A note from Agnes Lewis, our Immediate Past District Director
What a year, for Toastmasters, for District 52, for your clubs, and for me! It’s one for the history books. I wish we could have made it historic in a different way, but oh well — we can all be proud that we adapted in a hurry, rolled with the punches, and discovered a whole new way of staying together and learning together.
I am proud to say that we achieved Distinguished status in one of the metrics – the educational awards and Distinguished clubs. That shows that so many Toastmasters weren’t going to let an extraneous event such as Covid hold them back. Congratulations to all who achieved so much!
We initially lost 24 clubs when the lockdown orders were implemented. I am proud that we were able to bring back or replace 17, through help, training, and encouragement. Most of the ones not back yet are corporate clubs in organizations that are having severe problems. Not much we can do about that! Overall, the direction is good, with many “green shoots.” Even a new hybrid virtual club chartered! And a few more cooking.
The District staff were all wonderful. Our Program Quality Director, and incoming District Director, Circe Denyer, DTM, helped hundreds of people and dozens of clubs to figure out how to make online meetings work. Our Club Growth Director, John Murray, DTM, was chartering new clubs at light speed before covid hit. Our Public Relations Manager, Judy Thang, turned her creative talents to help clubs and the District. Our Finance Manager, Janelle Parra, overcame a steep learning curve to be indispensable for our District finances. Our Administration Manager, Janet Berlin, was equally effective in person as online.
Division Directors and Area Directors had an unprecedented problem – how to connect with their clubs when they could not meet them face to face. To those who persevered and got it done anyway, a huge Thank You. You are inspiring to us all.
There were many many others with significant contributions: Dawn Jenkins, the Pathways Evangelist; Linda Cota-Kumagai, head of the Speakers’ Bureau; Marcia Bruce Bush, training trainers; Jim Michael, keeping his cool as Zoom Host; and Maurice DiMino, MC extraordinaire. Thank you all!
It’s with absolutely mixed feelings that I pass the baton as District Director. On one hand, I would not wish this kind of year on anyone. On the other hand, we all forged solid friendships, and we all did the very best we could under the circumstances. I am confident that 2020-2021 will be a great year for the District, under the leadership of the new team: Circe Denyer, Lawrence Quesada, Jim Kearney, and Engie Santos.
Tell them Hello – and wish them, and you, the members of District 52, the greatest possible success.
We did indeed, one and all, Dare to Be Great!
Agnes Lewis, DTM
Immediate Past District Director
Thank you Agnes for the opportunity to serve on your team in these amazing times.
It was great being an Area Director and help my wonderful clubs. They all did Great.
I especially want to thank Circe, who will also be a great leader this year. She really helped me in my duties. The other is Marcia Bush, who helped my with my Gold and Silver awards and completing my DTM requirements on time. She was also MOST helpful in my Area duties.
JOB WELL DONE!!!
Thank you and God bless you all
Joe Mandoky