Submitted
The 2019/20 Toastmasters season was a successful one for the Battlefords Toastmasters Club 1512.
This year, the club adopted the motto “Encourage. Communicate. Lead.” as well as the Zig Ziglar quote “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” Since September, eight new members joined the club, bringing the number of members to 26. Many congratulations are in order for the members and all they have achieved this season.
Rena Weikle completed her second Distinguished Toastmaster title, which is the highest accomplishment attainable in the Toastmasters program. Rena also served as Program Quality Director for District 99, which has 141 clubs in it. Next year she will be the District Director, the highest level of leadership in the district.
Battlefords Club President Danielle Barrett was awarded President of the Year (for the 2018/19 season) at the Area, Division and District levels, quite an accomplishment and well deserved by the way she led the club. She also completed her Distinguished Toastmaster award after working at it for six years in the club.
Candace Dustan was awarded Toastmaster of the Year for the Club, Area, and Division for the 2018/19 season. She also looks forward to serving the club as president next year.
Nosheen Aziz was awarded the Rookie of the Year award for the 2018/19 season in both the Club and Area.
The Battlefords Toastmasters Club held a Rookie Contest for the new members in the club. Abigail Kapting’ei was the winner by attending meetings, signing up for agenda roles and getting involved.
The club also celebrated long time member Bob Johnson, who attended his 50th year as a Toastmaster. Bob was a Toastmaster in Regina before he was an original member of the Battlefords Club that was chartered in 1977.
The club’s annual awards evening was held June 24 and the “Of the Year” award winners for the 2019/20 season were honoured. Rookie of the Year went to Abigail Kapting’ei and Toastmaster of the Year went to Danielle Barrett. The club also hands out an award called the Robert W. Johnson Spirit of the Battlefords “SOB” award. This winner is voted on by the club as a member who has exhibited the values of Toastmasters (integrity, respect, service, excellence) and contributed in fellowship and leadership throughout the year. This year’s RWJ SOB winner was Danielle Barrett and, following tradition, she was roasted at the year end awards night.
Thank you to the executive members who worked tirelessly to ensure success of the club this past season: President Danielle Barrett, Sargeant at Arms Rena Weikle, VP of Education Barb Mitchell, Secretary Abigail Kapting’ei, VP of Membership Nosheen Aziz, VP of Public Relations Candace Dustan and Treasurer Bob Johnson. Congratulations and welcome to the new executive for the 2020/21 season: President Candace Dustan, Sargeant at Arms Barb Mitchell, VP of Education Jacqueline Toews, Secretary Claudette McGuire, VP of Membership Danielle Barrett, VP of Public Relations Nosheen Aziz and Treasurer Bob Johnson.
Every member, new and veteran, gained and honed leadership and public speaking skills by participating and contributing to the Battlefords Toastmasters Club this past season. Although in person meetings were derailed in March, the learning, camaraderie and fun was not affected as the club adapted and has been meeting online every Wednesday at the usual 7 p.m. start time. The final meeting of the year was held June 10, but there will be two “Sunshine Meetings” held throughout the summer before meetings are resumed (hopefully in person) on Sept. 9.
There were many accomplishments, laughs, special meetings and gatherings that resulted in an amazing year. The club enjoyed many guests that visited throughout the year and since guests are always welcome, hopes to see more people come out to attain new skills next season. Who knows what September will bring, but if you’d like more information about the club or how to join, go to battlefordstoastmasters.com, follow the club on Facebook, email info@battlefordstoastmastres.com or contact Rena at 306-441-0890.
