Page 12 - May 2020

THE DISTRICT BEAT

Reflections on a Great Year
Six Weeks

Emilie Taylor, DTM - District Director

There are less than six weeks before my term answer questions as to why they wanted to run
ends as District 7 Director. I have mixed feelings. for their position. It was inspiring to see table

I have been on the District Director rollercoaster topics questions being addressed so concisely
with all of the demands and with all of the and with confidence. Watching each candidate
feelings of accomplishment. There were visions give personal statements with conviction was
of becoming a Distinguished District and going heartfelt. Hearing their visions and hopes made

to Paris. Then there was the fear of losing clubs me even more optimistic about the future of
because of the pandemic, and the challenge of our District.
adopting the Zoom Meeting platform!
I am buoyantly happy that as a District Online Business Meeting

we made big strides and made things happen I have said it many times—it takes a village
despite COVID-19. I am so proud of all of you of Toastmasters to raise a Toastmaster. Well,
for stepping out, stepping forward, and stepping it took a village of District 7 Toastmasters to
in front of your screens to make it all happen! make the Business Meeting happen on May

9, 2020. My thanks and gratitude to everyone
Online Candidates Forum with special mention to the following: Past

We have successfully navigated online, International President Gary Schmidt who
unchartered waters! Consider the successful gave an inspirational opening; Parliamentarian

Candidates Forum—the first of its kind in our David Shehorn; Realignment Chair Phyllis
District! I am so happy and PROUD that we Harmon and committee members; members
made it happen! of the DLC committee; members of the
A huge thank you to our District Leadership Audit Committee; Finance Manager Karen

Committee Chair Adele O’Neal and our 11 Semprevivo; Administration Manager Paul
Candidates, now duly elected members of the Fanning; Public Relations Manager Kathleen
2020-2021 Leadership Team. I found myself Tully; Division Directors (Michelle, Abraham,
teary-eyed while listening to our new leaders Debbie, Dawnette, Carmil, Hillarie, Patrick and

12 ONE COMMUNITY