Happy 98-Years Toastmasters!

Happy 98 Years Toastmasters! 

Toastmasters International turned 98 which means it is almost 100 years old! 

www.toastmasters.org

Dr. Sherri Raftery, DTM-4, PDG & Dr. Ralph Smedley 

  "Ours is the only organization I know dedicated to the individual, we work together to bring out the best in each of us and then we apply these skills to help others." - Dr. Ralph Smedley

"While most of us may have entered Toastmasters to learn to make speeches, that benefit is but the beginning of the good which may come to us and the good which we may do for mankind." - Dr. Ralph Smedley

Dr. Sherri holding the Toastmasters International Flag.

 "We learn best in moments of enjoyment" - Dr. Ralph Smedley

I have been in Toastmasters since 2005 and have enjoyed my journey in the speaking, competing, leadership tracks. One of my favorite quotes is from our first female international president Helen Blanchard. 

"If you get all you can out of Toastmasters, you'll never get out of Toastmasters 

 - Helen Blanchard 1985-86 International President

See story links below.

In Memory of Helen Blanchard, Toastmasters International President, 1985–1986 — Toastmasters District 58 (toastmasters-d58.org)

Helen Blanchard, 86, was first woman accepted into Toastmasters - The San Diego Union-Tribune (sandiegouniontribune.com)

 

Smedley Chapter One Advanced Club - Celebrating 98 Years of Toastmasters!

Photo L-R: Dr. Sherri Raftery, DTM-4, PDG & 

Dr. Ralph Smedley - Founder of Toastmasters International 

Smedley Chapter One Advanced Club is celebrating 98 Years of Toastmasters Since October 22, 1924.

“A speech without a specific purpose is like a journey without a destination.”
-- Ralph C. Smedley

 

Groundbreaking Ceremony Phase 2 East Boston Piers Park

Groundbreaking Ceremony Phase 2 East Boston Piers Park

Boston City Council Gabriel (GiGi) Colletta with Dr. Sherri

 Today October 14, 2022, at 2PM-EST there was a Groundbreaking Ceremony for Phase 2 of East Boston's Piers Park with Massport, Boston Politicians, Members of the Council, and Boston Mayor Michelle Woo. This is such an exciting event and opportunity to continue to build parks with open space right in front of the East Boston Harbor. The speakers who made us laugh, clap, and appreciate all who devote their time to making the city better place for all to enjoy.

Community Activist, Margaret Famer, Boston Mayor Michelle Woo, 

Dr. Sherri, Boston City Council GiGi Colletta

#EastBostonPiersPark

Former City 1 Council Sal Lamattina, with Aides of Representative Madaro, and my neighbor. 

Dr. Sherri, Community Activist Mary Beringer, 

Representative Adrian Madaro at the Groundbreaking Ceremony.

Dr. Sherri & Pat Capogreco

This is exciting for me because it is right in my neighborhood. I was enjoying hearing the speeches from those who were at the lectern. Some of the very same people who were there in December 2013 when we gather for the groundbreaking Topping Off Ceremony for Portside at Pier when former Boston Mayor Thomas Menino was leading Boston. It brought back memories for me when I was the former East Boston Chamber Executive attending many ceremonies, ribbon cuttings, and supporting local businesses. Those were wonderful times, and it is awesome to see continued revitalization practices for the next generation to enjoy!

2022 Mentoring & Parenting Teens Summit - Featured Guest Speaker!

2022 Mentoring & Parenting Teens Summit 

Featured Guest Speaker!

Mentoring and Parenting Teens Summit (Unlimited Potential Network) (upna.net)

Thank you, Toastmaster, Sensi Dave Armstrong. I am so honored to be speaking at the "Mentoring & Parenting Teens Summit" on Sunday June 26, 2022 at 3PM - (EST-USA).

I will be sharing my research and dissertation "Foster Youth Mentorship Programs in Higher Education!" By increasing foster youth chances in college we can help decrease their chances of incarceration.

Register at this link:

 Mentoring and Parenting Teens Summit (Unlimited Potential Network) (upna.net)

 

 Photo: Dr. Sherri Raftery - Standing at the Toastmasters International Convention Lectern

Dr. Sherri Raftery

Dr. Sherri Raftery (RAF TUR REE) earned her doctorate in Education Leadership in Higher Education May 2022 from Endicott College. Dr. Sherri's Dissertation "Foster Youth Mentorship Programs in Higher Education" will be published this year too. Dr. Sherri is a professor and teaches public speaking and communication courses to college students. Dr. Sherri served as the Toastmasters District 31 District Director and earned the 2016 Toastmaster of the Year Award. Dr. Sherri was honored by The Home for Little Wanderers in 2008 and also was the 2016 East Boston Times Woman of the Year. Dr. Sherri is Sabrina's mother and Desmond's Grandmother (Nana)!

District 31 2nd Place 2022 World Champion Public Speaking!

 I earned 2nd Place in the District 31 -- 2022 World Champion of Public Speaking!

This was an amazing journey, and I was thrilled to finally be a competitor in the District 31 International Speech Contest. I will continue to compete and improve my speeches.

Keynote for International Women's Day! Tuesday March 8, 2022

 I was invited to be the Keynote Speaker for Athena International Toastmasters Club by the President and Past International Director Vicky F, DTM. This is such an honor, and I am excited to share about some famous women who have made a difference in the United States and even the world.

The theme for International Women’s Day, 8 March, 2022 (IWD 2022) is, “ Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow ”, recognizing the contribution of women and girls around the world, who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for all.

Celebrating 17-years in Toastmasters!

I am celebrating 17-years in Toastmasters -- "Where Leaders Are Made"! - www.toastmasters.org

Enjoying the President's Dinner Dance with PDG Ritchie C!

Competing and District 31 Area Speech Contest!

Attending and Toastmasters International Convention with the First Female International President  Helen Blanchard, DTM, and Fellow Toastmaster & Emerson College friend Rose S, DTM, PRA

Preparing for the Parade of Flags and I got to hold the Toastmasters International Flag for a brief moment!

 Sharing My Toastmasters Story Part.... --- coming soon!