District 42 Toastmasters Magazine Prairie Horizons Fall Issue Vol 1 2013

1. PRAIRIE HORIZONS
Where Leaders Are Made
CELEBRATE SUCCESS 2013-2014 Volume 1
District 42
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
District Executive
DG Keith Lee …..…….…...1
LGET Doris Henn ………..3
LGM Marg Faryna …….....4
PRO Geetha Nicodemus .6
Revitalized Education .....8
Celebrate Success
International Convention 9
Fall Conference …..…….10
Hall of Fame …………….11
Education Awards ……..12
The 2013-14 year is almost half over and there is plenty to celebrate!
Congratulations to all of the achievers in District 42 who have earned
an educational award, competed in a speech contest, or fulfilled a
personal milestone so far this year.
Destination DTM …..…...13
Photo Gallery …….….….14
Divisions .........................15
Anniversaries …………..17
The Power of Stories ....19
Inspiring Leader ….….…20
One achievement that I recently completed was ensuring that all 166
members who earned an Educational Award District Incentive pin had
received their pin. Thank you to each of them for their patience with my
many, many messages regarding this project. Here are some lessons I
learned that are relevant to any goal, within Toastmasters or beyond:
1. Set a clear goal.
Photo Gallery ...…………21
I knew exactly how many people qualified, and I knew that I wanted to
confirm with each one of them that they had received their pin .
Compiled By:
Geetha Nicodemus, DTM
Carol Harrison, DTM
Layout & Technical:
Nandini Venkatesan, DTM
Marvin Henry, DTM
2. Track your progress in a consistent way.
I created countless spreadsheets itemizing what had been sent out when,
but it was the creation of a single master spreadsheet that I used to track
all communication regarding the project that led to greater comfort and
confidence that nothing was being missed. Centralizing the information
made a big difference in cutting through the noise created by multiple
sources of information.
Editor:
Carol Harrison, DTM
District Website:
d42tm.org
Page 1

2. District Governor
Keith Lee, DTM
Sample Text
3. Get help when you need it.
Thankfully I had supportive collaborators (thanks
Susan! thanks Christina!) who helped keep the
project on track and had useful suggestions on how to
overcome obstacles along the way. They each
assembled teams to take care of their aspect of the
project.
Subhead
Sample Text
4. Reflect regularly on your progress.
It was satisfying to see the number of confirmed
recipients climb month by month. When half of the
recipients had confirmed by mid-September, I was
glad. When I was down to the final 10, I was ecstatic.
This kept me motivated to fulfill my promise to
complete the project.
5. Review and share your lessons learned.
That is why I am writing this article :) Build and share
your knowledge with your club, your executive and
your network so others can benefit from your
experience.
Members
1. Set a clear goal – what are your goals this
year? Have you shared them with your club? Can
your personal goals help your club achieve success
with its Club Success Plan? (Boot Camps are great
for this!)
2. Track your progress in a consistent way – Have
you been using the achievement record at the back of
your manual? Do you have a personal Member
Achievement Record? Does your VP Education
know where you are in the program?
3. Get help when you need it – Do you have a
mentor within the program? Do you mentor other
members? Do you encourage others through your
feedback, evaluations and support? How can you
help another member of your club achieve their next
goal?
Photo: Tim Lambert, DTM
Past District Governors support Keith Lee.
4. Reflect regularly on your progress –
How have you changed through your work
on the current project? What have you
achieved through your progress in the
program? How has your participation
developed your skills? What fresh new
experiences have you had? What have you
enjoyed?
5. Review and share your lessons
Learned – Perhaps through a speech? Or
perhaps write an article in your club
newsletter or website? Or through
mentorship of another member?
Remember – move with purpose, and
choose to consciously, responsible engage
your attention, time and energy on projects
that will move you forward both within and
beyond the club. The opportunities are
endless. Merry Christmas!
Keith Lee, DTM
Page 2

3. Lieutenant Governor Education and Training
Doris Henn, DTM
Sample Text
Lt. Governor Education & Training
Report
In District 42 we value the contributions of our
members. To help celebrate their success we
have implemented a new incentive program
this year. Each quarter, we will send individual
award ribbons to the Presidents of each club to
Subhead
present to their members who achieved a
Sample Text
communication or leadership award. It is our
hope that each club will recognize these
achievements during a regular club meeting.
All District 42 incentives and promotions can be
accessed on the District 42 website under the
“Discover District 42” tab. We are using
Survey Monkey this year to track many of the
club awards such as Club Fitness, Speechcraft,
Open House and Youth Leadership. These
ribbons will also be sent out quarterly to the
Presidents of each successful club.
The Fort McMurray conference was an
excellent opportunity to meet with members
from across District 42 who came together to
celebrate the “Of the Year” winners, the District
Humorous and Table Topics speech contest
winners, Triple Crown, CC/CL, CL/ALB awards
and 11 proud recipients of the DTM
designation.
A Destination DTM Bootcamp was held in
Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton and Calgary in
November. Toastmasters had an opportunity to
learn about how to complete the next step of
their DTM journey. The feedback from each
session was very positive and we are hoping to
have a 2nd round of Destination DTM in the
spring where we provide a similar experience
for some of our smaller centers across the
District.
The second round of Club Officer training
begins in December. This year we hope to
introduce “All Leader” sessions as part of the
January TLI/COT in each major center. These
“All Leader” sessions will include relevant topics
such as Membership Building and Retention,
Mentoring, Distinguished Club Plan and Effective
Evaluations and will provide value for all
members of District 42. The sessions will be held
just prior to the breakout sessions for each club
executive position.
I would like to wish each of you a Merry
Christmas and a productive New Year as you
develop your communication and leadership skills
in District 42.
Doris Henn, DTM
Photo: Tim Lambert, DTM
Doris Henn, LGET, Nevin Henn, C39 Area Governor
Page 3

4. Lieutenant Governor Marketing
Marg Faryna, DTM
Sample Text
Subhead
Sample Text
Marketing in District 42
We are truly blessed to have great leaders in all
corners of District 42. Our leaders lead, as in the
proverb “. . . Teach a man to fish; you feed him for
a lifetime.” Leaders begin with a role on the club
program and then by taking on a club leadership
role such as planning a contest or guest meeting
and then as a club officer. There are so many
opportunities for every member. Leadership goes
beyond the club, into area and division governor
roles and club coaches, sponsors and mentors.
There are many more opportunities for everyone.
It is very exciting and fulfilling to bring new
members into our clubs and bring new
clubs into District 42. Let’s continue to grow
our membership in all corners. Let’s set a
goal to have a minimum of 20 members in
each club. Let’s continue to lead by
following the proverb and showing more
members the power of leadership.
We will soon pass the half-way milestone in
our toastmaster year and we will soon say
good-bye to 2013 and welcome 2014.
Every day has been important to bring us to
this point in time; without each day, we
would not be where we are. Thank you to
everyone for making it possible.
Welcome the New Year with your dreams,
goals and aspirations. Embrace all the
new things that will be coming your way and
make it a great year!
Marg Faryna, DTM
New Chartered Clubs
Our leaders in building new clubs have already
successfully chartered 9 clubs and there are more
on the horizon in every corner of District 42.
Fearless Speakers, Saskatoon
Absolutely Fabulous Toastmasters, Calgary
Speak MastURS, Sherwood Park
Elemental Toastmasters, Fort Saskatchewan
College Plaza Toastmasters, Edmonton
Lingo Advanced Toastmasters, Edmonton
ATB Calgary Campus, Calgary
Groundswell Group Toastmasters, Calgary
Crowfoot Communicators, Calgary
Photo: Tim Lambert, DTM
Marg Faryna, DTM supporting members of
District 42
Page 4

5. Lieutenant Governor of Marketing
Marg Faryna, DTM
Sample Text
New Clubs – Sponsors & Mentors
It is very exciting to welcome new clubs into the District. And between July and November, we have
welcomed nine new clubs! This would not have been possible without the help of New Club
sponsors and mentors.
New club sponsors hold demonstration meetings and help recruit members to the prospective new
club. They show clubs how to hold meetings, elect officers and submit the charter paperwork to World
Headquarters. This process can take from 1 to 6 months and concludes when the new club holds
Subhead
their charter presentation meeting.
Sample Text
New club mentors guide the new club through the 6 – 12 months that follow the charter presentation.
They ensure the club officers understand their duties, help recruit and retain members, and show the
club how to succeed with the Club Success Plan.
Up to two sponsors and two mentors can be appointed to serve each new club. Sponsors and
mentors receive club-building credit toward an Advanced Leader Silver Award. If you are interested
in being a club sponsor or mentor, please contact LGM@d42tm.org
Congratulations to the Clubs and their Club Coaches for achieving their goals in 2012-13.
By the end of June 30, 2013 23 club coaches were successful in helping 15 clubs achieve their goal of
becoming Distinguished Clubs. Club coaches are appointed to assist a club that is experiencing difficulties
building and maintaining membership. The goal is to help the club become a Distinguished Club. Successful
coaches receive credit toward the Advanced Leader Silver Award. If you would like to become a club
coach, please contact LGM@d42tm.org
Marg Faryna, DTM
Clubs
Coaches
Division A
Aecommunicators Club
Cathie J. Sarafinchan, DTM
Division F
Christian Club
Liz VonKanel, DTM & Marg Faryna, DTM
Division G
Division F
Division E
Division E
Sunny South Speakers Club
Business and Beyond Toastmasters Club
Carlton Trail Club
Living Skies Advanced Club
Beverley L. LeBlanc, DTM & Ron MacTavish, ACS, ALB
Dennis Carl O'brien, ACB, CL
Judy D. Riou, ACS, ALS
Cecilia Elizabeth, DTM & Elizabeth Gadzella, ACS, ALS
Division J
Division J
Calgary Advanced Toastmasters
Bankers Hollering Toastmasters Club
Fabian E. Asin, DTM & Vincenzo Aliberti, ACS, ALB
Raj Janakiraman, CC & Mark Patulski
Division F
Division F
Division E
University Toastmasters Club
Icebreakers Club
Speaking Done Here Club
Dennis Carl O'brien, ACB, CL
Peter Kolotyluk, ACG, ALB
Sarah Parker, ACB, ALB & Paula Noon, DTM
Division G
Dinosaurs Toastmasters Club
Curtis A. Scherger, CC, CL
Division B
Division A
Division F
Not-Just-Us Club
MacEwan Club
Leduc Blackgold Toastmasters
Chanchal Sethi, CC, CL & Mavis Joy Matheson, DTM
Wendy L. Welte, ACG, CL & Cheryl Schofield, ACS, ALB
Joan V. Petruk, DTM
Page 5

6. Public Relations Officer
Geetha Nicodemus, DTM
Subhead
Sample Text
Promoting Toastmasters
Since 1958, we have been sharing the benefits of
Toastmasters program with friends, family and
organizations, mostly by word-of-mouth
communication. With many of us experiencing lifechanging benefits, we would have used Morse
code to spread the word, if we had to! Thankfully
the old methods of spreading the word have
evolved into newspapers, Television, Events,
Websites and Social Media and making channels of
communication easier, faster and more exciting.
My vision for District 42 this year is “District 42 Discover D42”, an extension of the vision by Past
PRO Lorraine Wheatley “Discover District 42”. I
hope to achieve this by exploring the
communication channels available to promote
Toastmasters to the District 42 population (Alberta
and Saskatchewan – with 5000 plus members, we
have touched only 0.1 percent of the population).
Apart from this, I would additionally like to use
technology to help support District Leaders to
communicate with our members more effectively.
The ‘District 42 Dispatch – what’s happening in
the District?’ is our main communication channel to
all our members. Give the Dispatch a closer look –
it is your window to the D42 world! Like our
Facebook page www.facebook.com/D42TM for
updates and photo albums.
I am lucky to be working with a passionate team
of professionals. Fred Sawka, District 42 CIO is
the architect of our website and the technology
expert for D42. Eloise Blackstock as Web
Administrator successfully completed the phase
1 of ‘content quality’ project. Carol Harrison as
Prairie Horizons editor will be bringing out 3
issues of the magazine this year. Christina
Kruis (District Secretary) has been a key
contributor to the web team as content provider
and Nandini Venkatesan as PR Support. Other
dedicated members who have made
contributions to website include: Rhys Davies,
Jan Olson and our past and current District
Leaders.
Photos: Crystal Clark
Top left clockwise
PR team members
Fred Sawka, Eloise Blackstock, Carol Harrison,
Christina Kruis, and Rhys Davies (left).
Page 6

7. Public Relations Officer
Geetha Nicodemus, DTM
We have continued the Webinar trainings
and have now included topics that would
help our members understand and have
clarity on the various aspects of their
membership and programs. Devan
Macpherson will be coordinating the
trainings. The trainings will be recorded
and made available on the website.
Subhead
Sample Text
Early this year, we were invited by Habitat for
Humanity, to provide speakers to talk about their
programs to schools and corporations.
We also had an invitation from PEMAC for
conducting a workshop on speaking skills for their
annual Maintenance Management Conference,
MainTrain – Nandini Venkatesan and Fabian
Asin wowed the audience with their 5 hour
workshop. Such programs not only give us
opportunities to showcase toastmasters, but
something deeper, the generosity and willingness
of our members to give back to the community by
sharing the program.
I would like to thank District Leadership, Division
Governors and Area Governors for all their
support and contributions. It has been an exciting
and fulfilling 5 months so far and I am looking
forward to the rest of the year.
Geetha Nicodemus, DTM
Photos: Geetha Nicodemus, DTM
Terry Kozlyk, DTM - webinar and HPL Free Toast Host
Promoting Toastmasters at MainTrain
Nandini Venkatesan, DTM and Fabian Asin, DTM –
speaking at MainTrain Conference
Page 7

8. Revitalized Education Program
Toastmasters International
Ambassadors to Visit
This is an historic time for Toastmasters
International as the organization moves
forward with the Revitalized Education
Subhead
Sample Text
Program. To that end, we want to make
sure you are aware of upcoming
developments affecting your District.
In early December 2013, World
Headquarters is presenting a webinar to all
Chief Ambassadors. The purpose is to
update them on the Revitalized Education
Program and explain their roles and
responsibilities. The webinar will also
provide Chief Ambassadors with
information to share with their District
Ambassadors. The Ambassadors, in turn,
will give brief presentations to clubs.
All clubs in your District will be visited by
Ambassadors. The visits begin in
December.
If you have questions on any of these
matters, please contact your Chief
Ambassador Chuck LeBlanc or email
educationprogram@toastmasters.org.
Thank you for your cooperation.
How will I benefit from a Revitalized
Education Program?
You will benefit from program improvements
such as:

A greater use of technology to boost selfdirected learning, to access educational
materials and to connect with other
members around the world

A clearer path for achieving education
awards

Opportunities to develop real-world
communication and leadership skills in a
globally evolving marketplace
Best regards,
The Education Program Team
Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International website
Page 8

9. International Convention
Cincinnati, Ohio
August 2013
District 42 is a Select Distinguished District for
2012 – 2013 under the leadership of Past District
Governor Chuck LeBlanc, DTM. Each member
Lorraine Wheatley, CC, ALB
has helped to make a difference.
C
Sample Text
Past District Governor Jacquie Schneider, DTM
was honored with a Presidential Citation.
The convention is an opportunity to meet leaders
from around the world to share ideas and network.
Hope to see you in Malaysia in Aug. 2014.
Subhead
. Sample Text
Photos: Keith Lee, DTM
Upper Right: Chuck LeBlanc, Aparna Verma (D42
Speech Champion), Keith Lee
Lower: D42 Exec – Doris Henn, Marg Faryna, Keith Lee,
Nevin Henn
Page 9

10. Fall Conference
Fort McMurray
November 1 - 3, 2013
Congratulations to our
Humorous Contest Winners
Congratulations to our
Table Topics Contest Winners
First Place: Jackie Diemart
Second Place: Noel Bentley
Third Place: Iris Talbot
First Place: Kelly Kaur
Second Place: Mryna Peregrym
Third Place: Iris Talbot
Subhead
Sample Text
Page 10

11. Hall of Fame
Of the Year Awards – Fall Conference
November 2013
Subhead
Sample Text
Newsletter of the Year
Rookie of the Year
Shelley Goldbeck
John Bauer
Area Governor of the Year
Division Governor of the Year
Carissa David
Geetha Nicodemus
Toastmaster of the Year
Bev LeBlanc
Photos: Geetha Nicodemus, DTM
Tim Lambert, DTM
President of the Year
Denise Rackett
Page 11

12. Education Awards
Distinguished Toastmaster, DTM
Subhead
Sample Text
Congratulations!
On Nov. 2, 2013, in Fort McMurray District
Governor Keith Lee, DTM recognizes the hard
work involved in the highest educational
achievement in Toastmasters. Congratulations to
all those who received their educational
designations.
The educational program is the heart of every
Toastmasters club. It provides members with a
proven curriculum that develops communication
and leadership skills one step at a time, with
many opportunities for awards and recognition
along the way. The communication and
leadership tracks are not mutually exclusive; you
may participate in both at the same time, if you
wish.
- Toastmasters International Website
Photos: Tim Lambert, DTM
Top Row: Sumana Barua, DTM, Carol Harrison DTM
Amee Harrison, DTM, Joan Petruk, DTM
Page 12

13. Destination DTM
Amee Harrison, DTM
Mission Accomplished!
I know the journey to distinguished
toastmaster (DTM) can seem daunting to
many leaving the path travelled by only a few.
We celebrate this huge success with all who
have accomplished it no matter how long or
short a time they take to reach the destination.
At the Fall Conference 2013 in Fort McMurray
Subhead
the Saturday luncheon celebrated the
Sample Text
completion of this milestone for those in
attendance. Amee Harrison, one of the
recipients, completed her DTM in July 2013,
an accomplishment greater than many
realized.
Amee had a stroke at birth leaving her in a
coma. The doctors and specialists gave her
only a five percent chance of survival. If by
some miracle she lived, the doctors expected
the brain damage to severely limit her ability
to accomplish everyday tasks most people
take for granted. The statistics included a five
percent chance to walk or talk. Reading would
be impossible. Her journey through life has
been full of challenges yet there have been
many successes, small and large, she has
celebrated as well. Amee learned to walk and
ran track in Special Olympics for fifteen
years. She learned to talk but communication
remained an extremely weak skill.
In 2006 Amee attended her first Toastmaster
meeting and joined immediately to practice
and improve her weak communication skills.
She practiced speaking, had a mentor longer
than many have and began to take on various
roles. The Competent Leader manual that
many seasoned Toastmasters found
intimidating, made sense to her and she soon
mentored her home club in what to do with
this book.
Photo: Amee receiving her DTM.
She dreaded table topics and still does.
When asked to set goals for the year in
Toastmasters she often drew a blank until
four years ago at a Destination DTM Boot
Camp when the presenter managed to have
SMART goals make sense to her. Three
weeks later she shared her SMART goals
for the next four years the culmination of
which would see her complete her DTM.
She pulled a second sheet of SMART goals
she had set for her mom Carol which
included earning a second DTM. Amee’s
goals meant hard work, extra help with
some areas and occasionally becoming
overwhelmed as she travelled the road to
completing them.
In July 2013 Toastmasters International
registered the completion of Amee’s goals
but the high point came when both Amee
and her mom Carol were presented with the
DTM plaque, medal and pin at the 2013
Fall conference allowing her to mark her
final goal completed.
As we celebrate our members’ successes
let’s learn the story behind the achievement.
We will be encouraged, challenged and
inspired.
Carol Harrison, DTM
Page 13

14. Fall Conference
Photo Gallery – Fort McMurray
Mining your Potential
November 1-3, 2013
Keynote Speaker: Anne Barab
Mayor Melissa Blake, Regional Municipality
of Wood Buffalo declares November 2nd as
Toastmasters Day!
Co-chairs for Fall Conference are Sangeeta
Hull, Larry Andrews and Pierre Du Plessis
Subhead
Sample Text
Photos: Crystal Clark
Toastmasters from District 42 share ideas and network at the Conference.
Middle row centre – Keynote Speaker, Anne Barab
Lower left – Mayor Melissa Blake, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 14

15. Calgary
Division C and J Governors
Division J “Of The Year” Award Winners
Subhead
Sample Text
The “Of the Year” awards are an excellent
opportunity to recognize members who
demonstrated outstanding commitment and
dedication to the organization either by their
contributions and/or involvement. Toastmasters
International has 4 categories at the Division
level to pay tribute to members who have
distinguished themselves. Each category has
specific criteria for selection.
Testimonials from any members are a big
addition to the final selection process. The
Division J winners of the 2012-2013 “Of the
Year” awards are:
Rookie of the Year
John Bauer - PMI-SAC Toastmasters
Membership Drive
“One of the success stories we would like to
share is about our membership drive. We
had a booth running over a 4 day period
during lunch hour close to 2 of our
cafeterias, and additionally one of the
members who also works for Shaw in the
marketing department was able to get a 30
second video ad running on screens near a
few exits where a shuttle bus picks up
employees to shuttle them to the various
parking lots around the campus. We have
had huge success and already have almost
met our DCP points for new members within
a month and have had upwards of 5
guests attending each meeting since the
drive.”
Robert Litwin
President of ShawMasters
Toastmaster of the Year
Bob Gibennus - Westhills
Public Relations of the Year
Jen Coyne - Westhills
President of the Year
John Bauer - PMI-SAC Toastmasters
Area Governor of the Year
J46 - Nevin Henn
Summary of Bob Gibennus’s
thoughts on receiving the Of The
Year award:
“Thank you, Division J for this
wonderful award. Thank you,
Toastmasters, for introducing me to
some of the most inspiring people
you will ever meet”.
John Bauer, ACS ALB
Page 15

16. Saskatchewan
Division E Governor
SHARE – LEARN – GROW
Like so many others that seek out Toastmasters,
I stepped into my first Toastmasters meeting in
2008 to improve my public speaking skills. A
career change required me to present to groups
and I wanted to do so with confidence. Rather
than a motivation to earn designations or
awards, I was motivated to improve my ability
to communicate in order to advance my
career.
Subhead
The members of Division E have entrusted me
Sample Text
with leading Division E for 2013-2014. I take this
responsibility seriously. My personal goal is to
leave, the Division at the end of the year, better
than I found it so every member is empowered
to develop communication and leadership skills,
resulting in greater self-confidence and personal
growth, just like I experienced. My predecessors
have left a legacy of success and I feel
compelled to build on their foundations so that
my successor can, in turn, build on what I will
leave behind. The task is daunting but then I
think of Henry Ford’s wisdom, “Whether you
think you can or you think you can’t, you are
probably right.” Then I focus on how I can meet
the challenge.
The only way I know to meet this challenge is
with a team of people working together,
sharing knowledge and expertise, learning
from each other’s best practices and
challenges, and growing stronger and faster
than they could alone. The same process is
just as effective member to member at a club
meeting as it is division leader to division
leader. Creating networks to Share – Learn
– Grow at all levels will enable Division E to
strengthen and continue the pattern of
increasing success in years to come.
This year has its challenges but these
become our opportunity to develop our
leadership and communication skills.
Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a
small group of thoughtful, committee citizens
can change the world, indeed it’s the only
thing that ever has.” My challenge to every
member of division E is to commit to making
a difference, step up, step out and Share –
Learn – Grow.
Lynne Marr, CC
Page 16

17. 60th Anniversary
Prince Albert Toastmasters
SIXTY YEARS OF HISTORY
On October 21, 2013 the Prince Albert
Toastmasters Club celebrated their sixtieth
anniversary complete with a trip down memory lane,
archives on display and dignitaries bringing their
congratulations. Members, former members,
politicians, the immediate past division E governor,
present area governor and guests had an enjoyable
evening of table topics, congratulatory speeches and
the chance to look for familiar names on the various
contest trophies displayed prominently at the back of
Subhead
Sample Text
the room.
Carol Harrison DTM, past Division E governor
presented the Area 21 Toastmaster of the
Year award to Jackie Diemert from Prince
Albert Toastmasters Club on behalf of the
2012 – 13 Area 21 Governor. No celebration
would be complete without photo ops and the
opportunity to network while enjoying the
celebration cake. The planning committee is to
be commended on providing a great evening
of celebrating success. Congratulations on
achieving sixty years as an active club
making an impact in the city of Prince Albert,
Saskatchewan and may you continue to have
success in the years to come.
Photo: Carol Harrison, DTM
Jackie Diemart celebrates her achievement
with Past District Governor Carol Harrison.
Carol Harrison, DTM
Page 17

18. Anniversaries
District 42 Toastmasters
Subhead
Sample Text
Happy 60th Anniversary
30th Anniversary Dinner
Camrose Toastmasters celebrated on
October 18, 2013. Past members and guests
gathered at the Camrose Casino to catch up
and enjoy the evening.
Dawnbreakers in Edmonton celebrated their
30th anniversary at a gala event on November
19, 2013 to “Connect – Again” with friends and
former members. Charter member Peter
Kossowan. (left). Photo: Marg Faryna, DTM
Photo: Marg Faryna, DTM
Front left, is Fred Swartz, one of the original charter
members in 1953. On the far right, Buffy da Silva,
District 42 Governor, 1994-95.
Charter member Peter Kossowan
Celebrating 10th Anniversary
Westhills Toastmasters had a wonderful
celebration with guests and members on
November 25, 2013.
Photo Geetha Nicodemus, DTM
Congratulations and Best Wishes
to our District Governor Keith Lee
and District Chief Judge 2012-13
Laurel Korbo
Wedding September 1, 2013
Photo: Doris Henn, DTM
Page 18

19. The Power of Stories
District 42 Toastmasters
HEART OF A TOASTMASTER
Each person who comes to Toastmasters
comes for personal reasons. Many choose to
stay. What brought you and made you stay
in Toastmasters? I love to hear the stories of
successes members achieve. I love to use
stories as I share the benefits of this
Subhead
organization that allows us to learn, improve
Sample Text
and practice our communication and
leadership skills. Stories have the power to
take the theory to reality and help others
remember and be encouraged and inspired.
The release of a new book, Heart of a
Toastmaster, by Sheryl Roush DTM
occurred at the International Toastmasters
Convention in August 2013. This book includes
133 inspirational, true, short stories written by
Toastmaster members from around the world
about their personal experience in
Toastmasters.
In her introduction to this collection Sheryl
writes, “Whether you are new to Toastmasters
or a seasoned member, you will enjoy, relate
to and celebrate these diverse and genuine
stories by your fellow Toastmasters as you
share their passion, successes and gratitude
for our membership.
Photo: Sheryl Roush, DTM
Bev LeBlanc, DTM recording audio book
We want to celebrate the successes of three
District 42 members whose stories were
chosen for this book. Bev LeBlanc DTM,
our 2012-13 Toastmaster of the year has a
story titled If You’re Going To Be A
Toastmaster. Bev had the opportunity to
attend the International Convention, be part
of the book signing on the release of the
book and tape her story for the audio
version of the book. Carol Harrison DTM
has a story titled, I Never Dreamed. The
third District 42 member is Bob Hooey with
a story titled, 13 Steps.
The Heart of a Toastmaster book is
available from Toastmaster International
store.
Page 19

20. Inspiring Leader
Communication & Leadership Award
Spring 2013
Leaders in the Community
The Communication & Leadership Luncheon is
our opportunity to thank our members for their
achievements as communicators and leaders within
Toastmasters. It is also our opportunity to
recognize and thank an individual from our
community.
The District 42 Communication and Leadership
Award was established in 1972 to honour a leading
Subhead
citizen in our District of Alberta & Saskatchewan for
Sample Text
his or her communication and leadership skills. The
Communication and Leadership Award recognizes
that citizen who demonstrates these skills in the
field of their expertise and in the community. Past
recipients have included The Honourable Dr.
Lynda Haverstock, His Worship Mayor Pat
Fiacco, Joan McCusker, The Honourable Peter
Lougheed, The Honourable Sylvia Fedoruk, and in
2011 this prestigious award was presented to Jim
Hopson of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
This year’s recipient has earned his place on this
impressive list.
Ron Waldman was born and raised right here in
Saskatchewan, in beautiful Moose Jaw. He went on
to receive Honours Degrees in Business and
Philosopy from the University of Western Ontario.
After university Ron joined the Saskatchewan
based Coca-Cola/Canada Dry franchise family
owned bottling business where he worked his way
to the role of President and CEO. He went on to
work at KPMG Advisory Services and then as
President and CEO of Business Turn Around &
Renewal. In 1999 he made a move that has
impacted many of us in this room. He became the
President and CEO of The Great Western
Brewing Company.
As a strategic leader Ron developed successive
business plans for the organization. The vision of
Great Western becoming a respected and
recognized regional brewing company was
achieved.
From January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012, he
served as Chairman of the Board of Directors
of Great Western Brewing Company Limited and
continues today as a partner and director in the
brewery.
Great Western’s products have won dozens of
brewing awards from around the globe including
many of the most prestigious in the industry. Since
2004, the business was chosen as one of
“Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies” and
has earned Platinum status.
In 2011, Ron founded and presently serves as
President and CEO of Keystone Consulting
Inc., a business advisory firm.
In 2012 Ron was appointed to the position of
Chief Operating Officer of River Landing
Development Joint Venture. In his current role,
Ron is responsible for the assembly of
opportunities and the oversight of a mixed-use
urban development in south downtown Saskatoon
with its beautiful river setting.
In the past Ron has served on many boards of
directors, including the Saskatchewan Chamber
of Commerce and as Chair of the Royal Hospital
Foundation and the 2011 Light the Night Walk.
Just a few of the boards Ron currently serves on
are the Saskatoon Airport Authority as the NonExecutive Chair and Board Member of Great
Western Brewing Company and Golden
Opportunities,
Ron has been named one of Saskatchewan’s
Most Influential Business Leaders and received
the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal in 2005.
Leaders have a vision and a passion for the
future of their company, their community. Great
leaders have the ability to communicate those
ideas and see them through to fruition.
Mike Conrad, DTM
Page 20

21. Photo Gallery
Fall Conference November 2013
Subhead
Sample Text
Toastmasters in District 42 celebrate their
achievements, leadership, and growth. What goals
are you working on for 2014?
Photo: Crystal Clark
Thanks to all who contributed with
your photos, articles, and ideas.
Stay tuned for the next edition of the Prairie
Horizons!
Page 21