Page 22 - 2015-08.pub

OPEN LETTER

THANK YOU

An Open Letter to the Members

Iby Ray Fox, ACS, ALB
would like to give a huge thank you to the Toastmasters organization and District 7 leadership team for
giving me the opportunity to be Area Governor last year and continuing this year. I am truly grateful
for the assistance of Mr. Jason Kent. Without his help as our coach and acting as my second in the com-
munity this would not have been possible. The opportunity to facilitate the Area 53 speech contest last
March helped me understand the importance and dedication it takes to be a better speaker, a better
leader, and ultimately a better role model. I always looked at how the speech was supposed to be and just
did it. I always thought I was better at speaking off the cuff, now I see the error of my ways.
What I learned from the contest was that if I started practicing, and looked at speeches in a different way, I
could become a better speaker. By allowing us to have the speech contest at Columbia River Correctional
Institution, it confirmed for me that Toastmasters was supportive of second chances, of improvement, and
of growth. I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had to improve myself in Toastmasters and in other areas of
my life.
As we start this new year with new titles, the challenges remain the same. Each club is striving to be the
best in Area 53! Please let me know how I can help you become successful this year. On October 23rd I
will be released. I plan to meet personally with all 6 clubs from last year and each of the 4 clubs this year.
This is something I have wanted to do for some time now. I have gained so much in Toastmasters that I
live each day trying to help others get the most from
their Toastmasters experiences.
With that being said I invite all who would like to join
me for breakfast on October 23rd at about 7:00 AM
at the IHOP on 9840 N.E. Cascade Parkway for a lite
breakfast and some get-to-know-you time. Please
let Jason Kent or myself know if you plan to be there.
I need to turn in the reservation around October 3rd.

22 Volume 2 Issue 2 - AUG 2015