2009-2010 District 31 Governor!

As the incoming District 31 Governor my theme for the 2009-2010 Toastmaster year is

"TAKE CENTER STAGE" ... because I believe the more you "TAKE CENTER STAGE" the better speaker and better leader you will become!
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader". John Quincy Adams

This is a famous quote and it was sent to me in the form of a card by International Director, T. S. who wanted to show his support on my election to the District 31 Governor seat! It is greatly appreciated!

Today is my first day on my 365 day journey as the 2009-2010 District 31 Governor - which begins on July 1, 2009 and ends on June 30, 2010. I wanted to post more today about being elected to the District Governor seat and add more testimonials - but I must keep this short.

I think that I will begin this Toastmaster year with posting my district duties to keep a time line.

Today I ordered Area & Division Governor Badges, Signed the Hilton Hotel contract for our 09/10Conferences as well as the deposit check. I also worked on the District 31 calendar and plan to send it into WHQ tomorrow.

See some comments by my fellow TM's below - I will post more and add as the year goes along.

I highly recommend the leadership track !

"TAKE CENTER STAGE"!

---------

"Congratulations on your election as district governor --so well deserved". GayleGolden Golden, Early Risers Club


"I love your logo for the next conference. That is what it is all about isn't it?
Congratulations on all you do". Susan Guild, ACBronze, Lexington Club


"Hi Sherri, Well Congratulations!!! On your election to the top post. You have put inthe time and effort and have done an excellent job with Toastmasters"!!! Don Saracen, Advanced Orators

2008-2009 D31 Outgoing LGET

"To Lead is to Serve" Dr. Ralph Smedley - Founder of Toastmasters Today is my final day as the Lt. Governor of Education & Training and this weekend at the Hail & Farwell Back Yard B.B.Q. BASH - the outgoing District 31 Governor, Bash Turay, DTM, PID pinned me with the incoming District 31 Governor pin! I pinned my incoming Lts. Bil Lewis, DTM who will serve as the incoming LGET and Ben Lappen with the incoming LGM.

I also earned my SECOND DTM on the final day of the 2009-2010 Toastmasters Year - which runs from June 30, 2008 - July 1, 2010.
This really has been an amazing year! District 31 made the Educational Goals and will be award the 2008-2009 "Excellence in Education & Training" award at the HALL OF FAME during the 2009 Toastmasters International Convention!

I am ready to lead the District - and my term begins July 1, 2009 - I will post my theme and kinds words and testimonials from members in my District.

In Memory of Michael Jackon - Part II

Last nite I watched The Jacksons: An American Dream (1992) on television. I think my favorite part or most memorable part was when Berry Gordy pointed out to Michael that "Songs are stories" - when "YOU SING A SONG - YOU ARE TELLING A STORY"! As a Toastmaster I am taught that when I give a speech - I should share a personal story.

Michael was an amazing artist that could tell MANY STORIES thru his voice, music, performances, costumes, props - he had the WHOLE package. I bet he had more music to share - more stories to tell.

I have been reminded of his music these past several days while driving in my colbalt blue Aveo with the FM radio on. The list of Michael Jackson's hit songs are continuous as the Boston stations replay them over and over. I must admit I really do like most in fact perhaps ALL of the songs/stories that I have heard him sing.

His songs/stories are told in ways that have changed the course of the music industry. Michaels songs/stories are a timeline to my journey from the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and 2000's.

There are so many view points on MJ - but for me - I guess I want to remember you for your gifts that you shared with us - YOUR songs/stories YOU told us - especially the ones that make me laugh, cry, sing and dance and smile.

I want to thank you for touching my heart, lifting me up and entertaining me. In Memory of Michael Jackson - God Speed!

Berry Gordy - Founder of Motown - Copyright 2009 Kevin Winter / Getty Images

Berry Gordy on Michael Jackson: 'He Was Like My Son'

Motown founder Berry Gordy opens up to ET about the loss of Michael Jackson, and shares his fond memories about the legendary King of Pop.

"I had no concern about his ability to go to the top," Gordy says. "He was like my son. He had warmth, sensitivity and two personalities."

"Michael was and will remain one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived," Gordy tells ET. "When he was not on stage, he was loving, respectful and shy. When he WAS on stage, he was so in charge you would not believe he was the same person. I extend my sympathies to Joe, Katherine and the entire Jackson family. My prayers are with them."

Read more http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/06/75766/

Michael Jackson with his baby Prince Michael Jackson

The Jackson Five on Sonny & Cher

NEVERLAND RANCH - California

-------------

Berry Gordy - Founder of Motown

http://www.answers.com/topic/berry-gordy (read more this link)

The founder of Motown Records, Berry Gordy did what many people of his time believed could never be done: he brought Black music into millions of White Americans' homes, helping both Black artists and their culture gain acceptance, and opening the door for a multitude of sucessful Black record executives and producers.

Though the music of Motown was not as raw or edgy as other R&B labels, such as Chess and Stax, the songs that were written, produced, and released from "Hitsville USA" comprise some of the most enduring, sophisticated and popular music of our time. Influential artists such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and Smokey Robinson were all discovered and their talents fostered by Berry Gordy. Motown groups like the Four Tops, the Supremes and the Temptations are regarded as some of the best vocal groups ever to record. Even now, years after Gordy sold the company, the reputation of excellence he forged at Motown continues to stay with the famous label.

In Memory of Michael Jackson

The Jackson Five - 1966

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson 1982

Michael Jackson 1991

Michael Jackson 1988

Michael Jackson May 2000

Michael Jackson 1997

The Jackson Five 1978

The Jackson Five - 1960's

Michael Jackson 2000

-----------------------

In memory of Michael

Like Generation X'ers I grew up with Michael Jackson's music. It is very sad to note that Michael has passed on - He was amazingly gifted as a musical writer, singer, performer, dancer, creator.

---------------

http://news.google.com/news?um=1&ned=us&hl=en&q=photos+of+Michael+Jackson

http://www.mtv.com/specials/michaeljackson/

-----------------------

Definitions of michael jackson on the Web:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&defl=en&q=define:michael+jackson&ei=jdFISvvBF4v6MY3Z5KsC&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title

Jackson: United States singer who began singing with his four brothers and later became a highly successful star during the 1980s (born in 1958) wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
Michael Jackson or Mike Jackson or Mick Jackson may refer to: * Michael Jackson (born 1958), American pop musician, songwriter, dancer and entertainer * Mike and Michelle Jackson (born 1946), Australian children's singer, songwriter, musician, radio show host * Mick Jackson (singer) (born 1947 ...en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jackson_(disambiguation)

Michael Joseph Jackson (born August 29, 1958) is an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. ...en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jackson

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&defl=en&q=define:Jackson+Five&ei=adFIStSMF4zUMqSmnLMK&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title

The Jackson 5 (also spelled The Jackson Five or The Jackson 5ive, and later known as The Jacksons) were an American popular music family group ...en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackson_Five

Farwell to Farrah Fawcett

Famous Farrah Fawcett Poster!

Ryan O'Neal (long time on again/off again boyfriend) and Farrah Fawcett

It is sad to note that we must finally say Farwell to Farrah Fawcett. I grew up seeing her famous poster on friends walls - no I personally never owned one - admiring a woman in a bathing suit - I preferred seeing John Travolta. I did enjoy the Charlie's Angles' TV Series - never the outfits (or lack of) or clothes - but for the "who dunit" parts and that females could be more than mothers, homemakers and wives.

The Buring Bed was amazing!

Farrah entertained MANY of us men and woman during your television years - 70's, 80's.

Thanks for the amazing memories.


-------------------------------

Farrah Fawcett Dies of Cancer at Age 62
PopEater

Farrah Fawcett, the actress who shot to worldwide fame thanks to her role in 'Charlie's Angels' and other Hollywood ventures along the way, has passed away after a long battle with cancer. She was 62 years old.
"After a long and brave battle with cancer, our beloved Farrah has passed away. Although this is an extremely difficult time for her family and friends, we take comfort in the beautiful times that we shared with Farrah over the years and the knowledge that her life brought joy to so many people around the world," her longtime partner Ryan O'Neal said in a statement.

The 'Charlie's Angels' star -- who was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006 -- had recently been hospitalized again before succumbing to the illness.
A friend of the actress told PEOPLE, "There was a moment last week when she was supposed to be released and was going home but things changed."
Earlier in the week, O'Neal told '20/20' that he had proposed and hoped to marry her before she died.


Fawcett is survived by O'Neal and their son, Redmond.


Fawcett's career spans several decades. She got her start in the early '70s, scoring a key role in 'Myra Breckinridge' in 1970. In the following years, she tied the knot with actor Lee Majors, and in 1976 landed jobs in both 'Logan's Run' as well as 'Charlie's Angels.' Along with Jaclyn Smith and Kate Jackson, 'Angels' drew a whopping 23 million fans per week.

Though she lasted just one season as a regular character on 'Angels,' the success of the show made her a worldwide star. Her infamous red bathing suit pin-up poster still holds a record with 12 million copies sold.

http://www.popeater.com/television/article/farrah-fawcett-dies/543865?icid=webmailwbml-aoldl1link1http%3A%2F%2Fwww.popeater.com%2Ftelevision%2Farticle%2Ffarrah-fawcett-dies%2F543865

Moving UP Ceremony - St. Pius V.

http://www.stpiusvschool.org/

Catholic values, fundamental skills, critical thinking, technology, and the fine arts ...promoting personal responsibility, appreciation for diversity, family involvement, a spirit of unity, and Christian stewardship

L-R Sabrina & Sherri Raftery - St. Pius V. parking lot



Sabrina & Sherri Raftery - St. Pius V. - Fith grade

Sabrina Raftery - St. Pius V. School

It is time to MOVE UP - say good by to elementary school, 5th grade and the plaid jumper and say hello to middle school, sixth grade and the grey skirt. At 10:00 AM Friday June 19, 2009 in the St. Pius V. Church Sabrina will Move UP and all the students will be promoted. I know I will cry like I do every year.

I am amazed that six years have passed us by. We stand eye to eye now - even though we DON'T see eye to eye. I suppose that will take a few more years before we can do that!


I am proud of her! Good luck during the next three years of middle school - then it is off to high school - where ever that may be...

Five More Days of Fifth Grade!

It is not that I didn;t know this day was coming or that I didn;t know it WOULD be here. BUT on Friday June 19th Sabrina will be completing FIFTH GRADE - that is right Five More Days of FIFTH GRADE!

Sarah Endorf, Sabrina Raftery, Sherri Raftery on our trip to Freemont, Nebrask for the 2008 Orphan Train Celebration - I was invited by Sarah's mother Charlotte.

Sabrina Raftery in the cockpit with the Captain on our way to from Boston to Freemont, Nebrask to speak on the Orphan Trains.

Sabrina on Andy at Indian Rock Stables in Saugus during her riding lesson.

Sabrina Raftery - Second Grade Communion Party on Betty the Pony from Indian Rock Stables in Saugus, MA - up at Breakheart Reservation.
Sabrina - I think she is about five years old in this photo which I made into a Christmas Card

I can barely believe that Sabrina will be completing fifth grade on Friday June 19, 2009. I plan on attending her "MOVING UP" Ceremony to the Sixth Grade and then taking her to lunch to celebrate! She has been at St. Pius V. School since Kindergarten - and my hope is to keep her there until she graduates from the 8th grade.

This is her final week in her plaid jumper, matching plaid neck tie, yellow peterpan collar shirt and blue knee high socks. The Sixth, Seventh and Eighth graders girls wear grey skirts, white shirts, blue vests and knee high socks - although she can wear blue - she insists she will wear grey - she has had enough of the BLUE socks!

I know that change has come. She is ready for Middle School. She has lost two more baby teeth this past week and yes the tooth fairy did come. Just like the dentist predicted she will probably have her braces by the time she is twelve. I am just part of this amazing daughter's journey through her baby, childhood and tween and soon to be teen years.

I admit being a mother comes with mix emotions but always praying for the best outcome. I wonder where the time went, the days, the months, the years - but here it is Five More Days of Fifth Grade!