An open letter to all District 53 Toastmasters
from Joseph G. Carney, DTM
Distinguished District 53, 1996/97

Fellow Toastmasters, let me congratulate all of you that help make District 53 a Distinguished District again for the fourth year in a row. Though the efforts of all our members wanting to learn and grow through Toastmasters, the District met or exceeded all of its assigned goals. A personal "thank you" fromn me to everyone who made this possible.

We started this year with 100 clubs in our district and finished with an official total of 104 and a base total of 109 clubs. Our membership base has grown to over 4210 proud Toastmasters. Over 150 of members earned the title of Competent Toastmaster (CTM), 23 members earned their Advanced Toastmaster's (ATM's), and six of our members earned the highest distinction Toastmasters offers, that of Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM.) Congratulations to all of these members that have taking advantage of what Toastmasters offers: the chance to grow.

My term as District Governor for'96/'97 was a fantastic growth opportunity for me also. To have the distinction to work with a great team of district officers, Division and Area governors was most rewarding. To have a team that works together and understands the goals of our district and makes those goals a reality was an honor for me.

Thanks to all of you for making District 53 a Distinguished District; a District that was recognized as one of the top 23 districts in the world at the Toastmasters International Convention in New Orleans, LA in August.

Remember these words from the mission statement of Toastmasters International:
...Through its members clubs, Toastmasters international helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking -- vital skills that promote self actualization, enhance leadership potential,foster human understanding, and contributes to the betterment of mankind."

I believe these words and believe District 53 has lived up to this mission statement in the'96/'97 Toastmasters year.

A Distinguished District
( l to r, LGET Arnie Grot, DG Joseph Carney,
and LGM Nelson Ayala )

Again congratulations and many thanks to everyone in District 53 who helped make District 53 a Distinguished District again; a district that is respected worldwide in our organization.; a district that meets the goals of its members and believes in Dr. Smedely's dream.