Lady Scorpions 3-2 Win!

"Soccer is the opera of the people."

Lady Scorpions 3-2 Win! Sabrina scored one of the three goals. Right now the L. Scorpions are currently in first place and if we win next week - we could be going on to Pingree!

I am not able to make the game next weekend as I will be traveling to Moncton, Canada on Wednesday June 3rd until Sunday June 7th for the Toastmasters Region Vii Conference. As the incoming District 31 Governor I will be training for my new office.

Of course my heart will be with the players as they work together as a team for a final win of the spring soccer season.

Next week are the travel tryouts too. I am hoping Sabrina moves up in her division - which will probably mean I won;t be the head coach.

GO LADY SCORPIONS!

BEAT THE CLOCK - Courage to Conquer CC Contest!

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome". Booker T. Washington

Here it is my final Educational Award Contest - created to motivate my members in District 31 to earn the last of the 51 Competent Communicators (CC's) that our District needs to make the Educational Goal and hopefully Distinguished status for the sixth (6th) year in a row!

With five weeks left in the 2008-2009 Toastmasters Year we certainly can make!

Here is the link to how our District 31 is doing and what we need to do to make our goals.

http://reports.toastmasters.org/reports_new/DistinguishedDetailReport.cfm?secondTime=1&d=31+&thisYear=2008-2009&thisMonth=5&thisDate=2009-05-29%2000:00:00.0&btnSubmitGo=+Go+

It has been an honor to serve as the 2008-2009 Lt. Governor of Education & Training (LGET)! I am really looking forward to leading and serving the district as the incoming 2009 - 2010 District 31 Governor.

If we make the educational goals I will recieve the Education in Excellence Award by the International President, Jana Barnhill, DTM at the Hall of Fame during the 2009 Toastmasters International Convention in FOXWOODS. Jana and I keep calling it a "DATE on the STAGE" and I am doing ALL I can to hold up my end of the date! After all I am using Jana's theme "COURAGE TO CONQUER" - how can that possible go wrong!

With five weeks and 51 more CC's left to go - it is time for me to send out a note to the current Division Governors to help spread the word about my final educational contest:

BEAT THE CLOCK with the "Courage To Conquer" CC Contest!!

See you at the HALL OF FAME - As I TAKE CENTER STAGE - Madam International President!!

Respectfully,
Sherri Raftery, DTM, 2009-2010 District 31 Governor Elect

Expressions Fall 2008 - Profile

http://www.emerson.edu/news/upload/Fall_08_Expression_web.pdf


Expression ... the Magazine for Alumni and Friends of Emerson College is published three times a year by the Office of Public Affairs, in conjunction with the Department of Institutional Advancement and the Office of Alumni Relations. The issues can be downloaded and viewed in PDF format using Adobe Reader.

It has been released online - the Fall 2008 Emerson Expression Magazine - Page 40 Profile

Read my story - Page 40

http://www.emerson.edu/news/upload/Fall_08_Expression_web.pdf

Growing Up Fast: Raised without parents, Sherri Raftery ’09 overcame every hurdle.


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Emerson College

http://www.emerson.edu/

Emerson College is a private university in Boston, Massachusetts that focuses on the communication arts.[1] Founded in 1880 by Charles Wesley Emerson as a "school of oratory," in Boston, Emerson's main campus is located on the southeast corner of the Boston Common, in the Boston Theatre District. It also maintains buildings in Los Angeles and the town of Well, Netherlands. Emerson owns and operates Boston's Cutler Majestic Theatre.

Emerson is "the only comprehensive college or university in America dedicated exclusively to communication and the arts in a liberal arts context." It offers over 37 degree programs in the Arts and Communication. The college is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.

THE HOME - Voices & Visions 2009

Wednesday May 27, 2009

Seaport World Trade Center200 Seaport BoulevardBoston, MA

I recieved an invitation along with a guest to attend THE HOME's 2009 Voices & Visions Annual Gala at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston. Last year 2008 - I was one of the Honoree's. I am honored to be invited back and am looking forward to meeting this years Honorees.

The Home for Little Wanderers invites you to celebrate the imaginative spirit of our children at Voices & Visions 2009, our signature fundraising event. This unique gala is the culmination of a year-long arts project throughout our many programs and features work by some of our youngest children. The theme of this year's event is Massachusetts Landscapes with a spotlight on the community, sports, cuisine, and politics of our state.

In addition to the exhibit, highlights of this special evening include a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, program, and recognition of a special honoree. Voices & Visions 2009 will honor Ronald E. Logue, chairman and CEO of State Street Corporation, for his role as a business and community leader, championing the cause of corporate philanthropy on a global scale.

http://www.thehome.org/site/PageServer?pagename=events_voices_visions

In addition to the exhibit, highlights of this special evening include a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, program, and recognition of a special honoree. Voices & Visions 2009 will honor Ronald E. Logue, chairman and CEO of State Street Corporation, for his role as a business and community leader, championing the cause of corporate philanthropy on a global scale.
Learn more about the event and how you can participate:

About 2009 Honorees - Top Photo of Ronald Bottom Photo Brett

Ronald E. Logue, chairman and CEO of State Street Corporation, is being honored for his role as a business and community leader, championing the cause of corporate philanthropy on a global scale. Under Mr. Logue’s leadership, the State Street Foundation, the company’s philanthropic arm, invested $18.8 million into communities around the world to address such issues as poverty, literacy, hunger and employability. Locally, Mr. Logue serves on various nonprofit boards, is an advocate for affordable housing and the arts, and volunteers for hands-on community service.

Brett H. Braufman Adam was a resident in various programs at The Home from age 8 to 16. A generous scholarship fund has enabled him to spend the last four years attending the prestigious Noble and Greenough School in Dedham and he will begin his college career next fall. Brett will speak about his early experiences and the role The Home has played in his achievements and dreams for his future.

Sponsorship Opportunities
Background Information
About our Honorees
2009 Sponsors
Voices for Children Committee

Voices & Visions 2008 was a spectacular success, raising $1 million to benefit The Home’s programs for children and families in need. We hope you can join us for another successful event on May 27, 2009

For questions, please contact Jamille Benson at 617-927-0682 or jbenson@thehome.org.

http://www.thehome.org/

Meet My 2009-2009 LGM Ben Lappen!

PHOTO: Sherri & Ben!

Meet Ben (Bennett) Lappen!

He is the incoming 2009-2010 District 31 Lt. Governor of Marketing and I could not be more proud! Ben was not on the nomination report even though he met with the committee - he had to run from the floor. AND gave a speech with humor, pride, conviction and enthusism and those certainly helped him win.

What more could I ask for !? Ben is young, eager, energenic and ready to get started - like YESTERDAY!.

We started off as Area Governors together in 2006 - calling ourselves "Partners in Crime" cuz we volunteered to assist in the Prison Clubs. Then I moved up to LGM and he helped on my Marketing Committee as a Division E DEMO Team Leader and assisted me the Dues Are Dues, TLI's and other projects!

Ben is currently serving as the Division E Governor and his numbers are looking great so far he has two Presidents Distinguished Clubs, four Select Distinguished and two Distinguished - Go Ben! Check it out for your self!

http://reports.toastmasters.org/reports_new/DistinguishedClubReport.cfm?secondTime=1&d=31+&thisYear=2008-2009&thisMonth=5&thisDate=2009-05-08%2000:00:00.0&btnSubmitGo=+Go+

Of course I would have welcomed either candidate on my team - especially since this was an elected officer - but it is a nice treat to be able to work with someone who is also a friend and well yeah a ...

"PARTNER IN CRIME"!

Toastfully Yours!

Madam District 31 Governor Elect

Installation of Officers!

One of my FAVORITE moments in the business meeting - but I had sooo many (even during the entire conference - and I'll share them soon!)

Photo: LGET, Sherri Raftery, DTM - soon to be DG with LGM, Bil Lewis, DTM - soon to be LGET and Division E Governor, Ben Lappen (hard to see him!) soon to be LGM and PID, PDG, Current D31 Governor, Bash Turay, DTM - installating the officers!

Bil and I are saying with saying - WE DID IT !! We are going to lead the District as the TOP TWO ranking Officers in District 31 and we are VERY HONORED!!

PHOTO: Meet my Incoming TEAM! Sherri Raftery DG, Bil Lewis, LGET, Ben Lappen, LGM and soon to be Immediate Past District Governor, Bash Turay who will be on hand to help mentor us, guide us, inspire us just as he has done since February 2009!!

PHOTO: Parade of Banners Ceremony - YES - I Carried the District 31 Banner! It was just a few short years ago when I was the Parade of Banners Coordinator - who would have predicted
that I WOULD CARRY the district flag - It was a great feeling - getting cheered on my members!

2009-2010 District 31Governor Elect!

It is OFFICICAL! I am the 2009-2010 District 31 Governor Elect - with ONE VOTE from the Sectretary - which means no one ran against me from the floor! I am VERY happy with my ONE VOTE!!

Photo: Past International Region Vii Director, Past District 31 Governor, Howard Riverson, DTM D31 Governor Elect, Sherri Raftery, DTM, current D31 Lt. Governor of Marketing and newly elected Lt. Governor of Education & Training, Bil Lewis, DTM (son of PDG, Bettye Underhille).

Giving my accepatance Speech - yah I did cry -- but who wouldn;t with a standing ovation that seems to last a VERY l o n g time - it was as if everyone wanted this MORE than I did - (Is that possible?)!!

Presenting my LGET Report

Mother of the Year!!

This just came into my email box and wanted to share the exciting news. I have been announced as MOTHER OF THE YEAR!

Almost as good as being elected the 2009-2010 District 31 Governor yesterday during my spring 2009 Conference Business Meeting!! Of course I will post more on that when my photos come in.


Dear Sherri,

Your friend Esther Paris sent you the following video from CNNBC:
"Sherri Raftery Announced as 2009 Mother of the Year."

Watch it here:

http://news.cnnbcvideo.com/?nid=z_DgSJGv6gJIVnDCfhDITzEzODgzMjUy&referred_by=16579076-KUFymbx&p=moveon

Thank you Esther - this certainly helped to bring a smile to end my Mother's Day!

District 31 Spring Conference - Sat May 9, 2009!!

District 31 Spring Conference - Sat May 9, 2009!!

Communication & Leadership Awardee Paula Lyons, M. Ed.

Keynote Speaker, 2001 WCPS, Darren LaCroix

Promo Video from Darren LaCroix
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKlobzBaUNg

http://www.district31.org/SPRING2009-Conference.htm



D31 Sping 2009 Conference Agenda
http://www.district31.org/2009-SpringConf/VisualSched-Apr29.pdf

As the D31 Lt. Governor of Education & Training it is my responsibility to plan both the fall and spring conferences for the 2008-2009 Toastmaster Year. On Saturday May 9, 2009 at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center - 181 Boston Post Road WestMarlborough, MA 01752 (508) 460-0700 District 31 Toastmasters is hosting our Spring 2009 Conference!

D31 Online Registration
http://www.district31.org/SpringConferenceRegistration.htm

I am so thrilled that we have our 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking, Darren LaCroix as our Keynote Speaker who will speak in the morning about Mentoring in the Ball Room! And Paula Lyons, M. Ed. as our Communication & Leadership Awardee - who will speak about leadership during lunch in the bright Atrium.

We are also offering Roundtables Sessions and our Hall of Fame Ceremony - where we will award five members with their Distinguished Toastmasters Medal, thirteen members with a Triple Crown Award - Crystal Glass Globe and reconginze many members who have earned educational and leadership awards as well as many volunteers who continue to contribute to District 31's success.

D31 Round Tables
http://www.district31.org/2009-SpringConf/Edsessionsflyer4-06.pdf

After Lunch we will have our Business meeting and vote on District 31 new realignment, Audit Report, Treasurer's Report, Vote on the Top Three and Seven Division Governors. This is probably the most important part of the entire D31 Spring Conference for me as I am running for the District 31 Governor's seat.

I will either be crying tears of complete happiness, or tears of unbelievable sadness. I have written out two speeches - one if anyone runs from the floor for District Governor against me and two my acceptance speech if I do win.

D31 Nomination Committee Report

http://www.district31.org/2009-SpringConf/2009_nomination_report.pdf

D31 2009 International Speech Contest!

We have seven members from each of our seven divisions competing for the D31 2009 Interntational Speech Contest only one will advance to the Region Vii Conference and compete June 6, 2009 against contestants from eight other Districts.

The winner from the Rgional Contest will advance for the chance to "Take Center Stage" on the BIG STAGE at the 2009 International Convention Speech in Foxwoods!.

Of course I will post the winner of the D31 Contest and Region Vii Contest. http://www.r7tm.org/

STAY TUNED - I will post updates from my District 31 Conference!!

If you can attend - please join us!

D31 Online Registration

http://www.district31.org/SpringConferenceRegistration.htm

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

Keynote Speaker, Darren LaCroix - 2001 World Champion of Public SpeakingKeynote Speaker • Author • Comedian

In 2001, Darren LaCroix, The World Champion of Public Speaking, outspoke 25,000 contes-tants from 14 countries to win that title. Since that victory, Darren has traveled the world demystifying the process of creating a powerful speech. He has roused audiences in faraway places like Oman, Malaysia, and Taiwan with his inspirational journey from first-rate chump to first-class champ, proving anything is possible if you are willing to work for it. Darren may have been “born without a funny bone in my body,” but he possessed the desire to learn and the willingness to fail necessary to achieve his dream. The self-proclaimed “student of comedy” is living proof that humor is a skill that can be learned.

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Communication & Leadership Awardee - Paula Lyons, M.Ed, Principal - Bates Communications, Inc.

Paula Lyons is an executive coach and senior communications consultant. Prior to joining Bates Communications in 2004, Paula earned respect and accolades as a top-rated consumer reporter and familiar face on ABC’s Good Morning America, as well as two major market television stations in Boston, WBZ TV (CBS) and WCVB-TV (ABC).

Paula is a sought-after speaker, writer, coach and media expert, who provides clients with the advice of a veteran who has experienced both sides of the podium and platform. Her background in television, radio, public speaking and performance helps the executives she coaches develop the skills to deliver powerful messages with an effective communication style.

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This came to me in my inbox today on my google alerts - looks like someone was searching for me on the web!

Talking Toastmasters Episode # 44 - with Bo Bennett and Ryan Leveque

Episode #44: Interview with Sherri Raftery on Planning a District ...

What does it take to plan a district conference? What are some of the things that go on at district conferences? Be prepared to be educated and entertained.

Sweet Soccer Star!

“Take your victories, whatever they may be, cherish them, use them, but don't settle for them.” Mia Hamm (American female Soccer Player. b.1972)

Photo: Sabrina Raftery, Lady Scorpions Soccer Team - Favorite Position - Sweeper!

ANOTHER Victory for the Lady Scorpion's Team on Saturday May 2, 2009! We won 4 - 2 and my daughter Sabrina scored three of those goals! Of course it was ALL a team effort but I must admit - I am VERY proud when I see how aggressive she can be on the field!

We will not be able to attend the soccer practices this coming week or the game on Saturday May9th - because I am the Lt. Governor of Education & Training for District 31 Toastmasters and I have been busy planning and will be hosting the D31 Spring 2009 Conference.

I am also running for the District 31 Governor seat. I wish the Lady Scorpions Luck and hope they bring us another victory and WIN the game. I am also praying that I too have a Victory for this most coverted seat in the District.

It will be an honor for me as Dr. Ralph Smedley said "TO LEAD AND TO SERVE" for my final year in the leadership track!

Proud of my Sweet Soccer Star - hope she is proud of MOM too!

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VICTORY

http://www.dictionary.net/victory

Victory \Vic"to*ry\, n.; pl. Victories. [OE. victorie, OF. victorie, victoire, F. victoire, L. victoria. See Victor.]

The defeat of an enemy in battle, or of an antagonist in any contest; a gaining of the superiority in any struggle or competition; conquest; triumph; -- the opposite of defeat.

Death is swallowed up in victory. --1 Cor. xv. 54.

God on our side, doubt not of victory. --Shak.

Victory may be honorable to the arms, but shameful to the counsels, of a nation. --Bolingbroke.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)