967-68* Charles Avery, Cocoa Beach 1968-69* Fred G. Thompson, Miami 1969-70*** Hugh T. Burgay, DTM, Orlando, Int’l Director (deceased) 1970-71* John Bowman, DTM, Miami (DTM Badge #1) 1971-72*** Michael G. Shane, DTM, Ft. Lauderdale (DTM Badge #14) (deceased)

1972-73 Charles L. Jones, DTM, Winter

Haven 1973-74 Karl E. Righter, DTM, Orlando (DTM Badge #51) 1974-75 Carleton Smith, DTM, St. Peters burg (deceased) 1975-76*** S. R. Dunn, DTM, Jacksonville (DTM Badge #99) (deceased) 1976-77* David Meeks, DTM, Tampa, Int’l Director 1977-78* R. Floyd Sewell, DTM, Jacksonville 1978-79 Robert Gelfand, DTM, Plantation (deceased) 1979-80* Val Croskey, DTM, Melbourne 1980-81* Virginia Heddinger, DTM, Ft. Lauderdale (deceased) 1981-82** Frank Tillman, DTM, Gainesville (deceased) 1982-83* Jim Stanley, DTM, Tampa (deceased) 1983-84* Ray Floyd, DTM, Ft. Lauderdale, Int’l Director 1984-85* Dr. Ann Tillman, DTM, Gainesville 1985-86 Clara Gelfand, DTM, Plantation (deceased) 1986-87** James E. Martin, DTM, Clearwater 1987-88*** Lou Funk, DTM, Brandon 1988-89 Fred Miller, DTM, St. Petersburg 1989-90* Rosella Bonham, DTM, Lake Mary 1990-91* Sara Meeks, DTM, Tampa (deceased)

1991-92* Ed Waters, DTM, Jacksonville (deceased) 1992-93 Steven A. Bard, DTM, Lauderhill, Int’l Director 1993-94 Louise Y. Boyd, DTM, Sanford 1994-95*** Rusty Best, DTM,Titusville 1995-96 Samuel P. Bain, DTM, Nassau, Bahamas 1996-97 Rex P. Lehman, DTM, Miami 1997-98 Laura Reed, DTM, Tampa 1998-99* Timothy Pesut, DTM, Sarasota 1999-00 Jack Jamba, DTM, Cocoa Beach 2000-01*** Paul Meunier, DTM, Orlando, Int’l Director 2001-02* Cathy Epler, DTM, New Port Richey 2002-03* Eileen Sarris, DTM, Sarasota 2003-04*** Margaret Wan, DTM, St. Peters burg, Int’l Director 2004-05 Jim Ocque, DTM, Longwood 2005-06 Godfrey Springer, DTM, Nassau, Bahamas 2006-07*** Loretta Sandy, DTM, Palm Bay 2007-08 Wanda Brown, DTM, St. Johns 2008-09*** Antionette Fox, DTM, Nassau, Bahamas Current Kristina Kihlberg, DTM, Pompano

Beach

*Achieved Distinguished District **Achieved Select Distinguished District

***Achieved President’s Distinguished District

Continued

Looking at the Past

Distinguished District Program

Just as Clubs are challenged to achieve one of the three levels of Distinguished based on the 10-goal Distinguished Club Program (DCP) so are

the Districts.

At the District level our goals are determined by TIWHQ based on the four Critical Success Fac-tors of clubs who have paid their dues on time, dues payments from the members, and the num-

ber of CCs and ACs achieved by the clubs.

Our current District Governor Kristina Kihlberg not only plans to lead District 47 to Presidents Distinguished, she wants to take us to #1 District

in the world!

Page 13

Club Opportunities

There’s still time left There’s still time left There’s still time left There’s still time left

before the December 31 deadline...before the December 31 deadline...before the December 31 deadline...before the December 31 deadline...

Achieve & Receive Rewards!

Clubs with:

• 2 ACs receive 2 Advanced Manuals

• 4 CCs receive 4 Advanced Manuals

• And Clubs with 9 DCP points receive

All 15 Advanced Communicator Manuals

Plus Clubs with 9 DCP points will be entered into a

drawing to win a FREE Spring Conference Registration!

Page 14

Photos from the TLI in St. Pete

Smiling faces Listening intently

Leadership team

Say cheese

Happy audience

Heading to the next class

Page 15

Educational Awards

Congratulations to these Toastmasters who have received Educational Awards

in the month of November!

Competent Communicator

Advanced Communicator Bronze

Advanced Communicator Silver

Advanced Communicator Gold

Miles, Terry Club# 911

Gonzalez, Christina Jean Club# 911

Clark, Janet R Club# 911

Patten, Tracy D. Club# 612315

Gordon, Yolanda D Club# 612315

Furlong, Linda Club# 612315

Johnson, Wayne R Club# 965175

Wayne, Alan B Club# 6775

Rizzo, Robert F. Club# 2835

Gibson, Vanessa Club# 6796

Wehner, Stacie Club# 1216633

Rolle, Doyle Anton Club# 1600

Goldick, Myra Club# 6818

Scott, Vanessa A.T. Club# 3956

Collie, Hilbert Club# 6796

Robateau, Angelique Dorothea Club# 748133

Rutz, Jason D. Club# 808677

Cairnes, John Patrick Club# 5390

Gemme, Kathleen Victoria Club# 1206922

Gonyo, Shelly Club# 1206922

Flemming, Charles M. Club# 1206922

Harbig, Julie M. Club# 585644

Kest, Deborah Club# 590751

Rosenberg, Roger M. Club# 4267

Munroe, Heidi Indira Club# 1305066

ROBERTS, VERNA M Club# 7653

Kihlberg, Kristina Club# 3383

Redalia, Debra Club# 1039583

White, Marilyn V. Club# 5899

Valmana, Jose Club# 7082

Shahulhameed, Nishad K. Club# 2923

Peregoy, Jennifer Anne Club# 646888

Antonio, Duriel David Club# 1227605

Worrell, William Allen Club# 1810

Hager, Tina Club# 1187415

Boehling, Robert Club# 5083

Miller, Sopnovia Rosaclair Club# 3956

Payne, Mack W. Club# 1269043

Baird, Jennifer Club# 1034639

Peltzer, Percy Club# 5899

Scott, Jamal Al-Awwal Club# 4272

Ross, Trish Club# 6026

Sawyer, Allison B. Club# 1227605

Doege, Christyna M Club# 7362

Cordner, Beverly E. Club# 3518

Williams, Nicole Delores Yvette Club# 9477

Polur, Lou Club# 603123

Stuart, Christopher Club# 965175

Gaertner, Kathryn Club# 2835

Olson, Rhoda A Club# 7923

Ferguson, Rachel A. Club# 1358961

Stuart, Christopher Club# 965175

Crisci, Cindi Club# 2284

Hall, Hadassah Shavonne Club# 7178

Huebner, Elsie L. Club# 2166

Klein, Rachelle Club# 1978

Stuart, Christopher Club# 965175

Djajalaksana, Yenni Merlin Club# 9491

Do you

facebook?

Check out D47’s page!

Page 16

Congratulations Distinguished Toastmasters

Educational Awards

Congratulations to these Toastmasters who have received Educational Awards

in the month of October!

Competent Leader

Advanced Leader Bronze

Advanced Leader Silver

Leader Excellence

The Sunshiner monthly newsletter is one of the many tools we use to help the membership of District 47 learn, grow and share. We strive to keep the information and articles timely and

relevant to your needs.

If you have any information, sugges-tions or opinions you’d like to share with your District please contact us.

Address your email to:

Sunshiner@toastmastersd47.org

Rolle, Yvonne B. Club# 1340647

Clark, Kim M. Club# 590751

Gill, Jamie W. Club# 4145

Tharp, Carol A. Club# 1187415

Wayne, Vicki Club# 1310937

Munroe, Heidi Indira Club# 1305066

Milhomme, Richard Club# 7653

Decker, Elizabeth Ashby Club# 639107

Kirk, Dale Carter Club# 6818

Rivera, David L Club# 587295

Randolph, James M. Club# 7362

Valmana, Jose Club# 7082

Stephens, Lori J. Club# 9352

Johnson, Sherlene Club# 753494

Stuart, Alicia Club# 753494

Hamilton, Immaculata Club# 753494

Gibbs, Jeremy Club# 753494

Winslow, Terry Club# 1034639

Hepburn, Bridget Club# 965175

Rizzo, Robert F. Club# 2835

Millican, Jesse C. Club# 9352

Ferguson, Rachel A. Club# 1358961

Casola, Elaine M. Club# 9051

Collie, Hilbert Club# 6796

Rolle, Glenroy Club# 9477

Williams, Nicole Delores Yvette Club# 9477

Tassinari, David Club# 6261

Collie, Hilbert Club# 6796

Casola, Elaine M. Club# 1702