A Rootin' Tootin' time was had by ALL at the District 47 Fall Conference in Lake Mary, Florida from November 9th-11th
If you attended, PLEASE take a moment to give us your comments for improvements on this survey

Conference Chair Jeanne McIntosh did an outstanding job of keepin' order with this rowdy bunch!  Toastmasters from all over Florida and the Bahamas broke out their Western duds and became the wild characters they always wanted to be for Friday night's fun. 

Cowboys, cowgirls, barkeeps, saloon girls, squaws, sheriffs and undertakers filled the saloon (um... ballroom).

Friday Night's Evaluation Contest had some serious competition as Mayor (Contest Master) Jim Miller  and Sheriff (Chief Judge) Roxie Steadman kept order in the house.  Eleven competitors representing each Division of District 47, took the stage. 

Afterward the awesome keynote speaker Johnny "Transition Man" Campbell inspired the group.  Johnny is a part of an elite group of speakers that Toastmasters International endorses in their Accredited Speakers program.  Thanks for the enlightenment and laughter, Johnny!  District 47 really appreciated your performance!

When the final vote for the Evaluation contest was tallied, Division I's own Damien Miller took home First Place!  Here, Damien is pictured with International Director Margaret Wan and District 47 Governor Wanda Brown.  Congratulations Damien!

On Saturday morning, the District 47 Hall of Fame ceremony was held to recognize achievements in leadership during the 2006-2007 term.

Those recognized included the Top Three of 2006-2007, LGET Wanda Brown, DTM, District Governor Loretta Sanda, DTM, LGM Antionette Fox, DTM.

Additional recipients were Division Governor of the Year Jamaro Thompson  and Area Governor of the Year Scott Hoehn, DTM.

The District's Toastmaster of the Year was awarded to Jim Miller, DTM

The Above & Beyond Award went to Jerry Philson (right) and Karuna Sabharwal.

The Enthusiasm Award went to George Taylor (left). 

Many other awards were presented and should be posted on the District website soon.  Congratulations and thanks to all for contributing to District 47's standing as number Three in the World!!!

In addition to the exciting competition and hospitality fun, on Saturday, a District Realignment Committee meeting was held by Past International President Robert Blakely. 

Since District 47 now has over 360 Clubs and is the largest District in the world, it must be split into two.  As of July 1, 2008, District 47 will encompass Southern Florida and the Bahamas.  The new District 84 will hold the Northern Clubs.  Please visit the District website for more details www.ToastmastersD47.org

Throughout Saturday morning members were able to attend educational breakout sessions led by Barbara Bergstrom, Fred Haley, Karuna Sabharwal, Johnny Campbell, Leinesa Adams, Bill LeClere, Phil Stamatyades, George Taylor, Lillian Koziol and Karl Righter.  International Director Margaret Wan also gave a great presentation on effective Marketing techniques.

And what would a Wild West function be without a ROAST? How about a roasted Immediate Past District Governor?  Loretta Sandy, DTM was "honored" by torture of light-hearted commentary by Pat Philson, Claire Knafla, George Taylor, Karl Righter, Scott Hoehn, Ron Parpart and Wanda Brown.

It was hard to tell who roasted who, when Loretta got her chance for rebuttal! "Where's the beef?" she asked George Taylor, who gave her an empty "Wampum Burger" box.  These roasts are definitely events to attend!

Put that radio down Dave!

Lt Governor of Education and Training David Hollingshead, DTM and wife Linda Deshauteurs, DTM (Division A Governor) enter the room with smiles and flair.  The behind the scenes work these two put into the conference never shows on their faces.  "Once you attend a conference, you're hooked" says Dave.

District Governor Wanda Brown, DTM and her husband, Dr. Robert Brown enter the room to the cheers of the crowd.  Following the Browns, is International Director, Margaret Wan, DTM of Region VIII and a member of District 47.

The finest humorists of the eleven Divisions of District 47 gave the audience a night not to be forgotten.  From jet skis to roller coaster rides to plumbing adventures, it seemed that all speeches had to do with some kind of movement!  What a hilarious evening and the competition was TOUGH!

So who won the competition?  Doug Kent!  It's unfortunate that his photo doesn't quite show his enthusiasm in winning.

First Place in the District 47 Humorous Speech Contest for 2007!

Following the Speech Contest was the DTM ( Distinguished Toastmaster) Walk to recognize the newest DTMs in District 47. 

It's really more of a strut than a walk, since recipients are celebrating completion of many speeches, leadership projects and holding District offices.  Whew!  Congratulations to All!!
 

Does District 47 know how to have a FUN time?  You bet we do!  Below are just a few of the photos to prove it!  Many more are available at the District website at this link, so ya'll come back now... ya hear?

Oh, one more thing... Don't even THINK about missin' the Spring Conference!!!  The President of Toastmasters International, Chris Ford, DTM is going to be there for our final conference as the Largest District in the World!  Reserve a room NOW and check the details here!   "Dancing with the Stars" will be the theme.  Have you got your dancing shoes ready?