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EDITORIAL

Voices! - A Final Farewell

Jennifer Schmidt - Senior Editor

Saying goodbye to Voices! is not easy. This Toastmasters publication has been a shining example of
what has been accomplished in District 7 for over 11 years. Without Phyllis Harmon’s vision to expand
communication, and Leela Seeber’s willingness to continue the conversation, we would not have the
vast archive of Voices! today.

Many writers contributed to Voices! for over a decade. Their topics mostly focused on public speaking
and leadership, but also showcased mystery, poetry, humor, and art. We got to know more about our
members, who shared their viewpoints, challenges, and how Toastmasters inspired them beyond their
clubs.

This final issue is no different. As we say farewell, we also celebrate the accomplishments of Voices!
with an article written by District Director Dr. Gwendolyn Avington featured on page 6. Practical tips
and advice on how clubs can remain relevant in modern times is shared by our Publisher Leela Seeber
on page 12.

Many inspirational poems were contributed by Lee Coyne starting on page 10. Dynamics of Speech
and how to navigate interviews is discussed by Maria Garzia Repetto on page 16. The final chapter of a
Toastmasters mystery by Harvey Schowe is concluded on page 18.

Also, David Freedman shares a personal story that inspired his Statistical Improbabilities article fea-
tured on page 22. In addition, my final Plugged In column about The Magical Formula of Voices! is dis-
cussed on page 8. We also take a moment to pause and acknowledge the legacy of Toastmaster Todd
Kimball on page 9.

A big thank you to all the writers who shared their stories in these pages over the years. I’m also grate-
ful for our talented editorial team, including Phyllis Harmon, the original Publisher of Voices! for District
7, Leela Seeber who is our current Publisher, and Leanna Lindquist as our Associate Editor. I’m also very
grateful for our District Leadership Trio: Dr. Gwendolyn Avington, District Director, Phyllis Harmon, Pro-
gram Quality Director, and Cleon Cox, Club Growth Director.

Thank you all for supporting Voices! and helping us to highlight the achievements of Toastmasters
District 7. This publication would not have been possible without your creativity, energy, and time. As
Ralph C. Smedley once said, “We learn in the moments of enjoyment.” It’s been a great honor and joy
working with all of you as your Senior Editor.

If you have any feedback you like to share about your Voices! experiences, please contact us at voices@
d7toastmasters.org

4 Voices!