Page 10 - Voices-2022-02
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COVER STORY
24 employees working in the budgeting, (now TV Toastmasters) was most challenging
accounting, and computer sections. I retired due to live meetings recorded for broadcasting.
on July 3, 1992 ending my 35-year career as In March 2019, Les and I joined Marylhurst
Financial Manager of the Indian Health Service Toastmasters Club, a Distinguished Toastmasters
of Portland, Oregon. Club with four DTMs. We treasure this Club for
My Toastmasters success story began in its inclusion of young and mature, inter-racial
January 1962. At age 30, I joined Oregon Trail men and women as members. The four DTMs
Toastmistress Club to gain self-confidence and focus on fulfilling the needs of all members
enhance leadership skills to achieve my career with challenging programs. My challenge at 89 is
goal of becoming a “business woman.” current technology and how to do Zoom Meetings.
The Toastmasters personal development Thanks to all who help me out when needed.
program made it easy to enjoy public speaking In 2012, I served as Host Mother to Asian/
opportunities as an undergraduate at Western French Students who came to study English at
Carolina University. My enhanced listening and Marylhurst University. They came from Japan,
writing skills assisted in my graduate studies Korea, Taiwan, and France. The students came
at Lewis and Clark College here in Portland from high schools and colleges, boys and girls
where I earned my MBA. ages 15 to 62 years old. Reiko, 62 was a retired
Several Toastmasters Clubs enhanced my school teacher, who came to enhance her
leadership growth to achieve the Distinguished English education.
Toastmasters Award. Video Toastmasters Club Nozomi from Japan lived with us for a year.
She never missed going with us
for Friday Night Bible Study. It
was hard to say goodbye when
she left to return to Japan.
Wakana was my last student
from Japan. She stayed with
me for 6 months and got to
meet my friend Leslie Reed.
On January 18, 2020, Leslie
and I were married at New
Hope Community Church
on a very cold winter’s day.
Wakana travelled back to be my
bridesmaid in our wedding. Les
and I have adopted her as our
daughter. When my long-term
Daughter-in-law Katherine Schwarz-Maynard, Loretta Schwarz Reed, & Wakana Hirata
wedding party - January 20, 2020
10 ONE COMMUNITY
