Privilege to Serve

By Jim Miller, DTM, District Governor

Jim Miller, DTM
2011-12 District Governor

 The coming of the summer rains marks the end of one Toastmasters year and the beginning of another. We always look forward to a new beginning with the hope for better times ahead. For me, as my term as District Governor comes to a close, it's time to reflect on the incredible experience you the members of District 84 have given me. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you, and for the lessons learned along the way.

This past year our team of District leaders has done an incredible job and displayed a devotion to Toastmaster and to the membership that is absolutely incredible. Together we faced challenges that were a bit steeper than the norm, yet our team took to the task with the betterment of our district and our membership at heart. To all the area and division governors, to all the committee chairs, from my heart and on behalf of our membership, thank you so very much. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with you.

This year, we substantially upgraded our audio / video capabilities with the addition of audio equipment and even a new set of LED stage lighting. George Kostopoulos of Oviedo Toastmasters served as our Audio / Video Coordinator (new position), and what an incredible job he did! Thank you George! All this while he took the time to visit sixty (60) clubs this year in the Club Ambassador program! Wow!

George's wife, Donna Lazarek served the district as our Sergeant-at-Arms. Donna was the key to having our rooms ready and functioning at the conferences, Toastmasters Leadership Institute, and our District Executive Committee meetings. That's a huge amount of effort for an unsung hero. Donna, we really really appreciate the work that you've done. By the way, Donna will be our new Club Ambassador Chair in the coming year.

Jack Hoyt served once again as our District Parliamentarian. You don't know how much you don't know until you're on the hot seat... Jack, thank you for keeping me and our meetings on track and in order. I learned so very much from you this year.

District Secretary Nga Nguyen is always spot on with all the administrative functions needed by the district, despite having a very busy career at Harris Corporation that demands so much time. Nga's mentor, back-up, and our Credentials Chair Judy Hayes is always there to guide, encourage, and to make sure that things go as they should. Thank you both for making life easy for us all.

Many of you know that our International Director, Dave Hollingshead is also a Vice President of Bank of America. Dave told me several times that a treasurer can make you or break you. He likes to say that "a good treasurer will keep you out of jail". I had no idea how fortunate I was when Luz Marte called me to tell me she wanted serve as District Treasurer. Certainly our committee chairs and governors all appreciate being reimbursed in a timely fashion, but unless you are a "senior" district officer you have no idea how important the office of treasurer is. Luz Marte has given us diligence, accuracy, and an inordinate amount of her time while serving the district with a smile and a perpetually positive attitude. In short, Luz is an incredibly good treasurer and a joy to be around. Thank you Luz, for making our year memorable and for keeping me "out of jail"!

Public relations has been an interest of mine for some time. I had an idea that the PRO (Public Relations Officer) should be the main coordinator of communication to the membership as well as the world outside our district. Mary Carol Holbert has given my idea life. In her former life, she was a tax attorney; there's nothing taxing about Mary Carol. Brilliant! Under her charge this year was our foray into "social media" (facebook, twitter, YouTube, etc.), the SunTalker news, the Speakers Bureau, the web site, and all those emails you receive with information from the district. She doesn't do this alone, of course; she coordinates a team of talented individuals to bring the message of the district to us all (not to mention the tireless hours she spends to make all our district events a success). What a job she has done! Thank you Mary Carol for bringing my vision to life and for going beyond. You've worked so well with not only myself, but with our two Lt Governors as well. You are an absolute delight to work with, and it's my privilege to call you my friend. We as a district are more than fortunate to have you as our incoming Lt. Governor Marketing! Success in the coming year!

Our Lt. Governor Marketing this year has been Dee Melvin. Dee brought tirelessness, organization, and a winning attitude to the position. You would be hard pressed to find someone as dedicated to the good of the membership and the district as Dee. Our challenges this year were, shall we say... more challenging than we've seen in a good long time. Dee though, is the model of perseverance. LGM (Lt. Governor Marketing) is charged with membership growth, membership retention, and club growth. We began the year with a well below average "members / clubs" ratio. We don't give much attention to that ratio, but it is really a strong indicator of the overall health of a district. We had far too many clubs that were on life support or were clubs on paper only (dead but still with us). I'm very proud to say that Dee has been the force to help us turn the corner. We are a much healthier district now than we were a year ago. Our "members / clubs" ratio is now above average. It takes a different mind set and district culture to produce the kind of health in a district that we would all like to see, and Dee is a huge factor in bringing that change to our district. Did I mention how easy she is to work with? I did not, but she sure is. She is my friend, and I don't have the words to express how much I appreciate her. Thank you, Dee! You're the best! You'll make a wonderful Lt. Governor Education & Training!

Speaking of LGET (Lt. Governor Education & Training), didn't we have a great on this year! Dennis Wooldridge is one of the most creative people I know. He brought innovation to club officer training that we haven't seen before. This is not "your father's" officer training! Dennis brought us the idea of "advanced" officer training, where experienced officers can go beyond the basics. He brought us discussion groups where we can learn from each other about subjects that are not covered "in the book". He's not finished yet, so stayed tuned and stay engaged at Toastmasters Learning Institute.

Did you attend the Spring Conference? Thank you Dennis! Our conferences just keep getting better, and that's saying a lot when they are already among the best in all of Toastmasters! I look forward to the coming year as Dennis steps up to take the leadership reins of the district as District Governor. Over the past year, the "trio" plus the PRO has worked together very closely in directing District 84. The vision has been our vision, and the effort has been a team effort. I don't know of a team that worked closer or got along better than we did, and I don't know of an individual better equipped to guide this district than Dennis Wooldridge. Thank you Dennis for an incredible year, for being my friend through the tough times and the good times, and for the opportunity to serve you as the district webmaster in the coming year. You are more than my friend, and I wish you all the success in the world.

To all the members of the district, I thank you again for the opportunity to serve you, and I look forward to continuing service to the district and to the wonderful learning opportunity that serving affords.

All the best,
Jim

Toastmasters Rebecca LaNasa crowned Ms. Florida Senior America 2012

by Patsy Heiss, ACG

Rebecca LaNasa
Ms. Florida Senior America

Zumba instructor and long-time Toastmaster Rebecca LaNasa is known in Area 62 for her enthusiasm, energy and sparkling personality, all of which made her a formidable contender in the recent Ms. Florida Senior America competition. LaNasa credits her Toastmasters training, though, as tipping the scales in her favor especially in the interview with judges.

"I give a great deal of credit to Toastmasters and the wonderful members of my club for helping me to put my best foot forward in the recent pageant," she said. "Toastmasters speaking projects have given me the ability to stand in front of an audience with confidence and poise. Evaluations helped me refine my answers to sample questions from fellow members. My successful five-minute personal interview with the pageant judges was made easier through my experiences during Table Topics in the club meetings. I definitely know Toastmasters experiences helped me win."

LaNasa, ACG, ALB, is a member of Coastmasters of Palm Coast. She first joined Toastmasters while living in Ft. Lauderdale 13 years ago. Soon after moving to Palm Coast she learned of the newly formed Coastmasters club. "I attended one of the first meetings and volunteered to become a mentor for the fledging club," she said.

"My platform is to encourage women (and everyone) to undertake a program of exercise to keep them flexible and healthy," she said. "It is never too late to start losing weight, getting your heart pumping harder and you will be amazed how much better you will feel! I was a late bloomer as far as exercise is concerned, but cannot live without it now!"

Public speaking also obviously is a passion for LaNasa, who is involved in the Youth Leadership Program being coordinated by fellow Coastmaster Valerie Clymer in Flagler County public schools. "I am…concerned about sharing the benefits of public speaking with young people." She said. "If they are able to communicate at a young age they will be many steps ahead of the pack in success."

The next stage of the contest will happen at Harrah's Casino in Atlantic City this October, where LaNasa will be in weeklong competition with ladies from throughout the nation for the title of Ms. Senior America.

Ms. Senior America is a non profit organization that salutes the accomplishments of women age 60 and over who have reached the "age of elegance."

Palm Coast Resident Advances to Semifinals of the World’s Largest Speech Contest!

Press Release By Christine Langley (VPPR, Toastmasters on the Halifax)

Ronald "Mel" Melvin wins
District 84 International Speech Contest

Ronald Melvin rose above a pool of 800 Toastmasters participants Daytona Beach, Florida — Ronald (Mel) Melvin, of Palm Coast, FL, rose above more than 800 local participants to win District 84 level of Toastmasters International Speech Contest, representing Central and Northern Florida. Mel has qualified to advance to the semifinal rounds of the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking, which will be held in Orlando, Florida, this August.

Mel, representing Toastmasters on the Halifax http://7286.toastmastersclubs.org/ in Daytona Beach, surpassed fierce competition to win the hearts of the audience and judges alike with his speech, 'Common Ground.’ The speech touched on the theme of taking responsibility to create common ground with people who are different from you. When it comes to connecting with an audience, he said, “You need to capture and speak to the audience members’ hearts.”

Eighty-seven district-level winners from around the world advanced to the semifinal round after a six-month process of elimination through Club, Area, and District speech competitions. Their five-to-seven-minute speeches were judged on content, organization, gestures, and style.

“Toastmasters speech contests are a way to gain speaking experience and an opportunity for other Toastmasters to learn by observing proficient speakers,”says Melvin. “I am looking forward to meeting new people and speaking on a much larger stage in Orlando!”

Mel is an instructor at CMEL, a training facility teaching management skills to FAA personnel in Palm Coast, FL. He joined Toastmasters to become a better speaker and leader at work and in the community. Besides his membership at Toastmasters On The Halifax, Mel also belongs to two other Toastmasters Clubs: Coastmasters of Palm Coast, and the Accelerated Pacesetters.

The Toastmasters International Speech Contest is the world’s largest speech contest comprising 30,000 participants in 116 countries. It concludes at the organization’s 2012 International Convention, held Aug. 15-18, in Orlando, Florida, at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort. The semifinals take place Aug. 16, where nine finalists will emerge. The nine finalists will compete again two days later, on Aug. 18, for the title of Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking.

To learn more about Toastmasters’ 2012 International Convention, and obtain a complete schedule of events, including keynote presentations, skill-building seminars and international speech contests, visit www.toastmasters.org/Members/Convention.aspx.

About District 84
District 84 is one of 87 districts, which comprises nearly 200 corporate and community clubs in Central and Northern Florida. To learn more about District 84 please visit: http://www.toastmastersd84.org/

About Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Founded in October 1924, the organization currently has more than 270,000 members in 13,000 clubs in 116 countries. Each week, Toastmasters helps more than a quarter million people of every ethnicity, education and profession build their competence in communication so they can gain the confidence to lead others. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org.

Eva Mae Brinson Takes First Place in Table Topics Competition at Spring Conference

by Paul Peterzell, DIstrict 84 Reporter’s Chair

L-R  Tony Salvagio, Eva Mae Brinson,
Dominique O'Connor

For 12 years as a Toastmaster, Eva Mae Brinson never thought she would get this far as a district level contestant in the Table Topics Competition. Eva gets good practice every week at her home club, Lockheed Martin Toastmasters. She has been a DTM since 2009, and she decided to compete because she was no longer a district officer. She originally joined Toastmasters in 2000. Eva Mae is no stranger to leadership in Toastmasters. She most recently served as Division E Governor, also was Area Governor for Area 53 two different times, and Fall Conference Chair in 2010. Eva Mae had some tough competition to get to the District contest. “Eric Butler and I competed against each other at the club level and he was a division champion previously. I was shocked when I beat him,” Eva Mae commented. When asked how she prepared for the District competition, she said, “My strategy was to buy time for the first 30 seconds. I repeat the table topics question, but this one was too long, so I filled in with things I know.” The question was “You are an Archaeologist on a dig in the year 2525 and find this object (a staple remover). What do you think it is and what do you think it was used for?” So Eva Mae started out with her usual humor and said “Let me Google it.” "It’s important to use humor”, Eva Mae stated. She went on to say “Humor is the attention getter. Humor is what people remember.” Eva Mae’s proudest moment was when she was announced as the winner and was presented with the trophy. She admitted that the competition was fierce and everyone did a great job. “I’m elated that I won,” Eva Mae said. For Table Topics, the top level of competition is the District Table Topics Speech Contest.

Honey, I Shrank the Conference Book!

Guests at the District 84 “Things to Come” Spring Conference probably noticed that the conference book shrank in size from previous years, going from an 81/2 x 11 inch format to a 6 x 9 inch format. However, the consensus was this was a change for good!

2012 Spring Conference Book Cover

The smaller books have two huge advantages for District 84 Conference Attendees. First, they are easier to carry around than the bigger books we have used in the past, making them a far more portable reference resource to keep handy throughout the event. Second, they allow the District to maintain a high quality, professional looking book at a price-point that doesn't break the bank. District 84 works very hard to keep the costs of attending District Conferences at a minimum, while delivering maximum value to our membership. The new, smaller conference book format delivers on all fronts!

Kudos to Dennis Wooldridge, DTM, Lt. Governor Education & Training and District 84 Governor-Elect for all his work pulling the Things to Come Conference Book together this year. Dennis was responsible for most of the graphic art (like that fabulous cover!) and page layout, which was no small task, particularly with everything else on his plate for the Spring Conference.

When asked to describe his experience compiling the book, Dennis laughs. “Other than mind-numbing?” In a more serious vein, he admits, “It took a solid week of work to get it ready to send to DiggyPod, our printer.”

However, he's quick to add that he had valuable help in his endeavors. “Jim Miller put together several pages for the book, which certainly took some of the pressure off me.”

Good thing for District 84 that our current LGET is not only multi-talented and apparently tireless; but also an unabashedly self-confessed SciFi Geek… the end product was out of this world!

This is the second year that we have used DiggyPod to print our books. Their production quality and turn around time was once again outstanding. Here's hoping this is the start of a beautiful friendship.

If you missed the conference, this year's “Things to Come” conference book was once again full colored, glossy-covered, and information-packed. The 56 pages included everything from welcoming remarks for our District and Conference leadership, to conference event location layouts, to Awards Recognition, to Conference Agendas. Ads were interspersed throughout the book, all in color.

“We always learn lessons, and already plan to make improvements for next year,” Dennis says. “Next year, we'll issue guidelines that should help advertisers understand how to design ads specifically for the smaller space.”

As we move forward, selling ads for future publications should become easier and easier. Clearly, potential advertisers will recognize we're selling space in a premium program: one that will undoubtedly become a permanent memento for most conference attendees.

This year's Things to Come Conference Book proves that some of the best things come in small packages!

It’s Not Easy Being Green

by Mary Carol Holbert, DTM

Christine Bryant &
Mary Carol Green Holbert

I have a whole new appreciation for actors who have to be made up for their roles in television, movies, and the theatre. I’ve always read about the time it takes for some people to be transformed into exotic characters, but now I have first-hand experience.

From the time we learned our District 84 2012 Fall conference theme would be SciFi, I knew I wanted to be an alien for the event. I had visions of some exotic, never-before-encountered species, and wanted to find an artist who could do face/body paint to transform me into such a creature. However, I didn’t realize how difficult it was to find someone to make that happen!

It turns out that you can easily find people who will do face-painting for events (parties, conferences, special events), but finding someone who will work with individual clients was much harder. I had combed the internet, and made numerous calls before I found one artist who, while unable to help me herself, was kind enough to refer another artist to me.

When Christine D. Bryant called to offer her make-up services, I was thrilled! Christine has been doing face and body painting for several years now, initially honing her craft at Disney before venturing out in her own business. (She also works in other mediums, creating drawings and paintings as well as body art.)

“I’ve never done an alien,” she said. “I’d love to create something for you!” With those words, the deal was made, and I had an artist to transform me into something out of this world.

The process was labor-intensive. Christine brought her box of artist’s colors, all specially made for applying to skin, and (thankfully!) soap and water soluble! She applied layer after layer of color: first teal, then a neon green, then another green – all blended together to highlight angles, bones, and facial features. Then, she drew and outlined spots, until I definitely looked more alien than human!

In some ways, the process reminded me of what happens in Toastmasters all the time, as we apply what we learn about the craft of public speaking to our speech projects. Each project is like another layer of paint, blending with the ones we’ve already laid as our foundation. We build upon a base, step by step, until our speaking skills are transformed, and we find ourselves changed. Happily, the new communication and leadership skills we gain won’t rinse off in the shower!

I have to agree with Kermit: it’s not easy being green! It took four and a half hours, and one very talented artist, to transform me into an exotic, white-spot-dappled, teal-green alien, but the end effect was worth every minute! I had a blast!

I enjoyed working with Christine – she’s fantastic! I found both the body-painting process and the end result fascinating!

Again, I can relate that experience to what we go through in Toastmasters. Granted, it takes a little longer than four and a half hours to transform ourselves into confident, inspiring public speakers and leaders, but if we enjoy our educational process, we’ll reach the next level soon enough! We can build our confidence with Toastmasters!

We can become more than we thought we could be, layer by layer, skill by skill. It simply takes desire, application, and time.

And if you feel the need to let your inner alien (or geisha, character, animal, monster, or fantastic creature) out, by all means, contact Christine! [Check out her work on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christine.d.bryant]

Aliens, The Federation, Space Farers, & Courageous Floridians Converge in Lake Mary!

On May 18th, Toastmasters District 84 went Interstellar!

Vader's Angels - Kathy, Nancy & Jessica!

Aliens traveling from across the known and unknown galaxies crossed paths with representatives from The Federation and other humanoid space farers at the Westin Hotel in Lake Mary, Florida. As those gathered deliberated, ‘Things to Come' – a Toastmasters International District 84 Conference – broke out!

And what a Conference it was…

Guests were welcomed by Men in Black, where they were issued their IDs for the event. Who knew we had Alien, as well as Earth, names?? Way cool…

The lobby of the Westin Hotel was a hub of activity, as citizens of the universe mingled, met, and greeted one another. The Universal Translator worked perfectly – as might be expected from a Toastmasters event, communication was stellar! (Apologies to the four-footed canines passing through – their language was apparently not uploaded into our translator. Happily, there were no growls about the oversight.)

Conference attendees had plenty to see and do upon arrival. There were raffle tables on display beside the registration area, voting members were able to register at the credentials table, and down the hall there were exciting sponsorship tables to peruse. Aliens and Earthlings alike participated in a costume contest held in the lobby, which attracted attention from Toastmasters as well as a considerable crowd of non-(but perhaps potential!?)-Toastmasters passing through.

Yes, although it was only Friday afternoon, District 84 was well on its way to where no Toastmaster Conference had gone before! And there were many more “Things to Come”!

Our intrepid Conference Chair, Kathleen Kershaw, was a woman of many faces throughout the event, appearing at various times as Judy Jetson, Princess Leia, Trinity, Starfleet Science Officer Kathleen M. Kershaw, and as a “Logan's Run” character in a sequined eveningwear ‘toga'. Cher would be envious of the sheer quantity of costume changes Kathy managed to squeeze into 36 hours! However, even more impressive were her creativity, organization, and leadership skills, contributing to the unqualified success of the conference.

Our “Things to Come” opening video, written by Crawl Contest Winner Michael Burridge (Twilight Club), followed by Fred Moore magically materializing District 84 Governor Jim Miller and Conference Chair Kathleen “Trinity” Kershaw onstage, put everyone in high gear for the night's festivities. We cheered our clubs by Division via a crisp, military-like banner processional.

Aliens and Humanoids feasted together, before being treated to a thoroughly delightful Table Topics Speech Contest. Ellen Little served as Contest Chair, or perhaps she was a clone? From a planet of all Ellen Little look-alikes, our Contest Chair first entertained us, and then deftly led us through the evening, with help from Paula Summa, our Chief Judge, and all our functionaries.

(You can see our Table Topics Contestants perform on our District 84 YouTube Channel.) We all felt like winners, just watching the contest!

Next up, we had Galactic Magic with Fred Moore, who amazed and mystified even the most hardened Klingons and skeptical Vulcans in the audience. Blending humor and magic, our Key Note Speaker took us to infinity and beyond with his performance.

Then, it was time to announce the Table Topics Contest champions. Eva Mae Brinson won the evening, with second place going to Dominque O'Connor, and third place to Tony Salvagio.

Everyone adjourned to Quark's Bar, the Mos Eisley Cantina, and Ten Forward, where Intergalactic meeting, greeting, and mingling continued until the wee hours of the morning.

Saturday morning found Starfleet Academy in full swing, with Toastmasters choosing among 17 educational classes on offer. This conference placed an emphasis on adult educational training, encouraging attendee participation, specialized activities, and co-learning. Additionally, trainers were urged to offer some form of follow-up to session attendees.

Between classes and in free time, Toastmasters could stop by the Sponsor Tables, pick up 50/50 tickets, enter the raffle or bid in a ‘silent auction', or simply catch up with old and new friends.

We had an awards luncheon, where we recognized our member's educational accomplishments, Club Ambassadors, Things to Come contest winners, Club Officer Training awards, and multiple Club Membership contest winners. District 84 Toastmasters have much to be proud of! “Well done!” to everyone who earned an award!

Saturday afternoon was time for the District Council, and Toastmasters got very busy. We achieved the quorum necessary to conduct District Council business. Elections were held for Division Governors, Lt. Governor Marketing, Lt. Governor Education and Training, and District Governor to lead us through 2012-2013.

Those not involved with the District Council Meeting could attend special afternoon Starfleet Academy classes if they wished. However, any Toastmaster could attend the business meeting, even though only credentialed Council members were allowed to vote.

Saturday evening saw the entire Galactic Assembly decked out in their evening finery, and once again, District 84 Toastmasters cleaned up very, very well! We feasted, and then we really feasted!

International Speech Contest Master Jessica Guthrie was masterful as she guided us through the evening's main event. Leave no doubt, the District 84 2012 International Speech Contest was definitely ‘Out of this World! The brightest stars in our D84 Galaxy were in their element, electrifying the assembly with their performances.

(Those performances will soon be on our D84 YouTube platform. Watch for them – you won't want to miss these incredible speeches!)

Each conference, District 84 holds a very special event to recognize those Toastmasters who have earned “Distinguished Toastmaster” (DTM) status. That event is the DTM Walk. All the current DTMs line up in two parallel lines, and music starts to play. Each new DTM is awarded a medal from the District Governor, one at a time. Once having received that precious medal, the new DTM walks (with lots of stops for hugs, kisses, & well-wishes) down the District's most distinguished aisle. It's a walk every Toastmasters can and should take one day!

The DTM Walk was followed by the Installation of Officers, presided over by our Immediate Past District 84 Governor, Scott Hoehn. First, our 2012-2013 Division Governors-Elect were installed. Those officers were: Division A Governor / Valerie Baham; Division B Governor / Cedric Ching; Division C Governor / Marjorie Benjamin; Division D Governor / Colette Clifton; Division E Governor / Tara Gilmore; Division F Governor / Larry Shivertaker / Division G Governor / Harry Fix; and Division H Governor / Louis Sloan.

The 2012-2013 District Trio were next installed: Lt. Governor Marketing-Elect Mary Carol Holbert; Lt. Governor Education & Training-Elect Dee Melvin; & District Governor-Elect Dennis Wooldridge. All new officers will assume their roles on July 1, 2012. Until that time, the current officers will continue to serve our D84 Galaxy – their year is not up yet!

Our outgoing District 84 Governor, Jim Miller, addressed the assembly for a final farewell (see his article above!), before introducing the District 84 Governor-Elect, Dennis Wooldridge.

Dennis spoke of how he had been influenced early on by two diverse visionaries: Gene Roddenberry, with his optimistic view of our future; and John Kennedy, with his belief in man's capacity to accomplish the impossible.

“They inspired me to walk a little longer, climb a little higher, and reach a little further.”

“In Toastmasters,” Dennis said, “The principles are the same. We set challenging goals for ourselves that cause us to dig down into those resources deep inside each of us, and reach beyond where we would otherwise go, as we head into the future.”

Paraphrasing from one of Kennedy's most famous speeches, our District Governor-Elect continued, “We choose to do these things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard; because these goals will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills; because these challenges are ones that we are willing to accept, ones we are unwilling to postpone, and ones which we intend to master.”

He held out a hand to the assembly. “Together, let us reach down inside, walk a little longer, climb a little higher, and reach a little further!”

District 84 Toastmasters responded enthusiastically, the entire galactic assembly primed for the true stars of the evening: the winners of the 2012 District 84 International Speech Contest!

Third Place went to Rodney Brown, and Mykal Kvenberg took Second Place, both accepting their trophies from District Governor Jim Miller to thunderous applause. The crowd began the traditional drumroll, as anticipation built. When Ronald (Mel) Melvin was proclaimed the 2012 District 84 International Speech Champion, the room roared its approval.

District 84's first Interstellar Conference a huge success, the only thing left to do was return to Quark's Bar, the Mos Eisley Cantina, and Ten Forward to celebrate! Delegates from across known space would spend one last night with their favorite aliens and earthlings (friends both old and new), and make plans to meet again for Spring 2013's “The Orient Express” Conference at the Lake Mary Marriott Hotel!

Did someone just say “All aboard!...” ?