Greetings and salutations!

It's been a busy week. I've sent off some supply orders to TI and got lots of other "administrative" stuff done.

Two exciting initiatives have taken shape this past week ...

First, our LGET Tim really wanted to see the Advanced Toastmasters Bootcamp take off around the District this year, after the success Edmonton had in hosting it last year. Elaine, who did her HPL on this project, has very kindly agreed to act as the District Coordinator for this initiative. We hope to host 6 Advanced Toastmaster Bootcamps in November after the Fall Conference. The idea is that members, from brand new all the way to those working on Advanced Communicator and Leadership goals will have an opportunity to create a "roadmap" to their own success in this interactive workshop. Watch for details coming from your Division and Area Governors!

Second, thanks to our LGM Greg who has come up with the great idea of "borrowing" from D19 (Iowa) Toastmasters - it's an idea called SmartCraft. The premise is that a team of people in each Division will be available to go out to low member clubs, conduct a workshop that will assist in each club taking ownership of their own membership goals. We are truly blessed that Judy from Airdrie, Past District 21 Governor and Past International Director, has agreed to be our District SmartCraft Coordinator. She has some fabulous ideas. We're hoping that this will help fill the void by our having too few club coaches for low member clubs.

Your PRO Keith has been busy looking into some advertising opportunities in some of your communities. Who knows where you might see Toastmasters advertised in the coming months!!

You have a great team of people working on your behalf!!

One of my greatest joys is hearing from members, whether by phone or my email. Today I was overjoyed to have a great chat with Sam from Jacobs Global Village in Calgary. Every time I hear from Sam, whether by phone or email, it puts a smile on my face. And if you want a great laugh, you really need to correpond with James from Pason Presenters - he had me splitting a gut! And just last week I was corresponding with Martin, our District and Region IV International Speech Contest winner, who will be representing us at the Calgary International Convention - Martin always manages to inspire me. I love the emails, the phone calls ... just to be in touch with you, whether you're an Area Governor with a question or a member who wants an article for your newsletter; I truly do appreciate each and every bit of contact I have with you.

It truly is a blessing to serve as your District Governor. It's you, the members, that will make this year a special one for me. Thank you so much!

I'm going to be off-blog for a few days as I take a bit of time to read and relax. I hope each of you has a wonderful week. I'll be back blogging next week.

Until then, cheers my friends!
Joan